Consumer Reports: Best storage for Thanksgiving leftovers

ByNydia Han WPVI logo

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Consumer Reports: Storing Thanksgiving leftovers

If you're hosting Thanksgiving this year, you already know how pricey that grocery bill will be! So, once the feast is over, you'll want to make sure those leftovers stay fresh and safe to eat.

Consumer Reports has tested food storage options to help you make the most of every bite.

To preserve the freshness and quality of food, you want to keep things airtight. Consumer Reports' tests have found that nothing's more airtight for food storage than a vacuum sealer. Testers found the tried-and-true FoodSaver VS3180 Multi-Use model is quick and easy to use.

If you prefer using vacuum containers, ZWILLING Fresh & Save Starter Set, 7-Piece is Consumer Reports' top pick. During testing, it kept food fresh for 10 days in the fridge.

IKEA 365+ Food Storage Containers are stainless steel and take the top spot in Consumer Reports' ratings for traditional container options. They're durable, excellent at keeping food fresh, and they're not plastic.

If you're tight on space in your fridge or freezer, consider putting leftovers in Glad Flex'N Seal Quart Storage Zipper Bags. Consumer Reports found them strong, stretchy, and leak resistant.

If you prefer a reusable option Consumer Reports says the W&P Porter Silicone Reusable Storage Bag are soft, pliable, and easy to clean.

If you're totally cashed from cooking and just want to get the leftovers in the fridge ASAP, you'll want a way to seal your serving bowls and plates.

Reynolds Wrap Pitmaster's Choice Foil is the strongest foil Consumer Reports tested and its great if you're grilling anything for Turkey Day. It did well in the puncture tests because it's strong, and you can reuse it and save money.

But if it feels too thick to you, Amazon Basics Aluminum Foil is a great backup. Consumer Reports says Stretch-Tite Premium Plastic Food Wrap is BPA-free, strong, sticks well, and rips cleanly thanks to its built-in cutter.

When it's time to load the fridge with all your leftovers, make sure to label and date them so you don't mix your stuffing up with your dressing.