Bento Box Co · Food Storage Containers
Target Bento Meal Prep Food Storage Container
Lower concern for a basic PP food storage box; no nonstick/waterproof treatment typical of PFAS sources.
Bento meal prep containers are typically injection-molded polypropylene with no added surface treatments, placing them in a lower-risk category for PFAS. The brand makes no PFAS claims or disclosures.
Shop Bento Box Co on Amazon →Material
Polypropylene (PP) plastic container; no known coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
food packaging is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This container is polypropylene (PP, plastic #5), a thermoplastic polymer chosen for food storage because it has a higher melting point (around 130°C / 266°F) than many other common plastics and resists chemical leaching under normal use. PP does not contain BPA or phthalates by design, and no nonstick or water-resistant coating is mentioned, eliminating the primary pathways for PFAS introduction in this product category. The main concern with PP is degradation when exposed to heat, UV light, or aggressive cleaning agents, which can cause microplastic shedding over time.
The brand's record and disclosure
Bento Box Co has no public disclosure stance on PFAS or chemical safety testing documented in available sources, which is typical for smaller or mid-tier kitchen container manufacturers. No product recalls, safety certifications (such as BPA-free claims), or third-party testing results are on record for this specific model. The brand's silence does not indicate a problem; it reflects the general lack of regulatory transparency in the food storage container market outside of premium or eco-certified brands.
How it compares in its category
Polypropylene food storage containers are among the safest mass-produced options and are widely approved for food contact. They perform comparably to glass alternatives (which are chemically inert but breakable) and better than older polycarbonate or PVC containers from a leaching perspective. Many grocery and mid-market brands use identical PP construction, making this product materially typical rather than premium or budget-corner-cutting.
If you buy it
Avoid microwaving if the lid is not labeled microwave-safe; heat the food in a dish instead. Hand wash rather than dishwasher when possible, as high heat and alkaline detergent can weaken PP over time. Replace containers if the plastic becomes cloudy, cracked, or has visible scratches where bacteria can harbor. Store away from direct sunlight to minimize UV-driven degradation and microplastic release.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
BPA / Phthalates
Polypropylene is formulated without these plasticizers by standard manufacturing practice. No BPA or phthalates are intentionally added to PP food containers.
Microplastics from degradation
Scratches, UV exposure, or repeated hot water washing may cause microscopic PP particles to shed into food. Risk is low with normal use but increases over years; replacement every 2-3 years minimizes exposure.
Leaching from colorants or additives
No pigments, dyes, or coatings that would contain heavy metals or allergens are typical in basic PP food containers. Colorants used in food-grade PP are generally stable, though public testing data specific to this brand is unavailable.
Heat-related chemical release
PP begins to soften and may release trace monomers or stabilizers when heated above 100°C. Microwaving or boiling in the container is not advised; the risk is low for cold or lukewarm storage.
Bacterial growth in crevices
Tight-fitting lids and seals can trap moisture and food debris if not cleaned thoroughly, creating microorganism growth sites. This is a hygiene issue rather than a chemical hazard but is relevant to food safety.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Food Storage Containers
Caraway
Food Storage Set
Glass containers with plastic lids
Lower concern; glass + plastic lids with stated PFAS-free position, but no third-party verification of lid material.
⚠Risky category by default
Caraway
Home 9-Piece Mini Food Storage Set
Borosilicate glass containers with plastic lids
Lower-concern option; glass containers avoid PFAS coatings, but verify lid material before purchase.
⚠Risky category by default
Caraway
Cream 6.6-Cup Non-Stick Glass Food Storage Container with Lid
borosilicate glass with non-PFAS lid
Lower PFAS concern, glass container with stated non-PFAS lid, though third-party verification absent.
⚠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.