10 Best Meal Prep Containers Reviewed and Compared
By Nick Brisson
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In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to cook can be difficult. Instead of running too fast food restaurants, more and more people are looking for healthy options.
This is why meal prepping has become extremely popular with the health-conscious and those looking for convenient ways to ease through their week without having to worry about finding their next nutritious meal. People are much more likely to choose a healthy option if they prepare it ahead of time rather than pick an alternative option with poor nutritional value.
The first step you should take to get started with your prepping is to find the right meal prep containers. There are many options and varieties on the market that are sure to fit all of your needs. Below you’ll find a list of the 10 Best Meal Prep Containers so you can start adding them to your collection.
Mix and match some of the different brands and see which ones you like the best.
- Pyrex
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Our rating - Leak-proof
- Price: See Here
- Enther
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Our rating - Stackable
- Price: See Here
- Lang Deng
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Our rating - Microwave safe
- Price: See Here
10 Best Meal Prep Containers
Pyrex
The glass containers are sturdy, and they can take a beating. Even after dropping or knocking these containers on other objects, they stay intact. Once the lids are in place, they do not leak.
Usability:
These containers are great to store and heat your food in. They can be refrigerated or stored in the freezer. You can heat food in the microwave directly in the container. Once you finish your meal, you can toss it in the dishwasher to clean. Lids snap on and lock in place. They remove with ease.
Convenience:
Containers nest easily and can stack for convenient storage. Glass containers allow you to see the food contents inside.
Versatility:
As they come in multiple sizes and shapes, this set is versatile, and you can use it for a variety of food items. The fact that the lids are leak-proof makes them even more versatile since you can store solids and liquids in both of these.
Quality:
Pyrex has been a trusted, household name brand for over 50 years and their products do stand the test if time. They are constantly reinventing their products, and these are no exception. Pyrex makes this set of containers from high-quality glass, and the lids are made out of BPA free plastic.
Value:
This is a 20 piece set if you count the lids to the containers. Therefore, you only get ten containers total. However, the fact that these are sturdy glass containers that will last a long time, the price is worth it.
- Won’t break easily
- Food doesn’t stain the container
- Leak-proof
- Freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe
- Can double as measuring cups
- Be careful of lids in the microwave
- As they are made of glass, they have the potential to break
- Can be a bit heavy to transport
Enther
The containers are made of a heavy duty plastic and can withstand wear and tear. The seller even states that if a container cracks within ten uses, you get your money back.
Usability:
These containers are microwavable, dishwasher, and freezer safe. Lids are easy to secure and remove. There is no plastic smell leaching into the food.
Convenience:
The containers easily stack for convenient storage. The compartments are great to help you control portion sizes.
Versatility:
While each of the containers in the set are identical, the fact that they all have three compartments allows you to mix up the variety of the foods you prep.
Quality:
The containers are well made with a heavy-duty plastic that is free of BPA, PVC, phthalate. No toxins or chemicals will be contaminating your food if you use these.
Value:
This is an incredible value to be able to prep almost all three meals a day for an entire week! This set is a great way to purchase your meal prep containers in bulk.
- Freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe
- Compartments are great for portion control
- Stackable
- Great value
- Some spillage can occur between compartments
Lang Deng
These containers are made of a sturdy, durable plastic and hold up well.
Usability:
Containers are microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe. You can easily store your food, heat it up, and then throw it in the dishwasher without a second thought.
Convenience:
The containers are stackable for easy storage. Lids are easy to open; designed for adults and children.
Versatility:
Each container is the same size and shape, but having multi-colored lids is a nice feature. The compartments allow you the option to add a variety of items to your lunch in one convenient container.
Quality:
Containers are made of durable plastic that is BPA and lead-free.
Value:
For a pack of seven containers with three compartments, this is a great value. There’s one for every day of the week!
