Cereal is not just for breakfast! Especially not for busy folks like you and me. Like mom’s and dad’s and even for our kids, cereal fills those gaps between breakfast and lunch, lunch and dinner and even dinner and bedtime.
Here’s my favorite storage container for cereal, available at Amazon.
But as convenient as cereal is, it tends to go stale. Almost as soon as the box is opened, the crispy deliciousness of the cereal disappears.
Most cereal lovers simply scrunch up the plastic bag of the cereal box and plow through the cereal before it goes stale. But what about those of us who prefer to buy in bulk? What about the giant cereal boxes that simply could not be finished in time?
So if you’re looking for ways to keep your cereal fresh for longer, you need the best storage containers for cereal.
Not all cereal containers are made equal. Consider the size and capacity you’ll need out of your cereal containers. Do you have a huge family? Or just a huge appetite for this snack? You’ll want a large capacity container. Are you an occasional cereal connoisseur? Maybe you want a few smaller storage containers to accommodate different tastes in that case.
First, Standard Box and Bag Cereal Sizes.
Did I say standard cereal box and bag sizes? Hahahaha. If you’ve been buying cereal for any amount of time, you know the amount inside the box changes all the time. Cereal manufacturers will routinely downsize or upsize the box, the amount of product inside, or add a bonus “20% larger” size temporarily. The only constant is change.
Cereal boxes show the weight on the outside of the box. Generally this is in ounces, and represents the dry weight. Different cereals weigh different amounts, making an easy visual comparison almost impossible. Raisin Bran weighs more than Rice Krispies, so you have to turn over the box, calculate the ounces or grams of a serving and multiply by how many servings in a box, and that can give you an idea of how many cups of cereal are in the box. Sounds fun, right?
Now when we look at cereal containers, these are shown in FLUID OUNCES. This is a completely different measurement than dry weight ounces and there is no standard conversion. Some cereals are just heavier.
I don’t know about you but I just want to buy the darn container and be reasonably sure my entire box of cereal will go into it. (And that my 4 year-old doesn’t need a forklift to get it out of the pantry.)
The good news is that we’ve done the hard work with some capacity rules of thumb:
- Standard cereal box: 10-18 ounces
- Rice Krispies 12 oz = 12 cups
- Raisin Bran 16.6 oz = 7 cups
- Family size cereal box: 19 – 24 ounces
- Fruit Loops 19.4 oz = 18.6 cups
- Frosted Mini Wheats 24 oz = 13.5 cups
- Lucky Charms 19.3 oz = 15 cups
- Cereal Bags: 36 – 60 ounces (*Note: these have been shrinking a lot lately!)
- Fruity Dyno-Bites 40 oz = 31 cups
- Smores 30 oz = 21 cups
- Coco Roos 38 oz = 31 cups
- Costco / Sam’s club cereal box (generally a 2 bag pack): 46 – 62 ounces
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch 49.5 oz = 30 cups or 15 cups per bag
- Lucky Charms 46 oz = 36 cups or 18 cups per bag
Pro-Tip: Manufacturers have added some new marketing sizes called “Mega” or “Giant”, which are bigger than a Family size.
For Airtight Containers, Options are a-Plenty.
Airtight containers come in many shapes and styles. One is the garden variety, Tupperware-like container with a seal-lid. If you have a lot of cabinet space, this is probably the best option for you. These type of containers act as a portable holder for your favorite cereals. They’re usually fairly large, with a huge capacity to hold as much cereal as possible, but if you have smaller hands, these might not work best in your kitchen.
The other kind of airtight cereal container is the snazzy kind you often find in hotels. These are cereal dispensers that have large containers and some sort of release mechanism to dispense the cereal right into your bowl. If you have ample counter top space and want constant access to your favorite cereal, this is the pick for you.
Either of these options is a great solution to combat stale cereal. Since they are airtight, they prevent any possibility of air and pests ruining your favorite snack.
Before you buy, you’ll also want to consider what kind of material you’re comfortable putting your cereal into. Some of these kinds of containers are mainly plastic, which means your food may be subjected to chemicals like BPA. Some are glass instead, which might be cleaner, but is also more likely to break. Either way, you’ll want a clear, see-through material so that you’re aware of how much cereal you have left (and if you need to restock soon).
