Do you ever stare at a pile of mismatched plastic containers, wondering which one is safe for the microwave or leak-proof enough for your salad dressing? Meal prepping is a fantastic way to eat healthier and save time, but the wrong containers can turn your organized kitchen into a frustrating mess. We’ve all been there: a leaky lunch bag, a container that warps in the dishwasher, or one that just doesn’t fit right in the fridge.
Choosing the best containers for your weekly food prep is crucial. You need something durable, safe for your food, and practical for your busy life. Forget the guesswork! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best materials, sizes, and features that make meal prepping easy and stress-free.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly which containers fit your lifestyle—whether you are packing hot dinners or cold snacks. Get ready to upgrade your meal prep game from chaos to clean and efficient organization!
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.
- Microwave, Freezer & Dishwasher Safe: Easy to heat, store, and clean! Safely reheat food from fridge or freezer—microwave trays only. Top-shelf dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleanup; hand-wash lids for best results.
- What You Get: 10 one-compartment trays, 10 custom-fit lids, and caring customer support.
- #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.
- Microwave, Freezer & Dishwasher Safe: Easy to heat, store, and clean! Safely reheat food from fridge or freezer—microwave trays only. Top-shelf dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleanup; hand-wash lids for best results.
- What You Get: 10 one-compartment trays, 10 custom-fit lids, and caring customer support.
- 10 PACKS GLASS MEAL PREP CONTAINERS: With 10 packs 22oz （6.7 in x 4.9 in x 2.1 in) single compartment food Prep Containers with Lids, They are great for meal prepping. Save time by cooking and freezing your meals for later
- PREMIUM BOROSILICATE GLASS:Our glass storage containers are made from premium borosilicate glass, which is stronger than others' glass food storage containers
- AIRTIGHT SMART LOCKING LIDS: MCIRCO Glass food storage containers use snap lock lids that comes with silicone seals to make your meal prep food will last much longer than normal plastic food storage containers. These lids are easy to use and will stop leaking. These lids will not break or slowly stop working
- USER FRIENDLY: Easy to use and easy to take care of, as it can be used in the microwave, freezer, dishwasher, and oven. Take off the lids before placing in oven and microwave
- SPACE-SAVING: The food storage containers have stackable design, can keep refrigerator, home and kitchen organized, and leave more space on your kitchen slabs and cabinets
- 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
- EASY MICROWAVING: Food storage containers feature built-in vents for splatter-resistant microwaving with the lid on and latches opened
- SMART LID SYSTEM: Lids fit across same-size Brilliance Containers of all material types
- ✸ WEEKLY MEAL PREP & PERFECT SIZE - Ezalia portion control containers set includes 15 pack meal prep containers with leakproof lids. That’s enough to prepare your healthy meal plans for a week of lunches or multiple meals. 32oz to go containers serve the perfect portion you need meal.
- ✸ REUSABLE & LEAKPROOF - Those meal prep containers with lids are made of food grade PP material, BPA-Free. Extra-thick design make them more long-lasting, can reuse up to 20 times. Besides, the leakproof airtight lids helps prevent your food from leaking or spilling, keep your bag or fridge clean.
- ✸ MICROWAVE & DISHWASHER SAFE - The food prep containers can go from fridge to microwave for heating, just 2-3 mins to have healthy and delicious home-cooked meals even when you're in a rush! Our plastic bento boxes are also dishwasher safe, just place it on the top rack of dishwasher after meal to easy clean.
- ✸ FREEZER SAFE FOOD CONTAINERS - Prepare and package up your meals ahead of time and put it to your fridge, our freezer meal prep container ensure that your prepared meals retain their flavor, color, and texture.
- ✸ HEALTHY MEALS ON-THE-GO - Prep your lunches, dinners or snacks at home using our meal prep containers reusable, then take them with you to work, school, the gym, picnic, camping or traveling. You can enjoy healthy meals everywhere you go!
- Glitter Garden Edition: Add a touch of sparkle to your meal prep with our microwavable glitter containers and lids, making mealtime more fun and festive! These eye-catching containers are perfect for storing meals and leftovers, ensuring your food stands out while staying fresh.
- #1 Brand Pick for Meal Prep Containers: Bentgo is the top pick for meal prep containers!* This lightweight, portable 20-piece set includes ten three-compartment trays and ten custom-fit lids to seal in freshness—perfect for breakfasts, lunches, and leftovers on the go.
- 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.
- Microwave, Freezer & Dishwasher Safe: Easy to heat, store, and clean! Safely reheat food from fridge or freezer—microwave trays only. Top-shelf dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleanup; hand-wash lids for best results.
- #1 Brand Pick for Meal Prep Containers: Bentgo is the top pick for meal prep containers!* This lightweight, portable 20-piece set includes ten three-compartment trays and ten custom-fit lids to seal in freshness—perfect for breakfasts, lunches, and leftovers on the go.
