Let’s talk about Zwilling Fresh & Save vacuum food container everyone’s been raving about! Are they worth the hype? What even is vacuum-sealing? And do these containers actually make a difference in your meal prep routine?
I’m not here to regurgitate bullet points from the packaging. I’m here to give you a real, honest take from someone who meal preps a lot. I’ve been using these glass vacuum containers since September 2023, and let’s just say... they earned their permanent spot in my kitchen.
This review is not sponsored by Zwilling (it's just me and my honest opinion 🙋♀️) but it does contain affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to try them through my link. Let’s dive in!
Jump to:
- What is a vacuum-seal food container, anyway?
- How does vacuum-sealing preserve food?
- How it works (aka your 30-second rundown)
- The advantages of vacuum-sealing food
- Why I love Zwilling Fresh & Save containers
- The Zwilling Fresh&Save product range
- Pain points
- A quick note on the vacuum seal bags
- The price
- The takeaways
What is a vacuum-seal food container, anyway?
On the outside, they look like your typical food storage containers made out of glass or BPA-free plastic. But the magic is in the lid: there's a valve that connects to a small cordless pump that sucks the air out, creating an airtight vacuum seal.
How does vacuum-sealing preserve food?
Let’s get nerdy for a second 🧠 Vacuum-sealing works by removing oxygen. Since microorganisms like aerobic bacteria, mold, and yeasts need oxygen to replicate, they can’t grow in this environment.
Vacuuming also slows down oxidation, which is the chemical reaction between certain enzymes in our food and oxygen that makes your apples brown and your guac sad.
To summarize: less air = fewer chemical reactions and reduced microorganism growth = crisper, fresher food.
Important note: Vacuum-sealing does not inhibit the growth of anaerobic bacteria (the kind that doesn't need oxygen to survive), so proper storage (aka: keeping it cold) is still important.
How it works (aka your 30-second rundown)
- STEP 1: Add your food to the container. It can be leftovers, prepped veggies, a cooked meal, oat cookies, or fresh fruit.
- STEP 2: Seal the lid and place the vacuum pump over the valve. Press the pump's button to initiate the air removal process and wait until the pump stops automatically. The speed of this process will vary depending on the container's size and how full it is.
- STEP 3: Optionally scan the QR code on the lid to track your food's freshness in the Zwilling app.
- STEP 4: When you're ready to eat, lift the silicone valve to release the seal and open the lid like normal.
The advantages of vacuum-sealing food
Now that you know that vacuum-sealing extends the shelf life of food by limiting the growth of microorganisms, let's discuss its various other benefits.
- The limited exposure to air helps preserve flavor, texture, and nutrients.
- It also prevents freezer burn, keeps strong smells contained, and helps marinades absorb more quickly.
- And maybe most importantly, it reduces food waste. With longer-lasting meals and ingredients, you’re less likely to toss food before you can eat it.
Why I love Zwilling Fresh & Save containers
- They actually keep your food fresh for longer! This isn’t just marketing, my meal-prepped grain bowls stay fresh for at least two days longer than in regular containers. And carrots, celery, and even lettuce are still crisp after 5-7 days. That’s huge when you’re prepping in advance.
- Perfect for meal prep: The longer shelf life means you can prep for 4-5 days at a time without worrying about food going sad or soggy.
- The smart app is surprisingly helpful: I’ll admit, I thought the QR code feature was overkill... but–when remember to use it–I love it. You just scan the lid when you store something, and the app will remind you when it’s time to eat it. It’s like a personal food assistant that helps reduce waste.
- Dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe: The containers (both glass and plastic), as well as the lids, go in the dishwasher. 🙌 The containers can be microwaved too, just release the vacuum and lift the lid slightly first.
- The design and stackable storage: I love their clean and minimal look. They stack very easily in your kitchen cupboards and drawers, which is a huge plus to me.
- Wide range of containers: Zwilling has a wide range of shapes and sizes in both glass and BPA-free plastic. I love to make my vegetable bakes in their large casserole dish because you can just pop the lid on it and put it in the fridge without having to dirty additional containers. They also have a plastic lunch box that's light and portable.
The Zwilling Fresh&Save product range
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Buy Now → Pain points
- Charger compatibility: I wish the pump's charging cable came with a USB-C plug rather than a micro USB connector.
- Containers are a bit tall: The containers are pretty high compared to standard glass containers, which can be a little awkward if you have low fridge shelves. I personally prefer a wider, flatter shape but this is more of a design preference than a deal-breaker.
- Be careful with liquids: If the food touches the valve (especially something saucy), there’s a risk it could get sucked into the pump. I’ve never had issues, but it’s something to keep in mind.
- Pump sold separately: If you don’t get the starter kit (like I did, initially), you’ll need to purchase the pump on its own, which can feel like a surprise expense.
- Some lids become fussy to use: After about a year of use, I thought one of my lids no longer held a vacuum. Turns out, I just need to really push it down while vacuuming to make sure it's sealed properly and holds the vacuum. I’ve heard from a friend who had the same issue. So even though they're dishwasher safe, I'd still recommend washing the lids by hand.
A peak inside my kitchen...
The container setup that changed how I meal prep!
I’m breaking down my go-to sizes, shapes, and brands, plus the ones I use on repeat in my own kitchen (and why).
A quick note on the vacuum seal bags
Zwilling also offers reusable BPA-free vacuum bags in 3 sizes. They can be used to store fresh ingredients, cooked food, or for freezing purposes.
I use them to store pre-cut fruits and vegetables (aka juice packs) for my juices. The smallest size (S) is perfect for that.
Here are a few things you should know:
- They’re reusable but they’re not dishwasher safe. You need to flip them upside down and give them a gentle hand wash.
- Let them dry completely before storing to avoid funky smells. I either drape them over the side of my sink or balance them upside down on a glass.
- Avoid storing liquids inside, such as soups or very sauce dishes. Even though they come with a pump barrier that slightly delays the absorption of liquids, it can get messy really quickly.
The price
Zwilling’s Fresh & Save system is definitely a premium option. The containers are about 2-3x more expensive than your standard glass food containers. But that extra cost reflects the added value of the vacuum technology, app integration, and overall quality.
If you’re curious but not ready to splurge on a full set, I recommend starting with the starter set that comes with the vacuum pump, an L-sized glass container, and 2 small and 2 medium reusable vacuum bags.
You can then build your collection of containers gradually, which allows you to spread the initial investment.
The takeaways
The Zwilling Fresh & Save containers are a great tool if you’re serious about meal prepping or want to extend the shelf life of your food. They’re well-designed, easy to use, and really do help keep food fresher, longer!
Plus, they bring peace of mind. Knowing your meals are sealed and safe helps reduce stress around food going bad too soon.
But they're not perfect. The premium price is worth it if the vacuum system holds up over time—and in my experience, some lids become a little fussy to use after a year or so. And since replacement lids aren't sold separately, it’s a real downside to an otherwise thoughtful product.
Still, if you’re looking for a vacuum-sealing system that supports your meal prep routine and helps you reduce food waste, Zwilling is one of the best options out there.
Already using Zwilling Fresh & Save? I’d love to hear how you’re using them in your kitchen. Share your experience in the comments!
Did you like this recipe? Let me know!