Choosing the best long term storage containers for food means matching the container to what you store, how much you need to hold, and how often you access it. A large food-grade bucket can suit bulk staples or emergency supplies, while a clear canister makes everyday pantry items easier to see. The picks below range from heavy-duty buckets to stainless steel, plastic, and glass options. For the best results, start with clean, completely dry food and store it in a cool, dry place.
| Product | Material | Capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ePackageSupply 5-Gallon Food-Grade Buckets, 6 Pack | HDPE plastic | 5 gallons each | Bulk dry goods and utility storage |
| Suclain 12L Stainless Steel Canisters, 3 Pack | 304 stainless steel | 12 liters each | Large pantry quantities |
| Verdeho 12L Stainless Steel Container | 304 stainless steel | 12 liters | Dry goods and pet food |
| ComSaf 10-Qt Rice Storage Containers, 2 Pack | BPA-free PP plastic | 9.5 liters each | Rice and frequently used staples |
| Dwbligt 2-Gallon Glass Jars, 2 Pack | Glass with stainless steel handles | 2 gallons each | Visible storage and fermentation |
Our Picks: Best Long Term Storage Containers For Food reviews
ePackageSupply 5-Gallon Buckets: Best for Large Bulk Storage
This six-pack is designed for storing large quantities rather than keeping a small amount of an ingredient close at hand. Each white bucket holds 5 gallons, or 640 ounces, and is made from sturdy 90-mil HDPE plastic. The listing describes the buckets as BPA-free and FDA compliant for direct food contact.
Each bucket comes with an airtight gasketed tear-strip lid, a metal handle with a plastic grip, and a reinforced stacking ring. The listing also says the buckets are freezer safe to -5°F and compatible with tear-tab lids and most 12-inch gamma seal lids. That compatibility can be useful if you want to add a different-style lid for more frequent access.
The large capacity makes this a practical choice for bulk dry staples or emergency supplies, but it also means a full bucket can be cumbersome to move and scoop from. You may prefer to keep a smaller working container in your kitchen and refill it as needed. The included tear-strip lid is suited to sealing a bucket, though a frequently accessed staple may be easier to manage with a compatible gamma-style lid.
Pros:
- Six large, 5-gallon containers in one set
- Food-contact use is specified in the listing
- Gasketed lids and reinforced stacking rings
- Compatible with most 12-inch gamma seal lids
Cons:
- Large buckets take up substantial storage space
- A full bucket may be awkward for frequent scooping
Verdict: Choose these buckets if you need several large containers for bulk food storage and have the space to store them.
Suclain 12L Stainless Steel Canisters: Best for a Matching Set
This set includes three 12-liter canisters made from food-grade 304 stainless steel. The listing describes them as rust-resistant and gives them locking lids intended to form an airtight seal. Each container is sized for substantial quantities of pantry staples such as rice, flour, pasta, sugar, or pet food.
The polished metal finish offers an alternative to clear plastic containers, and the canisters are described as suitable for home kitchens as well as restaurants and bakeries. Their larger capacity can help consolidate bulk ingredients, but it also makes them less suited to shelves with limited depth or height. Because the containers are opaque, you will need labels or another way to identify what is inside.
Availability note: This item is marked unavailable in the supplied listing information. Check its current listing before planning a purchase around it.
Pros:
- Three large 12-liter containers in one set
- 304 stainless steel construction
- Locking lids are described as airtight
- Suitable for a range of dry pantry staples
Cons:
- Marked unavailable in the supplied listing information
- Opaque walls make it harder to see contents at a glance
Verdict: This set may suit you if you want large stainless steel canisters, but confirm availability and consider whether opaque containers fit your pantry routine.
Verdeho 12L Stainless Steel Container: Best for Dry Goods and Pet Food
The Verdeho is a single 12-liter container made from 304 stainless steel. Its wide opening is designed for filling, scooping, and pouring, while two side handles make the container easier to lift or move. The lid uses a built-in sealing ring and three locking clips, which the listing describes as an airtight design.
