Do you ever stare into your fridge, overwhelmed by a jumble of mismatched containers? You want healthy meals ready to go, but the right storage feels like another chore. Choosing the perfect containers for your meal prep can be tricky. Should you pick glass or plastic? Do you need dividers? Finding containers that keep food fresh, fit your lifestyle, and don’t leak everywhere feels like a puzzle.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore what makes a great meal prep container. You will learn about different materials, sizes, and features that actually make your life easier. Stop wasting money on containers that break or don’t seal right.
Ready to organize your kitchen and streamline your healthy eating habits? Let’s dive into the best containers to make your meal prepping a success story.
Top Containers For Meal Prep Recommendations
- #1 Brand Pick for Meal Prep Containers: Bentgo is the top pick for meal prep containers!* This lightweight, portable 20-piece set includes tennmnnmake portioning easy to support balanced, healthy meal plans. Clear, stackable lids help keep food fresh and organized in your fridge or pantry.
- Perfect for Portion-Control: Each container’s 4-cup capacity and embossed measurements make portioning easy to support balanced, healthy meal plans. Clear, stackable lids help keep food fresh and organized in your fridge or pantry.
- Durable & Reusable: Made from tough, PFAS- and BPA-free materials, these meal prep containers are built to last through repeated use. Say goodbye to single-use plastics with these reusable containers you can take to work, school, or the gym.
- 【Sturdy & Reusable】Made of premium thick plastic and strong construction, Dealusy meal prep containers with lids ensure no cracks for your take out meals. They can also be easily cleaned for reuse with hand wash or on the top rack of the dishwasher.
- 【Leakproof & Stackable】: These food prep containers come with tight sealed lids, you can easily stack them and won’t worry that the food would leaks or spills.
- 【Microware Safe & Freezer Safe】: Made of premium food grade plastic, these BPA-free disposable food containers can withstand a temperature from -4℉to 248℉, totally Microware Safe & Freezer Safe.
- STAINSHIELD PLASTIC: Rubbermaid Brilliance meal prep containers are designed with premium StainShield plastic, and have crystal-clear lids and bases so it's easy to see inside—plus they're stain- and odor-resistant, helping them stay looking like new
- 100% LEAKPROOF AND AIRTIGHT: Guaranteed not to leak, these airtight food storage containers feature a leakproof seal and secure latches
- TWO COMPARTMENTS FOR EASY MEAL PREP: Rubbermaid Brilliance meal prep containers feature 2 compartments that make prepping a full entree and side dish easy
- #1 Brand Pick for Meal Prep Containers: Bentgo is the top pick for meal prep containers!* This lightweight, portable 20-piece set includes tennmnnmake portioning easy to support balanced, healthy meal plans. Clear, stackable lids help keep food fresh and organized in your fridge or pantry.
- Perfect for Portion-Control: Each container’s 4-cup capacity and embossed measurements make portioning easy to support balanced, healthy meal plans. Clear, stackable lids help keep food fresh and organized in your fridge or pantry.
- Durable & Reusable: Made from tough, PFAS- and BPA-free materials, these meal prep containers are built to last through repeated use. Say goodbye to single-use plastics with these reusable containers you can take to work, school, or the gym.
- 【Sturdy & Reusable】Made of premium thick plastic and strong construction, Dealusy meal prep containers with lids 3 Compartment ensure no cracks for your take out meals. They can also be easily cleaned for reuse with hand wash or on the top rack of the dishwasher.
- 【Leakproof & Stackable】: These food prep containers come with tight sealed lids, you can easily stack them and won’t worry that the food would leaks or spills.
- 【Microware Safe & Freezer Safe】: Made of premium food grade plastic, these BPA-free disposable food containers can withstand a temperature from -4℉to 248℉, totally Microware Safe & Freezer Safe.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Meal Prep Containers
Planning your meals ahead saves time and helps you eat healthier. The right containers make this process easy and enjoyable. This guide helps you pick the perfect containers for your food prep needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on features that make your life simpler.
