The 10 Best Meal Prep Containers for Every Need
Durable seals and smart compartments ensure fresh, organized meals each day.
Meal prepping has become a cornerstone habit for anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle, saving time during busy weeks, and managing portions for weight loss or wellness. The foundation of successful meal prep isn’t just the recipes—choosing the right meal prep containers makes all the difference between soggy, unappetizing lunches and delicious, fresh meals. With countless options on the market, from glass to plastic, divided bento boxes to eco-friendly picks, finding the perfect container for every need is essential. In this expert guide, we break down the 10 best meal prep containers, organized by material, style, and specific use, along with key buying tips and maintenance advice to keep your meals safe, tasty, and convenient.
Why Choosing the Right Meal Prep Container Matters
Meal prep containers are more than just storage—they impact food safety, taste, texture, and even your motivation to stick with meal prepping. Here’s why picking the right container matters:
- Food Safety: Proper containers help prevent leaks, spills, and cross-contamination, especially when packing both hot and cold foods.
- Freshness: Airtight seals preserve flavor and texture.
- Portion Control: Partitioned and volume-measured containers make it easy to manage serving sizes.
- Convenience: Microwavable, oven-safe, dish-washer friendly options let you prep, store, and reheat with minimal hassle.
- Organization: Stackable designs save fridge and freezer space, reducing clutter and food waste.
What to Look for in a Meal Prep Container
Before investing, consider these criteria when shopping for meal prep containers:
- Material: Common choices include glass, plastic, stainless steel, and silicone. Each has unique benefits (e.g., glass is oven- and microwave-safe, plastic is lightweight).
- Seal: Look for leak-resistant, airtight lids, especially if transporting soups or saucy dishes.
- Size & Compartments: Single, dual, or multi-compartment options help organize balanced meals and snacks.
- Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe containers save time; consider how easy it is to clean seals and corners.
- Durability: Invest in containers that resist staining, odors, and warping after multiple uses.
- Storing & Stacking: Stackable containers optimize space in the fridge or bag.
The Best Meal Prep Containers in 2025
Below, we detail the best containers across materials and uses, with top recommendations, pros and cons, and care tips.
1. Best Overall Glass Meal Prep Containers
Borosi Glass 3-Compartment Meal Prep Container
- Why They’re Great: Made of durable borosilicate glass, these containers feature three separate compartments ideal for portion control and variety without mixing flavors. Snap-lock lids ensure an airtight seal, making them leak-resistant and perfect for on-the-go.
- Microwave, oven (base only), dishwasher, and freezer safe
- Available in a range of sizes for lunches, dinners, or snacks
- Price: Generally $20–$35 for a 5-pack
Cons: Lids should be hand-washed for longevity. Glass is heavier than plastic, making large sets cumbersome for some users.
2. Best Plastic Meal Prep Containers
Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers
- Highlights: BPA-free, crystal-clear, and remarkably airtight, these containers stand out for their leak-proof design and sturdy construction.
- Stack neatly, ideal for ingredient prepping and leftovers
- Safe for microwave, dishwasher, and freezer use
- Available in a wide variety of sizes to fit everything from snacks to big-batch salads
Cons: Plastic may stain when storing highly pigmented foods like curry or tomato-based sauces. Some users prefer glass for longer durability and microwaving.
3. Best Single-Compartment Glass Containers
Pyrex Simply Store Glass Containers
- Offered in single compartments from 1-cup to 11-cup sizes, simplicity meets versatility with these Pyrex containers.
- Resistant to chipping, warping, and scratching
- Excellent for storing prepped produce, batch meals, or leftovers
- Colored lids make organizing easy
Cons: Lids are plastic, so avoid microwaving them; occasionally, they may warp with rough handling.
4. Best Bento Boxes
Bentgo All-in-One Salad Container
- Why It’s Great: Specifically designed for salads but great for other meals, the Bentgo features a large base for greens, divided tray for toppings, and a lidded mini compartment for dressing.
- Prevents sogginess by keeping ingredients separate until mealtime
- Snaps securely shut, leak-resistant
- Compact and stylish, available in multiple colors
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Cons: Not suitable for oven use; capacity is best for individual salads or bowls rather than large leftovers.
5. Best Eco-Friendly and Versatile: Mason Jars
Ball Wide Mouth Mason Jars
- Top Use: Ideal for storing overnight oats, layered salads, soups, or smoothies.
- Available in various sizes (8oz, 16oz, 32oz)
- Glass resists odors and stains
- Reusable, affordable, and double as drinkware
Cons: Not always leak-proof with heavy shaking (consider silicone-seal lids for extra security). A bit heavy and not stackable when full.
6. Best Budget Meal Prep Containers
Prep Naturals Plastic Meal Prep Containers
- Affordable multi-packs often found in sets of 10–20
- Lightweight, standard 3-compartment design
- Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe
- Great for batch prepping on a budget or for kids’ lunches
Cons: Not as airtight or durable as premium options. They can warp or crack with heavy-duty use.
7. Best for Snacks and Ingredient Prep
OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Containers
- Excellent for snacks, chopped veggies, dressings, and dips
- Snap-on lids form a tight, leak-proof seal
- Stack flawlessly in fridge or on shelves
- Wide variety of sizes
Cons: Individual prices add up for full meal prep sets.
