At this point, almost everyone has a Tupperware item. And who wouldn’t want to own one? They are efficient and durable – two features everyone is looking for.
But there is one concern that almost everyone has: is Tupperware safe for hot water or food?
Well, you’ve come to the right place. Today we’re going to answer just that!
Is Tupperware safe for hot water and food?
No, Tupperware is not entirely safe for hot water and food. While it may be okay for hot water and beverages, it is entirely unsuitable for hot soups, sauces, and a variety of hot foods. They should be cooled before being placed in Tupperware containers.
It should also be remembered that older Tupperware may have BPA and is therefore unsuitable for hot foods and liquids.
Can Tupperware be used for microwaving food?
Apart from the TupperWave Stack Cooker, CrystalWave, and Rock N’ Serve products, Tupperware should not be used for microwaving. Moreover, even with the products that can be used in microwaves, you should still avoid using them to reheat high-fat foods and those with high sugar content. Such foods can damage and even stain Tupperware containers.
And when using these reheatable products, you shouldn’t use them under a grill, on the stove, in a conventional oven, or in any convection oven with conventional settings.
How safe is Tupperware?
A huge factor that affects the safety of Tupperware or any plastic product is the presence of Bisphenol-A (BPA). And while Tupperware stopped including BPA in their products around 11 years ago, it is very possible to still own products manufactured before this decision. Such products should never be used with hot food. There is just too high a risk that they can leach BPA into your food and cause health problems.
However, for the most part, Tupperware products are safe, as long as you don’t heat them.
They are mainly manufactured from Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Polypropylene (PP) – two of the safest plastics for food storage. LDPE is not only considered to be food-grade but is also reusable.
However, it is not always recyclable, you’ll have to confirm this with your local collection service. It is commonly used to package bread, frozen foods, and mustard.
On the other hand, PP is light and flexible, yet tough. It has a high resistance to heat and is unlikely to leach any chemicals. As such, it is popularly used to manufacture yogurt containers and margarine tubs.
When is it time to get rid of Tupperware?
While Tupperware can last for as long as 10 years, there are some signs of aging you should look out for. For instance, you could notice missing lids, weird stains, and odors. This means that it’s time to stop using your containers for food and either throw them out or look for alternative uses.
For instance, you could use them to hold plants, organize your home, or even store your compost.
If you want your Tupperware to last long, there are some steps you can take:
- Use a sponge and warm, soapy water to wash.
- Air dry or dry with a soft towel; keep away from direct heat.
- Don’t use abrasives.
- Store containers without their lids.
- Keep away from abrasive utensils.
What Tupperware alternatives are safe for hot water and foods?
In this day and age, Tupperware is not the only food storage option we have. There are a variety of container materials that are significantly safer to use with hot water and food. These include:
Glass
Glass food containers are some of the safest out there. They neither contain nor transmit toxic chemicals, even when under extreme temperature conditions. As such, they are great for refrigerating, microwaving, and storing hot food.
Since you can see through them, they are particularly great for water and beverages like juice. Glass containers also effectively combat odor and moisture build-up. Though they are heavy and fragile.
Metal
Metal containers are a solid alternative to Tupperware. They are durable and don’t leach any harmful chemicals. Moreover, they can be used in refrigerators and can hold hot food. There are even some that can be used directly on the stovetop. And if you have kids, there’s some good news, they are light, easy to open, and unbreakable.
Additionally, unlike plastic containers, they dry all the way and don’t absorb any odors or bacteria.
If you do decide to go with metal containers, there are two major material options to choose from: aluminum and stainless steel.
Ultimately, they are both safer and much more sanitary than plastic. However, they do face one major setback; they are not safe for use in microwaves.
Ceramic
Ceramics have been used for food storage and preparation for thousands of years. They are natural, non-reactive, and toxin-free. As such, they are great for hot foods, microwave use, and refrigerator use. You can even use them in the oven if you like.
However, like glass, they are heavy and can easily break, making them unsuitable for travel.
Paper
With the rising popularity of home food delivery services, paper food containers have become quite common. Popularly made from cellulose paper fibers, these containers can accommodate both hot and cold foods. Moreover, they are biodegradable and can be safely added to your compost pile.
What’s more? They are usually designed to be leak-proof.
If you need these containers for a business, you can even get them designed and printed using FDA-approved inks. It also helps that paper containers can easily be recycled into fiberboard, wrapping paper, or even paper sacks without degrading in quality. And even if they make their way to a landfill, they can safely rot there.
All things considered, paper food containers are both safe and great for the environment.
Make a choice
Ultimately, it is up to you to choose what is best for you. You may just decide to wait till your food cools to use your Tupperware or you may go with a different type of container altogether. Just make sure it serves your needs without posing a health hazard or hurting the environment.
