When looking for the best meal prep containers for your needs, Talia Koren, founder of the meal planning subscription service and blog, Workweek Lunch and author of The Workweek Lunch Cookbook, suggests that the best meal prep containers you can buy are ones with sealable, airtight lids. “Look for containers that have lids that snap down rather than just press on to the container,” says Koreen. “This way they won’t leak or let any food smells escape into your fridge.” The Oxo Prep & Go 10-Piece Container Set is our top pick, because it comes with a number of different sized options, all of which have locking lids and are safe for the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. Plus, the containers have a nesting design for compact storage. Keep reading for more of the best meal prep containers. Who it isn’t for: People who have difficulty opening click-lock lids. The Oxo Prep & Go containers come in every shape and size imaginable for preparing your meals and bringing them with you on the go. Choose from containers of varying sizes, as well as containers with dividers, containers with a built-in colander, and mini condiment keepers for your dips and sauces. Or better yet, fully stock your cabinet with Oxo’s 10-piece or 20-piece container set. Each container features a leakproof, silicone-rimmed click-lock lid, apart from the condiment pots which have screw-on lids (which have also been designed not to leak). In addition to being safe for use in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher, these containers are BPA-free, odor-resistant, and stain-proof. We particularly appreciate their space-saving design—when not in use, the containers can nest into each other so they take up minimal kitchen cabinet space. Product Details:
Material: PlasticSafe for: Microwave, dishwasher, and freezer
Price at time of publish: $30 Who it isn’t for: People who want spillproof meal prep containers for transporting soups and other liquids. Though they’re commonly used for storing leftovers, these recognizable food storage containers from Ikea are actually an excellent option for meal prepping as well. Because they come in seven different sizes, you can easily use them to prep and store all of your meals for the week. The taller ones are even good for soups—although they’re not leakproof, so make sure to keep them upright during transportation. The containers are nestable for keeping your kitchen cabinets neat and tidy, and you can wash them in the dishwasher, which is important, as it saves you from having to wash 17 pieces by hand! These are the best meal prep containers when it comes to value, because they work out to under 50 cents per container. They might not be the best containers for stashing in your backpack, but they’re ideal for meal prepping at home. Product Details:
Material: PlasticSafe for: Microwave, dishwasher, and freezer
Price at time of publish: $8 Who it isn’t for: People who aren’t in a position to spend a lot on meal prep containers. In addition to being incredibly stylish, durable, and made from high-quality materials, all the containers in the W&P Porter 8-Piece Fridge Bundle are fabulously convenient for all your meal-prepping needs—especially if you want to take your meals with you on the go. The bundle comes with three bowls and three sandwich/snack bags of all different sizes, as well as a tumbler and water bottle, so that your drinks are catered for, too. All items are leakproof and made to last. Dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe, Porter’s items and come in five different colors to suit all tastes. Admittedly, these containers are rather pricey, but they have a high-quality construction using materials including LFGB-certified silicone and BPA-free plastic, as well as durable borosilicate glass. In addition, if you buy this bundle, you’re getting each item at a 20 percent discount. Product Details:
Materials: Plastic, silicone, borosilicate glassSafe for: Microwave, dishwasher, and freezer
Price at time of publish: $135 Who it isn’t for: People who prefer more lightweight meal prep containers. These Pyrex glass food storage containers are durable and built to last. The nonporous tempered glass won’t absorb odors and stains, and it’s safe for the microwave, freezer, dishwasher, and oven—meaning you can cook with them in a fully preheated oven (sans the lids). The lids have different colors to help you color-code your meals, and they’re airtight to keep food fresher for longer. There are six different-sized containers that range from one-cup to seven-cup capacities. Since these are made from tempered glass as opposed to borosilicate, it’s best not to put them straight into the microwave from the freezer or vice versa. Product Details:
Materials: Tempered glass with plastic lidsSafe for: Microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven
Price at time of publish: $44 Who it isn’t for: People who want meal prep containers with more structure. These reusable storage bags from Stasher are exactly what you need for preparing a whole day’s meals in advance when you’re out and about. With different sizes that cater to breakfast, lunch, snacks, and more, these bags make the perfect accompaniment for a day at the office. What’s more, they’re lightweight and leakproof, so you can just throw them in your work bag and go. They come in an array of funky colors, too. These containers are made from high-quality, food-grade silicone and are safe to use in the freezer, microwave, dishwasher, and even in the oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can even sous vide with them! We think these bags are some of the best meal prep containers for anyone who prefers something non-bulky that’s able to hold a variety of foods. They’re extremely durable and have an airtight Pinch-Loc seal that is easy to open and close, and can even hold soup without leaking. Product Details:
Materials: Silicone Safe for: Microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven
Price at time of publish: From $46 for 4-pack Who it isn’t for: People who prefer plastic meal prep containers. While many meal prep containers claim they are freezer- and microwave-friendly, most cannot be placed directly into the microwave straight from the freezer—the drastic heat difference could cause the glass to break. Fortunately, these durable glass food storage containers from FineDine are able to withstand extreme temperature changes: Store them in the fridge or freezer, remove the lid, stick them into the microwave, then pop them straight into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Another perk of these containers is they are able to store a lot of food—particularly ideal if your idea of a decent lunch consists of more than just a sandwich. The plastic lids each have a rubber gasket which makes them airtight, and the hinge-lock lid system keeps leaks at bay. With 12 containers in the set, you’ll now be able to comfortably re-home or recycle all those other plastic containers that have been taking up valuable cabinet space, as these meal-prep containers will likely be the only ones you’ll reach for going forward. Product Details:
