Best Meal Prepping Containers

Containers are one of the most important parts of meal prepping. They are what allow for food to be portioned out, stored and reheated later. There are a ton of options out there for storing food and everyone can have different needs so we put together a short list of some of the best meal prepping containers.

From price to size and material, there are a lot of ways to consider your container needs. Do you want a set that will last you for years or do you prefer containers that you can lose or break and not worry about? Also consider what kind of food you like to meal prep. Some containers may work better for portioning out vegetables, proteins and fruits, keeping your food from mixing too much. Reheating is another consideration. If you plan to microwave your food in the container you may want to use a dish with sturdier materials to avoid staining, warping or destroying it by constantly microwaving it. Lastly, the lid. Different lids provide different solutions to the same problem. High quality meal prep containers tend to have stronger lids and that may be important for you if you carry your food in a bag that can tip it over.

This list of the best meal prepping containers includes a variety of types and having different sets can be extremely helpful when you’re mixing up your recipe routine or forget to do the dishes.

1. Glass Lock Oven Safe Storage Containers

If you’re looking for high quality, durable and versatile meal prepping containers, Glass Lock provides a great product. The Tempermax glass means you can store meals in these containers in the freezer, pull them out and heat them up in the oven without using other dishes. This is incredibly convenient for the cooking and the cleaning. The lid is not oven safe but does come with locking flaps that provide a strong seal on the containers. Glass Lock containers are a great choice for meal preppers who make a lot of meals at once, take their food to work everyday or want a product that will stick around and be usable for years.

• It comes with various size and shape and each shape has been designed to nest and stack to keep your kitchen organized and fresh.
• TEMPERMAX technology gives high thermal resistance so it can be used from freezer to oven. With excellent durability, airtight & leak proof function, Glasslock guarantees the freshness of your food.

Shop Glasslock meal prep containers

2. Rubbermaid Fresh Works Storage Containers

The Rubbermaid Fresh Works containers are more niche however anyone who stores veggies and fruits in the fridge often knows how difficult it is to keep them at just the right freshness so they’re delicious and have a great texture. These containers have a built in air vent that helps keep your vegetables crisp and your fruits succulent. The filter doesn’t require changing so don’t worry about on-going costs.

These containers may not be as versatile as some of the other containers on this list but fruits and vegetables don’t last long and can cost a lot so anything helps. It’s great to keep a couple of these around, especially if you are struggling to eat all of your fruits and veg before you have to throw them out.

• KEEP PRODUCE FRESHER LONGER: Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver uses FreshVent technology to regulate airflow, so your produce stays fresher longer.
• BUILT-IN FILTER: The built-in FreshVent filter in these Rubbermaid containers regulates the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide to create the optimal environment for your fresh produce; the filter lasts a lifetime—no refills needed
• EASY TO USE: Simply place unwashed and uncut produce in the FreshWorks container and place container in the fridge; FreshWorks works best when only one type of produce is stored in a container
• SPACE SAVING: Modular, space-efficient design for easy kitchen organization; bases nest inside each other, and one lid fits multiple bases

Shop Rubbermaid 6-Piece Meal Prep Containers

3. Pyrex Large Containers

Pyrex is a famous brand of kitchen cookware and containers. They provide some of the best meal prepping containers and products. We highly recommend having a set of these in the kitchen. Everyone is bound to use these at some point. Whether you’re a serious meal prepper or end up with leftovers from a restaurant, these containers are a great choice. They work in the freezer and the oven so their usability rating is high. Just make sure to remove the lid before sticking it in the oven.

Pyrex has also become a very affordable brand with the same level of quality. They’re tough to break and reheat food very evenly.

• MADE IN USA – There is Nothing like American Quality, American Design, American Work; Support local workers
• QUALITY – The quality of items made right here in the USA are not comparable to items made elsewhere; BPA free; Plastic Cover is dishwasher safe (top rack only)
• Pyrex containers with lids will help your food stay fresh for a longer while thus eliminating food waste; Ideal for refrigerator and freezer storage or taking food on the go

Shop Pyrex 4 Cup Round Dish Meal Prep Container Set

4. Ziploc Reusable Bags

Most everyone has used Ziploc bags before. The problem is that after one use, you throw them out. You end up going through an unnecessary amount of plastic waste. Tupperware solves that problem but those are hard containers that don’t always fit the needs. Like including them in a lunch box. That’s a job for plastic bags but not just regular plastic bags. The reusable plastic bags from Ziploc will save you money and the environment. They’re dishwasher safe, durable, tight sealing and can handle an amazing range of temperatures. This is one of the few, if not only, plastic bags that is freezer and oven safe. We highly recommend you keeping a set of these in the kitchen for lunch snacks or entire meals.

