Rubbermaid · Disposable Food Containers
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs 6.2 Cup Medium Bowls (6-Piece Set)
Lower concern, plain PP food storage containers rarely contain PFAS.
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs are polypropylene bowls with snap lids, with no disclosed nonstick or waterproof coatings. Plain PP food containers rarely present PFAS risk.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Polypropylene (PP) plastic bowls with snap 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.
Microplastic migration during heating
PP is not microwave-safe and will degrade if exposed to sustained heat above 100C. Users must follow the no-microwave rule to prevent particle shedding into food.
Odor and chemical absorption from food
PP absorbs oils and pigments (e.g., tomato sauce) and can retain odors; this does not indicate toxicity but may affect food taste and container lifespan. Rinsing immediately after use reduces this.
Lid seal degradation over time
Snap lids experience mechanical wear with repeated opening and thermal stress from dishwashing. Loss of seal integrity can allow food contamination, not chemical leaching, but the container becomes less functional.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
BPA & bisphenols
Polypropylene is not formulated with bisphenol compounds. No BPA or BPS risk is documented for plain PP food containers of this type.
Source: FDA ↗Phthalate leaching
PP food-storage plastics do not routinely contain phthalate plasticizers. This hazard is associated with PVC and some soft PET products, not PP.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs are polypropylene (PP, #5 plastic), a thermoplastic chosen for food contact because it resists leaching better than many alternatives. PP is food-grade, contains no BPA or phthalates by design, and does not degrade significantly at room temperature or during cold storage. The snap lids are also typically PP or polyethylene, engineered for repeated opening without cracking. Unlike polycarbonate or certain soft plastics, PP is inherently stable and resistant to the chemical migration that creates food-safety concerns.
The brand's record and disclosure
Rubbermaid is owned by Newell Brands and holds FDA food-contact material approvals for their plastic foodware lines. The brand does not publicly disclose detailed material composition or third-party safety testing on their website, which is typical for commodity plastic container manufacturers. No recalls or established safety controversies are on record for this specific product line. Rubbermaid's silence on PFAS is consistent with the industry standard for plain PP food storage, where intentional PFAS use is uncommon.
How it compares in its category
PP food-storage containers are among the safest plastics for refrigerator and pantry use, sitting above polycarbonate (potential BPA) and soft plastics like PVC (phthalate risk). Glass containers offer no leaching risk but are heavier and breakable; stainless steel is equally safe but more expensive. Rubbermaid's mid-range pricing and durability make it a practical middle ground between ultra-cheap single-use plastics and premium alternatives. The snap-lid design is standard across the category and does not add or reduce safety compared to other PP container brands.
If you buy it
Keep these containers out of the microwave and away from high heat (PP softens above 100C/212F); hand-wash or use the top rack of the dishwasher to extend lid lifespan. Do not store hot foods or oils, which can accelerate plastic degradation and odor absorption. Replace containers if lids crack, become loose, or if the plastic becomes cloudy or brittle, as these signs indicate wear that may reduce seal integrity. Avoid prolonged storage of acidic foods (tomato sauce, citrus) which can slightly increase leaching risk, though at levels below regulatory concern for PP.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% 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.
More disposable food 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.