If you’re the type to cook the week’s dinners all at once, you might want to read about the best containers for freezing leftovers.
Seal-Lid Storage Containers for Cereal
OXO POP Cereal Dispensers
![OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Airtight POP Cereal Dispenser Set, Clear, 3-Piece Cereal Set [Dispenser]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51UyhucSjeL._SL500_.jpg "OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Airtight POP Cereal Dispenser Set, Clear, 3-Piece Cereal Set [Dispenser]")
This OXO POP Cereal Dispenser set is a great addition to any cereal lover’s kitchen. These dispensers are designed with 2 airtight silicone seals. This double-seal feature is especially great because they not only keep your cereals fresh and crunchy, they also keep those pesky cereal and pantry pests out.
The lid of the OXO POP has an alligator-like opening which is pop-open. Simply press and voila! What could be more convenient at 5 am on a Monday morning? Removing the entire lid for refilling and cleaning is super easy too. Just fold your fingers underneath the contoured rim and pull gently.
And on top of it all, the lids are interchangeable, so no more ‘hunting’ for that ‘one lid’ – just pop on the first one you find.
The opening is wide, so no more poking around with your fingers to help those Quaker Oatmeal Squares or Mini Wheats along. And because of the contoured lid, controlled pouring of smaller cereal pieces is easy. No more Cheerios gushing all over the place.
I’m sure you’ll agree, there’s nothing worse than dropping a full cereal dispenser on your kitchen floor. So, If you have small hands, you’ll like the fact that the OXO POP Cereal dispenser is contoured. Making it easy to hold, even when it’s full.
Each container in the OXO POP set is 4.3″ x 10.2″ x 10.5″ with a capacity of 3.5 qt. With their contoured design, this makes them space efficient and easy to store in just about any shelf, cabinet or countertop, which is great for organizing. And If you’re kitchen conscious, you’ll like the sleek look of these white cereal dispensers too.
The OXO POP Cereal Dispensers are made from clear BPA-Free plastic, so you don’t have to worry about toxins seeping into your cereal. And the crystal clear plastic also makes it easy to keep track of how much cereal you have left. There’s nothing worse than going to pour yourself a bowl of Corn Flakes, only to find there’s not enough to fill the bowl.
The only downside to the OXO POP Cereal Dispensers is they are not dishwasher safe, so any cleaning should be done by hand washing. Although, considering the sealing capabilities, design, and how easy the OXO POP is to use – this shouldn’t be a big deal.
Biokips Cereal Containers
The next contender in the best storage containers for cereal is the Biokips cereal containers. These containers are designed with a silicone seal and a 4-sided locking system.
You’ll appreciate this great design because it makes them 100% air and water tight. This design makes doubly sure your cereal stays fresh and crispy and free from pesky bugs and critters.
The flip open lid of the Biokips cereal container seals tightly, but it’s still easy to open. The opening is wide enough to pour your favorite cereal and the raised design means no more pieces of cereal getting jammed up.
Refilling and cleaning the Biokips cereal container is super easy. Simply unlock the 4 sides and remove the entire lid. This cereal container is dishwasher safe, but I suggest washing the lid by hand to protect the silicon seal.
A full cereal container can be uncomfortable to hold and maneuver, so the Biokips cereal containers are designed with comfortable molded finger grips. The Biokips cereal containers have dimensions of 12.9 x 9.6 x 5 inches, and with their simple and smooth design, they are easy to organize and store without taking up unnecessary space.
If you’re health conscious, you’ll be happy to know that the Biokips cereal containers are designed with BPA-Free plastic. For you, this means no toxins poisoning your cereal.
There nothing more disappointing than craving a bowl of cereal only to find out there’s none left. Luckily, the clear plastic Biokips containers make it easy for you to keep track of your cereal levels, so you can top up before it’s too late.
To enhance the sealing capabilities of the Biokips, the one thing I’d like to see improved is the addition of a silicon seal around the flip lid opening. Although, with its durable design, locking system, and silicon seal the Biokips cereal containers make a high quality, food-safe and hygienic choice.
