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Best 10 Food Storage Containers for Meal Prep and Everyday Leftovers in 2026: 9 Picks

Compare glass sets, portion containers, pantry jars and large airtight tubs to find food storage that fits your kitchen routine.

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The best food storage containers depend on what you store, how you reheat it and how much variety you need in container size. These picks cover meal prep, leftovers, liquids, spices and small portions, with practical tradeoffs in materials, sealing and care.

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Mixed-Size Glass Starter Set

Pyrex Freshlock 7-Pack

Pyrex Freshlock 7-Pack
  • Seven containers span round, square and rectangular shapes in several sizes.
  • Locking lids are airtight and leakproof for storage or transport.
  • Built-in write-and-erase labels make contents easier to identify.

Best For: Households that want a range of glass sizes with locking lids for meal prep and leftovers.

Uniform Weekday Meal Prep

Pyrex Freshlock 5-Pack

Pyrex Freshlock 5-Pack
  • The set includes five square, four-cup glass containers.
  • Four-tab locking lids are airtight and leakproof.
  • Each lid has a built-in write-and-erase label.

Best For: Meal preppers who prefer five same-size glass containers with locking lids.

Round Bowls in Four Capacities

Pyrex Simply Store 7-Pack

Pyrex Simply Store 7-Pack
  • Round containers span one-, two-, four- and seven-cup sizes.
  • Tempered glass resists stains and odors.
  • BPA-free lids are freezer, microwave and top-rack dishwasher safe.

Best For: People who want round glass bowls for leftovers, fruit and meal prep in several capacities.

Compartmented Glass Meal Prep

PrepNaturals 5-Pack 34 Oz

PrepNaturals 5-Pack 34 Oz
  • Each container has three compartments and a 34-ounce capacity.
  • The containers are described as dishwasher, microwave, freezer and oven safe.
  • Borosilicate glass bases come with airtight, leak-resistant lids.

Best For: Meal preppers who want divided glass containers and plan to use them for reheating or freezing.

Compact Three-Size Glass Set

Pyrex Simply Store 3-Pack

Pyrex Simply Store 3-Pack
  • The set has one round container each in two-, four- and seven-cup sizes.
  • Tempered glass resists stains and odors.
  • BPA-free lids are freezer, microwave and top-rack dishwasher safe.

Best For: Smaller households seeking a basic trio of round glass containers for leftovers and meal prep.

Bulk Disposable-Style Meal Prep Bowls

Prep Naturals 25 Oz Bowls

Prep Naturals 25 Oz Bowls
  • The pack contains 50 bowls with a 25-ounce capacity each.
  • The BPA-free plastic bowls are microwave and freezer safe.
  • Airtight lids are intended to prevent spills during transport.

Best For: Meal preppers who need many lightweight bowls for individual portions, soup or leftovers.

Small Stackable Deli Portions

Freshware 8 Oz Deli Containers

Freshware 8 Oz Deli Containers
  • The set includes 50 eight-ounce containers with lids.
  • The containers are stackable and leakproof.
  • Microwave, dishwasher and freezer use is listed in the product title.

Best For: People portioning small servings of soup, sauces, snacks or ingredients in bulk.

Refrigerator Glass Bottles for Drinks

Stock Your Home 32 Oz Bottles

Stock Your Home 32 Oz Bottles
  • Four bottles each hold up to one liter, or 32 ounces.
  • The pack includes eight white caps.
  • The glass bottles are dishwasher safe; caps are not.

Best For: Households storing juice, milk or other liquids in reusable glass bottles.

Large Rectangular Airtight Storage

Sterilite Ultra-Seal 16-Cup

Sterilite Ultra-Seal 16-Cup
  • Each rectangle has a 16-cup capacity and latching lid.
  • A steam-release vent supports controlled reheating.
  • The containers are described as freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe.

Best For: People storing large baked goods or leftovers who want a latching rectangular container.

