How to Avoid Food Packaged in Plastic

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

Over 40% of plastic is used for packaging, much of it for food products. For a healthier planet and body, it’s essential to learn how to avoid food packaged in plastic, reducing exposure to harmful microplastics and chemicals.

Quick Summary

This guide provides practical strategies for reducing plastic packaging in your food purchases. It covers shopping at bulk stores and farmers' markets, selecting plastic-free alternatives in regular grocery stores, and storing food safely at home without plastic.

Key Points

Start at the store: Plan your shopping list and use reusable bags to avoid impulse buys of plastic-heavy products.
Embrace bulk buying: Head to bulk food stores or sections with your own containers for grains, nuts, and spices.
Swap plastic for glass and steel: Use glass jars, stainless steel containers, and beeswax wraps for superior food storage.
Make smarter supermarket swaps: Choose items packaged in cardboard, glass, or metal over plastic versions.
Request plastic-free options: When buying from a deli, meat, or fish counter, ask for your purchase to be wrapped in paper or placed in your container.
Stop microwaving in plastic: Never heat food in plastic containers, as this accelerates the leaching of toxic chemicals.

Reimagining Your Grocery Shopping Experience

Transitioning to a plastic-free food routine begins at the grocery store. Many consumers feel overwhelmed by the ubiquity of plastic, but shifting your shopping habits can make a significant difference. Start by planning your meals and creating a shopping list. This practice helps prevent impulse buys of pre-packaged items and reduces food waste.

Prioritize Bulk and Unpackaged Goods

For pantry staples like grains, beans, nuts, and spices, seek out bulk food sections in supermarkets, co-ops, or dedicated zero-waste stores. These stores allow you to bring your own reusable containers, such as mason jars or cloth bags, to fill up with exactly what you need. This eliminates unnecessary single-serving packaging and allows you to control portion sizes. For fresh produce, choose loose fruits and vegetables, using reusable mesh bags or placing them directly into your cart. Not all produce needs a plastic wrapper; a banana has its own protective skin, for example.

Mindful Choices in Conventional Supermarkets

Even in a standard grocery store, you can make smarter choices. Look for items packaged in glass, metal, or cardboard over plastic. For example, choose milk in glass bottles or cartons, butter wrapped in foil and paper, and eggs in cardboard boxes. Many larger supermarkets also feature deli, meat, and fish counters where you can ask for products to be wrapped in paper or placed in your own container, provided it's clean. Don't be shy about asking—many staff are happy to accommodate the request.

Overhauling Your Kitchen Storage

Bringing plastic-free items home is only half the battle. Storing food without plastic prevents chemical leaching and maintains food quality. Plastic, especially when heated, can leach harmful chemicals like phthalates and bisphenols into food.

Non-Plastic Food Storage Alternatives

Glass Containers: Durable, non-toxic, and microwave-safe, glass jars and food containers are perfect for leftovers, meal prep, and storing bulk items.
Stainless Steel Tins: Ideal for lunches, snacks, and dry goods, stainless steel is a lightweight and long-lasting alternative to plastic.
Beeswax Wraps: A natural, reusable alternative to plastic wrap, these wraps are made from cotton infused with beeswax. They are excellent for covering bowls, wrapping sandwiches, and preserving cheese.
Silicone Bags and Lids: Food-grade silicone offers a flexible and airtight storage solution. Reusable silicone bags can replace single-use plastic versions, while silicone lids can cover various containers.
Mason Jars: Versatile and durable, mason jars are great for bulk liquids, sauces, spices, and dried fruits.
Cloth Produce Bags: Keep your produce fresh and reduce waste by storing fruits and vegetables in cloth or mesh bags.

Comparison Table: Storage Alternatives


Feature	Plastic Containers	Glass Containers	Stainless Steel Tins	Beeswax Wraps	Silicone Bags
Chemical Leaching	High, especially when heated	None	None	None	None (food-grade)
Durability	Varies, prone to staining and warping	High, but can break	Very High	Medium	High
Microwave Safe	No (risk of leaching)	Yes	No	No	Yes
Freezer Safe	Yes	Yes (with care)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Versatility	High	High (storage, cooking)	Medium (storage, lunch)	Medium (wrapping)	High
Eco-Friendliness	Low	High (endlessly recyclable)	High (endlessly recyclable)	High (compostable)	High (durable, reusable)

Exploring Alternatives to Common Plastic-Packaged Foods

Beyond just storing your food differently, consider actively replacing items that are almost always sold in plastic. For beverages, invest in a reusable water bottle or a thermos for hot drinks. Seek out alternatives to products like coffee pods, which often contain plastic, by switching to ground coffee or loose-leaf tea. When ordering takeout, ask for biodegradable cardboard or paper containers instead of plastic.

Making sustainable choices at the grocery store extends to your cupboard. Instead of buying pre-sliced cheese or grated cheese in plastic, purchase cheese in blocks wrapped in foil or wax. Avoid multi-packs of items like yogurt cups, opting instead for larger tubs or even making your own yogurt at home. For snacks, bake your own granola bars or buy bulk nuts and dried fruits.

Outbound Link for Further Exploration

For more in-depth information on the health risks associated with plastic packaging and chemical exposure, visit the Environmental Working Group website. This resource provides comprehensive research on food contact materials and potential contaminants.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices for Your Health and the Planet

Avoiding food packaged in plastic is a powerful step toward a more sustainable and healthier lifestyle. While it may require some initial effort to change habits, the benefits are substantial, from reducing your environmental footprint to minimizing your exposure to harmful chemicals. By embracing bulk shopping, utilizing reusable containers, and making conscious choices at the supermarket, you can significantly decrease the amount of plastic in your diet and kitchen. Small, deliberate actions, like switching from plastic-wrapped products to glass or metal alternatives, add up to a significant positive impact over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plastic packaging can leach harmful chemicals like phthalates, bisphenols (BPA), and microplastics into food, especially when exposed to heat. These chemicals are linked to health issues including hormone disruption, reproductive problems, and heart disease.

Not all plastics are equally dangerous, and some are considered safer for food contact. However, heat and physical stress can cause even so-called 'safe' plastics to degrade and shed microplastics. The safest alternatives for long-term storage and heating are glass, stainless steel, and ceramic.

Bulk food stores, zero-waste shops, and food co-ops are becoming more common. You can search online for locations near you or check for bulk food sections in larger natural food supermarkets.

To store fresh produce without plastic, use reusable mesh bags for fruits and vegetables. You can also use glass containers, dampen a cloth towel and wrap items like greens, or use beeswax wraps for items like herbs and cheese.

For plastic wrap alternatives, consider reusable beeswax wraps, silicone bowl covers, or simply using a plate to cover a bowl of leftovers.

While farmers' markets offer more plastic-free options, it's not guaranteed. Vendors often wrap items in paper or put them directly into your bag, but some might still use plastic bags. It's always best to bring your own reusable bags and containers.

While reusing plastic containers is better than single-use, it's not ideal for long-term health. Over time, plastic breaks down and releases harmful substances, especially when scratched or used repeatedly for different types of food. It's better to transition to more durable, non-leaching materials like glass and stainless steel.