Food storage: Skip plastic, silicone has you covered

Image source, clockwise: EcoPeaceful, ANDYKEN, Homelux Theory, Zero Waste Outlet

Yes, I have a roll of plastic wrap in my kitchen, but I can’t recall the last time I used it since outfitting my kitchen with silicone food storage options. Nor can I recall the last time I purchased a box of Ziploc® or similar style bags—it’s been years. (I will, however, reuse the ones I inherit. I’m not a freak.) Silicone food storage products might seem pricey up front, but the investment pays off. These products last and you get the satisfaction of not adding plastic to landfills. They make great gifts, too.

Silicone is an excellent choice for food storage with a wide range of versatile options to choose from. You can’t go wrong as long as you choose products made with 100% food grade or medical grade silicone. The material has a long list of commendable qualities: It’s virtually indestructible, reusable, non-toxic and BPA free, anti-microbial, hypoallergenic, cold and heat resistant (from downwards of -40 to upwards of 400 degrees, depending on the brand), and both dishwasher and microwave safe. It doesn’t leach chemicals, and it doesn’t break down into microplastics. Plastic wrap and baggies just can’t compete.

Below are the products I personally own (exceptions noted), and while I’ve provided links to buy online, I encourage you to visit your local kitchen supply store and take advantage of their offerings. Support local businesses! Also note that for items listed, other sizes and purchasing options are usually available, and prices listed are subject to change.

Stretch silicon lids

Stretch lids come in a wide range of sizes, so you can use them with dishes you already own—including food storage dishes where the plastic lids have broken or torn. The smaller sizes can be used like Food Huggers to store half of a tomato, onion, lemon, apple, etc. (Although often I just place the half piece of whatever cut-side down in a similar sized bowl, without a lid.)

• Mockins: I bought this combi set of stretch and suction lids ages ago and sadly it’s no longer in stock. But if it becomes available again, I highly recommend it. The durable material and assorted sizes have made it an indispensable set. This set from Zero Waste Outlet looks like a good alternative for the stretch lids and it comes with minimal, plastic-free packaging. Price on Zero Waste Outlet: $13.73 for a set of 6 lids in multiple sizes
  

• True Nature: After buying my first set of stretch lids, I found that I used them so often that I bought this 12-pack set a few years back because I wanted to add square lids and additional round ones to my collection. The material isn’t as thick as the Mockins brand, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing—these lids are stretchier so they accommodate a wider range of sizes. While the set is no longer available on Amazon, I found the same set on another site (also with minimal, plastic-free packaging). Price on Third Coast Kitchen: $15.99 for a set of 6 round and 6 square lids in multiple sizes
  

• EcoPeaceful: A great starter set that includes both lids and bags. Price on Amazon: $19.99 for a set of 8 lids in multiple sizes, 2 large bags, and 2 medium bags

  
  

Suction (or vacuum) silicone lids

Suction lids also come in a wide range of sizes and can be used to cover dishes or pots and pans. I find that the seal with suction lids doesn’t stay as airtight as with stretchy lids, but sometimes I prefer the ease of slapping one on top of a bowl and calling it good. These lids are ideal for covering food in the microwave to prevent splatters, and the small ones are perfect for covering open cans of cat food.

• Mockins: As I mentioned above, this combi set of stretch and suction lids ages is no longer available. This set of suction lids by Andyken looks similar and comes in a variety of colors. Price on Amazon: $17.99 for a set of 5 lids in multiple sizes

Hack: Not really a suction lid, but I’ve used my Silpat® baking mat as a cover for my 9”x11” baking dish. Oxo makes a stretch lid in this size for $13.99.

Silicone bags

Everything those plastic baggies can do, these can do again, and again, and again. Aside from the regular uses, I always keep a bag in my freezer for collecting vegetable scraps until I’m ready to make stock.

• HomeLux Theory: These bags aren’t entirely plastic free—they have a zip closure that uses a fully detachable plastic slider bar—but I find this design easier to clean than a pinch and seal closure. I’ve been using my set constantly for about six years, and they show no sign of wear apart from minor discoloration. They’re a bit floppy, though, and don’t stand up on their own unless they’re filled. Price on HomeLux Theory: On sale for $28.83 (normally $34.99) for a set 6 bags in multiple sizes
  

• EcoPeaceful: Mentioned above, this great starter set includes both lids and bags. Price on Amazon: $19.99 for a set of 8 lids and 4 bags in multiple sizes
  

• Durbl: I’ve not used this brand, but Serious Eats rated it as their top pick and I trust their opinion. They profess a leak-proof seal. (HomeLux Theory was their #2 pick. Price on Durbl: $64.99 for the Pro Pack set of 6 multiple sizes
  

• Stasher: This brand seems to be everywhere but is much pricier than other options. I was curious about the hype and managed to snag a few pieces on a rare sale. I like that the bags are designed to stand on their own, but the deep seams of the pinch and closure collected gunk that was hard to remove. I will use them in my rotation with no reservations, but the brand popularity seems to be the result of an effective marketing team. Price on Stasher.com: $34.99 for the stand-up mega bag (104 fl oz)

  
  

Silicone Q&A

Q: What is silicone made from?

A: Silicone is made from silicon (sand), carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Silicon is the second most abundant element on earth’s surface.

Q: Does silicone biodegrade?

A: Silicone does fully biodegrade and return to the earth, but the process takes centuries. However, unlike plastic, it doesn’t leech toxic chemicals or break down into microplastics.

Q: Can silicone be recycled?

A: While silicone can be recycled, it can’t be included in curbside recycling bins. Instead, it must be sent through a different channel, usually a company’s take-back program or a service like TerraCycle. When silicone is recycled, it’s shredded or ground into smaller granules, and mixed with fresh silicone so that the particles better adhere to each other. Silicon can be recycled multiple times, but some structural integrity is lost each time, and the resulting product is typically of a lower grade material. Recycled silicone is used for a variety of products, including cooking molds, playground mulch, water-resistant insulation, powders for solar panels, and industrial lubricants.

Alternatively, if your silicone item does manage to get a hole or tear, consider repurposing it and think outside the kitchen. Bags can still be used to store non-food items, with a second life in a gym bag, purse, or suitcase. Lids can become jar grips, pot handle covers, hot pads, bowl protectors, or non-skid liners. If you get crafty with scissors, don’t cut into products that contain fiberglass, such as Silpat mats. For the adventurous, you can also recycle silicone at home to create new products. (I have not tried this, and tbh I’m not sure I ever will.)

Keeping it real. Here's my collection of silicone food storage items (except for the pieces that are in use).

Sources:

• How to recycle silicone – Green Matters (Jun 2021)

• Procedures for silicone cookware recycling – ECO USA Recycling (Feb 2020)