The Biokips cereal containers should be on your list of options for keeping your cereal fresh and crunchy.
Chef’s Path Cereal Storage Containers
One more awesome option for this category is the set of dry food storage containers from Chef’s Path. This product is a bestseller, and there’s a good reason for that.
What makes these particular storage containers unique is that they come with convenient labels. This is particularly beneficial if you’re using them to store sugar and flour and you want to make sure you grab the right ingredient, or if you have little ones who want to claim a cereal all to themselves.
Aside from this, these containers are made from BPA free plastic and have ergonomic handles. They’re also thinner than most, making them incredibly easy to find space for in your kitchen. They don’t compromise on capacity though – coming in at a whopping 17 cup volume each.
These containers also have a silicone seal, making them perfectly airtight and also water resistant! With 4-sided locking mechanisms, this will keep your cereal fresh for months, maybe even years, to come. Best of all, these containers are completely dishwasher safe. What more could you ask for?
Rubbermaid 1.5 gallon Cereal/Snack Storage Container, 3 Pack
These simple storage containers from Rubbermaid are the best deal on this list because you get 3 containers for about the average price of other plastic storage containers. Rubbermaid’s 1.5 gallon Cereal/Snack Storage Containers are reliable, simple picks that will provide storage and organization to your kitchen!
The containers measure 6 inches wide by 11 inches tall and come in an oval shape. They hold a little more than a large family size box of cereal, or about 2 regular size boxes. They have a large mouth and flip top for easy pouring, but the lid is soft and flexible and very tight fitting, making the containers airtight.
Rubbermaid’s cereal storage containers are also 100% BPA free. They’re freezer safe as well if you want to use them to store other kinds of foods for months on end. They also come in multiple colors to accent any kitchen decor. It’s a great value and great option for your cereal storage needs!
Eagmak Airtight Extra Large Plastic Cereal Containers Storage Set
Here is a cereal container set that will give great value for your money. The set consists of four large and two medium dry food containers. But that’s not all. Also included are four measuring spoons, a cleaning brush, a replacement lid, a marker, and 24 reusable chalkboard labels. You can use the labels to put your cereal name and date of purchase. This way, you will know if you need to replace the cereals.
Each of the containers is BPA-free and made from durable odorless plastic. They are also clear to make it easier to identify what they contain. You can readily see if you need to buy more. They are airtight and designed with a four-sided locking lid to keep the food fresh. They also keep mice and insects away.
These containers are so convenient to use since you don’t even have to remove the lid to get the food out. You just need to open the extra flap opening on the top and pour easily.
They come in a sleek shape that could fit easily on your pantry, cabinets, or shelves thereby saving you a lot of space. They are multi-use as well. Aside from cereals, you can use them to organize pantry staples such as snacks, pasta, flour, sugar, crackers, chips, and even your pet’s food.
PROS:
- Airtight with 4-sided locking lid keep food from going stale
- Great value with 6 containers and other free items
- Multi-use containers
- Ergonomic grip design
CONS:
•Cereals may stick in the thick lid and you need to shake to come out of the flap
Hotel-Inspired Cereal Dispensers
Whip up a continental breakfast with some flare, check out this article on the best waffle iron for crispy and Liege waffles.
Zevro KCH-06124 Dual Control Dry Food Dispenser
Next up is the hotel-inspired Zevro KCH-06124 Dual Control Dry Food Dispenser. A trendy cereal container with a unique dispensing system you’ll love.
This Zervo dual control indispensable cereal container is designed with an airtight top lid that fits snug into the canister. With a 1/4 inch deep fit, your cereal will stay fresh for up to 45 days.
Zervo has left no stone unturned when it comes to freshness. You’ll also find 2 extra lids for the bottom of each container, locking in even more freshness. And the rubber paddles keep stray cereal pieces from escaping and annoying critters from getting in.
The unique 3-way sealing system is a great benefit if you want to keep large amounts of cereal fresh for longer.
