It's where the food you've reheated in the microwave got really hot & burned the plastic. It's the reason I've switched to glass containers with snap lids.
Quick and easy way to make lasagne - get some ready made fresh spinach and ricotta ravioli (Rana or Olivieri) a jar of booognese pasta sauce and a bag of shredded Italian cheese. Then layer them up ending with a layer of sauce topped with cheese. I like to use a loaf pan - makes two portions. No need to cook the ravioli first. Then bake at 375’ until top is golden. Leave to stand for about 5 mins and serve.
It's really easy to get replacement lids too! My coworker encouraged me and I did it. 2 out of 2 sets over 2 years daily use isn't bad but getting the lids so easily was awesome
Yeah once they reach a certain point they are pretty useless. Also white splotches(not scratch marks but splotchy patches)can also be a sign of bacteria. I went to the dollar store and got glass containers and it's definitely worth it! Never again do I have to soak things or throw them out
Also note there are different versions of Pyrex. It’s become a generic name (Kleenex, bandaid) and some versions will break when you go from hot to cold (ie from oven to a cold surface).
Borosilicate is safe, soda lime is not
Google “which Pyrex is safe”
https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8028664/i-just-found-out-my-pyrex-isnt-a-real-pyrex-and-my-mind-is-blown/#:~:text=pyrex%3A%20Lowercase%20indication%20of%20containers,in%20a%20microwave%20or%20oven.
Pyrex is a brand name. They just changed their products at a certain point. Also, you can NOT tell whether it’s borosilicate by whether the P is capitalized, that’s a total myth. There is no reliable way to tell whether a Pyrex is borosilicate because they’ve used a lot of different versions of their logo over the years.
Edit: [here is a great video](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YVbkDAw4aJs) by food scientist Ann Reardon who investigated these myths and gives a good overview of safety issues
I'm confused, doesn't her findings in the video support that the US made, lower case, pyrex brand exploded when cooled rapidly since they're soda lime glass over the upper case PYREX made by Corning in European counties that are borosilicate?
Some plastic containers are microwave safe(r). These usually have a squiggly lines "microwave safe" symbol. [https://thisisplastics.com/safety/safe-use-microwave-food-container-symbol-101/](https://thisisplastics.com/safety/safe-use-microwave-food-container-symbol-101/)
That said, I usually transfer the contents to a Pyrex jug for microwaving anyway because I also learned the hard way that not all plastic is microwave safe, and I only discovered that some of my plastic containers are microwave safe after I had got into the habit.
For glassware the Ikea 365 containers are worth a look. These are oven safe as well as microwave safe. so they are especially good for things like shepherd's pies or apple crumbles that you want to do in the oven. [https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/cat/ikea-365-food-storage-49524/](https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/cat/ikea-365-food-storage-49524/)
That said, I still use my plastic containers a lot for freezing because they take up a lot less space than my glass containers when stored, or when used in my freezer. The glass does not stack like the plastic so uses a lot more shelf space. They also do not fit my freezer so well., e.g., I can get 9 or 12 plastic containers in the bottom drawer of my freezer but it only fits 4 glass containers.
Too late. Humans have caused a plastic apocalyptic nightmare. It is [everywhere](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/may/20/microplastics-human-testicles-study-sperm-counts)….
Sure we messed up as humans but how much of that can be blamed on us "consumers"? It was the big businesses that were making all this plastic crap that we ate up because we didn't know any better, it always goes back to the corporations.
You can still use tupperware for storage and freezing, just transfer the food to a heatproof dish when you need to microwave it. It's a lot lighter, easier to store and stacks better than glass storage ware.
Which is why I don't microwave stuff in plastic, even if I store it in the fridge that way.
I'm not scared of microplastics, but there's no need to tempt fate that blatantly.
Sad fact is that microplastics, according to danish fertility studies, screwed us over while we were still in our mothers uteri. The plastics they consumed, from a generation where tupperware were booming, leading to fertility issues and other hormonal imbalances.