The listing gives its dimensions as 11 by 11 by 10.2 inches and suggests it can hold around 15 to 30 pounds of dry kibble, depending on kibble size. That range is a useful reminder that weight capacity varies with the food: not every 20-pound bag will fit. It is also listed for staples such as flour, sugar, rice, pasta, cereal, and coffee beans.
Compared with the large plastic buckets, this container has a more compact footprint and a metal body, but it holds less than a 5-gallon bucket. Its opaque construction means you will need to label it, and the listing recommends wiping it clean between uses. It is a reasonable option if you want a sturdy container for one large ingredient or a supply of pet food.
Pros:
- 304 stainless steel construction
- Wide opening and side handles for access and carrying
- Sealing ring and three locking clips
- Listed for both pantry staples and dry pet food
Cons:
- Opaque sides require labels to identify contents
- Actual kibble capacity depends on its size and shape
Verdict: Pick the Verdeho if you want a handled stainless steel container for a sizable amount of dry food and can work with its fixed 12-liter capacity.
ComSaf 10-Qt Containers: Best for Rice and Everyday Pantry Access
This two-pack of 9.5-liter containers is made from BPA-free, food-grade polypropylene. Each lid has four clip points and a silicone gasket, and the clear walls let you check how much food remains without opening the container. The set also includes two measuring cups, a rice colander, and two writable labels.
The listing says the pair can hold 20 to 25 pounds of rice, with up to 34 pounds at full capacity. Capacity varies by food and how it is packed, so treat those figures as product claims rather than a guarantee for every grain or ingredient. The containers are also intended for flour, beans, sugar, cereal, and pet food.
Compared with the larger buckets and metal canisters, these are easier to check at a glance and come with accessories for handling rice. Their plastic construction keeps them lighter, but the 9.5-liter size may not be enough if you want to store a very large bulk supply in one container. The clear sides also make contents visible, so labels can help keep a pantry organized.
Pros:
- Two clear, food-grade plastic containers
- Clip-on lids with silicone gaskets
- Includes measuring cups, a colander, and writable labels
- Useful for rice and other dry pantry staples
Cons:
- Each container holds less than the 5-gallon buckets
- Capacity by weight varies with the ingredient
Verdict: Choose the ComSaf set if you want visible, manageable containers for rice and everyday staples, especially if the included measuring accessories will be useful.
Dwbligt 2-Gallon Glass Jars: Best for Visible Storage
This two-pack provides large, 2-gallon glass jars with screw lids and silicone gaskets. The 4.3-inch-wide mouth is intended to make filling, scooping, and cleaning easier, and the glass lets you see the contents. The set also includes stainless steel handles, silicone protective covers, and measurement marks in ounces and milliliters.
The listing describes the jars as suitable for bulk ingredients such as flour and sugar, as well as uses like sun tea or kombucha. Their size can be helpful when you want to keep a visible supply on a counter or shelf, but glass is heavier and more breakable than the plastic options. The handles and protective covers may help with handling, though a full jar can still be awkward to lift.
The gasket is described as giving an airtight feel, but the product information does not provide a specific storage-life claim. As with any container, the seal and the food’s condition before storage matter. These jars are less convenient for a very large emergency supply than the five-gallon buckets, but they offer a wide opening and clear view of the contents.
Pros:
- Two large glass jars with wide mouths
- Clear sides make contents easy to see
- Includes stainless steel handles and silicone protective covers
- Measurement marks are provided on the jars
Cons:
- Glass is heavier and more fragile than plastic
- Large jars may be awkward to handle when full
Verdict: Consider these jars if you prefer visible glass storage and want a wide opening, but choose plastic or metal if you need a lighter container for frequent moving.
