Rubbermaid · Disposable Food Containers
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers 10 Piece Set
Lower concern, basic plastic food storage with no known PFAS triggers.
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs are polypropylene without nonstick, water-resistant, or grease-blocking treatments. No PFAS claims exist from the brand, and standard plastic storage carries lower PFAS risk than treated options.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
polypropylene plastic containers with 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 thermal stress, UV exposure, and dishwasher cycling can cause PP to shed microscopic particles over years of use. Risk increases if containers are cracked, deeply scratched, or discolored; visible damage is a replacement trigger.
Source: EPA ↗Leaching from lid components
Lids often contain rubber or silicone seals and metal springs that may have minor leachables, especially if lids are heated separately or exposed to hot liquids. Lid degradation occurs faster than container degradation.
Mold and bacterial growth in seals
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs have documented user complaints of mold or residue trapped in lid grooves and seals, particularly in humid climates or if not dried thoroughly. Cleaning with a bottle brush or soaking in vinegar reduces risk.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
BPA & bisphenols
Polypropylene does not require bisphenol additives for manufacturing. No documented presence of BPA or BPS in Rubbermaid PP containers under standard storage conditions.
Source: FDA ↗Phthalates
PP is inherently rigid and does not rely on phthalate plasticizers. Risk is documented only in softer plastics (vinyl, PVC); PP formulations are not known to contain or leach phthalates.
Source: ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs are polypropylene (PP, #5 plastic) with injection-molded lids, a thermoplastic chosen for heat resistance and rigidity. PP does not require BPA or BPS to function and is not known to leach phthalates under normal storage conditions. The material is inherently more heat-stable than lower-number plastics, making it safer for warm foods and dishwasher cycles.
The brand's record and disclosure
Rubbermaid (now Newell Brands) has not published detailed toxicology or material sourcing disclosures for food containers, though the company meets FDA food-contact regulations for PP. No product-specific recalls for chemical leaching have been recorded for this line. The brand maintains basic compliance certifications but does not voluntarily disclose PFAS testing or absence claims.
How it compares in its category
PP food storage is mid-tier in safety terms. Glass alternatives eliminate leaching risk entirely but add breakage and weight. Competing PP brands (Sistema, Pyrex Tritan) offer similar hazard profiles. Rubbermaid's established manufacturing and retail presence reduce the risk of counterfeit or unvetted production batches common in smaller competitors.
If you buy it
Avoid microwave heating; use oven-safe glass for warm foods above 140F. Lids are more prone to warping and degradation than containers; replace lids every 2-3 years or if discolored or cracked. Wash by hand or top-rack dishwasher; avoid prolonged contact with oils or acidic foods in direct sunlight. Check for visible wear before reuse, especially if lids no longer seal tightly.
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.