Rubbermaid Premier · Food Storage Containers
Utensilux Rubbermaid Premier 3 Cup Food Storage Set
Lower PFAS concern, food-storage plastics rarely use PFAS, but Rubbermaid discloses nothing.
Rubbermaid Premier food-storage containers are polypropylene plastic, a commodity resin not typically formulated with PFAS. The brand offers no public statement on PFAS, leaving no transparency. Standard PP food packaging carries lower concern for PFAS than nonstick coatings or water-resistant treatments.
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Polypropylene (PP) plastic containers with lids
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
Rubbermaid Premier 3 Cup containers are polypropylene (PP, plastic #5), a thermoplastic chosen for food storage because it resists staining, odor absorption, and moderate heat. PP does not contain BPA or BPS by design, and polypropylene as a material class has low leaching risk at normal storage temperatures. The lids are also PP-based, meaning no metal or rubber components that might introduce cadmium or lead. The main chemistry concern is whether the colorants or processing aids contain heavy metals, but no recalls or testing reports suggest this is a problem with this specific product line.
The brand's record and disclosure
Rubbermaid (Newell Brands) does not publicly disclose detailed chemical compositions, additive lists, or third-party testing certificates for this product line. The brand has not faced major recalls for leaching or chemical contamination of food storage containers in recent records. Rubbermaid does not explicitly state whether manufacturing processes comply with FDA food contact substance regulations, though as a major US-market brand, products must meet baseline federal safety standards before sale. No certifications (BPA-free labeling, Cradle-to-Cradle, etc.) are prominently marketed for this specific set.
How it compares in its category
Polypropylene food storage containers are among the safest plastic options for cold and warm food storage. This product sits in the mid-market segment: more affordable than glass or stainless alternatives, but less transparent about ingredients than premium brands that publish third-party test reports. Competitors like Pyrex glass containers and Stainless Steel options eliminate plastic-leaching risks entirely, while budget PP alternatives from other brands often carry similar disclosure gaps. Rubbermaid's reputation for durability and stain resistance is well-established, though longevity does not guarantee chemical safety over decades.
If you buy it
Store only cold to warm foods (below 140 F / 60 C) to minimize any potential leaching; do not use in microwave or place on stovetop. Hand wash or use top-rack dishwasher cycles if the lids are labeled dishwasher-safe; harsh chemicals and high heat can degrade plastic over time. Replace containers if lids no longer seal properly, if plastic becomes cloudy or cracked, or if staining develops (staining itself is cosmetic, but degradation can increase leaching risk). Keep away from solvents, oils, and prolonged direct sunlight, which can stress the polymer and shorten safe lifespan.
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 / BPS leaching
Polypropylene (PP #5) is manufactured without BPA or BPS as base components. No recalls or testing reports indicate these endocrine disruptors in Rubbermaid Premier containers.
Phthalate plasticizers
PP does not typically require phthalates for flexibility; however, Rubbermaid does not publicly disclose whether processing aids or colorants contain phthalates. Standard PP food storage containers carry minimal phthalate risk, but no Rubbermaid-specific third-party testing is available to confirm.
Microplastic generation from heating or degradation
If containers are heated in microwave or dishwasher at high temperatures, or if scratched repeatedly, microscopic plastic particles may leach into food over time. Risk increases significantly if containers are left in heat or sunlight for extended periods.
Heavy metal contamination in colorants (cadmium, lead)
Rubbermaid does not disclose colorant sourcing or heavy metal testing for this product. US FDA regulations prohibit lead and cadmium above certain thresholds in food-contact plastics, but Rubbermaid does not publish compliance certificates. No recalls for this product line indicate a problem.
Lid seal degradation and mold growth
Polypropylene lids can crack or lose compression over time with repeated opening and dishwasher cycles. Compromised seals may trap moisture and foster bacterial or mold growth on stored food, rather than a leaching hazard from the plastic itself.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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.