The top opening is large enough to pour cereal into the canisters without it spilling all over the place and creating a mess. And the Zervo is perfect for anything from Frosted Flakes, Corn Pops and Fruit Loops to trail mix and even granola. And unlike other dispensers, the flexible rubber paddles won’t crush your cereal into dust particles.
The double canisters each hold 17.5 ounces of cereal. For me, this is a great benefit because I can choose the cereal I’m in the mood for without having to dig out a box.
If portion control is important to you, or you have independent kiddies who like to serve themselves, you’ll be happy to know the Zervo is designed with accurate portion control. Each twist dispenses a measured amount of 1 ounce.
The dispenser opening is 3 inches from the bottom tray, so you’ll have no problem fitting your cereal bowl in place. There’s no chance of cereal pieces slipping down the sides of your bowl.
The dimensions for the Zervo are 7.5 x 13 x 16.3 inches, making it perfect for storing in cabinets and pantries. And if you have limited countertop space, don’t worry. You won’t need to sacrifice that precious space.
If you’re health conscious, you’ll be happy to know that Zervo has designed this cereal dispenser with toxin-free BPA plastic. And unlike other dispensers, the Zervo is scratch and shatterproof.
There are 2 downsides to the Zervo that can be a small annoyance.
First, the canisters are not dishwasher safe because the plastic might crack. So you’ll be doing some hand washing. But considering the scratch and shatterproof design, this is a small price to pay.
Also, because the bottom lids are removable, they can get lost. If this happens, the 3-way sealing system will be compromised. But, if you keep an eye on them this shouldn’t be a problem.
Although the Zervo KCH-06124 is not overly large, I don’t recommend it if you are tight on space. If you have limited countertop or cabinet space, I recommend going for the Zevro KCH-06139 Indispensable SmartSpace Wall Mount unit from Amazon instead.
But if you have space to spare, I think this Zervo will make a great addition to your kitchen. And, with the Zervo’s 3-way sealing system, trendy look, and strong design features, it’s most definitely one for your list of best storage containers for cereal.
Want to know how easy the Zervo is to assemble and clean? Check out the Zervo Cereal Dispenser User Manual.
OXO Good Grips Counter Top Cereal Dispenser
OXO products are well known for their high quality. So if you’re looking for a well designed and functional dispenser, without compromising on style, the OXO Good Grips Counter Top Cereal Dispenser is for you.
The OXO Good Grips cereal dispenser is designed with 2 silicon seals. One seal is for the canister lid and one seal is inside the dispenser. This is a great benefit because it locks in freshness and locks out air, which can turn your cereal stale.
Filling your cereal bowl has never been easier. All it takes is a gentle push of the dispensing lever and you’re good to go. The chute-design opening makes for easy dispensing. Because the chute opening is wide, your cereal won’t be crushed into powder.
OXO designed this cereal dispenser with some smart features. There are spring-loaded, non-slip levers on both sides, making it easy to dispense cereal whether you’re right or left handed.
Also, these levers shut snugly into place once you release them, another great feature to keep your cereal deliciously crunchy.
The total dimensions of the OXO Good Grips cereal dispenser are 8 x 6.5 x 16.5 inches, so it’s a perfect space saver for countertops, cabinets, and shelves. It holds a whopping 5.5 gallons of cereal.
This gives you ample space for large, medium and small cereal pieces. So no more half empty, open boxes of cereal going stale in your cabinet.
Oxo made a good move by designing this dispenser with strong BPA-free plastic. For you this means no toxic poisons silently seeping into your cereal. And because the plastic is clear, you can keep a close eye on how much cereal you have left.
If you happened to spill some cereal don’t worry. The removable tray makes cleaning up a breeze. Simply remove the tray and voila!
Like with anything, nothing is perfect, and the OXO Good Grips does have a few drawbacks.
The levers don’t provide much portion control. The chute will continue dispensing cereal until you release it. If you have kids this could turn into a big mess! But pushing the lever down only halfway does give some level of control.
Also, the OXO Good Grips only has one canister. And although it can hold a large box of cereal and then some, I’d like to see a design with 2 canisters which will give you a choice depending on what cereal you’re in the mood for.