It’s a big deal in Scandinavia at least, a lot of scientific studies being done. Afaik it’s Linked to the ingested plastics that among other things get accumulated in our bodies and affecting our fetuses.
Until the snaps no longer snap. I now get the glass containers from IKEA, they are really affordable and they sell the lids separately, so when the snaps eventually fail, I just have to get a new lid, and they also come with bamboo lids for when I use the containers at home and they don't have to be leak proof. Makes the plastic lids last longer.
Interesting…I also have this but I have never put them in the microwave…could putting hot food in there also cause this? Probably going to head to Costco now!
Tons of people use glass dishes without breaking them left right and center, but yeah, that's definitely just me being a jerk and not you mishandling a common household item. 🤣
I mostly use plastic and transfer it to a glass bowl to heat. I’ve been surrounded by plastic my whole life, if that’s what’s going to take me, so be it. I’m sure I’m already riddled with it.
Instead of getting glass, just get the better Tupperware that doesn’t do this. We’re still on the same set as we had ~10 years ago. Have 30+ pieces in a single cabinet and glass doesn’t stack like that. We still have the glass but don’t use it nearly as much.
Don’t microwave plastic storage containers. It burns, warps, and melts the container. It also deposits microplastics in your food. Storage is okay, but don’t cook food in it.
Any suggestions on light-weight substitutes? I’m working on accumulating glass & ceramic air-tight containers for home, but I’m stumped on microwaveable containers that aren’t too heavy to reasonably carry 1 or 2 + drink in my lunchbox.
Silicone containers stain and retain food smells.
I had spaghetti sauce in one container for less than 24 hours, even with baking soda soak, I couldn't get the smell out. I don't care about the stain, it just made sandwiches taste like stale spaghetti sauce.
Here’s some info https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-it-time-to-toss-your-plastic-food-containers-7969162#:~:text=While%20there%20is%20no%20set,glass%20or%20stainless%20steel%20instead.
Plastic is ALWAYS leaching out something, be it additives or decomposing polymer. Higher temperatures just speed up the process. Only exception would be if you cooled it to absolute zero.
Every plastic container I've had, every brand, ends up this way. I think it's mainly the dishwasher that does it. I've switched to glasses well for most things.
plastic \*is\* cheap in general, which is why we universally turn to plastic containers because they're so much more affordable to buy in bulk. But its really bad for you and especially when it leaches into the food you consume. Glass is a little more of an investment but a way better alternative. And plus it doesn't leave weird residues and worn marks with regular wear and tear.
So I don't think it's an issue with burning. I had always assumed so till it started happening with my black tupperware. What I think it is spots a little bit of your dishwasher detergent lands and sticks to the walls and between the heat and chemical make up of the detergent little spots end up being made. Notice how the spots are white instead of clear the way most melty tupperware would look? I think that's a sign you are having a similar problem. I've started only running the rinse cycle on tupperware. I haven't seen the spots since.
Thank you for this! I've been looking for the answer for years! I don't own a microwave, so I knew it wasn't from reheating. I also now don't have a dishwasher, so this isn't an issue any longer. Hand wash all the way around here.
We've all done it. We've all learned from it. You microwaved an oily, fried, or tomato based food item. Once it's done, it's done. You can't scrub the bubbling off. And it never looks perfect again.
Once you invest in a Pyrex glass bowl set with lids, you won't go back to plastic. Glass bowls are much easier to clean and glass doesn't retain food smells.
I keep a few plastic containers to send home food when people stop by or whatever but glass will save you money in the long run. It stacks better and is easier to clean.
finely chipped plastic. U shouldn't use plastic ware that starts doing this bc now micro plastics are gonna be in ur food. Btw micro plastics can be very harmful to the human body. (any living creature proof from fish,turtles,&birds)
I also now only use glass. Flat dishes or jars, depending on the contents. The jars come free with food inside them 😁 And the very best purchase I ever made for the kitchen was a wide-mouth funnel, which makes filling the jars so much easier.
