When it comes to cooking, flour is one of the most important ingredients to have on hand. It has a variety of uses, and it lasts for quite some time. In order to store flour and make it stay fresh for as long as possible, you need a good container. But what container is the best for storing flour? We did the research to bring you the answer.
The ideal flour container should have a seal to prevent airflow, be large enough to store a standard bag of flour, and be made of durable material (such as plastic, glass, ceramic, or stainless steel). The following containers meet these criteria:Â Â
- OXO Good Grips Airtight Storage
- Enloy Stainless Steel Airtight Canister
- Progressive International Flour Container
- Malmo Canister Set
- Large Glass Container With Airtight Bamboo Lid
- Extra Large Airtight Storage With Scoops
- Ceramic Airtight Flour Container
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If you still have some questions about storing flour, don't worry. In this guide, we'll discuss the topic in more detail. Just keep reading!
Types Of Containers For Storing Flour
1. OXO Good Grips Airtight Storage
OXO Good Grips makes airtight storage containers perfect for storing flour. It features a neat airtight seal where all you have to do is push the pop-up button on the top of the lid to engage the airtight seal. It also has a fill line on the container so you know how far to fill it up.
Its capacity is 4.4 quarts, ideal for a 5-pound bag of flour. Since it's clear, you'll always have a good idea of how much flour is left. The container is even dishwasher safe.
Click here to see more on Amazon.Â
2. Enloy Stainless Steel Airtight Canister
Stainless steel has a very sleek, modern appearance. This Enloy stainless steel airtight canister features an airtight locking clamp mechanism that's simple to employ. The container itself is lightweight and can easily be opened or closed with just one hand.
It has a 165-ounce capacity. The lid is transparent, so it's easy to keep an eye on the amount of flour that's left. You can lightly clean it with a damp cloth.
Click here to see more on Amazon.Â
3. Progressive International Flour Container
Designed with flour storage in mind, the Progressive International flour container is made from strong plastic, has a 4-quart inner capacity, features a silicone seal for airtight storage, and has measurement markings along the exterior of the container.
For even more added convenience, the container has a leveling bar that clips across the container for mess-free leveling and measuring. All flour storage needs are met with this container.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
4. Malmo Canister Set
Who says function can't also be beautiful? These modern stainless steel canisters are crafted from corrosion-resistant materials with a pressure-fitted airtight lid. The transparent windows allow you to see the contents of the canisters without having to open them.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
5. Large Glass Food Storage Container With Airtight Bamboo Lid
This large glass food container has an airtight bamboo lid, making it perfect for storing flour. It has a 100-ounce capacity for fitting plenty of content. The container also comes with a rubber ring that can be placed around the bottom of the container so it doesn't move around. For added convenience, the container is dishwasher safe.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
6. Extra Large Airtight Storage With Scoops
Meet all your flour storage needs with the help of this pack of 2 extra large airtight storage containers. The 175-ounce containers are completely BPA-free and feature a silicone airtight seal with a 4-sided locking system. Their clear construction makes it easy to keep track of how much flour is left in them.
The set also comes with 8 chalkboard labels, a chalkboard marker, and a set of scoops for mess-free measuring. With these items, flour storage will be a breeze.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
7. Ceramic Airtight Flour Container
Clearly advertise the contents of your container with this ceramic airtight flour container. The white ceramic container has a cutesy flour label and an airtight lid with a knob on it. It measures 5.5 inches wide at the mouth and stands 9 inches tall. It's even considered dishwasher safe.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
What Is The Best Way To Store Flour?
The best way to store flour is in an airtight container and in a cool, dark, dry place. Whether it's at the back of the pantry or in the freezer, your flour will be stored well.
If possible, store your entire bag of flour in the same container. If some flour is kept only in its original bag, it will expire quicker. It's also important to note that you shouldn't mix older flour with a new bag of flour. This would only reduce the freshness of your new flour.
Does Flour Need To Be Stored In An Airtight Container?
For optimal, prolonged freshness, flour needs to be stored in an airtight container. When flour is left exposed to the air, the fats in the flour can oxidize resulting in spoilage. An airtight container also keeps icky pests, like weevils, out of the supply.
How Long Will Flour Last In An Airtight Container?
How long your flour will last in an airtight container depends on the type of flour. Wheat flour has a much shorter shelf life than other flours, so it can go bad much quicker. In an airtight container in the freezer, it can last around 6 months to a year. All-purpose flour can last up to 8 months in an airtight container and up to or over a year if it's also in the freezer.
To best keep track of how long you've had your flour, you should label it with the date that you first opened it.
What Size Container Do I Need For A Bag Of Flour?
For each 5-pound bag of flour, you'll need approximately 6 quarts (1.5 gallons) worth of storage capacity.
Is It Better To Store Flour In Glass Or Plastic?
As long as your flour is in an airtight container, it doesn't particularly matter what the material is. This can come down to personal preferences. Glass and plastic containers have different properties and aesthetics, so it's ultimately up to you.
How Do You Store Flour For Years?
If you're wanting to keep a large supply of flour on hand for years to come, the best way to store it is in food-grade buckets. Pick buckets with either a 3.5-gallon or 5-gallon capacity. If you keep it in these containers at the right temperature, the flour can last between 20 and 30 years. For the ideal shelf life, the storage temperature should be between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you don't plan on using the flour for over a year, you'll want to add oxygen absorption pellets to the bucket. One 300cc oxygen absorber will be sufficient per gallon. So, simply calculate how many you'll need.
To the best of your ability, keep the storage containers out of the sun and in a cool, dark place.
Food-Grade Oxygen Absorbers
Click here to see more on Amazon.
Can You Store Flour In A 5-Gallon Bucket?
As long as it is a food-grade bucket, then yes! This is the type of bucket you should have if you're wanting to store flour to last for years to come. To make the flour accessible in more reasonable portions, you can divvy up 10-12 cups of flour into plastic zip bags before storing them in the 5-gallon bucket.
Food-Grade 5-Gallon Bucket
Click here to see more on Amazon.
How Do You Store A Large Bag Of Flour?
A large bag of flour, say 50 pounds large, could be stored like mentioned above in 5-gallon food-grade buckets. Or you could place it in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. If you use flour very frequently and don't want to tackle long-term storage, then this is the best option for you.
Iris Airtight Food Storage Container
Click here to see more on Amazon.
How Long Is Flour Good For After Opening?
Opened and kept at room temperature, flour is typically only good for 3 to 8 months. That's why, for prolonged shelf life, it's essential to keep it in airtight containers in a cool location.
How Can You Tell If Flour Has Gone Bad?
Flour has a sour or musty smell when it goes bad. Fresh flour will have a neutral scent. By scent alone, you'll be able to tell if your flour has gone bad. If the flour has been exposed to moisture, it can form moldy lumps. Flour can also be discolored if it has gone bad.
In Closing
We hope this guide has helped you better understand how to store flour. Before you go, take a look at these other kitchen guides that might be of interest:
13 Types Of Food Containers You Should Know About
10 Fantastic Bamboo Food Containers You Should Check Out