- **Leak-Proof Lids:** This is crucial. Good containers stop soup or sauce from spilling in your bag. Look for tight seals or locking clips.
- **Compartments:** Containers with dividers help keep different foods separate. You can keep your chicken away from your salad dressing.
- **Stackability:** Well-designed containers stack neatly in your fridge or cabinet. This saves valuable kitchen space.
- **Microwave, Dishwasher, and Freezer Safe:** Versatility matters. You want to reheat food, wash the containers easily, and store leftovers safely without worrying about damage.
Important Materials
The material affects durability, safety, and how you use the container.
Plastic Containers
Plastic is light and often cheap. It’s great for portability. However, always check if the plastic is BPA-free. BPA is a chemical that some people worry about in food storage.
Glass Containers
Glass is excellent because it does not stain or hold onto food smells. It heats up evenly in the microwave. Glass lasts a long time, but it is heavier and can break if dropped.
Stainless Steel Containers
These are very tough and durable. They are great for cold meals or dry snacks. Be careful: stainless steel usually cannot go into the microwave.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality containers last longer and work better.
Improving Quality
- **Thick Walls:** Thicker plastic or glass means the container is less likely to crack when dropped or warp in the dishwasher.
- **Durable Seals:** Look for silicone gaskets inside the lid. These rubber seals create the best leak-proof barrier.
- **Clear Visibility:** Clear containers (especially glass or clear plastic) let you see what food is inside quickly.
Reducing Quality
- **Thin, Flimsy Plastic:** These containers bend easily and often melt slightly in the microwave.
- **Lids That Don’t Snap Tight:** If the lid pops off easily, it is not safe for carrying around.
- **Staining:** Cheap plastics often turn orange or green after storing tomato sauce or curry.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your containers every day.
If you pack lunch for work or school, prioritize leak-proof, stackable, and lightweight plastic containers. You will carry them often.
If you are batch cooking meals for the entire week and storing them in the fridge, heavy-duty glass containers are a superb choice. They handle reheating better and look nicer when serving straight from the container.
For simple snacks or dry items like nuts or crackers, small, simple plastic containers work well. Always match the container size to the meal portion you usually eat.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Meal Prep Containers
Q: Are plastic meal prep containers safe for the microwave?
A: Only if the container is specifically labeled “Microwave Safe.” Never microwave containers that are not marked, especially if they have metal parts or are very thin.
Q: How do I stop glass containers from staining?
A: Glass rarely stains badly. For any slight discoloration, you can rub a paste of baking soda and water on the spot, let it sit for an hour, and then wash it normally.
Q: Which material is best for freezer storage?
A: Both glass and high-quality, freezer-safe plastic work well. When freezing, leave a little space at the top, as food expands when it gets cold.
Q: Should I buy containers with 2 or 3 compartments?
A: This depends on your meal. Use 3 compartments for balanced meals (protein, carb, veggie). Use 2 compartments if you want a large portion of one item, like a big salad, next to a smaller side.
Q: My container lids are warping. What am I doing wrong?
A: Lids often warp if they are placed directly on the heating element of the dishwasher or if the dishwasher heat cycle is too high. Try placing lids on the top rack only.
Q: What does “BPA-Free” mean?
A: BPA is a chemical sometimes used to make hard plastics. “BPA-Free” means the plastic does not use this chemical, which many people prefer for food safety.
Q: Are reusable containers better than disposable ones?
A: Yes. Reusable containers save money over time and create much less trash. They are usually made from stronger, safer materials.
Q: How do I keep plastic containers from smelling like old curry?
A: After washing, fill the smelly container with newspaper crumpled up and let it sit overnight. The paper absorbs the odor.
Q: Are stainless steel containers good for soups?
A: Stainless steel containers are excellent for keeping soups hot or cold, but they cannot be used to heat the soup up in a microwave.
Q: What size container should I buy for a standard lunch?
A: Most adults find that containers holding between 24 and 32 ounces (about 3 to 4 cups) are perfect for a full lunch portion.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!