Rubbermaid Reveal · Food Storage Containers
Rubbermaid 42-Piece Food Storage Containers with Lids
Lower-concern choice for storage; PP is not a typical PFAS-prone material, but no brand disclosure available.
Rubbermaid Reveal containers are polypropylene, a plastic material not typically formulated with PFAS coatings. However, Rubbermaid makes no public PFAS claims or disclosures for this product line. No third-party testing or certification is documented in accessible sources.
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Polypropylene (PP) plastic containers
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
These containers are polypropylene (PP, #5 plastic), a thermoplastic chosen for food storage because it resists cracking and has a higher melting point (~160°C) than many peers. PP does not naturally contain BPA or phthalates as part of its base resin; it is chemically stable at room and refrigerator temperatures. The hazard profile for PP is much lower than polycarbonate or PVC alternatives, though the lids and any additives (colorants, stabilizers) remain potential sources of leachables under misuse.
The brand's record and disclosure
Rubbermaid, owned by Newell Brands, does not publish detailed material safety data sheets or third-party certifications (e.g., BPA-free claims) for the Reveal line on publicly available channels. The brand has no documented recalls specific to chemical leaching from these food storage containers in the FDA or CPSC databases. Rubbermaid maintains general compliance with FDA food-contact regulations but does not voluntarily disclose the full list of additives, colorants, or stabilizers used in these containers.
How it compares in its category
Rubbermaid Reveal sits in the mid-market segment; it is safer than older polycarbonate or vinyl-based storage containers but less thoroughly transparent than premium brands (e.g., Pyrex glass or some certified BPA-free PP brands from specialty retailers). Most mainstream food storage containers, including this line, rely on PP and similar materials; Rubbermaid's 42-piece set represents a typical commercial standard rather than an outlier. Glass alternatives eliminate plastic leaching risk entirely but sacrifice durability and convenience.
If you buy it
Avoid the microwave and extreme heat; polypropylene softens above 100°C (212°F), and heating can accelerate any additive migration. Do not use for hot liquids or oil-based foods immediately after filling; let them cool first. Replace containers if they become cloudy, cracked, or discolored, as these signs indicate polymer degradation. Wash by hand or in a gentle dishwasher cycle and store away from direct sunlight to minimize UV-driven breakdown.
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 and phthalates
Polypropylene resin itself does not contain BPA or common phthalates. No documented leaching cases or recalls for Rubbermaid Reveal on this hazard class. However, colorants or stabilizers added to the plastic remain unverified by the brand.
Additive migration (colorants, slip agents, UV absorbers)
Rubbermaid does not disclose the specific additives in these containers. Migration is theoretically possible under high heat, abrasion, or prolonged contact with fatty or acidic foods, though PP's chemical stability makes this low-risk at normal use.
Microplastic shedding from wear and heating
Repeated washing, stacking, and especially microwave use can degrade the container surface and lid seals over time, potentially releasing microplastic particles. Avoiding microwave heating and gentle handling will minimize this risk.
Lid degradation and food contact
Rubbermaid Reveal lids are plastic and may degrade or warp with age, particularly if exposed to heat or dishwasher cycles. Warped lids reduce seal integrity and can allow mold or bacterial growth if food sits sealed for extended periods. Some user reports indicate cloudiness or brittleness in lids after 1-2 years of use.
Chemical taste or odor transfer from storage
New PP containers can impart a faint plastic smell or taste, especially for strong-flavored foods or fatty items. This is typically a sensory issue rather than a safety hazard and usually dissipates after a few wash cycles and air exposure.
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.