15 Must-Have Kitchen Tools to Keep Your Food Fresh for Longer

As winter settles in, more of us are embracing home cooking like never before. However, with a surplus of groceries, it’s easy to forget about that bunch of bananas on the counter that has turned brown, or the potatoes that have started growing fuzzy mold. The right tools can help fight against overripe guacamole and limp lettuce, protecting your food from the common causes of spoilage: moisture and air. Skip the extra grocery run by using these 15 kitchen essentials to keep your ingredients fresh.

1. Silicone Food Huggers; $11

Preserve the freshness of your fruits and vegetables with silicone produce huggers. These clever accessories wrap around your produce, creating a seal that locks in moisture while limiting exposure to air, helping them stay fresh for a longer period. The silicone huggers are also versatile enough to be used as jar covers and are safe for the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher.

2. Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver Food Storage Container; Starting at $11

These innovative containers feature a clever vent system that ensures air circulates freely, while the CrispTray at the bottom helps keep moisture away from the produce. They're incredibly easy to use and work wonderfully for storing fruits and vegetables.

3. BluApple Produce Freshness Saver Balls; $14

These quirky-looking apples contain an activated carbon packet that absorbs ethylene gas, helping to slow the spoilage of nearby produce. Simply place one of these Bluapples in your crisper drawer, and let science work its magic (the activated carbon also helps to neutralize odors!). Just remember to replace the packets every three months.

4. GERYON Vacuum Sealer Machine; $46

The vacuum sealer is your go-to tool for keeping food fresh by removing excess air. Simply place your food inside a bag, insert the open end into the machine's vacuum chamber, close the lid, and let the device extract the air before sealing the bag. It's perfect for both fresh and pre-cooked foods, and this model even offers a gentle seal function for delicate items like chips and pretzels.

5. Large Vejibag; $23

For those seeking a greener option, Vejibags offer an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. Made from organic cotton, these bags help preserve the freshness of your vegetables by creating a moist environment while still allowing them to breathe. Say goodbye to wilted, brown greens in your salads.

6. Lasting Freshness 11-Piece Vacuum Seal Food Storage Container Set - Price: $43

These BPA-free food storage containers come with a handheld pump to eliminate air and moisture, protecting your food from external factors. For those who enjoy culinary experiments, you can use the vacuum-seal feature for marinating meats or making pickles.

7. Stasher Silicone Sandwich Bag - Price starts at $12

These reusable silicone bags provide an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. With a secure, tight-lock seal, they help preserve the nutrients and flavors of your food. These bags are perfect for storage, marinating, and even sous vide cooking.

8. Avocado Saver, Pack of 2 - Price: $11

Avocados can quickly turn from a bright green treat to a brown mush. To keep them fresh, limit their exposure to air with this handy device. Simply place an avocado half, skin side up, on the plastic base and use the rubber strap to secure it (think of it as a safety belt for your precious avocado). It even has space for the pit, keeping your avocado fresher for longer.

9. Fridge Bin Liners - Price: $7

These fridge liners help absorb extra moisture from produce, keeping it crisp for longer. Each washable sheet can be cut to fit your space, whether it's for tight drawers or full shelves.

10. Airscape Coffee and Food Storage Canister Bin Liners - Price: $36

Got too much coffee? Keep your extra brew fresh with these storage canisters that eliminate air and block out humidity. Proper storage is key, and these canisters also help limit UV exposure, keeping your coffee in the ideal conditions.

11. Formaticum Cheese Storage Bags - Price starts at $14

Buying a whole wheel of brie might seem like a great plan until you're trying to finish the last bit before it spoils. These polyethylene and wax-coated paper bags help control humidity to keep your cheese fresh longer. Each bag also includes printed markers for easy labeling.

12. OXO Steel Vacuum Wine Saver and Preserver with Two Stoppers - Price: $18

Say goodbye to the cork! This vacuum wine saver removes air to maintain the flavor and aroma of your favorite wine. It fits most standard bottles and works in seconds, so you never have to choose between letting wine go bad or drinking it all in one sitting.

13. OXO Good Grips GreenSaver Herb Keeper - Price starts at $13

Bought a bunch of fresh herbs for a recipe, only to have too much left over? This herb keeper will keep your greens fresh for your next dish. Just add water to the base to keep them hydrated, while the basket promotes air circulation to preserve their freshness.

14. Portable Bag Sealer - Price starts at $8

This bag sealer is a quick and easy way to keep your chips fresh and crisp for a longer time. Using a heat clip, it reseals bags, and it even includes a cutting blade to effortlessly reopen them. Say farewell to those pesky plastic chip clips.

15. RoyalHouse Bamboo Bread Box - Price: $23

The instruction to 'store in a cool, dry place' exists for a reason. Keep your favorite bread fresh longer with this bamboo bread box, designed to provide better airflow than a plastic bag left on the counter. Plus, the shelf can slide out and double as a cutting board.

A version of this article originally ran in 2021; it has been updated for 2022.