Is it safe to store kids' snacks in plastic packaging?
Use less plastic around daily snacks. Glass jars and stainless steel containers are better for repeat storage.
What is in it
BPA is used to make some polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. EPA says people appear to be exposed to BPA mainly through food packaging made with BPA.
Not every snack wrapper or container has BPA. The problem is repeat contact with plastic packaging, especially for foods eaten every day.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Lipids in Health and Disease measured 21 endocrine-disrupting chemicals in children and teens. The study found that phthalate and phenol mixtures were linked with obesity, and BPA was the strongest exposure in the mixture.
This does not mean one packaged snack causes weight gain. It does mean BPA is a real exposure to reduce, especially when the swap is simple.
What to do
Move daily snacks into glass jars or stainless steel containers at home. Use fruit, nuts, cheese, and yogurt in glass when those work for your family. Keep packaged snacks for convenience, not all-day storage.
For hot food, avoid plastic. Heat food on ceramic, glass, or stainless steel, then pack it after it cools.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Exposure to phthalate and phenol mixtures and obesity in children and adolescents: the dominant role of bisphenol A. | Lipids Health Dis | 2026 |
| Risk Management for Bisphenol A (BPA) | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | 2026 |