And it’s not dishwasher safe. So if you’re doing an overall clean everything must be hand washed. But an upside is the silicone gasket is dishwasher safe.
If you consider the double seal design, there are smart features of the OXO Good Grips cereal dispenser. The large capacity, functional design and the slick look. It’s a great choice and a top contender as one of the best storage containers for cereal.
Get to know the OXO Good Grips Counter Top Cereal Dispenser better. Check out the handy owners manual.
OK. What about those days when you want more than just cereal? Here are my picks for the best pancake griddles.
Rosetto Triple Cereal Dispenser
If you’re tired of pulling out boxes or bags of cereal and you want a something stylish to dispense your Captain Crunch, the Rosetto Cereal Dispenser might be just what you need.
The Rosetto comes with a contoured top lid that fits snugly into place.
Dispensing your cereal is as simple as turning a knob. This is a great benefit if you’ve got kiddies who like to make their own cereal.
This dispenser is designed with an advanced portion control mechanism. This is a great benefit to keep your cereal pieces from becoming nomads. And if you’re portion conscious, this will help you keep tabs on how much cereal you’re pouring.
In general, it takes roughly 3 turns to dispense a full bowl of cereal. But the size of the cereal determines the amount dispensed with each turn of the knob. So for example, with 1 turn, Cheerios will dispense just more than a handful, whereas Shredded Wheat will be less than a handful.
Cereal dispensers are not all created equal. Many can’t hold a full box of cereal, leaving you with half-empty boxes of stale cereal in your cabinet. But the Mind Reader is designed with 3 compartments that can each hold an entire box of cereal. The total capacity of the cereal dispenser is over 3 gallons.
The dimensions of this cereal dispenser are 6 x 18.5 x 17.25 inches. This convenient size means it can have a permanent place in a kitchen cabinet or countertop.
If you’re fashion conscious, you’ll love the sleek black and chrome look. And if you’re health conscious, you’ll be happy to know that the Rosseto is designed with high quality, clear ABS plastic. ABS plastic is used for laboratory equipment, so you know it’s safe and won’t leak toxins into your cereal.
The crystal clear plastic means no more guessing how much cereal you have left. So you’ll know exactly when to add cereal to your shopping list.
Nothing is perfect, and I’ve found 2 drawbacks. First, the dispenser tends to crush fragile cereal. Second, all parts must be hand washed.
But consider how easy the Rosetto will make your morning. It’s sleek design and portion control mechanism, and not to mention how easy it is to assemble, are great features.
Zevro KCH-06139 SmartSpace Wall Mount Triple Dry-Food Dispenser
If you’ve got limited countertop space and you’re looking for something stylish and functional, the ZervoKCH-06139 SmartSpace cereal dispenser should be on your list.
This cereal dispenser has a typical Zervo 3-way seal design, keeping your cereal fresh for up to 45 days. The silicone seal on the top lid locks in freshness and traps out those annoying pantry pests and air, while a soft Teflon paddle seal against the wall of the cylinder and the bottom cap prevents any spillage or air flowing in.
Because this Zervo is designed with space saving in mind, the opening is not as large as other Zervo dispensers. But the canisters can conveniently be removed for refilling.
Dispensing your cereal is as simple as turning a knob, and presto! I wouldn’t recommend using the Zervo Smart Space for cereals like Shredded Wheat or even Mini Wheats, but it’s perfect for Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Corn Flakes and even Granola.
For maximum space saving, the Zervo SmartSpace is designed with 3 canisters, with a total size of 6 x 15 x 16 inches. Each canister can hold roughly 13 oz.
Another space-saving feature is the wall mounted design. And each sleek canister slides neatly into brackets on the wall mount. And Zervo hasn’t left you high and dry when it comes to the mounting. They’ve included the screws you’ll need and a handy mounting guide. If you don’t have a drill, never fear! The Zervo SmartSpace cereal dispenser can also be mounted with heavy-duty double-sided tape.
This cereal dispenser wouldn’t be a Zervo if it didn’t come with accurate portion control. A handy feature if you’re health conscious, on a diet, or you have kids who are determined to serve themselves. And to top it off, there are 3 measuring cups included that fit snugly to the bottom of each canister.