How to Choose Long Term Food Storage Containers
Match the Capacity to Your Storage Plan
Think about how much food you plan to store and how you will access it. A 5-gallon bucket can hold a large bulk supply, but it takes up more space and may be difficult to handle once full. Smaller canisters are easier to keep near your cooking area, while a set of containers lets you separate foods or organize different quantities. Keep in mind that weight capacity depends on the ingredient’s shape and density.
Check the Food-Contact Information
Choose a container whose listing clearly describes its material and intended food use. The ePackageSupply buckets are described as BPA-free and FDA compliant for direct food contact; the ComSaf containers are described as BPA-free and food-grade; and the metal options are described as food-grade 304 stainless steel. Follow the product’s care instructions, and do not assume that a container is suitable for every type of food just because it is large or has a lid.
Consider the Seal and Your Access Routine
A gasket or sealing ring can help limit exposure to air and moisture when the lid is closed, but the design should also suit how often you open the container. Clip lids can be convenient for repeated access, while a large bucket lid may be better for storing a bulk supply. If you open a container often, consider keeping a smaller amount in a working canister and leaving the rest sealed.
Choose a Material That Fits Your Space
Plastic is generally the lighter choice among these options, and clear plastic can make contents easy to identify. Stainless steel offers an opaque metal alternative, so labels are useful. Glass gives you a view of the contents but is heavier and more fragile. Before buying, check the product dimensions against your shelf, cabinet, or storage area, not just the stated volume.
Plan for Moisture, Pests, and Clean Handling
Use clean, completely dry containers and dry food, then keep the storage area cool and dry. A lid alone cannot protect food that was damp or already compromised before it was packed. Use a clean scoop, close the lid after each use, and label the container with its contents so you can manage your supply. For long-term storage, inspect the seal and the food when you open the container.
Think About Moving and Refilling
Handles, wide openings, and removable lids can make a large container easier to use, but they do not make a full container light. If you expect to move food often, consider whether you can lift the container safely when full. A wide mouth can make scooping and refilling easier, while a clear wall can help you see when supplies are running low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which container is best for storing a large amount of food?
The ePackageSupply set offers the largest stated capacity in this group: each bucket holds 5 gallons. It may suit bulk dry goods if you have enough room to store the buckets and can manage their size when full.
Are airtight containers enough to keep food fresh long term?
A seal can help limit exposure to air and moisture, but it cannot guarantee a particular storage life. The food should be suitable for storage, dry when packed, and kept in a cool, dry place. Check the condition of the food when you open the container.
Are clear or opaque containers better?
Clear containers make it easier to see what is inside and how much remains. Opaque stainless steel containers block the view of the contents, so labels are helpful. The better choice depends on whether visibility or a metal container matters more to you.
Can I store pet food in these containers?
The Verdeho, Suclain, and ComSaf listings include pet food among their suggested uses. The Verdeho listing notes that the amount of kibble that fits depends on the size of the pieces, and not every 20-pound bag will fit. Check the container dimensions and the food’s volume before choosing.
Is glass a good choice for long-term food storage?
Glass can work well when you want to see the contents and do not need to move the container often. The Dwbligt jars have wide mouths and silicone-gasketed lids, but glass is heavier and more fragile than plastic. Handle full jars with care.
Should I store a large supply in one container or several smaller ones?
One large container can consolidate a bulk supply, while several smaller containers can make portions easier to access and organize. If you open food frequently, separating a working amount from the rest can reduce how often the larger supply is exposed to air and moisture.
Final Recommendation
For the largest bulk-storage capacity, the ePackageSupply five-gallon buckets are the strongest fit in this group, provided you have room for them. For a more accessible pantry setup, the ComSaf containers offer clear sides, clip-on lids, and rice-focused accessories. The Verdeho is a practical metal option for one large supply of dry food or pet food, while the Dwbligt jars suit shoppers who want visible glass storage. The Suclain canisters may also be worth considering, but the supplied listing marks them unavailable. Pick the material, capacity, and lid style that best match your storage space and how often you open the container.