Plastic containers, bottles, bags, wraps, and storage bins often show a small recycling number from 1 to 7. These numbers are commonly called plastic grades, plastic codes, or resin identification codes.
The number can help you understand the plastic type, common uses, and whether it is usually a better choice for food storage. However, the number alone does not prove that a container is safe for every use. Heat, microwaving, fatty foods, scratches, age, and manufacturer labeling all matter.
Which Plastic Numbers Are Safe for Food Storage?
For everyday food storage, plastic numbers 2 HDPE, 4 LDPE, and 5 PP are generally the better choices when the item is clearly labeled for food use. #5 PP is commonly used for reusable food containers, #2 HDPE is common in milk jugs and some rigid containers, and #4 LDPE is common in flexible bags and wraps.
#1 PET is common in single-use bottles and food packaging, but it is not ideal for repeated reuse, hot food, or microwaving. Use more caution with #3 PVC, #6 PS, and #7 Other, especially for heat, fatty foods, old containers, or unlabeled plastic.
Usually better for food storage when the product is labeled food-safe and used as intended.
Common for single-use bottles and packaging. Avoid heat and repeated reuse unless the label allows it.
Use caution around food, especially hot, oily, acidic, or long-term storage conditions.
Best Plastic Choice by Situation
Plastic numbers are useful, but the best choice also depends on how you will use the container. Use this quick guide before choosing plastic for leftovers, hot meals, freezer storage, or kids’ lunches.
| Situation | Better Choice | Use With Care / Avoid | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold leftovers | #5 PP, #2 HDPE, glass | Old, scratched, stained, or cracked plastic | Cold storage is usually lower risk, but damaged plastic is harder to clean and should be replaced. |
| Hot soup or hot meals | Glass or stainless steel after food cools slightly | Unlabeled plastic, #1 PET, #6 PS foam, unknown #7 plastic | Heat can stress plastic. Use plastic with hot food only when it is clearly labeled heat-safe. |
| Microwave reheating | Microwave-safe labeled container | PET bottles, foam trays, old takeout boxes, unlabeled plastic | A recycling number alone does not prove microwave safety. |
| Freezer meals | Freezer-safe plastic, freezer-safe bags, or freezer-safe glass | Thin disposable packaging or brittle cracked containers | Freezing can make some plastics brittle, so use containers designed for freezer storage. |
| Kids’ lunch boxes | #5 PP, stainless steel, silicone, or labeled food-safe containers | Cracked, cloudy, old, or strongly stained plastic | Lunch containers are reused often, so durability and easy cleaning matter. |
| Long-term pantry storage | Food-safe #2 HDPE, #5 PP, or glass | Unlabeled storage bins not sold for food contact | Not every storage bin is intended for food, even if it looks similar to a food container. |
Quick rule: use plastic numbers as a starting point, then confirm the product label for food-safe, freezer-safe, dishwasher-safe, or microwave-safe use.
How We Evaluated Plastic Safety
This guide uses a cautious, everyday-home approach. We reviewed food-contact guidance, recycling/resin code references, and consumer safety recommendations. Plastic safety depends on the exact material, additives, intended food-contact use, temperature, and product label — not only the recycling number.
The FDA explains food packaging and food-contact substances used in materials that touch food. View FDA guidance.
The EPA recommends checking local recycling rules and using resin codes as a recycling reference. View EPA guidance.
NIEHS advises avoiding microwaving polycarbonate plastic and notes that some plastics marked 3 or 7 may contain BPA. View NIEHS guidance.
NSF provides food-contact material testing and certification services for materials used around food. View NSF information.
Plastic Grades Chart: Numbers 1–7, Uses, and Food Storage Safety
The chart below explains the seven common plastic numbers, what they usually mean, and how to think about them for everyday food storage. Always follow the label on the container, bag, wrap, or bottle.
