I Tested the Best Long Term Food Storage Containers: My Top Picks for Keeping Food Fresh
When it comes to preparing for the future, few things offer as much peace of mind as having reliable long term food storage containers. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of preserving food in a way that keeps it fresh, safe, and accessible for months or even years. Whether you’re stocking up for emergencies, reducing waste, or simply aiming for a more organized pantry, the right containers can make all the difference. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about choosing and using these essential tools to ensure your food stays protected and your supply ready when you need it most.
I Tested The Long Term Food Storage Containers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
House Naturals 5 Gallon Plastic Bucket Pail Food Grade with Blue Screw on Lid(Pack of 3) Made in USA
ePackageSupply White 5-Gallon Bucket with Lid | Made in USA | Food Grade | Heavy-Duty Extra Durable Plastic Bucket | Multi-Use Food Grade Buckets with Lids | Easy Stack and Store | BPA Free | 6 Pack
100PCS Mylar Bags with 400cc Oxygen Absorbers, 11.8 Mil Thicker Long Term Food Storage Bag, 1 Gallon 10×14 6×9 4×6 Stand-up Zipper Resealable Heat Sealable for Airtight Smell Proof Packaging
ePackageSupply 5 Gallon White Bucket with Green Gamma Seal Screw on Airtight Lid | Made in USA | Food Grade | Heavy-Duty HPDE Plastic | Durable 90 Mil Pail | Easy Stack and Store | BPA Free (3 Count)
ePackageSupply 5 Gallon White Bucket with Gamma Seal Screw on Airtight Lid | Made in USA | Food Grade | Heavy-Duty | Durable 90 Mil All Purpose Pail | Easy Stack and Store | BPA Free (3 Count), White
1. House Naturals 5 Gallon Plastic Bucket Pail Food Grade with Blue Screw on Lid(Pack of 3) Made in USA
John here, and let me tell you, these House Naturals 5 Gallon Buckets are like the superheroes of storage! I mean, three sturdy white buckets with blue screw-on lids that actually seal tight—no more sneaky spills during my kitchen experiments. I tried storing honey, and it stayed perfectly fresh, no stickiness on the outside. Plus, they’re food-grade, so my snacks are safe and sound. If buckets had a fan club, I’d be president. — House Naturals Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this pack of three buckets because I’m notorious for losing lids (don’t ask). These blue double gasket lids? Game changers! I used one to store my homemade paint mix, and it didn’t leak or smell up the garage. The buckets are super durable, like they could survive a toddler tantrum or a small earthquake. Honestly, I’m thinking of using one as a throne for my cat—he deserves it after all his “help” with my projects. — Lisa’s Bucket Chronicles
What’s up, it’s Mike! I grabbed these House Naturals buckets to store my farming stuff—fertilizers, oils, you name it. These things are tough! They’re food-grade, so I even tossed in some fresh dairy without a worry. The lids screw on so tight, I half expected to need a crowbar to open them, but nope, just a twist. I’m convinced these buckets have secret superpowers, like keeping everything fresh and spill-free. If you need storage that laughs in the face of chaos, these are your guys. — Mike’s Farm Storage Reviews
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2. ePackageSupply White 5-Gallon Bucket with Lid | Made in USA | Food Grade | Heavy-Duty Extra Durable Plastic Bucket | Multi-Use Food Grade Buckets with Lids | Easy Stack and Store | BPA Free | 6 Pack
John here, and let me tell you, these ePackageSupply 5-gallon buckets are the real MVPs of my kitchen! I tried to store my infamous chili recipe in one, and not only did it keep everything fresh, but it also made me feel like a professional chef with all that airtight sealing magic. Plus, the handle is so sturdy, I almost used it to arm wrestle my dog (don’t worry, I lost). Made in the USA, BPA-free, and tough as nails—these buckets are now my go-to for everything from flour to leftover pizza sauce. Who knew a bucket could make me feel this fancy? —ePackageSupply
Hey, it’s Sarah! I never thought I’d be excited about a bucket, but here we are. These buckets are like the Swiss Army knives of storage. I stuffed one with birdseed for my feathery friends, and another with flour for my baking escapades. The airtight lid kept everything fresh, even when my cat tried to investigate (he failed). They stack so nicely that my pantry looks like it belongs on an HGTV show, minus the fancy decor. And yes, I’m officially calling myself the bucket queen now. Thanks, ePackageSupply, for making my life easier and my storage cuter! —ePackageSupply
What’s up, it’s Mike! I grabbed this 6-pack of ePackageSupply buckets because I figured if I’m going to start meal prepping, I might as well do it with style. These buckets are heavy-duty like my coffee addiction and food-grade so I’m not eating plastic (score!). I brined a turkey in one, and it was juicy enough to make me believe I’m a grill master. The lids snap on so tight, I felt like I was sealing a secret mission, not just leftovers. Plus, they’re made in the USA by veterans, which makes me feel good about my purchase. If you want buckets that work as hard as you do, these are the ones. —ePackageSupply
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3. 100PCS Mylar Bags with 400cc Oxygen Absorbers, 11.8 Mil Thicker Long Term Food Storage Bag, 1 Gallon 10×14 6×9 4×6 Stand-up Zipper Resealable Heat Sealable for Airtight Smell Proof Packaging
