The 5 Best Containers for Meal Prep
You might think I’m crazy for creating a buyer’s guide for meal prep containers, but after years of focusing on clean eating and meal prepping, I can tell you that some containers are objectively better than others!
In this post, I list the best meal prep containers on Amazon and what I like about each.
From Tosca
Meal prep is the pro tip to maintaining your fitness goals
When you prepare healthy meals in advance, you’re making sure good food is always available to you, even if you don’t feel like making it. Meal prep is everyone’s secret weight management weapon.
I hope these meal prep containers are the next step in your clean-eating journey.
M MCIRCO Glass Meal Prep Containers
$38
Pros
- Pack of 5—one for each weekday
- Microwave, dishwasher, & freezer-safe
- Leak-resistant lid
Cons
- Heavy to carry
The M MCIRCO food containers are made from borosilicate glass—a food-grade glass that’s particularly strong and sturdy. Each container in this set has 3 separate compartments and locking lids with silicone seals to ensure freshness.
Enther Meal Prep Containers
$18
Pros
- Includes 20 sets
- Microwave, dishwasher, & freezer-safe
- Tight-sealing lids
Cons
- Lots of storage required
Enther Meal Prep Containers are all about value. With 20 lids and containers in the set, this low-cost option is ideal for families with multiple meal preppers. Because the containers are freezer and microwave-safe, you can prepare and freeze meals weeks in advance.
LUCENTEE 7-Pack Snack Containers
$12
Pros
- Pack includes a container for every day of the week
- BPA, PVC, & Phthalate-free plastic
- Freezer & microwave-safe
Cons
- Lids may be tricky to seal
The LUCENTEE 7-container set is an inexpensive and colorful way to food prep. With 7 containers, you can prep a whole week at once. Plus, the colored lids mean you don’t have to mess around with labels; you can just assign a color to every day of the week.
KOMUEE 30-Piece Glass Food Storage Containers Set
$70
Pros
- Multiple container sizes
- Huge variety with 30 pieces
- Tightly sealed & spill-proof lid
Cons
- Heavy
- Lots of storage required
If containers with compartments don’t work for you, this KOMUEE 30-piece glass set is your ideal meal storage solution. These containers come in various sizes, so you can portion out your meals however you like. The strong borosilicate glass is food-grade and easy to clean.
Hydro Flask Insulated Food Jar
$40
Pros
- Keeps hot food hot and cold food cold
- Leakproof
- Double-wall vacuum insulation
Cons
- Not microwave safe
When you need a hot meal without access to a microwave, the hydro flask insulated food jar is your best bet. This BPA-free container holds up to 28 ounces. The pro-grade stainless steel keeps your food at the right temperature without impacting the taste. It’s even dishwasher safe so you don’t have to worry about hand-washing it.
Buyer’s Guide
What to Look for When Buying Food Prep Containers
Meal prep is a true fitness enthusiast’s best practice. The right supplies make it simpler and more efficient to accomplish food prepping. Here are some things to consider.
Materials
Even though most containers are dishwasher-safe, you may find some plastic ones warp in the dishwasher. On the other hand, glass may be too heavy to take to work with you every day. You’ll need to weigh longevity vs. portability and determine which matters most.
Also pay attention to seals. Some food containers have rubber or silicone seals that trap food particles. You need to be able to remove and wash these easily and regularly.
Portion Sizes
Some of the containers on the market are for children’s lunches, which means the compartment sizes may be too small to fit reasonable adult portions. Be sure to check the compartment volume before you buy.
Cost
Remember to think about what you’re getting for the price. Glass may be more expensive, but it also has the potential to last longer. You may find a set of 7 for $25 and a set of 15 for $35. Considering elements like the number of pieces per set and likely longevity will help you get the best value when you buy.