Microplastics Are Everywhere—I'm Ditching This Kitchen Staple for a Safer Alternative

If you’re like me, the resurgence in news about microplastics feels worrisome. I can feel stuck when I’m overwhelmed by a range of options. There are many instances of plastic being present in my kitchen, whether I’m shopping at the grocery store, prepping food at home, or getting takeout. I don’t even know how to avoid microplastics.

Luckily, therapy has taught me I can’t move the world overnight (shocking news). But I can take small steps to make a difference every day. One of the simplest swaps is ditching plastic storage containers for glass versions. It won’t take much effort, since I already own a set I love: the Pyrex Simply Store line. They are the most reliable, fuss-free glass food storage containers I have tried. I’m about to move, so I need a fresh set of my own. The hardest decision will be deciding which set I want to grab first. Shop through these glass containers with me, and ditch those flimsy plastic containers for good. 

Pyrex Simply Store 9-Piece Mixed-Sized Glass Food Storage Set

Studies—like this 2023 one from the American Chemical Society—have found that plastic containers release microplastics and nanoplastics over time, even if you don’t heat them. It’s frustrating because plastic containers make taking food on the go easier. I’m ok with minimizing these instances. However, having a good alternative from Pyrex is essential in cutting down on most use cases. 

Regardless of the set you pick, you’ll get the same top-notch features I love. The bases are made from durable glass that is safe to use in the refrigerator, freezer or microwave. They’re completely stain- and odor-resistant: I’ve used them for foods like tomato sauce, strawberry hibiscus jam and turmeric-based dressings; they’ve never held onto remnants—smells or colors alike. 

Pyrex Simply Store 7-Piece Mixed-Sized Glass Food Storage Set

The lids on this set are plastic, but that’s ok with me! It’s hard to find a glass set with a non-plastic top, and the food rarely touches these BPA-free lids. I also make sure I never heat the containers with the tops (though they are listed as being microwave-safe) and I always wash them by hand. Material aside, I appreciate the lid’s streamlined design. 

There are no nooks and crannies to finagle while I’m cleaning, and the lids are very easy to pop on and off, so they’re great for folks who struggle with dexterity. Despite not having latches, they still create an airtight seal, too. I wouldn’t say they’re fully leakproof, so I’d never put them in my bag with a serving of dressing, but snacks and non-liquid foods should be fine. They’re useful for pretty much all pantry, refrigerator or freezer needs. 

Pyrex Simply Store 12-Piece Mixed-Sized Glass Food Storage Set

I’ll likely be picking up the 9-piece version of this set, which comes in both round and rectangular sizes. It has a 7-cup round container, a 6-cup rectangle container, two 4-cup round containers, two 3-cup rectangle containers, two 2-cup round containers, and a 1-cup round glass container—all with lids. When we were testing the best glass containers on the market, the 9-piece set ranked as our favorite thanks to a mostly leakproof design and ability to keep produce fresh. There are many other options, though, including a 7-piece set, an 8-piece set and a 5-piece set—each with varying container sizes and shapes.  

Shop these Pyrex glass containers at Amazon now, and feel better about your daily kitchen routine. It’s a simple swap I am committing to, and I know you can too.

Pyrex Simply Store 8-Piece Mixed-Sized Round Glass Food Storage Set

Pyrex Simply Store 5-Piece Mixed-Sized Glass Food Storage Set

Shop More of My Kitchen Favorites 

Earlywood Wooden Spatula 

Ball 4-Piece Mason Jar Set

Pyrex 3-Piece Glass Bowl Set

Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet 

Le Creuset 8-Quart Oval Dutch Oven 

At the time of publishing, the price started at $30.