Can Airtight Plastic Jars Help Keep Evening Snacks Fresh?

A cup of tea is never complete without some nimco, biscuits and a handful of nuts. If the snacks are getting soft or are losing their flavor, then it's almost certainly to do with the way they are stored.

Plastic airtight jars will go a long way to keep evening snacks fresh by minimizing their exposure to moisture, air, dust and kitchen smells, provided the lids fit properly, of course. The right containers will also make snacking in general a lot easier and will help keep your pantry in order.

How Can You Keep Snacks Fresh For Longer?

Dry snacks need protection from moisture, heat, and improper handling. These simple habits can help maintain their quality:

• Choose airtight lids: Use jars with secure-fitting lids to reduce exposure to humid air.
• Store away from heat: Keep containers in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, stoves, and steam.
• Separate different foods: Use individual snack jars for nimco, biscuits, nuts, and dry fruits to prevent flavors from mixing.
• Reseal after serving: Close the lid straight away after you've taken out the snacks.
• Clean and dry thoroughly: Remove any food residue and make sure the jar is completely dry before refilling it.
  

For additional guidance, consult the USDA's shelf-stable food safety recommendations and follow the storage instructions on the original packaging.

Why Should Snacks Be Stored In Airtight Containers?

Air and moisture can affect the texture and flavor of dry foods. A well-fitting lid will reduce exposure to air and moisture, while a closed container will protect your snacks from dust and kitchen odours.

A clean, dry nuts jar will, of course, limit the exposure of the almonds to the humid air. A separate nimco jar is used to keep the savories covered up between the tea time portions. An airtight container will, of course, not prevent all deterioration. The nuts contain fats which will go rancid over time even in a sealed container.

When buying plastic airtight jars, check that the material is intended for food contact. The US Food and Drug Administration explains how food-contact substances are evaluated for their intended uses in its food-contact substances guidance.

Which Plastic Jars Are Best for Evening Snacks?

The best jar depends on the type and amount of snacks you want to store and the space available in your kitchen.

• Nuts jars: Good for peanuts, walnuts, and mixed nuts.
• Nimco jars: Keeps your savory snacks covered between servings.
• Square jars: Can make good use of shelf space if their sizes are suitable for your cabinets.
• Snack jars: Convenient for biscuits, crackers and the like.
  

Choose a size that suits your household's consumption. Smaller jars can be useful for snacks served regularly, while larger jars are better for storing greater quantities. Always check the jar size, lid size, and the stated material prior to purchase.

How Do You Choose the Right Airtight Jar?

Consider these practical details when comparing snack storage options:

• Seal quality: The lid should fit properly with no visible gaps or damage.
• Opening size: Wide-mouth jars for easy scooping and cleaning.
• Capacity and shape: Get the jar to match your snack quantities and the amount of shelf space you have.
• Food contact suitability: The manufacturer must have identified the material as suitable for food storage.
• Cleaning: Follow the manufacturer's care and temperature instructions.
  

If the biscuits or nimco are continuing to go soft, then check the lid and move the container away from any steam or other humid areas. Always use clean, dry jars.

Do Airtight Jars Keep Snacks Fresh Indefinitely?

No. Airtight containers will help to reduce exposure to moisture and the atmosphere; they won't stop all the reasons that food goes off. Biscuits will go soft, and nuts will go rancid.

Follow the storage instructions on the original packaging, keep the jars away from heat, and if the food has an off smell, an off appearance, or any other sign of spoilage, then simply discard it. A sealed jar in no way takes the place of refrigeration for foods which do require refrigeration.

How Can Apple Homeware Help Organize Your Snack Storage?

At Apple Homeware, the right kitchen storage containers will do a world of good in terms of keeping your everyday snacks organized and easily accessible. When you're looking at the range of jars available, you'll want to consider capacity, shape, opening size, lid design, and, of course, the stated food-contact suitability.

Use square jars if they're the right size for your shelves; otherwise, go with separate dry fruits jars and snack jars to properly organize your various foods. Always check the individual product specifications, as the material, capacity, and type of closure can all be different.

For more practical advice, check out our related articles: Do These 7 Things for an Organized Kitchen Pantry and What Should You Never Do with Plastic Food Jars?

Explore Apple Homeware's jars and containers collection to compare available options for your pantry.

FAQs about Airtight Plastic Snack Jars

Can airtight plastic jars keep snacks fresh?

Yes, they can help to reduce exposure to moisture and the outside air if the lid fits properly and the jar is used correctly.

Which snacks can be stored in plastic jars?

Suitable containers can be used for Nimco, nuts, dry fruits, biscuits, crackers, and all sorts of other dry snacks.

Are food-grade plastic jars suitable for snack storage?

Food-grade plastic jars can be used to store snacks as long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions.

How should you store nimco and dry fruits?

Use clean, completely dry jars, screw the lids on tight, and follow the storage instructions on the food packaging.

Are square plastic jars good for pantry organization?

They can be used to make good use of shelf space where their size is right for your cabinets.

References

1. USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Shelf-Stable Food Safety. Guidance on the safe handling and storage of shelf-stable foods.
2. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Understanding How the FDA Regulates Substances That Come into Contact with Food. Information on the regulation of food-contact materials and their intended uses.

About This Article

The Apple Homeware Editorial Team produces practical guides on kitchen storage and organization. This article is based on well-established food storage advice and looks at the general principles of choosing and using plastic snack jars. Always refer to each product's specifications for information about its material, capacity, and care instructions.