Food Storage Containers

Smart Food Storage: The Best Containers and Where to Buy Them in the UK

Introduction: Why the right container changes everything

Have you ever opened the fridge and found mystery leftovers in a bent plastic tub? The right food storage container can turn kitchen chaos into calm. From keeping coffee beans fragrant to preserving soup for tomorrow’s lunch, the right selection saves money, reduces waste, and makes meal prep feel like a breeze. In this guide I'll walk you through the top picks, the best places to buy them in the UK — including stores like Nordic Nest and Coffee Friend — and how to match containers to your lifestyle.

Why quality food storage matters

Good containers do more than just hold food. They protect flavour, extend shelf life, and reduce spills. Think of them as the unsung heroes of your kitchen cabinet: airtight glass keeps sauces from absorbing odours, vacuum jars preserve coffee oils, and sturdy lunch boxes make commuting less messy. Buying well now means fewer replacements later — and who doesn’t love fewer trips to the waste bin?

Top UK stores to shop for food storage containers

If you're shopping around, it helps to know where to look. Nordic Nest and Coffee Friend are two specialised retailers carrying curated, high-quality pieces. Beyond them, mainstream UK stores like John Lewis, Lakeland, Argos, Dunelm, and specialty coffee retailers also stock great options. Each store has its strengths: design-led items at Nordic Nest, coffee-focused vacuum jars at Coffee Friend, and budget-friendly multi-piece sets at larger retailers.

Nordic Nest: Design-led and practical

Nordic Nest leans toward Scandi-style solutions — think clean lines and muted tones. Their range includes lunch boxes like the Oyoy Yummi lunch box and elegant jars such as the Solstickan coffee filter jar, which measures about 6.1 by 6.7 in. Expect stylish glass and steel canisters, well-suited if aesthetics matters as much as function.

Coffee Friend: For the coffee lover and vacuum enthusiast

Coffee Friend specialises in coffee gear and vacuum storage solutions, a godsend if you’re serious about freshness. They stock several sizes of Fellow Atmos vacuum containers — popular models include the 1.2 L canister (roughly 42 fl oz) and a 0.7 L size (about 25 fl oz) — as well as electric vacuum jars for effortless sealing. If you want your beans to taste as bright on day seven as on day one, these vacuum systems are worth a look.

Other reliable UK outlets

John Lewis and Lakeland are great for a broad range of brands and reliable customer service. Argos and Dunelm often carry budget-friendly sets from trusted names like Brabantia and Joseph Joseph. For specialty glassware and premium brands, check independent kitchen shops and online retailers such as Amazon UK or specialist coffee retailers.

Types of containers and when to use them

Not all containers are created equal. Choosing the right material and closure can make or break freshness, portability, and ease of cleaning. Here’s a quick run-through of the most common types and the situations they’re best for.

Glass containers (borosilicate or tempered)

Glass is neutral, won’t stain, and doesn’t absorb odours. Borosilicate glass options, like the Zwilling Fresh & Save sets, handle temperature changes better and often come with airtight lids. They’re ideal for meal prep and storing acidic foods. Expect sizes that range from snack-sized to family portions — for example, 1.2 L is roughly 42 fl oz, enough for a hearty salad or leftover casserole.

Vacuum-sealed jars and canisters

Vacuum containers remove air to slow oxidation — great for coffee, tea, nuts, and spices. Brands such as Fellow Atmos and Zwilling’s Fresh & Save excel here. You can choose manual vacuum lids or electric pumps that make sealing almost effortless. For coffee lovers, a 1.2 L (about 42 fl oz) vacuum canister makes a neat home base for beans, while smaller 0.7 L (about 25 fl oz) jars are perfect for tea or ground coffee.

Stainless steel jars and on-the-go mugs

Stainless steel is durable and lightweight, which is perfect for travel mugs and sturdy storage jars. Joseph Joseph makes tall steel storage jars that are stylish and practical. For soups and hot lunches, insulated steel mugs like Brabantia’s 0.6 L soup mug (around 20 fl oz) keep things warm and spill-free during commutes.