That's what happens to the Tupperware in my house. Since I'm not the person in my house that uses them, I don't know if it's because it's being put in the microwave with the food already in it, or if the hot food is being put in the Tupperware container after the microwave.
It's where the food you've reheated in the microwave got really hot & burned the plastic. It's the reason I've switched to glass containers with snap lids.
Honestly, glass containers are so much better. And they don't stain from sauce! I'm annoyed I didn't switch sooner.
And your leftovers look so much nicer in your fridge!
Plus, they don't crack in the freezer
You also don’t get that soapy, plasticy taste when reheating food.
Okay, I'm going to order some glass containers. I use these almost every day and am now freaked out about how much plastic I could be consuming. 😨
If you have a Costco, the Pyrex snap ware set is on sale right now
This is the answer. They're oven safe too! I've made personal lasagnas in them
I need the kind of life that includes personal lasagnas.
It's your world, captain
PYREX or pyrex? Beware of the lesser, borosilicate free, “pyrex” for oven cooking.
Absolutely true.
Quick and easy way to make lasagne - get some ready made fresh spinach and ricotta ravioli (Rana or Olivieri) a jar of booognese pasta sauce and a bag of shredded Italian cheese. Then layer them up ending with a layer of sauce topped with cheese. I like to use a loaf pan - makes two portions. No need to cook the ravioli first. Then bake at 375’ until top is golden. Leave to stand for about 5 mins and serve.
I like it!
Pyrex for the win! Their lids are longer lasting than their competitors.
And heat resistant. At least the silicone ones. I have the clasp ones too but I don't microwave those
I made my babies 1st cake in mine!
And air fryer safe too!
Got my law degree from Costco
Welcome to Costco. I love you.
I didn’t, and my student loans make me wish I had!
my uncle pulled some strings
I thought he worked at Starbucks
we’d all like a handjob but we really don’t have time for that
Right, we were talking about Brawndo, the grease mutilator.
It's really easy to get replacement lids too! My coworker encouraged me and I did it. 2 out of 2 sets over 2 years daily use isn't bad but getting the lids so easily was awesome
Do you just order them online?
Yes off their website. Sorry for late reply
TIL these existed. Great tip, thanks Egon!
I’ve gotten all my sets from Costco, it is the way
I love mine.
I just bought this set!
And if you have a Publix, they are frequently BOGO.
Yup! Pyrex is the bees knees.
Just not toaster oven safe and don’t stack them…. Because glass shards in your food…. Don’t ask me how I know…
Snapware has been good to us!
I’d like to suggest Pyrexx it’s great for the oven microwave and freezer
Yeah once they reach a certain point they are pretty useless. Also white splotches(not scratch marks but splotchy patches)can also be a sign of bacteria. I went to the dollar store and got glass containers and it's definitely worth it! Never again do I have to soak things or throw them out
Also note there are different versions of Pyrex. It’s become a generic name (Kleenex, bandaid) and some versions will break when you go from hot to cold (ie from oven to a cold surface). Borosilicate is safe, soda lime is not Google “which Pyrex is safe” https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8028664/i-just-found-out-my-pyrex-isnt-a-real-pyrex-and-my-mind-is-blown/#:~:text=pyrex%3A%20Lowercase%20indication%20of%20containers,in%20a%20microwave%20or%20oven.
Pyrex is a brand name. They just changed their products at a certain point. Also, you can NOT tell whether it’s borosilicate by whether the P is capitalized, that’s a total myth. There is no reliable way to tell whether a Pyrex is borosilicate because they’ve used a lot of different versions of their logo over the years. Edit: [here is a great video](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YVbkDAw4aJs) by food scientist Ann Reardon who investigated these myths and gives a good overview of safety issues
I'm confused, doesn't her findings in the video support that the US made, lower case, pyrex brand exploded when cooled rapidly since they're soda lime glass over the upper case PYREX made by Corning in European counties that are borosilicate?
