non toxic travel containers

The 7 Best Travel Toiletry Bottles of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Avoid spills and score style points with these liquid containers

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TripSavvy / Leticia Almeida

There’s nothing worse than arriving excitedly at your destination to find that your toiletries have spilled all over your suitcase. Or to be the person who holds up the line at security while the TSA agents discard your oversized liquids. Both of these scenarios are easily avoided by investing in a set of appropriately sized, 100 percent leakproof travel toiletry bottles. There are lots of options out there in terms of bottle quantity, size, and design, with the right one for you depending on factors such as how long you’ll be traveling and the complexity of your beauty routine. 

To help you narrow down the choices, our team of travel experts put 14 toiletry bottle sets to the test. Each one was scored for ease of use, quality, design, performance, and value, with average scores used to determine the winners of categories ranging from “best budget” to “most durable.”

Final Verdict

How we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, liquisnugs premium leak-proof silicone travel bottles.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Performance 5 /5

Very secure, with no leaks during testing

Stick to vertical surfaces

Easy to stay organized

Lack of variety

The LiquiSnugs Premium Silicone Travel Bottles offer flawless performance at a price so reasonable our tester was shocked by it. The set includes two 2-ounce bottles and two 3-ounce bottles, both of which adhere to TSA carry-on regulations. We liked the flexibility afforded by the two different sizes since there are always products we need more and less of on vacation. We were able to easily fit all four in a quart-sized Ziploc bag simultaneously without placing pressure on any of them. All bottles are made of flexible, food-grade, BPA-free silicone, making them easy to pack and dispense. 

With a dripless valve and bottleneck design, the bottles are advertised as 100 percent leakproof—a claim we can support, with no spillages even after being dropped and thrown around repeatedly during testing. We liked that the bottles’ wide mouths made them simple to fill, empty, and clean as needed. Other highlights include the suction pad on the back of each bottle (great for attaching them to the bathroom wall) and the changeable labels. Options for the latter include shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, soap, and lotion, enabling you to switch up the uses on each trip. 

Number of Bottles: 4 | Sizes: (2) 2-ounce, (2) 3-ounce | Materials: Silicone

TripSavvy / Tamara Staples

Best Budget

Vitog travel bottles kit.

• Ease of Use 4 /5
• Performance 4.5 /5

Multiple dispensing methods

Comes with several functional extras

Good value for money

Capacity could be larger

Retailing for half the price of our already affordable overall winner, the Vitog Travel Bottles Kit is a no-brainer for budget-conscious buyers. It includes six 1.4-ounce bottles and two 0.4-ounce bottles. The larger ones consist of two pump bottles with a removable clip to prevent accidental deployment, two spray bottles, and two flip-cap bottles. The smaller ones are miniature cream jars. All eight are made from clear PET plastic, which we found durable yet lightweight enough for travel. We also liked that we could easily see how much product was left.

We appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of a pipette, a funnel, and a spatula to help with decanting products from their original containers. They made the bottles relatively easy to fill, although we did experience some spillage when decanting thick body lotion. Nevertheless, there was no leaking or visible wear and tear after our intensive testing process. The set also includes a sheet of labels and a clear plastic toiletry bag. The only real drawback? None of the bottles are particularly big, making this option suitable for short trips only. 

Number of Bottles: 8 | Sizes: (2) 0.4-ounce, (6) 1.4-ounce | Materials: PET plastic

Cadence The Originals Set

• Design 4.5 /5
• Performance 4 /5

Unique design

Performed well throughout testing

Customizable

More of an investment than others

Limited capacity

The Originals from Cadence are small, hexagonal capsules with screw-top lids that connect magnetically together in any shape or configuration you like. Aesthetics are at the forefront of this brand, as you can choose different colors for each capsule as well as printed, switchable, magnetic labels. In fact, they look so cute that you could even buy toiletries in bulk and decant them into these capsules for use at home. Sustainable practices like these are reinforced by the fact that the capsules are made from 20 percent recycled ocean-bound plastic. 

We love that the capsules’ wide mouths and rounded interiors make them effortless to fill, use, and clean. They’re also 100 percent leakproof, waterproof, and airtight, as proven by our testing process. We found them incredibly durable and can’t imagine a scenario that would result in them being punctured or crushed. They are small (each one carries just 0.56 ounces), which could be a drawback. However, a capacity calculator on the brand website suggests you can carry approximately a week’s worth of products, depending on how regularly you use each one. 

Number of Bottles: 6 | Sizes: (6) 0.6-ounce | Materials: Hard plastic

Most Durable

Mrsdry travel bottles.

• Ease of Use 3.5 /5
• Design 4 /5

Soft yet rugged silicone construction

Effective leakproofing

User friendly

No diversity in size or design

If your primary concern when packing liquids in your hand luggage is leaking, you’ll love the Mrsdry Travel Bottles Set. It consists of four 3-ounce bottles, each made of thick silicone that feels ultra-durable, and they stood up perfectly to our squeeze and drop tests. We were particularly impressed with the bottles’ no-drip valves, which successfully prevented leaks. All four bottles use the same shape and dispensing method—a pro for those who want lots of capacity for fewer products, and a drawback for those with a more complex personal care routine. 

Having said that, we did feel that this set is so reasonably priced, there’s nothing to stop you from buying multiple sets if you have more products to pack. Instead of labels, the bottles come in four separate shades to distinguish between them. We also liked that their wide opening makes them easy to fill, even with thicker liquids and gels. And when it comes to cleaning them, the bendable silicone easily accommodates a bottle brush. All colorways include a transparent carry case. 

Number of Bottles: 4 | Sizes: (4) 3-ounce | Materials: Silicone

Best Variety

Morfone 16 pack travel bottles.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5
• Quality 4.5 /5

Good array of containers

Burly silicone handles rough treatment

Jar lids are weaker than expected

Multicolored style may not suit everyone

The Morfone Travel Bottles Set caters to travelers with an extensive beauty routine. With 10 containers in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and dispensing methods, you can take a broad range of products in just the right quantities for your time away. Options are as follows: two 1-ounce spray bottles, two 3-ounce squeeze bottles, two 2-ounce squeeze bottles, two 1-ounce jars, and two 0.3-ounce jars. We were impressed by the capacity of the largest bottles, which we felt could easily hold at least four washes’ worth of shampoo and conditioner. 

The bottles are made of durable yet flexible food-grade silicone, with wide mouths for easy filling and cleaning. We appreciated the inclusion of two scoopers, a funnel, and a cleaning brush to help with these tasks, as well as a sheet of labels. Most of the containers held up well to our durability tests with no leaks or spills. The only exception was one of the jars, which suffered a broken lid. The set comes in a transparent carry bag and could fit into a quart-sized Ziploc (a TSA requirement) with some skillful maneuvering, although it was tight. 

Number of Bottles: 10 | Sizes: (2) 0.3-ounce, (4) 1-ounce, (2) 2-ounce, (2) 3-ounce | Materials: Silicone

Best for Larger Capacities

Insfit tsa carry-on approved containers.

Great value for money

Well-designed lids

Choice of cute color palettes

Can be finicky with certain products

The INSFIT set is ideal for those who like to keep things simple with only a handful of essential products but also tend to travel for longer and need as much capacity as TSA will allow. It features four identical 3-ounce silicone bottles large enough to hold at least one to two weeks’ worth of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and sunscreen (or similar). The bottles are squeezable, which makes dispensing simple, although we found that thicker lotions and gels were easier to squeeze if the bottle was at least half full.

Other highlights include fully removable caps and wide mouths for mess-free filling and easy cleaning, and three-layered lids that are essentially leakproof. Even during our pressure test, caps remained securely in place, and afterward, the bottles still looked brand new. In fact, we were shocked to find out how affordable this set is given its evident quality. We also liked the stylish, see-through carry bag and the fact that there’s a special place on the caps to stick the included labels so that they adhere properly. 

Best for Backpacking

Matador flatpak toiletry bottle.

Ideal for reducing heft and bulk

Thoughtful design elements

Proved durable during our testing

Difficult to fill with thicker consistencies

Made of waterproof 30D Cordura ripstop nylon with proprietary welded construction, the Matador FlatPak Toiletry Bottles are by far the most technical option on this list. With their flat-pack design and sturdy quality, they’re designed especially for adventures and expeditions where saving on space and weight is a priority . With a capacity of 3 ounces each, they’re five times lighter and 3.5 times more compact than standard silicone bottles, and pliable enough to fit into tight spaces: the ultimate backpacking companion. 

We found them easy to fill with any liquid that was the consistency of shampoo or thinner. Thicker gels and lotions were tricky since the mouth wasn’t as wide as that of standard travel bottles. Still, any mess is easy to clean off the waterproof exterior. They fit easily into a quart-sized Ziploc, and we love the snap hook for attaching to the outside of your backpack for on-the-go use. The loop also features a spot for writing a description of the contents with a permanent marker. As expected, the packs survived all our tests with zero leaks or signs of damage. 

Number of Bottles: 3 | Sizes: (3) 3-ounce | Materials: 30D Cordura ripstop nylon

Our overall favorite was the LiquiSnugs Premium Travel Bottles set. These bottles stood out for their durable, leakproof silicone construction and thoughtful extras including adjustable labels and individual suction pads. For the most budget-friendly option, choose the small yet sturdily versatile Vitog Travel Bottles Kit .

Upon receiving the bottles, our first step was to examine their overall quality and design and note any unique features. Then, we filled at least three of the bottles in the set: one with lotion, one with micellar water, and one with shampoo. For each one, we noted how easy it was to fill without spilling, how easy it was to clean if spillage did occur, and how appropriate each bottle would be for holding different types of liquid. We also tested how easy it was to open the bottle and dispense the product inside. 

Next, we compressed the bottles in our palms to mimic pressure. We shook them, rolled them, squeezed them, and threw them to stimulate rough handling in transit, noting how well they withstood this treatment. Our final test was to put all of the bottles from the set into a quart-sized Ziploc bag, and then inside a toiletry bag. Then, we dropped them from waist height three times, always from different angles, to see whether any breakages or leaks occurred and whether the bottles showed any signs of wear and tear. 

Each set was scored on a scale of one to five for ease of use, quality, design, performance, and value. Average scores were used to determine our category winners.

Other Travel Toiletry Bottles We Tested

GLOBEGEAR Travel Bottles : This nine-piece set features a solid range of containers and tools made of hard plastic that doesn't feel flimsy. We deducted points for the skimpy capacity of the bottles, which would only last a few days or applications (and made filling the bottles difficult), though the affordable price makes this a good option for the infrequent traveler.

Kitsch Travel Containers : Fans of variety will appreciate the range of products included in this compact kit. It won't set you back much and, accordingly, we feel it also won't last long. We like the idea of the flat containers but found them somewhat difficult to fill.

Cosywell Travel Containers : The Cosywell Containers are all the same shape in 10- and 20-milliliter capacities. We found the plastic and silicone jars easy to fill and well-designed, but they're more suited to thick liquids such as gels and creams.

What to Look For in Travel Toiletry Bottles

Durability is key when choosing travel toiletry bottles since containers that are easily punctured or cracked will result in a mess that’s at best inconvenient and at worst potentially expensive or upsetting depending on how much product is wasted and whether any other items in your carry-on are affected. Look for options made out of sturdy hard plastic or thick, flexible silicone, then check user reviews to get an idea of how the construction holds up under real-life travel conditions. If you’re planning an extreme adventure, technical options like the waterproof flat-pack bottles from Matador may be worth the extra expense.

Leakproofness

A bottle doesn’t have to break for leaks to occur—all it takes is a poorly constructed seal or lid. Look for bottles with a triple-layered leakproof cap and jars with a secure screw top. Pump bottles should come with a removable clip that prevents them from being deployed accidentally. Again, user reviews help check how efficient these measures are (it’s easy for a brand to advertise their product as leakproof, even if it’s not). Some brands, like Cadence, actually guarantee the efficacy of their leakproof design. Just in case, we always recommend storing toiletry bottles in a waterproof bag or Ziploc as a second line of defense. 

If you plan on packing your toiletry bottles in your carry-on bag, you must make sure that none of them exceed the TSA-approved limit of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Some sets are made up of identical large bottles of around 3 ounces, giving you the maximum allowable capacity for each of your products. However, because all bottles must fit in a single quart-sized Ziploc bag, this limits the number of bottles to around four. 

If you have more products to pack, you may prefer a set that divides this capacity between a greater number of smaller bottles and containers—especially if you only require some of your liquids in very small quantities. The length of your trip will also dictate how big you need your bottles to be unless you only plan on using your carry-on liquids as a backup in case the full-size versions in your checked luggage get delayed. 

Toiletries can be stored in opaque, translucent, or transparent bottles of any color as long as each individual bottle does not exceed the maximum capacity limit. For carry-on bags, most authorities including TSA set that limit at 3.4 ounces. Liquids can be in their original container or decanted into any container of your choosing (even one that’s labeled incorrectly), as long as these size restrictions are adhered to. 

Most airport authorities—including TSA—rule that bottles containing liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes cannot exceed 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) if you wish to pack them in your carry-on luggage . In addition, all of these bottles must fit inside a quart-sized Ziploc bag and be screened separately from the rest of your luggage at security. Containers that exceed this limit will not be permitted, even if the volume of the product inside is less than 3.4 ounces (for example, if you have a half-used bottle of conditioner). Note that these restrictions do not apply to checked luggage.

Although toiletry bottles don’t have to be labeled from a legal perspective, many people like to do so to ensure they don’t end up brushing their teeth with expensive moisturizer, or vice versa. Some travel bottles come with waterproof stickers, especially for this purpose, and you can also purchase them separately online. This is a better option than writing on a standard office label by hand since toiletry bottles frequently get wet and ink can run and cause staining or become illegible. Alternatively, a permanent marker applied directly to the bottle could be an option if you’re always going to use the same container for the same product.

Jessica Macdonald is a regular contributor of travel-related commerce articles. She has visited more than 50 countries across six continents and lived out of a backpack for several months on many occasions. As such, she knows firsthand the value of travel bottles that allow you to reach your destination without any spillages. Products featured in this article were chosen according to tests carried out by TripSavvy’s team of travel experts.

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Grab a copy of our FREE PLASTIC-FREE TRAVEL TOILETRIES CHECK LIST!

Plastic-Free Toiletries: The Best Zero-Waste Products [That TSA Won’t Steal]

Look no further for plastic-free toiletries that feel like a treat to use – not an obligation to be more eco-friendly. These are the best of the best reusable, refillable, plastic-free and zero-waste toiletries – after years’ of product testing for my other sustainable product reviews .

What began as an attempt to get through airport security with my toiletry kit intact has evolved (after a three-year process of searching and testing) into a plastic-free toiletry upgrade for my entire home medicine cabinet.

So while this is what I call my “travel” toiletry list (it’ll definitely stop leaks in your luggage and problems with TSA), these plastic-free toiletry brands are what I use at home, too.

[ Related: This guide is also one small part of my strategy on how to pack light – be sure to check out that post before your next trip, too!]

“Zero-waste” feels impossible – and it probably is. But after almost three years of testing and reviewing sustainable toiletries and other products, I’m amazed by how much unnecessary plastic I’ve been able to cut out of my daily toiletry routine. ( Almost all of it. )

There’s no reason to stress ourselves out striving for perfection when we can make a difference starting with just doing better .

Plastic-Free Toiletries Reviewed:

• 1. Plastic-Free Hand Sanitizer 

Concentrated, Plastic-Free Shampoo (That’s Not in a Bar)

• 3. All-in-One Hair + Body + Face Bar 

4. Plastic-Free Hair Ties (Natural Rubber)

1. refillable powdered face wash, 2. refillable, zero-waste oil cleansers, travel tips for bar products:, plastic-free acne serum, plastic-free vitamin c serum, plastic-free refills (august 2022 update):.

• 8. Daily Mineral Sunscreen  for the Face
• 9. Reusable Cotton Rounds & Tissues 

10. Plastic-free Bamboo Q-tips

Refillable floss, toothpaste tablets (even for sensitive teeth), plastic-free mouthwash tablets, bamboo toothbrushes, 12. plastic-free lip balm, 13. body moisturizer in aluminum packaging.

• 14. Plastic-Free Deodorant 

Menstrual Cup or Disks

Even easier: period underwear, different razors for different places.

• 17. Travel-Friendly Laundry 

Discount Codes!

Why do i keep writing about going plastic-free .

Mostly: Because plastic recycling doesn’t work . 

Plastic wasn’t designed to be recycled. And you know those little triangular recycling symbols with the numbers? They were actually invented by oil company marketers, not by recyclers. Essentially, they’re just greenwashing to make us believe there’s an environmentally responsible (and economically feasible) way to recycle plastics, when in reality there isn’t. 

Recycling plastic is a band-aid solution at best. The only real solution is to stop depending on recycling by buying less plastic .

That’s why I’ve been relentlessly, maybe even obsessively, testing plastic-free alternatives for everyday toiletries.

(Yes, I actually use everything on this list.)

All the toiletries here are refillable , and/or designed to use minimal and more easily-recyclable packaging (paper, cardboard, aluminum or glass).

These brands meet other sustainability criteria, as well:

Many on this list are carbon-neutral , certified B Corps , members of 1% For The Planet , or all three! (That’s the starting point for me to try them. To get on the list, their products have to also work really well.)

Without further ado, here’s my list of the best sustainable, plastic-free toiletries, which also happen to be travel-friendly. (And I can offer unique discount codes for a lot of these brands! They’re noted throughout the article, or you can jump down to my list of discounts at the end .)

1. Plastic-Free Hand Sanitizer 

Let’s start with an easy one that everyone needs these days: A good , eco-friendly hand sanitizer that doesn’t stink, and doesn’t leave your hands sticky. Plus, my favorite from by Humankind is refillable .

by Humankind is a New York-baed start-up that’s completely carbon-neutral , and makes lots of high-quality, refillable and plastic-free toiletries. I’ve tried almost everything they make, and I think this hand sanitizer is one of their best products.

The small, aluminum bottles come in three-packs with optional plastic pumps – meaning if you already have pumps at home from your last order, you can reuse them.

When you have enough travel-size bottles, just order the larger (8-ounce) refill bottles , which are also packaged in aluminum.

Hand Sanitizer Scents & Formula

I love this formula because I think it feels smooth and silky, not sticky or chemical-y. 

And it contains hyaluronic acid for hydration. So it doesn’t dry out your skin like other hand sanitizers. (It’s also an ingredient in some of my zero-waste skincare favorites, below .)

I really like both the Grapefruit and Eucalyptus scents . They’re pleasant and not too strong.

But if you’re using hand sanitizer constantly throughout the day, the unscented option is ideal. It truly doesn’t smell like anything. No alcohol fumes; no industrial cleanser after-smell. Just clean.

2. The Best Shampoo & Conditioner Bars 

After testing a lot of shampoo bar brands , I’ve settled on a favorite brand that I recommend to everyone –  The Earthling Co ., and a really good alternative –  HiBAR .

I’ve used HiBAR off-and-on, for years. I think it’s a great option if you’re looking for shampoo and conditioner bars with formulas specific to your hair type . (They make five different formulas: Maintain , Volumize , Moisturize , Curl , and Soothe – a formula for sensitive scalps.)

But The Earthling Co. is the only brand I’ve found whose bars might be even better than HiBAR.

I say that because I have several friends who hated other shampoo bar brands (including HiBAR) but loved The Earthling Co . That’s just hard to argue with.

Earthling makes just one formula of moisturizing shampoo and conditioner bars that lather better than any other shampoo bar I’ve tried . (And come in lots of great scent, including fun seasonal scents , or unscented.)

(Personally, I alternate between the Earthling Co. shampoo bar and HiBAR’s Maintain shampoo .)

And Earthling’s conditioner is by far the best conditioner bar I’ve found .

And The Earthling Co. is a carbon-neutral company, a 1% For The Planet member, and ships entirely without plastic.

( Related : For details, read my full review comparing Earthling Co. and HiBAR zero-waste hair care .)

Save 15% on any order from The Earthling Co. with any link in this post. (No code required – the discount will apply automatically after you enter your email at checkout.)

Save 10% on HiBAR when you shop at Earth Hero with the discount code tiltedmap10 . (It works for any other products you order, too!)

Note: Sustainable shopping options & why I recommend EarthHero

There are lots of zero-waste shops online, but Colorado-based  EarthHero  has the best sustainability credentials of any I’ve found: They’re a B-Corp, they’re certified carbon-neutral, and a member of 1% For The Planet. (All excellent certifications that I always look for in sustainable companies.)

(And EarthHero has the best prices on HiBAR, even before the discount code!)

You can also order directly from HiBAR or from Amazon. And as long as you use HiBAR’s official Amazon store , it’ll still be shipped by HiBAR – meaning the packaging is still 100% plastic-free .

Yes, I’m a hard-core evangelist of the shampoo bars above, because they work wonderfully and they don’t require any plastic packaging – just a paperboard board for each bar.

But I get that bars aren’t for everyone. That’s why I tested another very nearly plastic-free option that turned out to be really lovely , and still totally travel-friendly.

Behold: The waterless shampoo , conditioner , and body wash from Everist . These are powerful, concentrated formulas that come in aluminum packing .

Each tube is 100mL, which means they’re perfectly fine to pack in your carry-on. And the beauty of being concentrated formulas is that, despite the small size, they still last at least a month (a claim I tested in my review ).

The aluminum tubes are recyclable – and we’re a lot better at recycling aluminum than we are with plastic . The lids are plastic, which isn’t ideal, but, as I explained in my full review of Everist , at least the company accepts them for mail-in recycling. (They’re saving them up and planning to melt them down to make into hair accessories.)

You can save 10% on any Everist order with the code TILTEDMAP10 – even if it’s not your first order! So be sure to bookmark this, or save the code to reorder if you like the products.

[ Related: Read more about Everist in my post about eco-friendly small companies – there’s also a map that you can add your own points to!]

3. All-in-One Hair + Body + Face Bar 

When I travel (or when I’m in a hurry at home), I use the Ultimate Body Bar , from California-based 100 Senses , as the company intended – for everything .

For me, it works wonderfully to replace not only shampoo, but also body wash and even face wash! I have sensitive skin that breaks out if I use the wrong face wash, but this doesn’t give me any problems. It also lathers easily and richly, and works great for shaving my legs.

They bill it as a conditioner-replacement , too – and I do often use it without conditioner. It works well enough, but if your hair really needs moisture, the Ultimate Body Bar alone might not be quite enough. (In that case, I’d recommend pairing it with an Earthling Co. conditioner bar .)  

Ultimate Body Bar Scents

I’ve been through several bars of the Citrus Neroli scent (which is fruity and bold and reminds me of this luxe perfume , which I absolutely love), and several bars of Wild Lavender , which smells luxurious and light. It’s not sweet, and not too herbal either – I’d call it a modern scent. They also offer Green Tea – the most subtle and, in my opinion, gender-neutral scent . I love them all! (And there’s an unscented bar, too.)

You can use this referral link for $15 off a non-subscription order of $50 or more from 100 Senses!

Sustainability Comparison (All the Best Bars)

100 Senses , HiBAR , and Earthling Co. are all cruelty-free (not tested on animals) and ship in minimal, plastic-free packaging.

HiBAR and Earthling are 100% plastic-free (even down to the paper packaging tape they use), and so is the Ultimate Body Bar (although other products by 100 Senses come in plastic bottles).

100 Senses’ and Earthling Co.’s bars are vegan , as are most of HiBAR’s (except for their Maintain bar, which contains a trace of honey).

Tie breaker: Of the three brands, The Earthling Co. is the only one that’s a member of 1% For The Planet , and is certified carbon-neutral .

Most hair ties are made of synthetic, petroleum-based rubber – so every time you lose one, it’s essentially like throwing a piece of plastic out the window.

But these hair ties from Terra Ties are made of organic cotton and natural rubber , which makes them biodegradable.

And they’ve become my favorites, not only because they’re eco-friendly, but also because they don’t cut off the blood flow when I keep them on my wrist!! They’re just a tiiiny bit larger than normal hair ties, and also a little thicker and softer.

So after years of putting my new hair ties around my fattest lotion bottles to stretch them out (am I the only one who does that?), Terra Ties have been a welcome discovery.

As with most products I’ve comparison-shopped, Earth Hero has the best price on Terra Ties , and you can use the discount code TILTEDMAP10 to save another 10% !

5. Plastic-Free Face Wash (Three Ways)

This was the hardest category for me to get started with, because… it’s my face .

I’ve had such trouble with persistent acne (moderate… but still annoying) and dry skin that I was reluctant to mess with my skin care routine. (Even though it wasn’t really working – I just didn’t want to make things worse .)

But again, after a lot of testing, I’ve found several options that work even better than anything I used to use in plastic packaging .

( Related: For details, read my full review of six plastic-free face wash brands .)

The “ Lucid Enzyme Cleansing Powder ” from the zero-waste skincare brand Dew Mighty has become not only my favorite way to take a plastic-free face wash on the road, but my absolute favorite face wash of any kind .

The process takes some getting used to – you pour a small amount powder out of the metal tube into your hand, then add a few drops of water to make a clay-based face wash paste.

But the results are amazing. I’ve never found a face wash that gives me an actual glow like this does, and it doesn’t strip or dry out my skin at all.

(Bonus: This cleanser doubles as a face mask. Just make a thicker paste and leave it on for up to 20 minutes. Since it’s full of niacinamide , spirulina and antioxidants, it’s a great zero-waste acne treatment booster.)

I follow the Lucid Cleanser up with Dew Mighty’s solid serum bar (another amazing little discovery –  more about it below ). And my skin looks and feels great with just two products. It’s truly the most travel-friendly skincare I’ve ever found, and ideal for packing light.

( Related: Read more about Dew Mighty here in my review of several plastic-free face wash brands .)

If you want to try Dew Mighty (which is one of my favorite brands on this list of favorite brands), you can save 10% with the code TILTEDMAP .

I know the powder face wash concept can be a little awkward (I prefer to use it at the sink, so I don’t risk getting water in the tube in the shower). So here are a few other great plastic-free options that I alternate between:

Activist Skincare is my new, overall favorite option for all kinds of plastic-free skincare. Like Dew Mighty , Activist is a small, woman-owned brand out of California that does absolutely everything right when it comes to sustainability .

Activist makes three formulas of oil-based face washes in very unique, totally refillable packaging . And their refills use less plastic than just the lid for “zero-waste” products that come in glass bottles!

I really like the Sea to Skin Cleansing Gel and the Botanical Cleansing Oil , which is the easiest to rinse off and the best for acne-prone skin .

