How to Pick Meal Prep Containers
The Meal prep is important, but so is the container you use to hold your food. If you’re looking for a way to change your eating habits and improve your health, meal prep containers are a great place to start. A good meal prep container will keep your food fresh, sanitary, and easy to eat on the go. If you're at the beginning of your meal prep journey or want to replace some of your older containers, this is a complete guide to finding the best meal prep containers suitable for your needs.
Container Material Pros and Cons
Plastic disposable meal prep containers may be cheap, but they cost more over time.
Disposable meal prep containers are great for those who don't want to wash their dishes. While they have a lot of other advantages such as space-saving, and most of them are microwave, freezer, or even oven safe, their main problem is that they are not environmentally friendly. Disposable containers are not recyclable and can't be composted. This means they will sit in landfills for centuries. They're also made from petroleum products, which is bad news for Mother Nature.
Considering you'll need to repurchase them and the damage they do to the environment, we generally don't recommend them, despite their small price tag.
Glass is one of the best environmentally friendly options.
Glass is one of the best options for the environment. It's reusable, durable, and safe. Plus it's easy to clean. The only drawback is that it can be heavy when you're carrying a lot of meals with you at once.
Choose food-grade stainless steel, not aluminum.
You might be surprised to learn that aluminum is a neurotoxin. This is especially true if you're using it for storing food and water. Aluminum can seep into the contents of containers over time, potentially causing health problems (including Alzheimer's).
Stainless steel, on the other hand, is a safe alternative to aluminum and plastic containers. It doesn't react with foods or beverages and won't leach chemicals into your food as other materials do. To ensure that your container isn't made from cheap stainless steel coated with an outer layer of another material (like iron), look for "18/8" stamped on its side. This indicates that it's made of high-quality 18% chromium and 8% nickel alloy stainless steel with alloys added to improve durability and corrosion resistance.[1]
Silicone storage bags can be reused over and over.
Silicone storage bags can be reused over and over. They’re made from food-grade silicone, so they’re super easy to clean and dishwasher-safe. You can even put them in the freezer! They don’t leak like plastic wrap or zip-lock bags do—even when you shake them. With their heat-resistant construction, they can be used for both hot and cold meals without transferring any germs or flavors between items (this is especially useful if you want to take leftovers for lunch).
What Are Your Unique Needs?
If you’re looking for freezer storage containers, go for glass.
Glass is a great investment because it's durable and reusable, as well as easy to clean and eco-friendly. If you're planning on using your container in the microwave or dishwasher (or both), look for one that's labeled "microwave safe." Some containers come with lids that can be used on their own or in the microwave, so if this is important to you, check before buying.
Be sure to choose leak-proof containers.
One of the most important features of your meal prep container is that it's leak-proof. Look for lids with a rubber seal or extra tight closure, and always make sure they're secure before putting them in the dishwasher. You should also check to see if your container is microwave and oven-safe. If you have any doubts about whether or not it can withstand high temperatures, don't chance it—choose another option!
Make sure your meal prep containers are safe, easy to use, and environmentally friendly.
It's important to ensure that your meal prep containers are safe, convenient, and environmentally friendly. You want to make sure you've got food storage containers that are going to keep your food fresh and are easy to clean.
When choosing, it's also important to think about how they'll be stored. If you're a little clumsy, like me, and tend to knock things over or move them around a lot (especially if you're trying not to eat everything at once), then it's helpful for the container itself to have handles and stand upright on its own so nothing gets knocked over when moving them around in the kitchen or pantry.
Space saver would be a plus.
If you're anything like me, you have limited storage space in your kitchen. Or maybe you live in a small apartment and need to keep things neat and tidy. Either way, it's important to pick containers that will fit well with the rest of your stuff. If there's one thing I've learned about meal prep containers (and life), it's that less is more.
The right size container can make all the difference in how neatly organized your kitchen looks—and how quickly and easily food can be put away after it has been prepared. Plus, if they are too big or bulky then it'll take up even more space on top of adding some bulkiness to what would otherwise be a sleek setup!
Our Recommendations
Best budget buy: Lock & Lock 4-piece Rectangular Food Storage Container Set
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal prep container, Lock & Lock is the way to go. The 4-piece rectangular food storage container set comes in a variety of sizes and colors—and they are all dishwasher safe too!
Lock & Lock containers are microwave safe so you can reheat your meals without worrying about melting plastic or warping your containers. They’re also freezer safe, so if you need to store leftovers for later, this set will do the job perfectly (although I recommend using freezer bags instead of these containers). The best part? No chemicals leaching into your food from BPA!
Best thermos: Thermos Stainless King 16-ounce Travel Tumbler
This thermos from Thermos is a great choice for meal prep. It has a 16-ounce capacity, which is perfect for holding leftovers or cold coffee. This high-quality stainless steel beverage container features an easy-to-use locking system, so you can shake the container without worrying about spillage! The leak-proof lid helps protect your food and drink from spills, too. Plus, it's dishwasher safe (although hand washing is recommended).
The best part? You'll have hot meals ready to go even after work—all thanks to this thermos!
Best organizer for leftovers: Rubbermaid Glass Food Storage Containers (4-piece)
Our pick for the best organizer for leftovers is the Rubbermaid Glass Food Storage Containers (4-piece). These containers are made of sturdy, durable, and leak-proof glass that can withstand the heat of a microwave or dishwasher. They come in a variety of sizes, including two rectangular (2 cups) and two rectangular (3.2 cups).
The lids are designed to fit securely onto each container; however, if you’re worried about leaks, you can also purchase silicone bands separately. These bands will keep your food fresh while also keeping it sealed from unwanted visitors like ants or flies! The glass is also BPA-free so you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals seeping into your food when storing or reheating later on.
Best glass containers: Bentgo Glass Meal Prep Containers (4-pack)
You’re going to want to buy these lunch box containers if you’re looking for durability and convenience. The Bentgo Glass Meal Prep Containers (4-pack) are made with BPA-free tempered glass, which is more durable than plastic. They are also dishwasher safe, so you can be confident that they will last longer than the cheaper options that don’t make it through the gentle cycle. These containers stack easily and won't break when stacked like some of their plastic counterparts.
Best stackable lunch box: Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers (5-pack)
These glass containers are the perfect solution for meal prepping when you’re eating leftovers. The stackable design makes these containers easy to store, and the lids snap on tightly to prevent spills and leaks. They’re not microwave safe, so if you have a microwave at work or school, they won’t work well with those!
Best all-in-one set: Bentgo Variety Meal Prep Kit (60-piece)
This 60-piece set from Bentgo is the best option for meal preppers who want to keep their food fresh and easy to transport. It includes ten snack-size containers, ten bowls, and ten tray-style containers with matching lids. The variety is perfect for packing a balanced meal as well as making sure you have the right container for all your needs
You can use these containers in your own refrigerator or freezer as well as in microwaves or dishwashers for easy cleanup afterward!
These meal prep containers are safe, sturdy, and make meal prepping easy!
We've put together a list of the best meal prep containers based on their:
- Material: We only included products made from BPA-free materials like glass, plastic, or stainless steel.
- Size: Not all containers are created equal—some serve one person, and others can hold enough food for four.
- Lids: A secure lid is an essential part of any meal prep container. It keeps your food fresh and prevents spills when you store your meals in the fridge or freezer.
There’s no question about it: meal prep containers are a great way to get your meals organized and ready for the week or even months ahead. They also help keep everything neat and tidy, so you don’t have to worry about soggy lettuce or spilled sauce when you're ready to eat. Now that you know about meal prep containers, it’s time to get started on your healthy lifestyle journey!
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