Our Lab team consists of testers with decades of experience in both professional and home kitchens. In addition to their testing, these sets were sent out to our food and commerce editors, who cook and meal prep consistently. We noticed and were impressed by how these glass food storage containers stayed fresh even after the tomato-onion stain and smell test. The containers can hold liquids, but we don't recommend having liquids inside for too long because the lids are not supposed to be wet for a prolonged period of time. Although the lids are meant to be hand-washed, we found that they endured just fine through a run in the dishwasher. Rachel Werner, who updated this article,is a culinary writer who has been profiling farmers, chefs, restaurants, and food-based businesses for more than seven years. Her work has appeared in a variety of regional and national publications, such as TheKitchn, Fabulous Wisconsin, BRAVA, and Hobby Farms. Rachel personally tested eight dry food storage containers for this list. Each spice jar features a wide mouth to accommodate various measuring spoons. They’re food-safe, and the lids are BPA-free, designed with optimal freshness in mind. Spices can lose their potency when exposed to air, so having airtight storage at the ready is doubly important, and we loved how well these little jars sealed—especially since they are so easy to open, too. Whether grinding your own spices, buying in bulk, or purchasing from a grocer, these containers provide a chic, uniform, and tight seal for a plethora of herbs and seasonings.

We suggest occasionally hand washing to clean between the grooves of the lid. The rest of the container can go in the dishwasher. We used each of the dry food storage containers on this list to store ingredients like brown sugar, flour, and cornflakes. We also tested the integrity of the seals by adding water. Containers were also used in our Testing Lab, going through hours of different tests and then rated on important attributes. The Spruce Eats / Meredith Food Studios What to Look for in Dry Food Storage Containers Airtight SealCarrie Honaker, a food writer, restaurateur, and avid home cook, tested the Kaloh Stoneware Kitchen Canisters and Libbey Vibe in her own kitchen—using the jars for the spice blends she creates herself. Dry food containers are not manufactured to hold liquid for extended periods, especially hot liquid. Airtight seals on dry food containers are made for pantry goods, and though they may keep liquid in place, they are not meant for that.

If minimalist style is the kitchen vibe you’re looking to cultivate, a Kaloh Stoneware Kitchen Canister from West Elm is an ideal choice. Glazed stoneware is paired with a maple lid, which adds an elegant touch to any dining nook or countertop. The designer, Aaron Probyn, is passionate about sustainability and creating products with longevity to aid in combating reliance on disposable items. Performance: Apart from using the containers to store ingredients like brown sugar, flour, and dry cereal, we added an onion and tomato mixture to the containers and observed whether they retained any stains or residual smells. We also filled each container halfway with water and shook it over a sink to see how much water would leak. Another feature we appreciate: The small lip helps you open the lid more easily when sealed. It contributes to the clean attractive design of the container. This dishwasher-safe line comes in nine sizes with three interchangeable lids, but sets often need to be augmented with additional specialized containers to complete a pantry. For those looking to save space or invest in something a little more budget-friendly, look for a safe, recyclable plastic option. If you want something sustainable that adds style to your kitchen while storing goods, consider glass or ceramic. Product-specific design wins again with Progressive’s 4.5-quart cereal dispenser. It has a spout for easy pouring and holds a family-size box of cereal. The container is made of food-safe, BPA-free plastic and boasts an airtight silicone seal to ensure freshness. Like other Progressive products, this one is designed for vertical storage to optimize space in your pantry, and it is dishwasher safe.Also, note that the containers did not pass the shatter test—when pushed onto the floor from the counter, they completely popped open and contents spilled everywhere. We found a 1-cup dry measuring cup can easily reach all the way to the bottom of the large, 114-ounce container. The wide opening at the top (and the equally wide shape of the rest of its base) make scooping and sweeping easy to execute. This container is meant to be washed only by hand with warm, soapy water and a nonabrasive cloth or sponge to avoid scratching. You don’t have to be a top chef to know how important it is to cook with fresh ingredients. Far too often, though, pantry staples like flour and sugar get improperly stored, making them prone to spoiling or going stale. Whether you bake daily or only tie on an apron during the holidays, the best airtight containers for flour and sugar will keep your ingredients fresh and ready for use. To help you weigh your options, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping. There are two main reasons to store dry foods in airtight containers: unwanted pests and freshness. Transferring uncooked pasta, flour, sugar, cereal, and other dry goods to an airtight container extends the life of those products. A good seal also aids in impeding bacterial or mold growth. You can expect fresh, non-musty dry goods when you take measures to protect against air damage.