You can  save 20%  on your Activist Skincare order with the discount code TILTEDMAP20

( Related : Want details? Here’s my full review of Activist .)

3. Eco-friendly Face Wash Bars

Even though they’re the easiest, most sustainable option, I was reluctant to try face wash bars. I assumed they would either be heavy, home-made formulas that would leave a residue and clog up my pores, or would dry out my skin, like regular bars of soap.

But I’ve since tried about a dozen different face wash bars from several brands, and luckily, I’ve found some that have proven me wrong. My favorite is from Earth Harbor , and there are more options in my sustainable face wash review .

Earth Harbor Face Wash Bars

Earth Harbor’s Coconut Charcoal Purifying Facial Soap really changed my attitude toward the “need” for a liquid face wash.

I find it more gentle than most of the other bars I’ve tried, but just as cleansing.

Be warned though – despite the name, this face wash bar doesn’t smell like coconut. It has more of a light herbal scent . (It must be called coconut because it’s formulated with coconut oil, like many facial soap bars are.)

(Earth Harbor also makes a balancing facial bar , which is designed to be even more gentle . It would be a good choice for normal or dry skin – especially if you’re not worried about acne or oil-control.)

For travel, there are two reasons this bar is ideal:

First, it’s so long-lasting (I’ve been using mine for months, and see many more months left in it). And second, it stays hard in the shower (instead of going mushy, like many bars).

That all makes it really easy to pack one away in my travel toiletry kit, and just forget about it.

I just wrap all my bars in wash clothes , and tuck them securely into my toiletry kit.

(“All my bars,” means shampoo and conditioner , body wash, face wash and shaving cream – two or three bars per cloth, depending on the size.)

I also travel with at least one light-weight soap dish that drains well . (This is my favorite design because it drains from both sides, which keeps the bars in better shape, and lets them dry so they don’t make a mess in my toiletry bag. Yes, it’s plastic, but that’s okay – because it’s NOT single-use plastic. I’ve had mine for years.)

Use the code MERMAID15 for 15% off your first order from Earth Harbor !

6. Zero-waste Serums

Calming Force Clear Skin Serum from Activist Skincare was the first game-changer in my (long) quest for a zero-waste skincare routine.

Calming Force is a very complete serum – with niacinamide and zinc , plus panthenol , salicylic acid , hyaluronic acid , MSM , and licorice root . These active ingredients all work together to soothe skin, reduce redness, and calm acne.

And, best of all, everything from Activist is refillable !

That’s right: Glass bottles for your first order, then refills in little pouches!

While their refills come in plastic packets, each one uses less plastic than what’s in just the lid of a glass jar or bottle . I can’t overstate how unique this is in the skincare industry. It’s the best option I’ve found for plastic-free skincare packaging. (You can even skip the initial glass bottle and refill one you already have at home.)

You can use the code TILTEDMAP20 for 20% off your order from Activist Skincare – including their refillable 2-week trial kit (which lets you try all of their products, before committing to full-sized bottles, and also makes a great travel set).

Activist also donates 5% of revenue to environmental activism. Their shipping is entirely plastic-free and carbon-neutral , and everything they make is 100% vegan .

[ Related: Read more in my review of The Ordinary vs. Activist Skincare , which dives into how to spot genuinely eco-friendly skincare companies.]

Dew Mighty (the same small company that makes my favorite powdered face wash , above) is the only brand I’ve tested so far that matches Activist Skincare ‘s high standards for both sustainability and excellent skincare products.

Their solid serum bar, called “Bloom,” is one of the most effective, efficient, and sustainable skincare products I’ve ever found.

It really changes the texture and luminance of my skin in a way I haven’t seen from any other product.

[ UPDATE: I’ve found one other solid serum that meets the standard Dew Mighty set for me: SBTRCT , a new company from the UK. Check out my full review here .]

The serum bar is full of powerful plant extracts, including vegan squalane , a very stable form of Vitamin C , jojoba oil (but it’s not oily or heavy at all), and licorice . And it’s the only serum I’ve found that actually doubles as a moisturizer , which I’ve been able to skip since I started using Bloom.

I’ve even had problems with Vitamin C serums making me break out in the past ( as I wrote about right here ), and this one has had the exact opposite effect after months of daily use.

And being a solid serum means there’s no water wasting space in a jar – and no need for a jar or bottle of any kind. Bloom comes in a cute little reusable metal box – which is, of course, recyclable, but is designed to be refilled with a new serum bar when you run out.

Remember, if you want to try Dew Mighty (one of my favorite brands on this list of favorite brands!), you can save 10% with the code TILTEDMAP

7. Plastic-Free Face Moisturizer

My go-to here is Mermaid Milk Nutrient Glow Moisturizer from Earth Harbor , a small, independent skincare brand based in Georgia.

Mermaid Milk feels light – it’s not a heavy cream – but contains lots of skin-healthy nutrients like spirulina and matcha , along with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants .

The scent is a little strong, but since it’s a bright, clean, natural scent, I actually enjoy it.

And Earth Harbor is a member of 1% For The Planet, and ships without any plastic packaging or padding. Plus, they tell me they’re planning to start offering refills for their glass packaging in 2022. (I’ll be sure to update this here when that happens!)

Earth Harbor’s refills are here! You can now order larger sizes of some products, and all products are now available without plastic pumps or lids . (So you can keep your pump and transfer it to a new bottle, instead of throwing it away – just like with my refillable hand sanitizer , and the sunscreen below. The Earth Harbor pumps fit both the large and small bottle sizes.)

Unfortunately, they’re still using glass bottles for their refills, so it’s not as ideal as what Activist Skincare and Dew Mighty use, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction!

Earth Harbor is also available from Earth Hero where you can use the code TILTEDMAP10 to save 10% . (I wish they would work on less confusing names!) Or, order straight from Earth Harbor and save 15% with the code MERMAID15 .

8. Daily Mineral Sunscreen  for the Face

Why mineral? Mineral sunscreen formulas are considered “reef-safe” generally meaning they don’t contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, which damage coral reefs. There are other concerns about chemical sunscreens for our own health, too.

So, even if I’m not swimming in the ocean, all water sources are connected, so I’m switching all my sunscreens to mineral formulas containing zinc oxide , instead of chemical sunscreens.

It took a lot of testing, but I’ve finally found a mineral sunscreen with minimal plastic packaging that I can use daily on my face without breaking out (or looking like a ghost).

Eclipse Sheer Mineral Sunscreen , another favorite from Earth Harbor , is my new daily facial sunscreen.

The formula is unscented, and feels almost like a rich cream that goes on very smoothly , without leaving a white cast! For me, Eclipse is moisturizing enough to replace a daytime moisturizer, and makes a nice, smooth base for makeup, with no greasiness .

It comes in a pretty, frosted pink glass bottle with a pump – and again, you can now keep your pump and order a refill bottle with just a metal lid! (Details on that above .) The refills are also available in a larger size – a still-travel-friendly 2 ounces.

However, the only problem is that the tube on the pump isn’t long enough to reach the bottom of the larger bottle. (So I just refilled the smaller one, which made sense to keep the more travel-friendly size, anyway.) It was sort of a slow process since this sunscreen is more of a cream than a liquid, but doable.

9. Reusable Cotton Rounds & Tissues 

Replacing disposable cotton rounds, swabs and tissues with reusable alternatives is an easy sustainable toiletry swap, and LastObject is definitely the place to start. This Danish start-up is the inventor of the ( much-copied ) original reusable Q-tip , along with several other innovative products. (More about the Q-tip in #10.)

The LastObject products I personally find most useful (especially for travel) are the reusable cotton pads , and the washable tissue packs .

(And at home, I really like their LastTissue Box . It’s a refillable Kleenex-style dispenser with washable, organic cotton tissues.)

I use the cotton pads with my Activist toner when I travel with it, and store the dirty ones in a laundry bag in my suitcase. (Of course, you could use them for removing make-up.)

The reusable cotton pads are practically indistinguishable from disposable cotton pads. But they’re much more durable, even though they’re very soft when wet. They’re made from a mix of organic cotton and wood pulp, and designed to be washed up to 250 times . I’ve had mine for years and they’re still going strong – I haven’t noticed any wear.

Use the discount code tiltedmap10off for 10% off any order from LastObject !

( Related: Check out my full review of all LastObject products , which also describes how to tell the originals from the cheap knock-offs. ) 

For Q-tips, I don’t really use my LastSwab anymore (but my husband still loves it for cleaning his ears in the shower).

I used to use the LastSwab Beauty , but after a while, I sort of got sick of it. I found that the silicon tip just wasn’t as effective, or as comfortable on my skin as absorbent cotton for cleaning up make-up smudges.

So now I use these bamboo and cotton swabs from by Humankind .

Bamboo is extremely fast-growing, and requires fewer resources than other crops. The packaging for these swabs is just recyclable paper, so there’s no plastic in either the stem of the swab, or the packaging .

Look, if the reusable LastSwabs work for you, that’s great. I tried, but eventually I had to admit that this was one single-use item I’d be keeping around for now. (But it is a plastic-free single use item! And I manage to make one swab last for several days’ of mascara touch-ups.)

11. Plastic-Free Dental Care

Just like deodorant tubes, toothpaste tubes can’t be recycled , except through this TerraCycle program . But most people don’t know about that (myself included, until last week) and it’s not exactly convenient to mail your recyclables around the country. So most of them go to landfills. 

And those indestructible little floss containers are too small to be sorted by recycling machines, so they can’t be recycled either . (And why build such a solid package anyway, if it’ll only be used for a couple of months??) Plus, normal floss is itself made of plastic!

Luckily I’ve found completely plastic-free options that I actually prefer to the drugstore brands:

After trying several brands, by Humankind makes my favorite refillable, plastic-free floss .

Their floss is smoother than other brands – including others that are waxed. It’s just a matter of preference, but for me by Humankind was the strong favorite.

When you order your floss refills (in peppermint or cardamom – my favorite), they come in simple, compostable and/or recyclable paper packaging .

I also love by Humankind’s sleek and functional refillable floss case (in the picture below).

A Plastic-free Floss that’s Vegan:

by Humankind’s floss does contain silk, so it’s not vegan. So far, Bite’s unflavored floss is my favorite vegan option.

When I say I have sensitive teeth, this is what I mean: I can’t bite into ice cream without tears coming to my eyes. And I’ve had two oral surgeries attempting to fix it. So let’s just say my mouth is a good litmus test for whether something will cause sensitivity.

And most plastic-free toothpaste options don’t contain fluoride, which helps with sensitivity. But I decided to try the original Bite Toothpaste Bits when they added nHap – a fluoride alternative and sensitivity fighter – to their formula . 

And it works! Bite has become one of my favorite plastic-free toiletry finds.  The “bits” foam up just enough, and the flavor is minty, but not overpowering.

Because of the texture and taste, I actually prefer Bite tablets to toothpaste in a tube.

2022 UPDATE: Bite now also offers toothpaste tablets with fluoride . They’re pretty different from Bite’s original formula, so I’ve a section of them to my full review of Bite and other plastic-free toothpastes .

But by now, I’ve been using their nHap tablets for about two years, and can honestly say that my sensitivity has improved a lot in that time. It’s anecdotal, but hey, it’s worked really well for me.

Use the code tiltedmap10 for 10% off at Bite! (Subscribing also saves you another 33%, and the subscriptions are easy to change or cancel, if needed.)

What makes Bite sustainable? 

The entire company is 100% plastic-free . Your first order of toothpaste or mouthwash comes in a refillable glass jar and (deeply discounted) subscription refills arrive in compostable paper packaging . 

Plus, no animal testing, no artificial flavors, sulfates, parabens or other fillers. 

Alternatives for Toothpaste & Toothpaste Tablets:

I was so impressed with Bite that I got curious and started trying lots more brands. Bite has remained my overall favorite, but here’s my full review of Bite and other options .

Bite also makes fresh-tasting mint mouthwash tablets that I think are the best on the market.

You just pop one tablet in your mouth, chew it up (don’t swallow), and take a sip of water to swish. 

I was skeptical before trying them, but they work really well, and are perfect for packing light. (They come in a refillable glass jar to use at home, with a matchbook-sized tin for travel. It’s much more convenient than liquid, since you can carry the tablets around in your bag or even in your pocket with the tiny travel tin.)

And they have all the same good-for-your-teeth ingredients as Bite’s toothpaste . Just like for their toothpaste, refills come in compostable paper packets.

And don’t forget the discount code tiltedmap10 for 10% off at Bite .

Alternatives for Plastic-free Mouthwash:

If you want something very gentle with no stinging , by Humankind’s mouthwash is a good alternative. It comes in a travel-friendly container that stores tablets in the lid and serves as a glass to dissolve them in.

And there are interesting flavors – mint-lemon, peppermint, ginger and cinnamon. I tried peppermint and found the flavor much lighter than Bite’s (a more kid-friendly option).

[ Related: More details about zero-waste mouthwash options in this review .]

Instead of a disposable plastic toothbrush, you can add a 100% plant-based, bamboo toothbrush to your Bite order.

Bamboo grows quickly without pesticides, artificial fertilizers, or much water. It’s also a powerful carbon sink , absorbing more CO 2 from the air than almost any other plant.

So it’s considered a sustainable material – mostly when used in place of plastics or hardwoods (but not necessarily as a fabric, which requires a lot of chemical processing to create).

Lots of brands make plastic-free lip balms that come in a cardboard tubes – and I’ve tried what feels like all of them.

My favorite so far is the plain, unscented Bare Lip Balm from River Organics , a small, North-Carolina-based beauty company. It’s a husband and wife team behind the brand, and everything they make is organic, vegan and plastic-free (including the minimal and recycled paper shipping materials, as you can see in the photo below).

From the very first swipe, their super moisturizing lip balm was creamier and smoother than just about any other lip balm I’ve used.

River Organics also makes tinted lip balms , lip stains and other make-up with an important difference from other brands: They use lab-made mica , instead of natural mica.

Normally that might sound like a bad thing, but mica mining is  infamous  for exploiting child labor , and mica is  everywhere . We think of it as what gives shimmer to eyeshadow and lip color, but it’s in everything from toothpaste to mascara. (And it can be called “mica,” “potassium aluminum silicate,” or “CI 77019” on ingredient lists.)

Anther thing I love: They sell “imperfect” products at a discount (items with minor packaging defects). Much better than throwing them away!

You can save 15% on any River Organics products with the discount code TILTEDMAP15 .

Earth Hero  also carries River Organics, along with other lip balms ( most  of which are also plastic-free and packaged in cardboard tubes). Of course, from Earth Hero , you can use the code tiltedmap10 for 10% off .

Another Alternative:

The Earthling Co. used to make a peppermint lip balm that was almost identical to Burt’s Bees’ classic balm , but with fewer ingredients (nothing but organic beeswax, organic coconut oil and peppermint essential oil).

But it’s currently out of stock, as they’re updating the formula to make it vegan. I’ll let you know here when I try the new formula!

Save 15% at The Earthling Co. with this link.

For a hand and body moisturizer, I use the Castanha Hand Cream , which comes in an aluminum tube, from Natura Brasil . (Aluminum is always better than plastic for  recyclability .)

I love how rich, thick and moisturizing this cream is. And the Castanha scent (Brazil nut, in Portuguese) is really warm and delicious, but not overpowering. (It’s a very gender-neutral scent, too.)

They make several other scents and varieties , including lighter ones, that also come in aluminum. (And a couple of massage oils in aluminum packaging , too.)

Only Mostly -Plastic-Free (But it’s progress)

Because of the cap, these creams aren’t 100% plastic-free. And many of Natura’s other products are packaged in plastic, so I skip those. I also wish Natura’s website would let you search for only products in aluminum packaging.

But mostly aluminum with just a bit of plastic is still a step in the right direction, and Natura Brasil still does a lot right as a sustainable company. They’re a B Corp , 100% vegan , and use Fair Trade ingredients responsibly sourced from the Amazon, for example.

14. Plastic-Free Deodorant 

Deodorant packaging often isn’t recyclable in curbside recycling programs, and the fact that it’s always such heavy, solid plastic drives me crazy.

Luckily, there are two ways to do deodorant without single-use plastics: A sturdy, refillable aluminum tube, or a compostable cardboard one.

1. The Best Refillable Deodorant

The best refillable deodorant I’ve found is from Bite . (Yes, the toothpaste tablet company above.)

At $16 for each refill tube, it’s not cheap. But formula lasts a really long time , smells great, and leaves less white residue than any other brand I’ve tried . (Pretty much zero residue. It’s really about as close to perfect as possible.)

How does it work? Your first order comes with an aluminum deodorant tube . (Which is refillable, and easy to eventually recycle if you change your mind.) Then refills come in cardboard tubes (which are home compostable or recyclable with your normal cardboard).

It’s the most sustainable deodorant refill system I’ve found, and it’s the only one that’s truly plastic-free .

Use the discount code  tiltedmap10  for  10% off  Bite’s deodorant , toothpaste and anything else.

[ Related: My second choice is the refillable deodorant from by Humankind . See my review of Bite, PAPR and by Humankind deodorants for details.]

2. For long-term travel: Deodorant in cardboard packaging

Overall, Bite makes my favorite plastic-free deodorant. But for long-term travel, PAPR deodorant is a great alternative.

When you run out of deodorant on the road, you don’t have to keep carrying around your refillable container. (Although since Bite’s container is just aluminum, it’s easy to recycle in most of the world.)

Just like Bite , this brand is also vegan, cruelty-free, carbon-neutral and aluminum-free. And this deodorant also leaves very little white residue (although it’s not quite as good in this respect as Bite). And like Bite, it comes in natural, fresh scents that I actually like – not just tolerate, like most drugstore deodorants.

15. Reusable, Eco-friendly Period Products 

Admittedly, both of the products sound a little weird and dubious at first, but I give you my word that, at least for me, they work wonders.

Between period underwear and menstrual cups , I no longer buy anything disposable for my period.

Honestly, it took a few periods of practice before I figured out how to position a menstrual cup comfortably. But it was worth it. Menstrual cups are reusable for years , with nothing to throw away or repurchase. And you only have to remove your cup every 12 hours for cleaning. Plus, I’m convinced that my cramps are less intense using a cup than they were with tampons.

The Lena Cup works for me. I’ve had it for five years, and don’t see a need to replace it anytime soon. But if I were shopping for a menstrual cup now , the first brand I’d look at would be Saalt . They’re a B-Corp, a plastic-neutral company, and manufacture their menstrual cups and disks in the US.

Every brand has a different size, shape and firmness .

This quiz is helpful to figure out which brand will fit you best. And Saalt has a quiz to help you figure out whether a cup or disk will be best for you.

Earth Hero also sells Saalt and a few other brands of menstrual cups , and you save 10% with the discount code tiltedmap10 . 

If you want to try Lena Cup , you can use the discount code LENALOVE for $5 off . It works whether you order directly from Lena Cup , or on Amazon . 

I was proud of myself for adapting to a menstrual cup instead of tampons, but honestly, period underwear are a much easier change and have become my go-to period product. 

Now that I use them, I would never go back to pads/tampons/pantyliners .

Thinx is the most famous brand, but by no means the only or most sustainable option. (Among other issues , they don’t ship plastic-free, while other brands do.)

After lots of comparison testing , I think the best brand, which also checks all the sustainability boxes, is Saalt . 

Saalt is a certified B Corp . They donate 2% of their revenue to projects to end period poverty around the world. And they’re certified plastic-neutral . (That means they remove more plastic pollution from the environment than the amount of plastic they use.) 

And their manufacturing ethics are top-notch: Their factory in Sri Lanka employs a 90% female workforce – all earning a living wage . They provide workplace education to seamstresses and school supplies to their children, and even have a platinum LEED certification.

One of the first things you’ll notice when you order from Saalt : Their packaging is entirely, 100% plastic-free – from the outer mailer (made of recycled cardboard and sealed with paper tape, so it’s 100% recyclable), to the inner packaging for each pair of underwear.

(Most brands, including Thinx, use plastic bags for both, but Saalt uses recycled and easily recyclable paperboard.) 

My favorite styles from Saalt:

• The Leak Proof Lace Hipster – a great pantyliner replacement, with extremely soft, comfortable, and beautiful lace. Made from recycled plastic bottles. 
• And the Leak Proof Comfort Bikini from their Modal line. It’s pretty much the softest, coziest underwear fabric I’ve ever tried. Made from sustainable beech wood.  

Other brands to try:

• Knix – I like their comfortable bras, loungewear, and fun prints (including new ones by Betsey Johnson). They also make both regular and period underwear.
• ModiBodi – an Australian brand that also makes lots of other intimates, including period underwear styles for teens and tweens , plastic-free reusable baby diapers , and men’s underwear styles for bladder incontinence.

You can save $15 on an order of $120 or more from Knix with the code TILTEDMAP

Travel Laundry Tips for Period Underwear: Just like at home, when I’m traveling, I rinse my period underwear out in the sink, let them dry overnight if possible, and pack them all in a laundry bag that I can throw in the wash when I get to a machine. (Those bags aren’t as good as these, which are designed to filter microplastics . But they’re easier to pack for travel.)

(And I always wash delicates in laundry bags, as it keeps them in better shape for longer. On the road, they’re great for keeping dirty laundry separate in your suitcase!) 

16. Plastic-Free Shaving (Without Safety Razor  Cuts)

Testing safety razors on my legs was the scariest and bloodiest plastic-free toiletry swap I’ve made . I’m sure they work for some people, but despite what you may have read in reviews saying safety razors are “easy to use,” I swear they’re not for the faint of heart.

But there is a far easier option that I love, and that’s still plastic-free: The original, pivoting-head razor from Leaf Shave Co . After all my testing, it’s the only one I would buy again for shaving legs.

The unique design combines the convenience and lack of cuts of a cartridge-style razor, plus the sustainability of easily recyclable, 100% steel blades.

(For how to recycle razor blades, read this section of my Leaf razor review .)

Leaf’s pivoting razor is designed for large areas, like legs, while their Twig Razor is better for face shaving . They also make a moisturizing, plastic-free shaving cream bar that I really like. And of course, it’s totally unisex, just like their razors.

Either razor will undoubtably save you money in the long-run . (Plastic razor cartridges cost several dollars each, while replacement blades for these cost just a few cents .)

Razor Travel Tip:

While technically you can’t pack safety razor blades in your carry-on, I have gotten away with going through airport security numerous times already with my Leaf and blades . ( No questions asked. ) But if you don’t want to take the risk, keep your stash of cartridge razors exclusively for travel.

Gift Idea: Since these razors are kind of a splurge, I think they would make a really thoughtful gift for anyone who’s trying to cut the plastic waste out of their lives. (They’re permanent features on my Sustainable Gift Guide , which I update regularly.)

You can save 10% on any order from Leaf with the discount code KETTI10

17. Travel-Friendly Laundry 

Finally, these aren’t exactly travel toiletries , but it’s relevant. If you’re planning to stay in Airbnbs (or similar but more interesting vacation rentals ) or otherwise do your own laundry while traveling, laundry strips from the Canadian start-up TruEarth are a must. (They’re what I use at home, as well as on the road.)

TruEarth is the most eco-friendly laundry detergent I’ve found so far. They ship you enough super-concentrated detergent for 32 loads in a package only slightly thicker than a normal envelope!

At home, I also use this bag, which is designed to filter microplastics that break off when washing synthetic materials, ending up in waterways. (But it’s a little too bulky when you’re traveling light.)

[ Related: For details on both, check out my post about all the plastic-free laundry and cleaning products I tested!]

Use the discount code TEMap10 for 10% off any TruEarth order!

These discount codes are sprinkled throughout this list, but to keep things simple, they’re all right here, too:

• Save 20% on your Activist Skincare order with the discount code TILTEDMAP20
• Save 15% automatically at The Earthling Co. (shampoo + conditioner bars) with any link on this blog (no code required!)
• MERMAID15 for 15% off your first order from Earth Harbor .
• KETTI10 for 10% off either razor and any accessories from Leaf Shave Co .
• Bite (dental care in tablet form, and my new favorite deodorant)
• Earth Hero (LOTS of sustainable toiletries and other products)
• tiltedmap10off for 10% off any order from LastObject (reusable Q-tips, cotton pads + more)
• Save 15% on an order of $120 or more from Knix with the code TILTEDMAP
• This referral link for 100 Senses will save you $15 off a $50 non-subscription order. (eg. two Ultimate Body Bars, their only product I use.)
• LENALOVE for $5 off a Lena Cup (from Amazon or straight from Lena .)

Questions? Ideas for other sustainable brands to check out? Drop them in the comments below, get in touch on Instagram , or email me!

More sustainable product reviews:

• SBTRCT solid skincare , from the UK
• Activist Skincare review (a rare, truly refillable skincare line )
• Sustainable Gift Ideas!
• Safety razor review and comparison (PLEASE read this one before spending money on safety razors!)
• Lots of other shampoo & conditioner bars I’ve tested
• PAPR, by Humankind, and Bite deodorant review
• Review of Thinx and the best Thinx alternatives
• Several brands of toothpaste tablets (some great, some never-again)
• LastObject products : Q-tips, cotton pads & tissues – and tips on how to avoid greenwashing (AKA fake-sustainable companies)
• The best cleaning & laundry products , sans plastic
• Everything I learned in a master’s degree in sustainability !

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I’m Ketti, a former journalist, originally from Montana, USA, who moved to China with a job teaching English, a side-hustle writing for magazines, and just one word of Mandarin. That turned into five years abroad, a Master's Degree in Sustainable Business & Energy, and a passion for finding more eco-friendly (and realistic) ways to travel and live. That's why I created Tilted Map – to share what I'm learning along the way!

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15 Comments

Hi Ketti! I just read all of your plastic-free posts and really appreciate the depth of your reviews! I just started trying to go plastic free for toiletries and cleaning, and I wish I had found this before I spent hours comparing brands. I was happy to see I ended up with some of your choices (HiBAR shampoo and conditioner bars; byHumankind deodorant, floss, hand sanitizer, and mouthwash kit) because they’re all in transit, but I feel less nervous now. I got Blueland cleaning products a little while ago and will now be very careful with the bottles! I also fell for some knock off lastswab, lesson learned. I’m excited about some of the other great tips you gave. I had found a couple of other companies that I was wondering if you had not mentioned because of standards or if they might be too new. I got hand and dish soap glass dispensers with aluminum packaged refills from Grove Collaborative, which seem great so far although a little strong in scent. Also a trial pack of cleaning swatches from ec30 haven’t shipped yet, but I’m very curious to try them. Any experience or thoughts? We’re also comparing bamboo toilet paper from reel and seedling. I would love a review of paper products and alternatives! Thanks! Sheree

Thank you so much for getting in touch and for mentioning those other companies! And I’m so glad you enjoyed my reviews – sometimes I do worry that I’m going a little too in-depth and boring people, so it’s great to hear you appreciate them. 🙂

I’ve looked at Grove Collective before, and just never really gotten on board with them because, while they do have some plastic-free options like the ones you ordered, they carry so many brands that are natural or non-toxic, but still packaged in single-use plastic. (Like my old favorite, Mrs. Meyers. Good job sorting through and finding the plastic-free stuff!)