Silicone and collapsible options

Short on cupboard space? Collapsible silicone containers fold flat when empty. They’re great for picnics, camping, or small kitchens. They’re lighter and often fridge- and freezer-friendly, but check for BPA-free labels if you use them for hot foods.

How to choose the right size: smart guidelines

Choosing the right size depends on what you store most often. Here’s a practical rule of thumb: choose containers that match the portion sizes you use, and pick a range of sizes so you don’t overpack.

Small jars (up to 16 fl oz)

Small jars are ideal for spices, coffee samples, nuts, and snacks. A 16 fl oz jar (about 0.45 L) is great for a coffee bag or overnight oats serving. Keep a handful of these on hand for freshness and portion control.

Medium containers (about 20–42 fl oz)

Medium sizes — roughly 20 to 42 fl oz — work for single-serve meals, soups, and side dishes. Fellow’s 0.7 L is in this range and is a perfect commuter size. They’re versatile and make meal prepping convenient without taking up too much fridge space.

Large containers (50–70 fl oz and up)

Large containers are best for family meals, batch-cooked stews, and bulk produce. A 2 L container equals roughly 70 fl oz and will hold a generous portion of lasagne or soup for sharing. Keep a couple of these for leftovers and meal-batch storage.

Vacuum vs airtight: what’s best for what?

Airtight lids do a good job sealing in moisture and keeping spills at bay, but vacuum systems take freshness further by actively removing air. Which do you need? If you store coffee, tea, or other items prone to oxidation, vacuum is worth the extra spend. For everyday leftovers, quality airtight glass or BPA-free plastic does the job well.

Care and maintenance: keep them working longer

Good care extends the life of your containers. Glass and stainless steel usually handle the dishwasher, but lids with silicone seals often need hand-washing to keep their gaskets in top shape. Vacuum pumps and electric seals sometimes require occasional battery or charging checks. Simple tips: air-dry lids separately, store containers with lids off to avoid trapped smells, and replace worn seals when they show cracks.

Eco and health considerations

If sustainability matters to you, favour glass and stainless steel over single-use plastics. Glass is endlessly recyclable and won’t leach chemicals. Stainless steel offers durability that can outlast multiple plastic replacements. Look for brands that use borosilicate glass or recycled materials, and consider reusable vacuum jars to cut down on waste.

Meal prep ideas and storage hacks

Want to get the most out of your containers? Batch-cook grains, roast vegetables, and portion them into medium-sized glass containers for grab-and-go meals during the week. Use smaller jars for dressings and sauces to avoid soggy salads. For freeze-and-heat convenience, choose microwave-safe glass or insulated steel mugs that keep your lunch warm without microwave reliance.

Price spectrum and what to expect

Prices can vary widely depending on material and brand. Expect to pay more for vacuum and premium glass sets, while multi-piece plastic sets are budget-friendly. A single high-quality vacuum canister from a specialist retailer like Coffee Friend might cost more upfront but can save money by keeping coffee and dry goods fresher for longer. Mid-range stainless steel and glass items from shops like John Lewis and Lakeland hit the sweet spot for many households.

Where to find deals and seasonal picks

Keep an eye on seasonal sales and clearance sections for big savings — summer picnic season and New Year kitchen refreshes often bring discounts. Subscribe to newsletters from your favourite stores or follow them on social media to catch flash deals on brands like Zwilling, Fellow, and Brabantia. Don’t overlook bundle deals; multi-piece sets often work out cheaper per container.

Final tips before you buy

Measure your fridge and cupboard space before you buy to avoid awkward fits. If you commute, test the lunch box for leakproofness and insulation. For coffee lovers, choose opaque or dark-coloured containers to protect beans from light, and consider a vacuum option to lock in aroma. Finally, mix materials: a combination of glass for storage, stainless steel for travel, and vacuum jars for coffee gives you flexibility without clutter.

Conclusion

Choosing the right food storage containers transforms your kitchen routine — reducing waste, saving time, and keeping food tasting its best. Whether you prefer the design-led selections at Nordic Nest, the coffee-focused vacuum options at Coffee Friend, or the wide range available at John Lewis and Lakeland, there’s a perfect container for every need. Think about materials, sizes, and sealing methods, and you’ll build a practical, stylish storage system that fits your life. Happy organising!