- Containers are microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe
- Easy to use lid
- Great value
- Not leak-proof
Prep Naturals
Made out of borosilicate glass, these are very durable. Borosilicate can withstand lots of wear and tear and won’t break easily.
Usability:
These containers are microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. The lids, however, are not. The glass portion of the container can even be placed in the oven to re-heat food.
Convenience:
When lids are in place, the contents are airtight, keeping food fresh longer.
Versatility:
While each container is identical and there’s not much versatility in the variants of the product, it's a nice feature that you can use these containers in the oven.
Quality:
These containers are made of high-quality, durable materials and will last you a long time. With borosilicate glass containers and BPA free plastic lids, they'll hold up after many uses.
Value:
For a set of 5, this is a good value but it could be better. The Pyrex containers, which are number one on this list, are comparably priced for a set of 10. However, these do have the option to be placed in the oven, and the lids create an airtight seal.
- Won’t break easily
- Leak-proof
- Airtight seal keeps food fresh longer
- Can be placed in the oven
- Lids are not safe for microwave, freezer, or oven
- Lids can be difficult to snap into place
- Not stackable
Isolator Fitness 3 Meal ISOBAG
The food will stay fresh and tasty for up to 16 hours. This means that all the required nutritious food that we want after traveling to a distant event, spending a number of hours participating in the competition or event, we can sit down to enjoy aa a nutritious meal. The food will be as fresh as the moment it was packed away.
This meal prep storage system offers four insulated cooling compartments, a frontal compartment for storing stacked sealed food containers, two side pockets which provide insulation and held securely through secure zip systems and two external mesh constructed pockets for storing non-perishable food products. If you want to take along extra fruit or other non-perishable foods such as supplements, energy bars, and useful utensils there is a storage compartment designed into the top of the carry holdall/bag.
The carrying capacity is achieved through a convenient style carrying holdall/bag which can be stowed away in the car while runners are away competing or participating in a running event.
This is as close as it gets to be to able to enjoy wholesome nutritious home prepared food which stays fully fresh but can be eaten away from the home in any far-off environment.
Read on for the full functionality and benefits.
A 6 compartmental meal system constructed from durable hygienic storage materials which will store drinks and food safety at a consistent storage temperature level for up to sixteen hours. Four compartments serve for keeping food cool and two compartments for non-perishable foods. Designed into the top of the light carry bag is an additional 5th compartment for utensils, extra non-perishable foods.
Usability & Convenience:
Easy to store in a parked car or any place which is convenient and with four cooling containers and two non-perishable goods containers this is a very convenient way to transport meals which are enough for three people. The lunch box carries holdall measures in at 14 inches by 9 inches by 8 inches and for comfortable carrying the unit has a comfortable padded shoulder strap and a carry handle. Cooling capacity for long-term storage emanates from two ice bricks which are contained in a leak-proof compartment in the main compartmental part of the storage unit.
Versatility:
This storage unit is very good for runners traveling away to events for a long distance and long number of hours to ensure they can bring healthy nutritious hygienically stored foods. This places you in control of bringing along healthy food rather than buying foods in public food outlets.
All food storage containers are resistive to leaking, safe for use in a microwave, BPA-Free, can be put through a dishwasher and the containers come in four variable sizes at one 38 ounce container, one 28 ounce container, one 12 ounces, and three 16 ounce containers for perfectly sized portions.
Quality:
All materials used in the construction of the food containers are high-quality nonperishable materials which ensure full hygienic temperature controllable protection for stored foods.
Value:
Given the opportunity to pre-pack hygienic nutritious meals for long-term safe storage, the price is very comfortable for those considering in investing in this pre-packed meals storage system.