But since you brought them up, I looked through their site more closely and I noticed first that they are a B-Corp, which is a great certification. I talk about lots of other B-Corps on the blog, including Intrepid Travel, Bookshop , and Earth Hero, which are all on my Resources page . And they also say they’re planning to be plastic-free by 2025. So it’s not now , but at least it’s a plan. (And Earth Hero is a similar sustainable products marketplace, like Grove, that I think does pretty much everything right – but they don’t have such a plan, as far as I’m aware! So maybe I was being too hard on Grove.)

I hadn’t heard of EC30! So I was just looking into them this morning. I like the concept, and I might do a review of their Trial Pack, since the products are so similar to so many others I’ve reviewed… But , what I don’t love is that they’re just a branch of Proctor & Gamble. (It doesn’t say so explicitly, but it hints at it on their About page, so I Googled their mailing address, and it’s P&G HQ.)

I’m all for big corporations becoming more sustainable, but this just feels a little inauthentic to me. I’d love to see P&G switch to plastic-free packaging for all of their famous drug store brands, which millions of people already buy, as opposed to trying to get a piece of a new market that’s been created, tested and made possible by small start-ups, which have been plastic-free and focused on sustainability since from the beginning.

That being said, I would love to hear what you think of the EC30 products when they arrive! Seriously, feel free to drop me an email if you want. 🙂

And you’re right, I do need to look into bamboo TP! Maybe that’ll be a future review – thanks for the suggestion!

Best, Ketti

Thanks for all this! Have you used or reviewed Ethique brand products?

You’re welcome, Kristin!

I haven’t reviewed Ethique yet, just because I wanted to focus on more local brands. (I’m currently in the US, along with most of my readers, and Ethique is from New Zealand.) But I am thinking I should try them soon – since they’re so well-known, and because I do think they’re a good company with lots of strong sustainability certifications. If I do, I’ll probably just add them to this post , which has the other shampoo bars I’ve tested.

Thanks for your question and keep in touch! 🙂

Thanks for the reply! I wanted something closer to home (WA state), too, but didn’t find a deodorant bar like theirs. My daughter loves their shampoo and conditioner bars, and I’m a fan of the deodorant bar. I’ll be curious to hear what you think, if you decide to review NZ products. They also have great customer service, in my opinion. I really enjoyed reading your thoughts, and did click on your links for my order. Kristin

Hi again! The Bite site says I need to add an email address with the discount code tiltedmap10.

Do you know if your code still works, or can you send me an email address to add in that box? Thanks! Kristin

Hey Kristin! No problem, it just says that until you type in your own email address… I know, it’s confusing. I have no idea why they put that message there. Let me know if you got it to work!

As for the deodorant – have you tried byHumankind’s refillable one ? That’s the one I recommend above and I really love it. (Although now I’m getting curious about Ethique.)

Anyway, I’m glad you’re enjoying these posts and thank you for using my links! I very much appreciate it!

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks again for your reply. Duh– I’ll try my OWN email. Sorry to bother you. And I will try byhumandkind’s DO!

thanks, Kristin

No problem, Kristin! Let me know what you think of everything, and happy Thanksgiving to you as well!

If you haven’t checked out Chagrin Valley Soap and Salve, out of Ohio, you’re missing out. They’ve been producing environmentally-friendly soaps, shampoo and conditioner bars, deodorants, body lotion bars, and many other personal care products for years. They have one of the widest varieties of shampoo bars I’ve seen, as well as soaps. They use organic ingredients whenever they can, and many of their products are vegan.

I don’t work for them; I’m just a happy customer who wants to help spread the word.

Hi Sharon, Thanks for mentioning this! You’re the second reader who’s told me about Chagrin Valley, so I think I’m going to have to try them and add them to my shampoo bar review . Any products in particular you recommend? I’m especially looking to try some good conditioner bars.

Keep in touch! 🙂 Ketti

I don’t have any recent experience with their conditioning bar line.

I love their citrus sugar scrub for my face, their hemp mango mint lotion bar for my hands, and their neem shampoo bar for effective dandruff management that allows my curls to appear healthy. Their baby castile soap line is gentle enough for my skin when it acts up.

Thanks for this amazing blog about plastic-free toiletries also how travel-friendly they are and create Less-Waste. We can totally relate to your blogs. As, even we deal in similar services. We at Friendly Turtle are a UK zero waste shop with all of your everyday essentials for sustainable living. Simple, eco swaps anyone can start making today to reduce your impact on our precious environment. Visit us to know more!

Such a great article…I have a list of “next purchases” while I finish my current supply.

Do you have any experience with lotion bars? A lot of the ones I’ve seen are not vegan (which would be my preference) except for Kate McLeod (I keep staring at the price haha).

These reviews are so helpful. Thank you for testing for the rest of us!!

Thank you so much!! I’m so glad you find the reviews helpful, that makes my day. 🙂

I totally agree on Kate McLeod… I’ve been wanting to try them myself and write about them, but as you said, the price tag is alarming, and I feel like they’re almost too expensive to even review because they’re so out of reach for so many people.

I honestly haven’t really found other lotion bars that have worked for me. I tried Ethique and really didn’t like the consistency (but I actually don’t like most Ethique products… unpopular opinion, I guess, and I do like one of their face wash bars, but everything else I’ve tried I just feel like other brands have done better.)

I also tried Bite’s lotion bar, and while it does work, and feel moisturizing, it’s just kind of a hassle to drag this thing (that feels like a tube of deodorant) ALL over your body, and it’s really hard, so it’s not useful for hand or elbows. And it’s fairly pricey for how quickly I’m going through the tube. So it’s better, but I’m not totally sold yet. Maybe they’ll improve it. (I do LOVE their deodorant , though).

So what I use for body lotion now is the cream in an aluminum tube from Natura Brasil . (Need to add them to this article!) It’s not totally plastic-free (because of the cap) but they’re a good company (B Corp, vegan, fair trade, etc.). I really love the product, and aluminum is always better than plastic for recyclability .

Hope that helps! Keep the questions and comments coming – it’s always so useful to see what readers are using, liking, and having trouble finding! 🙂

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Safe, Plastic-Free, & Non-Toxic Food Storage Containers for 2024

By Abbie Davidson

Updated on April 24, 2024

Ditching the plastic food storage containers is one of the easiest ways to decrease exposure to things like toxic phthalates and BPA (and other bisphenols) .

In this article, we’re going to talk about why that is, and then we’ll give you our picks for the best non-toxic and plastic-free food storage containers to used instead.

Related Articles:

• Non-Toxic Lunch Boxes & Bags
• The Best Options for Non-Toxic & Reusable Ziploc Bag Alternatives
• Non-Toxic & Plastic-Free Disposable Dinnerware
• Are Melamine Dishes Toxic?

Table of Contents

Our top picks at a glance: non-toxic & plastic-free food storage containers in 2023, why should you skip the plastic food storage containers, be careful of “bpa-free” plastic food containers, safer materials for food storage, other things to consider when choosing the best non-plastic food storage for you, is it for kids, adults, or both, how much space do you have, will your food need to be reheated, 1. glass food storage containers, anchor hocking, caraway (ceramic-coated glass), recycled glass jars, 2. stainless steel, ecolunchbox, 3. silicone, 4. beeswax wraps, 5. veggie-saver bags, other materials to consider for non-toxic food storage, wood & bamboo, best practices if using plastic food containers, what should you do with your old plastic food storage containers, can you recycle tupperware, final thoughts on plastic-free & non-toxic food storage containers.

Featured Image Credit: Pyrex/Crate & Barrel

This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.

• Best Glass Food Storage Containers: Pyrex , Anchor Hocking , & OXO
• Best Stainless Steel Food Containers: ECOlunchbox
• Best Silicone Food Storage Containers: Stasher Bags , Frego , & Ello
• Best Non-Toxic Plastic-Wrap Alternative : Beeswax Wraps
• Best for Storing Produce in the Fridge: Vejibag Organic Produce Bags

The two main concerns when it comes to food storage involves phthalates and bisphenols . Bisphenols (like BPA and BPS) are more likely to be found in harder plastics (such as Tupperware containers), while phthalates are more likely to be in softer plastics ( like Ziploc baggies ).

Both of these categories of chemicals are known endocrine disruptors, which means they can disrupt proper hormonal function and ultimately lead to a range of health concerns, from infertility to cancer and more. In part because of the fact that the hormonal processes of the body are so sensitive, most of these chemicals can cause problems even in very small amounts.

Some scientists call these toxicants “hit-and-run” chemicals, meaning they can do quite a bit of damage in a small amount of time.

Phthalates and bisphenols actually have a relatively short half-life, which means our bodies can naturally detox them pretty quickly (especially compared to other toxicants like PFAS, which are nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they stick around for decades).

However, they can really mess things up in the short amount of time they’re in our system.

When you store your leftovers in plastic containers, these chemicals can leach into your food, and then you ingest them. Although leaching can happen under any conditions, certain things speed it up. For example, heating plastic or storing certain types of foods (acidic or high-fat foods) can increase the overall amount of toxicants that make their way into your food.

You’ll see a lot of plastic food storage containers that have “BPA-free” labels on them, but this doesn’t automatically mean they’re non-toxic .

When the public became aware of the potential negative health effects of BPA, companies started taking it out of their products… But they often just replaced it with other types of bisphenols like BPS and BPF. This allows them to advertise their products as “BPA-free” while not actually addressing the toxicant issue.

The problem is that BPA “sister chemicals” like BPS and BPF are not any better than BPA… In fact, they may even be worse. You can read more about this here .

So, which plastic-free food storage containers are not harmful to people’s health? The primary non-toxic and plastic-free food storage materials we recommend are:

• Stainless Steel
• Beeswax (wraps)
• Organic Cotton (bags)

Each of these materials comes with pros and cons, so we’re going to go through each of them and give you some of the brands we recommend.

Material safety isn’t the only thing to consider when picking out your food storage containers—they need to be practical and fit well into your lifestyle as well!

Here are some more things to consider when choosing the best non-toxic food storage containers for you and your family:

Who is going to be using the storage containers, and in what capacity? You may want to get some glass storage containers to use at home, but silicone baggies for the kids to take to school.

Similarly, will you be storing/transporting liquids or solids? If you’re packing liquids in your lunch, you’ll probably want to choose a leak-proof option to prevent spills.

Consider the storage space you have in your kitchen cabinets, as well as the space you have in your lunch box or backpack . Do you need something that can fold up or squeeze into small cabinets? Then you might want to go with silicone Stasher bags. Do you need something that can stack or nest inside each other? If so, you might go with glass containers.

All of the materials and brands listed below are safe and easy to use for cold or room-temperature food. But glass is usually the best option if your food needs to be microwaved. (Just be sure to remove the lid first if it contains plastic.)

Stainless steel can be put in the oven, but it’s not microwave safe.

Silicone is iffy… Some research suggests that it can leach endocrine disruptors at temperatures over 300° (the microwave doesn’t usually get that hot). So I would say that silicone is definitely safer than plastic in the microwave, but if you want to be precautionary, you may want to try and keep silicone away from the heat when possible.

Also, if your glass will be going through rapid temperature changes (like from the freezer to the oven), make sure you go with borosilicate glass .

Now, let’s get on with our recommendations for materials and brands!

Some of the best plastic-free food storage containers are made from glass. Here are the pros and cons…

• Can last a really long time when taken care of
• Does not leach bisphenols, plasticizers, heavy metals, etc.
• Generally microwave safe, dishwasher safe, oven safe, and fridge/freezer safe
• Easy to clean
• Doesn’t stain (so it won’t turn orange after storing your pasta sauce!)
• See-through — it’s easy to see your leftovers!
• Breakable (May not be the best choice for those with kids unless it has a silicone covering. Some schools don’t allow glassware.)
• Not all lids that come with glass storage containers are completely plastic-free

Glass containers are pretty easy to find and there are a lot of sizes, shapes, and colors available. Here are a few brands I like:

Price: $5 (single container) – $80

Pyrex is of course one of the most recognizable brands for plastic-free food storage and baking dishes. They offer lots of options, from rectangular meal-prep containers to variously sized circular containers and more.

If you go with Pyrex, you may want to consider the type of lid you want to get. Many Pyrex containers come with plastic lids, including their traditional seal-tight lids and the ‘Freshlock’ lids which snap shut for extra protection against leakage.

However, Pyrex also has completely plastic-free storage containers available now as well, which come with lids made from glass and silicone. They have a wooden lid collection as well.

The glass and silicone set is more expensive than the sets with plastic lids, so if you’re on more of a budget, the ones with plastic lids are still a much better option compared to storing your food in completely plastic containers! There is significantly less plastic in the container as a whole and the fact that your food most likely isn’t touching the lid very much.

I actually have a set of the completely plastic-free containers and I really like them. They don’t have a bunch of nooks & crannies, so they’re super easy to clean—either by hand or in the dishwasher. Plus, they look nice!

Pyrex has a ton of different options available on their website —including glass storage containers with fun characters like Star Wars and Harry Potter!

You can find Pyrex at:

Price: $5.50 (single container) – $65 (set)

Anchor Hocking’s products are very similar to Pyrex’s, but typically come in at a more affordable price point. Like Pyrex, most of their lids are made using plastic, but they actually don’t have a completely plastic-free food storage option at this time.

Their Trueseal lids (the green ones pictured above) are made primarily of silicone, but they do have a circle of plastic at the top. These leak-proof lids are lighter weight and more durable than the Pyrex leak-proof lids that snap shut. However, some reviewers have complained about mold growth in the crevices, so you’ll definitely want to be careful about that and make sure to keep things clean.

Anchor Hocking is a company that’s been making glassware in the USA since 1905! As a side note, I recommend the book Glass House: The 1% Economy and the Shattering of the All-American Town , which is an interesting read about the life of the company. It’s a really insightful representation of how things like the rise of globalization and financial engineering have affected U.S. manufacturing (and the millions of people who have lost jobs because of it).

Price: $11 (single container) – $68 (set)

If you want glass containers that have locking-lids for leak-proof storage, you might want to look into a brand like OXO. The only problem with these types of containers is that the lids are almost always made with plastic (so you’ll want to take them off before putting them in the microwave or oven).

OXO’s glass containers come in various shapes and sizes, including circles and rectangles. They also have a set of bakeware with lids , which is convenient for things like brownies and casseroles! (They also have a lot of totally-plastic containers, so just make sure you check as you shop around so you don’t accidentally buy something you don’t want!)

In addition to their website , OXO containers are available in stores like Walmart and Williams-Sonoma . Similar brands include Kinetic Go Green (available at Target ) and PrepNaturals (available at Walmart ). As mentioned above, Pyrex has some locking-lid varieties as well.

Price: $245 (set)

This trendy PFAS-free cookware brand now offers a food storage set as well. It comes with 14 pieces and is available in several different (really pretty!) colors.

The lids and the inner part of the containers are made out of glass, and then the bottom part of the containers are coated with ceramic. Sometimes you have to worry about heavy metals such as lead and cadmium in ceramic containers, but Caraway says these ones are free of not only heavy metals but also other toxins like PFAS and BPA.

This set is on the pricier side, but if you’re short on cabinet space, they do look good on a countertop!

Price: $5.50 (single jar) – $74 (set)

Mason jars are a great affordable way to store leftovers, and you can find them pretty much anywhere, from Target to Walmart to Amazon to thrift stores!

Of course, they come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes so you can choose according to your preference. They also double as everyday drinking glasses.

You do have to worry about rust on the lids, but you can usually prevent most rust by hand-washing them instead of putting them in the dishwasher and then letting them air-dry all the way before putting them away. If you do get some rust, you can usually get it off relatively easily with some vinegar .

Similar to mason jars are preserving jars with wire bail and trigger closures, like these . You’ll just want to watch out for mold growth underneath the seal.

Another option is to keep the glass jars that your store-bought sauces, condiments, and jams come in and re-use those to store your leftovers. It’s the cheapest option, too!

Stainless steel containers are another great option. Unlike glass, it’s shatter-proof and school-safe. Here are the pros and cons and some of our recommended brands.

• Durable/shatterproof
• Kids can take them to school
• Safe in the dishwasher, oven, fridge, & freezer
• Can last a really long time if you take care of them
• Not see-through
• Not microwave safe
• Sometimes stainless steel will leave a slight metallic taste in your food or drinks

Price: $13-30 (each)

U-Konserve offers several different shapes and sizes of stainless steel plastic-free food storage containers, including nesting circular ones and rectangular ones that are great for school lunches. They also carry things like insulated food jars (great for things like soups), larger food storage canisters, and various kinds of eating utensils and straws made from bamboo and silicone.

These stainless steel containers are all tested by CPSIA-accredited independent labs to be free from things like BPA, phthalates, and lead. U-Konserve is also a B Corp and member of 1% for the Planet, which means they give 1% of profits to environmental non-profit organizations.

Note that some of the lids are made from plastic (the colored ones) while others are made out of silicone (the see-through ones).

Price: $12 (single container) – $90 (large set)

ECOlunchbox is another great brand for stainless steel containers and lunchbox essentials. They also have nesting circular containers of various sizes, as well as modular bento boxes that snap close for a leak-proof seal. Their lids are made from either stainless steel or food-grade silicone, so everything is 100% plastic-free.

They also carry super cute washable lunch bags made from GOTS certified organic cotton. ECOlunchbox is a certified B Corp as well.

High-quality silicone food storage containers are a great option as well. Although there is not a ton of research on silicone safety at this time, it appears to be mostly safe in terms of chemical leaching, with one exception.

There is some indication that at high heat, silicone may release endocrine disruptors, so I recommend keeping it out of the oven.

While shopping for silicone, you’ll want to be mindful of the fact that not all silicone is created equal. Lower-quality silicone products can have fillers and plasticizers added (to lower the cost), which means they are not completely plastic free and may leach toxic chemicals.

You’ll want to look for products made from 100% food-grade silicone. If you’re unsure, one quick check is to do the “pinch test.” Try pinching the silicone, and if it turns white, there’s a good chance it may have fillers in it. (This is not a fool-proof way of identifying the quality of the silicone; it’s just a little trick that can help.)

It’s also worth noting that silicone does not biodegrade, and it’s difficult to recycle. So if you’re worried about end-of-life, you may want to reconsider silicone.

• Very lightweight & flexible
• Good for kids
• Good for travel
• Durable (especially the higher-quality silicone brands)
• Take up less space in cabinets and lunch boxes
• Safe in the fridge and freezer
• Should be kept away from high heat (out of the oven)
• You have to be careful about buying silicone made with plastic fillers & dyes
• Food is more likely to get smashed
• It can sometimes stain (although not as easily as plastic)
• Not biodegradable or easily recyclable

Price: $10 (single baggie) – $222 (large set)

Stasher bags have become pretty popular in recent years—and for good reason! They’re a great plastic-free alternative to Ziploc bags and they are an awesome durable and lightweight option. They have so many uses, including school lunches.

Stasher bags are made out of “platinum silicone,” which contains no added fillers, polymers, or by-products. They comply with both FDA and EU standards for food-grade silicone. (EU standards are more strict; they don’t allow any fillers in silicone that comes into contact with food.)

Stasher offers a really wide selection of sizes, shapes, and colors, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to find what you’re looking for in the baggie department. They even offer “bowls” now, which are basically just bags with wider bases.

Stasher says their bags are (top shelf) dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe. However, as mentioned above, I recommend keeping them out of the oven in order to prevent the potential leaching of endocrine disruptors. I personally hand-wash mine insead of putting them in the dishwasher.

Also, be mindful of the cracks and crevices in the silicone bags as well. Be careful not to leave food in the bags for too long, and make sure the bags dry completely before you put them away in order to prevent mold growth.

Price: $22 (each)

Frego combines the benefits of both glass and silicone. Frego containers start with a glass box and then add an FDA-approved silicone cover in order to prevent the glass from breaking. The air-tight, leak-proof lid is also made from silicone.

Frego doesn’t offer as many options as some of the other brands in terms of sizes and shapes, but they carry 2- and 4-cup square containers that come in several different colors.

Price: $10 – $45 (set)

Ello is another brand that combines silicone with other plastic-free materials such as glass and stainless steel. They carry many different shapes, sizes, and colors of food storage containers that combine glass, stainless steel, silicone, wood, and plastic. And, of course, they’re known for their cute non-toxic water bottles, travel mugs, and silicone straws!

I have a set of these and I really like them. With the silicone wrapped around them, they definitely feel less fragile than my all-glass Pyrex ones when I’m using and washing them. One downside is that I do have to remove the silicone sleeve every once in a while and wash underneath it. The space between the glass and the silicone just gets a little filmy-looking after a while.

Note that not all of Ello’s products are plastic-free, so just make sure to check the details before buying.

• Compostable / biodegradable
• Lightweight
• Can be all-natural/organic
• Can be used for a variety of purposes
• Not air-tight, leak-proof, or spill-proof (might not be the best option for kids, depending on what you’re putting in it)
• Can’t be used for liquid-y things

Price: $6 (single wrap) – $100 (large pack)

For a plastic-free alternative to conventional plastic cling wrap, beeswax wraps are a great zero-waste & eco-friendly option.

High-quality beeswax wraps are made out of organic cotton fabric and then covered in beeswax, which maintains freshness and allows you to wash and reuse the wrap.

You can use them to wrap up sandwiches or fruit or place them over bowls or other containers instead of using saran wrap.

Bee’s Wrap is perhaps the most well-known brand for beeswax wraps, but there are a lot of brands making them these days! You can find plenty of great small businesses on Etsy and you can also find beeswax wraps at big box stores like Target and Walmart . You can find them in lots of different sizes and fun designs.

• Durable; lasts for years
• Made out of organic cotton
• Not suitable for all types of leftovers (best for produce)

Another great option for storing produce is crisper bags! These help keep your food fresh for longer, which can help reduce food waste and save money.

Vejibag is the brand I like best, although there are a couple of other brands making similar products, like Veggie Saver .

Vejibag is made out of USDA organic cotton that’s grown, milled, and sewn at worker-owned cooperatives in the United States. Instead of trapping air inside a plastic container, Vejibag creates a breathable environment that helps your produce last about two weeks longer… So it’s not only a great plastic-free option, but it saves food waste and money, too.

Vejibags are machine washable and come in three different sizes.

You might notice that some of the brands above (like Pyrex ) offer glass storage containers with wood or bamboo lids. These are good plastic-free options that are lighter-weight and less breakable than glass.

Just make sure to pay attention that any cracks that might form in the wood or bamboo over time—mold and bacteria love to grow there. (Some types of wood are more prone to mold than others.)

Hand-washing your wooden lids and/or re-applying a safe oil ( like this one ) every few months can help extend their life and prevent cracking.

Some produce can be stored without any containers whatsoever! For things like apples, potatoes, celery, carrots, and avocados, cutting them up and putting them in water can keep your food fresh and make your produce last longer. You can also put the stems of things like kale and herbs in a glass of water (the way you’d put flowers in a vase) to make them last longer as well.

For produce that’s not cut up yet (apples, avocados, onions, etc.), you can skip those thin plastic produce bags at the grocery and go without storage altogether. These foods already have a natural protective layer on them and really don’t need to be kept in a container.

Although you’re not likely to store everyday leftovers in ceramic, you might want to use countertop ceramic food storage containers like those from Le Creuset for things like cookies or coffee beans.

The main concern when it comes to ceramic is heavy metal contamination . Things like lead and cadmium are very toxic, even at small doses, especially for children, so it’s important to be aware of.

If you are going to use ceramic food storage containers, make sure they are new (vintage ceramics are much more likely to contain high amounts of lead and other metals) and food-safe. Watch out for Prop 65 labels, and be especially careful about imported ceramics. Brightly colored ceramic is more likely to contain lead.

If you haven’t been able to swap out your plastic food storage containers yet, there are still some things you can do to at least reduce your toxicant exposure:

• Keep plastics (of all kinds) out of the microwave, the hot car, etc. Hand wash instead of putting them in the dishwasher. (Heat increasing leaching.)
• Try not to use plastic storage containers that are etched, cracked, or otherwise starting to break down. These are also going to leach more toxicants.
• Try to keep foods that are acidic, oily, high-fat, or hot away from plastic when possible.
• Do not re-use plastics that were meant to be single-use.
• Know which types of plastics are saf er . In general, resin codes #2, #4, and #5 are the safest kinds of plastic. (You’ll be able to find the resin code somewhere on the product, usually accompanied by the triangle recycling symbol.)

If you have a bunch of plastic containers that you don’t want to use for leftovers anymore, but you also don’t want to just chuck in the trash and send to the landfills—I totally get it.

In my opinion, it’s better to use your plastic for other things other than food storage. Here are some ideas for what to do with your old plastic containers:

• art/craft supplies
• hardware (nails, screws, etc.)
• wires, cords, chargers, headphones
• office supplies
• junk drawer stuff!
• Use them as planters. You won’t want to use them for edibles like herbs or veggies, but you can poke some holes in the bottom and plant pollinator -friendly flowers or houseplants!

Whether or not your old plastic containers can be recycled depends on the type of plastic they’re actually made of, as well as what the recycling capabilities in your area are. Look for the plastic resin code number on the container—usually #1 and #2 are the easiest to recycle (especially if they are clear and clean).

Ditching the plastic food containers and storing your food in non-toxic containers is an easy and relatively low-cost way to reduce exposure to toxicants like phthalates and bisphenols—while keeping your food fresh!

The next time you go to pack your lunch or throw some leftovers in the fridge, skip the endocrine disrupting materials and choose glass containers or silicone baggies instead!

Food & Drink Home Kitchen School

About Abbie

Abbie Davidson is the Creator & Editor of The Filtery. With almost a decade of experience in sustainability, she researches and writes content with the aim of helping people minimize environmental toxins in an in-depth yet accessible way.

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I wonder about the use of colors in the storage boxes, etc. In your other reports, dyes or colors or? are no-nos.

Thanks in advance!