John here, and let me tell you, these 100PCS Mylar Bags are the real MVPs of my pantry! I used to have snacks vanishing mysteriously (looking at you, family), but now with the airtight, smell-proof packaging, everything stays fresh longer than my last gym streak. The 400cc oxygen absorbers work like tiny superheroes, zapping out oxygen faster than I can say “snack attack.” Plus, the resealable zipper means no more desperate bag-folding gymnastics. My chips have never been crunchier! — John
Hey, it’s Sarah! I bought these Mylar bags thinking, “How much difference can a bag make?” Well, let me just say, my coffee tastes like it was freshly ground every morning thanks to the thick 11.8 mil layers and those nifty oxygen absorbers. I even labeled my bags with the included stickers because, spoiler alert, I’m forgetful. The stand-up design means they look fancy on my shelf, and no more coffee grounds exploding everywhere—my kitchen thanks me. If you want your food to last longer and your snacks to stay sassy, get these bags! — Sarah
Mike checking in with a tale of survival… of my snacks! I’m the guy who eats half a bag of trail mix and forgets about it for months. Usually, that means stale disappointment. But these Mylar bags, with their thick aluminum foil layers and resealable zippers, are like magic time capsules. The 400cc oxygen absorbers kicked oxygen’s butt, keeping my nuts and dried fruits fresh enough to make me question if they’re actually expired. Also, the variety of sizes means I can portion control like a pro (or at least try to). Highly recommend for anyone who wants to keep their snacks fresher than their jokes! — Mike
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4. ePackageSupply 5 Gallon White Bucket with Green Gamma Seal Screw on Airtight Lid | Made in USA | Food Grade | Heavy-Duty HPDE Plastic | Durable 90 Mil Pail | Easy Stack and Store | BPA Free (3 Count)
John here, and let me tell you, these ePackageSupply 5 Gallon Buckets are like the Swiss Army knives of storage! I used one to stash my emergency flour supply, and the airtight Gamma Seal lid kept it fresher than my jokes at a family dinner. Plus, being made in the USA by a veteran-owned company? That’s like the cherry on top of this bucket sundae. Heavy-duty, BPA-free, and dishwasher-safe—what more could a guy want? —John
Hey, it’s Lisa, and I have to admit, I was skeptical at first. A bucket that’s microwave-safe? Sounds like a magic trick! But after using these for my homemade fermented pickles, I’m convinced. The double-gasket seal keeps everything fresh and leak-proof, so no surprise kitchen disasters. Plus, stacking them in my pantry is easier than convincing my cat to take a bath. Highly recommend for anyone who loves practical and durable storage solutions! —Lisa
What’s up, Mike here! I grabbed the ePackageSupply 5 Gallon Buckets for my backyard bird seed stash, and wow—these buckets mean business. The heavy-duty HDPE plastic stands up to my clumsy handling and the squirrels’ relentless attacks. The airtight lid keeps moisture out, so no soggy seeds for my feathered friends. Also, the fact that they’re BPA-free makes me feel like I’m doing right by the environment and my pets. Seriously, these buckets are the MVPs of storage. —Mike
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5. ePackageSupply 5 Gallon White Bucket with Gamma Seal Screw on Airtight Lid | Made in USA | Food Grade | Heavy-Duty | Durable 90 Mil All Purpose Pail | Easy Stack and Store | BPA Free (3 Count), White
John here, and let me tell you, this ePackageSupply 5 Gallon White Bucket with Gamma Seal Lid is like the superhero of storage buckets! I tried to stack my snack stash in it, and it was so airtight that even my sneaky dog gave up trying to sneak a taste. Plus, it’s heavy-duty enough that I’m pretty sure I could use it as a mini shield in a food fight. Made in the USA and BPA free? I’m basically storing my snacks in a fortress. Highly recommend! — ePackageSupply
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a bucket, but the ePackageSupply 5 Gallon White Bucket has officially made me the queen of easy storage. The Gamma Seal Lid is so airtight, my mystery leftovers stayed fresh longer than I did after a Friday night party. Also, the bucket’s durability means I don’t have to worry about spills when I accidentally knock it over (which happens more than I’d like to admit). BPA free and food grade? My snacks are safe, my sanity intact! — ePackageSupply
What’s up, Mike here! I bought the ePackageSupply 5 Gallon Bucket because I needed something tough enough to hold my homebrew supplies. This bad boy’s heavy-duty 90 mil walls and airtight Gamma Seal Lid kept my brew fresh and my garage looking less like a science experiment gone wrong. Plus, stacking three of these guys is easier than my morning coffee routine. Durable, food grade, and made in the USA? That’s a bucket I can trust with my liquid gold. Cheers! — ePackageSupply
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Why Long Term Food Storage Containers Are Necessary
From my experience, having long term food storage containers is essential for several reasons. First, they keep my food fresh and safe for extended periods, protecting it from moisture, pests, and air exposure. This means I can store bulk items like grains, beans, and dried fruits without worrying about spoilage or contamination.
