Tupperware did not go out of business overnight, but the iconic brand filed for bankruptcy. The company struggled to keep its doors open due to an outdated direct-sales model, mounting debt, and cheaper retail competition.
Iconic American container brand, Tupperware, has returned to South Africa under a new name, TuppAfrica.
It is generally not recommended to use 20-year-old plastic Tupperware to store food. Containers of this age pose several health and physical risks:
Outdated Sales Model Tupperware relied on home parties and direct selling for decades, which became less relevant in the age of e-commerce. Millennials and Gen Z shoppers shifted to online platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and even D2C brands. Failure to modernize distribution limited its reach.
On June 14, 2024, Tupperware announced that it would close its last remaining US manufacturing plant in Hemingway, South Carolina, and shift production to their plant in Lerma in Mexico, with the closure to be completed in January 2025.
Yes, you should throw out or repurpose old Tupperware. Experts recommend tossing plastic food containers if they are cracked, deeply scratched, warped from the microwave, stained, or retain odors, as these signs indicate degraded plastic that can leach chemicals or harbor bacteria.
Yes, Target sells Tupperware, including both in-store and online availability. You can find various Tupperware food storage sets on the shelves at your local Target or order them for same-day pickup or delivery.
You do not need to throw away all your plastic containers immediately, but you should stop using them for heating food and replace old or scratched containers.
Big news for South Africa: Tupperware is making a comeback under a new name — TuppAfrica. After shutting down at the end of 2024 and with the US parent filing for bankruptcy, the brand has been revived locally through a new license deal.
If your Tupperware container has a snowflake symbol on it, don't worry about freezer damage—that symbol means it's freezer safe.
The healthiest containers for storing food are glass, stainless steel, and ceramic. These materials are inert, meaning they won't leach harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, or PFAS into your meals—even when exposed to heat.
Most individual vintage Tupperware pieces in good condition are worth between $5 and $20, while full, pristine sets can sell for $50 to $200 or more. Rare collections and large, well-preserved lots—especially from the 1950s—can occasionally command higher premiums on resale sites.
Anything That's Wet or Damp. You probably know where we're going with this one. "Anything wet or damp is not great to store in a plastic bin with a lid, as this will trap moisture and create mold," Hord says. Let damp or wet items dry out before storing them, or opt for a breathable storage bin material.
Rubbermaid is the clear winner for everyday kitchen versatility, primarily due to the budget-friendly, leak-proof, and stain-resistant performance of its Rubbermaid Brilliance Line. Tupperware excels in modular organization and offers a superior lifetime warranty, but typically comes at a higher price point.
Amazon.com: Tupperware: Shop All.
Yes, Tupperware is sold in major physical retail stores. Breaking from its traditional direct-sales model, you can now purchase Tupperware products in-store and online at retailers like Target and Macy's.
Recycling Symbols
All of the plastic food containers that we examined in our kitchen were branded with the number 5, which means they're made of PP, or polypropylene. That's a cloudy plastic generally considered to be food safe.
If possible, we recommend using a vacuum-sealed container for storing rice, like this one. Thick, opaque BPA-free plastic is a good choice for pantry storage – even better than glass – because it's durable, shatter-resistant, and can protect against light and heat.
Yes, plastic Tupperware and similar food containers can shed microplastics and nanoplastics into your food. This shedding accelerates significantly when the plastic is exposed to heat (especially microwaving), acidic foods, or heavy wear and tear.
No, 50-year-old (vintage) Tupperware is not safe to use for food storage. Experts strongly advise retiring these older pieces to prevent potential exposure to toxic chemicals and bacteria.
It's hard to avoid microplastics entirely, but knowing where the highest levels come from can help you limit your exposure.
Yes, microwaving plastic containers—including those labeled "microwave-safe"—can release billions of nanoscopic and millions of microscopic plastic particles into food. High-heat scenarios (like heating fatty foods) break down the plastic, causing it to shed particles, particularly from polypropylene or polyethylene containers.
At Target, the "15-minute rule" is an employee policy that requires any merchandise, especially high-demand or limited-edition items, to remain on the sales floor for at least 15 minutes before employees can buy them.
Discover the latest T.J. Maxx finds, with a focus on trendy Tupperware options for all your food storage needs.
Yes, you should throw out or repurpose old Tupperware. Experts recommend tossing plastic food containers if they are cracked, deeply scratched, warped from the microwave, stained, or retain odors, as these signs indicate degraded plastic that can leach chemicals or harbor bacteria.