Tupperware has been the go-to option for many of us – be it for storage, reheating or lunch boxes.
But with recent studies and information, risks involved with plastic for reheating or cooking in a microwave has been a major concern.
If you have been thinking to purchase new Tupperware plastic containers or use old ones for the microwave cooking purposes, then you may be wondering whether it is safe your health or not.
There has been a lot of debate regarding the overall safety of using plastic in microwave cooking. We still remain sceptical about the facts and statements.
So, debunks the myths, we have started analysing the research and provided some of the truths below for your reference. Make sure to read the article thoroughly to make your own decision.
Is Tupperware Microwave Safe?
Yes, if the product has a microwave-safe symbol, it is in fact save to use it for microwave cooking purposes. This symbol represents that they are specially designed to be used in microwaves.
But this is contrast to the information spreading across the globe. No matter how safe the plastic is, there is always the risk of it leeching or melting into the food, especially at high temperatures.
How Much Safe is Tupperware plastic material?
As per Tupperware’s website and official statement released, they avoid using harmful like BPA or polyethylene terephthalate in their product range that includes cooking containers and food storage.
When we researched about the same, it is true that the products released after March 2010 are completely BPA-free. However, some of their products still are made with polycarbonate which is known to releasing BPA into food when used repeatedly.
To known the details and plastic used for making your Tupperware product, you can check out their chart of plastic in their websites. Also, check out the descriptions mentioned on the packaging.
How to Know Whether My Tupperware is Microwave Safe or Not?
Before using the Tupperware, it is better to confirm their safety. Since there are many materials available for the brand, whether they are using the right plastics or not is quite the question to ask.
Concerns involved with using the Tupperware microwave include – plastic melting and plastic leeching into the food.
To clarify the doubts and concerns of the consumers, the brand Tupperware has provided chart of plastics and Resin ID codes they use in their product range. The right way to determine if the plastic containers are safe to use or not is to consider the below indications
- Microwave safe label
- 3 to 5 wavy lines
- Microwave logo along with 3 wavy lines
You can check these indications below or underneath the container sides. If it doesn’t come with any indications, logos and lines, then it is advised not use the appliance for cooking or microwave purposes.
Though some of the Tupperware products are not suitable for cooking purposes, but still they have created a line of containers that are microwave-safe and BPA-free. In addition to that, plastic containers that are labelled as #5, then they are developed with PP (polypropylene) which means they are considered microwave safe.
In addition to that, CPET, #1 is also considered safe for microwave use. However, don’t mistake it with APET as it represents that they are not microwave safe. This plastic mostly used for deli containers, supermarket bottles, water bottles and other cold food packing purposes.
What is the Different Between Non-Microwave and Microwave-Safe Plastics?
Between the two options, there are some of the differences that you can easily manage to point out.
One such difference is the design and plastic material used. This determines whether it is capable of withstanding high temperatures common in the microwave cooking. The other point is whether the container has any dangerous chemicals.
Usually, there are two plastic materials commonly used in food packaging. Plastics that are capable of withstanding the heat used in microwaves and the ones that pose risk of chemical leaching into the food which very dangerous to human health. The common one in the bad range is BPA.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is plastic hardener that is commonly present in most of the plastic containers. This chemical has been identified with being an endocrine disruptor and related to many health issues like fertility issues, diabetes, cardiovascular and others.
So, for being safe to use in microwaves, the plastic utensils have to comes with a microwave-safe label and should be from of BPA as well. If the plastic Tupperware contains have these labels or symbols, then you can use them. If not, then it is better to avoid.
Some Tips to Consider While Using Tupperware in the Microwave
Below are some well-thought points to consider while you are cooking in Tupperware utensil to make sure the food is safe.
- Avoid scrubbing or scratching the container harshly as it can take away the coating and lead to the release of harsh chemicals.
- Before microwaving the Tupperware, make sure to open the vent properly.
- It is recommended to heat the food in these plastic utensils only for a short amount of time like 3 minutes or less.
- Never heat foods that are high in sugar or fat as they can get to high temperatures pretty quickly.
- Avoid heating leftovers more than once at a time.
- Never use Tupperware for cooking a complete dish. It is better to use them only for reheating purposes.
- It is better to use only medium heat settings to microwave food.
- Never exceed the fill line.
- Don’t forget to check the recycling number which are commonly mentioned in all the Tupperware products. They are usually labelled as 2,4, and 5.
- We recommend to use a rotating panel so the food is rotate for even cooking.
How Long Can I Use the Microwave Tupperware?
Actually, Tupperware recommends using their product in microwave in a systematic manner – which means you have to stay away from reheating and overheating for longer durations, especially if you are working with fat or sugar content.
The reason for this is that these meals can become quite hot and destroy the container. Sugar and fat have higher heat limits than boiling water which is around 100°C or 212°F.
The plastic Tupperware container are not recommended for cooking the dishes, you have to use them only for reheating.
In addition to that, this brand clearly labels every container that reheating only for 3 minutes and no longer. If your meal needs longer heating time, then you have to stop using the microwave for a certain period of time and resume the process for 3 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be honest, almost all of us love our Tupperware for their durability, efficiency, and beautiful colours. We use them for storing leftovers, reheating them, freezing food and several others. They have become an integral part of our kitchen.
But since the researches and studies on plastics have emerged with statements that they are quite dangerous. We all wondered whether they are safe to use, especially when using in microwave.
To resolve the doubt, we have provided the information for the same in this article. We hope the information has helped you make the decision.
If you still have any queries, write to us in the comment section below.