Mixed-Size Glass Starter Set

Pyrex Freshlock (7-Pack) Glass Food Storage Containers Set, (1, 2, 4 Cups) Airtight & Leakproof Plastic Locking Lids BPA-Free, Meal Prep Containers Set, Freezer Dishwasher Microwave Safe

Pyrex Freshlock 7-Pack
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This Freshlock set brings together several container shapes and sizes, from small rectangular portions to a larger rectangular dish. Its glass containers resist stains and odors, while the BPA-free lids use locking tabs and are described as airtight and leakproof.

Built-in write-and-erase labels help identify contents. The mix suits a household that wants one coordinated set for lunches, leftovers and smaller ingredients.

It is a glass-and-plastic system, so check which components can go in the microwave or dishwasher and follow the lid care directions before reheating.

Best For: Households that want a range of glass sizes with locking lids for meal prep and leftovers.

Pros Cons
  • A varied assortment covers small portions as well as larger leftovers.
  • Glass resists stains and does not absorb food odors or flavors.
  • Locking lids and labels support organized storage and carrying.
  • The set combines glass bases with plastic lids, so lid handling and care differ from the containers.
  • Not specified: whether glass bases are oven-safe.

Choose this set if you want several useful shapes and sizes with lids designed to seal for transport. The labeling feature is handy when a crowded refrigerator makes leftovers hard to distinguish.

Its tradeoff is the mix of glass and plastic: glass brings stain and odor resistance, but lids need their own care routine. Check the included size mix against your usual portions, and confirm the care directions for lids and bases before using them for reheating.

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Uniform Weekday Meal Prep

Pyrex Freshlock (5-Pack, 4 Cup) Glass Food Storage Containers Set, Airtight & Leakproof Plastic Locking Lids BPA-Free, Meal Prep Containers Set, Freezer Dishwasher Microwave Safe

Pyrex Freshlock 5-Pack
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This five-piece set keeps the format simple: each container is a square glass dish with a four-cup capacity. Pyrex says the glass resists stains and food odors, and the locking lids have four tabs for an airtight, leakproof closure.

Built-in write-and-erase labels help track what is inside. Matching capacity makes batch-prepped meals easier to portion consistently, though the set offers less size variety than mixed-size assortments.

The containers are described as freezer, dishwasher and microwave safe; follow the care instructions for the lids when reheating or cleaning.

Best For: Meal preppers who prefer five same-size glass containers with locking lids.

Pros Cons
  • Five matching capacities make repeat meal portions straightforward.
  • Lids are designed for leak-resistant carrying and storage.
  • Glass resists stains and does not absorb food odors or flavors.
  • The all-four-cup assortment offers less capacity variety than mixed-size sets.
  • Not specified: whether the glass containers are oven-safe.

This is a good fit for people who prep meals in similar portions and want a matching set that stacks neatly in the fridge. The square shape and four-cup capacity give each container a consistent role, while the locking lids and writable labels help with packed lunches and planned leftovers.

The main compromise is flexibility: smaller snacks or very large dishes may call for another size. Check your typical serving volume and whether the lid care instructions match your routine.

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Round Bowls in Four Capacities

Pyrex Simply Store (7-Pack) Glass Food Storage Containers Set

Pyrex Simply Store 7-Pack
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The Simply Store set pairs round glass bowls with BPA-free plastic lids in four capacities, from one cup to seven cups. That range can handle a small serving, a side or a larger batch without requiring several unrelated sets.

The tempered glass resists stains and odors, while the snug-fitting lids are intended to keep food fresh. The lids are freezer, microwave and top-rack dishwasher safe.

The product notes differ on the exact included quantity breakdown, so check the box contents before purchase if matching specific sizes matters to you.

Best For: People who want round glass bowls for leftovers, fruit and meal prep in several capacities.

Pros Cons
  • A wide size range handles both small portions and larger leftovers.
  • Glass resists stains and food odors.
  • Lids fit snugly and are safe for several common care routines.
  • The available product details give inconsistent counts for the included size mix.
  • Not specified: whether the glass bowls are oven-safe.