| Plastic Number | Plastic Type | Common Uses | Food Storage Guidance | Heat / Reuse Caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 PET |
PET or PETE Polyethylene Terephthalate |
Water bottles, soda bottles, disposable food packaging, some jars |
Use with care Common for single-use food and drink packaging. |
Avoid heat, microwaving, and repeated reuse unless the product label clearly allows it. |
| #2 HDPE |
HDPE High-Density Polyethylene |
Milk jugs, juice bottles, some food-safe buckets, rigid containers |
Better choice Often a good option for food contact when labeled food-safe. |
Do not assume it is microwave-safe or heat-safe unless the label says so. |
| #3 PVC |
PVC Polyvinyl Chloride |
Some wraps, pipes, flexible packaging, non-food household plastics |
Avoid for food use Generally not preferred for food storage unless clearly labeled for food contact. |
Avoid heat, fatty foods, and unknown PVC items around food. |
| #4 LDPE |
LDPE Low-Density Polyethylene |
Freezer bags, bread bags, flexible lids, wraps, squeeze bottles |
Better choice Common for flexible food storage, especially cold or room-temperature use. |
Check labels before using with heat, microwaving, or hot foods. |
| #5 PP |
PP Polypropylene |
Reusable food containers, yogurt cups, lids, some microwave-labeled containers |
Better choice Usually one of the better plastic numbers for reusable food storage. |
Use with hot food or microwave only if the product is labeled microwave-safe or heat-safe. |
| #6 PS |
PS Polystyrene |
Foam cups, disposable plates, takeout containers, trays |
Avoid for heat Not a preferred choice for hot food or repeated food storage. |
Avoid microwaving or placing hot, oily, or acidic foods in PS containers. |
| #7 Other |
Other / Mixed Plastics May include polycarbonate or newer materials |
Large bottles, mixed packaging, specialty plastics, some reusable containers |
Check label This is a catch-all category, so the number alone is not enough. |
Check the material, BPA-free claim, food-contact label, and manufacturer instructions. |
Important: A recycling number helps identify the plastic type, but it is not the same as a full safety certification. For food storage, always check whether the product is labeled food-safe, freezer-safe, dishwasher-safe, or microwave-safe.
Which Plastics Are Safer for Food Storage?
If you want a simple rule, start with the plastic number and then check the product label. For most everyday food storage, #5 PP, #2 HDPE, and #4 LDPE are generally the most useful numbers to understand. They are commonly used in food packaging, food containers, bottles, lids, freezer bags, and flexible storage products.
But “safer” does not mean perfect for every situation. A plastic container may be fine for dry snacks or cold leftovers, but not suitable for hot soup, oily food, microwaving, dishwashing, or long-term reuse. Always match the plastic to the way you plan to use it.
Often used for reusable food containers, lids, yogurt cups, and some microwave-labeled containers.
Common in milk jugs, juice bottles, and some food-safe buckets or rigid containers.
Common in freezer bags, bread bags, wraps, squeeze bottles, and some flexible lids.
Often used for drink bottles and disposable packaging. Avoid heat and repeated reuse unless labeled otherwise.
Is #5 PP Plastic Safe for Food?
#5 PP plastic, also called polypropylene, is one of the most common plastics used for reusable food containers, lids, yogurt cups, takeout containers, and some microwave-labeled products. For everyday food storage, it is generally one of the better plastic numbers to look for.
Use #5 PP for dry foods, leftovers, meal prep, and reusable containers when the product is labeled food-safe. It is especially practical for containers that are designed for repeated food storage.
Do not assume every #5 PP container is safe for hot food or microwaving. Use it with heat only when the product clearly says microwave-safe or heat-safe. If the container is scratched, cloudy, warped, or old, replace it.
Is #2 HDPE Plastic Safe for Food?
#2 HDPE plastic, or high-density polyethylene, is commonly used for milk jugs, juice bottles, food-safe buckets, and some rigid storage containers. When it is labeled for food contact, #2 HDPE is generally considered a good option for food storage.
#2 HDPE is useful for cold or room-temperature food storage, food-safe bottles, and rigid containers that are specifically made for food contact.
#2 HDPE is not automatically microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, or heat-safe. Always check the product label before using it with hot foods, high heat, or repeated washing cycles.
Is #4 LDPE Plastic Safe for Food Storage?
#4 LDPE plastic, or low-density polyethylene, is a flexible plastic often used in freezer bags, bread bags, wraps, squeeze bottles, and some flexible food storage products. It is commonly used for food-contact packaging, especially for cold or room-temperature storage.
#4 LDPE is usually more relevant for bags, wraps, and flexible packaging than rigid reusable containers. It can be useful for freezing or short-term storage when the product is labeled freezer-safe or food-safe.
Do not boil, microwave, or wrap very hot oily food in LDPE bags or wraps unless the manufacturer clearly says the product is designed for that use.
Is #1 PET Plastic Safe to Reuse?
