Meal prepping has become an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, offering a way to save time, reduce waste, and stick to dietary goals. Whether you’re a busy professional, a fitness enthusiast, or someone looking to make home-cooked meals more accessible, finding the right meal prep container is key. Below, we’ve rounded up the top 10 meal prep containers that combine functionality with style, ensuring your meals stay fresh and delicious no matter where you go.
1. Snapware 28-Piece Glass Food Storage Set
Ideal for those who prefer glass over plastic, the Snapware set features five square containers with airtight snap closures, ensuring leak-proof transportation. BPA-free and dishwasher safe, these containers are perfect for a variety of foods, including soups and stews.
2. Rubbermaid Brilliance 5-Piece Set
With two compartments for separating meal components, these containers are clear, leak-proof, and made from durable, BPA-free plastic. They’re an excellent choice for portion control and keeping different flavors intact.
3. Hometall Adult Bento Box
Offering a modern twist on the traditional bento, this container has three layers and eight compartments, including a round dip holder. It’s leak-proof, dishwasher safe, and perfect for adults with a hearty appetite.
4. WGCC 50-Pack Meal Prep Containers
For those who meal prep in bulk, this set offers 50 durable, microwave-safe containers at an unbeatable price. They’re perfect for freezing extra portions or preparing a week’s worth of meals.
5. Caraway Glass Food Storage Set
This high-end option includes beautifully designed containers that are not only functional but also add a touch of elegance to your fridge or lunch bag. The set comes with various sizes and a unique storage system.
6. Bentgo One-Compartment Bowl
Deep and durable, these bowls are perfect for salads, grain bowls, or soups. They feature snug-fitting lids and volume measurements for easy ingredient portioning.
7. GreenLunch Stainless Steel Bento Box
An eco-friendly choice, this stainless steel bento box is free of plastic, offering a durable and sustainable option for meal preppers concerned about the environment.
8. W&P Plastic Bowl Lunch Container
Stylish and functional, this container features a secure silicone strap and a durable, BPA-free construction. It’s ideal for those who value both aesthetics and practicality.
9. Alimat Plus Silicone Food Storage Containers
Lightweight and collapsible, these silicone containers are perfect for saving space in small kitchens or packing for travel. They’re microwave and freezer safe, offering versatility for various meal options.
10. Miicol Ceramic Bowls Set
For a touch of home, these ceramic containers offer heat and cold resistance, making them ideal for storing and reheating meals. Their colorful designs allow them to double as serving dishes.
Choosing the right meal prep container can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy eating routine. Whether you’re looking for durability, style, or environmental friendliness, there’s an option out there to suit your needs.
What to Consider When Selecting the Best Meal Prep Containers
When it comes to optimizing your meal prep routine, choosing the right containers is key. Here’s what to keep in mind to find the best meal prep containers for your needs:
✔️ Material Choices:
The main contenders are glass, plastic, and stainless steel. Glass containers are durable and don’t retain odors or stains but can be heavy and breakable. Plastic options are cost-effective and lightweight but may stain or hold odors over time, and there’s often concern about microwaving. Stainless steel stands out for its durability and longevity, though it cannot be used in the microwave. Depending on what you prioritize—durability, weight, or microwave use—your choice of material will vary. Glass often emerges as a versatile favorite for its longevity and ease of cleaning.
✔️ Container Shape:
Rectangular containers are popular for their stackability and efficient use of space. Round containers might fit less neatly into some spaces but could be just what you need depending on your bag or fridge layout. Containers with dividers offer convenient portion control, though they may not suit everyone’s needs depending on what you’re packing.
✔️ Size Matters:
For single servings, consistent-sized containers that stack well are ideal. If your meal prep varies in portion size or you prefer cooking in batches, look for sets with a variety of sizes. Even if some containers seem impractical for daily transport, having multiple sizes ensures you’ll find a few that are just right for your needs.
✔️ Seal and Leak Protection:
More containers now come with clasps or seals for added leak protection, which is great for soups or saucy dishes. However, these can make the containers bulkier. Press-down lids might be slimmer and easier to store but check for a good, leak-proof fit to avoid spills.
✔️ Versatility Is Key:
The best meal prep containers are those that can go from freezer to microwave or even oven without issue. Look for containers that are safe for all the ways you like to store, reheat, and sometimes cook your meals. Glass containers often lead in this category for their ability to withstand a range of temperatures without transferring chemicals to food.
Choosing the right meal prep containers involves balancing these factors to suit your lifestyle, preferences, and the types of meals you prepare. Whether you opt for glass, plastic, or stainless steel, consider how the shape, size, seal, and versatility will impact your meal prepping success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Meal Prep Containers
Is it better to meal prep in glass or plastic containers?
The choice between glass and plastic meal prep containers depends on your personal preferences and needs. Glass containers are durable, non-porous, and do not absorb stains or odors. They are also environmentally friendly and can be used in ovens and microwaves without worry. However, they tend to be heavier and more fragile than plastic. Plastic containers, on the other hand, are lightweight, often cheaper, and more resistant to breaking. If choosing plastic, look for BPA-free options to ensure food safety. For those concerned with sustainability and long-term durability, glass is the better choice, whereas plastic containers offer convenience and portability for on-the-go meals.
What’s better than Tupperware?
While Tupperware is a well-known brand with a long history in food storage, there are several alternatives that might suit different needs better. Brands like Rubbermaid Brilliance and Snapware offer innovative designs with features like airtight seals and compartmentalization, making them excellent for meal prepping. Caraway and Bentgo provide stylish and functional solutions that cater to both aesthetic preferences and practical needs. For those looking for eco-friendly options, stainless steel containers from GreenLunch or silicone options from Alimat Plus offer sustainable alternatives. The best choice depends on specific requirements such as material preference, durability, environmental impact, and design.
Can you microwave meal prep containers?
Whether a meal prep container is microwave-safe depends on its material. Most glass containers are microwave-safe, making them a convenient choice for reheating meals. Many plastic containers are also designed to be microwave-safe, but it’s important to check for a microwave-safe symbol or confirmation from the manufacturer. It’s recommended to remove lids, especially if they are made of plastic, to prevent any chemical leaching or damage to the container. Silicone containers are generally safe for microwave use as well. Always verify the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure safe and proper use.
How long do meal prep containers last?
The lifespan of Ideal Meal Containers varies based on the material, quality, and how they are used and cared for. High-quality glass containers can last for many years, especially if they are handled carefully and not subjected to sudden temperature changes. Plastic containers may show wear and tear sooner, especially if frequently used in microwaves and dishwashers, with an average lifespan of 1-3 years depending on the quality.
How do you properly clean meal prep containers?
Proper cleaning of meal prep containers is crucial for hygiene and longevity. Glass, stainless steel, and most plastic containers can typically be washed in the dishwasher, although hand washing might preserve their quality longer. Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or brush to avoid scratching the surface.
Are there eco-friendly meal prep containers?
Yes, there are several eco-friendly meal prep container options available for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. Stainless steel and glass containers are durable, reusable, and recyclable, making them excellent sustainable choices. Silicone containers are another option, as silicone is a more environmentally friendly material than plastic and is durable and reusable. Brands like GreenLunch and Alimat Plus specialize in eco-friendly containers that not only help in meal prepping but also contribute to minimizing waste.