Preppers store food to last, and the container matters as much as the food. The best long term food storage containers keep out air, moisture, light and pests, and the right mix depends on whether you are storing flour, beans, snacks or ready meals.
The six options below include glass jars, Mylar bags and sealed pantry containers. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm size, seal type and material details on the current listing before you buy. A mix of container types usually works better than relying on one.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Barrier | Glass and Mylar block air best; plastic varies |
| Seal | A gasket or lock lid keeps moisture out |
| Light | Dark or opaque containers protect food from light |
| Size | Match container size to how fast you use the food |
| Reuse | Jars and rigid bins can be reused for years |
| Opening | Wide mouths make scooping easier, while narrow mouths pour neatly |
Specs at a Glance
| Container | Material | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball Wide Mouth Mason Jars | Glass | Dry goods and canning | Metal lids and bands |
| Wallaby Mylar Bags | Mylar | Grains and beans | Pair with oxygen absorbers |
| Rubbermaid Commercial Square Containers | Plastic | Flour and sugar | Space-saving shape |
| OXO Good Grips POP Containers | Plastic and silicone | Pantry staples | Push-button seal |
| Lock & Lock Easy Essentials | Plastic | Snacks and dry food | Four-sided lock lid |
| Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry | Plastic | Cereal and pasta | Airtight lid |
The 6 Best Long-Term Food Storage Containers
1. Ball Wide Mouth Mason Jars
Classic glass jars that are widely used for storing dry goods, oats and beans. The lid and band are easy to find and replace, and glass will not take on odors.
Suits: dry goods and jars of staples. Strengths: a sealed, reusable glass design. Weaknesses: glass can break. Skip it if you want unbreakable storage.
View Ball Wide Mouth Mason Jars on Amazon
2. Wallaby Mylar Bags
Mylar bags that go inside buckets to create an oxygen-limited, light-blocking barrier. They are a staple of long-term grain storage, often sold with oxygen absorbers.
Suits: bulk grains and beans. Strengths: a strong barrier against air and light. Weaknesses: need a heat sealer. Skip it if you want a rigid container.
View Wallaby Mylar Bags on Amazon
3. Rubbermaid Commercial Space Saving Square Containers
Square containers sold in several sizes, favored in restaurants for flour and sugar. The shape uses shelf space well and the lids fit securely.
Suits: flour and sugar. Strengths: a shelf-friendly shape. Weaknesses: lids sold separately in some sets. Skip it if you want a decorative look.
View Rubbermaid Commercial Space Saving Square Containers on Amazon
4. OXO Good Grips POP Containers
An airtight stackable container system with a push-button seal. It is a tidy choice for pantry staples that you reach for often.
Suits: everyday pantry staples. Strengths: an easy-to-use airtight seal. Weaknesses: not made for decades in storage. Skip it if you need bulk storage.
View OXO Good Grips POP Containers on Amazon
5. Lock & Lock Easy Essentials Food Storage Containers
Rectangular plastic containers with a four-sided lock lid and a silicone gasket. They suit snacks, crackers, pasta and leftovers.
Suits: pantry and snack storage. Strengths: a locking lid. Weaknesses: plastic can stain. Skip it if you want glass.
View Lock & Lock Easy Essentials Food Storage Containers on Amazon
6. Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Food Storage Containers
Clear, airtight plastic containers with a snug lid. The clear walls let you see contents at a glance, which helps with rotating stock.
Suits: dry foods you rotate often. Strengths: clear walls and airtight lids. Weaknesses: scratch over time. Skip it if you need heavy-duty bulk storage.
View Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Food Storage Containers on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Wash and dry containers completely before filling.
- Label with the contents and the date.
- Store in a cool, dark, dry space.
- Check seals each time you open a container.
- Use older food first and replace it with new.
- Add a desiccant or oxygen absorber where the maker recommends one.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Storing food that still has moisture.
- Using containers that are not made for food.
- Keeping stock in a warm garage.
- Mixing different foods in one bag.
- Never checking the stock.
- Packing a container so tightly that the seal will not close.
Prepper Food Storage FAQ
What is the best container for long-term storage?
Mylar bags in a sealed bucket are common for grains, while glass jars suit smaller amounts.
Do I need oxygen absorbers?
They help protect dry foods in sealed bags or jars, but follow the maker’s guidance.
Is plastic safe for food?
Look for food-safe plastics and choose containers sold for food storage.
How long will food last?
It depends on the food, the container and storage conditions.
Can I use glass jars for long storage?
Yes, with tight lids and a cool, dark spot. Jars are a favorite for small amounts of dry food.
What about vacuum sealing?
Vacuum sealing can help for some foods, but it is not a substitute for a good container.
Should I store food in the original packaging?
Often not. Store-bought bags are rarely made for years of storage, so repack dry food into a sealed container.
The Short Version
For glass, the Ball jars. For Mylar, the Wallaby bags. For shelves, the Rubbermaid Commercial. For quick access, the OXO POP. For snacks, the Lock & Lock. For clear pantry bins, the Rubbermaid Brilliance.