6 compartmental meal system
Two stored ice breaks maintain cooling power
Can store nutritious perishable meals
Can store nonperishable foods
Convenient carry bag, easy to stow away
Stores food for three people
Leak-proof containers also can be used in a microwave
Good for away day running trips, competitions, events
Up to 16 hours safe food storage
Not for use by an individual, hence larger carry bag which is convenient when carrying meals for three people
Living Express
As the glass portion of the containers is made out of borosilicate, they're very durable and can hold up to temperature changes better than other glass storage containers, or containers made of different materials. The glass is designed to withstand oven temperatures up to 400⁰F. Also, borosilicate can hold up to 248⁰F temperature changes without shattering.
Usability:
These containers are safe for the use in the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher, making it easy to store and re-heat your food and then easily clean them. The lids can be snapped on and off with little effort. Containers are leak proof.
Convenience:
Once lids are locked in place, they create an airtight seal, keeping food fresh.
Versatility:
This set of meal prep containers is versatile because there are three options of containers to choose. The downside, however, is that they are all sold separately, and if you want all three sets, it can get pricey.
Quality:
These containers are made with high-quality materials and will last a long time. The seller even has a 100% Return Guarantee. If you don’t love these food storage containers, you will receive your money back, no questions asked.
Value:
For the price of one set, these are a good value. If buying multiple sets, the price can add up. If your goal is to buy in bulk, these might not be the meal prep containers for you.
- Microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher safe
- Made of durable borosilicate glass
- Can withstand extreme temperature changes
- Airtight seal keeps food fresh longer
- Leak-proof
- Only three containers per set
- Can get expensive if you order multiple sets
EasyLunchboxes
The plastic used to make these containers is much thicker and sturdier than the more disposable food storage containers on the market and can last a long time. On the downside, while the containers hold up after some wear and tear, the tabs on the lids have been known to break off, making it difficult to remove the lids once they are in place.
Usability:
These containers are freezable and microwavable. The lids are designed to be kid-friendly, so they are easy to remove. Contents stay within their compartments when transporting food.
Convenience:
Compartments allow you to control portion sizes. They are also stackable and easy to transport as they are lightweight.
Versatility:
These containers allow you some versatility in your buying options by giving you a few different sets to choose from and the option to choose the condiment containers. Being able to separate your food in the multiple compartments and use a separate condiment container allows for many meal prepping possibilities.
Quality:
These containers are made with quality materials and can last quite a while.
Value:
These containers are a good value for the price. They are a good, inexpensive option if you’re looking to buy a decent set on a budget.
- Compartments help with portion control
- Good value
- Contents stay in compartments
- Not leak-proof
- Tabs on lids can break or crack
Yumbox Tapas
The seller states that their products are durable and they do drop tests on them. They make this container from sturdy, food safe materials.
Usability:
These boxes are dishwasher safe. They're designed as two pieces, with one being the base with attached lid, and the other being a removable tray. The lid closes and seals very quickly.
Convenience:
They are lightweight, making transporting them easy and convenient. You can remove the compartment tray if you don't need it when packing your meal or for cleaning the container. Boxes are compact and lightweight.
Versatility:
These boxes have five separate compartments and a removable compartment tray to allow for many foods prepping options. The seller will soon be selling compartment trays separately, as well, and this box will also be compatible with the four compartment trays they produce.
Quality:
The seller offers a one year guarantee on any purchases. They also test their products to ensure they stand up. The high-quality materials they use are explicitly designed to prevent warping, staining, and odors.
Value:
These do not come in sets. You can only purchase one at a time. While these would be a great addition to any meal prepper’s container collection, you probably don’t want to stock up on only these, unless money is of no concern.
- Dishwasher safe
- Five separate compartments
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy-open latch
- Not safe for microwave or freezer
- Sold individually
- More expensive than other options
OXO Locktop
These containers can take a beating and come out unscathed. Even if you drop these, you’ll likely do minimal damage, if at all. These containers will last you a long time.
Usability:
The containers are designed for modular stacking, so they stack securely on top of each other when placed in the refrigerator or freezer. You can also use them in the microwave and dishwasher. The interlocking lids are easy to secure by pressing the outer tops in place.
