At ePackageSupply.com, we're proud that every product we manufacture and distribute is made right here in the beautiful U.S. of A. When you trust us for your 5 gallon bucket needs, you can have complete peace of mind knowing your purchase is both food grade and American-made. This guide will help you understand why these factors matter, how to identify genuine food grade buckets, and the importance of supporting American manufacturing.
You might be wondering why this matters so much—perhaps thinking, "a 5 gallon bucket is a 5 gallon bucket," unsure what the big deal is. We're happy to expand on this concept and help you find the right food grade bucket for your needs—one that's made right here in America.
First, we'll address a few misconceptions about 5-gallon buckets. Then, we'll take a deeper dive into what exactly it means for a bucket to be "food grade," what it means to be "made in the USA," and how you can ensure that the bucket you purchase truly meets these important standards.
Consider this your comprehensive guide to finding a 5 gallon food grade bucket that's been made in the USA.
First Things First: A Few Quick Facts About 5 Gallon Buckets
Before we dive into what makes a bucket food grade and American-made, let's clear up a few misconceptions about 5-gallon buckets. We'll start with the dimensions and volume of a 5-gallon bucket. That should be straightforward, right? A 5-gallon bucket holds exactly 5 gallons? Not exactly.
What Are 5-Gallon Buckets' Dimensions & Volume?
This might surprise you, but 5-gallon buckets come in varying dimensions. Different manufacturers create buckets with unique heights, widths, and volumes based on their specific specifications. Many are slightly tapered as well. You may not perceive this when using the bucket, but it serves an important purpose: to make buckets stackable without getting impossibly stuck together!
If asked about the maximum volume of a 5 gallon bucket, you might guess 5 gallons—that's a logical assumption, but not exactly correct. Look inside a 5 gallon bucket and you should see a horizontal indicator line showing the 5 gallon mark. It's not at the bucket's brim, but a couple inches below it. This design allows you to move the bucket without sloshing contents and losing some of the 5 gallons, especially when transporting liquids.
What Are 5-Gallon Buckets Made Of?
Similar to dimensions, the materials in 5 gallon buckets vary based on manufacturer and intended use. As we'll cover shortly, food grade plastic buckets are specifically made of plastics identified as #1, #2, #4, and #5 plastics, each with different properties and applications.
Do 5-Gallon Buckets Come With Lids?
Most 5-gallon buckets can be fitted with a variety of different lid types. Food grade 5 gallon buckets with lids provide excellent utility for long-term food storage, offering protection against moisture, pests, and contamination when properly sealed.
Are 5-Gallon Buckets Food Grade?
Some are, but not all. We'll discuss this in depth in the next section, but only certain 5-gallon buckets are appropriate for food storage purposes—while others are not. The main factors that make a bucket food grade are the specific plastic it's made of and the presence of a lid with an airtight seal.
Are 5-Gallon Buckets Made in the USA?
Again, some are. While everything we make and sell at ePackageSupply is made in the USA, that is far from guaranteed with other manufacturers. This means you may need to research the manufacturer or company if buying American is important to you (as it is to us).
Key Point: Not all 5-gallon buckets are created equal. Dimensions, materials, food-grade status, and country of origin can all vary significantly between products, making it essential to verify these details before purchasing.
Why "Food Grade" Matters
For certain applications, ensuring your bucket is food grade is absolutely essential. Whether you're in the restaurant industry, a farmer, pet owner, home-brewer, or preparing for emergency situations, the last thing you want is avoidable contamination, which can seriously affect health in some cases.
How Can You Tell If a Bucket Is Food Grade?
Determining whether a bucket is food grade isn't particularly difficult. Here are several reliable methods to verify food-grade status:
Check the Plastic Number
First, look for the plastic number. Usually, on the bottom of a bucket, you should find a recycling symbol with a single digit in the middle. For food-safe plastic buckets, this will typically be either a 1, 2, 4, or 5. These numbers specifically refer to the type of plastic used, which impacts how much the material might leach into contents over time—a critical factor for food safety.
- Plastic #1 refers to polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)
- Plastic #2 refers to high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Plastic #4 refers to low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
- Plastic #5 refers to polypropylene (PP)
In some cases, another food grade material can be used—acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or ABS. ABS food grade plastic is categorized as a #7 plastic, a broad category that includes "all other plastics."
The plastic type generally determines appropriate uses for the bucket, as well as whether the product is recyclable, microwaveable, reusable, freezable, and so on. For long-term food storage especially, you want to be absolutely certain the bucket is food grade.
It's crucial to note that just because a bucket or container is made of one of these plastic types, that doesn't necessarily guarantee it's food safe. That said, an HDPE 2 bucket is food grade a majority of the time.
Look for a Cup & Fork, Other Indicators
If you see an icon (typically on the bucket's bottom) that resembles a cup and a fork, that indicates food grade material. You might also see specific language like "FDA approved" or "USDA approved."
If purchasing a brand-new bucket directly from the manufacturer, it should be clearly labeled as food grade or food safe. This might appear printed on the bucket or affixed as a sticker or label. When in doubt, simply ask the manufacturer or supplier directly!
Pro Tip: Never assume a bucket previously used for non-food items can be safely repurposed for food storage, even if the original bucket was technically food grade. Chemical residues can persist despite cleaning efforts.
Are Food Grade 5 Gallon Buckets Airtight?