- 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.
- Microwave, Freezer & Dishwasher Safe: Easy to heat, store, and clean! Safely reheat food from fridge or freezer—microwave trays only. Top-shelf dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleanup; hand-wash lids for best results.
- What You Get: 10 three-compartment trays, 10 custom-fit lids, and caring customer support.
- 【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.
- 【Convenient Use】: With the pre-set volume of these disposable food containers, you can easily pack your healthy meals, vegetables and fruits without measuring your portions. Great for taking your meals out for school, work, gym or a camping trip.
- 【50 Value Package】: This value package includes 50 pack (100-Piece) 24 oz meal prep containers with lids. They are the perfect choice for your daily meal preparation.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Meal Prep Containers
Meal prepping saves time and money. Good containers make your prepping successful. This guide helps you pick the right ones. We look at what matters most for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
The best containers offer several important features. Think about how you will use them every day.
Leak-Proof Lids
- This is crucial. You do not want soup spilling in your lunch bag.
- Look for containers with strong silicone seals or locking clips.
- Good seals keep food fresh longer too.
Compartments
- Containers with dividers keep foods separate.
- Separate your main dish from your side salad or dressing.
- Some people prefer one big space for simple meals. Decide what works for you.
Stackability and Portability
- Containers should stack neatly in the fridge. This saves space.
- They must fit easily into your backpack or work bag.
- Check the container size fits your appetite.
Important Materials Matter
The material of your container affects its safety and durability. Choose wisely for heating and cleaning.
Glass Containers
- Glass is excellent because it does not stain or hold odors.
- It heats very evenly in the microwave.
- However, glass is heavier and can break if dropped.
Plastic Containers (BPA-Free)
- Plastic is lightweight and usually cheaper.
- Always check for “BPA-Free” labeling. BPA is a chemical you want to avoid.
- High-quality plastic lasts longer through many washes.
Stainless Steel Containers
- These are very durable and will not break.
- Stainless steel is great for cold meals or dry snacks.
- Note: You cannot microwave food in metal containers.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few details make a big difference in how long your containers last and how easy they are to use.
Microwave and Oven Safety
- If you reheat food often, make sure the container is safe for the microwave.
- If you cook in the container, check if it is oven-safe (usually only glass).
- Lids should *never* go in the microwave unless specifically marked safe.
Freezer Compatibility
- If you prep meals for the whole month, you need freezer-safe containers.
- Plastic containers might become brittle in the deep freeze. Glass handles cold well.
Ease of Cleaning
- Dishwasher-safe containers save you scrubbing time.
- Check if the seals or gaskets are removable for deep cleaning. Food sometimes hides there.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about your daily routine when buying. Where will these containers go?
For office workers, portability and leak-proofing are top priorities. You need something that travels well. A two-compartment container works well to keep your hot entree separate from a cool salad.
For fitness enthusiasts, portion control is key. Look for containers marked with specific volume measurements. Glass is often preferred for a cleaner taste after reheating protein and veggies.
For families, buying in bulk sets makes sense. Ensure the lids are easy for kids to open and close themselves.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Meal Prep Containers
Q: Are plastic meal prep containers really safe?
A: They are safe if they are labeled “BPA-Free.” Always check this label before buying plastic.
Q: How do I stop my plastic containers from smelling like last week’s curry?
A: Wash them immediately after emptying. Soak stubborn stains in a mix of water and white vinegar before running them through the dishwasher.
Q: Should I buy containers with 1, 2, or 3 compartments?
A: This depends on your meals. One compartment is simple. Two or three compartments help you keep sauces, grains, and proteins separate.
Q: Can I use the same container for freezing and microwaving?
A: Glass containers usually handle both well. If using plastic, ensure it is rated for both freezer and microwave use. Never microwave the lid.
Q: Which material is best for heating food evenly?
A: Glass heats the most evenly because it retains heat well and does not create hot spots like some plastics do.
Q: How important is a locking lid versus just a snap-on lid?
A: A locking lid (with clips or a strong seal) is much more important for liquids like soups or dressings, as they are less likely to leak.
Q: Do expensive containers last longer than cheap ones?
A: Often, yes. Higher-priced containers usually use thicker materials, better seals, and higher-quality glass or plastic that resists warping.
Q: What size container is best for an average lunch?
A: Most people find containers between 24 oz and 32 oz work best for a full lunch portion.
Q: Are glass lids safe to put in the dishwasher?
A: Many glass lids are dishwasher safe, but check the manufacturer’s instructions. Sometimes, the seals on the lid need hand washing to maintain their integrity.
Q: How do I stop my containers from taking up too much cabinet space?
A: Look for nesting containers. These are containers that fit inside each other when empty, and the lids stack neatly on top.