And don’t forget, always take proper care of your Tupperware. The longer it serves you, the better it is for everyone!
FAQs
Some products use high-quality plastic that won't leak chemicals easily. Some types of plastic are also more durable than others. According to Tupperware, the brand's microwave-safe containers can withstand a temperature of up to 320°F, making them safe for storing hot food.
Is it OK to put hot food in plastic Tupperware? ›
Even for containers labeled “safe” for the microwave and dishwasher, experts caution that heat and plastic don't mix well. Since heat helps to break the chemical bonds in plastic, it's possible that exposure to high temperatures increases the rate of chemical migration from the container into the food.
Is it safe to put hot water in Tupperware? ›
You can use this bottle to store warm beverages as well, but avoid liquids with temperatures higher than 80 degrees. You can keep your 1 litre round water bottle clean and germ-free by washing it daily either in dishwasher or by hand using lukewarm water.
Can you put hot food in a container? ›
Myth: You shouldn't put hot foods in the refrigerator.
Fact: Hot food can be placed in the refrigerator. Large amounts of food should be divided into small portions and put in shallow containers for quicker cooling in the refrigerator.
What plastic is safe for hot food? ›
Polypropylene is FDA-approved for food contact and also has a high heat tolerance. It is known to be a safer alternative to most other plastics. It can be used to heat beverages or foods without leaching.
Can I put hot food in Rubbermaid Tupperware? ›
Excessive reheating or heating time may damage the container. Remove lid and any plastic wrap that contacts the container to avoid dangerous steam build up. To avoid pitting, do not reheat food high in salt, oil, fat, sugar or tomato. Reheating foods containing tomato based products may stain the container.
What is the max temperature for Tupperware? ›
Tupperware containers can withstand temperatures up to 80 Degree C. * Tight Seals : Place the seal in warm water for few minutes. Dry thoroughly, then apply to container while still warm & leave for a few minutes.
Is it good to put hot water in plastic? ›
Plastic water bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate. Whenever a bottle is heated, the material releases the chemicals bisphenol and antimony, also known as BPA. There have been studies to suggest that this chemical can cause adverse health effects in children.
What temperature does Tupperware melt? ›
Most of our polypropylene containers have a melting point between 240-260° Fahrenheit, Which is also the melting point for any polypropylene plastic.
Is it bad to have warm or hot food in plastic container? ›
It's a bad idea to heat food in plastic.
However, microwaving in plastic containers is associated with increased leaching — the transfer or leaking of chemicals into food. Note that even if a plastic container is labeled “microwave safe,” that simply means it won't melt.
Hot food can be placed directly in the refrigerator or be rapidly chilled in an ice or cold water bath before refrigerating.
What can I transport hot food in? ›
Use insulated bags or packages
A thermal or insulated food delivery bag keeps heat from transferring out. Insulated pizza bags are commonly used for pizza delivery, but they're useful for other types of food, too. Compared to plastic or paper bags, it's a great option for keeping food hot during delivery.
Can you put hot soup in Tupperware? ›
In most cases, it's best to let food cool down for a while before putting it aside in a storage container. As a rule of thumb, food that is too hot to touch comfortably could result in a plastic container leaking dangerous chemicals.
What kind of plastic is safe from hot water? ›
Plastics #5 Polypropylene (PP) is considered to be the safest of all plastics, this is a robust plastic that is heat resistant. Because of its high heat tolerance, Polypropylene is unlikely to leach even when exposed to warm or hot water.
What plastic is best for hot beverages? ›
Polypropylene cups are great cups for hot drinks since as they don't melt to high temperatures and are sturdier. They also have a great way to make sure that doesn't radiate heat on the surface because of the insulation caused by the fiber and plastic combo material.
Can Tupperware brand withstand heat? ›
Tupperware containers can withstand temperatures up to 80 degrees.
How hot can Rubbermaid Tupperware get? ›
o Reheating implies the maximum short term (less than 30 seconds) service temperature of a Rubbermaid container is 212°F followed by a cool down period.
Can you put hot food in Ziploc Tupperware? ›
Due to their durable platinum silicone material, these small but mighty Containers can withstand extreme temperatures and can be reused over and over again. They're oven-safe up to 425°F and work seriously well in a sous vide. They're also freezer safe.
Is 50 year old Tupperware safe to use? ›
BPA, as well as arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury, are dangerous substances for humans, so if you've been using vintage Tupperware, the best thing you can do is not use them anymore.
