The 14 Best Meal Prep Containers of 2024 (2024)

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We like this set from Pyrex and named it our top pick because it's durable and extremely versatile. You can prep, bake, serve, store, freeze, and reheat meals, all in the same container. Made from nonporous borosilicate glass, these containers won’t stain or absorb odors and flavors. They can also adapt to and withstand extreme temperatures from minus 40 to 300 degrees, making them oven-, freezer-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe.

This six-piece set comes with three specially sized round containers with lids, including a 2-cup, 4-cup, and 7-cup container. The smaller containers can be used for smaller portion sizes, with the bigger size being a good option to keep larger amounts of food stored in the fridge. The blue BPA-free lids deliver a leakproof fit and are also safe for use in the freezer, microwave, and on the top rack of the dishwasher. The only downside is the containers do not have sectioned compartments.

^{Key Specs:
Volume Capacity: One 2-cup container with lid, one 4-cup container with lid, and one 7-cup container with lid | Material: Glass containers, BPA-free plastic lids | BPA-Free: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes | Microwave-Safe: Yes | Freezer-Safe: Yes}

NutriBox's meal prep containers are a budget-friendly pick made from food-grade BPA-free plastic. Each container has space for a full sandwich with two sides. Great for kids and adults alike, they feature a leakproof, airtight lid that travels well and keeps food fresh in the fridge and freezer.

NutriBox's meal prep containers are top-rack dishwasher-safe and easily stackable. This set comes with 40 24-ounce containers, which are clear; this makes it easy to see what food you stored in each! Each container measures 7 x 5 x 2 inches.

^{Key Specs:
Volume Capacity: 24 ounces | Material: BPA-free plastic | BPA-Free: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Top-rack safe | Microwave-Safe: Yes | Freezer-Safe: Yes}

Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers deliver an airtight seal with innovative latches that keep food from leaking. When released, the latches reveal built-in vents that eliminate microwave splatter. This set is conveniently safe for use in the dishwasher, freezer, and microwave.

Rubbermaid's stackable containers are crystal clear, so you can easily keep track of your meal prep inventory. Made from BPA-free Stainshield plastic, Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers look like glass but are durable and much lighter. Additionally, these containers are stain- and odor-resistant, keeping their pristine appearance through many meals and dishwasher cycles.Plus, they come with two compartments so you can separate food as needed.

^{Key Specs:
Volume Capacity: 2.85 cups | Material: BPA free stainshield plastic | BPA-Free: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes | Microwave-Safe: Yes | Freezer-Safe: Yes}

The Stasher Bag is the unicorn of food storage containers because it’s not only reusable but can also be used to cook. It takes up less drawer space than a thin dishtowel and can replace bulky meal prep containers, as well as pots and pans.

Usable up to 400 degrees, the compact bag can cook food in the oven, in the microwave, and on the stovetop. It can also be stored in the freezer and cleaned in the dishwasher. Since it's made with platinum food-grade silicone, it's designed to keep food fresher for longer while sealing in smells through an airtight seal. Simply fold the bag and squeeze it to secure it.

Latex-free, BPA-free, and PVC-free, the Stasher Bag comes in various sizes, including half-gallon, pocket, sandwich, snack, and a stand-up bag. It’s offered in a range of transparent colors, including Aqua, Clear, Blueberry, Citrus, Gray, Lime, Milky Way, Mint, Moonstone, Obsidian, Raspberry, and Supernova.

^{Key Specs:
Volume Capacity: 15 ounces | Material: Non-toxic platinum silicone| BPA-Free: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes | Microwave-Safe: Yes | Freezer-Safe: Yes}

In comparison to plastic, glass withstands higher heat and repeat usage, so you don't have to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into your food. Prep Naturals' two-compartment meal prep container is made from high-quality borosilicate glass, which is safe to use in the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher. The lid is not dishwasher- or microwave-safe.

Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers are leakproof and remain odorless, even if you cook with garlic on repeat. This set includes five 29-ounce containers that measure 7 x 5.1 x 2.6 inches and weigh 1.6 pounds.

