Best Food Storage Containers (Tupperware) UK (2026)
A food container's real test is whether it stays sealed when it's shaken in a bag, not whether the lid claims to be airtight. This guide compares containers tested by Mumsnet writer Lucy Cotterill, who stored a range of foods in each one and scored design, versatility, cleaning, storage and value, plus shake tests and water leak tests to check every leakproof claim.
We have not hands-on tested these products. Our picks are based on published independent tests and reviews, listed at the bottom of this page. How we pick.
Our top pick
Sistema Brilliance Food Storage Containers
Best overall
Mumsnet's clear winner, with lids Lucy found faultless: two clips, a lipped design and a substantial rubber seal made them airtight and leakproof even with liquid inside, so she carried casserole to the office in her bag. Steam vents in the clips stop microwave splatter and she saw no staining from tomato sauces, though they cost more than most sets.
- Airtight and completely leakproof
- Robust, high-quality see-through design
- Built-in clip vents release steam in the microwave
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sistema Brilliance Food Storage Containers | Best overall | Tritan plastic, two-clip lids with rubber seal, steam-vent clips, dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe | Check price |
| IKEA PRUTA Food Storage Containers | Best value | 17-piece set, stackable, mixed sizes, dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe | Check price |
| LocknLock Six Piece Container Set | Best set | Six BPA-free containers, four-lock lids, nesting design, dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe | Check price |
| Joseph Joseph Nest Lock Containers | Best space-saving | Five nesting containers, colour-coded bases, lids that clip together, dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe | Check price |
| Sistema Snack Capsule To Go | Best for snacks | 515ml capsule, lift-out compartment, removable spork, airtight and leakproof | Check price |
| Igluu Two Compartment Containers | Best for meal prep | Ten containers, two compartments, domed lids, nesting design | Check price |
Our picks in detail
Best overall
Sistema Brilliance Food Storage Containers
Mumsnet's clear winner, with lids Lucy found faultless: two clips, a lipped design and a substantial rubber seal made them airtight and leakproof even with liquid inside, so she carried casserole to the office in her bag. Steam vents in the clips stop microwave splatter and she saw no staining from tomato sauces, though they cost more than most sets.
- Material
- Tritan plastic
- Set
- Two (other sizes and sets available)
- Dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe
- Yes
- Price guide
- £20 for two
Pros
- Airtight and completely leakproof
- Robust, high-quality see-through design
- Built-in clip vents release steam in the microwave
- No staining after tomato sauce use
Cons
- Pricey compared with other sets
Best value
IKEA PRUTA Food Storage Containers
Mumsnet found 17 containers for about £8 works out at just under 50p per box, with clear plastic that makes contents easy to see and a good mix of sizes. They sealed well but aren't leakproof, so Lucy wouldn't use them as a lunch box, and they discoloured a little after sauce-based foods.
- Material
- Plastic
- Set
- 17 containers
- Dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe
- Yes
- Price guide
- £8
Pros
- Great value, under 50p per container
- Stackable to save space, good mix of sizes
- See-through plastic, fairly easy to clean
Cons
- Not leakproof, so not suited to carrying in a bag
- Not as high quality as pricier options
- Can stain with sauce-based foods
Best set
LocknLock Six Piece Container Set
Mumsnet found the four-lock closing system genuinely leakproof: Lucy stored soup with no issues and the tubs passed her water leak test with flying colours. They nest neatly and are sturdy enough to stack when full, though the containers are shallow and the largest 5.5L tub is unlikely to get much use.
- Material
- BPA-free plastic
- Set
- Six
- Dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe
- Yes
- Price guide
- £24
Pros
- Airtight and leakproof, passed a water leak test
- Range of sizes in the set
- Nesting design for easy storage
- Good value at the sale price
Cons
- Containers are shallow in depth
- The largest tub (5.5L) is too big for most uses
- Expensive at full RRP
Best space-saving
Joseph Joseph Nest Lock Containers
Mumsnet found each container nests inside the next and the lids clip together in one pile, so cupboards stay tidy. Colour-coded dots on the bases make matching lids easy, and the set scored top marks for seal quality in Lucy's shake test, though it's expensive.
- Material
- Silicone and plastic
- Set
- Five
- Dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe
- Yes
- Price guide
- £27
Pros
- Space-saving nesting design with stackable lids
- Airtight and leakproof, top marks in the shake test
- Colour-coded bases to match lids
- High-quality, robust plastic
Cons
- Expensive
Best for snacks
Sistema Snack Capsule To Go
Mumsnet found the two sections ideal for keeping wet and dry foods apart, such as granola and yoghurt, and it didn't leak even with cereal and milk. It's fridge and freezer safe and microwaveable with the lid off, but only suits small snacks and younger children may struggle with the twist-to-open lid.
- Capacity
- 515ml
- Set
- One
- Microwave
- Yes, lid off
- Price guide
- £7
Pros
- Two compartments keep foods separate
- Airtight and leakproof
- Removable spork included
Cons
- Only suitable for small snacks
- Colour can't be chosen on Amazon
- Younger children may struggle to twist it open
Best for meal prep
Igluu Two Compartment Containers
Mumsnet found these easy to stack in a fridge or freezer after a big batch cook, letting Lucy portion out whole meals to reheat in the microwave. At £14 for ten they're great value for beginners, but the plastic is thin and might crack over time, and they're leak-resistant rather than leakproof.
- Material
- Plastic
- Set
- Ten
- Dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe
- Yes
- Price guide
- £14
Pros
- Ideal for meal planning and portion control
- Nesting design stacks easily
- Very good value for ten
Cons
- Thin plastic that may crack over time
- Not leakproof, so not for carrying in a bag
- Won't last as long as sturdier designs
Buying guide
Do my containers need to be leakproof?
Only if they're going in a bag. If you're taking sauce-based lunches to work or school you need something properly leakproof, like the Sistema Brilliance or LocknLock here, which passed shake and water leak tests. For fridge, freezer and cupboard storage at home, a cheaper set such as the IKEA PRUTA is fine.
Plastic or glass containers?
Mumsnet notes most containers are BPA-free plastic because it's durable and practical, and that even the best glass containers are heavy and prone to shattering if dropped, so plastic suits families better. Bamboo and silicone are further options.
How do I stop containers staining?
Highly pigmented sauces such as bolognese and chilli are the usual cause. In testing the Sistema Brilliance showed no staining even after tomato sauce, while the IKEA PRUTA discoloured a little. Look for rounded corners that won't trap food, and check reviews for staining before buying.
How many containers do I need?
It depends on your household size, how much you batch cook, how often you have leftovers and whether you pack lunches. Mumsnet suggests an assortment of sizes works best for most families, using some for leftovers, some for snacks and some for freezer meals, and choosing nesting or stackable designs to save cupboard space.
Sources
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