Convenience:
The containers can nest inside each other for easy storage. As the containers are transparent, you can easily see the contents inside.
Versatility:
The seller has various sizes and shapes available for this particular product, which would be great to start adding to your meal prep container collection. Many of the lids to these containers will also fit the bodies of different sized containers in this same product line. So, if you purchase multiple sizes, the lids are versatile. The lids come in two colors: white or green.
Quality:
The heavy-duty, high-quality plastic used to make these containers is very sturdy and holds up very well. The material used also prevents warping, staining, or odors.
Value:
While these containers are sold separately and maybe a little more expensive than others, they will last a long time. It may take a little while to build up your set of OXO Locktop Containers, but once you do, you’ll be pleased with them.
- Interlocking tabs create airtight seal
- Safe for microwave, freezer, and dishwasher
- Versatile
- Sold individually
- Expensive
SUQI Silicone Food Storage Bag
These bags are made out of a durable food-grade silicone material that is impermeable. They can also withstand high and low temperatures ranging from -58⁰ to 482⁰ Fahrenheit.
Usability:
You can use these bags in the refrigerator, freezer, microwave, oven, and dishwasher. If that isn't enough, you can even boil them! You can reheat food by placing the bag in boiling water. You can also sanitize the bags by putting them in boiling water. These bags are leak-proof.
Convenience:
These bags save so much room in both your kitchen cabinets and your refrigerator because they aren’t bulky like containers. The bags even have measuring markers on their sides to indicate cups, milliliters, and fluid ounces to help you measure out your portions. They are also easier to transport because they are more compact and lightweight than some other food storage options.
Versatility:
Use these for any food that will fit inside the bag.
Quality:
These bags are durable and impermeable. They are made with quality and have so many great features to be worth adding to your collection.
Value:
These are relatively inexpensive and are a great addition to anyone’s kitchen. They're definitely worth the price.
- Great for saving space
- Less bulky than containers
- Leak-proof
- Can be used in microwave, freezer, oven, dishwasher, and boiling water
- Only available in one size
New Wave Enviro
This container will last a very long time since it's made from stainless steel. It will hold up to a lot of wear and tear.
Usability:
Users can place the container in the dishwasher for easy cleanup and the freezer for convenient food storage. The removable lid secures in place with clasps on both sides of the bottom portion of the container. The clasps are easy to use. The container is not leak proof.
Convenience:
This container is very lightweight and you can transport it easily.
Versatility:
This container just comes in one size, but that still allows for many meal prep options. With the easy-to-use clasp and the ability to easily transport its lightweight frame, this makes for a versatile meal prep container for your collection.
Quality:
This product is well made with a high-quality, food grade stainless steel material.
Value:
The fact that these containers could last you many years is well worth their price. They will hold up for a long time due to the stainless steel material. The only downside is that they're sold individually, so if you want to buy multiples, it could add up.
- No toxins or chemicals
- Safe for the dishwasher and freezer
- Can last a very long time
- Sold individually
- Not microwave or oven safe
- Not leak-proof
The Criteria We Used To Find The Best Meal Prep Containers
There are so many food storage containers on the market it can become overwhelming. When trying to decide what the best option is for you, there are several factors to take into consideration. If you’re going to take the time to invest in meal prepping, you shouldn’t have to take the time to invest in researching the best containers to use. We’ve done that for you. To effectively compare the best meal prep containers, we used the following criteria.
Durability
To invest money into purchasing meal prep containers, you want to know that they’ll last a long time. We researched how well these products hold up over time and the lifespan of the product.
Usability
The whole purpose of preparing your meals in advance is to save you time later in your week. So, we wanted to make sure that these products could be usable in the microwave and dishwasher. It was a bonus if they could also be used in the oven or the freezer. We even looked into whether or not they were easy to open and close and determined if they were leak-proof or not so you could decide whether that was an important factor for your needs and make an informed buying decision.
