The 16 Best Meal Prep Containers for Every Kitchen and Need
Discover the top meal prep containers to keep your food fresh, organized, and your healthy habits on track all week long.
Staying organized in the kitchen is key to saving time, cutting back on waste, and sticking with healthier eating habits. Meal prep containers are the unsung heroes of meal planning, making it easy to safely store, portion, and transport everything from salads and soups to snacks and overnight oats. Whether you’re new to meal prep or a seasoned pro, finding the right set can transform your routine. Below, we highlight the 16 standout meal prep containers available today, breaking down their strengths, ideal uses, and what to consider before buying.
Why Invest in Quality Meal Prep Containers?
Choosing the best meal prep containers goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about functionality, durability, and supporting healthy choices:
- Portion Control: Containers help keep servings consistent and support dietary goals.
- Freshness: Airtight seals and leakproof designs lock in flavor and prevent spills.
- Versatility: Many containers are both microwave and freezer-safe, supporting a range of meal prep plans.
- Convenience: Stackable, lightweight designs keep the fridge organized and make lunches portable.
- Sustainability: Reusable options help reduce single-use plastic waste.
What to Look for in a Meal Prep Container
The best meal prep container is the one that matches your lifestyle and preferences. Keep these criteria in mind while shopping:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Material | Choose from glass (durable, doesn’t stain, oven-safe), plastic (lightweight, affordable), or stainless steel (long-lasting, eco-friendly). |
| Leakproof Design | Prevents messy spills, especially for soups, dressings, or on-the-go lunches. |
| Compartments | Helps separate foods for portion control or to keep ingredients fresh, especially useful for salads and bento-style meals. |
| Lid Type | Snap-lock or silicone seal lids usually offer the best air-tightness. |
| Microwave/Freezer/Dishwasher Safe | Maximizes convenience and supports various meal prep methods. |
| Stackability | Keeps the fridge or bag tidy and maximizes space. |
| Size and Shape | Pick the right sizes for your portions and needs—rectangular for mains, round for salads, tall jars for snacks or parfaits. |
Our Top Picks: Best Meal Prep Containers
Each container below stood out for its practicality, features, and reliability. The categories reflect common meal prep needs—from salads to snacks, lunches to bulk storage.
1. Best Overall Glass Meal Prep Set: Bentgo Glass Lunch Containers
These Bentgo containers blend the durability and safety of glass with user-friendly snap-lock lids. Large enough for a generous lunch (about 3 to 4 cups), they go from microwave to dishwasher with ease.
- Made of borosilicate glass; resists thermal shock and staining
- Snap-lock plastic lids keep meals fresh
- Freezer, oven, and microwave safe (without lid)
- Ideal for: Leftovers, salads, main course meal preps
2. Best Value: Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers
Prep Naturals offers affordable glass containers with smartly designed sections, perfect for meal prepping multiple dishes at once.
- Available in 1-, 2-, or 3-compartment versions
- Securely snaps shut; fits in most lunch bags
- Oven-safe up to 500°F (without lids)
- Available in sets for batch prepping
3. Best for Salads: Bentgo Salad Stackable Lunch Container
This bento-inspired container makes soggy salads a thing of the past. Individual compartments keep greens, toppings, and dressing apart until mealtime.
- Large base compartment for greens
- Removable tray for toppings and proteins
- Sealed dressing container included
- Snap-tight lid holds everything together securely
- Dishwasher safe
What others are reading
4. Best Plastic Set: Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers
Rubbermaid’s Brilliance line is a perennial favorite for plastic storage: crystal clear, virtually stain-resistant, and reliably leakproof.
- Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe
- Stackable design saves fridge space
- Air-tight locking lids prevent leaks
- Great for meal prep novices and families
5. Best for Snacks: Sistema Klip It Collection Snack Containers
Sistema’s small-gauge, BPA-free containers are as handy for snacks as they are for portion-controlling smaller items like nuts, fruit, or cheese.
- Snaps securely, easy to open (even for kids)
- BPA-free plastic; dishwasher safe
- Stackable, colorful, and affordable
6. Most Versatile: Pyrex Glass Storage Set
Pyrex glass containers have stood the test of time, offering exceptional versatility for everything from storing batch-cooked grains to prepping weekly lunches.
- Available in multiple sizes and shapes
- Tight-fitting BPA-free lids
- Oven, microwave, and freezer safe
- Simple classic design for easy stacking
7. Best for Portion Control: Freshware Meal Prep Containers
Freshware’s compartmentalized plastic containers make healthy portioning and meal separation effortless, great for busy workweeks or school lunches.
- Multiple compartments (up to three per container)
- Lightweight, reusable, and stackable
- Microwave and dishwasher-safe
- Affordable bulk packaging
8. Best Eco-Friendly: ECOlunchbox Stainless Steel Three-in-One Bento Box
This stainless steel bento box is sustainable, plastic-free, and built to last a lifetime—ideal for those seeking to reduce single-use plastics.
- Three nested compartments keep food separated
- Dishwasher safe; won’t retain stains or odors
- Fits compactly in most lunch bags
9. Best Leakproof: Enther Meal Prep Containers
Enther’s mats boast tight-fitting lids that eliminate leaks, making them popular with those who transport soups, stews, or saucy meals.
