Is it safe to put Tupperware in the microwave?

Author: Ayana Weissnat  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Plastic, including Tupperware Single-use plastics like those used for yogurt, cottage cheese and other foods should never be microwaved. The same rule applies to plastic to-go containers that don't clearly state that it is microwave-safe. Similarly, do not use cracked, old or discolored plastic containers.

Can I put Tupperware in the microwave?

As a general rule of thumb, plastic containers should not be microwaved. The amount of risk associated with heating plastic varies depending on the type of plastic, but in order to avoid all possible negative repercussions on one's health, it's best to reheat in glass or ceramic as much as possible.

How to know if a Tupperware is microwave safe?

If your Tupperware has a symbol with squiggly lines, it's safe to use it in the microwave. All resins approved for use in the microwave have been tested to ensure no transfer of chemicals to your food takes place.

Which Tupperware is not microwave safe?

Older Tupperware products (especially those made before 2010) may not be microwave-safe. Check for the microwave-safe symbol on the bottom of the container. If it's missing, avoid microwaving it.

Which plastic containers are microwave safe?

HDPE or high-density polyethylene is microwave safe. It has a tolerance of -40 to 266 degrees Fahrenheit before distortion. In the foodservice market, high density polyethylene is typically used for containers.

How Do I Know If My Container is Microwave Safe?

What containers Cannot be used in microwave?

Materials
  • Aluminum Foil. The most commonly-used household item you should never put in the microwave is aluminum foil. ...
  • Anything with Metal or Stainless Steel. ...
  • Single-Use Plastic. ...
  • Takeout Containers. ...
  • Styrofoam. ...
  • Water. ...
  • Raw Spicy Peppers. ...
  • Eggs.

What happens if I microwave plastic?

Microwaving delivers a double whammy: heat and hydrolysis, a chemical reaction through which bonds are broken by water molecules. All of these can cause a container to crack and shed tiny bits of itself as microplastics, nanoplastics, and leachates, toxic chemical components of the plastic.

When did Tupperware become microwave safe?

The company began to research a new material that could be used in the freezer, microwave, or oven in 1978. In the early 1980s, Tupperware felt that it had been successful and set out to design a cookware line with the new material, now christened Ultra 21.

Is 40 year old Tupperware safe to use?

Old Tupperware, especially those over a decade old, might contain hazardous chemicals like cadmium, lead, and arsenic. These can leach into your food, posing significant health risks. Vintage Tupperware products are particularly concerning due to the potential leaching of additional harmful substances.

Should you microwave Tupperware open or closed?

Although it's a good idea to cover your food when heating it in the microwave, you should still leave a small gap in the container for ventilation. This will allow steam to escape, and prevent the container from warping, or even exploding.

Which plastics are not microwave safe?

Polystyrene (styrofoam) — #6 — Not heat tolerant. Polycarbonate — #7 — Many formulations may contain BPA. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) — #3 — Rarely used for foods. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) — #2 — While generally safe, HDPE is less heat-tolerant.

What does 5 pp mean on plastic?

PP (5) is a type of plastic called polypropylene. Because it's light, flexible, and durable, it is turned into a huge variety of different products that you use every day. PP stands for polypropylene, and the (5) denotes the recycling category.

How do you know if Tupperware is microwave safe?

To know if a plastic container or plastic wrap is microwave safe, you should look on the packaging material for a “Microwave Safe” label. Plastic products with an imprinted microwave symbol can be used in the microwave. This symbol is mostly used on reusable plastic storage containers.

Can you microwave Ziploc bags?

Ziploc® Storage Bags are designed to help keep food fresh.

They are strong and durable, and microwave safe too. The double zipper seal lets you feel, hear and see the bag close from the edge-to-edge, so you can feel confident your food is protected.

What material can you not put in a microwave?

Here are a few things you should NEVER put in the microwave:
  • Aluminum Foil. Sparks might fly in romance, but in your microwave? ...
  • Paper Bags. Not all paper bags are created equal. ...
  • Plastic Bags and Plastic Containers. ...
  • Travel Mugs. ...
  • Your Favorite Shirt. ...
  • Hard-boiled eggs. ...
  • Hot peppers. ...
  • Styrofoam in microwave.

What cannot go into the microwave?

Anything made of or containing steel, iron, copper or other hard metals should never go in your microwave. Metal surfaces reflect microwaves, which increases the heat inside the appliance and could lead to a fire.

Which food containers are safe for the microwave?

Experts advise people to microwave food in glass or ceramic, and replace plastic containers labeled “microwave-safe” if they have been scratched or if the color has changed, Waxman writes.

What plate is not microwave safe?

Metal, styrofoam, ceramic, and chinaware with metal trim should never be microwaved. Some plastic materials can be microwaved, but many of them cannot. It's important to read the label on the bowl before putting it in the microwave if you are unsure.

Why can't I microwave Tupperware?

Risks of Heating Plastics

To avoid this, steer clear of microwaving plastics marked with recycling codes 1, 3, 6, or 7, as these are not designed for high heat. Even Tupperware's BPA-free products should be used according to guidelines for safe and optimal heating.

Why is Tupperware going out of business?

In September this year, Tupperware Brands filed for bankruptcy in a Delaware court as demand fell, losses mounted, the stock slumped and debt rose. Tupperware revolutionized food and kitchen storage in the latter half of the 20th century and became a household name.

What year did Tupperware stop using BPA?

(Note: As of March 2010, items sold by Tupperware US and CA are BPA-free.) Just because something is labeled BPA-free doesn't mean it's safe.

Can you put plastic Tupperware in the microwave?

Use glass, ceramic and plastic containers and plastic wrap that are labelled as microwave safe. Always follow the instructions on the label when you use microwave-safe containers to heat food. Never heat or store food in plastic containers that were not intended for food.

What plastic should not be microwaved?

“While the packaging may say 'microwave-safe,' this is not referring to human health,” she says. “No plastic is 'OK. '” “In general, individuals should avoid microwaving all plastic products, regardless of the exact type of plastic or plastics used to create them,” says Jordan Kuiper, Ph.

Is using plastic Tupperware bad?

According to National Geographic's The Green Guide, plastics #2, #4 and #5 are the safest for repeatedly storing your food. If you reuse items made from plastics #1, #3, #6 and #7 (some Tupperware products are made from #7), you run the risk of having toxic chemicals leach into the contents.

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