Choosing food storage containers often comes down to how much variety you need versus how much space you want to give up. You want containers that handle leftovers, lunch portions, and maybe a wet-and-dry combo like fruit and dip or pasta with sauce. But you also don't want a cabinet full of mismatched lids and odd shapes. The Rubbermaid TakeAlongs 16-piece set is a straightforward answer to that balancing act: multiple sizes in one package, with practical features for daily kitchen use.
Quick Verdict
For around $8.26, this set gives you 16 Rubbermaid TakeAlongs containers in several sizes. The mix includes small square containers and rectangular divided containers, which makes it easy to pack a snack or a full meal. The plastic is BPA-free, and the bases are microwave-safe. Everything is also top-rack dishwasher-safe and freezer-safe, so you can move from meal prep to reheating to storing without much fuss. Snap lids complete the package, keeping the seal simple and straightforward.
Who It Suits
This set is a good fit if you rely on leftovers and packed lunches during the week. The variety of sizes means you can use the smaller squares for applesauce or berries, and the divided rectangles for a sandwich with chips or a hot-and-cold combo. It's also handy if you like to portion out ingredients ahead of time, since the mix covers both small and medium needs. If you tend to freeze soups or large roasts, this set might not be your only solution, but it will handle most everyday scenarios.
What Stands Out From the Listed Details
The biggest highlight is the set's versatility. You get two 1.2-cup small square containers plus other sizes that work for snacks, side dishes, and full meals. The rectangular divided containers are especially useful for keeping wet and dry foods separate until you're ready to eat. Rubbermaid describes the bases as microwave-safe, which means you can reheat directly without transferring to another dish. The entire set is dishwasher-safe on the top rack, so cleanup is easy. And being freezer-safe gives you flexibility for meal prep and storing extras.
Another benefit is the snap lid design. The lids snap on and off without a lot of effort, which is convenient when you're packing lunch quickly or clearing the dinner table. The red color adds a little personality, though it means the containers aren't clear if you prefer to see contents at a glance.
Meaningful Trade-Offs
The main trade-off is that this is a plastic set. If you're looking for glass storage, this won't match that preference. The snap lid is easy to use, but some people prefer a locking seal for very liquid-heavy foods. The set also seems oriented toward smaller and medium portions rather than bulk storage; the listed pieces focus on 1.2-cup squares and divided rectangles, so you won't find large 8-cup soup containers here. And while the red color is attractive to some, it may not be everyone's first choice.
Bottom Line
The Rubbermaid TakeAlongs 16-piece set is a practical, budget-conscious choice for food storage containers. It gives you a useful range of sizes, handy divided options, and the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher convenience that makes daily life easier. At $8.26, it's a reasonable investment for anyone who wants a reliable, no-complicated-lock plastic set for leftovers, snacks, and meal prep.
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers, 16 Piece Set
This 16-piece set from Rubbermaid is designed for leftovers, gifting, entertaining, and bulk storage, according to the product description. The rectangular divided containers are ideal for fruit, pasta, snacks, and any meal that combines wet and dry components. The included pieces are BPA-free plastic, and the bases are microwave-safe, while the full set is top-rack dishwasher-safe and freezer-safe. Snap lids complete each container, and the red finish adds a pop of color to your fridge or lunch bag.
