The Best Meal-Prep Containers, According to Our Editors
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With these handy containers, meal prep is easy and achievable.
Courtesy of Brand
Between work, social lives, kids and more, cooking every day isn't an option (or a desire) for many people—which is where meal prepping comes in handy. Meal prep helps you save time, money and the stress of answering the question, "What should I eat?" By devoting a few hours a week to preparing your meals, you can free up time you’d otherwise spend wondering what’s for lunch (or dinner, or even breakfast).
But before you can become a whiz at meal prep, you'll need the right containers to store your food. That's why we put together this list of the best meal-prep containers to support all of your make-ahead cooking. Read on for what makes these containers the best for prepping nutritious meals, healthy snacks and more. (And if you're looking for meal-prep ideas, check out ThePrep, a weekly meal plan to help you shop and cook with ease).
Our Meal-Prep Container Recommendations
Best Overall Meal-Prep Containers: OXO Good Grips 12-Piece Glass Container Set
Best Budget Meal-Prep Containers: Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers, 5.2-Cup Square, 8-Pack
Best Meal-Prep Containers for Pantry Storage:OXO Steel 12-Piece POP Container Set
Best Meal-Prep Container for Snacks: Anchor Hocking TrueSeal Glass Food StorageContainer
Best Freezable Meal-Prep Containers: Souper Cubes Freezer Tray with Lid
Best Plastic 2-Compartment Meal-Prep Containers: OXO Prep & Go 2-Cup Divided Container
Best Stackable Meal-Prep Set:Joseph Joseph Nest Storage 12-Piece Multicolor Container Set
Best Overall Meal-Prep Containers: OXO Good Grips 12-Piece Smart Seal Glass Container Set
Amazon
What we like: This set features a good mix of shapes and sizes, making them endlessly useful and easy to store.
What to know: Removing the rubber seal on the lids to properly clean them can be a pain.
Our top choice for the best glass meal-prep containers is this 12-piece set from OXO. This set features round and rectangular containers in various sizes, which makes it easy to store every bit of your make-ahead meal, from salad dressings to pasta salads and more. The variety of shapes also makes these containers easy to stack in your cupboards or refrigerator, maximizing valuable kitchen space.
These OXO containers are constructed from borosilicate glass, a durable material that allows you to freeze your meals or even bake them directly in the oven, reducing the need for added dishes. They are also easy to clean and repel stain-inducing items like tomato sauce. Even the BPA-free lids have some great features, such as a leakproof seal and four tabs to lock onto the containers, so you won't have to worry about messes. Both the containers and the lids are dishwasher-safe, though you may want to consider hand-washing the lids to help them maintain their seal (and to be able to thoroughly clean and dry them).
Pieces Included: 12 | Microwave Safe: Yes (containers only) | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Freezer Safe: Yes
EatingWell / Katherine Gallagher
Best Budget Meal-Prep Containers: Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers, 5.2-Cup Square, 8-Pack
Amazon
What we like: These containers are lightweight and microwave-safe, making them ideal for on-the-go lunches.
What to know: This set features only one shape and size; if you want more variety, you might want to consider another set on this list.
These Rubbermaid containers are my go-to for the best microwave-safe meal-prep containers for a few reasons. First, as a food editor who cooks one dinner and then eats it for multiple nights, I like having meal-prep containers that are all the same size. Having same-sized containers makes it easy to judge which container needs more (or less) food when I'm portioning out my meals ahead of time.
Although the lids aren't microwave safe, the containers are easy to pop into the microwave when I'm ready to eat. (Pro tip: To avoid messes, use a microwave cover, like this $2 one from Target). In addition to being microwave-friendly, these containers are also suitable for the freezer and can be cleaned on the top rack of the dishwasher.
If that wasn't enough, these meal-prep containers are also very affordable—a pack of four amounts to just over a dollar each. With these Rubbermaid containers, weekly meal prep is an inevitable success in my kitchen.
Pieces Included: 8| Microwave Safe: Yes (containers only) | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Freezer Safe: Yes
EatingWell / Michael Navarro
Best Meal Prep Containers for Pantry Storage: OXO Steel 12-Piece POP Container Set
Amazon
What we like: These containers' lids pop down for an easy, airtight seal, and they double as pantry storage.
What to know: The taller pieces aren’t very convenient for taking items on the go.
If you're looking for plastic containers that can function for both pantry storage and meal prep, OXO's 12-piece set is the perfect crossover. This multi-piece set includes 10 containers with accompanying stainless-steel lids, a scoop and labels to help you stay organized.
With an airtight seal, these containers are perfect for storing dry goods like oats, flour, coffee and more. Plus, they're designed to stack together so that you can maximize precious pantry space.