- Comes in various sizes
- Snap-on lids form a tight seal
- Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe
- Lightweight and affordable packs
10. Best for Freezing: Ball Wide Mouth Mason Jars
Perfect for freezing soups, smoothies, or layered oats. The wide-mouth glass makes filling and cleaning straightforward, while the lids keep contents fresh and safe from freezer burn.
- Avoid overfilling before freezing to allow expansion
- Reusable and multi-purpose (also great for salads or overnight oats)
11. Best Bento Box: LunchBots Large Trio Stainless Steel
LunchBots’ stainless steel bento box is a favorite for kids and adults alike, simplifying snack or lunch transport with three tidy compartments.
- All-metal, dishwasher safe, and highly durable
- No plastic, no BPA
- Excellent for sandwiches, veggies, and fruit
12. Best Microwave-Safe Plastic: Snapware Total Solution
Snapware’s microwave-safe plastic containers have airtight locking lids to prevent accidents and keep flavors separate, supporting both meal prep and leftovers.
- Variety of sizes, shapes, and sets
- Microwave, freezer, and top-rack dishwasher safe
- BPA-free plastic
13. Best Non-Stick: OXO Good Grips Prep & Go
OXO’s Prep & Go collection features non-stick interiors and easy-open lids. Their sandwich container, in particular, stands out for keeping bread fresh.
- Leakproof silicone seals
- Dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleaning
- Available in a range of sizes and colors
14. Best Stackable: Joseph Joseph Nest Lock Container Set
This compact, colorful set is designed to nest together for convenient storage and comes with locking lids for a secure, leakproof seal.
- Space-saving nesting design
- Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe
- Easy to match lids to bases
15. Best for Dressing & Dips: Sistema To Go Mini Dressing Container
Keep salad dressings, peanut butter, or dips separate with these tiny, leakproof containers that fit perfectly into lunch bags or larger prep containers.
- BPA-free, dishwasher safe plastic
- Secure snap lids prevent leaks in transport
16. Best Bulk Set: MealPrep Large 30-Pack Container Set
Great for group meal preps, big families, or anyone who likes to prep ahead for several days. Bulk sets keep costs down while ensuring you always have a clean container on hand.
- Multiple size and compartment options
- Durable for repeated use; affordable for big families or batch cooking
- Dishwasher, freezer, microwave safe
Material Guide: Glass vs. Plastic vs. Stainless Steel
Each material has unique advantages and some trade-offs. Here’s a comparison chart to help with your decision:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Glass | Oven/Microwave/Freezer Safe, Stain & Odor Resistant, Sustainable | Heavier, Breakable, Can be pricier |
| Plastic | Lightweight, Affordable, Wide variety of shapes | Can stain/absorb odors, Some are not microwave-safe |
| Stainless Steel | Extremely durable, Eco-friendly, Long-lasting, No leaching | Not microwave-safe, Can cost more |
Expert Meal Prep Tips
- Leave headroom when freezing liquids in glass to prevent breakage as contents expand.
- Use compartments to keep wet and dry ingredients separate, especially for salads and grain bowls.
- Label and date your containers to track freshness, especially for batch cooking and freezing.
- Stack containers with similar shapes to save on fridge and freezer space.
- Opt for clear containers when possible, making it easy to see what’s inside.
- Check lids regularly for signs of wear, warping, or damaged seals to maintain leakproof performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the safest material for meal prep containers?
Glass and food-grade stainless steel are considered safest as they don’t leach chemicals, are highly durable, and resist stains and odors. BPA-free plastic is safe for most uses but may stain over time with heavy use.
How do I keep my salads from getting soggy?
Store dressings and crunchy toppings in separate compartments or mini containers. Combine only at mealtime to maintain texture.
How can I avoid leaks when transporting meals?
Choose containers labeled “leakproof” with snap-lock or silicone seals. Always check that the lid is fastened securely before storing or carrying.
Are meal prep containers microwave and dishwasher safe?
Many glass and BPA-free plastic containers are microwave and dishwasher safe, but always check the manufacturer’s guidelines, especially for lids and silicone seals, which may need to be hand washed.
How long can meal prep food last in containers?
Most refrigerated meals stay fresh for 3-5 days in airtight containers. For freezing, most foods last 2-3 months when stored properly.
Meal Prep Container Care & Cleaning
To prolong the life of your containers:
- Hand wash lids and silicone seals, even if labeled dishwasher safe, to maintain leakproof function.
- Regularly check for cracks or warping and replace if integrity is compromised.
- Avoid stacking hot glass containers on cold surfaces to prevent thermal shock.
- Remove stains from plastic by soaking in baking soda and water solutions.
Conclusion
The right meal prep container set can streamline your week, help you eat healthier, and save time and money. Whether you prefer glass, plastic, or stainless steel, investing in quality containers tailored to your food prep style will make your kitchen and meals more organized, efficient, and enjoyable.
References
- https://projectmealplan.com/best-meal-prep-containers/
- https://therealfooddietitians.com/favorite-meal-prep-containers/
- https://workweeklunch.com/meal-prep-containers/
- https://prepdish.com/meal-planning/best-meal-prep-containers/
- https://blackblum.com/collections/meal-prep-sets
- https://www.peanutbutterandfitness.com/how-to-pick-the-perfect-meal-prep-container/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
