15 Places To Get Bulk Food Storage Containers

If you’re like most homesteaders, you’re always looking for ways to save money and be more efficient. One way to do both of those things is to buy your bulk food storage containers from a reputable source.

In this blog post, I’ll tell you where to find the best deals on quality containers so that you can stock up on all of your favorite foods!

In fact, a lot of people have asked where I get the cheap glass jars for my pantry that they saw in this post here. Well, the simple answer is “the grocery store”, but there are over a dozen other places you can try your luck in.

Why Buy Bulk Food Storage Containers

When it comes to food storage, there are many options available. However, bulk storage containers offer a number of advantages over other types of containers. First of all, they are much more affordable.

Buying in bulk allows you to get a better price per unit, and it also means that you won’t have to replace your containers as often. Secondly, bulk storage containers are usually more durable than other types of containers.

They are designed to be stacked and stored for long periods of time, so they can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

They can be used to store all kinds of foods, including all purpose flour, pasta, lentils, oats, cereal, brown sugar, white sugar, vegetables, sauces, and more. You can add labels so that it’s easy to identify what you are storing.

Finally, bulk storage containers are often easier to access than other types of containers. They typically have large lids that make it easy to reach in and grab what you need.

For these reasons, bulk storage containers are a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and convenient way to store their food.

Where to Buy Bulk Food Storage Containers (or Get Them for Free)

1. Check With a Deli, Restaurant, or Grocery Store

Go to a local deli, either a stand-alone restaurant or a grocery store. I went to our local Martin’s Supermarket.

The employees there are awesome about saving the glass containers with lids for anyone who asks. They are the ones that have gallon-sized glass jars for pickles, jalapenos, etc.

All you have to do is ask for the empty plastic containers for food. They should just give them to you for free. If they don’t have any, ask to have them save them for you and leave your name and number.

Be prepared to call a week or so later to follow up. They won’t usually clean them out for you, so you’ll have to wash them.

What I like to do with the gallon-sized glass jars is to wash them with regular hot, soapy water. Take some baking soda and mix with water until it’s a thick paste and rub all over inside the jar. Leave for 20-30 minutes, and wash again.

This should remove any residual smell. If there is some that lingers, repeat the baking soda.

I use the glass jars for bulk food storage of flour, sugar, rice, kefir, and getting milk from the farm.

2. Try Local Bakeries

Another good place for getting food buckets for free is to check with your local bakeries. Either a stand-alone bakery or in your local grocery store.

They have large buckets for icings and frostings. Be prepared to leave a name and number and follow up if there are no empties currently.

They usually won’t wash these, either but hot soapy water once again will do the trick. Make sure you get the lids to these if you are planning on using them for bulk food storage. The large food buckets also make great containers for gardening.

They shouldn’t charge you for the glass jars or the food buckets, as they are essentially garbage when they are done with them. If you are told there is a charge, keep looking and asking. As my mother used to say, “You don’t know unless you ask”.

3. Buy in Bulk Online

Yes, you read that right – you can buy bulk food storage containers…also in bulk. Of course, you can always go to your favorite warehouse stores, like Sam’s Club or Costco. But another great way to buy bulk food storage containers is to do so online.

Some of the best places to shop include:

• Amazon
• eBay
• Walmart
• Wayfair
• Ali Express
• Restaurant Supply
• Bed Bath and Beyond
• Home Depot
• Lowe’s

…and more.

4. Find a Bulk Food Seller That Offers Bins

If you’re like me, you love the convenience of being able to buy everything you need in one place.

That’s why I was so excited when I found out that my local bulk food seller also sells bulk food storage containers. Not only does this save me a trip to the store, but it also saves me money.

Bulk food storage containers are typically less expensive than buying them individually, and they’re often of higher quality. Plus, when you buy them in bulk, you can be sure that you’re getting a matching set that will fit your needs.

Whether you’re looking for small containers for your spices or larger containers for your rice and beans, buying bulk food storage containers directly from a bulk food seller is a great way to save time and money.

5. Use Reusable Containers

There are many benefits to buying bulk food storage containers online.