Beyond the pantry, food writer Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD uses these containers for meal-prepping vegetables. For example, Killeen uses the small containers to keep chopped onions on hand in the fridge. We love this prep idea because it helps save time when you need to get dinner on the table quickly. With this versatile set, prepping and storing foods will be easy and quick.
Pieces Included: 12 | Microwave Safe: No | Dishwasher Safe: Containers and silicone gasket; lids are hand-wash only | Freezer Safe: Not indicated
Best Meal-Prep Container for Snacks: Anchor Hocking Glass TrueSeal Glass Food Storage Containers
Amazon
What we like: These containers are leakproof and stackable, making storage a breeze.
What to know: They're sold individually, so your costs can add up quickly if you need multiple containers.
Whether you're prepping energy balls, crispy roasted chickpeas or other healthy snacks, you'll need a container to store the delicious goods. And when EatingWell's assistant general manager Penelope Wall makes a batch of granola bars, she uses these Anchor Hocking containers, which she says are "great for storage" (check out other make-ahead, big-batch snacks Wall makes for her kids).
These rectangular glass containers are microwave-, oven-, freezer- and dishwasher-safe. But the best feature of these containers is the compression lid, which expels the air so you don't have to worry about spoilage or spillage. (If you're looking for other vacuum-tight seals, check out our guide for the best food vacuum sealers). Available in three different sizes, these sturdy containers will keep any premade snacks fresh whether you're munching on them tonight, tomorrow or next week.
Pieces Included: 12 | Microwave Safe: Yes (container only) | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Freezer Safe: Yes
Best Freezable Meal-Prep Containers: Souper Cubes Freezer Tray with Lid
Amazon
What we like: These are amazing for saving leftover soup and stock, and their oven-safe capabilities make them marvelous for baked goods.
What to know: The trays contain a stainless steel rim, so avoid the microwave at all costs!
A favorite of multiple EatingWell editors and writers, including Wall and Killeen, Souper Cubes are our go-to pick for the best freezable meal-prep containers. Available in a wide range of sizes, including 2 tablespoons, 1/2 cup, 1 cup and 2 cups, Souper Cubes are perfect for prepping sauces, soups, stocks and more.
This tray helps you save time as you can make one big batch of homemade tomato sauce and then portion it out for use with multiple meals. It also means you'll only defrost what you need at the moment, so nothing goes to waste. Meanwhile, the tray lid keeps unwanted odors or freezer burn from ruining your food.
With these silicone containers, you'll be able to prep and freeze with ease. (Bonus: The tray is also oven-safe up to 400℉, so you could meal-prep a batch of mini loaves of lemon zucchini bread and freeze them to enjoy when you want a sweet treat.)
Pieces Included: 2 | Microwave Safe: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Freezer Safe: Yes
Best Glass Meal-Prep Containers: Prep Naturals Glass 2-Compartment Meal-Prep Containers
Amazon
What we like: These containers withstand leaks and are oven-safe, so you can cook your food and store it in the same container.
What to know: These containers are hefty, so they’re better suited to home use than commuting.
If you're looking for the best glass meal-prep containers, look no further than Prep Naturals. Victoria Seaver, M.S., RD, EatingWell's editorial director, says, "I love these containers. They have a really tight seal so nothing leaks." In addition to being leakproof, these glass containers are oven-, microwave-, freezer- and dishwasher-safe so that you can easily store, reheat and clean them.
While these containers can hold up to 30 ounces of food, you can opt for their two-compartment-style containers, which hold up to 24 oz. of food. Whatever size you choose, these glass containers make meal prep a breeze. Just know that, being made of glass, they are heavy, so they may not be the most convenient option if you want to carry multiple containers to the office.
Pieces Included: 6 | Microwave Safe: Yes (containers only) | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Freezer Safe: Yes
Best Plastic 2-Compartment Meal-Prep Container: OXO Prep & Go 2-Cup Divided Container
Amazon
What we like: These containers are excellent for portioning out meals and sides you don’t want to mix.
What to know: It takes practice to fully engage the airtight gasket on these lids.
For the best plastic two-compartment meal-prep container, turn to this BPA-free version from OXO—another tried-and-true favorite of Killeen's. This two-in-one container can hold up to 1 cup of food in each compartment and is perfect for prepping any meal. Add Greek yogurt in one compartment and fresh berries in the other for an easy breakfast. Or, add some classic hummus and pair it with veggies for an afternoon snack.
The container features a silicone leakproof lid and handles, which are designed to stay cool when you microwave the container. Plus, the two-compartment container is also dishwasher-safe for a hassle-free cleanup.
Pieces Included: 2 | Microwave Safe: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Freezer Safe: Yes
Best Stackable Set: Joseph Joseph Nest Storage 12-Piece Multicolor Container Set
Amazon
What we like: This colorful set features a good variety of sizes and is very easy to store.
What to know: The lids can warp and lose their seal if exposed to heat, so you’ll need to ensure these stay on the top rack of your dishwasher.