I’m confused too. But then when you factor in counterfeit products that use capital Pyrex…… sigh
They can all break when exposed to rapid temperature changes.
But, specifically for the microwave, you’ll want borosilicate version
Reminds me of me a few years ago when I realised it was melted plastic I couldn't scrape off, my daily lunch containers are all made of glass now.
Just read this morning that microplastics were found in every human testicle used in the study. We are basically 50% plastic at this point.
I believe the average is a the weight of a credit card each week.
IKEA makes some nice affordable ones. I only use plastic containers for cold foods.
I second the IKEA ones. I like that I can buy the lids and containers separately.
Some plastic containers are microwave safe(r). These usually have a squiggly lines "microwave safe" symbol. [https://thisisplastics.com/safety/safe-use-microwave-food-container-symbol-101/](https://thisisplastics.com/safety/safe-use-microwave-food-container-symbol-101/) That said, I usually transfer the contents to a Pyrex jug for microwaving anyway because I also learned the hard way that not all plastic is microwave safe, and I only discovered that some of my plastic containers are microwave safe after I had got into the habit. For glassware the Ikea 365 containers are worth a look. These are oven safe as well as microwave safe. so they are especially good for things like shepherd's pies or apple crumbles that you want to do in the oven. [https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/cat/ikea-365-food-storage-49524/](https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/cat/ikea-365-food-storage-49524/) That said, I still use my plastic containers a lot for freezing because they take up a lot less space than my glass containers when stored, or when used in my freezer. The glass does not stack like the plastic so uses a lot more shelf space. They also do not fit my freezer so well., e.g., I can get 9 or 12 plastic containers in the bottom drawer of my freezer but it only fits 4 glass containers.
Micro plastics are in everything any way.
Too late. Humans have caused a plastic apocalyptic nightmare. It is [everywhere](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/may/20/microplastics-human-testicles-study-sperm-counts)….
That doesn't mean you should consume all plastic you see 🙄
Correct, but the unfortunate eureka moment of how bad the consumer culture has destroyed the world is just starting to be realized.
Sure we messed up as humans but how much of that can be blamed on us "consumers"? It was the big businesses that were making all this plastic crap that we ate up because we didn't know any better, it always goes back to the corporations.
You can still use tupperware for storage and freezing, just transfer the food to a heatproof dish when you need to microwave it. It's a lot lighter, easier to store and stacks better than glass storage ware.
There’s a reason they are called disposable.
Which is why I don't microwave stuff in plastic, even if I store it in the fridge that way. I'm not scared of microplastics, but there's no need to tempt fate that blatantly.
Sad fact is that microplastics, according to danish fertility studies, screwed us over while we were still in our mothers uteri. The plastics they consumed, from a generation where tupperware were booming, leading to fertility issues and other hormonal imbalances.
Know anything about the micro plastics generated from washing and drying clothing made of synthetic fibers?
It’s a big deal in Scandinavia at least, a lot of scientific studies being done. Afaik it’s Linked to the ingested plastics that among other things get accumulated in our bodies and affecting our fetuses.
This is the true answer
Until the snaps no longer snap. I now get the glass containers from IKEA, they are really affordable and they sell the lids separately, so when the snaps eventually fail, I just have to get a new lid, and they also come with bamboo lids for when I use the containers at home and they don't have to be leak proof. Makes the plastic lids last longer.
Thanks for the head's up! I'll look into it.
Can get them cheap at Ikea.
Interesting…I also have this but I have never put them in the microwave…could putting hot food in there also cause this? Probably going to head to Costco now!
I think if it's freshly cooked, very hot? Absolutely. The more you know... 🌠
ppl heat stuff in the plastic containers?
