Keeping food supplies on hand can be a mess. The cabinets and refrigerator can get crowded with cans of food and drink bottles. There isn't much room for all the food and supplies. Not to mention how modern kitchen pantries are getting smaller.
We like to have some food products close at hand, but occasionally reaching for stuff in the rear also results in knocking over and spilling that jar of spaghetti sauce. This post will detail the proper food storage containers to maximize the use of every square inch of your kitchen and keep everything as tidy and organized as possible.
Different Meal Prep Design Components
You have a wide variety of options when it comes to the design of food storage containers, so whether you need them for your home, restaurant, or industrial kitchen, you should be able to find some that will make your life much more straightforward. There are several designs for food storage containers, including:
Glass Containers
Glass containers with aluminum, glass, or silicone tops exist in a broad range of sizes, including smaller ones that carry tiny amounts of food and larger ones to hold items like cereal or flour.
Acrylic Containers
Acrylic containers have lids made of plastic or wood and come in various heights and forms. These can be rectangular, circular, or square like other designs, and they are sturdy enough to endure practically anything.
Brushed Stainless Steel Containers
Brushed stainless steel containers that give your countertop or cabinet an appealing appearance. These containers, which come in various sizes and shapes with matching or clear acrylic lids, are particularly eye-catching when placed in an area where people are likely to notice them.
Some of these containers even have clear areas where you can see what is inside, while others have written surfaces where you can write down what is inside and even later erase it if you put something else in the container.
Ceramic Food Storage Containers
Ceramic food storage containers are solid but breakable ceramic with various caps, including those that seal when you press them in the middle and close by, locking on either two or four sides. These types of containers are a little more refined than many other containers and look great.
Numerous ceramic storage containers have an ancient appearance, and some have engraved decorations to enhance their beauty further. Ceramic food storage containers are in a class of their own and add a certain level of ambiance to any house or place of business.
Canisters
Canisters are various-sized canisters with a distinctive top, such as those with special locks that you depress on the lid's one side. Canisters carry everything from cookies to candies and sugar to rice or other grains. They typically have a somewhat rugged appearance and are constructed of acrylic or hard plastic.
Unique Food Storage Containers
Unique food storage containers don't fit the mould in terms of size, shape, or overall design. These include refrigerator-friendly pitchers, water bottles, individual lunchboxes, and jars. It is possible to get containers with gripper edges that make holding them much more straightforward, as well as container sets that include three or more containers of varying sizes and make food storage practical for home cooks and restaurant managers.
There are many different designs for food storage containers, so you are sure to find what you're searching for every time. Others have handles, and some even have a strap on the top for easier carrying.
Brushed Copper Food Storage Containers
Food storage containers made of brushed copper have unrivalled durability and a unique appearance. These are often made of copper-plated stainless steel and have an antique aesthetic that many people adore. These storage containers are frequently seen in sets and used for foods like rice, sugar, and flour. Many of them are also hand-crafted by talented artists from different nations.
They are an excellent alternative for people who want kitchens that adhere to a particular material aesthetic because they typically have some form of a lid that seals flawlessly to keep the food fresh. In addition, you can frequently find matching items like tool caddies, bowls, and plates.
Features of Meal Prep Containers
Food storage containers exist in various forms, sizes, and materials, but they also have many characteristics that set them apart and give them individuality. These consist of:
Lids
Of course, keeping the food inside fresh until you're ready to consume it or cook with it is the primary function of a lid for a food storage container. There are many kinds of covers, but the seal-cover cap is the most typical. These spill-proof lids fit on containers securely. Both the exterior and inner seals used in their construction provide excellent protection. Although each spill-resistant top is a little different, if you select the lids from the same manufacturer as the storage containers, you shouldn't have any trouble guaranteeing they will fit.
Graduations or Measurements
Item storage containers are excellent at keeping a variety of liquids and foodstuffs in place. You can use the measurements carved or printed on many containers to estimate food size. Most of these containers feature multiple measures, allowing you to see how many ounces and cups are contained in each one. Additionally, since they are prominently labelled on the sides, typically in vivid red or blue, it is easy to observe them and determine how much product is inside.
