Which Plastic Is Good for Hot Food? An Expert Guide to Safe Storage

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Experts express concern that some of the thousands of chemicals used in plastic production can leach into food, particularly when heated. With the increasing popularity of meal prep and takeout, understanding which plastic is suitable for hot food is crucial for safeguarding your health.

Quick Summary

For safe handling of hot food, prioritize containers made from polypropylene (#5) or high-density polyethylene (#2), and avoid heating food in single-use plastics.

Key Points

Polypropylene (PP) is best for heat: PP, code #5, has a high melting point and is microwave-safe, making it the top plastic choice for hot food containers.
Avoid PET (#1) and PS (#6) with heat: Plastics like PET bottles and polystyrene foam containers can leach chemicals when heated and should never be used for hot foods.
Verify 'Microwave Safe' labels: The label primarily indicates the plastic won't melt, not that it guarantees zero chemical leaching, especially with older containers or repeated use.
Chemical leaching increases with heat: Higher temperatures and repeated use can increase the release of potentially harmful chemicals, like BPA and phthalates, into food.
Non-plastic is safest: For maximum safety with hot food, alternatives like glass, ceramic, and stainless steel are superior as they are non-reactive and don't leach chemicals.
Check the recycling code: The Resin Identification Code on the container's bottom is the easiest way to identify the plastic type. Look for #5 (PP) or #2 (HDPE) for safer options.

The Risks of Heating Food in Wrong Plastics

Heating food in the wrong plastic containers can pose significant health risks. When certain types of plastics are exposed to high temperatures, their chemical bonds can break down, causing harmful substances to migrate into your food. Two of the most notorious chemicals are Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, both known endocrine disruptors linked to various health problems. Unfortunately, older or worn plastic containers can increase the rate of chemical leaching, as can the presence of oily or acidic foods. While regulatory bodies set guidelines, some experts argue enforcement is insufficient and advise caution, especially with hot food. A simple way to mitigate this risk is by understanding the types of plastic you use and how they react to heat.

The Safest Plastics for Hot Food

For plastic containers designed for use with hot food, two primary types stand out for their superior heat resistance and safety record.

Polypropylene (PP) - The High Heat Hero

Polypropylene, identified by the recycling code #5, is widely regarded as the best plastic for hot food. It offers several key advantages:

High Melting Point: With a melting point typically ranging from 265 to 340°F (130-170°C), PP is far more heat-tolerant than most other plastics, making it suitable for microwave use and hot-fill applications.
FDA Approval: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved PP for food contact, and it is known for being chemically inert, meaning it won't react with food or leach harmful chemicals when used properly.
BPA-Free: Most PP plastics are BPA and phthalate-free, providing added peace of mind.
Versatile: PP is used in a wide range of food-grade items, including yogurt cups, ketchup bottles, reusable food storage containers, and microwavable meal trays.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) - The Durable Daily Driver

High-density polyethylene, marked with the recycling code #2, is another food-safe and durable plastic. While not as heat-resistant as PP, it can handle short bursts of high temperatures and is generally safer than other common plastics.

Moderate Heat Tolerance: HDPE has a higher temperature tolerance than PET or LDPE, but it is not ideal for continuous high heat applications like microwaving. Its ability to withstand temperatures up to 176°F (80°C) briefly makes it suitable for some warm food scenarios, but it's best to avoid microwaving it.
Chemical and Moisture Resistance: HDPE is excellent for storing food because it's resistant to chemicals and moisture, commonly used for milk jugs, juice bottles, and bulk food storage containers.

Plastics to Avoid with Hot Food

Not all food-grade plastics are created equal when it comes to heat. Certain types are simply not designed to handle high temperatures and can degrade, risking chemical leaching.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) - Code #1

Commonly used for beverage bottles and single-use food packaging, PET is not meant for hot food. It is only intended for single use and can release chemicals if exposed to heat or reused, particularly when scratched or worn.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - The "Poison Plastic" (#3)

PVC is a plastic to avoid, especially with hot food. It can contain harmful additives like phthalates and should never be heated, as it can release toxic chemicals.

