Rubbermaid · Food Storage Containers
Rubbermaid EasyStore Containers with Lids 30-Piece Set
Lower-concern choice; rigid food-storage plastics rarely contain intentional PFAS, but Rubbermaid should clarify.
Rubbermaid EasyStore containers are rigid polypropylene food storage, a material category without common PFAS use. The brand makes no public claims about PFAS, typical for non-coated plastic storage. No lab data or recalls flag concern, but explicit PFAS-free certification would strengthen confidence.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
polypropylene (PP) plastic containers and lids
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Microplastics
Repeated heating above recommended limits or prolonged UV exposure may cause PP to become brittle, crack, and shed microparticles. Risk is low if containers are replaced when visibly degraded and not exposed to extreme heat.
Source: EPA ↗Unreacted monomers and oligomers leaching at elevated temperatures
Polypropylene may release trace levels of unreacted propylene or other oligomeric residues when heated. Rubbermaid does not disclose residual monomer content; risk is minimized by avoiding microwaving and high-temperature storage.
Lid seal degradation and bacterial colonization
Silicone or rubber gaskets in lids can degrade, crack, or harbor bacteria if not dried promptly after washing. This is a maintenance issue rather than a chemical hazard but affects food safety over time.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
BPA & bisphenols
Polypropylene is not formulated with BPA or BPS. No trace contamination or intentional addition has been reported in PP rigid food containers as a product class.
Source: FDA ↗Phthalate plasticizers
PP is inherently rigid and does not require phthalate plasticizers for flexibility. This product type is not a documented source of phthalate exposure.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
These containers are polypropylene (PP, #5 plastic), a thermoplastic polymer chosen for food storage because it resists cracking and has a higher melting point than softer plastics like #1 and #2. PP does not contain BPA or phthalates by formulation. The rigid structure and opacity of these containers mean they are less prone to scratching and degradation than thin-walled or clear alternatives, which reduces the surface area where leaching might initiate.
The brand's record and disclosure
Rubbermaid, owned by Newell Brands, has not published detailed material safety data sheets or third-party certifications (e.g., NSF, BPA-free declarations) for this specific product line in widely accessible sources. The company has faced no major recalls related to chemical leaching from rigid food-storage containers. Rubbermaid maintains FDA compliance for food-contact plastics but does not voluntarily disclose ingredient lists or testing protocols to consumers.
How it compares in its category
Rigid polypropylene containers occupy the middle ground of food-storage safety: safer than #1 PET (polyethylene terephthalate) for repeated heating, and comparable to other PP brands like Glad and OXO in composition and hazard profile. Glass alternatives and stainless steel eliminate plastic leaching risk entirely but are heavier and more fragile. BPA-free labeled competitors (e.g., Pyrex glass, Sistema stainless) offer explicit chemical certifications that Rubbermaid does not.
If you buy it
Avoid heating these containers above 100 to 120 degrees Celsius (212 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit) to prevent polymer softening and potential leaching of unreacted monomers or additives. Do not use in microwave or direct stovetop; transfer contents to glass or ceramic for heating. Inspect lids and seals regularly for cracks, cloudiness, or warping; discard and replace after 2-3 years of heavy use or if visible damage appears. Handwash rather than dishwasher to extend lifespan and reduce thermal stress.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Rubbermaid has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Food Storage Containers
Pyrex
Glass Meal Prep Set
borosilicate glass with metal lids (likely stainless steel or aluminum)
Metal lid corrosion and leaching
Limited concern
Silicone or rubber gasket degradation
Moderate concern
Thermal shock fracture from glass
Moderate concern
Lower PFAS concern; glass meal prep containers are inherently a safer material choice.
⚠Risky category by default
Pyrex
Freshlock 10-Piece Glass Storage Set
Borosilicate glass containers with plastic lids (PP/TPE closure material unspecified)
Microplastics
Limited concern
Additive migration from plastic lids
Limited concern
Glass breakage and physical injury
Moderate concern
Bacterial growth in degraded or poorly sealed lids
Limited concern
Lower PFAS concern; glass containers are inherently low-risk; check lid material if possible.
⚠Risky category by default
Pyrex
6-Piece Food Storage Container Set
borosilicate glass with plastic lids
Plastic lid degradation and replacement necessity
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from lids under heat stress
Limited concern
Undisclosed chemicals in lid coatings or gasket materials
Limited concern
Borosilicate glass breakage and cut hazard
Moderate concern
Lower PFAS concern; borosilicate glass containers pose minimal risk; plastic lids warrant standard caution.
⚠Risky category by default
More food storage containers grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.