When it comes to choosing food storage containers, there is more to consider than just shape and size. The material of the food container is important in ensuring the food is safe, durable, and performs well overall. For those looking for food-safe glass food storage containers or glass jars, there may be an important difference in deciding between borosilicate glass and regular glass. Both are materials that are widely applied in the production of several household items, but with borosilicate glass, one finds there are many benefits that, when it comes to food storage, make it the better and superior option.

In this blog, we will share some of the key differences between borosilicate glass and regular glass to help understand why borosilicate glass is the best material for your food storage needs.

Also Read: All You Need To Know About Borosilicate Glass And Why It Is A Good Option

1. What is Borosilicate Glass?

Borosilicate glass is a glass mixed with silica and boron trioxide. Its composition makes this glass have some unique properties, such as more chemical and heat resistance. Laboratory glassware, good-quality cookware, and plasticised food storage containers always use borosilicate glass.

On the other hand, regular glass is essentially made of silica or sand, soda, which is an alternative name for sodium carbonate, and lime also referred to as calcium oxide. It is typically used in the manufacture of ordinary windows, glass drinking containers and other decorative items. Although soda-lime glass is cheaper than borosilicate glass, it still offers fewer performance benefits.

2. Thermal Resistance

Thermal resistance is another dimension on which borosilicate glass and ordinary glass differ considerably. Thermal resistance in other words is understood as the ability of a material to withstand rapid temperature changes without cracking or breaking.

Regular Glass

This type of glass is very sensitive to thermal shock, the condition when sudden temperature change affects the glass. For example, when the hot soup is poured into a cold glass container, it is certain to crack or break. This property makes ordinary glass less suitable for storage of food in containers that have to be placed in the fridge, microwave oven, and oven from time to time.

Borosilicate Glass

In contrast, borosilicate glass is made with extreme temperature changes in mind. Its unique composition makes it expand and contract considerably slower, thereby greatly reducing the possibility of it being affected by thermal shock. Whether you are microwaving leftovers or storing food in the freezer, borosilicate glass can withstand these transitions without cracking or breaking.

To a consumer who wants to buy food storage containers that can be transferred directly from the freezer to the oven, borosilicate glass is the winner. Its durability renders it suitable for a busy household which uses its food containers differently throughout the day.

Also Read: 8 Reasons Why Glass Food Containers With Bamboo Lids Are an Eco-Friendly Option 

3. Chemical Resistance

The other important factor that should be taken into account when there is a choice to be made between borosilicate glass and normal glass is chemical resistance. This is an essential factor in determining how well the material would resist the reaction of substances with which it comes into contact, which could be particularly significant when dealing with food or beverages.

Regular Glass

Although regular glass is ideal for everyday drinking vessels and windows, it is not so resistant to harsh chemicals or acid foods. Chemical etching (caused by chemicals such as in cleaning products or acidic food) eventually starts taking a battering on its strength, leading to breakage. Since food storage containers must ensure safety and intactness, this is not ideal.

Borosilicate Glass

On the other hand, borosilicate glass is known to be highly resistant to chemicals. It can have resistance against acidic or alkaline chemicals and can still be used for food preparation. Tomato-based sauces, citrus fruits, or whatever may it be, borosilicate glass just does not leach chemicals into your foods. Nor does it absorb flavours, hence you always enjoy fresh and non-contaminated food.

This makes borosilicate glass a favourite material for food storage, especially for those people who take care of the health and safety of their families. Moreover, it is an excellent material for conscious food users, who pay much attention to the hygiene of food and require the containers to resist frequent washing and use without breaking down or flaking off.

4. Toughness and Strength

Of course, one of the reasons to invest in glass containers or jars for food storage is durability. Nobody wants to replace bunches of broken or chipped containers. The difference between such borosilicate glass and regular glass is simply great.

Regular glass is more fragile, breaks easily, and cannot tolerate much stress. It is great for products that do not meet with much handling, such as picture frames or vases, however, if it is placed in an environment such as a kitchen, where containers are constantly opened and closed, stacked, and moved around, regularly glass does not like it very well.

Borosilicate Glass is far more resistant and tougher than common glass. The composition of borosilicate glass makes it much less likely to crack or shatter with the usual careless handling or clumsy falls while in service. For these improved endurance and toughness properties, it is highly suitable for use as a material in glass food storage containers commonly used day in and day out. Whether you are working with hot or cold food, you can depend on borosilicate glass containers to hold up over time.

Apart from the physical strength, borosilicate glass has a more extended life cycle than regular glass. This way, it makes an ecologically sound option for the consumer who is expecting to spend on durable, long-lasting kitchenware.

5. Why Borosilicate Glass is Best for Food Storage?

It is used with a variety of applications, including high-end kitchenware. Here is why it is the best material for food storage containers and jars.

Borosilicate glass containers can be used for freezing, baking, microwaving, and even serving food, all within one container. Regular glass does not offer such flexibility.

Chemically and temperature resistant, hence protecting food from contamination and ensuring that it is safe to consume.

Durability

Your routine cooking or any further period of storing the container will show it to be stronger and more durable, with not even an ounce of wear.

Summing Up 

A total standout from this glass, between regular glass and borosilicate glass, is for your food storage containers and jars. After using it in such situations, I can give you reasons why the latter is better. It is an ideal versatile option for the kitchen while ensuring freshness, safety, and better preservation of food.

The upfront investment in borosilicate glass containers is certainly worth the overall savings and benefits for anyone desiring high-performance, long-term food storage solutions. If you are looking for food storage containers, browse through our collection of glass containers and choose from the options available.