Materials: Borosilicate glass with plastic lidsSafe for: Microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven
Price at time of publish: $40 Who it isn’t for: People who don’t need multiple compartments in a meal prep container. Bento boxes are a common solution to many meal prepping woes: These single-serving containers have separate dividers for individual items, so you can keep your sides and main separate. The Bentgo Prep 3-Compartment Meal Prep Containers come in a set of 10 and are just what the doctor ordered for meal prepping up to 10 days in advance. Made from BPA-free, heavy-duty plastic that is microwave-, dishwasher-, and freezer-safe, these containers are extremely affordable at less than $2 per item. The lids fit snugly to seal in freshness, but they shouldn’t be put in the microwave. When not in use, the containers nest into each other, taking up minimal storage space. The kit comes with a meal prep eBook featuring a plethora of easy meal ideas for when you’re not feeling all that creative in the cooking department. Product Details:
Materials: PlasticSafe for: Microwave, dishwasher (top rack), and freezer
Price at time of publish: $13 Who it isn’t for: People who want to purchase individual meal prep containers as opposed to a set. Glass containers have a more attractive, high-end look about them, but they do tend to be a little bulky and a pain to lug around when you’re out and about. These Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, however, mimic the look of glass without being heavy or as prone to breaking after an accidental tumble. They’re made from a premium Tritan plastic that is shatterproof and features a StainShield technology that keeps them stain- and odor-free, as well as a cinch to clean. As opposed to many other plastic containers, these meal prep boxes have airtight and leakproof lids that keeps them securely shut thanks to the built-in latches. The entire container and lid (except the latches) is see-through so you can easily see what’s inside, whether you’re looking into a fridge or peering down into a top-opening freezer. These handy containers are available in a variety of different sets, although they cannot be purchased separately. Product Details:
Materials: PlasticSafe for: Microwave, dishwasher, and freezer
Price at time of publish: From $23 for 6-piece set Who it isn’t for: People who prefer a clear meal-prep container so they can see what’s inside without having to open it. Salads are notoriously tricky to make into packed lunches; if you leave the dressing in too long, your once crunchy and delicious salad could end up watery and slushy—and no one likes the taste of soggy lettuce. Vegetables also have a hard time retaining their crunch if placed next to hot foods. Here to provide a solution is the Freshmage Salad Lunch Container, which can keep your salad separate from the other items in the box, and it also has a removable compartment for your dressing so you can add it in when you’re ready to eat. Resting atop the large main salad bowl is a removable tray with three food compartments—and one in the middle for dressings/dips, which has its own built-in hinge lid. The lid of the container has a rubber rim and click-lock latches that seal it up tightly, making it fully leakproof. This container is made from BPA-free, food-grade plastic that is dishwasher- and microwave-safe (the lid shouldn’t be put in the microwave, though), and it even comes with its own salad spoon. Product Details:
Materials: PlasticSafe for: Dishwasher and microwave
Price at time of publish: $10
How to Shop for Meal Prep Containers Like a Pro
Material
Meal prep containers come in several materials, the most common being plastic or glass. While glass meal prep containers are generally considered safer, more eco-friendly, and are typically more attractive, they do tend to be heavier. “I prefer glass for meal prep containers because they last a lot longer, even if they’re more expensive and heavier,” Koren tells us. “They’re less likely to stain or retain odors. There’s also something about eating out of a glass container that feels better, too!” Disposable meal prep containers are also available, but, while they eliminate the need for cleanup, they tend to prove more costly in the long run as you have to keep buying them. They’re also not eco-friendly. If you do prefer a disposable option, however, try and opt for biodegradable or at least recyclable units. Koren says that glass containers are better for everyday meal prep at home and to reheat food in a microwave, air fryer, or oven. “Just make sure that your glass containers are oven-safe before doing so,” she says, “and note that glass containers generally have plastic lids which should not go in the oven or air fryer.” Koren does recommend plastic containers if you’re commuting with food because they’re lighter. Stainless steel is also a great and more lightweight option for commuters; just keep in mind that it can’t be heated.
Capacity
Meal prep containers are available in an array of shapes and sizes and the best one for you is going to come down to how you intend to use it. “For individual lunches and dinners, I find that 30-ounce containers are the best size,” Koren explains. “15-20-ounce options are great for breakfast. And anything over 30 ounces will be good for storing larger quantities of batch-cooked food.”
Care
Caring for your meal prep containers is pretty straightforward. If the container you have purchased is dishwasher-safe, it can be thrown in with the rest of the dishes. However, double check that they don’t need to be put in the top rack or washed on a low temperature setting. If you have a container that is not safe for use in the dishwasher, scrubbing it with a dish sponge, simple dish soap, and warm water is the best way to get it clean.
Questions You Might Ask
How do you get rid of food stains in containers?
Glass meal prep containers are generally stain-resistant, whereas plastic containers can be more prone to staining. To clean stains from meal prep containers, try a combination of baking soda, dish soap, and warm water. For severely stained containers, allow this mixture to soak for an hour before rinsing. Additionally, you can try this trick, in which you rub the cut side of a lemon over the stain, allow it to dry in the sun, and then wash as normal.
Can you microwave meal prep containers?
Though most good meal prep containers are microwave-safe, you should always check that the manufacturers’ description confirms this—and that the same holds true for any lids—before trying it out. Glass meal prep containers are typically safe for use in the microwave, but their lids might not be.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat is also the Commerce Editor-at-Large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading US online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, Kat reviewed and tested multiple meal prep containers, and researched and considered factors such as each container’s size, material, style, and how easy it is to clean. She also spoke to Talia Koren, founder of the meal planning subscription service and blog, Workweek Lunch and author of The Workweek Lunch Cookbook.