How long can food stay in Tupperware? ›
Potential: Tupperware keeps refrigerated meat fresh for four to five days and from 6-12 months in the freezer. Tupperware preserves fruits and vegetables for five to six days, with baked goods staying fresh longer than the typical three days.
The max recommended microwave temperature when microwaving Tupperware is 248F (120C). The max microwave power when you use Tupperware in the microwave oven in 600W. Microwaving foods high in sugar and fat can damage your plastic microwavable Tupperware containers because they get very hot.
At what temperature does plastic release BPA? ›
Release of Sb and BPA from PET drinking-water bottles was investigated. Higher temperature at 70 °C induced significant release of Sb and BPA.
What does BPA do to the body? ›
Exposure to BPA is a concern because of the possible health effects on the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. It can also affect children's behavior. Additional research suggests a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
How do you remove BPA from water? ›
As a result of this natural solution, water filters containing activated carbon can remove nearly all traces of BPA (99%) from drinking water. If you're using a home filter, just remember to change the filter regularly.
Why we should not store cooked food in plastic container? ›
But plastic bags are not suitable for the storing of cooked food items because: The plastic bags which we are using may be recycled one. The chemicals which are used for the manufacture of plastics may dissolve with the food and spoil it.
Why is it bad to put food in plastic containers? ›
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, non-food grade plastic containers may contaminate food. Plastic food containers must follow specific regulations to make sure they are safe for food. Use single-use containers once.
How safe to eat and heat food water in plastic containers? ›
It turns out that all plastic food containers leach toxic chemicals and are a threat to a healthy body. Safe plastic doesn't exist. It requires chemical bonds to make and shape plastics, and they can leach into food and beverages, especially when heated.
Where should hot food be stored? ›
Hot foods must be stored above 63 degrees Celcius to prevent the excessive growth of bacteria. Hot foods can be kept below this temperature for a maximum of two hours before being used, returned to above 63 degrees Celcius or chilled.
What is the safest way to store a large container of hot food? ›
To safely store hot leftovers, rapidly cool them, divide them into smaller containers, and refrigerate them within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate them for 3–4 days.
...
Food safety tips for hot leftovers
- Cook safely. ...
- Cool rapidly. ...
- Wrap well. ...
- Use the top shelf.
Foil. A cost-efficient way to keep your food warm in a lunch box is by wrapping hot food items in aluminum foil. Although wrapping hot items in foil will not keep it warm for hours on end, it will keep the food warm for a short period of time.
"The best way to transport a hot casserole is to keep it in the casserole dish and wrap it up with tin foil, then wrap it again with cling film," he says. "Keep the casserole wrapped up in tea towels and make sure that the casserole is in a sturdy location of your vehicle and kept upright." Aluminum foil is key.
How do you keep food warm for hours? ›
Chafing dishes, preheated warming trays, multicookers, slow cookers or toaster ovens may also be used to keep food warm.
How hot can plastic food containers get? ›
Plastic Containers: There are plenty of plastic takeaway containers out there that won't lose their heat. Plus, they are exceptionally sturdy and aren't prone to leaks. Polypropylene vessels, in particular, are fantastic for holding both hot and cold foods and can handle a maximum temperature of 212 to 266 degrees.
Which plastic is safe for hot water? ›
Plastics #5 Polypropylene (PP) is considered to be the safest of all plastics, this is a robust plastic that is heat resistant. Because of its high heat tolerance, Polypropylene is unlikely to leach even when exposed to warm or hot water.
What temperature is too hot for plastic? ›
While the world's countless types of plastic have differing melting points, a wide variety of common plastics begin to melt at 100 degrees Celsius (212 F).
What is the best material for hot food? ›
Material. Stainless steel is the preferred material for thermoses. It won't absorb color or scent from hot food that is stored in it for a long time and cleans easily.
Can plastic container hold hot water? ›
As long as it contains enough water a plastic container like a bottle will become twisted and burned but the water will come to boil inside. However, this might cause chemicals from the plastic to leak into the water.
Why should you not put hot water in plastic? ›
Plastic water bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate. Whenever a bottle is heated, the material releases the chemicals bisphenol and antimony, also known as BPA. There have been studies to suggest that this chemical can cause adverse health effects in children.
What is the difference between Tupperware and plastic? ›
By using glass Tupperware, you can be certain that your food will not be contaminated by harmful chemicals. Glass is natural, sustainable, and recyclable. It is also more sanitary as it can withstand heat easier than plastic, meaning that it is easier to clean.
What are the symptoms of BPA poisoning? ›
BPA exposure may also influence gene expression, leading to an increased risk of disease. In children, BPA has been linked to poor brain development and behavioral problems, resulting in anxiety, depression, and learning and behavior conditions like attention deficit hyperactive disorder.
