Types of Food Storage Containers
Having the proper food storage containers in your restaurant is crucial to storing food safely. According to the FDA Food Code, food in a commercial kitchen must be stored in a clean, dry location where it will not be contaminated and is elevated at least 6 inches from the floor.1 These are the minimum requirements set in place by the FDA, and many local health codes have additional rules to keep in mind. Restaurants should also strive to follow "First In, First Out" (FIFO) methods, meaning the oldest ingredients and food are always used first to help prevent food from expiring in storage.2 Below, we go over the types of food containers to help you determine which styles best suit your needs.
Considerations for Food Storage Containers
Determining the purpose your new containers will serve can ensure you get the right commercial food storage for your kitchen. Here are some considerations to make before purchasing a food container:
- What are you storing?
- How much are you storing?
- Where will you place the containers?
- How can you implement FIFO procedures?
- Can your food containers be used to display food?
Keep in mind dry ingredients generally fare better in round containers while wet ingredients are better suited for square containers. You also need to make sure the container you buy is large enough to accommodate the ingredients you plan on storing. To ensure that your staff is compliant with FIFO procedures, you want to make sure they're pulling the oldest ingredients to use or dispose of if needed. If you choose a storage container that doubles as a display container, you may not need as many types of food containers on hand.
Food Storage Container Materials
The material a commercial food storage container is made of will determine how you are able to use it and how durable it is. Plastic is the most common container material, but the type of plastic will affect its clarity and whether it is safe to be used in the microwave. Though there are other materials that can be used to make food storage containers, there are three main types of plastic available: polyethylene, polypropylene, and polycarbonate.
- Polyethylene is the most economical and most common material available. It's not as clear as the other options, which means you'll often need to remove the lid to identify the contents. Polyethylene can also be used in microwaves.
- Polypropylene is clearer than polyethylene and safe for use in microwaves and freezers.
- Polycarbonate is the most transparent option. Though polycarbonate can be used in microwaves.
| Type of Plastic | Clarity | Microwave Safe | BPA Free |
| Polyethylene | Translucent | Usually microwave safe | Yes |
| Polypropylene | Clear | Yes | Yes |
| Polycarbonate | Clearest | Yes, but not recommended.3 | No |
SAN plastic, aluminum, and melamine may also be used to make some types of food containers, though these materials are not commonly used.
- SAN plastic is clear, microwave safe, and BPA free. This material is only found in salad bar crocks.
- Melamine storage containers are thicker in construction and are not transparent. These storage containers are often BPA free and may also be in salad bar crocks.
- Aluminum is not typically used for food storage containers, but it is a great option for dough proofing pans because it blocks light, moisture, and oxygen from dough.
Food Container Storage Options
Square food containers are ideal for conserving space since they can sit directly next to each other with no empty space between. Because dry ingredients can get stuck in the corners, these are more suitable for sauces and soups. They are typically clear; blue, green, white, and red are also available. These containers can roughly hold 12 to 66 ounces or 2 to 22 quarts.
Food boxes are rectangular containers used to store large items or small ingredients in bulk. These are often used for cuts of meat or fresh produce. Food boxes are typically clear – though other colors may be available to help with organization – and can hold between 13⁄4 to 22 gallons of ingredients.
Round food containers are the preferred shape for storing dry ingredients. There aren't any corners for ingredients to stick to, making this shape ideal for spices and flour. However, these containers take up more space than square containers. They are available in several colors and can hold anywhere from 8 to 27 ounces and 1 to 22 quarts.
Ingredient bins are great for storing dry ingredients. The largest of these bins often come on casters to make transportation simple and comply with health codes. These are popular in bakeries and pizzerias to store flour, sugar, oats, and other bulk dry ingredients. Ingredient bins hold from 10 to over 42 gallons.
Proofing pans and dough boxes are made for storing unbaked dough. Some are designed to promote rising, while others are made to prevent it. These enable you to make dough in large batches, so you always have dough ready when you need it. Their capacities range from as little as 40 ounces to 96 ounces.
Salad bar crocks are made to fit into a food bar, enabling you to offer salad dressings and toppings, while doubling as storage. These crocks often come with lids, though sometimes they are sold separately. Salad bar crocks can hold from 3⁄5 of a quart to a little over 10 quarts.
Ice cream containers are typically sized to hold 3 gallons and can be used for storage as well as displaying ice cream to customers. Some of these containers are insulated for temperature retention while others contain a refrigerated gel that keeps ice cream cold for long periods.
Restaurant Food Container Accessories
Once you have found the right food storage containers, you can decide which accessories you need to help your kitchen stay organized. When it comes to keeping food organized, food storage labels are necessary. These help you identify what each container holds, when it was placed there, when it should be used by, and any other relevant information. If you are storing dry ingredients, a food scoop can help you easily gather the right portion. Food scoops are available in aluminum, polycarbonate, and stainless steel variations.
To ensure your business complies with health codes, you may need wire or polymer shelving to store your food storage containers. Most of these shelves are adjustable, enabling you to customize your setup to meet your local health regulations and provide enough room for your largest containers.
References
- FDA Food Code 2017. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Accessed October 2022.
- Which Inventory Costing Method is Right for Your Restaurant? Toast. Accessed October 2022.
- A Common Plastic Comes Under Scrutiny University of Rochester Medical Center. Accessed November 2022.