Rubbermaid · Food Storage Containers
Rubbermaid EasyStore Containers with Lids 30-Piece Set
Lower-concern choice; rigid food-storage plastics rarely contain intentional PFAS, but Rubbermaid should clarify.
Rubbermaid EasyStore containers are rigid polypropylene food storage, a material category without common PFAS use. The brand makes no public claims about PFAS, which is typical for non-coated plastic storage. No lab data or recalls flag concern, but explicit PFAS-free certification would strengthen confidence.
Shop Rubbermaid on Amazon →Material
polypropylene (PP) plastic containers and lids
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
food packaging is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
These containers are polypropylene (PP, #5 plastic), a thermoplastic polymer chosen for food storage because it resists cracking and has a higher melting point than softer plastics like #1 and #2. PP does not contain BPA or phthalates by formulation. The rigid structure and opacity of these containers mean they are less prone to scratching and degradation than thin-walled or clear alternatives, which reduces the surface area where leaching might initiate.
The brand's record and disclosure
Rubbermaid, owned by Newell Brands, has not published detailed material safety data sheets or third-party certifications (e.g., NSF, BPA-free declarations) for this specific product line in widely accessible sources. The company has faced no major recalls related to chemical leaching from rigid food-storage containers. Rubbermaid maintains FDA compliance for food-contact plastics but does not voluntarily disclose ingredient lists or testing protocols to consumers.
How it compares in its category
Rigid polypropylene containers occupy the middle ground of food-storage safety: safer than #1 PET (polyethylene terephthalate) for repeated heating, and comparable to other PP brands like Glad and OXO in composition and hazard profile. Glass alternatives and stainless steel eliminate plastic leaching risk entirely but are heavier and more fragile. BPA-free labeled competitors (e.g., Pyrex glass, Sistema stainless) offer explicit chemical certifications that Rubbermaid does not.
If you buy it
Avoid heating these containers above 100 to 120 degrees Celsius (212 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit) to prevent polymer softening and potential leaching of unreacted monomers or additives. Do not use in microwave or direct stovetop; transfer contents to glass or ceramic for heating. Inspect lids and seals regularly for cracks, cloudiness, or warping; discard and replace after 2-3 years of heavy use or if visible damage appears. Handwash rather than dishwasher to extend lifespan and reduce thermal stress.
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 other bisphenols in polypropylene
Polypropylene is not formulated with BPA or BPS. No trace contamination or intentional addition has been reported in PP rigid food containers as a product class.
Phthalate plasticizers
PP is inherently rigid and does not require phthalate plasticizers for flexibility. This product type is not a documented source of phthalate exposure.
Microplastics from degradation during heating or aging
Repeated heating above recommended limits or prolonged UV exposure may cause PP to become brittle, crack, and shed microparticles. Risk is low if containers are replaced when visibly degraded and not exposed to extreme heat.
Unreacted monomers and oligomers leaching at elevated temperatures
Polypropylene may release trace levels of unreacted propylene or other oligomeric residues when heated. Rubbermaid does not disclose residual monomer content; risk is minimized by avoiding microwaving and high-temperature storage.
Lid seal degradation and bacterial colonization
Silicone or rubber gaskets in lids can degrade, crack, or harbor bacteria if not dried promptly after washing. This is a maintenance issue rather than a chemical hazard but affects food safety over time.
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.