Convenience
When it comes to food storage containers, we looked for options that you would be able to stack for secure storage. We also looked for options that were easy to transport from home and on the go, as well as any other features that might make your life a little more comfortable if you purchased the items.
Versatility
When it comes to food prepping, you want to be able to have many options to take your food with you, whether at work, school, at the gym, or somewhere else. We looked at containers that came in different sizes and shapes or had varied uses, such as options with compartments so you can pack multiple items in one container.
Quality
When looking at the quality of the meal prep containers, we looked at the materials the containers were made out of, the durability and longevity of the product, and any guarantees made by the seller.
Value
When it comes to value, we looked at all of the criteria above versus the price to determine if the product is worth the price. We also chose a range of price points so these options could fit in anyone’s budget.
Other Important Factors To Consider
Leak Proof and Airtight Lids
Although some sellers may claim that their containers are leak-proof, you may want to test them with water over your kitchen sink before you try bringing soup to work and find out the hard way that the container does, indeed, leak.
Microwavable Containers
When shopping for plastic containers that you intend to use in the microwave, be sure to look for BPA free products. BPA, or bisphenol-A, is a chemical that is sometimes added to plastic. It has been known to affect our natural hormones. This compound could leach into your food when reheating it in a container made with BPA in the microwave, so it is best to opt for BPA free products whenever possible.
When looking to purchase glass containers for the microwave, make sure they can withstand extreme temperature changes so they won’t shatter if you take them directly from the refrigerator to the microwave. Borosilicate glass can withstand extreme temperatures and is also very durable.
FAQs
Q: After meal prep can you cover and put them in the fridge?
A: Depending on how hot your food is after you prep you may be able to cover it immediately and put it in the fridge. However, if the food you’re prepping is fresh from the oven, then you want to let the food cool to room temperature before covering. This practice will prevent food born pathogens from cultivating in your food. Always let your food cool to room temperature before covering and placing it in the fridge.
Q: Can you put directly from the freezer to the oven?
A: If the container is both oven and freezer safe, then you may be able to use it from the freezer to the oven safely. However, make sure you take off the cover before you place the container into the oven. While some covers in this list may be microwave safe, they’re not oven safe. Always check with the manufacturer for specific use cases. Also, be aware that some foods may not be safe for heating straight from the freezer to oven, and might need to be placed in the fridge first.
Q: What size container is needed to fit a typical meal?
A: An average adult size meal will range from 10-18oz in weight. Meals will vary in volume size depending on the density of the meal. A 16 oz meal of chicken and rice, for example, will fit in a container between 25oz and 35 oz in volume. It’s better to size up than have to compact your food into a small container.
Q: Does the food stay separated if you shake or flip a meal prep container upside down?
A: Food will only stay separated if the container has individual compartments. If flipped or shaken, food will blend if it’s in a bulk container that doesn’t contain individual compartments.
Q: How long will my food stay fresh for in a meal prep container?
A: When appropriately used meal prep containers do a great job of preserving food in the fridge or freezer. However, you should still follow best food handling practices and always label food prep dates and expiration dates. The expiration date of prepped food will depend on many factors including, the freshness of the food before prep, type of food, cooked or uncooked, and whether or not you preserve it in the freezer or fridge.
Q: Does leak-proof really mean nothing will spill out?
A: Leak-proof means no liquid should escape from the container when used properly. Leak-proof containers typically have a gasket that seals the contents inside and prevents them from leaking out.
Q: How long do meal prep containers last?
A: The lifetime of a meal prep container will vary on the amount of use, quality of construction and materials used to make them. A quality set of containers should last a minimum of 2 years, and some brands even offer a 1-2 year warranty. Some users have reported using their containers for 5+ years without any issue.
Sources
- , The Best Meal Prep Containers, Web Page, Jun 01, 2017
- , Our Top 10 Meal Prep Containers, Web Page, Dec 01, 2016
- , The 13 Best Meal Prep Containers, Web Page, Jul 18, 2018
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