Hi Barbara,

Good question! This could be another reason to go with plain glass when possible. For silicone, you could go with undyed if you wanted to be safe (Stasher has plenty of undyed options). But overall, I’m personally not too worried about the dyes used in these types of products… Stasher, for example, uses food-safe dyes/colorants that pass European requirements and don’t come with a Prop65 warning (which means they’re azo-free).

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9 Safest Non-Toxic Food Storage Picks: Test & Review

We all know processed foods aren’t great for us. But did you know the containers we use to store food can have a harmful impact on our health and well-being?

Plastic containers can release toxic chemicals like BPAs, phthalates, and microplastics into our food and the environment. Even those labeled “BPA-free” present risks (more on that later ).

That’s why we searched the market for the best non-toxic food storage options. What makes a container non-toxic?

First, it needs to be 100% plastic-free – lids included! Instead, the safest materials are those that don’t leach chemicals at all. Glass, stainless steel, silicone, and natural waxes are all great choices.

These are just a few of the strict criteria we used to choose our top nine plastic-free food storage containers. Stay tuned to see exactly which ones we picked and why .

Later, we’ll explore “safer” plastics for food use (and which to definitely avoid). We’ll also share some tips to help you prevent risks when using any plastic container.

Let’s get started!

Medically-reviewed by Dr. Ahmad Alsayes, MBBS

• Top Picks – Quick Comparison

What Makes a Container Non-Toxic? Safety Criteria & How We Chose

• 9 Safest Non-Toxic Food Storage Containers: Reviewed
• Safest Food Storage Materials: Explained
• Why You Should Avoid Plastic: Risks

Reducing Risk with Any Plastic

Our top picks – quick comparison:.

• Plastic-free: This means 100% plastic-free, including the lid. No sneaky BPA-free plastic! No Bisphenols or phthalates, period.
• Inert materials: Think glass, stainless steel, or silicone. These materials don’t release harmful chemicals or affect your food’s flavor.
• Free of nasty stuff: We’re talking PFAS, lead, cadmium, phthalates, and all Bisphenols. Like your cookware and dinnerware , your food storage should be healthy, too.
• Built to last: Durability matters, regardless of material. Most of our glass picks are borosilicate, which is longer-lasting (more sustainable) than regular glass.
• Eco-friendly: The container should be easily recyclable or compostable.
• Responsible brands: The brand should make an effort to better the planet, both through its products and practices.
• We put containers through the wringer. Leak tests, temperature changes, and even “old food” tests (leaving food in for two weeks!) to ensure they clean easily.

Remember, it’s not just about avoiding plastic. I look for containers that are safe, durable, and good for the planet.

With these criteria in mind, you can be sure you’re choosing the safest options for your food storage needs.

9 Best & Safest Non-Toxic Food Storage Containers: Reviewed

Now let’s explore the best non-toxic food storage containers in 2024 thus far. All nine below passed our extensive criteria evaluation detailed above.

#1: Anyday (Top Pick Overall)

• Materials: Frosted borosilicate glass body; lid. LFGB-certified platinum silicone seal.  100% Plastic-free.
• Appliances: Freezer, microwave, dishwasher, and *oven-safe (*500℉ bowl, 400℉ lid)
• US-based, made in China. Ships to US, Canada, and Australia
• Price range (food storage): $35 – $190
• 2-year warranty

• Steams food evenly, retaining more nutrients.
• Easy microwave use, consistent results, and versatility for various dishes.
• Durable and easy to clean: Built to last and won’t leave you scrubbing forever.
• Versatile: Perfect for storing, cooking, and reheating all kinds of food.
• Some issues with the steam vent knob leaking hot steam, so be careful.
• The container can get hot, so use mitts when handling them.
• It’s hard to tell the containers’ actual sizes and capacities from the pictures; they’re smaller than they appear.

I’m genuinely impressed with Anyday’s products. They not only reheat leftovers perfectly but excel in cooking meals from scratch in the microwave. For instance, I cooked raw chicken in them, and, to my delight, it was done in just eight minutes.

I thank their dome-shaped borosilicate bowls and silicone-sealed glass lids. Together, they create a tight seal that circulates steam, keeping food flavors intact and preventing it from drying out.

But my favorite part is the lid’s push-button knob, ensuring a 100% leak-proof seal, perfect for on-the-go. My “upside down” test confirmed this. Given its versatility and durability, Anyday is my top pick. The stainless options below are more durable for transport, but these are microwave-safe!

The 2-pack Starter Set from Anyday, with large shallow and deep dishes, is ideal for chicken, pasta, and more. Their Everyday and Complete sets offer a more robust food storage arsenal.

Beyond the kitchen, Anyday’s support for The Lee Initiative and Baby2Baby speaks volumes about their commitment to social causes. Plus, their use of glass—a recyclable and eco-friendly material—highlights their dedication to sustainability.

#2: U-Konserve

• Materials: 18/8 stainless steel body; clear LFGB-certified silicone lid.  100% Plastic-free.
• Appliances: Fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and *oven-safe (*containers only – 300℉). Not microwave-safe, but U-Konserve’s Bounce Box is.
• US-based, made in China. Ships to all US states (free for orders over $49) and select international shipping
• Price range (food storage): $11 – $100+
• 1-year warranty

• Durable yet surprisingly lightweight stainless steel construction, ensuring longevity.
• No plastic components, reducing waste and preventing chemical leaching.
• Suitable for a wide range of foods, dishwasher safe, and fits well in refrigerators and bags.
• Features clear-as-glass silicone lids, making it easy to spot what’s inside without opening.
• Some issues with the silicone lids popping off in the fridge.
• Containers are smaller than expected.

U-Konserve was almost left off my list because I’ve been loyal to another brand for years. Both offer the same materials and quality, with stackable designs using robust, non-toxic 18/8 stainless steel. Each uses LFGB-certified , leak-resistant silicone lids.

But I’m glad I gave U-Conserve a shot, as three things set them apart:

Firstly, they’re the only company offering clear silicone lids that let you see inside, a rare find. They also have teal and blue lids to simplify telling lunches apart.

Second, every container is marked with etched tare weights, useful for those who shop in bulk. This feature extends across their range, from a compact 5oz to a generous 50oz size, available in standard , divided , or nesting designs.

Lastly, beyond their use of recyclable stainless steel and silicone, U-Konserve goes even further to better the planet. As a Certified B-Corp, they donate 5% of sales to environmental charities, making them an eco-conscious pick.

#3: Caraway

• Materials: Tempered glass body; lids. Non-stick ceramic coated. Silicone lid seals. 100% Plastic-free.
• Appliances: Freezer, microwave, and *oven-safe up to 450ºF (*not lids or inserts)
• Pictured set  includes: 1 large, 2 medium, 2 small, 2 Dots (0.5-cup), 2 Dash (1.1-cup), 2 straps
• US-based, made in China. Ships to all US states, Canada, UK, EU, and Australia.
• Price range (food storage): $35 – $245

• High-quality glass and ceramic coating offers non-stick cleaning ease.
• Beautiful design and colors; comes with stylish packaging that’s great for gifting.
• No plastic components, reducing chemical leaching and environmental impact.
• Includes handy storage racks and is dishwasher safe, perfect for easy meal prep.
• Heavier weight might not be for everyone, especially if you have joint issues or limited storage space.
• Not 100% leak-proof, limiting their use for soups or other liquids.
• Extra care is needed to avoid damaging the coating (no metal utensils or abrasives!).
• Lids can be tricky to remove.

Caraway’s non-toxic storage containers are unique. Their standout feature? Easy non-stick cleanup without unhealthy PFAS coatings.

I tested their non-stick claim by leaving food in a container for two weeks (I know, gross). Cleaning took just seconds with soap and a sponge. Moreover, these containers are safe from chemical leaching, even if scratched or overheated. And the tight-sealing glass lids with Air Release Tech help keep your food fresh.

But the real magic? Adapting them into on-the-go bento boxes. The included Dot & Dash Inserts and straps simplify the process. Caraway also adds a touch of style with six color options and a unique storage rack for organization.

Notably, Caraway prioritizes environmental health. They use recyclable glass and PFAS-free coatings; their products ship without plastic.

Note: These are not 100% leak-proof – go with Anyday (#1), U-Konserve (#2), or Pyrex (#5) for 100% leak-proof containers.

Use soft silicone or wood utensils to not damage the non-stick coating. Also, Caraway claims these containers are dishwasher-safe. I recommend hand-washing; dishwashers degrade non-stick performance.

#4: Zip Top

• Materials: LFGB-certified silicone. 100% Plastic-free.
• Appliances: Freezer, microwave, and dishwasher-safe
• Made in the USA. Ships to all US states and Canada.
• Price range: $9.99 up to $100

• Reduces waste by replacing single-use plastic bags.
• Stand-up design for easy filling and eating directly from the bag; dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
• Versatile for meal prep; store dry snacks, freeze grains, and microwave leftovers.
• Sturdy construction provides a secure seal for dry contents.
• Not completely airtight or leak-proof; it’s better for dry foods.
• Strong-smelling foods can leave a lingering scent and stain, but this can happen with silicone (boiling the bag for 15 minutes helps!).
• Some issues with the bags not staying sealed if you don’t pay attention when closing.

Zip Top offers a 100% plastic-free alternative to Ziploc bags that doesn’t leach chemicals into your food. They help reduce disposable plastic pollution, made entirely from LFGB-certified silicone.

Unlike others, Zip Top’s one-piece design makes it extra durable. It’s not 100% leak-proof, but I prefer that over the plastic sliders most brands use. Thicker liquids like gravy generally won’t leak, but stuff like tomato soup will.

Furthermore, the upright design is a game-changer. It maximizes fridge space and allows mess-free snacking on the go (my usual choice is trail mix straight from my cup holder en route to hikes!).

But what truly won me over? Zip Top is the only company producing their bags in the US, something I’ve always championed. They cater to every need with six color options, 2-packs up to eight , and unique silicone “Dish” and “Cup” sets.

Lastly, their 100% recyclable US-made packaging further highlights their environmental responsibility.

#5: Pyrex Ultimate

• Materials: Tempered glass body; lid. Leak-proof silicone rims. 100% Plastic-free.
• Appliances: Microwave, freezer, dishwasher, and *oven-safe (*including the lids).
• Pictured set includes : Five versatile sizes: 16oz, 24oz, 32oz, 48oz, and 56oz.
• Container made in the USA; Lids made in China. Ships globally.
• Price: $79.99 for the Ultimate Set (pictured)

• The clear glass design lets you see what’s inside, the silicone rim is seamlessly integrated with the glass lid.
• Glass and silicone materials provide a sustainable alternative to plastic, avoiding harmful chemicals.
• Suitable for refrigeration, freezing, preheated oven, and microwave heating.
• Dishwasher-safe.
• The lids take up some space inside, so the usable storage volume might be less than you think.
• Reports of broken containers upon arrival due to inadequate packaging.

The Pyrex Ultimate set stands apart with its all-glass design, lids included. Silicone lid seals take the place of plastic, making the containers both airtight and leak-proof. This choice of materials—glass and silicone—makes the set health-safe and kind to the environment.

Now, these containers aren’t made from rugged borosilicate glass. Pyrex went to soda-lime years ago.

However, I’ve found their tempered glass to be just as reliable. In all my years of using them, none have broken due to temperature changes. Just avoid placing cold glass into a hot oven, and you’re good.

It’s also great seeing that Pyrex, through its parent company Instant Brands, commits to more than just non-toxic food storage. They support critical humanitarian efforts and strive for sustainable operations.

#6: Seed & Sprout (Plastic-Free Shop)

• Pictured Set Materials: Borosilicate glass bod; lid. LFGB-certified silicone rims. 100% Plastic-free.
• Appliances: Microwave, freezer, dishwasher, and oven-safe – including the lids (S&S silicone bags are not oven-safe)
• Pictured set : Round Glass Eco Stow | Praline.
• Based in Australia . Made in Australia, Taiwan, China, and India. Ships worldwide.
• Price range: Pictured set is $63. S&S food storage starts at $9.

• Durable glass containers suitable for fridge, freezer, and oven use.
• Ideal for meal prep, leftovers, and batch cooking, with the ability to stack neatly for efficient storage.
• Attractive design.
• Outstanding customer service.
• Sometimes, the lids do not seal properly, so you might need to use bands to secure them tightly.
• Not 100% airtight or leak-proof, so they’re best for dry foods or non-liquidy leftovers.

Seed & Sprout stands out as a shop entirely free from plastic, featuring a range of products from eco-friendly food storage to camping gear.

Their Eco Stow containers, crafted from borosilicate glass with silicone rims, are my favorite. Not only is borosilicate safe and recyclable, it lasts longer than regular glass. That means your S&S containers are even more sustainable.

The adjustable air vent on each lid further sets these containers apart. Open it for perfect reheating conditions; close it for prolonged food freshness. I wouldn’t trust the lids with watery soups, but they handle thicker sauces just fine.

Choosing your style is simple, thanks to various container sizes and silicone rim colors like Oatmilk and Praline. Plus, S&S walks the walk when it comes to environmental responsibility.

From their zero-emissions HQ to their Silicone Take-Back program, buying from them means supporting a good cause.

#7: Life Without Plastic (Plastic-Free Shop)

• Materials: Borosilicate glass body. Bamboo lid. FDA-certified silicone seal. Stainless steel versions: 18/8 stainless steel. FDA silicone lid seal. 100% Plastic-free
• Appliances: Freezer, microwave, *dishwasher, and *oven-safe (*container only – not bamboo lid). Stainless: Freezer, dishwasher, and oven-safe (without silicone seal).
• Canada-based, made in India and China. Ships globally.
• Price range (food storage): $10 up to $123

• The divided container is great for meal prepping.
• Sustainable bamboo lid, less prone to warping than wood.
• Limited food storage options are available.
• Not leak-proof without the included security band, causing issues if it gets lost.

Life Without Plastic stands out as another plastic-free haven. Their divided, non-toxic glass container is a meal-prepping gem. It’s made from tough borosilicate glass for versatile heating and sustainability (outlasts typical glass).

I prefer bamboo lids over wood for their water resistance, making them less likely to warp. Bamboo is faster-growing than wood also, making these lids more eco-friendly.

For on-the-go, the silicone seal and included security bands ensure leak-free transport. However, the container is still glass and breakable if dropped. LWP offers a leak-proof 54oz all-stainless container for a more rugged travel pick. The steel divider version shines for more organized meal prep.

Lastly, LWP’s Green America-certified ethos extends to plastic-free packaging and ethical sourcing. Their strong commitment to sustainability makes them a top-notch choice all around.

#8: Kilner Jars

• Materials: Borosilicate glass. Silicone lid seal. 100% Plastic-free.
• Appliances: Freezer, oven, dishwasher, and microwave-safe
• UK-based, made in China. Ships to US and UK
• Price range (food jars): $30 to $65
• 14-day refund window

• Clasp mechanism with leak-proof silicone seal keeps food fresh and plastic-free.
• Suitable for a wide range of uses, including meal prep, storing leftovers, and canning.
• Classic look with thick, high-quality glass for easy visibility and durability.
• Problems with the clasp mechanism failing after a few months, hinting that quality isn’t what it used to be.
• Some jars arrive damaged, possibly due to inadequate packaging.
• Customer service can be lacking.

Kilner jars are my go-to for keeping mixed nuts fresh. Since 1842, Kilner has led the way in food preservation and sustainability for three reasons—its use of rugged glass, its patented vacuum seal system, and its iconic design.

These jars are made of borosilicate glass, excelling in durability and eco-friendliness. This infinitely recyclable material lasts longer than standard glass, reducing its environmental footprint.

And Kilner’s renowned pressure system plays a key role in keeping food fresh, helping reduce waste.

Kilner doesn’t stop at canning jars, either. Their product line includes everything from clip-top oil bottles to small spice jars. Their 68 oz clip-top jars shine for storing bulky items like vegetables, cereal, and pasta.

#9: Bee’s Wraps

• Beeswax Wraps: Organic cotton, beeswax, organic plant oil, and tree resin.
• Vegan Wraps: Organic cotton, candelilla wax (instead of beeswax), soy wax, organic coconut oil, and tree resin.
• 100% Plastic-free .
• Appliances: Fridge and *freezer-safe (* completely wrap the food to prevent freezer burn)
• Made in the USA. Ships globally.
• Price range: $5.99 up to $99
• 30-day warranty

• Reusable, eco-friendly alternative to plastic.
• Versatile design easily molds around various foods and works great to cover bowls.
• Simple to clean with cold water and mild soap, drying quickly for reuse.
• A pleasant aesthetic and mild, honey-like scent add to the user experience.
• The beeswax coating can deteriorate and leave wax on your food if you’re not careful when washing. So, use cold water and be gentle!
• Questionable lifespan; might not get 12 months of use, despite gentle care.
• The tree resins used might trigger allergies. If you have allergies, avoid them.

Bee’s Wraps are a must-have for non-toxic food storage. These responsibly sourced, US-made wax wraps offer a 100% plastic-free alternative to Saran wrap.

With just the warmth of your hands, they form a breathable seal around your food, preserving it longer than plastic. And they’re reusable for up to 12 months, claiming to save 1,667 sq. feet of plastic yearly per pack. After a year, Bee’s Wraps compost naturally into the earth. Or, if you’re a camper like me, they double as excellent fire starters!

I recommend the assorted 3-pack to start (large, medium, and small – one each), then stock up on your favorite size. Or, explore their bread wraps , DIY roll wraps , and wax food storage bags – great for heads of lettuce.

Beyond just food storage, Bee’s Wraps is committed to sustainability. They’re a certified B-Corp and 1% for the Planet member. Through these memberships, they actively work towards reducing pollution.

Hand-wash in cool water; air dry. Avoid hot water, storing near sunny windows, and leaving in hot cars, as these will ruin the wax.

Four Safest Food Storage Container Materials: Explained

1. Glass: The Clean Champion

• Superpower: Doesn’t stain or react with food (even the acidic stuff!), so it’s great for everything .
• Microwave & Dishwasher Safe
• Eco-Friendly: Endlessly recyclable, making it kind to the planet.
• Bonus: For baking in the oven, choose “borosilicate” glass for extra toughness.

2. Stainless Steel: The Tough Titan

• Superpower: Resists rust and doesn’t leach chemicals, even with acidic or fatty foods. However, i f you have a known allergy to chromium or nickel,  you should avoid stainless steel cookware.
• Easy to Clean & Dishwasher-Safe
• Versatile: Perfect for fridge storage or oven reheating without risking thermal shock breakage.
• Bonus: Choose 18/8 (304-grade) for the best protection against corrosion.

3. Silicone: The Flexible Friend

• Superpower: Durable, eco-friendly, and heat-resistant, making it microwave and dishwasher-safe.
• Lightweight & Shatterproof.
• Bonus: Choose FDA-approved or LFGB-certified silicone for guaranteed safety. If an oily residue doesn’t come off after washing, a 15-minute boil will fix that.

4. Wax Food Wraps: The Eco-Hero

• Superpower: Made from organic cotton and beeswax (or plant-based waxes for vegans!), offering a sustainable and plastic-free alternative to Saran wrap.
• Reusable & Compostable: Use them for up to a year, then toss them in the compost bin.
• Bonus: Use your hand heat to loosen the wax and seal it around food, bowls, or containers.

Why You Should Avoid Plastic Food Containers: Health & Environmental Risks

Key Takeaways:

• Plastic Container Risk. Plastics can release harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into food, especially when heated. These chemicals pose health risks like endocrine disruption and developmental issues. Plastic also harms the environment through chemical and microplastic leaching. Even BPA-free plastics may not be safe.
• Choose Safer Alternatives: Opt for phthalate and Bisphenol-free options like glass, stainless steel, silicone, and wax. These materials are healthier, eco-friendly, and free from the drawbacks of plastic, such as lingering odors and stains.

The Details: Plastic containers can be problematic, especially when they’re old or heated. They might release harmful substances like BPA and phthalates into your food. This is particularly true for storing acidic foods in plastic containers and then reheating them.

You’ll find BPA in polycarbonates, a clear, hard plastic often used for reusable water bottles.

Phthalates , which make plastics soft and flexible, are usually in PVC. Unless labeled otherwise, it’s safe to assume that flexible plastics contain phthalates.

The issue with these chemicals is significant. They disrupt our endocrine system and can lead to:

• Developmental issues (especially in children) such as ADHD
• Heart problems

Even plastics labeled “BPA-free” may contain BPS or BPF instead of BPA, which pose similar health risks .

The environmental impact is equally concerning. Plastic containers can linger for centuries, polluting the planet and harming marine life. They release microplastics and other pollutants into the soil and water – UNEP .

So, it’s wise to choose alternatives free from phthalates and Bisphenols. Glass, stainless steel, silicone, and wax are healthier and better for the environment. They’re recyclable and don’t hold onto stains or odors like plastic can.

Safer Plastics for Food Storage Containers (& Which to Definitely Avoid)

I hesitate to say non-toxic plastic food storage containers exist. But, some plastics are safer than others for food storage:

Let’s quickly go over the safest (and most unsafe) plastics. Each has its resin code (recycling #) listed for easy identification at home.

Safer Plastics :

• PP: #5 , Polypropylene. A stiff, heat-resistant plastic with a cloudy appearance. It’s often used in food storage containers and baby bottles. PP is ideal for food use due to its stability when heated.
• Virgin (non-recycled) LDPE: #4 , Low-density polyethylene. This flexible plastic is chemically resistant and often used for PVC-free wraps and packaging. Avoid recycled LDPE for food storage as it becomes less safe when processed.
• Virgin (non-recycled) HDPE: #2 , High-density polyethylene. Common in milk or juice bottles, yogurt cups, and laundry detergent bottles. This milky-white plastic resists moisture and doesn’t leach chemicals when heated. Recycled or reused HDPE is less safe.
• PET: #1 , Polyethylene terephthalate. A semi-rigid, clear plastic often used in peanut butter or salad dressing containers. PET contains no harmful chemicals and fights corrosion, making it safer for food use.
• Pro tip: Generally, soft, flexible, and cloudy plastic containers are less likely to contain BPA.

Least safe plastics:

• PC: #7 , Polycarbonates. A clear, hard plastic often used for food storage containers and kitchen appliances. It contains BPA and can leach these chemicals when heating food (especially acidic and alkaline foods) – NIH.
• PVC: #3 , Polyvinyl chloride. Soft and flexible plastic often found in shower curtains. It contains phthalates that can leach into food when heated or exposed to fatty or acidic foods.
• PS: #6 , polystyrene. Hard, brittle plastic that can leach the neurotoxin styrene when heated, though it’s safe in a solid, unheated state . You’ll often find PS in takeout containers and non-see-through disposable cutlery.

Even if plastic is labeled “ microwave-safe ,” “BPA-free,” and “phthalate-free,” it can break down over time. It can leach trace amounts of production additives into food when that happens.

These leachable chemicals include degradation phenols and flame retardants such as triphenyl phosphate (TPP). Like bisphenols, they cause estrogenic activity in the body – EHJournal .

Plastic that is old/ worn-out, heated, or exposed to UV light increases the risk of leaching. Acidic foods are another stressor.

So, follow these guidelines to ensure safer usage with any plastic container:

• Avoid heating food in plastic containers.
• Do not serve hot food in plastic.
• Do not reuse single-use plastic containers (like commercial food packaging and takeout containers).
• Avoid washing plastic containers in the dishwasher.
• Dispose of old and worn-out plastic containers.

Recap & Conclusion

To wrap up, let’s quickly recap the main takeaways here:

• The best non-toxic food storage containers come in glass, stainless steel, silicone, and wax. We can also throw ceramic in the mix; just ensure it’s lead- and cadmium-free.
• Always choose 18/8 stainless steel for its durability and safety.
• For silicone, pick items certified by the FDA or LFGB, with the latter being the safest type.
• If using plastic, avoid PC (#7), PVC (#3), and PS (#6).
• Avoid microwaving plastic containers. Also, don’t reuse takeout containers; throw away any old or damaged Tupperware.

P.S. Now that you’ve got the gist of the safest food storage containers, it’s time to check your cookware for PFAS and heavy metals. See our safe cookware guide !

Hi there! I'm Adam, author and founder of TGL. Since 2016, I've produced and sold non-toxic kitchenware throughout the US. Today, I'm using my passion and experience in sustainable product manufacturing to help families avoid unsafe reusable foodware. When I'm not writing, you'll find me hiking or camping throughout Appalachia!

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13 Best Travel Toiletry Bottles: Editor Tested, Leakproof, & Reusable

By Meaghan Kenny

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Beauty and skincare products like shampoo, moisturizer, and face wash are essential on every packing list , whether you're heading to a hotel or are staying with friends or family. Since buying miniature versions of your favorite products can be expensive—and typically means purchasing a whole lot of single-use plastics—having practical and reliable toiletry travel bottles you can pull out for every trip is a must.

To make sure the reusable bottles we're throwing in our Dopp kit are easy to use and don't leak, we tested out a variety of affordable travel sets to see which ones actually get the job done. Below, you'll find 13 of the best travel toiletry bottles that will protect the contents of your luggage—and all of the creams, soaps, and serums you've shelled out for—and keep you organized on the go. Even better, all of these picks are TSA-friendly in size, so you don't have to worry about any of your favorite products being thrown out at the airport. As an added bonus, many of these travel bottles are available on Amazon Prime, so you can get your hands on them quickly before a last-minute getaway.

How we tested

I scoured the internet to find the most popular travel toiletry bottles—searching a variety of retailers, reading hundreds of reviews, and considering online ratings. After my initial research, I put many reusable toiletry bottles to the test, trying out dozens of options that range in price, size, and design. I've had some of these toiletry bottles for over a year and they've accompanied me on a mix of weeklong vacations in checked luggage and short weekend trips in tightly-packed duffel bags .

Over the last several months, I tested another batch of options: I've filled them with a variety of skincare, hair care, and body products—thick body wash, contact solution, and leave-in conditioner included. I've even left these filled containers upside down overnight to see if there were any unexpected leaks. My findings: There are many great options on the market to choose from and you don't need to break the bank to find the perfect set for you. Below, the best travel toiletry bottles to pack wherever you're headed next .