Pick this set if round bowls fit your refrigerator shelves and you want multiple capacities from one family of containers. The glass bases suit storage where stain and odor resistance matter, and the lids cover common freezer and microwave tasks.

Before ordering, verify the exact size count: the supplied details describe the set differently in separate places. Also consider that the lids are plastic, so the care instructions for lids and bowls should guide heating and cleaning.

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Compartmented Glass Meal Prep

PrepNaturals 5 Pack 34 Oz Glass Meal Prep Containers - Dishwasher Microwave Freezer Oven Safe - Glass Storage Containers with Lids (Multi-Compartment)

PrepNaturals 5-Pack 34 Oz
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These five 34-ounce glass containers use a three-compartment layout to keep parts of a prepared meal separate. The product title says the containers are safe for dishwasher, microwave, freezer and oven use, while the notes identify borosilicate glass and airtight, leak-resistant lids.

This combination can suit batch cooking and packed lunches when separate portions matter. The divided format gives less open space than a single-compartment container, and the product material distinguishes glass bases from lids.

Check lid care and any use restrictions before putting the assembled container into an oven or microwave.

Best For: Meal preppers who want divided glass containers and plan to use them for reheating or freezing.

Pros Cons
  • Dividers separate meal components in one container.
  • Borosilicate glass suits users who prefer glass food storage.
  • Several appliance-safe uses support storage and reheating flexibility.
  • Airtight and leak-resistant lids are not described as fully leakproof.
  • Not specified: whether the lids can be used in the oven or microwave.

These containers make sense when you want a divided lunch or batch-prepped meal in glass rather than a single open bowl. The three compartments provide separation, and the 34-ounce size gives room for a full meal.

The key point to check is how the lids should be handled around heat; appliance-safe language applies to the containers, while lid-specific directions are not clear. If you prefer a single open space for leftovers, a conventional bowl or rectangular set will be more flexible.

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Compact Three-Size Glass Set

Pyrex Simply Store (3-Pack) Glass Food Storage Containers Set, (2, 4 & 7 Cup) Meal Prep Containers With Plastic BPA-Free Lids, Dishwasher & Microwave Safe

Pyrex Simply Store 3-Pack
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This Simply Store assortment includes three round glass containers, one each in two-, four- and seven-cup sizes, with BPA-free plastic lids. The tempered glass resists stains and odors, and the lids are safe for freezer, microwave and top-rack dishwasher use.

The three capacities cover a modest mix of leftovers and meal components without taking on a large set. Compared with assortments that include small one-cup pieces, this trio starts at a larger capacity.

The glass bases' oven suitability is not specified, so check the care directions for your intended use.

Best For: Smaller households seeking a basic trio of round glass containers for leftovers and meal prep.

Pros Cons
  • Three distinct capacities provide a straightforward starter assortment.
  • Glass resists stains and odors for routine leftovers.
  • Lids fit snugly and support freezer and microwave use.
  • The smallest container is two cups, so it does not include a tiny snack-size option.
  • Not specified: whether the glass bases are oven-safe.

Choose this trio if you need a few reusable glass dishes for leftovers and meal prep, rather than a cupboard full of containers. The three round capacities give a small but useful spread, and the glass resists stains and odors.

The tradeoff is that there is no one-cup piece for small quantities, so frequent condiment or snack storage may need another container. Confirm the glass care directions before using the bases for oven cooking.

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Bulk Disposable-Style Meal Prep Bowls

Prep Naturals 25 oz Meal Prep Containers - BPA-Free Food Storage Containers with Lids - Microwave & Freezer Safe Soup Bowls with Lids - Dishwasher Safe Meal Prep Bowls - Pack of 50, Clear

Prep Naturals 25 Oz Bowls
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This pack of 50 clear plastic bowls holds 25 ounces apiece and includes lids. The bowls are marketed for meal prep and soup, with BPA-free plastic and microwave, freezer and dishwasher compatibility.