If equipped with an appropriate lid, any food grade 5 gallon bucket can be made airtight, providing exceptional protection against contamination and spoilage. The quality of the seal is largely dependent on the lid type and proper installation.
What Is a Gamma Lid®, and Are Gamma Seal Lids Food Grade?
In addition to being easier to open and close than other bucket lids (no bucket wrench needed!), gamma seal lids provide airtight, waterproof protection for food storage and other applications. These specialized lids have become the gold standard for serious food storage and emergency preparedness.
Gamma seal lids are indeed food grade—provided they are properly secured and used with a food grade bucket. To apply a gamma seal lid to a 5 gallon bucket, follow these steps:
- Read the directions provided with your purchased gamma seal lid. While this may seem unnecessary, manufacturers often provide specific tips to ensure proper installation and optimal performance.
- Identify the two parts of the gamma seal lid: the adapter ring and the lid itself.
- Snap the adapter ring onto the bucket's rim. First position it evenly, then use a rubber mallet to secure the ring. Use moderate force—don't strike too hard, and avoid using a regular hammer, as this may damage the adapter ring and compromise the seal.
- Finally, screw the lid onto the threaded adapter ring. Voila! Your bucket is now airtight and food safe!
If a Bucket Contains BPA, Is It Food Safe?
Informed consumers are likely aware of Bisphenol A—commonly known as BPA. You've probably noticed certain products advertised as BPA-free, which provides assurance to buyers. Similar to many plastic types, BPA is susceptible to leaching, a process where potentially harmful chemical substances from the plastic can migrate into the bucket's contents.
While this shouldn't cause undue alarm, there may be trace amounts of BPA (or other leaching-susceptible substances) in some food grade buckets and containers. The FDA actively monitors these levels and has determined that BPA is safe at very low levels. Therefore, while the "BPA-free" designation is preferable, it's not absolutely essential that a food grade bucket contain zero BPA—though many modern options do offer this feature.
Why "Made in the USA" Matters
Research shows that 67 percent of adults in the United States would willingly pay more for products if they knew doing so would support American manufacturing. This preference stems from several factors, including confidence in the superior quality of American-made products, desire to support domestic manufacturing and industry, commitment to creating American jobs, and other economic considerations.
Reasons to Buy American
There are numerous economic and social reasons why purchasing American-made goods benefits our nation and communities. When consumers consistently seek out and purchase American-made products, it increases demand for domestic goods—which, in turn, fuels the economy by creating jobs and establishing a healthier balance in American trade relations.
Here are ten compelling reasons why buying American-made products matters:
How To Tell If a Bucket Was Made In the USA
Identifying truly American-made products isn't always straightforward. Typically, if a product is genuinely made in America, its manufacturer will clearly communicate this fact, as it influences many purchasing decisions. The less transparent a company is about manufacturing locations and processes, the more reason you might have to question claims about American manufacturing.
Here are key indicators to look for:
- Clear labeling that states the product is "all or virtually all made in the U.S." For this claim to be valid, products must be (1) assembled in the U.S. and (2) a significant portion of manufacturing costs must come from U.S. parts and processes.
- Be aware that "Made in America" and "Made in the U.S.A." aren't necessarily equivalent. "Made in America" could technically refer to North America, meaning a product manufactured in Canada or Mexico might still qualify.
- Pay attention to verbs used in manufacturer claims. There's a significant difference between a product being made in America versus merely being assembled in America using foreign components.
- An American flag sticker doesn't automatically indicate U.S. manufacturing. Check accompanying language—it could indicate the product was "made in America using global materials," which substantially changes the meaning.
- When possible, research the country of origin. This information might be available on the product website or the manufacturing company's website (often in the "About Us" section).
Why "Made in the USA" Matters So Much To Us
You might think, "It's just a bucket—something that only costs a few dollars—what's the big deal?"
For our company and our employees, "thinking big and acting small" isn't just a corporate cliché—it's our business philosophy. This mentality enables us to focus on what truly matters: providing our customers with positive experiences and exceptional products.
As a veteran-owned and operated company, sourcing and providing products Made in the U.S.A is one of our primary commitments to our customers. This approach allows our team to maintain a "boots on the ground" relationship with vendors, ensuring optimal product quality, cost control, and competitive lead times. All these factors directly contribute to providing customers with high-quality products at competitive prices with quick delivery.
Key Benefits of Food Grade Buckets Made in USA
- Superior Quality Control: American manufacturing meets strict regulatory standards
- Food Safety Assurance: Proper materials without harmful chemicals for safe storage
- Economic Support: Creates American jobs and strengthens the domestic economy
- Reliable Performance: Consistent quality and durability for long-term use
- Transparent Standards: Clear labeling and certification of food-grade status
- Environmental Responsibility: Typically produced with cleaner manufacturing methods
Your One-Stop-Shop for Food Grade Buckets Made in the USA
At ePackageSupply.com, we take tremendous pride in the relationships we've built with both our customers and suppliers. We're confident that our American suppliers share our commitment to quality and excellence, allowing us to provide reliable, high-performance products to our valued customers.
Visit our About page to learn more about our company or browse our complete selection of food grade buckets, lids, and related products. We believe you'll appreciate the quality, service, and American-made difference that defines everything we offer.
*ePackageSupply exclusively sells official Gamma Lid® products.
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