Our top picks

• Best overall: Tocelffe 18-Pack travel bottles
• Best for easy packing: Cadence The Capsule Flex System
• Best for in-shower products: LiquiSnugs silicone travel bottles
• Best for perfume: Vonovo mini refillable perfume bottles
• Best for contact solution: Cauyuan portable contact lens case

Browse reusable bottles for:

Hair and body wash, cleansers and serums, contact lens care, a variety of products.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

No matter how organized I try to stay, my bathroom counter at every hotel always becomes cluttered with my many toiletries and hair products . The LiquiSnugs look like your classic silicone travel bottles, but they feature a clever suction cup on the back that allows you to stick them onto any shower wall—freeing up limited counter space. These are great for in-shower products like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. This set of four bottles features two 3-ounce bottles and two 2-ounce bottles, so you can choose how much product you need depending on the length of your trip. Another smart design feature: Twist the top to adjust the label name so you won't forget what's inside. I've had these for about a year now and I consistently reach for these to pack shampoo and conditioner.

Pros : The unique suction cup design makes them great for shower products.

Cons : These occasionally will fall off shower walls if there's not a little bit of water to keep them in place.

This Amazon bestseller is versatile enough for every type of traveler. The 18-pack from Tocelffe features four silicone bottles of varying size (two 3-ounce bottles and two 2-ounce bottles), four small jars for creams and serums, two spray bottles, two spatulas, a funnel, labels, and a cleaning brush. These all come in a waterproof toiletry bag that you can reuse to carry makeup or tech essentials. In this set, I find myself mostly reaching for the ultra-soft silicone bottles, which are great for products like body wash, face cleanser, and micellar water. Each of these bottles feature three-layer leak-proof tops so you don't have to worry about spills in your bag. Something I love about these bottles is how they can be bent and squeezed easily to get every last bit of product out of them.

Pros: Very affordable, comes in a clear toiletry case, and the bottles' wide opening makes it easy to refill. Cons: The small plastic jars are not as reliable as the silicone bottles in this set.

If you're just looking for a few affordable no-frills travel bottles, these are for you. Available in a variety of colors, the silicone bottles do just what they say they will. They're leakproof, come in a set of four, and are easy to refill and clean. While there’s no bells and whistles, these three-ounce bottles pleasantly surprised me with just how much product they fit compared to some of the other classic silicone bottles we tested, making them an ideal option for a longer vacation. Plus, these have an average of 4.5 stars on Amazon with over 11,000 global reviews.

Pros: Versatility; available in many colorways

Cons : This set doesn't come with labels or a proper toiletry case.

Another solid choice for travelers is this set of four 3-ounce silicone travel bottles. These are squeezable, leakproof, and versatile enough to use for everything from shower products and soaps to sauces and baby food. These reusable bottles are all the same size and each a different color so you can differentiate them. Bonus: This set comes in a transparent toiletry case to keep them all organized in.

Pros : This set is available in a dozen colorways; wide opening makes them easy to refill without needing a funnel. Cons : This set doesn't come with labels.

If you prefer to bring along a bar of soap instead of using what's provided at the hotel, this compact soap box is a great travel companion. Inside, there's a soap mat that absorbs any excess water and prevents the soap from becoming mushy. I've used other plastic soap cases before without a mat and it always leaves a mess. This one features a silicone band that wraps tightly around the box for extra protection, and is about the size of a deck of cards.

Pros : Fits most commonly used soap brands, affordable, and features a simple-to-use design.

Cons : The soap box needs the band to stay secure so be careful not to lose it.

I've been a fan of Cadence's capsules for a few years now. These leakproof, airtight, and watertight magnetic capsules are unlike any other travel bottles I've used and are a true game changer when it comes to packing your own beauty products. The individual capsules magnetically snap together to take up as little space as possible in your Dopp kit and are designed without any right angles or edges, so you get every last bit of product available.

The original .56-ounce individual capsules are great for weekend trips and storing small items like daily vitamins and safety pins. The Capsule Flex System allows you to customize your own bundle with your choice of small , medium , and large sizes, as well as The Extender —an add-on that allows you to increase the size of the bottle when you need more room. This makes it so easy to customize your travel routine, whether you want to pack extra product for longer trips or bring enough body wash for you and your travel buddy. With The Flex System, you can still choose your own label for each capsule (the labels are interchangeable), as well as the color and number of capsules in your bundle.

Pros : It's easy to get every last drop of product inside each capsule and they are so easy to rinse out and reuse. The custom labels can be swapped out depending on what you're packing.

Cons : These are the most expensive option on our list.

I was eager to test out the Ries travel bottles after hearing a lot of buzz about the product and seeing them make their way into retailers like Sephora and Goop. These are a more elevated, aesthetically pleasing take on the classic reusable travel bottles you may have used in the past. Ries prioritized sustainability and design with these essentials: Each bottle is made from recycled plastic and features a large opening at the top, which makes it easy to refill and clean (not to mention, they're dishwasher safe). Travelers can purchases these bottles individually (a 3.4-ounce bottle or a 1.7-ounce bottle) or in a set with both sizes . My favorite thing about these bottles is the airless pump—I feel so glamorous while doing my nighttime skincare routine with these, and it makes it easier to use products like face wash or cleanser on the road. The bottles are pre-labeled (shampoo, conditioner, body, face) and you can twist the top to the side to conceal the opening, so product won't spill out.

Pros : Sustainably made; if you prefer a pump, these are for you.

Cons : On the pricier side; the bottles are a bit bulky and take up a little more room in my makeup bag than most travel-size products I use.

Finally, a solution to my contact lens woes. I can't count the number of times I've stopped into a drugstore to buy a mini bottle of contact lens solution before heading out on a trip, or to pick up rewetting drops because I'm dealing with dry contacts while away from home. This compact case makes cleaning and caring for contacts on the go much easier—it comes with an easy-to-fill reusable dropper that gives me a long weekend's worth of solution, a contact case, and has a mirror to help get them in and out. (I don't like to fly in contacts, so this is particularly handy if I forget to switch to my glasses before leaving home.) It weighs next to nothing, and will fit in all but my smallest handbags, so I've been keeping it on me regularly, not just when traveling. — Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

Pros : It comes with a tiny pair of tweezers to make removing contacts from the case less messy. Cons : The contact solution holder isn't large enough for weeklong trips.

I admit I've also been guilty of buying mini versions of my favorite contact solution. As much as I love reusable toiletry bottles for my skincare and hair products, I've never had anything that felt right for the consistency of my contact solution. I wear daily lenses, meaning I don't need a whole lot of solution with me when I travel, so it is a little frustrating to carry around a bottle that takes up precious space in my Dopp kit. Lately, I've been carrying about the Cauyuan eye glass case which comes with a super small dropper for contact solution. This refillable dropper holds just enough contact solution for weekend trips and shorter vacations and takes up such little space (I've even found myself tossing it in my handbag in case my eyes get a little dry.) This durable case keeps all of my eye care essentials together and protected, with a separate compartment for eye glasses, and another that holds the dropper, tweezers, a contact case, and a mirror.

Pros : All of my eyewear essentials are now in once place and stay organized; the dropper is small enough to fit in a tiny purse. Cons : The compartment for your eye glasses is on the small size—if you have thick or bulky frames, they might not fit.

I've never found a reusable spray bottle for my perfume that I've liked, so I've always relied on buying miniature versions of each of my favorite fragrances. But let's be real—those travel-size perfume bottles are expensive! They're often made of glass, too, making them vulnerable to breaking in your luggage. Enter the Vonovo mini refillable perfume bottles: Each of these holds 0.2 ounces of your favorite scent, more than enough for a long vacation. This set comes with five spray bottles, so you can bring along any of your favorites—or all of them. And they are so easy to use—simply pull off the top of your full-size perfume, press the bottom of the mini bottle on top of it, and keep clicking until its refilled. Each of the bottles have a clear vial inside so you can see how much product you have left. My favorite part: These are so tiny—think the size of a lipstick— meaning I can even bring them with me on a date night when I'm only carrying a small purse .

Pros : Easy to refill and compact enough to fit in even the tiniest of travel bags Cons : These spray bottles wont match the look of your full-size perfume and don't have labels, so you'll have to remember based on the color of the mini bottle you choose. Also, these can be refilled with the same perfume, but I wouldn't recommend reusing them with another scent.

For those with a more rigid skincare or haircare routine, this 16-pack lets you bring along every last product you want—and it all fits into one reusable case. The set comes with four silicone bottles, four jars, two spray bottles, two scoopers, a funnel, and a cleaning brush. The variety means you can pack everything from soap and shampoo to serums and sprays in here, and the cleaning brush makes the bottles easy to clean and re-use. I like this set best for packing my more expensive skincare serums and creams in the small jars that have a scooper to use.

Pros : A variety of types of containers

Cons : The toiletry case the bottles come in isn't the best quality.

The Kitsch Ultimate travel set includes leakproof holders that are compact and lightweight enough to pack in a purse or tote bag . In addition to three flat pouches, this set also comes with two pump bottles, two mini jars, one mini funnel, one mini spatula, and one mini pipette. This set is best for a longer trip—say, a European vacation or a cross-country road trip —as you can store a lot more shampoo, conditioner, and lotions in the pouches without going over any TSA limits (plus, they'll get lighter as you use them).

Pros : The flat pouches are easy to pack and take up less room in a Dopp kit than bulkier bottles.

Cons : The pouches are a little bit harder to refill than bottles with a wide opening.

If you're packing toiletries for your entire family , this 21-pack of travel bottles has you covered. This package comes with four silicone bottles, four cream jars, four toothbrush covers, two spray bottles, two pump bottles, two trowels, a funnel, and labels to keep everything straight. Whether it's a trip to Disney World or multi-generational cruise , this set makes packing for the whole family easy.

Pros : These come with toothbrush covers–a nice travel accessory that none of the other options on our list offers.

Cons : Not ideal for weekend trips or light packers.

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• Travel Products
• Travel Accessories

The 13 Best Water Bottles of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Stay hydrated wherever you go with these durable and insulated water bottles.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Others We Liked
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Janelle Jones

For hiking trips, biking adventures, and commuting to the office, a reusable water bottle is a great way to increase your hydration and cut down on single-use plastics. We tested dozens of popular water bottles to determine the very best based on qualities like durability, portability, and the ability to retain temperatures. 

When picking out a water bottle, it’s important to factor in weight, size, and material so you purchase a container that best fits your needs. To find the best water bottles on the heavily saturated market, we put the most popular and innovative designs through a series of tests in our Lab. After all the jostling, dropping, and critiquing we put them through, the Thermoflask Double Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle is our top pick if you’re looking for a bottle that’s easy to carry around, keeps water cold, and has a leak-proof lid. 

Best Overall

Thermoflask stainless steel water bottle.

• Drinkability 5 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5
• Insulation 4 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5

This stainless steel bottle is easy to carry, keeps water cold for hours, and has a reliable, leak-proof lid that was still in pristine condition after being dropped on the floor three times. 

This high-capacity water bottle is bigger and heavier than others we tested.

The Thermoflask Double Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle is the ideal water bottle for everyday use. Whether you’re going to the gym or running errands, this vacuum-insulated, stainless steel bottle has a comfortable grip with a convenient handle for carrying, and it fits in a standard-sized vehicle cup holder. No need to worry about backpack spills—we were impressed with the strong seal that prevented leaking, even when we vigorously shook the bottle. Depending on your day-to-day needs, you can switch between two lids that come with the Thermoflask: one straw top and one chug cap that remained leak-proof after being dropped lid-down on the ground three times. We thought the chug cap was comfortable to drink from, and it provided a steady flow of water without any chance of spillage while sipping. The straw lid is ideal for exercising or when you’re otherwise busy, thanks to a tiny air pressure hole that allows you to drink continuously with one hand or hands-free. 

If you want a great travel accessory that provides an ample reserve of chilled water all day long, this is your winner. The Thermoflask’s double-wall insulation did an excellent job of keeping water temperature steady over six hours, only warming 3 degrees in that time — making it perfect to keep in your tennis bag on a sunny day on the court. In addition to being perfectly cold, water from the Thermoflask tasted pure and fresh with absolutely none of the metallic or plastic flavor transfer that can come along with some lesser bottles. While we tested the cobalt blue model, there are four other colors to choose from, including white, black, purple, and light blue. The 40-ounce model is ideal when you need a robust supply of hydration, but the Thermoflask is available in 18- to 64-ounce bottles if you have different capacity needs.

The Details: 40 ounces | BPA-free stainless steel | Chug spout or straw

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Overall, Runner-up

Yeti stainless steel bottle.

• Portability 4 /5
• Durability 5 /5

The chug cap is uniquely pleasant to drink out of, and the water bottle sustained no leaks or scratches after we dropped it three times.

The bottle felt heavy to carry and didn’t fit securely in a standard-sized cup holder.

For a durable water bottle built to withstand a rugged lifestyle, the Yeti Rambler 26-ounce Bottle is a solid choice. We found that the water didn’t absorb any metallic taste, and it felt natural to drink out of the narrow chug cap, which was effective at preventing spilling. Drinking from the bottle is easy because of its comfortable mouthpiece. While it barely fits in a standard car cup holder, the bottle slipped into our backpack’s water bottle pocket nicely. This bottle also regulates temperature effectively; the water only rose 2 degrees after six hours. Although the Yeti Rambler felt slightly bulky and heavy, the flaws will be worth it to those who need a durable container that can provide refreshing gulps hours into an outdoor venture . We dropped the bottle three times, and although it didn’t sustain scratches or leaks, there was some minor denting on its body. Still, we think this is a sturdy choice for comfortable drinking in a variety of settings. 

The Details: 26 ounces | 18/8 Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe | Chug spout

Travel + Leisure / Janelle Jones

Best Insulation

Takeya actives water bottle.

• Insulation 5 /5

This water bottle remained dent- and leak-free after being dropped three times, and the ice water’s temperature even got colder after six hours. 

It’s too tall and wide for a standard-sized cup holder, and a few tiny drops leaked when we carried it around.

If you prefer your water ice-cold, don’t go anywhere without the Takeya Actives Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle. It performed the best out of all of the bottles during the temperature testing: The water was actually 5 degrees colder after six hours in the bottle, thanks to melted ice and vacuum insulation. According to Takeya, the bottle will keep hot liquids at the same temperature for 12 hours, and cold liquid frigid for 24 hours. We were also impressed with the lid of the bottle, noting that it’s “just the right size so that you can get as much water as you want without spilling and can get a perfect flow of water from it.” Its 24-ounce capacity means you won't have to buy multiple bottles of water, so it's also a money-saving travel product . Along with the double-walled stainless steel material of the main bottle, the lid is insulated to prevent condensation from building up and lowering the water temperature. When we walked around with the bottle, a few drops did escape, but there was no leaking when we shook it. The size of the bottle was a great fit for a backpack holder, but is too tall to rest securely in a vehicle cup holder. While the bottle might be too big for some car commuters, we think it’s a great everyday companion that will keep your water cold all year long.

The Details: 24 ounces | BPA-free stainless steel | Chug spout

Best Collapsible

Nomader collapsible water bottle.

• Drinkability 4.5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Insulation 2 /5
• Durability 4 /5

The silicone bottle rolls into a small pouch and still feels stable to drink from without any plasticky aftertaste.

This bottle is not insulated and won’t keep water cold for long.

Our top pick for the best collapsible water bottle, the Nomader Water Bottle impressed us with its ability to seamlessly roll up into a small pouch and expand into a full-size water bottle that remained leak-proof during heavy shaking. Although the silicone water bottle isn’t insulated, the water tasted normal and didn’t have any plasticky aftertaste. The lid was pleasant to drink from, although the cap does touch your face when you do so. The Nomader felt stable despite being made of squishy silicone; when we dropped the bottle onto its lid, however, the plastic cap cracked a bit. Meanwhile, the body bounced off the floor without leaving any scuffs or damage. Ideal for packing, the Nomader water bottle will keep you hydrated and save space in your bag. 

The Details: 22 ounces | BPA-free silicone | Dishwasher safe | Chug spout

Best with Straw

Brita insulated filtered water bottle.

 Amazon

• Seal 4.5 /5

The lid flips open and clicks shut, providing a durable seal to prevent leaking.

The aluminum base wasn’t as durable as the other bottles we tested.

The Brita Stainless Steel Filter Bottle has a sleek design with eight matte colors to choose from in 20- or 32-ounce sizes. During testing, we loved the pure taste from the internal water-filtering straw. The bottle comes with one filter that will need to be replaced once every two months, per Brita’s instructions. The lid of the cap flips open to reveal a silicone mouthpiece, and while we were skeptical of the texture, it ended up being comfortable to drink from. When we shook the bottle around, not one drop escaped from the mouthpiece, but when we dropped it lid-down, the base dented easily and the seal broke, causing the cap to leak a bit. The bottle fits in a standard backpack and cup holder, and there is a wide handle on the top of the lid that is smooth to hold when you need to carry it. After sitting out for six hours, the ice inside of the bottle melted, and the water temperature decreased by three degrees. The Filter Bottle comes in an array of unique colors, including ruby and jade. If you’re looking for a bottle that will keep your water chilled and filtered, this Brita design is a great option, but we recommend handling it with some care so it won’t dent. 

The Details: 20 and 32 ounces | Stainless steel | Straw

Best Stainless Steel

Hydro flask 24 oz standard mouth bottle.

• Insulation 3.5 /5
• Durability 3.5 /5

The bottle is comfortable to hold with a solid grip, and the wide mouth was pleasant to drink out of.

There were a few dents after dropping the bottle, and the water temperature went up after six hours.

If you’re in search of a no-frills stainless steel water bottle, the Hydro Flask Standard-mouth Flex Cap Bottle is a wise choice. During testing, the bottle performed well and impressed us with a sturdy grip, and the width of the mouth made for a comfortable lip to drink from. We thought the jointed loop handle was easy to hold and allowed the bottle to sway and move around naturally. However, someone with bigger hands might find the loop of the handle to be too small. If that’s the case, the bottle fits perfectly into a backpack water bottle sleeve and a car cup holder. Although the body of the bottle dented when we dropped it, the flaws were only cosmetic, and the functionality remained intact. Over time, the bottle would likely get dented and scratched, but it would stay functional and leak-proof for everyday use. If feel is more important to you than aesthetics, this could be the right bottle for you.

The Details: 18 ounces | 18/8 Pro-grade stainless steel | Dishwasher safe | Canteen lid

Best for Biking

Camelbak podium bike water bottle.

• Drinkability 3 /5

The bottle had a solid grip while being held, and it was unaffected by our durability tests.

The spout needs to be pulled out by hand, and this is not an insulated bottle.

The CamelBak Podium Bike Water Bottle is a lightweight, BPA-free water bottle optimized for cycling. We were impressed with the bottle’s durability, as it had no issues being dropped on the ground several times. It sustained no leaks, cracks, or scratches, which is ideal for mountain or terrain biking where there’s a possibility that your bottle could fall out of a holder at high speeds. The plastic design of the bottle can’t keep water cold, but it has more give to securely fit into a bike’s holder without rattling around like a clunky stainless steel model. When we shook the bottle to test for leaks, it remained secure without any drops coming out of the spout. The spout does require a hand to open, so you may need to stop to drink from it when you’re on a bike. We had to squeeze the bottle to access water, since there is no straw or wide-mouth cap. While this bottle can’t keep water cold for the duration of an extended bike ride, we think its durability and lightweight design make it a reliable piece of gear for your next ride.

The Details: 21 ounces | BPA-free plastic | Chug spout

Best Filtering

Grayl ultrapress filter bottle.

• Insulation 2.5 /5

The non-slip rubber base had a comfortable grip and prevented damage to the plastic body when we dropped it. 

The water temperature increased after six hours.

With a high-grade water filtration system, the Grayl Ultrapress Water Purifier and Filter Bottle is a great asset to have when camping or hiking. The manufacturer claims that the filtration system removes 99.9 percent of viruses, bacteria, and protozoan cysts and filters out dirt and chemicals. We were impressed by the bottle’s durability and comfort while drinking from the vented spout. The hard plastic material is coated with a soft grip cover that was comfortable to hold, and the jointed handle was easy to grasp. Drinking from the spout felt natural, and it closed securely without any leaks occurring during testing. While the price point is higher than most bottles, we think the durability, ease of use, and filtration system are worth it. 

The Details: 16.9 ounces | Polypropylene | Chug spout

Corkcicle Canteen

It's easy to drink from and comes in multiple fun colors and designs.

It dented badly after being dropped.

This chic water bottle is easy to drink from and doesn't leak even when shaken. The bottle isn't too large and has a smooth-but-not-slick exterior that is easy to hold or store in most bags' side pockets. During our insulation tests, this bottle had one of the best performances, keeping water cold even after six hours in our lab (it's advertised with the ability to keep liquids cold for up to 25 hours.) The bottle did, however, dent during our drop test, so it may not be as durable for everyday use as other stainless steel options, but makes for a stylish statement water bottle to bring on low-risk adventures.

The Details: 16 ounces | Stainless steel | Canteen lid

Best Plastic

Yeti yonder water bottle.

• Insulation 3 /5

It's completely leak-proof.

It isn't insulated.

This Yeti bottle is made of 50 percent recycled plastic and BPA-free plastic for a lightweight alternative to heavier stainless steel bottles. The tether cap is easy to use and prevents leaks, even if you toss it into your backpack or carry-on for a full day on the town. It also fits into all standard-sized cupholders and water bottle pockets for easy access. Throughout our tests, the bottle was dropped and thrown around more times than we could count — on grass, tile, and carpet — and it didn't suffer any scratches or scuffs. While this water bottle isn't insulated, the lighter material makes for a sleek option perfect for those who want to minimize bag weight.

The Details: 20, 25, 34, and 50 ounces | Plastic | Dishwasher safe | Canteen lid

Best Filtered

Larq bottle filtered.

It keeps water cold for hours, even in extreme temperatures.

The filters need to be replaced every two months and are $20 each.

To ensure you have access to safe drinking water wherever you go, consider this filtered water bottle by Larq. While the large filter does take up some room in the body of the bottle, it's definitely worth it to make sure you stay hydrated wherever you go. Simply fill your bottle from your nearest water fountain or bathroom faucet and enjoy crisp, clean water every time. During three months of tests, the bottle never leaked, even when brought on planes, trains, buses, and the subway inside bags and clipped to the outside with the built-in carabiner. We even used this bottle in Egypt in the middle of July and it kept the water cold for hours. This is a pricey bottle, but constant access to reliable drinking water (especially when traveling) makes this bottle well-worth the price.

The Details: 17 and 25 ounces | Stainless steel | Straw

Best with Handle

Stanley 40 oz stainless steel h2.0 flowstate quencher tumbler.

It's perfect if you're going on a road trip or driving as it will last you a long time and keep your water pretty cold.

It is not leak proof and water will come out if it turns on its side.

At this point, Stanley Tumblers are synonymous with it-girl-hydration. These large bottles keep water cold for hours, feature a convenient straw, and come in a variety of sizes so you can pick your favorite. Plus, the sturdy and convenient handle is great for travel — whether you're going for a walk or heading to the airport. While the tumbler can get quite heavy, it's the perfect choice for taking to the gym or bringing on your next road trip since it holds plenty of water. We prepared our water with ice before bed and waking up the next day, the water was still cold. The exterior is also shockingly durable and looks brand new even after we've dropped it on the sidewalk several times

The Details: 14, 20, 30, 40 and 64 ounces | Stainless Steel | Dishwasher safe | Straw

Best for Hiking

Wondery fifty states bucket list water bottle.

The stickers are well-designed and a fun motivator to head to new destinations.

Be sure to store your unused stickers in a safe space as replacement stickers cost extra.

This water bottle is such a fun idea, you'll want to buy one for yourself and your favorite hiking buddy. The Wonder Outdoors Bucket List Bottles come in the Fifty States design, The Original Parks of the USA , Euro Trip , and more. Each bottle comes with several sticker sheets, so as you travel to new destinations, you can peel off the sticker and add it to the outside of your bottle. Perfect for new travelers, youngsters, and bucket list adventurers, this bottle is even dish washer safe (although hand washing will help the stickers last longer.)

We love that the bottle comes with a sturdy handle that you can use for holding or as an attachment piece for the outside of your pack. It's also a great size for hiking, at 32-ounces, it provides plenty of water for shorter hikes, but doesn't add too much weight to your set-up.

The Details: 32 ounces | Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe | Straw

We tested dozens of popular water bottles in our New York City lab and in the real world to find out which ones have the best drinkability, durability, portability, insulation, and leak-proof levels.

We first filled up their water bottles one-quarter of the way full of ice, and the remaining space was filled with cold water from a machine. We then measured and recorded the water temperatures. Then, we each took sips from our bottles while standing, walking, and sitting, to evaluate how comfortable each one was to drink from, whether there was any spilling, and how easy or difficult it was to take big gulps. To test the seals, we shook the closed bottles, hold them upside down for one minute, and then place them in a backpack and walk around for five minutes. The bags and bottles were carefully inspected to see whether any drops had escaped.

Our portability tests included having the testers grip each bottle as well as carry it with any included handles to judge the weight and how natural it felt to hold. We placed each water bottle in a standard-size car cup holder and a backpack water bottle pocket to see how convenient it would be to transport them in these common ways. 

Next, we assessed durability by dropping the bottles onto the ground from the height of a table. The bottles were dropped three times so that they landed on their bodies and three times with the lid facing the hard floor. That allowed us to see how easily the bottles got dented or scratched and whether the lids broke and rendered the bottles unusable.

Lastly, we tested the insulation of each bottle by letting them sit in the sun for six hours, taking the temperature again halfway through the wait period and then one final time after the full six hours.

Other Water Bottles We Liked

There were some water bottles that almost made our list, but a few weaknesses during testing meant they didn’t make the cut.

Purist Mover : While we thought the bottle was easy to grip and drink out of, it was easily dented during the durability test and even leaked afterwards. The bottle didn’t perform as well as we had hoped, given its somewhat lofty price. 

Kleen Kanteen Insulated TKWide 32-ounce with Chug Cap : Although this bottle was durable and retained temperature well, there was nothing remarkable about it that stood out in comparison to other insulated bottles we tested. 

Tips for Buying a Water Bottle

Consider the material’s durability and insulation.

The material of a water bottle affects its durability, ability to retain water temperature, and weight. We found that insulated stainless steel bottles were the most effective in keeping the water temperature cold after six hours. While stainless steel is generally durable, you can expect a few cosmetic flaws after prolonged use, like dents or scratches. Although plastic water bottles won’t keep your water cold over time, they are ideal for someone who is looking for a lightweight, travel-friendly bottle—especially the folding bottles that are perfect for saving space. Since glass bottles have the potential to break or shatter, we recommend being mindful of the activities you would use them for. 