Airtight lids help with carrying meals or snacks, and the pack size can be useful for large meal-prep routines or gatherings. These are plastic bowls rather than glass storage dishes, so consider how you prefer to reheat and clean food containers.

The notes call them reusable, but do not give a reuse lifespan or lid-specific care directions.

Best For: Meal preppers who need many lightweight bowls for individual portions, soup or leftovers.

Pros Cons
  • A large count supports bulk meal prep and gatherings.
  • Lids help keep meals and snacks secure while carried.
  • The bowls support microwave, freezer and dishwasher use.
  • The plastic construction may not suit shoppers looking specifically for glass containers.
  • Not specified: how many reuse cycles the bowls and lids are intended to handle.

This option fits a routine that uses many same-size portions, especially soups, snacks or prepared meals. Its 25-ounce bowl shape differs from flat meal trays and can be more convenient for liquid or mixed foods.

The bulk count is the main advantage, but it also means storage space for unused containers matters. Check whether your routine favors reusable plastic bowls and confirm the care instructions for lids before using them for microwave reheating.

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Small Stackable Deli Portions

Freshware Food Storage Containers [50 Set] 8 oz Plastic Deli Containers with Lids, Slime, Soup, Meal Prep Containers | BPA Free | Stackable | Leakproof | Microwave/Dishwasher/Freezer Safe

Freshware 8 Oz Deli Containers
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Freshware's set supplies 50 plastic deli containers, each with an eight-ounce capacity. The stackable design and lids suit small portions of soups, sauces, fruit or prepared ingredients, while the product title lists microwave, dishwasher and freezer use.

The containers are described as BPA-free and leakproof, so they can work for liquid and solid foods. Their small capacity is useful for portioning but less suited to a full meal.

As with any plastic container, check the care directions and allow for the possibility that repeated heating may not suit every routine.

Best For: People portioning small servings of soup, sauces, snacks or ingredients in bulk.

Pros Cons
  • Small portions work for sauces, snacks and soup servings.
  • A stackable form helps organize a large set.
  • The lids are described as airtight and leakproof.
  • The 8 oz size may be limiting for full meal portions.
  • Not specified: the expected lifespan under repeated microwave use.

Pick this set for small, repeatable portions rather than full lunches. The deli-style shape is useful for soups, toppings and snacks, and the stackable design can make a large batch easier to store.

The tradeoff is capacity: an eight-ounce container is much smaller than a typical meal-prep bowl. Consider where the 50 pieces will live between uses and whether the modest portion size matches your recipes.

Follow the care directions for repeated heating and washing.

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Refrigerator Glass Bottles for Drinks

Stock Your Home Liter Glass Milk Bottle with Lid (4 Pack) 32 Oz Jugs and 8 White Caps, Reusable Food Grade Container for Refrigerator, Juice, Oat or Plant Milks, Water, Honey

Stock Your Home 32 Oz Bottles
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This four-pack contains 32-ounce glass bottles with screw caps and extra white caps. The jugs are made for refrigerator storage of liquids such as milk, juice, oat drinks, water or honey, and the glass is described as reusable, recyclable, stain-resistant and odor-resistant.

The bottle size is smaller than the half-gallon option from the same brand, which may be easier to fit into a fridge. The caps are not dishwasher safe even though the glass bottles are.

These are narrow-use liquid containers, not replacements for bowls or meal-prep boxes.

Best For: Households storing juice, milk or other liquids in reusable glass bottles.

Pros Cons
  • Reusable glass offers an alternative to plastic drink bottles.
  • Glass resists stains and odors and can go in the dishwasher.
  • Extra caps are included with the four bottles.
  • The caps must be washed separately by hand.
  • The bottle format is designed for liquids rather than general leftover storage.

Choose these bottles if your kitchen routinely stores homemade drinks or other pourable foods in the refrigerator. Their one-liter size offers a smaller format than half-gallon jugs, and the extra caps provide replacements or spares.