Polystyrene (PS) - The Foam Culprit (#6)

Often used in disposable coffee cups and takeout containers (Styrofoam), polystyrene can leach styrene, a chemical linked to cancer, when heated. Always avoid heating food in PS containers, even if they appear insulated.

Other Plastics (PC and Mixed Plastics) - Code #7

The #7 category is a catch-all that includes many plastics, including polycarbonate (PC), which may contain BPA. Unless specifically labeled as a safe bioplastic, this category should be avoided for hot food applications.

Comparison of Food-Grade Plastics for Hot Food


Property	Polypropylene (PP, #5)	HDPE (#2)	PET/PETE (#1)	Polystyrene (PS, #6)
Heat Resistance	High (Microwave Safe)	Moderate (Avoid Microwaving)	Low (Do Not Heat)	Low (Do Not Heat)
Best Use	Reusable storage, microwavable trays, takeout containers	Milk jugs, durable food storage, bulk containers	Single-use water/soda bottles, salad dressing	Disposable cups, clamshells for cold food
Safety with Hot Food	Excellent	Limited; best for cold/warm food	Not Safe	Not Safe
Microwave-Safe	Yes (check label)	No	No	No

Safer Non-Plastic Alternatives for Hot Food

While some plastics are safer than others, non-plastic materials remain the gold standard for storing and reheating hot food. Glass, stainless steel, and ceramic containers do not leach chemicals, are highly heat-resistant, and are generally more durable in the long run. Consider making the switch to these options for maximum peace of mind, especially if you frequently store or reheat hot, acidic, or oily foods.

Conclusion: Choosing Wisely for Health

For hot food, the best plastic is undeniably polypropylene, marked with the #5 recycling code. Its high heat resistance and FDA approval make it a safe and reliable choice. However, it's crucial to understand that not all plastics are created equal, and using the wrong type, such as PET (#1) or PS (#6), can pose significant health risks due to chemical leaching. For ultimate safety, non-plastic alternatives like glass or stainless steel are the superior choice, as they are completely non-reactive and durable. Always check the recycling codes and look for specific labels like "microwave-safe" and "BPA-free" to make an informed decision for your health and safety.

For further information, consider consulting resources on chemical exposure and health, such as those from reputable health organizations like BreastCancer.org, which provides information on endocrine disruptors and plastic chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the Tupperware. Check the bottom for the recycling code, especially for #5 (PP), and look for a microwave-safe label. Older or worn containers, or those not labeled for hot food, pose a higher risk of chemical leaching when heated.

Glass, stainless steel, and ceramic are excellent non-plastic options for hot food storage and reheating. They are non-reactive and highly heat-resistant, ensuring no harmful chemicals leach into your food.

Not necessarily. While BPA-free, some plastics may contain alternative chemicals that can still leach when heated. Polypropylene (PP) is a common BPA-free, heat-resistant plastic, but always verify its specific heat tolerance and purpose.

No, you should not use single-use plastic containers for hot food. These are often made from PET (#1), which is not designed for heat and can degrade, releasing chemicals into your food.

The 'microwave-safe' label primarily means the plastic won't melt or deform in the microwave. It does not guarantee that no chemicals will leach into your food, especially with repeated use, if the container is scratched, or at very high temperatures.

Caution is advised with colored plastic, as some dyes may not be food-grade and could leach into food. White polypropylene containers are often preferred, but always verify a container's food-grade status from the supplier.

Phthalates are chemicals used to soften plastics, notably PVC (#3). They are endocrine disruptors that can leach into food, especially when heated, and have been linked to developmental and reproductive health issues.

HDPE (#2) is generally food-safe and durable, but it's best suited for cold and room-temperature storage. While it can withstand some heat, it is not recommended for microwaving or continuous high heat exposure, as it has a lower heat tolerance than polypropylene.