Certain types of lids and spouts suit different activities 

There are several common types of lids for water bottles, including straws, screw tops, chug caps, and sports caps. With a straw lid, there will be an external straw spout that flips up on the cap and attaches to the internal straw. A screw-top lid untwists to allow you to drink out of a wide-mouth water bottle and can often come with a handle on it for easy carrying. Ideal for a gym workout or other high-intensity activities, a chug cap has a wider spout designed for quick gulps. Commonly found in plastic water bottles, a sports cap has a plastic or rubber piece that opens and closes to release water when the bottle is tilted or squeezed. 

BPA stands for Bisphenol A , which is a type of chemical that is commonly used in manufacturing plastic materials used for water bottles and other food containers. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the presence of BPA has affected the reproductive systems of laboratory animals, it is unknown what the effects of low BPA exposure are on humans.

A water bottle will generally come with cleaning instructions that will indicate whether it’s dishwasher-safe or not. Not all water bottles are dishwasher-safe, so it’s important to check the manufacturer's instructions before washing the bottle, to avoid ruining its functionality. When a dishwasher isn’t an option, most bottles can be sufficiently cleaned by hand using soap and water. You can also opt for a brush cleaning set to help scrub all the way to the bottom of the bottle as well as the small ridges in and around the lid.

Glass water bottles are usually chemical-free and made from natural materials, but they aren’t always the most practical while traveling due to breakage risk. While often durable, plastic water bottles have the potential to leak bacteria and chemicals into your drinking water. When it comes to clean and safe water bottles that will also withstand long trips, look for those made of durable and toxic-free materials like stainless steel.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure, where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018, and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors and expert product testers to determine the results for the best water bottles, based on a series of tests completed in our New York Lab.

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• Outdoor gear

The 8 Best Water Bottles

By Eve O'Neill and Sam Schild

Reusable water bottles that are both good-looking and functional seem like a necessity in our modern, hydration-obsessed world.

But finding the right one to match your personal taste can be a challenge—it depends on what you’re looking for amid the riot of colors, shapes, and features.

After putting in more than 120 hours of research—and testing over 100 bottles since 2014—we’ve chosen the eight best water bottles in a number of materials and styles.

They include our most versatile pick , which has elbowed its way past more well-known competition, and an inexpensive bottle with a straw , beloved for its functionality in any driving scenario.

Whether you’re looking for a bottle to drink from while flying , a glass bottle (if you’re averse to plastic), a  tapered bottle , a plastic bottle (if you’re averse to high prices), a fancier bottle , or a stainless steel model , all of our favorite water bottles offer a little extra to anyone who’s annoyed by imperfect hydration.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, the most versatile bottle: takeya actives insulated water bottle with spout lid (22 ounces), a simple stainless steel bottle and standard lid: hydro flask standard mouth (21 ounces), our favorite bottle for the car: camelbak eddy+ (25 ounces), the best glass water bottle: purifyou premium (22 ounces), the best tapered bottle: mira cascade (17 ounces), the best plastic water bottle: thermos hydration bottle (24 ounces), an ideal air travel companion: camelbak podium (21 ounces), an upgrade pick: purist mover (18 ounces), other good water bottles, how we picked, how we tested, the competition, care and maintenance.

Since we first created this guide, in 2014, we’ve tested more than 100 different bottles over many hundreds of hours. We also spoke with a lot of experts. Given the popularity of metal water bottles, we wanted to get some insight into how that double-walled insulation works. So we called NASA, the best experts on thermodynamics we could think of. Via email, we interviewed Wesley Johnson, a cryogenics research engineer at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.

We also spoke with urban planner Josselyn Ivanov, who wrote her masters thesis on the decline of publicly available water, aka drinking fountains, for MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning. “In the absence of investment and maintenance [in drinking fountains], many people fill the void by hauling around their own personalized infrastructure,” she told us.

And across four different writers (Sam Schild contributed the most recent round of testing, in mid-2022) and ten years of work, we’ve seen more than 100 iterations of the same object. From the hard-plastic Nalgene that steamrolled college campuses in the 2000s to a $5,000-plus Chanel bottle (which looks freshly looted from Blackbeard’s treasure chest), these water bottles all do the same thing. When you’ve used water bottles with triple-digit price tags as well as much less expensive versions, you know which one works best.

Pretty much anyone can benefit from having a water bottle they love. Carrying a reusable water bottle is better for the environment and more cost effective than buying bottled water. Bottled-water production in the US alone in 2007 required somewhere between 32 million and 54 million barrels of oil, according to a study published in the journal Environmental Research Letters (PDF) . That’s roughly 2,000 times as much as the energy cost of producing tap water, and bottled-water sales in the US have grown to 15.3 billion gallons as of 2021, from 8.76 billion gallons in 2007.

For shoppers, bottled water is also a thousand times more expensive than tap water. Add in the fact that in 2014 nearly 64% of all bottled water sold in the US was nothing more than pricey, prepackaged tap water (PDF) , and it becomes difficult to deny the value of a well-made reusable water bottle.

Takeya Actives Insulated Water Bottle with Spout Lid (22 ounces)

The best stainless steel water bottle.

The spout on this bottle is easy to drink from (and simpler to use than a sports cap), and the flip lid stays secure and out of your face. And the bottle has a wide mouth, so you can effortlessly add ice and supplements.

Buying Options

Size options (ounces): 18 , 22 , 24 , 32 , 40 , 64 Lids available: Spout (included), Straw Dishwasher safe: lid, yes; body, no

Get this if: You’d like a chameleon of a bottle, something that can adapt to almost any situation, whether you’re sitting at a desk, commuting on a subway, or working out at the gym.

Why it’s great: This double-walled, stainless steel bottle is marketed for gym-goers. But even if you’re not seeking a water bottle for working out, the Takeya Actives has a lid that’s a total standout.

The plastic top features a spout with a twist-on flip cap. Spout lids flow as easily as if you were drinking from an open glass. Yet they won’t splash contents if you’re cantering down the sidewalk at a brisk clip or powering through a sweaty treadmill workout.

The spout lid on the Takeya stands out because you can lock it after you flip it open—so it doesn’t hit your face. And when it’s closed, it covers the drinking surface completely. The whole thing twists off to reveal a 2¼-inch-wide mouth opening, so you can add in whatever you like: Load the bottle with ice, add an electrolyte powder, plop in some lemon wedges.

A silicone rubber boot, or base, comes standard on this bottle and prevents it from slipping or making noise on hard surfaces. Takeya also offers a straw lid, which you can purchase separately. We tested the straw lid, and it was leak-free; we recommend getting one if you primarily want to drink from this bottle while driving.

These bottles come in an array of colors and sizes, and our pick, the 22-ounce Takeya Actives, is the most recent size introduced to the lineup. After testing more than 100 bottles, we truly believe this is the Goldilocks size: not too big, not too small. It’s compatible with both cupholders and backpack pockets. And, like the final piece of a puzzle, it will slide nicely into that tiny bit of space remaining in your tote bag.

All of the Takeya bottle sizes we’ve tested have proved to be leak-free. And if you want a 32-ounce bottle, the Takeya Actives properly adapts the proportions of the bottle to accommodate the new capacity: It gets wider as well as taller, so this bottle remains stable when you set it down (though that does mean it’s too broad to fit in a standard cupholder).

Takeya’s website lists the lid as BPA-free, and it’s dishwasher safe (in the top rack). But hand-washing is recommended for the body. Takeya offers a limited lifetime warranty (you need a receipt).

Flaws but not dealbreakers: We’ve found very little not to love about this design. This is a bottle we think everyone can be very happy with.

Hydro Flask Standard Mouth (21 ounces)

Simple and reliable.

The Hydro Flask is an insulated steel bottle that’s pleasant to sip from and simple to carry, and it was completely leakproof in our tests.

Size options (ounces): 18 , 21 , 24 Lids available: Flex Cap (included), Sport Cap , Flex Straw Cap Dishwasher safe: no

Get this if: You want a reliable and versatile water bottle. This is a simple bottle, best for those who believe in doing one thing and doing it well.

Why it’s great: The Hydro Flask Standard Mouth is especially reliable. It’s an insulated, double-walled stainless steel water bottle with a powder-coated exterior (the permanent, lightly textured coating) and a plastic cap. Unlike aluminum bottles, this one won’t dent easily. Unlike glass bottles, this bottle won’t have issues with the bottom cracking. And unlike plastic bottles, it won’t deteriorate quickly while in use.

You can use this bottle with three different lids: the Flex Cap (included), Sport Cap , and Flex Straw Cap . We tested the first two caps, and neither leaked, but we prefer the Flex Cap to the Sport Cap. Usually, sport caps aren’t great at accounting for human error—the plastic can be very stiff and difficult to close with your mouth, so it’s easy to leave them halfway open. And if the bottle is lying on its side, water can occasionally leak through the air-intake valve.

If you tend to drink straight from the bottle, the Hydro Flask has a narrow, tapered metal edge. And it mimics the rim of a glass better than the lip on any other bottle we tested, including the round lip on the Klean Kanteen and the thick, industrial-feeling lip on the Yeti Rambler . The standard mouth opening is 1¾ inches wide—wide enough to fit ice but not so wide that water will slosh up your nose if you drink on the move.

Of the three sizes this bottle comes in, we think 21 ounces is the right capacity. This size is big enough to keep refills to a minimum but not as unwieldy as the 24-ounce bottle. (The 24-ounce Hydro Flask is tall and narrow and thus easy to tip over, and it feels large.) The cap is BPA-free, and Hydro Flask offers a limited lifetime warranty on this bottle.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Complaints about the Hydro Flask are infrequent and few. However, while a silicone boot comes standard on the Takeya Actives bottle, for this Hydro Flask model, a boot is an add-on (it usually costs around $8).

Also, some people may not like that a portion of the drinking surface is exposed; the cap threads twist into the bottle rather than over the top and around the lip. We do like this design because sipping from a threaded drinking surface isn’t pleasant. But if the exposed drinking surface bothers you, several of our other picks—including the Takeya Actives , the Purifyou Premium , and the plastic Thermos Hydration Bottle —have lids that fully cover the drinking surface.

CamelBak Eddy+ (25 ounces)

Great for the car.

If you use a bottle with a straw, you won’t have to tilt your head back while drinking—the easiest way to quaff water and keep your focus on the road.

Size options (ounces): 20 , 25 , 32 Lids available: Straw (included), Chute Mag , Carry Cap Dishwasher safe: yes

Get this if: You want something that’s easy to sip from while you’re driving, or you want something that encourages you to drink water throughout the day (our unscientific findings have led us to believe that straws make it easier to slurp down water).

Why it’s great: This bottle has an integrated straw in the lid that features a plastic bite valve to keep it sealed (something anyone who has owned a CamelBak hydration pack will be familiar with). Just bite down to open the straw and release to seal it shut. That leak-free lid makes this bottle an ideal driving companion—it fits in a cupholder and is easy to sip from while you’re keeping your eyes on the road. And if you transfer the bottle to a bag, the bite valve folds down into the lid, shielding it from too much contact with the bag’s contents.

Also, if you have daily hydration goals, there’s something about a straw that makes it easy to mindlessly consume the 20, 30, or 40 ounces of water you may have ahead of you. If this sounds like you, the Eddy+ comes in a 32-ounce size , which would be easy to fill once, plop next to your laptop, and hit your goal for the day.

The straw lid twists off to reveal a wide mouth that makes adding ice to your drink easy—handy if you like to keep your water cold. However, this is a plastic bottle, so adding ice could also make it sweaty.

You can swap out lids with two others from CamelBak: the Carry Cap and the Chute Mag (a spout lid we’ve tested and liked because of how easy it is to drink from, similar to the lid on our top pick ).

The Eddy+ is an updated model, and with this redesign CamelBak has addressed reports of the bite valve’s leaking or not functioning properly. The one we tested worked great, and neither the lid nor the valve leaked in our tests. This bottle is BPA-free, and all pieces—including the cap, lid, and straw—can go through the dishwasher. CamelBak offers a lifetime guarantee against defects in the manufacturing and materials, and the company will replace them if they’re defective.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: To get the water flowing, you do have to bite down on this straw and hold it while you drink, which may not appeal to some people. But overall we didn’t find that to be cumbersome, and we soon forgot all about it.

Purifyou Premium (22 ounces)

Prevents flavor from transferring.

This is the only glass bottle we’ve found where no plastic touches your water, and the bottle itself is housed in a protective silicone sleeve. But it won’t keep your water cold for long.

May be out of stock

Size options (ounces): 12 , 22 , 32 , 40 Lids available: stainless steel lined lid (included) Dishwasher safe: yes

Get this if: You don’t want to drink out of plastic or metal, or you simply enjoy the heft and presence of a glass bottle.

Why it’s great: Our favorite glass bottle is the 22-ounce Purifyou Premium . It has a few design features that make it more functional than most, including the type of glass it’s made from, as well as an especially useful cap, which is also lined with stainless steel.

We recognize that some people just don’t want plastic touching their water. A major reason this bottle outperformed all the other glass options is it’s the only one we found that has a metal-lined cap (rather than some form of plastic). The simple utility of a finger loop on the cap was a surprise—it made the repetitive task of opening and closing the cap that much easier, compared with standard round caps.

We also like the small mouth on this bottle. When you drink from a wide-mouth glass bottle, such as the Lifefactory , it can seem like you’re drinking out of a jar. The downside is that the Purifyou is too narrow to accommodate ice cubes. But a glass bottle doesn’t retain heat or cold anyway, so we decided that wasn’t a problem.

The Purifyou is made of borosilicate glass, and that makes it special. Borosilicate glass resists thermal shock. This means if you take the bottle out of a hot dishwasher and fill it with cold or room-temperature water, it will resist shattering better than bottles made of common soda-lime glass.

We tested and liked the dimensions of the 22-ounce bottle, though it won’t fit in a traditional-size cupholder (the base is 3¼ inches wide). The body’s center is a little wide, and it’s not tapered like some others, but we had no problem holding it. Purifyou offers warranty coverage for all manufacturing defects, and (according to its Amazon page ) will replace the bottle if it “breaks within the first year” if you register online .

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Glass bottles are limiting. They’re excellent for carrying room-temperature water and that’s it, since they are poor insulators. Glass bottles also aren’t as durable as other options, despite being heavier. Also, if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option, note that neither the silicone sleeve nor the cap on this bottle is recyclable, since the cap is made from two materials fused into one. If you have environmental concerns, the best approach is to buy a bottle you know you will use the most.

Mira Cascade (17 ounces)

Elegant, insulated, and splashless.

This small-mouth, tapered bottle is pleasant to hold—like a plastic drink bottle but one made of double-walled insulated stainless steel.

Size options (ounces): 12 , 17 Lids available: stainless steel lid (included) Dishwasher safe: lid, yes; body, no

Get this if: You want a bottle with a minimalist, classic shape and a cap that covers the drinking lip.

Why it’s great: The Mira Cascade is a double-walled insulated bottle made of stainless steel. Its lid threads over the drinking surface, so you won’t have to put your mouth on something that’s been getting dirty in your bag all day. The Mira’s tapered shape is reminiscent of a classic 20-ounce plastic soda bottle, and this bottle is nice to hold. It will keep the contents cold all day, and due to the bottle’s small opening, your beverage won’t splash your face while you’re drinking, as the Nalgene Wide Mouth Bottle does.

The Mira Cascade is nearly identical to the S’well , another tapered bottle we like everything about—except the price. Since the Cascade is usually about half the price of the S’well, we naturally picked the less expensive option, which performs just as well.

The Mira Cascade has an elegant design, so it fits in at the office and other formal events: Pick the right color, and it could even match a tux. And it passed the leak test, so you don’t have to worry about this bottle’s contents ruining your day, your laptop, or your evening wear.

We think the 17-ounce size is ideal—it fits in a briefcase, in cupholders, and in water-bottle pockets. If you want a smaller or larger bottle, the Cascade also comes in a 12-ounce size.

The lid covers the drinking lip, so no matter where you toss this bottle, the surface that your mouth touches will be covered. Also, we think the Mira Cascade’s lid is just the right size, compared with the Corkcicle Canteen ’s lid, which is so small we were worried about losing it. Like most double-walled bottles, the bottle itself isn’t dishwasher safe, but the lid is. Mira sells replacement lids and lid gaskets , too.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Since the lid covers the drinking lip, the bottle’s threads are on the drinking surface. While we generally don’t love the feeling of threads on the outside lip, these don’t protrude much, and we quickly got used to the feeling. Also, because of the 1.35-inch opening, it’s impossible to get prism-shaped ice cubes from a classic ice cube tray into the bottle. However, half-moon-shaped ice cubes do fit through the opening.

Thermos Hydration Bottle (24 ounces)

A budget option.

With a leakproof, push-button flip-top lid, this inexpensive and lightweight bottle should make anyone happy.

Size options (ounces): 24 Lids available: flip top (included) Dishwasher safe: yes

Get this if: You value lightweight portability, and you like a good deal—two excellent qualities in a water bottle. This one is also dishwasher safe, unlike some other bottles we recommend.

Why it’s great: The super-affordable 24-ounce Thermos Hydration Bottle has been a pick since we first published this guide, in 2014, and it’s still here. (Thermos has made a few minor cosmetic changes over the years.) This is a plastic bottle with a plastic, flip-top lid and spout. It has passed years of leak tests, and the lid has a lock, so it will stay closed in your bag.

Another great feature of this bottle: Despite the fact that it holds 24 ounces—a capacity we’ve found to be cumbersome in a metal bottle—the Thermos possesses just the right proportions to be ergonomic and easy to carry.

This bottle weighs only 6.6 ounces. The textured, contoured design makes the Thermos easy to hold, too, and you can effortlessly drop ice cubes into the wide mouth. And after you reattach the lid, the spout is simple to drink out of. This design is a winning combination, the same as on a similar, insulated pick, the Takeya bottle. Also, the Thermos is made from Eastman Tritan BPA-free plastic.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: After using versions of the 24-ounce Thermos nearly constantly for seven years, we don’t have a lot of criticism. However, we do wish Thermos would sell this type of bottle in a few different sizes. Also, though the lid has a ring that you can turn to track your water intake, in practice we’ve found we barely use it. Still, it’s not hurting anything by being there.

CamelBak Podium 21oz Bike Bottle

A lightweight squeeze bottle.

This squeeze bottle is leakproof and light, so you can throw it into a carry-on bag for a flight. And the Podium is cheap enough that if the TSA makes you ditch it, you won’t be heartbroken.

Size options (ounces): 21 ,  24 Lids available: squeeze lid Dishwasher safe: yes

Get this if: You want a travel bottle. This bottle was invented for a bike cage, but a regular ol’ squeeze bottle is useful for so many things, specifically airport travel. Eve personally owns (and uses) just two types of water bottle, and this is one of them.

Why it’s great: Basic, lightweight, and cheap, a bike squeeze bottle makes a great travel companion, and we like the CamelBak Podium in particular. It has a twist lock—which provides extra assurance that the bottle is tightly closed when you toss it in a bag. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe.

For years, we looked for a reliable collapsible travel bottle, but we’ve been disappointed so many times: The Hydaway tastes plasticky, the Vapur and the Platypus collapse (in a bad way) , the HydraPak flops, and the Nomader doesn’t pack down very small. And the implied way to carry a travel bottle correctly—clipped to a backpack or belt loop—always leaves it swinging around haphazardly, in our experience. We’ve recommended all of these bottles in the past, but we’ve constantly been left wishing there were a better way.

A bike squeeze bottle is now our sincere recommendation for airport travel. In addition to being light and relatively compact, this bottle is inexpensive, so if the TSA takes it, you’ve lost only a few dollars, instead of an expensive insulated bottle. You could also bring the Thermos Hydration Bottle we recommend. But this CamelBak bottle has fewer moving parts, if you don’t want to fuss with the lid or flip lock on the Thermos. Our other recommendation would be to buy a plastic bottle in the airport, and then use it for the rest of your trip.

Two types of Podium are available: the original and the Podium Chill , which has a reflective material in the lining intended to help keep water cold. We haven’t found this lining makes any difference. In our tests, the liquid in insulated squeeze bottles warmed 17 degrees over six hours, the same as in a glass or unlined plastic bottle. For that reason, we wouldn’t bother with the lined version and instead recommend the original. CamelBak offers a limited lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The lid on this bottle is not covered, so if you dislike the idea of a bottle swimming around in a bag with the drinking surface exposed, you may like the Thermos better. In addition, this bottle’s squeeze valve does not push in and out, as on other models. Instead, the mouthpiece is static, and the plastic piece inside releases water when you apply pressure to the bottle. So if you’re using this bottle for cycling, and you experience a ton of dust and dirt on your ride, some of it may get stuck in that mouthpiece.

Purist Mover (18 ounces)

Premium design and materials.

If you’re seeking an especially sleek-looking bottle, the Purist Mover is a good choice, and its (non-breakable) glass interior prevents flavors from transferring.

Size options (ounces): 10 (Maker), 18 (Mover), 32 (Founder) Lids available: Element (twist lid), Union (spout lid), Scope (café lid) Dishwasher safe: no

Get this if: You’ve noticed that odors or flavors in your water bottle don’t go away, you want a bottle that looks like a design object, or you want one bottle that can hold both hot and cold drinks. Purist’s bottle has a (non-breakable) glass interior that prevents flavors from transferring, so there should be no taste issues like you get with stainless steel or plastic.

Why it’s great: The 18-ounce Purist Mover is a drink bottle designed within an inch of its life. With a special lining made to stop flavor transfers, an aesthetic that looks designed to fit into a Tesla’s dashboard, and a newly expanded range of caps, this is a refined bottle that can do it all—and it’s worth the high price.

The signature feature of the Purist is a glass-lined interior that prevents tastes and odors from transferring. Unlike traditional glass vacuum linings, the Purist’s is unbreakable (and so minimal you can barely notice it), since it’s applied as a thin, spray-on coating. You get the benefits of a glass bottle minus the weight or potential breakage, plus it keeps drinks hot or cold.

And in our experience, the Purist bottle works. We’ve had this bottle in testing for three years, including one episode where we left the Purist under a car seat for a month with kombucha in it. Someone finally got the courage to open the bottle and clean it out, and the next day a bottle full of water tasted like water and nothing else. Wirecutter’s Tim Barribeau—who is pathologically averse to the taste of coffee—found that even after cold-brew concentrate sat in the Purist for a weekend, water came out tasting fresh (after a simple wash of the bottle). Some tastes and smells lingered in the flip-top lid, but those disappeared after a good scrub.

There are three lids that work with the Purist water bottle: the simple, screw-top Element , the flip-top spout Union , and the Scope , a café lid designed for hot beverages. The lip of the bottle is on the thick side, so if drinking from a thick-walled bottle would bother you, we’d recommend either the Union or the Scope.

Though 18-ounce bottles can feel small, the Mover can hold more than advertised. The Union spout cap is hollow and raised above the top of the bottle, in contrast with the flat Element cap, which plunges downward. That means using the Union cap, you can fill the bottle to the brim; we did, and that’s when we discovered the bottle can hold up to 21 ounces.

Purist has a lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: This bottle is clunky to drink out of if you use only the twist-off cap (the Element). So if you’re going to invest in the Purist, we recommend getting the spout lid (the Union) or the Scope cap (Purist’s version of a café cap). The Union spout cap is tricky to open due to its tight seal (but we found that if you pinch both sides of the spout, the cover pops off easily).

If you’re going camping: Consider the Nalgene Wide Mouth Bottle , which is inexpensive, indestructible, and lightweight. It has more than 18,000 reviews on Amazon and a star rating of 4.8 out of 5, and we couldn’t agree more. For a decade now, we’ve been talking about why this isn’t among our picks.

But we still don’t include it, because in day-to-day life it’s sort of annoying. You can’t drink out of it while walking, the attached cap gets in your face, and it doesn’t fit a cupholder or a backpack pocket. Out there in the wild, it’s the ultimate weapon. Back here in the urban jungle, it’s just kind of a klutz. So, to summarize, we love this bottle, but specifically for camping. And that’s outside the scope of what we test for in this guide.

If you’re set on getting a collapsible travel bottle: Consider the Nomader 22-ounce collapsible bottle, which was our travel pick in 2018. It has stood the test of time, whereas other travel bottles have sprung leaks. If you must have a travel bottle, this one is the easiest to fill and drink from. Our big concern is that this bottle doesn’t roll down particularly small, so it’s up to you to decide whether the space savings are worth it.

If you want a spout lid on a lightweight, plastic bottle: After a reimagining of the lid on the CamelBak Chute —resulting in the addition of a magnet to keep the lid open and out of the way while you’re drinking—we can’t find any serious negatives for this bottle. The Takeya Actives just barely nudges the Chute out of competition because the Takeya comes with the silicone base, and it’s often on sale. However, the Chute’s lid is compatible with our new recommendation for use while driving, the CamelBak Eddy+ .

We’ve been at this for ten years. And, as always, we start by reading trusted editorial sources, in this case outlets such as Gear Patrol , GearLab , and Outside . In addition, each year, we listen to the opinions of Wirecutter’s readers—we’ve incorporated a number of great suggestions from the comments on previous iterations of this guide.

There are so many water bottles in the world that it’s helpful for us to outline what we don’t consider and why. When we find bottles with a pattern of complaints about build quality, usability, or leakage, we drop them from the list of possible test candidates. We also eliminate bottles made by companies that appear to have an opaque supply chain or no online presence outside of an Amazon listing. In any category, if we recommend a product, we want to make sure you won’t have a problem finding one to buy. And if a product is defective, you should be able to contact the manufacturer so that the company can make it right.

We no longer consider bottles made of aluminum because it dents too easily. And when possible we avoid bottles that have painted exteriors because the coating can tend to scratch; in certain categories, however, painted exteriors are the norm. We also set aside uncoated stainless steel bottles—if you leave an uncoated metal bottle in the sun, the exterior becomes too hot to hold.

Some other bottles, including the Klean Kanteen Wide Mouth, can easily serve as water bottles. But because of the caps offered (travel mug caps) or the sizes available (limited to smaller sizes), they are more suited to hot drinks. In the case of the Klean Kanteen, both things are true, so we consider it to be a travel mug. If that’s what you’re looking for, we have a guide to travel mugs for hot beverages .

For our most recent round of testing, in 2022, we tried nine new bottles and performed several tests to evaluate them. Here are the tests we regularly conduct:

We do leak tests. There are so many bottles that we can’t see recommending one that leaks in any way. We fill each bottle with water that’s dyed with food coloring. Then we place the bottle on its side over a paper towel for 24 hours and watch for leaks.