^{Key Specs:
Volume Capacity: 30 ounces | Material: Glass | BPA-Free: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes | Microwave-Safe: Yes | Freezer-Safe: Yes}

If you're looking for a durable, chemical-free meal prep container that's an alternative to glass, consider a stainless steel option like this one from LunchBots. This reusable meal prep container features five separate compartments of varying sizes to fit awell-balanced meal, complete with protein, fat, carbohydrate, fruit, and vegetable. This meal prep container ensures that each food stays separate, so it's perfect for meal portioning and satisfying picky eaters that don't like mixed foods.

The sleek, compact container fits seamlessly into lunch bags and backpacks and stacks neatly for a clutter-free fridge. The LunchBots Large Cinco Stainless Steel Lunch Container and lid are made from ultra-durable, BPA-free 18/8 stainless steel, which is lightweight, sturdy, and free of toxins and chemical linings. This container is best for cold meals, as stainless steel cannot be microwaved. LunchBots containers are dishwasher-safe, making for easy cleanup. When packing dips and sauces, try the LunchBots Dips condiment containers.

In addition to the classic stainless steel container, this bento-style box is available with LunchBots’ additional snap-on colorful dot cover, which is offered in aqua, blue, green, and pink. The snap-on cover is also BPA-free. The LunchBots Large Cinco Stainless Steel Lunch Container measures 8 x 6 x 1.75 inches and features three individual 1/2-cup proportions and two 1 1/4-cup portions.

^{Key Specs:
Volume Capacity: 32 ounces | Material: 18/8 stainless steel | BPA-Free: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes | Microwave-Safe: No | Freezer-Safe: Yes}

Planning ahead for snacks can empower you to make healthy decisions. Pack any trio—such as cut-up veggies, nuts, and hummus—in this compact, three-compartment meal prep container. The 16-ounce crack-resistant containers come with clear, airtight lids that prevent leakage and ward off steam to keep food fresh and prevent wilting.

OTOR's reusable, stackable containers are made from BPA-free polypropylene and are dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe. This set includes 25 three-compartment bento boxes with lids. The two outside containers measure 2.76 x 4.13 x 1.75 inches, and the center compartment measures 3.19 x 4.13 x 1.75 inches.

^{Key Specs:
Volume Capacity: 16 ounces | Material: BPA-free plastic | BPA-Free: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes | Microwave-Safe: Yes | Freezer-Safe: Yes}

Keep your portions in check with the reusable EZ Prepa Bento Box Set. These durable, BPA-free plastic containers feature three divided compartments. EZ Prepa's meal prep containers are microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe.

Each container measures 9 x 7 x 6 inches and collectively holds up to 32 ounces of food. The lids and containers are stackable and take up very little shelf space, so your refrigerator will be perfectly organized. This set comes with 20 reusable, black meal prep containers with clear lids, so you can prepare meals for the whole week and easily manage inventory.

^{Key Specs:
Volume Capacity: 32 ounces | Material: BPA-free plastic | BPA-Free: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes | Microwave-Safe: Yes | Freezer-Safe: Yes}

Prep a hearty, loaded salad in the Bentgo Salad BPA-Free Lunch Container. The 54-ounce bowl fits four cups of lettuce or veggies, topped by the upper compartmentalized tray that keeps three separate toppings fresh and crisp until mealtime. The upper lidded tray features one 10-ounce compartment and two 5-ounce compartments, along with a 3-ounce dressing container.

The Bentgo lid features a rubberized sealing ring with locking clips for a fresh, leakproof, portable salad. The main bowl is microwave-safe, and all parts are dishwasher-safe.

The Bentgo Salad BPA-Free Lunch Container is made from BPA- and PVC-free plastic with a Tritan cutlery cover. Never get stuck without utensils again, thanks to Bentgo’s built-in reusable fork. This portable salad container is offered in a variety of vibrant colors, including Blue, Blush Marble, Coastal Aqua, Gray, Green, Khaki Green, Purple, and Slate.