The Zervo brand is very proud of the fact that all their products are made with FDA approved BPA-free plastic. The clear plastic means there’s no more guesswork – you’ll know exactly when to stock up on cereal again. And if you’re clumsy like me, the shatterproof and scratch-proof plastic is a must-have feature.
In terms of the drawbacks, there are 2 when it comes to the Zervo Smart Space cereal dispenser.
First, each canister can only hold 13 ounces of cereal, which is not enough space for a large box or cereal. But considering it is designed with space saving in mind, the smaller canisters are essential.
Also, because the measuring cups are loose parts, they could get lost. But Zervo has got you covered. You can pick up replacement cups directly from their website for less than a decent Starbucks coffee.
If you’re after something that saves space and looks stylish, the Zervo Smart Space will give you the perfect combination and should be one of your considerations for the best storage containers for cereal.
Zevro Honey-Can-Do Triple Canister Dry Food Cereal Dispenser
If you’re looking for something a little more high end, we’re back to Zevro’s product line. This cereal dispenser has one of the highest price points on the list, but it is definitely worth the investment.
This cereal dispenser includes three containers, for your three most prized flavors, which are scratch and stain resistant, and also shatterproof. Each holds 17.5 ounces of dry food, and you can be assured that your precious cereal will not get squished or crushed with the dispenser, as it is just a simple, soft, rubber paddle wheel. Similar to the above dispensers, this is great for portion control, as it only dispenses one ounce per twist.
If you’re wondering what justifies the price of this pick aside from the awesome canisters themselves, what they remounted on is even better. The whole mechanism is mounted on a commercial grade stainless steel base, which is powder coated for durability and ease of cleaning. It also comes in two stylish, sleek colors of silver or black. At 22″ by 4.5″ by 14″, this cereal dispenser is a luxurious addition to your kitchen, the perfect mechanism to house your love of cereal!
Zevro Indispensable Dry Food Dispenser
The Zevro dry food dispenser is made up of two containers suspended side by side over a base. Each plastic container can hold 17.5 ounces that is roughly equivalent to one box of cereals. But of course, the containers are not just for cereals alone. They double as containers for other dry foods like nuts, granola, candy, pet food, and more.
It can dispense standard portions of one ounce per twist. These small portions are just perfect to avoid spills and overflowing of food especially if done by kids. In case of a mishap, a set of removable metal grills provides a quick solution.
Speaking of mishaps, the containers are both scratch-resistant and shockproof. No need to worry if one happens to fall off the kitchen counter. A more important feature though is it can preserve the freshness of your dry foods for up to 34 days. This will certainly minimize waste and cut down your trips to the grocery just to replace cereals that had gone stale.
PROS:
- Preserves freshness for up to 34 days
- Dispenses standardized portions of 1 ounce per twist
- Scratch-resistant and shockproof
- Kid-friendly and helps promote healthy eating to them
CONS:
- Can take a large portion of your kitchen counter due to its size
Keep That Crunch Going
There are so many great cereal storage options available for kitchens of all shapes and sizes. So whether you have a large family with a farm-style kitchen, you’re an urban family with limited space, or you’re living in a bachelor’s pad…
There’s no need to put up with stale, tasteless cereal for another day. With the fantastic products available today, you can enjoy a continental breakfast fit for a king, right in your own kitchen.
Remember, these products are super versatile as well. You can also store uncooked pasta or rice, pet food, flour, sugar, and many other foods in them! Get a few and streamline your storage process.
Blackberries and breakfast cereal are a delicious combo. Here are my tips for properly freezing blackberries so you can use them later.
Sending your kid off to school with a snack? Check out these 5 great lunch boxes for your kid’s lunch.
Looking for the best storage solutions? Check out my post on the best Tupperware for meal prep.
Image credit via Flickr Creative Commons: musicfanatic29 and Kelly.
Rose Reinhard is a Thai-American foodie from Chiang Mai, Thailand. She's been a creative writer since she could speak and enjoys making vegetarian/vegan dishes and reading about food science. She claims her air-fryer is the best purchase she’s ever made to date.