The leak test also takes into account how the lid seats on the bottle. We believe good design is human-centered design, and that you should be able to absent-mindedly screw the top back on and trust that the bottle is properly closed.

And we’ve discovered over time that rigid sport caps, like the ones you can get for Klean Kanteen or HydroFlask bottles, are not the best at preventing leaks because they’re prone to user error. Such caps make perfect sense on squeezable sport bottles. But the sport caps that come on double-walled steel bottles are stiffer, so they’re easy to inadvertently leave open. It’s also difficult to tell at a glance whether the valve is fully closed.

We do temperature tests. For five years, we performed temperature tests with the goal of seeing which bottle kept its contents the coldest for the longest. Here are the results from 2017:

In this 2017 test, we filled each bottle with water at 47 degrees Fahrenheit, and then we took a temperature measurement every hour for 10 hours. What we’ve seen in years of testing is that almost every insulated bottle performs to within a few degrees of its competition. There are exceptions, but they’re rare. Companies love to make claims about how long a bottle can keep something hot or cold, but they all work basically the same.

Sometimes manufacturers make bottles with copper linings in an attempt to keep the contents even hotter or colder. It could work, and as Wesley Johnson, a cryogenics research engineer at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, explained, “For spacecraft, we often use a similar technique for insulation.” The theory behind using copper in insulation (despite its being an excellent conductor normally) is based on the fact that heat transfers through three forms: solid conduction, gaseous convection, and radiation, Johnson told us. A double-walled bottle already stops solid conduction, and a vacuum-insulated bottle stops gaseous convection. “This leaves only radiation heat transfer between the walls,” Johnson said. And copper can work to stop that last method of heat loss. But it works only under a set of specific circumstances. “The main benefit of copper is that when it is polished, it is much more reflective of radiation heat transfer,” Johnson explained. So, “the copper liner needs to be: polished, installed in a vacuum, and done so in a manner that limits the amount of oxidation of the metal prior to pulling the vacuum.”

We have tested bottles with and without copper linings, and so far we haven’t found any advantage to using copper. The Yeti Rambler is “constructed with a copper plate to protect against UV,” according to the company’s PR reps. But neither Klean Kanteen nor Hydro Flask includes any copper in its designs, and all the bottles still insulate within degrees of one another.

We consider bottle proportions. After nine years, we’re convinced that 20- to 22-ounce bottles are the perfect size. Although 17-ounce bottles are wonderfully portable, the contents get consumed quickly. And 24-ounce bottles are almost too tall and skinny. They can be very easy to knock over, and they don’t stay upright in cup holders because they’re top-heavy. They begin to take on the appearance of blunt-force weapons: The 25-ounce S’well could double as a small baseball bat.

We like bottles with the right proportions, and we have to believe designers have noticed the awkwardness of the 24-ounce size. For instance, in 2020 the Takeya Actives became available in a 22-ounce size (slightly smaller than the 24-ounce version, which had been our previous pick). Similarly, 32-ounce bottles are most useful when they are wide and squat instead of tall. When we make recommendations for larger capacities, such design concerns are a big part of what we take into consideration.

We consider the drinking experience. Think about the lip: If you’re drinking directly from the bottle, what is that experience like? If you’re trying to drink out of it while walking, what is that like? If you’re drinking from it in a car, what is that like? And recently, due to reader comments, we’ve been tracking whether the cap of a bottle covers the drinking surface completely or whether it’s exposed. Some people are concerned about bacteria getting onto the lip of their bottle, via contact with their hands or with sweaty gym clothes.

Metal bottles

The Yeti Rambler is a reliable bottle. But its opening does not taper at all, so this bottle is more of a thermos and more suitable for using a spoon, with something like soup.

The S’well bottle insulates with the best of them, and it has been watertight in all our tests. If you like it, go for it: S’well bottles are just more expensive, at every capacity, than anything else we’ve seen.

The Simple Modern Summit bottle leaked through the threads when we left it on its side overnight.

In past years, the Klean Kanteen Classic has been one of our picks, and we’ve tested the Insulated Classic as well. They’re both very similar to a Hydro Flask, but in 2019’s testing, both bottles had small leaks. For 2022, we tested the Klean Kanteen Insulated Classic with Pour Through Cap . Though this new lid’s dual gaskets fix the leaking problem, it took twice as many turns to open the pour-through cap compared with most other bottles. This bottle works great as a thermos to carry hot drinks to pour into a smaller cup, but it’s not great as a water bottle. Plus, the cap is metal, as is the bottle, and everyone who tested this model hated the metal-on-metal sound of the cap threading into the bottle.

The Corkcicle Classic Canteen performed well in every regard, but its lid is the smallest of of those on other bottles we tested. In fact, the lid was so small we were afraid we’d lose it.

The Corkcicle Series A Sport Canteen performed poorly in our insulation tests. Also, though it didn’t leak during testing, we thought the quick-sip lid was too prone to human error to be genuinely leak-proof.

Several other bottles leaked in our testing and were thus disqualified, including the 21-ounce Healthy Human Stein .

Other bottles performed poorly in our insulation tests, including the 25-ounce Fifty/Fifty Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel , the Laken Thermo Classic (its contents rose by 20.1 degrees during our test), and the Contigo Autoseal Chill .

Though we like the inclusion of a mesh strainer inside the lid of the EcoVessel Boulder , this bottle has the same problem as the Nalgene: The lid is connected with a long silicone strap that doesn’t stay put when you drink from it, unless you hold it down.

The mouthpiece on the EcoVessel Wave with Fliptop Straw is made of hard plastic, and it was not as pleasant to drink out of as the CamelBak Eddy+ .

The Stanley Quik Flip Go Bottle is one of the few flip-top bottles we’ve found that has a lock to secure the top. But this bottle is especially tall and unwieldy. It would make a better thermos than a water bottle.

The Coldest Water bottle has a flip-top straw that’s also made of hard plastic, like that of the EcoVessel Wave with Fliptop Straw. And it’s not that nice to drink out of.

We passed on the Coleman Autoseal FreeFlow Stainless bottle for the same reason we pass on most trigger bottles—a relatively elaborate cap that needs detailed cleaning.

Glass bottles

A pick from 2017, the 22-ounce Lifefactory Classic Flip was the best wide-mouth glass bottle available. There are just a few caveats. First, the wide mouth is a bit awkward to drink out of—it feels a lot like drinking out of a jar. Second, although the bottle has alternate lid options, we tested the Flip Cap in 2018, and it leaked. (That lid has since been discontinued.) Third, the standard lid is watertight but made of plastic, a concern for many people seeking glass bottles.

In drop testing, the Glasstic suffered from extensive scuffing.

The 20-ounce Ello Syndicate had a cap problem, with reports of mold building up.

Collapsible bottles

The Hydaway was our collapsible travel pick in 2018, and it proved polarizing: We received feedback both from people who loved it and from others who hated it. Such is the fate of all collapsibles we’ve tried. A 50/50 love-hate relationship didn’t convince us this bottle was a reliable recommendation for most travelers.

Our 2017 travel pick, the Platypus Meta , tends to develop a small hole in its bottom, which renders it useless for carrying water. Our 2016 pick, the Platypus SoftBottle , is watertight but floppy, as all collapsible bag-bottles are.

Before that, we picked the 1-liter Vapur . However, CNET’s Tim Stevens brought to our attention a design flaw in the cap that caused it to leak when lateral torsion was applied. We were able to replicate the issue independently using a brand-new bottle. As such, we no longer feel confident recommending it. Both the Vapur Element and the Nalgene Wide Mouth Cantene also leaked from their seams during our twist-and-torque test.

Plastic bottles

The Pogo plastic water bottle is basic and functional. We like the lid (again, just as with the Takeya ) and the flip top that closes over the spout. We encountered no leaks, but at the time we tested this bottle, it had a bad Fakespot rating (a D). As of 2023, the rating was a B, so we plan to look at it again.

The trendy reemergence of the Gatorade squeeze bottle prompted us to put it to the test in 2020. There was some small leakage through the threads when we left the bottle on its side overnight.

The Nalgene On The Fly comes with a locking flip-top lid but no spring release, so the lid wouldn’t pop open when we pushed the button.

The Embrava would be a good choice if the 24-ounce Thermos isn’t available, but it has a huge logo and a smooth body that becomes slick when wet.

If you’re drinking anything besides water, gunk will build up in your bottle over time, so you’ll need to clean it occasionally. The best way to do that is to use a bottle brush and some baking soda and vinegar.

OXO Good Grips Water Bottle Cleaning Set

For cleaning your bottle.

The OXO bottle-cleaning set includes a skinny straw brush and a looped, detail-cleaning brush—everything you need to keep your water bottle squeaky-clean.

After several hours of research, we found that the best bottle-cleaning set is the OXO Good Grips Water Bottle Cleaning Set . This dishwasher-safe kit offers a large bottle brush, a skinny straw brush, and a looped, detail-cleaning brush, all kept together on a handy ring so you don’t lose any parts. We bought a couple of sets to confirm their quality, and they are as good as we thought they would be.

This article was edited by Eve O’Neill and Christine Ryan.

Wesley Johnson, cryogenics research engineer at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland , email interview , August 22, 2018

Jocelyn Ivanov, MIT, Drinking fountains: the past and future of free public water in the United States , September 29, 2015

PH Gleick, HS Cooley, Energy implications of bottled water (PDF) , Environmental Research Letters , February 19, 2009

Bottling Our Cities' Tap Water (PDF) , Food & Water Watch , August 1, 2010

No consumer health risk from bisphenol A exposure , European Food Safety Authority , January 21, 2015

Jon Hamilton, Beyond BPA: Court Battle Reveals A Shift In Debate Over Plastic Safety , NPR , February 16, 2015

Johanna R. Rochester, Ashley L. Bolden, Bisphenol S and F: A Systematic Review and Comparison of the Hormonal Activity of Bisphenol A Substitutes , Environmental Health Perspectives , July 1, 2015

Jenna Bilbrey, BPA-Free Plastic Containers May Be Just as Hazardous , Scientific American , August 11, 2014

M. Ridder, Sales volume of bottled water in the United States from 2010 to 2020 , Statista , May 10, 2022

Meet your guides

Eve O'Neill

Eve O'Neill is a former senior staff writer reporting on travel and outdoors at Wirecutter. She can remember the titles on her childhood bookshelf that set her in this direction: Into Thin Air, On The Road, The Call of the Wild . She has always been drawn to ideas about how to relate to, and play in, the wilderness.

Sam Schild is a writer and outdoor adventurer based in Denver. A former academic, teacher, and bicycle mechanic, he now finds joy in adventures as often as possible. Whether he travels by bicycle or on foot, he uses his experience outside to bring inspiration to all the stories he tells.

Further reading

How to Clean a Travel Mug or Water Bottle

by Christine Ryan

Don’t want your coffee to taste like yesterday’s brew? Give your travel mug a good deep clean—and do the same for your insulated water bottle, too!

This Inexpensive Water Bottle Is Meant for Cyclists, But It’s Great for Travelers, Too

The Camelbak Podium is affordable, lightweight, and perfect for packing.

We’ve Recommended This Travel Mug for a Decade. It’s Still Going Strong.

by James Austin

Our longtime favorite travel mug keeps drinks piping hot, and the nifty locking lid makes it virtually spill-proof.

The Best Travel Mug

by Trey French and Anna Perling

After testing travel mugs for more than 10 years, we’re still confident that the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug is the best mug to keep drinks hot for hours.

12 Non-Toxic Food Storage Containers

By: Author Nicole Booz

Posted on Last updated: March 12, 2024

Categories Non-Toxic Living , Wellness

Let’s not sugarcoat it. There’s something particularly eye-soothing about opening your refrigerator to see a line-up of aesthetic, non-toxic food storage containers chock full of fresh produce, and glass jars brimming with mouthwatering leftovers.

You know exactly what I’m talking about. Those plastic food storage alternatives like borosilicate glass or stainless steel containers equipped with multi-color silicone lids.  

Yes, the sight of a beautifully curated, strategically arranged kitchen truly gets us going. But still, as much as we are hooked on aesthetics, we need our plastic-free food storage options to be absolutely safe. Natural materials are the best way to ensure that no harmful chemicals will ever come in contact with your food ever again.  

So without further ado, let’s get down to the needy greedy of the chemical-laden plastic options to better understand why non-toxic food storage containers will always reign supreme. 

This post may contain commissionable links. Thank you for supporting this resource.

Why is plastic food storage dangerous?

Plastic storage containers have been “the norm” for quite a while. However, it’s been proven that certain chemicals in plastic can leach out of the plastic and into the food and beverages we eat and drink.

In fact, some of these harmful chemicals have been linked to numerous health issues including metabolic disorders and reduced fertility .

Much like chemical off-gassing, this leaching can occur even faster when plastic is exposed to heat. This means that every time we microwave our leftovers in plastic food containers, we accept the risk of getting an even higher dose of potentially harmful chemicals.

Luckily, that’s not the case with non-toxic food storage containers.

What materials are not acceptable for food storage?

For starters, many chemicals used in plastic are fat soluble. This means when storing fatty or oily foods in plastic containers, chemicals are more likely to leach into fatty food. So, because of this, bisphenols should be avoided! 

Trash bags are also not acceptable for food storage. Polystyrene –a synthetic polymer made from monomers of aromatic hydrocarbon styrene – is also a big no-no. 

The Health Risks of BPA, Plastic, and Phthalates

The most common offender is Bisphenol A (BPA)— a chemical compound primarily used in the manufacturing of various plastics. Aside from affecting children’s behavior, BPA can be linked to increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.  

Phthalates are well-known chemical substances, used as plasticizers added to PVC plastics for softening purposes.

Several studies have pointed out that phthalates can potentially disrupt the endocrine system and the functioning of multiple organs. This can lead to an array of negative long-term impacts including pregnancy, child growth and development, and reproductive systems in both young children and adolescents.

Plastics, in general, are known for contributing to infertility , obesity, diabetes , prostate or breast cancer . And that’s exactly why opting for non-toxic food storage containers is so important!

Why is “BPA-Free” dangerous as well?

So what about bpa-free plastic storage containers?  Researchers found that BPA-free plastics were still leaching out of material and causing abnormalities in lab mice.

Using ‘BPA-free’ plastic products could be as harmful to human health — including a developing brain — as those products that contain the controversial chemical, suggest scientists .Thanks, but no thanks!

What is the safest food storage container?  Pros and Cons of the Non-Toxic Options

Glass containers are a great way to ensure that your food won’t come in contact with any harmful chemicals when in storage.

It is non-porous, which means that glass doesn’t absorb and can be easily cleaned at higher temperatures by hand or in the dishwasher.

On top of that, glass food storage is created to withstand high heat without breaking so you can safely put them in the microwave time and time again. 

Infinitely recyclable, reusable, and refillable, this sustainable option requires much less water, energy, and natural resources during the production process. Because of this, it is one of the most sustainable options.

The only downside to glass containers? They are relatively heavy, breakable, and more pricey than their plastic counterparts. 

Stainless steel

Aside from being 100% recyclable, stainless steel food containers are extremely durable, which means that we won’t have to replace them as often as plastic ones.

This material doesn’t absorb bacteria nor does it leach chemicals as it is both non-staining and non-porous. 

Moreover, stainless steel is very resistant to heat, so there is no need to let your food cool off before transferring it to the container.

Nonetheless, this type of food storage solution is a bit more pricey than those made of other standard materials and may require frequent cleaning due to fingerprints and smudges being more noticeable. 

Stainless steel also not for use in the microwave.

Silicone (sometimes)

Made without petroleum-based chemicals, BPA, BPS, or fillers, food-grade silicone is a great storage solution.

We can easily put it in the microwave, freezer, oven, and dishwasher without having to worry about leaching chemicals. On top of that is highly resistant to damage, doesn’t harden, crack, peel, crumble, or dry out, and is very lightweight and aesthetic.

However, silicone is known for having poor tear strength. Plus, depending on the quality of the silicone, it may or may not contain chemical fillers.

So in order to avoid the migration of chemicals into food, it would be best to opt for food-grade silicone and non-toxic food storage containers only!

Last but not least, it is a bit hard to recycle given that it needs a very special recycling process.

Ceramic food storage containers are a way better choice than plastic —especially for dry goods.

Of course, this material does not leach chemicals into the foods and can actively prevent light from reaching inside the container.

Ceramic is one of the most durable materials with a lifespan of over 10 years with proper care which makes it a fantastic sustainable alternative to plastic.

To top it all off, non-toxic food storage containers made of ceramic can be recycled as well. The biggest downside is arguably the price compared to most plastic-free alternatives.

Furthermore, ceramic food containers can be a bit heavy and fragile. They are also best for dry good storage as most don’t have airtight lights.

12 Non Toxic Food Storage Containers

All of that said, let’s dive into the best ways to avoid toxic chemicals when storing your food.

Caraway Food Storage Set – Top Pick/Best Overall Value

Caraway just launched a brand new Food Storage Set and we couldn’t be more ecstatic about it!

Known as one of the safest cookware/bakeware brands on the eco-market, they always manage to rack up thousands of glowing reviews and this 14-piece bundle certainly is not an exception.

The best-looking non-toxic ceramic-coated glass containers come with tight sealed glass lids designed to keep containers sealed extra tight.

And have a look at the adorable mini dots & dash inserts which are ideal for sauces and smaller foods – compartmentalization is the key, right?

So basically, you can give your leftovers another life by freezing, reheating, or microwaving them in display-worthy containers that are healthy and absolutely safe.

Quick note: container lids and inserts not microwave safe. They are also not suitable for liquids like soup.

Of course, it’s free from BPA, Teflon, PFOA, other PFOA, lead, cadmium, and other harmful chemicals. As for the colors, there are 6 gorgeous options available ranging from white to mist and navy. 

Check our Caraway Bakeware Review and Caraway Cookware Review too.

• 14-piece set
• Includes “dot” and dash” containers to make your own bento box
• Attractive – the containers are available in 6 color options
• Freezer safe
• Refrigerator safe
• Microwave safe
• Free of BPA, BPS, PTFE, PFOA, Lead, and Cadmium
• Includes 3 storage organization holders
• Not suitable for hot liquids like soup
• Lids and dot and dash containers are not microwave or oven safe

Everusely 

Everusely is on a mission to eliminate single use plastic and create high-quality, non-toxic homewares.

Time to add some bright rainbow colors to your kitchen! Adorned with fun and colorful silicone lids, this set of non-toxic food storage containers is crafted from premium 304 stainless steel.

You can use the 5 different sizes as launch boxes, picnic essentials, or, of course, storage boxes for your fresh food and leftovers.

Leak-proof, oven, and dishwasher-safe, you won’t have to scrub pasta sauce off your plastic boxes ever again! This stackable set‎ can be cleaned in seconds and be reused for years to come.

And because there is no risk of breakage, you can always use it to pack your kids’ lunch for school and activities.

• Made with stainless steel and food grade silicone
• 5 different sizes
• LFGB-certified
• Can be used in the oven (up to 355 F)
• Dishwasher safe
• Adult size to toddler size
• Generous warranty
• Lightweight
• Reviews report they are easy for kids to open
• Not insulated – won’t keep food warm or cold
• Not microwave safe
• Lids not safe for oven use
• Lids stain easily according to reviews

GENICOOK – Tempered Glass Containers With Glass Lids

Ideal for meal prep, cooking, serving, and storing, GENICOOK’s Borosilicate tempered glass food storage containers come with food-grade silicone wrap-around glass lids for extra protection.

The 4-piece set is oven safe and can also be used to microwave your delicious meals.

In terms of performance, the lids are easy to use, and they seal the containers securely, so there are no leaks or drips.

When you are done, simply remove the flexible food-grade silicone inner lid seal and throw it in the washing machine. 

• 8 piece set (4 lids, 4 containers)
• Silicone wrapped for easy handling
• Oven safe (up to 1100 degrees)
• Spill proof according to reviews
• Easy to open/close
• Lids can be microwaved with the use of the venting system
• Lids are not oven-safe
• Only comes with 4 containers
• Reviews report they break easily
• Lids are not made of glass

Home and Harvest – 4 Piece Stainless Set

Home and Harvest’s non-toxic food storage containers are a great option for storing just about anything as long as it’s not hot food.

What’s best about these stainless steel containers is that they have non-plastic lids. Instead, they are equipped with super durable silicone lids that are BPA Free!

Of course, the set is said to be spill-proof, as well as rust and corrosion-proof.

Available in 4 practical sizes, these stackable, easily reusable & reliable snack and meal prep containers can help you store salads, fruits, veggies, and meals! Also, they are freezer and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

• stainless steel
• dishwasher safe
• freezer safe
• silicone lids
• reviews report they are easy for kids to open
• only comes with 4 containers
• overall the containers are quite small
• not recommended for soup or hot food
• not microwave safe
• not oven safe

Anchor Hocking

Anchor Hocking has been around since 1905 and still produces glass bakeware in the USA to this day!

If you are looking for the ultimate set of glass storage containers, this 18 piece bundle will help you keep everything from full-meals to leftovers sealed and secure.

Both the storage containers and easy-seal lids are microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe.

On top of that, hundreds of at-home chests point out that they’ve managed to save time by going straight from prep/cooking to storage/heating all while avoiding avoid leaks and spills.

Seriously, what more can we ask from our non-toxic food storage containers?

• 18 pieces (9 bowls, 9 lids)
• Can be used in the fridge and freezer
• Oven safe up to 425 degrees (avoid extreme temperature changes)
• Many sizes included
• Lead and BPA free
• 5 year warranty
• Can break if extreme changes in temperature
• Glass is more fragile
• Use care if using with or for children
• Lids cannot be microwaved
• Inconsistent lid fit according to reviews

HJN – Ceramic Food Storage For Dry Goods

As we mentioned previously, ceramic is an ideal material for non-toxic food storage containers for dry goods.

HJN’s 3-piece set, in particular, comes with different size jars equipped with airtight bamboo lids.

The larger size is fantastic for keeping cereal, pet food, and all types of cookies safe, while the smallest option is for storing nuts, herbs, coffee , and tea .

But aside from locking out air to preserve and protect freshness and flavor, these containers are also very easy to clean by hand. 

• Attractive – they’ll look good on your counter or pantry
• Made with non-toxic ceramic and bamboo
• Easy to clean
• Comes with a bamboo tray
• Only comes with 3 containers
• Only suitable for dry goods
• Reviews report that they are heavy
• Reviews also report that they are small

Stasher Bag Set

Stasher’s non-toxic food storage containers are made of Food Grade Platinum Silicone – aka the world’s first fully functional, self-sealing, reusable alternative to single-use plastic.

This 7-piece bag set features an innovative air-tight Pinch-Loc seal to keep your food’s nutrients, flavors, and juices locked in.

Just burp your Stasher bag to remove excess air and pinch the seal closed and voila!

Plus, the set is freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe. Just pick your favorite color from the 12+ options and kiss all the unwanted plastic goodbye –yes, they are that good.

• Replaces all plastic bags
• Made of food-grade silicone
• Many colors available
• Slightly pricey
• Not oven safe

Fine Dine – 24 Piece Set

This 12-piece plastic-free food storage is made of Borosilicate Glass which is oven safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe, and freezer safe.

The slew of different shapes makes it extremely easy to store everything from leftovers to dry goods and are entirely safe to transfer from freezer to oven in instants.

Store your pre-prepped in the freezer, deposit them straight into the microwave (the lids are not microwave, oven or dishwasher safe) when or even use them as lunch boxes.

They come with locking lids that create an airtight seal to maintain the food’s freshness. On top of that, the gasket is easily removable for thorough cleaning. Freeze, reheat, serve, clean – it’s that simple!

• 12 containers, 12 lids
• Made of safe and resilient borosilicate glass
• Airtight seal
• Both square and round containers
• Lids are made of plastic (BPA-free)
• Lids are not microwave, oven or dishwasher safe
• Both square and round containers (only a con if you don’t want them all to match)

YUNCANG – Best Glass Set For Dry Food

YUNCANG’s non-toxic food storage containers are lauded as the best glass jars for storing all types of dry foods safely.

From candy, cookies, and rice, to sugar, flour, pasta ,nuts, and spice, this 5-piece set will never force you to feel like you have to use chemical-laden plastic containers ever again.

The airtight bamboo lid seals shut to keep your goods fresh for longer and protect them against air moisture all while being extremely sustainable. And when your jars are finally empty, you can easily toss them in the dishwasher.

VANCASSO – Attractive 3 Piece Ceramic Set

Another set of extremely aesthetically-pleasing, non-toxic food storage containers that belong in every kitchen!

These 3 VANCASSO ceramic food storage jars feature bamboo lids equipped with silicone rings for extra safety and protection.

Simply rotate and press the lids to prevent air moisture from messing with your delicious cereal, nuts, beans, and pasta – just make sure to clean them by hand after every use to maintain your jars in tip-to-shape.

Beeswax Wrap

A great alternative to aluminum foil and plastic wrap, beeswax has so many functions.

Here’s your chance to swap the questionable plastic wraps you already have with 9 practical, reusable beeswax wraps.

Made from organic cotton, organic jojoba oil, ethically harvest beeswax, and tree resin, these LFGB, and GOTS-certified storage solutions are easy to wash, reusable, and compostable.

Plus, they come in many different sizes to ensure that all your sandwiches, cheese, fruits, and leftovers are neatly wrapped up to maintain the flavor of your food wherever you are.

Just think of the design and colors these wraps will add to your fridge. The flower and bird pattern is downright adorable! Quick note: make sure to keep beeswax wraps away from heat and don’t put them in the dryer. 

BKLYN BENTO – Best Bento

The award winning eco-friendly bento lunch boxes are made of 100% Stainless Steel and come with 3 separate compartments.

Some foods were simply not meant to mingle and thus, these non-toxic food storage containers are here to keep them conveniently separated and save much fridge space in the process.

The boxes are ideal for prepping meals and storing food but also double as great lunch boxes for school or the office, Helping you live a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

They are also free of BPA, PVC, BPS, and phthalates.

Last but not least, all containers are easily cleaned with soap, but you can also throw them in the dishwasher at any time. 

In Summary: Best Non-Toxic Food Storage Containers

Now is the quintessential time to swap your plastic containers with safe or/and natural materials like ceramic, glass, silicone, and stainless steel to keep your leftovers tasty and fresh! It’s no secret that plastic boxes leach chemicals into our food causing a slew of health issues.

Plastic is far from the best option and moving away from plastic storage containers will serve you well.

From potentially disrupting the endocrine system to impacting child growth and development, the list goes on and on. So why not switch to sustainable and zero-waste alternatives to keep yourself and love loved ones safe all while keeping your kitchen perfectly organized?