^{Key Specs:
Volume capacity: 54-ounce salad bowl and 3-ounce sauce container| Material: Food-grade safe ABS, PE, PP, Tritan, and silicone | BPA-Free: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes | Microwave-Safe: Yes | Freezer-Safe: No}

If you’re looking to prep meals and freeze them, try these sturdy Glass Meal Prep Containers, which can go straight from the freezer to the microwave. However, the lid is not microwave-safe. These containers are made from lead-free borosilicate glass, a durable glass that won’t break under extreme temperatures—like the freezer. The containers (not the lids) can also withstand oven heat up to 700 degrees.

The lids are BPA-free plastic and snap on to prevent leaks. It is recommended to wash them by hand, but the glass containers can go in the top rack of the dishwasher for easy cleaning. The silicone seal inside the lid is removable, which is not a defect but rather allows for thorough cleaning under the seal. These containers stack neatly, keeping your freezer tidy and organized.

^{Key Specs:
Volume capacity: Five 12 ounce and five 34 ounce containers| Material: Containers: Lead-free borosilicate glass. Lids: BPA-free plastic | BPA-Free: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes, but recommended to hand-wash lids | Microwave-Safe: Container is microwave-safe, lids are not microwave-safe | Freezer-Safe: Yes}

These glass bowls from S’well are great for portioning out meals that need to be reheated, like soup, oatmeal, or pasta. Made from durable tempered glass, these bowls are safe to pop in the microwave, and the lids are too. The pop-top lids are leak-resistant, and you can further prevent leaks by putting these bowls inside S'well Eats food bowls, sold separately. The glass bowls include measurement lines on the outside, making it easy to portion out food.

These bowls hold 12 ounces, about 1.5 cups, which may work best for breakfast or sides versus an entire meal. The other downside is that they are heavier than plastic containers since they are made from glass. S’well glass bowls are BPA-free and top-rack dishwasher safe.

^{Key Specs:
Volume capacity: 12 ounces | Material: Glass | BPA-Free: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes | Microwave-Safe: Yes | Freezer-Safe: Yes}

The most annoying part of meal prep containers is storing them when not using them. That’s not a problem with Joseph Joseph Nest Lock Plastic Food Storage Container Set. These five containers fit neatly inside each other, with accompanying color-coded lids that keep organizing easy, whether in the cabinet or the fridge. This set comes in five different sizes, from 8 to 101 ounces, so you can keep the main dish separate from sides and sauces and portion them out as you go throughout the week.

The airtight lids snap shut, preventing leaks. Both the containers and lids are BPA-free and can safely go in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. Joseph Joseph sells a variety of sets and sizes, so you can add more as you go, depending on which sizes you like best.

^{Key Specs:
Volume Capacity: 8, 18, 37, 63, and 101 ounces | Material: BPA-free plastic | BPA-Free: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Top-rack safe | Microwave-Safe: Yes| Freezer-Safe: Yes}

The Bentgo Kids Children’s Lunch Box was made with kids in mind, specifically kids ages 3-7 years old. The inside tray features five compartments—a 1-cup section great for sandwiches and three ¼-½ cup sections perfect for fruits and vegetables. There is also a sauce compartment that holds 2 tablespoons. The tray is removable and can be frozen or refrigerated and then popped directly into the microwave. It is also top-rack dishwasher-safe.

The outside of the Bentgo Lunch Box is coated in rubber, protecting it from breaking should your child drop it on the cafeteria floor. Bentgo knows parents don’t need any more messes to clean, so they carefully designed the lid of the Bentgo Kids Children’s Lunch Box to be leakproof with two easy-to-open latches for little fingers. Choose from a variety of bright colors.

^{Key Specs:
Volume Capacity: Left: 1 cup; Back: 1/2 cup; Right: 1/2 cup; Front: 1/4 cup; Sauce: 2 tbsp | Material: BPA-free, food-safe plastic (outside edges are food-safe rubber) | BPA-Free: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Top-rack safe | Microwave-Safe: Yes | Freezer-Safe: Yes}

When you're on the go, you may not always have access to a microwave to reheat your food. Luckily, Hydro Flask has an insulated food jar to keep your food warm for four to six hours. Or, if you're packing fruit that you would prefer to stay cold, this insulated food container is also capable of maintaining cold temperatures.

