Here’s why I’m Moving Back to Glass, Stainless Steel and Ceramics.
Welcome to my glass and stainless steel era…where measuring cups are built to last and leftovers don’t come with a side of plastic. There are moments when everything old suddenly feels new again. For me, 2026 is already shaping up to be one of those years. I’ve started paying closer attention to the everyday tools in my kitchen, especially the ones holding, measuring, reheating, and storing my food. Spoiler alert: right now, a lot of them are plastic.
With the news on the harmful effects of microplastics, I’ve decided to make a shift, back to glass, back to stainless, back to tools that feel solid, reliable, and built to last. With credit (or perhaps apologies) to Taylor Swift, I’m calling 2026 my glass and stainless steel era. This shift feels like a good fit. The move away from plastic food storage containers feels like a trend that is going to last.
My new era is the result of reading a lot about the potentially dangerous combination of hot foods and plastic containers. Slowly, I’ve started rethinking plastic food storage containers in my kitchen, especially the ones used for reheating and long-term storage. For the most part, I’m talking measuring cups and spoons, and plastic refrigerator and freezer containers. And, any plastic containers that might be used to cook or reheat foods. I’m also stepping away from plastic travel mugs and drinking water from plastic bottles.
At the recent Flavors of the Carolina’s trade show, I met the powers that be at Chilly Water.
Available in still and sparkling varieties, this local North Carolina product, is 100 % pure with zero additives.
You’ll be hearing more about Chilly Water from me soon. But its a local North Carolina product to keep your eyes on. Recently named the purest water in America (Verified by H20Score.com), it is sourced directly from a protected Black Creek aquifer located in Kinston, North Carolina. This deep well aquifer naturally filters the water underground and that is how the process starts. And, to avoid the whole microplastics issue, it comes in a can! What’s not to love? Learn more and get where to buy info on the Chilly Water website.
What I’m Using Instead of Plastic Food Storage Containers
My Go-To Tools: Measuring Cups, Spoons, and Liquid Measures
Any pitcher-style measuring cup is a liquid measure. Don’t use these for dry ingredients as liquid and dry measurements aren’t exactly the same. The beauty of Pyrex, since its inception, is that it’s a good vessel for liquids that are hot or cold. I also have a lot of green and pink depression glass measuring cups that I love to use. The just make me happy. They are collectibles, but what is the fun in collecting if you can’t really use them? I only use them for measuring cold liquids as they were not designed for the microwave.
Using Canning Jars for Measuring and Refrigerator or Freezer Storage
Glass canning jars come in all sizes and offer a multitude of uses in the kitchen, as well as for dry storage around the house.
As you use and reuse canning jars, be sure to buy new lids, particularly if you are actually canning in the jars or using them for food storage. As lids age, they have a tendency to rust and you don’t want that around your food. Hardware stores and places like Dollar Tree are a great resource for canning jar lids and accessories.
Instead of plastic storage containers, use canning jars for easy reheat and eat soup servings. Let’s all take a cue from Chef Mary Jayne Wilson of Thoughtful Baking Company.
Thoughtful Baking Company soups and many of Mary Jayne’s layered desserts are sold in canning jars, hold in the fridge or freezer and reheat well (if needed) in the microwave. And, if you are dining on the dash, you can eat them right out of the jar! Shop with Thoughtful Baking Company at any one of a number of Charlotte area Farmers Markets or order online.
Like Thoughtful Baking Company, your homemade soups and homemade salad dressings, can also be stored in canning jars.
If you love noodle bowls, use canning jars to make these up ahead of time, layering cooled cooked noodles topped with raw chopped or roasted veggies in the jar. Top with sauce and/or broth. Store in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, spill the jar’s ingredients into a bowl and microwave to heat and enjoy.
Canning Jars for the Win to Store and Serve Salads, Homemade Granola and Overnight Oats, too!
And, you can use jars as a way to store chopped veggies and salad-in-a-jar lunches.
Use larger canning jars to store your homemade ( or storebought) granola. You’ll find my cinnamon and ginger granola recipe here.