Perhaps the most important benefit is that you can reduce your environmental impact by reusing the containers. This is especially important if you plan on storing food for long periods of time.

By reusing containers like old jars and tins, you can help to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. In addition, you’ll also save money in the long run since you won’t have to keep buying new containers.

And, of course, it’s always convenient to have a reliable source of food storage containers when you need them.

6. Use Mason Jars

Repurposing old containers is a great way to get started. Mason jars, for example, can be used to store a variety of bulk foods, from dried spices to grains and beans.

These clear containers are designed to hold a large amount of food, and they can be easily stacked and stored. Plus, they come in different sizes, so you can choose the right size for your needs.

7. Try Takeout Containers

Have you ever noticed how much plastic waste is generated from takeout food? Every time you order Chinese food, there’s that little white plastic container that the entrée comes in. And if you order a salad from a deli, it’s likely to come in a clear plastic container as well.

While it’s great that many restaurants are using disposable containers to minimize the spread of germs, all of this plastic waste can quickly add up.

One way to reduce your environmental impact is to reuse takeout containers for bulk food storage. By washing and reusable containers, you can save money and help to reduce pollution.

In addition, reusable containers are often sturdier than their disposable counterparts, so they’re more likely to keep your dry goods fresh for longer on the shelves.

So next time you finish your takeout meal, think about saving the container for some future use in your bulk food storage projects.

8. Craigslist

Craigslist is a great place to find dry food storage containers for long-term storage. You can find both new and used containers at a fraction of the cost of buying them new.

When searching for containers, be sure to specify the size and type of container you need. You can also search for specific keywords, such as “BPA-free” or “food grade.”

Be sure to inspect any containers you’re considering carefully before making a purchase, as some sellers may try to pass off damaged or inferior products. With a little effort, you can find the perfect storage solution for your needs on Craigslist.

9. Facebook Marketplace

If you’re looking for bulk food storage containers, Facebook Marketplace is a great place to start your search.

You can find a wide variety of options from both new and used sellers, so you’re sure to find something that fits your needs. Plus, you can often find good deals on containers that are being sold by people who no longer need them.

To find the best deals, be sure to check the Marketplace regularly and act quickly when you see a listing that interests you. With a little patience and perseverance, you’re sure to find the perfect storage solution for your bulk food needs.

10. Use Upcycled Glass Jars

For those who like to cook in bulk or who simply want to reduce their reliance on plastic, glass jars are a great option for food storage.

Not only are they durable and reusable, but they also offer a variety of sizes and shapes to suit any need.

And best of all, glass jars can be easily recycled from items that would otherwise be destined for the recycling bin, like glass jars used for baby food, spaghetti sauce, and more.

Rice, beans, flour, and other staples can be easily transferred from their original packaging into glass jars, which can then be stored in the pantry or cupboard.

This helps to cut down on both food waste and plastic waste, and it also makes it easy to see when you’re running low on supplies.

Glass jars can also be used for storing perishable items like leftovers or prepared meals. Just be sure to rinse them out thoroughly between uses, and you’ll have a handy way to keep your food fresh and free of contaminants.

11. Go to Recycling Centers

When it comes to food storage, there are a lot of options available. One option that is often overlooked is recycling centers. Bulk food storage containers can be found at many recycling centers, and they can be a great way to save money.

Recycling centers often sell containers for a fraction of the price of new ones, and they are usually just as good quality.

In addition, recycling centers typically have a wide variety of sizes and shapes available, so it is easy to find one that will fit your needs. Bulk food storage containers can be an excellent way to save money and reduce waste.

12. Freecycle

Looking for bulk food storage containers can be a challenge, but luckily there’s a great resource that many people don’t know about: Freecycle.

Freecycle is a website where people can post items they want to get rid of, and others can request those items. It’s a great way to find just about anything – and that includes food storage containers.

Here’s how to use Freecycle to find the bulk food storage containers you need:

1. Go to the Freecycle website and search for “food storage.”
2. You’ll see a list of all the postings for food storage containers. Browse through the list and see if there are any that meet your needs.
3. If you find a posting for an item you’re interested in, send a message to the poster requesting it.
4. Once you’ve made arrangements with the poster, go and pick up your new food storage containers!

