Containers for dry food storage are needed to maintain food quality. With proper storage, consumers can avoid spoilage and ensure food remains safe for consumption, providing optimal nutrition for the body.
Dry foods, for example, are susceptible to insect contamination and moisture. Clean and secure packaging is key immediately after purchase. Shipping containers can be an ideal choice.
Known for their durability and reliability, these containers provide a cool, dry, and dark environment – all needed to maintain the quality of dry foods for 4 months to 1 year.
In this article, we’ll discuss effective ways to store dry food and the container recommendations for doing so!
Contents
Best Types of Shipping Containers for Dry Storage
When selecting shipping containers for dry food storage, the ideal choice depends on scale, transportation requirements, and climate protection. These are the container types that you can choose:
1. Standard Dry Storage Shipping Containers
Standard containers in sizes 20’ & 40’ are the most common. This type is perfect for palletized or bulk-packed dry food like rice, grains, and flour. It features a strong steel structure, lockable double doors, a stackable structure, and weatherproofness.
However, this is not ideal for moisture-sensitive items unless modified with temperature/humidity control.
2. Insulated Shipping Containers
An insulated shipping container or also known as a non-operational reefer or thermal container, is made for goods that need protection from extreme heat/cold but not refrigeration, such as dry chocolate, dehydrated food, and spices.
The insulated container features internal insulation lining (polyurethane or aluminum) and passive temperature regulation. However, it is more expensive and the availability is limited.
3. Modified Shipping Containers (Custom Dry Storage)
You can also have long-term dry food storage in warehouses or farms made of modified or customized shipping containers. You can tailor the container to meet the food safety standards, perfect for long-term bulk storage.
However, customization may lead to a higher upfront cost.
4. High Cube Containers
A dry food storage made from a high cube container may produce more space for you to store food. This is best for warehouses, export, or when using interior racking systems with its extra 1’ height.
For its bigger size, it is slightly more expensive than standard height containers.
Essential Features for Dry Food Storage
When storing dry food, maintaining quality, freshness, and safety is critical. Here are the essential features to look for in dry food storage, categorized by type and importance:
1. Airtight Seal
Your dry food storage needs an airtight seal to prevent moisture, air, and pests from entering. Food storage with an airtight seal is ideal for flour, sugar, grains, and spices.
2. Moisture Control
Moisture control acts as protection against mold, clumping, and spoilage. Some kinds of moisture controls that you can use for dry food storage are silica gel, clay, dehumidifiers, and moisture-barrier lining.
3. Pest Resistance
To keep out rodents, insects, and weevils, you will need pest resistance. It features tight lid closures, food-grade plastic, and rodent traps or repellents in bulk storage areas
4. Opacity / Light Blocking
Light degrades nutrients and affects freshness. A shipping container can block light from entering and affect the food. Use opaque or tinted containers for oils, grains, and spices.
5. Temperature & Climate Stability
Container dry storage prevents spoilage and condensation. This is ideal in Cool, dry, and dark areas. You can also use it for insulated or ventilated containers (for bulk shipping or warehouse storage).
6. Stackability & Space Efficiency
With a shipping container, you can stack all of your stored products with vertical racks to maximize storage capacity. This feature is useful for pantries and warehouses.
7. Security (for Bulk/Commercial Storage)
Security features help prevent unauthorized access or tampering. This includes lockable latches, tamper-evident seals, and lockable doors.
How to Store Dry Food?
Storing dry food properly is crucial for maintaining its quality and shelf life. One practical and effective storage solution is to use shipping containers. Here are some tips to help you store dry food:
1. Ensure Food is Cool Before Packing
Before you start storing dry food, ensure it has cooled completely. Warmth can cause moisture to form inside the container, which can accelerate spoilage. By storing food in an airtight shipping container, you can ensure that your food remains dry and moisture-free.
2. Proper Packaging
Use a vacuum sealer or airtight containers to ensure your dry food is completely protected from moisture. If you’re storing large quantities, you can arrange shipping containers with neatly arranged shelves to protect each product from exposure to air and moisture. This also makes it easier to access your food when you need it.
3. Storage Planning
If you use dry food regularly, it’s important to plan your storage well. Dividing your food into smaller portions makes it easier to manage and maintain its quality.
In containers, you can organize your food systematically and utilize space efficiently for both long-term and short-term storage.
4. Closed Shelves with Good Ventilation
For snack foods, such as instant noodles, snacks, or canned goods, make sure you store them on closed shelves with adequate ventilation.
Modified shipping containers can provide a cool, organized space to ensure all your products are safely stored without the risk of moisture or overheating.
5. Dark, Cool Place
A cool, dark place is key to keeping dry food fresh. A well-ventilated and insulated shipping container provides an ideal storage environment for food. With a stable temperature and away from direct sunlight, you can be sure the quality of your food will be maintained.
6. Regular Inspections
Even if stored properly, still regularly inspect your dry food. Secure, airtight containers minimize the risk of moisture, but regular inspections are still important to ensure your food remains fresh and safe to consume.
Conclusion
Buy or rent containers for dry food storage from Tradecorp, a reliable container sales, purchase, rental, and modification service company. Tradecorp is here to meet your jobsite storage container needs.
We also provide modification and custom shipping container services by adding windows, doors, walls, and roof insulation.
Our experienced staff is ready to help you arrange the shipping of your container to your requested location. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!