Glad Food Storage Containers

Name: Glad Food Storage Containers
Brand: Glad

PFR Grade

Poor — significant plastic content, use with caution

Polypropylene plastic containers with direct food contact. Microwave use dramatically increases chemical leaching. 'BPA-free' does not mean chemical-free — BPA substitutes may have similar endocrine-disrupting effects.

PFR Avoid

Plastic food storage containers. BPA-free polypropylene. One of the most popular food storage container brands.

Score Breakdown

How scores are calculated

Materials (40%): How plastic-free the product is — raw materials, construction, and coatings.

Packaging (20%): Is the product packaged in plastic? Is it recyclable?

Transparency (20%): Does the brand disclose ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing?

Durability (20%): How long does it last? Longer-lasting products reduce plastic waste over time.

Materials

Packaging

Transparency

Durability

$12See Safer Alternatives in Kitchen

This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.

Last updated: April 5, 2026

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Critical Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

The kitchen is the room with the highest concentration of plastic-chemical exposure sources: plastic wrap, cutting boards, food storage containers, utensils, and appliances. Heat dramatically accelerates chemical leaching — a plastic container microwaved once can release millions of microplastic particles into food.

Synthetic Plastic Content

100%

synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

Plastic food containers are a major source of chemical exposure, especially when used in the microwave. Even BPA-free polypropylene can leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals when heated. Glass containers are a simple and affordable upgrade.

Chemical & Health Analysis

Each chemical of concern is broken down below — what it is, where it comes from in this product, what it does to the body, and who is most at risk.

Contains:Polypropylene (BPA-free but still plastic)

BPA

Source

BPA substitute chemicals in polypropylene

Health Risk

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals leach into food, especially when heated

Who Is Most At RiskEveryone who microwaves food in plastic containers

Peer-Reviewed Sources

Microplastics

Source

Polypropylene container material

Health Risk

Microplastic particles transfer to food during storage and heating

Who Is Most At RiskEveryone who uses plastic food containers

Peer-Reviewed Sources

All health claims are based on published, peer-reviewed research from the NIH, WHO, IARC, and peer-reviewed journals. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.