A Guide on Food Storage Container Sizes & Materials

Food Storage Container Accessories

Just as important as the food containers themselves are the accessories you use with them. Whether you're looking for a tight seal, need to catch excess liquids, or make sure you get an even amount of product in each container, accessories impact the overall functionality and usefulness of each unit. The most common accessories include lids, drain trays, and scoops.

Snap-On Lids

Snap-on lids are designed to easily attach to or detach from your containers. Some are included as part of a set, while others must be purchased separately. These lids come in standardized sizes to match the specific food storage containers and ingredient bins you choose, ensuring a perfect match. They are designed to create an airtight fit, sealing freshness in and protecting foods from spoilage or contamination. Additionally, these lids are built to reduce the risk of spills or leakage, keeping both solid and liquid ingredients secure. Some lids even come color-coded, allowing for easy ingredient identification and helping you identify foods that contain allergens.

• Made from: Plastic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene
• Best for: Sealing in freshness, color-coding ingredients

Drain Trays

Food storage drain trays are perforated, elevated platforms that fit snugly in a food storage container. Their perforated design allows excess liquids, juices, and condensation to separate from stored foods, while built-in feet or legs create space for liquids to drain below the tray. In doing so, these trays prevent food from getting soggy and increase the shelf life of foods. Additionally, drain trays reduce the risk of food spoilage and bacterial buildup. 

• Made from: Polypropylene, polycarbonate
• Best for: Fresh produce, thawing or marinating foods, select types of meat

Kitchen Scoops

Kitchen scoops provide a versatile tool for portioning and ingredient handling. They are especially helpful when handling and storing bulk dry goods and can be stored inside the bin for easy access. Available in different shapes and sizes based on the types of foods you're using them for, these scoops are made from durable materials that can stand up to the wear and tear of a busy kitchen.

• Made from: Polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, plastic, stainless steel, aluminum
• Best for: Measuring and scooping ingredients

Food Storage Container Purchasing Considerations

Not every food storage container is a perfect fit for every kitchen. Evaluate the foods on your menu, your cooking needs, and the preferences of your staff as you choose which container to buy. Consider how details like capacity, shape, certifications, and special features might impact your decision and selection.

Capacity

The right capacity of food storage container you need varies depending on how much of a specific ingredient you plan to carry, as well as the overall amount of food you expect to serve. For example, the needs of a food truck or snack bar will be significantly less than those of a five-star restaurant in a city.

• Small containers: Available as small as 8 oz., these containers are great for storing low-volume ingredients.
• Mid-size containers: These can range from 0.2 to 22 qt. And they are ideal for storing individual ingredients or batches of finished recipes. 
• Large containers: Large containers can be as large as 12 gallons in size and are ideal for high-volume bulk storage and large batches of prepared foods.

Shape

While it might not seem like much upon initial inspection, the shape of your container plays a significant role in how food is stored. Generally speaking, there are two main shapes to choose from: round and square food storage containers.

• Round food storage containers: These containers allow for faster cooling times, and their rounded sizes help you scoop more out to reduce food waste. They are ideal for soups, sauces, and liquid ingredients, allowing you to stir the contents to keep them blended.
• Square food storage containers: These containers maximize storage space and hold more product in a smaller area. They are ideal for freshly chopped ingredients, such as fruits and vegetables.

Features

The features of your food storage container have a significant impact on functionality and convenience. Different features lend themselves to specific foodservice concepts, helping your staff work to their full potential.

• Freezer-safe food storage containers: Containers that are safe for freezer use feature rigid constructions that can withstand cold temperatures. They are ideal for storing bulk frozen foods, sauces, and soups.
• Graduated food storage containers: A graduated food storage container displays clear measurements on its side, typically either etched or printed on the exterior. They show you exactly how much product is left for easy portioning and food prep.
• Stackable food storage containers: A food storage container that is stackable saves valuable storage space when it isn't in use. These containers can stack with others of the same or similar brand.
• Microwavable food storage containers: These containers are designed to withstand heat in the microwave, keeping them from melting or leaching microplastics into your food.

NSF Certified

NSF International's primary function is to create sanitation safety standards for testing products. In most instances, restaurants will be required to have NSF-listed equipment and supplies to pass health inspections. NSF certifications are noted on every product that meets these industry standards.

Choosing the right food storage containers comes down to matching the material, size, shape, and features to your kitchen's specific needs. The right combination of containers and accessories helps maximize organization, preserve food quality, and support safe food handling. By considering these factors before you buy, you can build a storage system that improves efficiency and stands up to the demands of your operation.

Written by Jason Kurtz

Over his 5+ years with WebstaurantStore, Jason has spent countless hours learning, researching, and writing about the foodservice industry. With expertise in technical topics, he takes pride in helping customers and readers understand everything from troubleshooting their equipment to the fundamentals of starting a business.

Learn more about this author and WebstaurantStore's Content Writing Team here!