Freecycle is a great way to get exactly what you need – and since it’s all free, it doesn’t get much better than that. So next time you’re in need of some bulk food storage containers, remember to check Freecycle first.

13. Use Coffee Cans

Most people have a few coffee cans sitting around the house. And while they may not be the most stylish containers, they can actually be quite useful for long-term bulk food storage.

Coffee cans are made of sturdy tin, which means they won’t break easily and will keep your ingredients fresh for longer. They also have an airtight seal, so you don’t have to worry about pests getting into your food.

And if you label them properly, you’ll always know what’s inside. So next time you go to throw out those old coffee cans, think twice – they might just come in handy one day.

14. Don’t Forget About Bags, Either

Storing food properly is essential for keeping it fresh and preventing waste. One way to do this is to use reusable bags, which can be reused over and over again instead of being thrown away after just one use. But where can you buy reusable bags for food storage?

There are a few different places to look…

One option is your local grocery store. Many stores now sell reusable bags in their checkout lanes.

You can use these bags to store everything from onions and winter squashes to bags of popcorn and beans, letting you keep things organized while continuing to buy or grow in bulk.

Another option is online retailers.

A quick online search will reveal a number of different websites that sell reusable food storage bags. And finally, you can also find reusable bags at many green living or zero waste stores.

With a little bit of searching, you should be able to find the perfect reusable bag for your food storage needs.

15. Flea Markets and Thrift Stores

When it comes to finding bulk food storage containers, flea markets and thrift stores are often the best places to look.

These places usually have a wide selection of containers to choose from, and they typically sell them for very reasonable prices. In addition, many of these stores also sell other items that can be used for food storage, such as canning jars and lids.

However, it is important to inspect the containers carefully before purchasing them, as some may have cracks or chips that could allow moisture or pests to enter. With a little patience and effort, it is easy to find bulk food storage containers at flea markets and thrift stores.

What to Look For in Bulk Food Storage Containers

Bulk food storage can be a great way to save money and have an emergency food supply on hand. However, not all bulk food storage containers are created equal. Here are some things to look for when choosing containers for your bulk food.

Size

When you’re looking for a bulk food seller that offers food storage containers, it’s important to find one that offers a variety of sizes and shapes to fit your needs.

Durability

You should also consider the type of food you’ll be storing in the containers.

For example, some foods require airtight containers to keep them fresh, while others can be stored in less-sealed containers.

The type of container you need will also depend on how frequently you plan on accessing the food. If you only need to access the food occasionally, then you can probably get away with using a less durable container.

However, if you plan on accessing the food regularly, then you’ll need a more durable container that can withstand repeated use.

Price

It’s also important to consider the price of the containers. Some sellers offer discounts for buying in bulk, so it’s worth considering this option if you plan on storing a lot of food.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can find a bulk food seller that offers the right type of food storage containers for your needs.

Cleaning and Types of Materials

It is important to choose containers that are made from materials that are safe for food contact.

This means avoiding plastics that may contain harmful chemicals, such as BPA. Look for containers made out of silicone or BPA-free plastic.

Second, the containers should be easy to clean, with smooth surfaces that will not harbor bacteria. Third, the containers should be airtight and moisture-proof in order to keep mold and other contaminants at bay.

Finally, if it’s important to you, the canisters should be dishwasher-safe and easy to stack in the fridge. You may also be interested in those which are freezer-safe or microwave-safe, too, depending on what you are storing.

Lids

Look for containers with tight-fitting lids that will keep your food fresh and prevent spills. Some of the best food storage container options out there also come with a measuring cup or scoop to make your time in the kitchen a bit easier.

Don’t Be Afraid to Do Some Hunting!

Have you tried any of these tips for finding affordable food storage containers? What has been your experience?

Do you find cheap bulk food storage containers? Have you asked for glass jars or food buckets at your local deli or grocery store before? Be sure to pin this for later!