Fast delivery
Get in as fast as 1 hour
It’s all local
Shop your favorites
Direct chat
Connect with shoppers
Food Storage Essentials
Food Storage Essentials Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart buying guide to food storage essentials
If you want to stock your kitchen with things to help you cook dinner like a professional, you'll need the proper food storage essentials. From leftovers to ingredients, there are a great many kitchen and pantry items that require storage of some kind. Read on for the Instacart buying guide to food storage essentials so you can be prepared for whatever today's recipes and situations call for.
Plastic or glass storage containers
The benefit of using plastic or glass storage containers with sealable lids are many. If you don't finish tonight's dinner, you can refrigerate the leftovers in one of these containers to enjoy tomorrow.
You'll also have the option of more long-lasting storage containers, such as Mason jars and canisters. These containers are more often made of harder plastics, acrylic, metal, and/or glass. As these options tend to take up more space, we suggest purchasing them when you have a reason to do so. Some people choose these more permanent containers to protect dry foods from pests or to keep food fresh for an extended time. Here are two examples of containers that you might choose to use in your kitchen:
- Spice jars. If you're interested in buying wholesale spices, you'll need a way to contain them, especially if you're focused on your kitchen's aesthetics.
- Large containers. These food storage containers come in a full range of shapes, sizes, and materials. If you plan to store and organize dry foods, these are a necessity. From keeping cereal from going stale too soon to storing large bags of rice, beans, lentils, and other foods, these large containers' offerings vary from kitchen to kitchen.
Whichever you choose, whether it's a permanent or temporary container, be sure that's it is made with food-grade material. Most mass-produced food containers are, but it never hurts to check.
Disposable bags
Many situations in which you would use a solid storage container could also call for a sealable plastic bag. However, there are some situations in which you might choose a disposable sealable bag over a reusable storage container. One case is when you want to freeze food. The pliable shape of a bag can often better handle frozen food than a container that doesn't allow much space for expansion.
You might also choose a disposable bag for packed lunches so that you or a loved one don't have to tote around a dirty container. If you're concerned about reducing plastic waste, try more environmentally friendly options, such as paper sandwich bags.
Disposable bags come in various sizes: gallon, quart, sandwich, and snack, for example. If you find disposable bags useful for your kitchen endeavors, storing various sizes to handle different foods and situations is a good idea.
Foil and film
Aluminum foil and plastic cling film can act as bacteria barriers for your food. With cling wrap, you can turn a bowl into a sealed storage container that can hold food until you're ready to reheat it. Aluminum foil is also useful to have around when you want to protect food. However, don't use aluminum foil to store acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits, as the foil can quickly change how the food tastes.
Food Storage Essentials Near Me
Buy your favorite Food Storage Essentials online with Instacart. Order Food Clips, Aluminum Foil, Food Storage Containers, and more from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
Browse more Food Storage Essentials categories:
FAQs about food storage essentials
This depends on your goals. If you're trying to maximize space and function, you may want plastic containers. If you're more focused on being eco-friendly or you prefer to maintain your kitchen's aesthetic, you might choose glass containers. Just be sure that the container seals well and suits your needs. If you should choose a plastic container, be sure it is BPA-free.
How long the food you're storing will last in its container varies widely, depending on the food and where you're storing it. Foods left in a container on your counter may last a shorter time than food stored in a refrigerator. Food in a refrigerator expires before food in a freezer. Some foods naturally last longer than others.
If you plan on storing food longer than you would the leftovers you're eating this week, look at the packaging or search online to find how long it will stay fresh. Label containers with the date if necessary. If your containers are on display, you can put the label on the backside or underside. Label any bags you put into the refrigerator. Unless you have an amazing memory, remembering when you placed what in which container can be difficult.
Anyone can can! However, before you start packing food in Mason jars, make sure you're acquainted with the basics of canning. Canning is a great method you can use to preserve food, but bacteria can make its way into the food if you don't do it correctly. If you want to try it, there are many free online resources from reputable sources that offer full guides into the world of canning.
If you want to freeze food, be sure to use a plastic freezer bag or tightly wrapped cling wrap. When you freeze foods, try to remove as much air from the container as possible. Using plastic and removing air will help protect your food from freezer burn. Don't forget to label the containers, as freezers don't preserve your food forever. To keep frozen meats from slightly thawing and developing bacteria every time you open the door, try to keep them toward the back of the freezer.
If you're looking for food storage essentials, do your shopping through Instacart. You can download the Instacart app or visit our website to see what stores in your area offer the items to help complete your kitchen needs. Whether you're looking for a full set of handsome storage containers or sandwich bags for the kids' lunches tomorrow, Instacart shoppers can help you find just what you need.