Non-Toxic Living Guides:

• Non-Toxic Outdoor Dinnerware For Healthy Eating
• Best Non-Toxic Tea Kettle for Your Kitchen
• The Best Non-Toxic Dinnerware for Healthy Eating
• The Best Non-Toxic Baking Sheets
• The Best Non-Toxic Sofas For Your Home
• 19 Affordable Non-Toxic Makeup Brands You Have To Try
• The Best Non-Toxic Cookware For Healthy Eating
• Caraway Bakeware Review – Is It Worth It?
• Best Non-Toxic Facial Moisturizer For All Skin Types
• The Best Non-Toxic Candles
• 15 Affordable Non-Toxic Skin Care Brands
• Best Organic Wine Club
• 25 Non Toxic Indoor Plants – Safe For Pets & Kids
• 18 Best Non Toxic Body Lotion Picks
• 8 Organic Cotton Padded Bra Options
• 20 Best Organic Under Eye Concealer Picks
• 8 Best Places to Buy Organic Food Online
• 10 Best Organic Tea Brands (Top 10)
• 12 Affordable Eco Friendly Swimwear Brands
• 11 Best Non-Toxic Coffee Maker Picks 2023
• 10 Best Organic Flavored Coffee Brands
• 15 Affordable Organic Clothing Brands
• 8 Best Organic Bamboo Sheets
• 12 Non-Toxic Food Storage Containers ‘
• The 7 Best Non-Toxic Hair Dye Brands
• Brand Directory

About the Author

Nicole Booz is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of GenTwenty, GenThirty, and The Capsule Collab. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is the author of The Kidult Handbook (Simon & Schuster May 2018). She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s probably hiking, eating brunch, or planning her next great adventure.

Website: genthirty.com

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A Going Green Guide

11 Best Non-Toxic Water Bottles for Safe Drinking

If you’re looking for a non-toxic water bottle that will keep your drinks safe, you’ve come to the right place. This blog post will discuss 11 of the best non-toxic water bottles on the market. These bottles are made with materials that don’t release harmful chemicals into your drinking water, so you can rest assured that you’re staying hydrated while also keeping yourself safe from toxins.

Table of Contents

What is the best nontoxic water bottle?

There are various definitions for a nontoxic water bottle , but the simplest one is made without toxic materials. Many people assume that it’s safe if their water bottle doesn’t contain bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates. This isn’t always true. Recently, there has been increasing concern about another possible harmful chemical in plastic, called nonylphenol .

Nonylphenol is often listed as an ingredient on labels that read “PE copolymer” or “polyethylene.” It’s usually used to make plastic softer and less brittle. Nonylphenol is also a common environmental pollutant; it doesn’t break down easily.

Many health experts are concerned about nonylphenol because research has shown that deposits of it can build up in the soil and water over time, even without direct dumping of the chemical. This means people could be exposed to high concentrations of it by simply eating vegetables grown in contaminated soil or drinking water containing high levels.

When nonylphenol is combined with chlorine, which is used to treat drinking water, it becomes even more toxic. Nonylphenol-chlorine compounds are considered persistent organic pollutants called “dioxins.” These are hazardous chemicals that have been linked to birth defects, cancer, and other health problems in lab studies.

The 10 benefits of drinking from a nontoxic water bottle

There are many benefits to using a nontoxic water bottle. Whether you are trying to lose weight, stay hydrated, or reduce your exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, switching from plastic bottles to stainless steel bottles is an environmentally-conscious choice. Here are some benefits:

1. Reduce your sugar intake without missing out on flavor

When you juice, you remove the fiber of fruits and vegetables, leaving behind a liquid containing more concentrated amounts of sugar. Nontoxic bottles are designed with the health-conscious drinker in mind—they infuse water with natural flavors that amp up the taste without adding calories or unnatural sugar.

2. Taste the difference between more concentrated juices

Removing water concentrates flavor, which means you get to enjoy the sweetness of your drink without the extra calories or artificial ingredients! Our alkalizing* stainless steel bottles infuse water with real fruit and vegetables for a fresh, drinkable juice experience every time. No fuss, no mess, no cleanup!

3. Save money and save the planet at the same time

You’re going to be saving a ton of money because you’ll never have to buy sugary drinks from vending machines or convenience stores ever again! Plus, these bottles allow you to carry up to 24 ounces of fresh-squeezed juice everywhere you go. That’s a lot fewer juice containers and plastic bottles in landfills.

4. A peek inside your bottle reveals how much you should drink every day

Nontoxic bottles include an infuser that dispenses fruit or vegetable water into the bottle from the top, allowing for accurate measuring of infused ingredients—a quick way to get a peek at just how much of what you’re drinking. Every day!

5. Save money, time, and the planet by going green with environmentally friendly bottles

Earth-friendly consumption is a growing concern for many people today, and rightfully so. But it doesn’t have to be hard! These reusable water bottles are a great way to reduce the consumption of single-use bottles that contribute to our planet’s plastic problem.

What are the dangers of drinking from plastic water bottles?

Drinking water from plastic bottles is really dangerous for your health.

Some facts about the dangers of drinking from plastic bottles:

• Lately, they put BPA (a chemical used in making plastics) into all kinds of bottled waters to make them more durable and less likely to get a crack in them. This has been linked to several different health issues.
• If you reuse a single water bottle for too long, the plastic will start to break down and leach chemicals into your water that can cause cancer or other health issues.
• Plastic bottles are made with toxic chemicals that have been known to cause fertility problems in women.
• Drinking from a plastic water bottle will cause you to ingest in a month what a smoker takes in a year in toxins. This can lead to all kinds of health problems.
• Plastic bottles because more pollution than any other single object found on beaches worldwide, and they do not break down for over 700 years.
• The only safe water bottles to use are glass or steel bottles that do not contain BPA (Bisphenol A).

How to choose the right nontoxic water bottle for you?

When choosing the right non-toxic water bottle for you, there are many factors to consider. The first thing you need to think about is what type of material the bottle is made from. There are a few different materials that bottles can be made from, but some are safer than others.

If you’re looking for a safe and non-toxic water bottle, it’s best to avoid bottles made from plastic. Plastic bottles can leach harmful chemicals into your drink, and they’re not very recyclable either.

Glass water bottles are a great alternative to plastic bottles. They’re non-toxic, durable, and easy to recycle. Another option is stainless steel water bottles . They’re non-toxic, durable, and recyclable, but they can be a bit heavy to carry around.

No matter what type of bottle you choose, make sure to read the label carefully to make sure it’s non-toxic. There are many great non-toxic water bottles on the market, so there’s no need to compromise your safety for convenience.

The best nontoxic water bottles on the market today

While there are many different types and brands of non-toxic water bottles available, we’ve compiled the 11 best options for you here.

S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle

S’well’s Teakwood Stainless Steel Water Bottle is perfect for keeping your drinks cold (or hot) for up to 36 hours. The triple-layered insulation and vacuum-sealed construction will make sure your drink stays at the perfect temperature, while the unique colors, prints, patterns, and textures add a touch of style. Hand-wash only.

Hydro Flask Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

The Hydro Flask 32 oz. Wide Mouth Bottle is perfect for bringing your favorite beverage along with you on the go. The wide mouth makes it easy to add ice cubes, and the ergonomic design makes carrying comfortable. The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 6 hours so that you can enjoy your coffee or tea at the ideal temperature all day long. Durable stainless steel construction ensures that this bottle will be around for years to come, and a lifetime warranty means that if anything happens to your Hydro Flask, they’ll replace it.

Vini Water Bottle

Vmini Water Bottle is a double-walled vacuum insulated stainless steel water bottle that keeps beverages cold for 24 hours and hot for 8 hours. It is made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, BPA free and fully resistant to oxidation and corrosion. 32oz (946ml) Large mouth opening makes adding ice cubes or cleaning the bottle easy. Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Water Bottle with Handle is ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, biking, traveling, etc.

Takeya originals vacuum insulated stainless steel Water Bottle

The Takeya Originals vacuum insulated stainless steel water bottle is perfect for keeping your drinks ice-cold or hot for up to 12 hours. Made of food-grade 18/8 stainless steel, this BPA -free and leakproof water bottle won’t transfer flavors and does not sweat. With an innovative spout lid that allows easy one-handed drinking or pouring, the Takeya Originals water bottle is a must-have for on-the-go hydration.

Super Sparrow Insulated Water Bottle with Straw Lid Kids

The Super Sparrow Insulated Water Bottle with Straw Lid is the ideal companion for your active lifestyle! It’s made from durable stainless steel and comes in various colors to match your style. The water bottle holds up to 24 oz. of water, and the ice core will keep it cold for hours on end. The included straw lid makes it easy to drink without removing the entire cap so that you can stay focused on your workout or hike. You’ll never have to worry about spills or drips with this leak-proof design!

SIGG X Moomin Picnic Kids Drinking Bottle

Moomin Picnic – With its cheerful motif, the children’s water bottle will delight every little Moomin friend and is ideal for school, the playground, and more. The leak-proof drinking bottle is made of feather-light aluminum with a stable inner coating that ensures a neutral smell and taste. The hygienic and practical screw cap guarantees that no water or drink can drip out of the bottle when transported in a backpack or handbag.

Owala FreeSip Clear Water Bottle

Looking for a stylish and sustainable way to stay hydrated? Owala’s FreeSip Clear Water Bottle is perfect for you! This 25-ounce reusable water bottle is made of durable Eastman Tritan plastic and features a FreeSip spout with a push-button lid and lock. The protective push-button open lid keeps the spout clean, while the cup holder-friendly base makes it easy to take on the go.

Diller Thermos Water Bottle

The Diller Thermos Water Bottle is a high-quality, thermal vacuum insulated stainless steel bottle. The double-walled design keeps drinks hot or cold for up to 12 hours. This water bottle is made of food-grade 18/8 stainless steel and features a leak-proof screw-on lid with a silicone o-ring seal. It also comes with an easy flip open spout that opens by simply pushing the button on top of the lid. This product was designed in California and manufactured in China and Taiwan under strict safety, quality, and performance standards. All parts are TOP-RACK dishwasher safe.

Healthier Comforts Eco-Friendly Shaker Bottle

This eco-friendly shaker bottle is made from sustainable wheat straw, a biodegradable, renewable resource . The shatter-proof construction and sturdy materials make it durable and leak-proof. The easy-grip design and convenient carry loop make it easy to take with you on the go. The drinking spout allows you to easily create your shake, smoothie, or any drink. The BPA-free , non-toxic, natural, non-allergenic, gluten-free material makes this bottle safe for everyone.

IRON °FLASK Nomad Tumbler Bottle

Carry your drinks in style with the Nomad Tumbler. This double-wall, vacuum-insulated tumbler will keep your drinks hot or cold for hours and is made of durable stainless steel that won’t sweat.

The 18/8 Stainless Steel construction makes this the perfect travel companion – it’s leakproof and 100% BPA-free! The Nomad fits in most car cup holders and comes with TWO lids so that you can use it for all your beverages. One lid features a splash-proof straw, while the other features a secure flip-top lid.

A5 memobottle – The flat water bottle

The A5 memobottle is made from durable FREEZER SAFE plastic, allowing you to safely and conveniently carry your water in your bag next to your laptop and books. The 25oz (750ml) capacity will keep you hydrated throughout the day. BPA-FREE, 100% Food Grade Silicone and Phthalate Free make it safe for everyone.

A5 memo bottles are a great way to stay hydrated on the go! Made from high-quality freezer-safe plastic; these bottles are perfect for carrying your water with you wherever you go. With a 25oz (750ml) capacity, these bottles are perfect for keeping you hydrated all day long. BPA-FREE and 100% Food Grade Silicone, these bottles are safe for everyone to use. The A-shaped design makes them easy to store in your bag next to your laptop or books, and the wide opening allows for easy cleaning.

Non-toxic water bottles are a great way to stay hydrated while on the go. With various styles and sizes available, there is a bottle for everyone. These bottles are made from durable materials free of harmful chemicals and toxins. They are also BPA-free and food-grade silicone, making them safe for everyone to use. So, if you are looking for a non-toxic water bottle that will keep your drinks cold or hot all day long, check out some of the best options available here.

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Are Copper Mugs Safe? What You Need To Know About Copper Poisoning

April 12 2023

Copper mugs have become increasingly popular for serving cocktails like the Moscow Mule, but concerns about the safety of drinking from copper vessels have also surfaced. This is because putting an acidic drink in a copper cup can cause a reaction that could erode its lining, raising the copper level and eventually poisoning the drink.

However, copper mugs are safe for food and beverages if lined with a non-reactive metal such as nickel or stainless steel. Just keep your drink from sitting for too long, no more than 2 hours maximum, or you run the risk of copper poisoning.

To end the controversy about whether copper mugs are safe, we have compiled all the relevant information in this article.

What's with Moscow Mule Copper Mugs?

The famous Moscow Mule is traditionally served in a copper mug, which has become as iconic with the cocktail as a stemmed glass with a martini or a thin flute with champagne . Simply put, a Moscow Mule is not a Moscow Mule if it is not in a metal cup. This detail makes this drink unique and has helped make it famous.

But the drinkware's main purpose is not its looks. Copper maintains the drink’s cold and war temperatures longer than regular glasses. Some people say copper also gives the drink a unique metallic flavor, but this is just their opinion.

History of Copper in Health Care

Image by COPPER H20

Since ancient times, copper has been valued for its antibacterial properties. The ancient Egyptians associated the metal with eternal life. They also used copper extensively to make pots, mirrors, jewelry, and weapons. While copper has many uses, one of the most important is to make safe water storage vessels.

As a result of this discovery , some cultures, such as the Hindus, used copper in their medicine. Ayurvedic medicine took it one step further and recognized that copper was an important metal for the health of the human body.

FDA Warning Against the Use of Copper Mugs

The growing popularity of Moscow Mules has raised concerns about the safety of copper mugs with this beverage. 

Many states, including Iowa , have adopted the federal  Food and Drug Administration's Model Food Code , which forbids copper from coming into direct contact with foods with pH levels lower than 6.0. Vinegar, apple juice, and wine have pH levels lower than 6.0.

A classic Moscow Mule has a pH of less than 6.0. This means that copper mugs with a copper interior are not permitted to be used with this beverage. Copper mugs coated on the inside with another metal, such as nickel or stainless steel, are allowed and frequently available.

The statement says that high levels of copper are poisonous and have caused illnesses that spread through food. Copper can get into acidic foods when copper and copper alloys come in contact with them.

When water and carbon dioxide are mixed, they make an acid. This acid leaches copper from the plumbing parts, and the leachate then gets into drinks and causes copper poisoning.

What’s the Truth About Copper Mug Poisoning?

Copper mugs can be safely used to serve Moscow mules . Most mugs used for this purpose are made of a different material that eliminates any risk of copper exposure or toxicity.

Copper mug poisoning is only possible with unlined copper mugs if the body is exposed to a large amount of copper. 

The US National Research Council (US) Committee conducted a study in which they found that symptoms of copper toxicity appeared after consuming 30 milligrams of copper per liter and sitting in an unlined pure copper mug for hours.

To get copper poisoning from a Moscow mule, a guest would have to drink a liter of the cocktail from an unlined copper mug sitting in the freezer for several hours. This is unlikely to happen, but it cannot be ruled out.

As a result, some bar owners may choose to stock up on lined copper mugs for ease of maintenance and fewer health issues. Many Moscow Mule mugs sold today are lined or copper-plated on stainless steel, nickel, or tin. 

Symptoms of Copper Mug Poisoning

Copper is naturally found in many plant and animal foods. Still, the human body only stores about 50–120 milligrams (mg) of it. A doctor can determine how much copper is in a person's body through blood tests. 

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that adults not consume more than 10 milligrams of copper daily. Copper poisoning can cause many different symptoms, including:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blue, green, or dark stool with blood
• Extreme thirst
• Tachycardia or abnormally fast heart rate
• Fever or chills
• Sore muscles
• Changes in taste, loss of appetite, or anorexia

Copper poisoning can also cause the following neurological and mental symptoms, as well as other serious health problems:

• Changes in mood
• Symptoms of depression or anxiety
• Difficulty focusing
• Kidney and heart failure
• Loss of red blood cells
• Liver disease
• Brain damage

When is It Risky to Drink from Copper Vessels

Like with everything else, there are some risks associated with copper mugs. It all depends on how you use them and what you store in them. Here are some things to watch out for when using a copper vessel or mugs:

Storing Acidic Liquids or Foods

If the copper vessel is not lined, the copper that touches the acidic substance may react and release a lot of copper salts, such as blue vitriol (bluestone), copper sulfate, and verdigris. This can be dangerous because it can cause copper toxicity and other health problems, some of which can be fatal.

Some of these are pickled foods, honey, milk, other dairy products, and anything citrusy, like lemon, lime, or orange juice. 

Exposure to Heat

When copper is heated, it becomes more reactive and is more likely to give off more copper ions when it comes in contact with another substance. This is also why it rusts more quickly, so you should not put copper dishes in the dishwasher.

Remember not to put hot liquid into it when storing liquids in copper vessels or mugs. This is why Copper pots and pans are lined with copper because it helps heat spread out more evenly--but if the lining is damaged, you should never use the pot or pan again.

Improper or Irregular Cleaning

Copper tarnishes over time. Tarnish is not dangerous by itself and can make copper less reactive when coming in contact with water. However, it can pose a threat when the copper surface has started to rust and form a green patina (the result of corrosion). Regular cleaning is important to get the most out of storing water in copper and as a safety measure. 

When cleaning your copper items, you should avoid using harsh chemicals. Copper does not react well with harsh chemicals or the dishwasher. Check out this guide to learn more about how to clean copper mugs .

What Not to Drink in Copper Mugs?

Copper cups are not FDA-approved for citrus and acidic drinks. Avoid drinking the following in copper mugs:

• Beer (excluding ginger beer)
• Lemon juice
• Tomato juice
• Gatorade and Powerade or other sports drinks
• Unmixed hard liquor like Gin, whiskey, vodka, and brandy

If you want to serve any of these beverages at your bar, restaurant, wedding , or birthday   celebration, use glass cups.

Safety Tips When Using Copper Mugs

It is difficult to determine whether a drink is healthy and safe to ingest after being stored in a copper vessel for extended periods. Here are some tips to help you serve cocktails in copper mugs safely:

• Serve highly acidic drinks, like vodka, in a copper vessel with a food-grade inner coating, as all Advanced Mixology copper mugs have.
• When serving a cocktail in a copper mug, the inner part should be nickel or stainless steel. The inside silver lining may appear cheap, yet it protects the contents from contamination.
• Make certain that the Moscow mule copper mug's interior is not made of pure copper.
• Leave your drink in a copper mug for a short time, at most 2 hours.
• Drink your alcoholic beverages in a glass container if possible.

Are Copper Mugs Safe FAQ

Is drinking from a copper cup healthy?

UPMC experts say drinking from a copper cup provides no meaningful health benefits, yet using these cups is not inherently bad. "Drinking from a copper cup probably has no meaningful health benefit or risk," stated Michael Lynch, MD, medical director of the Pittsburgh Poison Center.

Is it safe to drink hot coffee in a copper mug?

A copper mug for your morning brew is acceptable, but only if you use it with iced coffee. Also note that the mug's interior must be plated with a safe metal for consumption--such as stainless steel, tin, or nickel.

Can you put Coke in a copper mug?

No. The Model Food Code of the Food and Drug Administration "prohibits copper from coming into direct contact with foods that have a pH below 6.0." Juices, alcohol, soda, coffee, and tea are a few examples. 

Does milk react with copper?

It is dangerous to store curd or milk product other than water in a copper vessel or mugs. Copper is likely to react with the minerals and vitamins in milk, which can cause food poisoning. Not only that, but the reaction might also cause nausea and anxiousness.

What are the side effects of drinking from the copper vessel?

Suppose you have been drinking water held in a copper bottle or vessel for a long period. In that case, you are in danger of copper toxicity. It has the possibility of causing severe nausea, dizziness, and abdominal discomfort, as well as liver and kidney failure.

In short, it's unlikely that you'll get sick from using a copper mug. The only danger is that your drink will become contaminated if you let it sit for too long. Fortunately, most copper mugs today come with tin or stainless steel lining when purchased as a set to eliminate that concern.

Informational

I would love to try one of your mugs. Moscow Mule drinks are my favorite. What is the best ginger beer to use?

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ARORA Moscow Mule Mugs set of 4,Aluminum Hammered Handcrafted Cups for Cocktail Drink, Beer Bar Party Gifts-Copper Color 19oz

( $0.37 / Fl Oz )

( $0.34 / Ounce )

( $6.97 / Count )

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About this item.

• 【KEEPS DRINKS FRESH】: The aluminum material of the cup keeps your drinks fresh, making it ideal for summertime sipping. Moscow mule cups enhance the flavor of your drinks compared to other types of mugs, thereby improving your overall drinking experience. You can use them to make cold drinks such as cocktails, mojitos, beers, soda, ice coffee, and fresh lemonade.
• 【LIGHTWEIGHT AND DURABLE】: These Hammered Moscow Mule Mugs are made of high-quality aluminum material, making them both durable and lightweight. If you worried about breaking glasses and ceramic mugs, you can choose our aluminum hammered Moscow mule cups. The lightweight material makes them easy to hold.
• 【DISPLAY AND GIFTS】: Mule mugs make a great addition to your bar accessories and a standout centerpiece for your home bar display because of their hammered and handcrafted design. Besides, the versatility of copper color mule mugs makes them a unique and thoughtful holiday or housewarming gift to someone who you love, a set of mugs fit for almost any gathering and occasion, including thanksgiving party, patio parties, fun cocktails, summer nights, white elephant gifts, Christmas time, wedding registry gifts and anniversary gifts ....
• 【RUST AND CORROSION RESISTANT】: Our Aluminum Hammered cups are rust and corrosion resistant, ensuring that they will last for a long time without any degradation in quality. Therefore, you can enjoy them for years to come, making them a cost-effective option.
• 【EASY TO CLEAN】: Aluminum is an easy-to-clean material that does not require special care or attention. Simply wash the mugs with water and soap. The dishwasher detergent will ruin the finish permanently. HAND WASH ONLY!

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These aluminum Moscow Mules are food safe, BPA-free and has no metal odor or taste.

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the versatility of the drinking cup. For example, they say it works perfectly for mules, it looks nice, and is lightweight. Customers are also impressed with the temperature, saying it keeps drinks very cold. That said, some complain about the color fading after one wash. Opinions are mixed on quality and cleanliness.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the drinking cup. They mention that it's nice looking, beautiful, and has a solid handle. Some appreciate the copper colored exterior. However, some customers feel the cup has cheep look and feel.

"Work perfectly for Mules. Hand wash only, keeps drinks ice cold and look nice . We bought 2 sets. Definitely recommend these." Read more

"These were great for our Moscow mules. They were well-made and looked good . They kept our drinks cool, and yet didn’t sweat all over the counter...." Read more

" Very beautiful sets of copper mule sets , just had a very weird taste of the water or juice when used it. Good price." Read more

"These are fine copper mugs. They look as expected and so is their quality...." Read more

Customers like the temperature of the cup. They say it keeps their drinks very cold, and the good design keeps drinks cold. Some customers also mention that the copper stays super cold with ice in the cup, making for a tasty Titos mule.

"Very light and keep your drinks cold " Read more

"Work perfectly for Mules. Hand wash only, keeps drinks ice cold and look nice. We bought 2 sets. Definitely recommend these." Read more

"...But they kept the drinks very cold " Read more

"...They were well-made and looked good. They kept our drinks cool , and yet didn’t sweat all over the counter. The color was nice...." Read more

Customers appreciate the value of the mug. They say it's an inexpensive way to get the look.

" Price and delievry were excellent . Good Job!" Read more

"...a lot of money on copper mugs as most run expensive so these are good for the value . They aren’t the heaviest mugs quite lightweight...." Read more

"... Good price ." Read more

" Great size and price but the color faded after one wash" Read more

Customers like the versatility of the drinking cup. For example, they mention it works perfectly for mules, is lightweight and thin, and is useful. Some say it's just as good as expensive ones.

" Work perfectly for Mules . Hand wash only, keeps drinks ice cold and look nice. We bought 2 sets. Definitely recommend these." Read more

"These were great for our Moscow mules . They were well-made and looked good. They kept our drinks cool, and yet didn’t sweat all over the counter...." Read more

"...weight and definitely have a cheaper feel to them but they are great for mules and work just as good as expensive ones! A must!" Read more

"...They were delivered so quickly & were perfect ." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the weight of the cup. For example, they mention it's lightweight, thin, and pretty.

" Very light and keep your drinks cold" Read more

"...They aren’t the heaviest mugs quite lightweight . They look exactly like the picture above...." Read more

"These are lighter weight and definitely have a cheaper feel to them but they are great for mules and work just as good as expensive ones! A must!" Read more

"Nice looking , light weight . We have not used them yet but look like a fun drinking mug." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the quality of the cup. Some say it's a decent cup, while others say it looks and feels cheap.

" Perfect cup for your summertime Moscow Mules." Read more

"...side than I was expecting and I've seen before and also the handles feel very cheap . But they kept the drinks very cold" Read more

"These were great for our Moscow mules. They were well-made and looked good. They kept our drinks cool, and yet didn’t sweat all over the counter...." Read more

"...don’t mind them for other drinks, but you can definitely tell the cheaper quality " Read more

Customers are mixed about the cleanliness of the drinking cup. Some mention that it's easy to clean and change color when washed, while others say that it is not dishwasher safe.

"...Good quality. My only complaint is they are not dishwasher safe . Hand wash only." Read more

"Work perfectly for Mules. Hand wash only , keeps drinks ice cold and look nice. We bought 2 sets. Definitely recommend these." Read more

"...The metal is cheap and they're not dishwasher safe like the ones I've been using...." Read more

"This is almost certainly my bad, but these are not dishwasher safe . They dulled a lot in one pass through the dishwasher." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the fading of the drinking cup. They mention that the color fades after one wash, the coating comes off, and the mugs get cloudy.

"Great size and price but the color faded after one wash " Read more

"Ok so they are a little cheap looking compared to our other mule cups, but i m needed a few more cups for a party and these had fast shipping...." Read more

"Copper mug is thinner than normal because they don't have the silver lining that the more expensive ones do...." Read more

"So disappointed with these cups. They are cheap feeling and cheap looking . Bought Kitchen Science cups and they are 10 times nicer, heavier, shinier." Read more

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