8. Best Stainless Steel: LunchBots Bento Box
LunchBots Stainless Steel Bento Box
- Ideal for minimalist packing or for those who avoid plastic
- Durable, lightweight, and stain-resistant
- Easy to clean, dishwasher safe
- Comes in various compartment layouts for flexibility
Cons: Not leak-proof for liquids; not microwaveable.
9. Best for Freezer and Batch Cooking
Glasslock Oven Safe Container Set
- Borosi glass, designed for oven-to-freezer transitions
- Airtight and completely leakproof
- Multiple shapes and sizes—rectangular, square, and round
- Great longevity, resist staining and odors
Cons: Pricey; heavier than basic containers.
10. Best for Kids: EasyLunchboxes 3-Compartment Containers
EasyLunchboxes Bento Lunch Boxes
- Affordable, colorful, and easy for little hands to open
- Three spacious compartments encourage balanced meals
- Dishwasher- and microwave-safe (top rack recommended)
- Popular for school lunches and snacks
Cons: Not leak-proof, so avoid using with watery sauces or soups.
Comparing Meal Prep Container Types
| Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass | Home prepping, reheating meals | Durability, nonporous, oven-safe, eco-friendly | Heavy, expensive, breakable |
| Plastic | Portability, casual lunches, bulk prepping | Lightweight, affordable, diverse sizes | Can stain, sometimes warp, shorter lifespan |
| Stainless Steel | Minimalist, eco-friendly, kids’ lunches | Light, tough, no odor absorption | Not microwave-safe, limited leakproof options |
| Mason Jars | Salads, overnight oats, meal layering | Classic, reusable, versatile | Heavy, can break, shape sometimes awkward |
| Bento Boxes | Varied meals, portion control, snack packs | Fun, organized, encourages variety | Some aren’t leakproof, not for hearty soups |
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
- Glass containers: Dishwasher-safe but hand-wash lids to prevent warping and seal damage.
- Plastic containers: Avoid harsh scrubbers; wash by hand if possible to extend life, and never microwave if cracked.
- Stainless steel: Dishwasher safe but ensure drying to prevent water spots.
- Mason jars: Remove lids before microwaving; check for cracks before reuse.
- For stubborn stains or odors: Soak in a baking soda and vinegar solution overnight.
Meal Prep Container Safety and BPA Concerns
Most modern containers are BPA-free, but it’s always good practice to verify before purchasing. Avoid microwaving plastic that isn’t clearly microwave-safe, and never put metal in the microwave. Glass and stainless steel are inert and generally considered the safest for reheating and food storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many meal prep containers do I need?
For weekly meal prepping, most home cooks find that a set of 5–10 containers in various sizes covers lunches, dinners, snacks, and ingredient storage. Having extra containers lets you rotate dishes and avoid daily hand-washing.
Are more compartments always better?
Not necessarily. Multi-compartment containers are helpful for variety and portion control, but single-compartment designs are best for stews, salads, or bulk foods. Having both styles available maximizes flexibility.
How do I prevent my salads or crunchy foods from getting soggy?
Use containers with separate compartments for dressing, toppings, and wet ingredients. Mason jars can also be used to layer ingredients—keep greens at the top, dressing at the bottom—to preserve freshness.
Can I freeze meals in all meal prep containers?
Check manufacturer guidelines. Glass and many plastic containers are freezer-safe, but always allow food to cool before sealing and freezing to prevent cracking or warping.
How do I avoid plastic staining or odors?
Let acidic or tomato-based foods cool before storing in plastic. Rinse containers promptly after use, and occasionally soak in a baking soilution to neutralize lingering odors.
Expert Tips for Successful Meal Prep
- Label and date everything: Use erasable markers or tape for rotating leftovers and avoiding food waste.
- Mix and match containers: Maintain a mix of sizes and compartment types for greatest meal flexibility.
- Stack smart: Always stack heavier glass containers on the bottom in your fridge for safety and ease.
- Invest in quality: Spending a bit more for a durable, airtight set pays off in food safety and long-term savings.
- Practice safe handling: Avoid drastic temperature changes (e.g., placing hot glass straight into a cold fridge) to prevent breakage.
Conclusion: The Best Meal Prep Container Is the One You’ll Use
Your kitchen, routine, and needs ultimately dictate the best meal prep container for you. Whether you’re batch-cooking for a family, portioning macro-friendly lunches, or organizing snacks for kids, investing in a diverse set of quality meal prep containers streamlines healthy eating, saves money, and makes sticking to wellness goals far more achievable. Start with versatile picks like glass or BPA-free plastic, add eco-friendly options like mason jars or stainless steel, and don’t be afraid to mix styles for maximum efficiency and meal satisfaction.
References
- https://projectmealplan.com/best-meal-prep-containers/
- https://therealfooddietitians.com/favorite-meal-prep-containers/
- https://mealplanaddict.com/meal-prep-and-freezer-prep-containers/
- https://prepdish.com/meal-planning/best-meal-prep-containers/
- https://blackblum.com/collections/meal-prep-sets
- https://workweeklunch.com/meal-prep-containers/
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