#1 PET plastic, also written as PET or PETE, is commonly used for water bottles, soda bottles, condiment bottles, and disposable food packaging. It is widely used for food and drink packaging, but it is usually designed for single-use or limited-use packaging.
Avoid reusing #1 PET bottles or containers for hot drinks, microwaving, dishwashing, or long-term food storage unless the label clearly says the product is made for that use.
If a PET bottle is scratched, dented, cloudy, exposed to heat, or reused many times, it is better to recycle it according to your local recycling rules and use a container designed for repeated food storage instead.
Which Plastic Numbers Should You Avoid for Hot Food?
The most important safety issue is not only the plastic number. It is also heat. Hot food, microwaving, oily sauces, acidic ingredients, dishwashers, and repeated use can all stress plastic over time.
Generally avoid for food storage unless the product is specifically labeled for food contact.
Not preferred for hot food or repeated food storage. Avoid microwaving foam or polystyrene containers.
A catch-all category. Check the exact material, BPA-free label, and food-contact instructions.
Replace plastic that is scratched, warped, stained, cloudy, brittle, or smells unusual.
Do not use plastic with hot food, microwave heat, or dishwasher heat unless the product is clearly labeled for that use. For frequent hot meals, glass or stainless steel is usually a better long-term storage choice.
What Does Food-Grade Plastic Mean?
Food-grade plastic means the plastic is intended to come into contact with food under specific conditions. However, it does not automatically mean the product is safe for every situation. A container may be food-safe for cold storage but not safe for microwaving, dishwashing, boiling, freezing, or long-term reuse.
This is why the product label matters. Look for wording such as food-safe, freezer-safe, dishwasher-safe, or microwave-safe, depending on how you plan to use it. If the label is missing, unclear, or damaged, avoid using that container for hot food or long-term storage.
How to Use Plastic Food Containers More Safely
Plastic safety is not only about the number on the bottom. The way you use the container matters just as much. Heat, repeated washing, scratches, oily foods, acidic sauces, and long storage times can all affect plastic over time.
Check for food-safe, freezer-safe, dishwasher-safe, and microwave-safe wording before using plastic in those conditions.
#5 PP is commonly used for reusable containers, but heat and microwave use still require a clear product label.
Reducing heat exposure can help protect the container and lower the chance of warping or faster wear.
A plastic number alone does not prove microwave safety. If the container is not labeled microwave-safe, avoid microwaving it.
Replace containers that are scratched, cracked, warped, cloudy, stained, brittle, sticky, or holding odors.
If a plastic container is labeled dishwasher-safe, check whether the label recommends top-rack use only. Dishwasher heat and repeated washing cycles can age plastic faster, especially lids and thinner containers. If the container becomes warped, cloudy, loose, or cracked, replace it for food use.
Everyday plastic containers can develop scratches and surface wear over time. Instead of worrying about every plastic item, focus on practical habits: avoid cutting food inside plastic containers, do not scrub them with harsh abrasives, avoid heating damaged plastic, and replace containers that look worn or feel rough.
Plastic safety also matters for food-prep surfaces. See our guide to non-toxic cutting boards, plastic alternatives, and replacement signs.
Can You Freeze Food in Plastic Containers?
Freezing food in plastic containers is usually less risky than heating plastic, but the container should still be labeled freezer-safe. Freezing can make some plastics more brittle, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles may cause cracks, scratches, or lid damage.
Better freezer habits
Freezer-safe products are designed to handle low temperatures better than ordinary plastic packaging.
Liquids and moist foods expand when frozen, so do not overfill containers.
What to avoid
Thin packaging may crack, tear, or fail in long freezer storage.
If plastic becomes brittle or cracked, replace it before using it for food again.
What About Plastic Wrap and Food Storage Bags?
Plastic wrap, sandwich bags, freezer bags, and flexible food bags can be useful, but their safety depends on the material and the label. Some wraps and bags are designed only for cold or room-temperature food storage, while others may be labeled for freezer or microwave use.
Use plastic wrap and food storage bags only for the purpose listed on the package. Avoid direct contact with very hot, oily, or fatty foods unless the product clearly says it is safe for that use.
If you often store hot meals, oily sauces, or leftovers that will be reheated, a rigid food-safe container, glass container, or stainless steel option is usually more practical than thin plastic wrap or single-use bags.
When Should You Replace Plastic Food Containers?
Even a good plastic container does not last forever. Repeated use, dishwasher heat, knife marks, acidic foods, oils, and staining can all reduce container quality over time.