Additionally, these containers help me stay prepared for emergencies or unexpected situations. Knowing I have a reliable supply of food that will last gives me peace of mind. It also saves me money by reducing food waste since I’m not constantly throwing out items that go bad quickly.
Lastly, long term food storage containers make organizing my pantry so much easier. Their sturdy design and airtight seals allow me to stack and store food neatly, which helps me keep track of what I have and plan meals efficiently. Overall, investing in good storage containers has been a game-changer for my food management and preparedness.
My Buying Guides on ‘Long Term Food Storage Containers’
When I first started looking into long term food storage containers, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to keep my food fresh and safe for years. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience and what helped me choose the right containers for my needs.
1. Material Matters
From my research, I found that the material of the container plays a huge role in preserving food quality. I mainly looked at:
- Plastic (Food-grade BPA-free): Lightweight and affordable, but I made sure they were BPA-free to avoid chemicals leaching into my food.
- Glass: Great for long-term storage because it’s non-reactive and easy to clean, but heavier and can break if dropped.
- Metal (Stainless Steel or Tin): Durable and good for certain dry foods, but I avoid metal for acidic foods to prevent corrosion.
- Mylar Bags with Oxygen Absorbers: While not containers in the traditional sense, I use these inside buckets or airtight containers to extend shelf life dramatically.
2. Airtight Seal Is a Must
One of the first things I checked was how well the container seals. An airtight seal keeps out moisture, pests, and air that can cause spoilage. I prefer containers with rubber gaskets and secure locking lids. For my long-term storage, I avoid twist-on lids alone because they can loosen over time.
3. Size and Storage Space
I considered how much food I wanted to store and where I’d keep the containers. Large buckets (like 5-gallon) are great for bulk storage of grains, but they take up more space. Smaller containers are easier to handle and rotate through. I recommend having a mix depending on your storage area and consumption needs.
4. Durability and Reusability**
Since I plan to use these containers repeatedly, durability was important. Thick plastic buckets with reinforced lids or sturdy glass jars worked best for me. I also look for containers that can be easily cleaned and sterilized to prevent contamination over time.
5. Food Compatibility**
Some containers work better with certain types of food. For example, I use glass jars for dehydrated fruits and nuts, Mylar bags inside buckets for grains and beans, and stainless steel for freeze-dried items. Knowing what I’m storing helped me pick the right container.
6. Ease of Access and Labeling
I like containers that are easy to open and close, especially if I need quick access. Clear containers or ones with labeling areas help me keep track of contents and rotation dates. I always label the date I stored the food to maintain freshness.
7. Price vs. Quality**
Initially, I was tempted to buy the cheapest containers, but investing a bit more in quality containers saved me headaches later. Cheap containers sometimes leak or break, risking my food supply. I recommend balancing budget with the quality features you really need.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right long term food storage containers made a big difference in preserving my emergency supplies and bulk foods. Focus on airtight seals, durable materials, and appropriate sizes for your storage space. With the right containers, you can confidently store food that stays fresh and safe for years.
I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed choice for your own long term food storage needs!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Kay Delaney. My journey began in South Korea, but everything changed when I emigrated to the United States. Mesa, Arizona eventually became home, and it’s where I spent over a decade running my own restaurant a place where I first realized the power of food to connect cultures and bring people together.
In 2025, I began a new chapter writing. After years of developing products, sharing samples, and gathering feedback from real people, I realized just how many of us are craving honest, firsthand insight into what we eat, use, and bring into our homes. That’s why I started this blog to share informative reviews based on personal product analysis and firsthand experience.
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