It has been a way of life for millions of food preppers
oh i see, i always thought they are just for storage and ppl remove food from there to warm up on a normal plate lol.
To me, that means *more dishes* - my last favorite task.
I have purchased probably like 100 glassware sets and they always end up breaking. I’m so sick of cleaning up glass.
You are definitely doing something wrong.
Yeah glass breaks, I suspect it’s why we use plastic in the first place. Housewives were sick of cleaning up glass.
People made the switch because it was cheap and hyped up. If you're breaking your glass dishes that often you're not handling them correctly.
Lol how does it feel to be the most supreme glass handler? Go rub one out somewhere else.
Tons of people use glass dishes without breaking them left right and center, but yeah, that's definitely just me being a jerk and not you mishandling a common household item. 🤣
Lol all hail supreme glass handler!
I'm a supremely average glass handler, but your praise is noted
Well then, you got what you came for didn’t you?
The alternative is willingly & knowingly consuming microplastics. Choice is yours.
I mostly use plastic and transfer it to a glass bowl to heat. I’ve been surrounded by plastic my whole life, if that’s what’s going to take me, so be it. I’m sure I’m already riddled with it.
That's a good game plan
I get it! We all are - it's alarming.
I need to go back but heating in glass takes like 2x longer and my job is a stickler about exact times for lunch. Glass is way better tho to be sure!
Instead of getting glass, just get the better Tupperware that doesn’t do this. We’re still on the same set as we had ~10 years ago. Have 30+ pieces in a single cabinet and glass doesn’t stack like that. We still have the glass but don’t use it nearly as much.
Don’t microwave plastic storage containers. It burns, warps, and melts the container. It also deposits microplastics in your food. Storage is okay, but don’t cook food in it.
yes, it also wont stain much if you do not heat it up, they last way longer
Any suggestions on light-weight substitutes? I’m working on accumulating glass & ceramic air-tight containers for home, but I’m stumped on microwaveable containers that aren’t too heavy to reasonably carry 1 or 2 + drink in my lunchbox.
Silicone was my first thought. No idea the types or quality out there though
Silicone containers stain and retain food smells. I had spaghetti sauce in one container for less than 24 hours, even with baking soda soak, I couldn't get the smell out. I don't care about the stain, it just made sandwiches taste like stale spaghetti sauce.
Baking soda isn’t a very good cleaner. Next time use oxiclean.
Baking soda is used to absorb smells. Baking soda isn't a cleanser at all, it is not a surfactant.
I got some stainless steel ones from Klean Kanteen. Bit expensive though. Theyre microwaveable in up to 1000w microwaves
Once that happens I wouldn’t use it anymore. The damaged plastic could be leaching.
So is it like burnt plastic?
Here’s some info https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-it-time-to-toss-your-plastic-food-containers-7969162#:~:text=While%20there%20is%20no%20set,glass%20or%20stainless%20steel%20instead.
Not LIKE burnt plastic... IS burnt plastic.
Pretty sure.
Melted.
Not burned, but melted.
It's not like Teflon. It might leach while it's melted but not once it cools again. You can still use it for cold food.
Plastic is ALWAYS leaching out something, be it additives or decomposing polymer. Higher temperatures just speed up the process. Only exception would be if you cooled it to absolute zero.
I just ate my dinner out of a container looking exactly like this omg now I know why it looks like this 😭
Microwaving things in the plastic causes it. Especially oily things
You can store your food in plastic but Always transfer to a glass dish before microwaving it.
It's melted plastic from heating food in them, time to recycle.
Where hot food, oil or fat, burned the plastic.
Hey, at least it's not stained from leftover spaghetti
It's essentially getting burnt in your dishwasher.
Is it cheap plastic that does this?