The main tradeoff is versatility: they do not replace stackable food boxes for solid leftovers. Measure refrigerator shelf clearance against the listed bottle dimensions, and plan to hand-wash the caps even if you put the glass in the dishwasher.

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Large Rectangular Airtight Storage

Sterilite Ultra-Seal 16 Cup Rectangle, Airtight Food Storage Container, Latching Lid, Microwave and Dishwasher Safe, Clear With Blue Gasket, 16-Pack

Sterilite Ultra-Seal 16-Cup
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This Sterilite Ultra-Seal pack contains 16-cup rectangular food containers with latching lids and a blue gasket. The product title highlights airtight storage, and the notes describe a steam-release vent for reheating plus freezer, microwave and dishwasher use.

The rectangular form is aimed at baked goods and leftovers, and the color-coordinated design helps pair lids and bases. The case count is substantial, so consider cupboard and refrigerator space before buying.

The dimensions supplied describe the outside of each container, not its usable interior volume.

Best For: People storing large baked goods or leftovers who want a latching rectangular container.

Pros Cons
  • Large rectangular format suits baked goods and leftovers.
  • A latching lid and gasket support an airtight seal.
  • Steam release helps manage reheating.
  • A 16-pack of large containers requires considerable storage space.
  • Not specified: whether the latching lids are dishwasher-safe on the top rack only or under other conditions.

This pack is best for kitchens that regularly store large leftovers or baked items and have room for many same-size containers. The latches, gasket and vent add practical features for storage and reheating.

Its size and pack count make it less convenient for small portions or limited cupboards. Check the exterior dimensions against refrigerator shelves, and review how the lids should be placed in the dishwasher.

Remember that the outside measurements do not indicate interior usable space.

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How to Choose Food Storage Containers

How We Picked Food Storage Containers

This roundup focuses on containers that store meals, leftovers, pantry ingredients or liquids in a useful, clearly defined format. It includes glass sets for everyday reheating and stain resistance, bulk plastic bowls for repeated meal portions, a vacuum canister for dry goods, refrigerator bottles for drinks and large latching tubs for bulky leftovers.

Specialty bag organizers, herb keepers and produce covers do a narrower job, so they were left out of a guide to food storage containers.

Material, seal style, size range and care instructions shape the choice. A locking lid can be useful for transport, while a vacuum lid targets dry ingredients that benefit from reduced air exposure.

Glass and plastic each suit different kitchen routines, and product details do not always explain how lids should be handled around heat.

Comparing Food Storage Containers

The Pyrex sets give you glass bases with plastic lids. Freshlock's seven-piece assortment has more shapes and capacities, while its five-piece set uses one consistent four-cup size.

Simply Store offers round bowls in a three-container starter set or a broader assortment. Compare the included size mix with your usual leftovers before choosing; the listing details for the seven-pack are inconsistent about its exact count breakdown.

For bulk portions, Prep Naturals supplies 25-ounce bowls, while Freshware's deli containers are smaller eight-ounce cups for sauces, snacks and ingredients. Sterilite's 16-cup rectangle is aimed at large leftovers and baked goods.

These formats differ in cupboard demands and portion size, so consider both how much food you store and where empty containers will go.

