Every kitchen in America likely has at least some Tupperware in it (although it might not go by that actual brand). For those who don’t know, Tupperware as a company goes allthe way back to 1942 and is still a major force in the marketplace today for kitchen containers. What you might not know, however, is that all that Tupperware you’ve been holding onto for years might actually be worth more than you think it is.
There’s an old adage that says if you hold onto anything for long it enough, it just might become valuable. As it turns out, some of the vintage Tupperware sets have appreciated over time—and if you have complete sets in relatively good condition, you could sell them for some quick cash! It’s not going to get you rich or anything, but it still might be worth your time.
Without any further ado, here are some of the most valuable vintage Tupperware sets that are out there.
1. Bell Tumblers from 1946
The Bell Tumbler is one of Tupperware’s oldest product lines and is probably recognizable by almost anybody. Although these cups were actually just polyethylene which had previously been manufactured by DuPont for uses in World War II. Depending on where you look, a small set of these vintage tumblers could go for as much as $35 on eBay.
2. Wonderlier Bowls from 1946
These were also around from the same time period and provided two helpful innovations at the time—the “burping” seal lid and the ability for the bowls to be stackable. Sets of these bowls that are still in good condition can go between $45 and $60.
3. The Millionaire Collection’s Salt and Pepper Shakers from 1960
As the name might suggest, the Millionaire’s Collection was a line of Tupperware marketed towards those aspiring towards the upper classes. These unique pieces can also fetch you about $45 if sold today, assuming they are still in good shape.
4. Servalier Astro Bowls from 1972
Though this series was originally released in the 1960s, it continued on into the 70s and came printed in four distinct pastel colors with a tight seal on top. If you still have some of these lying around today, they could sell for $15 to $20.
Anyone who has made a cake knows just how difficult it can be to transport them without smearing the frosting. Fortunately, Tupperware had an answer to this way back in the day with their Cake Taker product (which was similar to a Pie Taker they had made in the 50s). Anyone who still has one of these can sell it for $20 to $25 online.
6. Condiment Relish Caddy and Salad Dressing Bottles from the 1970s
Each of these bottles typically comes with a push-button seal on top that makes them very easy to carry around. If you still have a set of these in good condition, they can go for around $12-$15. Although this is one of the cheaper items on the list, it may also be a steal if you can get one—after all, you don’t see these around very often!
7. FlatOut Containers
Though they still make these, this is a particularly useful kind of storage bowl or container which can press up and down like an accordion depending on how much food is going into it. A vintage set of these, typically with four pieces, can sell for about $25.
Do you have any of these or know of any we missed? Tell us in the comments area below.
The Wonderlier line was especially popular with graduated sizes of bowls in pastel shades and white lids. Today, a set of vintage Tupperware Wonderlier bowls sells for about $175 in excellent condition.
E-commerce sites like Etsy and eBay are full of "vintage Tupperware" listings with people selling everything from pitchers and coasters, to canisters and measuring cups — even oddities like salad dressing holders and cake covers are up for auction.
One way to tell the age of an item? Look at its colors: pieces from the 1940s and '50s are white or pastel, while later items are saturated in bright hues.
As of 2020, Tupperware said, 3.2 million people sold its products worldwide, with nearly 600,000 of them reported as "active" sellers. Since then, the company has not updated the total number, while the "active" ranks have shrunk to 284,000.
While there is no set timeframe for replacing plastic food containers, experts say they should be tossed out when they show visible wear, chips, cracks, or signs of stains and odors. In place of plastic containers, experts recommend opting for glass or stainless steel instead.
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By buying vintage, you're practicing sustainability and reusing something from a different generation. Plus, Tupperware is one of those kitchen workhorses that still functions perfectly after decades of use.
Durability and Functionality: At the core of Tupperware's success lies its unwavering commitment to quality. Their products are designed to last for years, offering exceptional durability and functionality.
To maintain safety, it is recommended not to use vintage Tupperware for food storage, particularly if it is not certified as BPA-free. Instead, repurposing for non-food-related uses or selling to collectors can be considered to avoid potential health hazards.
On the bottom of most plastic packaging and containers is a number surrounded by a triangle. Many assume this is means the item is recyclable, but this isn't always true. Those numbers represent different resin identification codes that indicate what plastic the product was made from.
Following tests on some items, Tamara Rubin, from Oregon in the United States, discovered that they contained lead and arsenic. While there is absolutely no suggestion that current Tupperware on sale contains these potentially-poisonous chemical elements, she simply wants to make other parents aware of the dangers.
In 1958, Tupper sold The Tupperware Company for $16 million to Rexall. In December 2005, Tupperware Corporation changed its name to Tupperware Brands Corporation to reflect the company's increasing product diversity.
The nearly 80-year-old company cited the closure as part of a multi-year strategy to simplify its supply chain and operations and create efficiencies, according to the spokesperson.
Tupperware will repair / replace any Tupperware product, or any part thereof, that, under normal domestic use, shows a manufacturing defect, such as: warping, cracking, peeling, splitting and other functional issues. The colour of the replacement may vary from the colour of the original product.
Ziploc®-brand containers are quoted to have a 5-10 year lifespan, but a good rule of thumb is to assume all older Tupperware is not safe, especially if you don't remember how long you've had it.
In the 1950s, plastic became indispensable--especially in products for the home. Foremost were Tupperware's "Wonderlier" bowls--lightweight, flexible, and unbreakable, with a patented air-tight seal to keep foods fresher longer.
Most containers have the Tupperware symbol of three arrows forming a triangle with a number in the middle. This means that you can recycle your Tupperware, and it tells you the specific plastic it is! Even if you destroy your Tupperware, you can still be earth friendly and let it die responsibly in the recycling bin.
Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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