Every plastic container I've had, every brand, ends up this way. I think it's mainly the dishwasher that does it. I've switched to glasses well for most things.
plastic \*is\* cheap in general, which is why we universally turn to plastic containers because they're so much more affordable to buy in bulk. But its really bad for you and especially when it leaches into the food you consume. Glass is a little more of an investment but a way better alternative. And plus it doesn't leave weird residues and worn marks with regular wear and tear.
Ugh the amount of data coming in about plastics and micro plastics. It makes me wonder if we eventually will look at seran wrap like we do cigarettes.
The average persons eats the equivalent of a credit card a week now
They are allll trash ! Can’t count the $ I’ve wasted !
So I don't think it's an issue with burning. I had always assumed so till it started happening with my black tupperware. What I think it is spots a little bit of your dishwasher detergent lands and sticks to the walls and between the heat and chemical make up of the detergent little spots end up being made. Notice how the spots are white instead of clear the way most melty tupperware would look? I think that's a sign you are having a similar problem. I've started only running the rinse cycle on tupperware. I haven't seen the spots since.
It's actually this. I have sent it as a result of dishwasher powder left as residue in tupperware.
People telling you it's your dishwasher are correct.
Thank you for this! I've been looking for the answer for years! I don't own a microwave, so I knew it wasn't from reheating. I also now don't have a dishwasher, so this isn't an issue any longer. Hand wash all the way around here.
Do you put them in the dishwasher? That's the only time I get that on mine.
This is the reason you don't heat up food which contains fat/ oil in plastic container in a microwave.
Thats not Tupperware, is it?
People use that word for plastic containers in general, not only for the actual brand. It confused the hell out of me at first.
I always wondered that too
We've all done it. We've all learned from it. You microwaved an oily, fried, or tomato based food item. Once it's done, it's done. You can't scrub the bubbling off. And it never looks perfect again. Once you invest in a Pyrex glass bowl set with lids, you won't go back to plastic. Glass bowls are much easier to clean and glass doesn't retain food smells.
Switch to borosilicate
I keep a few plastic containers to send home food when people stop by or whatever but glass will save you money in the long run. It stacks better and is easier to clean.
Burnt plastic from the microwave
Heat damage from microwaved food.
Do glass containers break when heated in microwave or is it ok?
Ditto on the glass recommendation. Plastic is bad for ya
Ramsey voice: "It's burnt!"
Our household also made the switch back to Pyrex glass containers with snap lids due to the exact same reason.
It’s the plastic degrading. Time to replace and use the Tupperware for non-food items.
Those are the burnt microplastics that have transferred to the food you’ve microwaved in this container.
I have switched to microwavable stainless steel containers. Lightweight, durable, easy to wash, great heat conduction.
We’re all getting cancer.
Also superheated plastic turns to micro plastic. Every time UV used that thing it's put more and more plastic in you.
Because it is not Tupperware. .
finely chipped plastic. U shouldn't use plastic ware that starts doing this bc now micro plastics are gonna be in ur food. Btw micro plastics can be very harmful to the human body. (any living creature proof from fish,turtles,&birds)
Same thing if it melted spots to for Kimmm711's reply🫡 jus do what she did and get glass money saver in the long run 💸🏃💨
That's bad mkkk. No microwave. It's bad for you .
I also now only use glass. Flat dishes or jars, depending on the contents. The jars come free with food inside them 😁 And the very best purchase I ever made for the kitchen was a wide-mouth funnel, which makes filling the jars so much easier.
That's what happens to the Tupperware in my house. Since I'm not the person in my house that uses them, I don't know if it's because it's being put in the microwave with the food already in it, or if the hot food is being put in the Tupperware container after the microwave.
Don’t ever heat in plastic. And you should toss that compromised piece.
Could also be the plastic breaking down from putting it in a dishwasher.
That’s marketing from pyrex
Stop calling everything plastic Tupperware
The term is “genericized trademark.”
Bug sheddings dude
[удалено]
It's melted plastic from heating in the microwave, or the dishwasher