Made with 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel, there's no flavor transfer. Plus, these are BPA-free and shut pretty tight, ensuring there are no leaks. Once you're done eating, you can also throw this container in the dishwasher for an easier clean.

Hydro Flask's insulated food containers come in 8, 12, 20, or 28 ounces, so you can pick a size depending on the amount of food you want to pack. This company is also dedicated to improving and providing more equitable access to parks, donating millions of dollars to nonprofit organizations.

_{Key Specs:
Volume Capacity: 8-28 ounces | Material: BPA-free, 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel | BPA-Free: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes | Microwave-Safe: No | Freezer-Safe: No}

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many containers do you need for meal prep?

  It depends. If you want to prepare a certain number of meals at a time to be able to simply grab a container and go, you will need to purchase one container per meal you prepare in advance. Another way to do it is to prepare different dishes ahead of time (like tofu, roasted vegetables, and rice pilaf) and store each dish in a large container. This way, you can portion out the different dishes into a serving-size meal prep container before you leave for work or onto a plate to heat up for dinner, and you only need a few containers. Take note ofhow long the dishes you prepare will last in the fridgeto determine how far in advance to prep your meals and, therefore, how many containers you will need.

• What size meal prep containers should you get?

  “If you are planning on prepping full meals, then you will want a substantial container. Better yet, choosing a container with separate compartments can help separate each part of your meal," saysLaney Morse, RDN, CPT, BCS. "If you are only looking to prep snacks or single components, then purchase containers based on the items you plan on making. Typically a 32-ounce container will fit a full meal easily, and a 12-to-16-ounce container can be used to store snacks."

• Are plastic meal prep containers safe?

  According to Morse, it depends on the brand. “Many companies are now focusing on removing harmful chemicals [from plastic containers]. On the bottom of food containers, you’ll find a number printed somewhere that will be between 1 and 7, which indicates what the plastic is made of. Plastics with numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 are generally considered safe to be used with food. Numbers 3, 6, and 7 are generally considered unsafe or higher risk of contaminating food and should be avoided for use as storage containers.”

• Can you freeze meal prep containers?

  It depends on the material of the container. “Most heavy glass containers, such as Pyrex, and most plastic containers can be frozen for short or long periods of time without any issues. Be sure to read the details of the product prior to buying, as companies may disclose information about the increased risk of cracking or breaking of containers based on the material, however, most should have no trouble being frozen,” says Morse.

• Can you microwave meal prep containers?

  It depends on the material of the container. Look for “microwave-safe” in the product description or on their website. “Metal should never be microwaved as it is a conductor of electricity and can cause serious harm to the microwave, product, and yourself. For plastic, be sure to read the fine print of the product description or find out which type of plastic the container is made of,” says Morse.

  “If the company states a plastic container is microwave-safe, then it likely won’t melt or overheat; however, the type of plastic will determine if any chemicals [may leach] into your food when heated,” Morse says. Look for BPA-free containers. Glass containers are safe to microwave, but the lids are not always microwave-safe, so check the product description.

• How long do meal prep containers last?

  If you take care of your containers, they will last for many years. Morse explains further, “Glass containers are not porous and therefore will not get stained or wear out over time as long as they are properly washed, dried, and stored. However, glass is prone to breaking. Depending on the brand, thickness, and type of plastic used, plastic containers can also have a very long lifespan.

  "Plastic is a porous material and is prone to stains and discoloration. Typically, this is harmless, but if this is off-putting to you, then glass may be a better choice. As long as plastic is washed thoroughly after each use, it should be fairly easy to prevent stains.

  "Microwave-safe containers should not melt or lose their shape when heated. However, if this occurs, it’s probably a good idea to discard the container to prevent leaking or contamination of food if the container is no longer air-tight.”

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