Stackability
Most identical-brand food storage containers stack easily on top of one another, making it simple to store many containers in a compact space. In reality, many containers may still stack quite neatly even when they are not the same brand, saving you a ton of space on your countertop or within your cabinet.
Many storage container manufacturers make their lids of the same size, so you may stack containers on top of one another fast and simple, even if you have containers of different sizes. Finally, if the measurements are correct, you can even stack rounded food storage containers on top of square ones; this should keep them safe and secure.
Styles
Meal prep containers come in many different varieties, each with particular characteristics. For example, while some containers have lids that clamp on tightly, others include divisions that let you portion out your food, making them perfect for carrying meals while you're on the road. You can also select containers used in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher for simple cleanup. Choosing a meal prep container that meets your needs with such wide varieties is simple.
Purpose
People use meal prep containers more frequently because they desire to eat healthily and save time. Meal prep containers come in various shapes and sizes, but they all have the same fundamental function: making it simple to divide and store food. Meal prep containers can be used for everything from assembling components for supper to packing a lunch. They can also be used to prepare single-serving food portions or portion-out snacks.
Sizes and Shapes
The two primary shapes of food storage containers are round and square. The one you select will depend on two primary factors: the available room for storing these containers and your preferences and likes. Each of these forms has advantages and disadvantages.
In most cases, choosing square storage containers is your best option if your storage space is limited because they can be stacked against one another in the cupboard. However, if unsure about your preferences, you can always weigh the advantages of round storage containers against the space-saving benefits of square storage containers to make the best decision.
Materials
Although food storage containers may all appear to be made of the same material, they can be built of a variety of materials, including:
Clear Polycarbonate
These containers are well-liked for various reasons, but one of the most significant benefits is that they are virtually unbreakable. They are pretty helpful in the kitchen because of their shatter-proof construction; no matter what you do to them, they last for a very long time. They also make it much easier to identify foods and products because they are transparent and evident.
Translucent Polypropylene
If you're on a tight budget, you should consider these containers because they are typically reasonably affordable. They are 100% BPA-free and built specifically for the storage of cold food items, making them a safe solution as well. They have a translucent appearance, are extremely chemically resistant, and can withstand temperatures between -40 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
White Polyethylene
Because they feature some of the lowest costs on the market, these food containers may be the most popular. They come in a white hue and are made of impact-chemical-and stain-resistant material. They are also BPA-free. They can withstand temperatures between -40 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used to store both dry food and cold food in freezers and refrigerators. Due to its affordability and durability as a material for everyday goods, white polyethylene is utilized to create hundreds of other items in addition to food containers.
Conclusion
It may be interesting to switch up your routine with various container designs while meal planning, which is a beautiful way to ensure that you always have nutritious meals. You now know more about meal preparation containers.
You should be able to locate a perfect type for you. Patek Packaging can meet your needs if you require food packaging supplies in Vancouver, or anywhere in Canada. Get in touch with us, and we'll provide you with dependable food packaging products.
FAQs
How long may prepared meals be stored in the fridge?
Most people know that they shouldn't keep food in the fridge for too long, but there is often confusion about how long prepared meals can be safely stored. The answer depends on a few factors, including how the food was prepared and what type of food it is.
Meals cooked at home and cooled can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. These include casseroles, stews, and soups. If the food was purchased pre-made from a store, it could usually be kept in the fridge for two to three days. After that, there is a risk of food poisoning.
However, there are some exceptions. Raw meat, for example, should never be stored in the fridge for more than two days. Dairy products and eggs should also be used within a few days of refrigeration. By following these guidelines, you can help to ensure that your meals are safe and delicious.
Can pre-cooked meals be frozen in meal prep containers?
The answer is yes, but only if the meal prep container is approved as freezer safe. Pre-cooked meals can be frozen in meal prep containers and reheated when you're ready to eat. This is a great way to have healthy, homemade meals without having to cook every day.
How can you begin meal planning?
Get a pen and paper ready, or download a meal planning app to your phone. Plan out your meals for the week by starting small. Make a shopping list after that. Try to organize your meals too much initially. Take small steps.