Rubbermaid · Disposable Food Containers
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Meal Prep Containers
Lower concern for PFAS, no Teflon-family coating coatings typical of this type.
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs use polypropylene and polyester, without nonstick or water-resistant coated materials. No brand PFAS claims or third-party verification appears available.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
polypropylene (PP) container, polyester gasket
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 in microwaves or dishwashers can cause PP to crack and shed microplastics. Risk is present if care instructions are not followed, but minimal during cold storage and hand-washing.
Source: EPA ↗Polyester gasket degradation
Polyester gaskets can gradually lose elasticity over months to years, reducing seal integrity. This affects food freshness retention more than chemical safety, but a failed seal may allow bacterial growth if containers are not replaced promptly.
Odor absorption and food flavor transfer
PP is known to absorb strong odors (garlic, curry, vinegar) and can impart plastic taste to foods over time. This is a quality issue rather than a toxicology concern, but indicates minor plastic-food interaction.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
BPA & bisphenols
Polypropylene does not contain BPA or phthalates in its base composition. No documented cases of leaching from Rubbermaid TakeAlongs under normal food storage conditions.
Source: FDA ↗Leaching from softeners or additives in plastic
PP typically contains few added softeners compared to flexible plastics. No specific additives in Rubbermaid TakeAlongs are documented as hazardous, and FDA food-contact regulations govern allowable components.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs use polypropylene (PP, #5 plastic) for the main container and polyester for the gasket seal. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic that does not leach BPA or phthalates under normal conditions and is considered food-safe by FDA. The polyester gasket is unlikely to degrade at typical food storage temperatures (room temperature to refrigerator). PP containers can soften above 160F, so they are not designed for hot food storage or dishwasher heat cycles.
The brand's record and disclosure
Rubbermaid, owned by Newell Brands, does not publicly disclose detailed PFAS testing or avoidance statements for this product line. However, the brand has no documented recalls specifically tied to chemical leaching from TakeAlongs containers as of public records. Rubbermaid has faced past litigation around other product categories (e.g., furniture flame retardants), but no equivalent controversies are established for this meal-prep line. The company does not advertise third-party certifications (such as BPA-free labeling) for these specific containers, though PP inherently lacks BPA.
How it compares in its category
Polypropylene meal-prep containers are the standard in this category and generally rank lower-risk than older polycarbonate (PC) alternatives, which contained BPA. Glass containers offer superior chemical stability but are heavier and breakable. Silicone-based alternatives have fewer long-term safety data. Rubbermaid's PP containers are competitively positioned for affordability and durability; they are neither premium nor discount-tier in terms of material quality.
If you buy it
Do not use these containers in the microwave or dishwasher, as heat will degrade the plastic and gasket. Hand-wash with warm (not hot) soapy water and air-dry. Store cold foods, not hot. Replace containers if the seal becomes loose, the plastic becomes cloudy or brittle, or visible cracks appear (typically after 2-3 years of regular use). Avoid prolonged contact with fatty or acidic foods at room temperature, as these can accelerate minor leaching over extended periods.
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.