If you're looking for the best stackable meal-prep containers, Seaver is a huge fan of this variety set from Joseph Joseph. It features six rectangular containers in various sizes, and Seaver says she loves "how you can easily keep them organized," as the containers can be nested inside each other for storage.
You can also stack the containers to maximize your fridge or freezer space. Add in the colorful lids and you have a fun and functional set of BPA-free plastic containers that you can use to stash and store a variety of ingredients. Plus, the containers are microwave- and freezer-safe and can be cleaned in the top rack of the dishwasher.
Pieces Included: 12 | Microwave Safe: Yes (containers only) | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Freezer Safe: Yes
The Bottom Line: The Best Meal-Prep Containers
For a set that will last for years, is easy to stack and clean and comes in a variety of convenient sizes, our overall favorite is the OXO Good Grips 12-Piece Smart Seal Glass Container Set (view at Amazon). For a more budget-friendly option, you may want to consider the lightweight yet durable Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers (view at Amazon).
Choosing Meal-Prep Containers
Pick the Right Material
When it comes to meal-prep containers, you basically have two choices: glass and plastic. It's important to consider the material of the container and, more importantly, its various capabilities. For example, if you're planning on preparing lunches for work and you bring in chipotle-lime cauliflower taco bowls, you'll want to make sure your container is microwave-safe so you can easily reheat your lunch. Or, if you're looking to freeze a big batch of easy loaded baked omelet muffins for breakfast, you'll want a container that's freezer-friendly. Another thing to consider is if a container's material is dishwasher-safe. Keep these things in mind when selecting a container because it'll make cooking, eating and cleaning easier.
Some Shapes Are Better for Storage
From round to rectangular, the shape of your food storage containers is important to consider, especially if you plan on packing them in a lunchbox or bag. Some meal-prep containers may also be designed with multiple compartments or sections, which are a great way to separate foods or keep them from getting soggy.
Pick a Size Based on Your Meal Prep Needs
The best size for meal-prep containers depends entirely on what you plan to make. For example, if you're looking to meal-prep a recipe like Brussels sprouts salad with crunchy chickpeas, you'll want to pack it in a few different-sized containers to keep the greens and dressing separate so nothing gets soggy. We recommend having a variety of sizes, from a pint to a gallon and everything in between, so you always have the appropriate option on hand when meal-prepping.
EatingWell / Katherine Gallagher
Our Search for the Best Meal-Prep Containers
To find the best meal-prep containers, we considered several factors. First, the containers had to be easy to clean and durable enough for repeated use. They also had to be leakproof (no messy surprises, please and thank you). Finally, we wanted to compile a list that featured both plastic and glass containers. All of the containers that made our final list are products our editors use regularly and personally recommend.
Common Questions
How do you meal prep?
If the phrase “meal prep” conjures up images of spending hours on a Sunday afternoon cooking and portioning ingredients, don’t fret! Meal prep is about making your life a bit easier and reclaiming time that you might otherwise spend asking yourself what you’re going to eat next. How you meal prep and how often you do it depends on your goals. If you want to know how to get started, check out our handy guide to meal prep basics.
Can meal prep help with weight loss?
If weight loss is a goal of yours, preparing your meals ahead of time may help. Not only can this help you make meal choices that fit your nutritional needs, but it also helps split your meals into even portions so you get the right amount of nutrients each time. In fact, we’ve created multiple meal-prep plans to take the guesswork out of this task, whether you prefer a vegan diet or want inspiration for heart-healthy meals. Of course, before making any big dietary changes, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor.
Does meal prepping save money?
It absolutely can! Meal prep removes the temptation to buy your lunch instead of packing one or order takeout instead of cooking at home. The meals you cook yourself are almost certainly going to be cheaper and more nutritious than anything you can buy at a restaurant—and not only that, but meal prep can also cut down on food waste. If you need inspiration, we have plenty of healthy lunch ideas you can make for less than $20.
How long can you store food for meal prep?
Much like storing leftovers, your make-ahead meals have an expiration date, and you’ll want to plan accordingly. Make sure you refrigerate your meals promptly after cooking, and keep them chilled at a temperature below 40°F to thwart bacterial growth. If your meals require reheating, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before you eat them. Most meals will last three to four days in the fridge, but always err on the side of caution if you see mold or smell any signs of spoilage.
EatingWell / Katherine Gallagher
Our Trusted Expertise
This article was updated by Katie Tuttle, a food editor and contributor to publications such as Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats. The original version of this article was written by EatingWell associate food editor Alex Loh. She consulted with fellow editors to compile this list of must-have meal prep containers, and many of her insights from her original article are included in this updated version.
This article was edited by Kayleigh Drake, an EatingWell commerce editor and contributor to publications such as Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats and Simply Recipes.
Read the original article on Eating Well.