ProductStandout featuresBest for
Pyrex Freshlock 7-PackCheck Price
  • Seven containers span round, square and rectangular shapes in several sizes.
  • Locking lids are airtight and leakproof for storage or transport.
Households that want a range of glass sizes with locking lids for meal prep and leftovers.
Pyrex Freshlock 5-PackCheck Price
  • The set includes five square, four-cup glass containers.
  • Four-tab locking lids are airtight and leakproof.
Meal preppers who prefer five same-size glass containers with locking lids.
Pyrex Simply Store 7-PackCheck Price
  • Round containers span one-, two-, four- and seven-cup sizes.
  • Tempered glass resists stains and odors.
People who want round glass bowls for leftovers, fruit and meal prep in several capacities.
PrepNaturals 5-Pack 34 OzCheck Price
  • Each container has three compartments and a 34-ounce capacity.
  • The containers are described as dishwasher, microwave, freezer and oven safe.
Meal preppers who want divided glass containers and plan to use them for reheating or freezing.
Pyrex Simply Store 3-PackCheck Price
  • The set has one round container each in two-, four- and seven-cup sizes.
  • Tempered glass resists stains and odors.
Smaller households seeking a basic trio of round glass containers for leftovers and meal prep.
Prep Naturals 25 Oz BowlsCheck Price
  • The pack contains 50 bowls with a 25-ounce capacity each.
  • The BPA-free plastic bowls are microwave and freezer safe.
Meal preppers who need many lightweight bowls for individual portions, soup or leftovers.
Freshware 8 Oz Deli ContainersCheck Price
  • The set includes 50 eight-ounce containers with lids.
  • The containers are stackable and leakproof.
People portioning small servings of soup, sauces, snacks or ingredients in bulk.
Stock Your Home 32 Oz BottlesCheck Price
  • Four bottles each hold up to one liter, or 32 ounces.
  • The pack includes eight white caps.
Households storing juice, milk or other liquids in reusable glass bottles.
Sterilite Ultra-Seal 16-CupCheck Price
  • Each rectangle has a 16-cup capacity and latching lid.
  • A steam-release vent supports controlled reheating.
People storing large baked goods or leftovers who want a latching rectangular container.

Choosing Containers for Meal Prep and Leftovers

For packed lunches, a divided PrepNaturals glass container separates meal components, while the Freshlock sets add locking lids for a range of portions. The equal-size Pyrex Freshlock set makes repeated four-cup portions simpler; the mixed-size set better covers small additions and larger meals.

If transporting liquids matters, check the lid's leakproof wording and care directions rather than assuming every snap or plastic lid seals the same way.

Glass bases suit shoppers who value stain and odor resistance, but their lids may have different heating and cleaning rules. Plastic bulk containers are lighter and arrive in high counts, though a large pack needs cupboard space.

Read the dimensions alongside the stated capacity: an outside measurement helps assess shelf fit, while capacity indicates approximate volume.

Storage for Pantry Staples and Refrigerator Drinks

A vacuum canister has a more focused job than a meal-prep box. Fellow Atmos uses a twist lid to remove air and a silicone seal to store coffee, tea and spices.

Confirm the exact body material for the offer because the supplied details conflict, and plan for hand washing. For liquids, Stock Your Home's one-liter glass bottles fit a different role.

Their caps are not dishwasher safe, so the bottle-and-cap care routine takes more attention than a single-piece container.

A dedicated container can improve organization when it matches what you store most often. Bottles are useful for pourable foods, while round bowls and rectangular boxes handle solid leftovers more readily.

Before buying a multi-pack, consider whether every piece will earn regular use; larger assortments can occupy substantial cabinet and refrigerator space.

Who Should Buy Which Food Storage Containers?

Choose a Pyrex glass assortment for varied leftovers, or the matching four-cup set for repeat meal portions. Pick the divided PrepNaturals option when keeping meal components separate matters.

Freshware's eight-ounce deli containers suit small servings, and Prep Naturals' larger bowls suit soup and meal-prep portions in bulk.

For dry coffee or pantry ingredients, consider the Fellow vacuum canister after confirming its material and cleaning details. Choose the Stock Your Home bottles for refrigerator drinks, and Sterilite's large rectangular tubs when bulky leftovers are common and storage space is available.

Written by

nbmch.org Editorial Team

Editorial team

nbmch.org publishes practical how-to guides and educational articles with clear steps and useful context.

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Sterilite Ultra-Seal 16-Cup

Sterilite Ultra-Seal 16-Cup

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Best for: People storing large baked goods or leftovers who want a latching rectangular container.

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