Deep scratches and cracks are harder to clean and may make the container less suitable for food storage.
Warping, cloudiness, or brittleness can be a sign that the plastic has been stressed by heat or age.
Persistent odors from sauces, oils, or spices may mean the surface is worn or stained.
If you no longer know whether it is food-safe, freezer-safe, or microwave-safe, avoid risky uses.
Alternatives to Plastic for Long-Term Food Storage
Plastic can be practical for lightweight storage, but it is not always the best material for every kitchen task. For frequent hot food, long-term storage, strong odors, or repeated reheating, other materials may be better.
Good for leftovers, visibility, and reheating when the product is heat-safe.
Durable for lunch boxes and dry or cold storage, but not for microwave use.
Useful for flexible lids, bags, and freezer storage when food-grade and properly labeled.
Useful for serving and some storage, depending on glaze, lid, and heat-safe labeling.
Compare benefits, drawbacks, grades, and maintenance tips for stainless steel containers.
Lunch box materials Best Lunch Box Materials for Adults and KidsLearn which materials work best for school, work, daily meals, and safer food storage.
Safety guide Are Lunch Boxes Toxic?Understand safer lunch box materials, what to avoid, and how to choose for everyday use.
Drinkware guide Glassware Types: How to Choose the Right DrinkwareUseful if you want to reduce plastic use for drinks, serving, and everyday kitchen storage.
Final Takeaway: Use Plastic Numbers as a Guide, Not a Guarantee
Plastic grades can help you make smarter food storage choices, but the number alone does not tell the full story. For everyday food storage, #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE, and #5 PP are generally the better numbers to understand. #1 PET is usually better for single-use packaging, while #3 PVC, #6 PS, and #7 Other deserve more caution, especially around heat or unknown labeling.
The safest practical habit is simple: check the label, avoid heating unlabeled plastic, replace damaged containers, and choose glass or stainless steel when you regularly store hot meals or reheat food.
Explore Storage & Organization OptionsFAQs About Plastic Grades and Safe Plastic Numbers
What plastic numbers are safe for food storage?
Plastic numbers #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE, and #5 PP are generally better choices for food storage when the item is labeled food-safe and used as intended. #1 PET is common for single-use bottles and packaging, while #3 PVC, #6 PS, and #7 Other need more caution, especially with heat or unknown labeling.
Is #5 PP plastic safe for food?
#5 PP, or polypropylene, is commonly used for reusable food containers, lids, yogurt cups, and some microwave-labeled containers. It is usually one of the better plastic numbers for food storage, but only use it with hot food or microwaving if the product label clearly says it is safe for that use.
Is #2 HDPE plastic safe for food?
#2 HDPE is commonly used for milk jugs, juice bottles, some rigid containers, and food-safe buckets. It can be a good food-contact plastic when labeled food-safe, but it should not automatically be treated as microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, or heat-safe.
Is #1 PET plastic safe to reuse?
#1 PET is widely used for drink bottles and disposable food packaging, but it is usually designed for single-use or limited-use packaging. Avoid reusing PET for hot drinks, microwaving, dishwashing, or long-term food storage unless the product label clearly allows it.
Is #7 plastic safe for food or drinks?
#7 is a catch-all category called “Other,” so the number alone is not enough to judge safety. It may include different materials, including some polycarbonate plastics. Check the exact material, food-contact label, BPA-free claim, and manufacturer instructions before using #7 plastic for food or drinks.
Which plastic numbers should you avoid for hot food?
Avoid using #3 PVC, #6 PS, #7 Other, old plastic, scratched plastic, or unlabeled plastic with hot food. Even with #5 PP, use hot food or microwave heat only if the container clearly says microwave-safe or heat-safe.
Is BPA-free plastic always safe?
BPA-free does not automatically mean a plastic is safe for every use. A BPA-free container may still be unsuitable for microwaving, dishwashing, hot food, freezing, or repeated reuse. Always check the full product label and replace damaged plastic.
Can you freeze food in plastic containers?
Yes, you can freeze food in plastic containers if they are labeled freezer-safe. Leave space for food expansion and replace containers that crack, become brittle, warp, or lose their lids after repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Should I throw away old plastic containers?
You do not need to throw away every plastic container, but you should replace containers that are scratched, cracked, warped, cloudy, sticky, stained, brittle, or missing safety labels. For frequent hot meals or reheating, glass or stainless steel may be a better long-term choice.