Ot use them to make a batch of overnight oats. Here is the link to a recipe for Overnight Oats I wrote for The Dairy Alliance. These oats may be prepare at least a week in advance and enjoyed in the morning cold or reheated to taste. In the article, you will also learn how to transform your overnight oats into a smoothie and then turn the smoothie recipe into a high protein waffle! Do check it out.
Finally, you can see here that I use jars for my homemade pesto and when I make simple syrups, like the hibiscus syrup pictured below. Find the recipe for my homemade pesto here and learn how to cook with fresh or dried hibiscus here.
Canning jars also make for great shakers for cinnamon and sugar blends, powdered sugar or Parmesan cheese. Again, you can purchase shaker lids from Dollar Tree. They also sell lids that have a chalkboard top so you can easily label foods you have in dry storage
Frequently Asked Questions About Plastic Food Storage Containers
Is it safe to reheat food in plastic food storage containers?
Research is beginning to saying no, don’t reheat foods or store hot foods in plastic. I’m not a doctor, or a chemist; but I’m choosing to listen and not to risk it anymore. Facts are heat can cause some plastics to break down or leach into food, especially in the microwave. That’s why I’m moving away from plastic food storage containers for reheating and using glass instead whenever heat is involved.
Are glass food storage containers better than plastic?
For me, yes. Glass does not absorb odors, stains, or flavors, and it holds up well in the refrigerator, freezer, oven, and microwave. It also lets me see what’s inside, which means fewer forgotten leftovers.
Can you freeze food in glass containers or canning jars?
Yes, with a little care. Wide-mouth, straight-sided jars work best. Always leave headspace so food has room to expand, and let hot food cool completely before sealing a jar or container, well before refigerating and freezing.
Why choose stainless steel instead of plastic?
Stainless steel is durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. It does not react with food and stands up to daily use. I especially like it for measuring cups, spoons, and prep tools that get constant wear.
Are ceramic measuring cups and spoons safe and as accurate?
Yes, safe… accurate, not always, but its easy to check. I have a ceramic set I’ve loved for years (and yes, they’re very cute and always look good on the counter (and, if you create culinary content, in photos.) That said, ceramic measuring cups and spoons aren’t always as precise as stainless steel versions. Small variations in shape or thickness can affect accuracy, especially when baking.
A simple fix: use a stainless steel measuring spoon or cup to check the volume of your ceramic pieces. If they match, great, use them with confidence. If not, save the ceramic set for serving, scooping, or casual cooking where exact measurements matter less.
For the best accuracy in measuring, buy a digital scale
I digress, but while we are here. No measuring spoon or cup measures as accurately as a good scale. In all honesty, I haven’t taken this next step yet, but its in my cards for 2026. Every pastry chef I know uses a scale instead of cups and spoons. And they swear by it.
I’m sold, just waiting a bit to take the plunge. Stay tuned for a post on “Measuring Up” to come to these pages soon.
What are good alternatives to plastic food storage containers?
Glass containers, canning jars, and stainless steel options are all solid alternatives. They last longer and handle heat better than plastic. I’ve found that starting with the items I use every day makes the switch feel manageable.
Do glass and stainless steel containers last longer than plastic?
In my experience, yes. Ok, its a given that glass will break, crack or chip if dropped. So that’s a caveat. But when you consider the health concerns about heating in plastic, its worth it to me to be more careful with the glass. Plastic scratches, clouds, and warps over time. Glass and stainless steel tend to look the same years later, which means fewer replacements and less clutter.
Is switching away from plastic an all-or-nothing decision?
Not at all. This isn’t about perfection. I’m replacing plastic food storage containers gradually, starting with anything used for hot food or reheating. Small changes add up quickly. And so it doesn’t cost a fortune to make the change, I’m starting small. Using canning jars I already owned and just buying new lids; and if I have a glass container with a plastic lid, all is not lost. I’m simply using a square of parchment paper between the lid and the food for storage. Its an easy fix and one that helps you easily slide into your next era.
More About Heidi Billotto…
Heidi Billotto is a culinary storyteller, educator and on-air expert who brings local food, chefs, restaurants, and local producers to life where ever she goes with a genuine curiosity, a passion for what she does and her signature joyful style.
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Excellent information and advice, Heidi.