While they have just one relatively simple function to fulfill, food storage containers can perform preposterously poorly. They leak, they crack, they let contents become stale and moldy, and they’re notoriously hard to clean. Still, being aware of potential shortcomings doesn’t always make it easier to know what you’re looking for in a new container, nor easier to judge its quality before trying it out.

With concerns rising about the health risks of various plastics, glass has grown more popular. “I think you should store everything in glass,” says Grant Donnelly, who works in the vast bulk-foods department at Rainbow Grocery Cooperative in San Francisco. “Often plastic containers let air in, and the food spoils. Plus, glass looks pretty.” At home, Donnelly has his own mini bulk area, where he keeps everything in old-fashioned mason jars.

On the other hand, some circumstances require a less fragile material. Ava Roy, a transcontinental sailor, lives at sea up to six weeks at a time. “Plastic containers that seal well with clasps or snaps work great,” she says. “But you have to separate your supplies into small portions so you don’t set yourself up to lose everything at once.”

Even back on dry land, nobody likes to see good food go to waste. With the right set of containers, stored goods not only last longer, they become display-worthy, with beans, grains, fruits, and snacks producing a palette more interesting than any paint-store purchase. Of course, no container can prevent abandoning leftovers in the back of the fridge. Frequent food forgetters, beware: A good container may fail to release the pungent reminders you depend on.

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  Latina Coffee Jar

  • Made by: Conran Shop
  • Price: $33.50

  Thie curvy storage har designed by Angeletti Ruzza and coffe producer Lavazza is comfortable to hold and easy to open. The glossy red acrylic has a white interior, is dishwasher safe, and is great airtight storage for coffee and tea.

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  Grand Cru jar

  • Made by: Rosendahl
  • Price: $29.95

  Practical and elegant storage for everything from rice to sugar to jam. Airtight stoppes and lead free glass are perfect for foods, and come in 5 sizes.

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  Slim Canister

  • Made by: Rosendahl
  • Price: $39.99

  Easy access countertop canister collection from Simple Human. An ergonomic handle and fun push button release make for a good interaction with your food storage. They even have a five year warranty and customizable labels.

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  Frigoverre

  • Made by: Rosendahl
  • Price: $8.49

  Simple glass storage for your leftovers. Square or circular tempered-glass in multiple sizes and very affordable price tag.

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  Fido Canning Jar

  • Made by: Rosendahl
  • Price: $3.99

  Made in Italy, these glass jars have an easy open metal clamp and rubber gasket for an airtight seal. Available in half a dozen sizes they can store all your different leftovers.

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  Herb Keeper

  • Made by: Rosendahl
  • Price: $20.00

  This large container keeps bulk herbs in a suspended removal tray. Floating above water  your herbs stay fresh for weeks, right in your refridgerator door.

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  Yohki Jar

  • Made by: Bodum
  • Price: $19.95

  These borosilicate glass jars contain no lead, absorbes no armoas, and uses a polypropylene lid with removable silicone gasket. They come in multiple sizes and the lids are available in stainless steel and solid plastic colors.

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  Go Green Glasslock

  • Made by: Bodum
  • Price: $34.00

  Tempered glass combined with a plastic and silicone sealed lid allow this container to travel between freezer, fridge, microwave, oven, and dishwasher. Liquidtight, airtight, and environmentally friendly.

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  Good Grips

  • Made by: OXO
  • Price: $49.99

  Airtight, stackable, space efficient. These modular BPA free containers have a fun push button mechanism that creates an airtight seal. Their curved corners make pouring easy, making them great for keeping anything from dry foods to liquids.

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  Ball Jar

  • Made by: Ball
  • Price: $7.99

  These classic glass jars preserve frozen foods for an entire year, and are great for more than just storing foods - use them for gift-giving, cups, or organizing.

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  Pentagon Jar

  • Made by: Iittala
  • Price: $40-80

  Simple blue tinted or clear glass jar keeps your modern kitchen looking clean and tidy.

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  Herb Savor

  • Made by: Iittala
  • Price: $29.95

  Prepara bring us the herb-savor. This neat little container has a refillable water base, fits inside a typical refrierator door, and prolongs the life of your herbs for up to 3 weeks!