• Ziploc Endurables seamlessly go from freezer, to oven, to table – to anywhere you go
• Durable, reusable silicone, Small Container holds up to 2 cups and features a wide base with feet to help with standing and filling
• Cool Grab Tabs allow for easy handling after heating
• Secure Seal Technology helps prevent spills
• Heat Safe silicone can be used in temperatures up to 425°F

Shop Ziploc Endurable Meal Prep Containers

5. Glad Freezer Containers

These are some of the most iconic and classic meal prepping containers. Gladware has been around for a while and their affordable and durable plastic containers are what most people have in the kitchen. They do the job pretty well and is a good option if you don’t want to risk losing more expensive containers at work or on a day trip.

Gladware freezer containers are a good all around choice however there are limitations in how hot you can get them unlike the glass containers.

• BUNDLE – This Gladware Freezerware bundle includes (4) 24 oz containers and (2) 64 oz Containers for food
• AIRTIGHT FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS – Airtight food storage containers extend the lifetime of your leftovers and reduce mess. Perfect for the meal prep maven.
• FREEZE LEFTOVERS WITH FREEZERWARE – Keep your large leftovers frozen and freezer-burn-free in these large, reusable containers.
• TOP-RACK DISHWASHER SAFE – Gladware food containers resist heat and withstand moisture, making them safe to use on the top-rack of your dishwasher.
• INTERLOCKING LIDS – Stackable containers and lids keep your cupboards neat and organized, saving you time and space

Shop for Farberware Nonstick Oven Pans

6. Prep Naturals Snack Containers

Similar to the Glass Lock containers, the Prep Naturals meal prepping containers are amazing. They’re high quality, can handle the freezer, microwave and oven. The lids use a similar locking flap for an airtight seal and they look stunning. One big difference is the compartments in these containers which may be important to you if you like to pack meals that have separate components. This set is more affordable than the Glass Lock but you can be sure that these containers will last just as long. Prep Natural is a brand designed for meal preppers and it shows in the product.

• Save time and money – If you’re looking for an easy way to save money and time, Prep Naturals meal prep containers glass 2 compartment are the solution. Handsome and easy to use, these glass meal prep containers with lids are perfect cupcake carriers.
• Easy to warm or freeze – made from borosilicate glass, the food storage containers are freezable, microwavable and oven safe. As a bonus, the smart locking lids with vents of the glass food prep containers make your food warming a breeze. (lids are not microwave, oven or dishwasher safe)

Shop Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers

7. Small Containers for Sauces

No one ever thinks about sauce containers until they find themselves prepping a meal that needs a sauce to stay separate and there is no space for it in the tupperware container. Most people just carry around an entire bottle of sauce with them. Which is a solution but not an elegant one. Also, home made sauces will need their own container. Often the sauce gets an entire full size container to itself. These stainless steel containers with lids are an awesome solution. You can carry them separately from the rest of the food with the leak-proof lid or pop the little cup into the same container as the food but keeping the sauce from coating the food prematurely. The cute, colorful lids also help keep the sauces distinguished from one another if you have mutliple.

• PORTABLE SIZE : Each features 2.6” x 1.7”. and 2.4oz(70ml). Perfect Size for packing sauces, salad dressings, peanut butter, jams, dressings, snacks, etc.
• RELIABLE MATERIAL: The small containers with lids are made of high quality 18/8 stainless steel and food grade safe silicone, BPA free, non-toxic. It can completely replace disposable containers and avoid environmental pollution caused by them. Totally dishwasher and fridge safe.
• 100% LEAKPROOF : The upgraded silicone lids provide better air-tightness to keep the dipping condiment cups sealed and keep the sauce or condiment inside fresh. No spills or leaks would happened in your bag!

Shop Reusable Stainless Steel Meal Prep Containers

Additional Recommendations

Choose the right containers: Opt for containers that are microwave-safe, leak-proof, and stackable. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers are good options. Select containers in various sizes to accommodate different meal portions.

Portion out your meals: Use the containers to divide your meals into individual servings. Start with a base like cooked grains or pasta, add protein, and then include vegetables and sauces. Ensure that each container has a balanced combination of macronutrients.

Label and date containers: To keep track of your meals, label each container with the meal type and the date it was prepared. This helps you prioritize the meals and ensures you consume them before they expire.

Store properly: Place your meal prepping containers in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on the shelf life of the ingredients. Keep them organized by arranging them neatly and stacking them to save space.

Reheat with caution: If your containers are microwave-safe, you can heat your meals directly in them. However, be sure to remove any lids or covers that are not microwave-safe. Alternatively, transfer the food to a microwave-safe dish for reheating.

Maintain food safety: Remember to follow proper food safety guidelines when using meal prepping containers. Ensure that your ingredients are fresh and properly cooked before assembling the meals. Store perishable items at safe temperatures and consume them within the recommended time frame.