The 13 Best Meal Prep Containers Of 2023

Meal prep containers can simplify your life and set you up for success on your meal prepping journey, making it easy to store, transport, and reheat pre-portioned meals. The best meal prep containers are made from durable and food-safe material, easy to clean, and sized to your specific needs.

Other features to look for include compartments for different foods, lids with a secure closure system, and whether or not the container is microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe, and oven-safe. We researched a variety of options with these helpful features in mind.

Reviewed & Approved

Pyrex Glass Food Storage Set is our top pick because it’s durable and versatile. Simple Houseware Reusable Meal Prep Container Boxes are another great option since they’re affordable and have compartments.

Here are the best meal prep containers on the market.

We likee 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 F and are oven-, freezer-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe.

Best Overall

Pyrex Circular Glass Storage Container Set

Withstands heat and cold
Stain- and odor-resistant
Heavy, not as portable

This six-piece set comes with three specially sized round containers with lids, including a 2-cup, 4-cup, and 7-cup container. 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.

Price at time of publication: $20

Simple Houseware’s three-compartment meal prep containers are a budget-friendly pick made from food-grade BPA-free polypropylene. Complete with three spacious compartments, each bento box delivers enough room to pack 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.

Best Budget

Simple Houseware Reusable Meal Prep Container Boxes

Stackable
Dishwasher-safe
BPA-free
May lack durability

The Simple Houseware meal prep containers are top-rack dishwasher-safe and easily stackable. This set comes with six 36-ounce containers with a variety of colored lids. Each container measures 9.5 by 6.3 by 2 inches.

Price at time of publication: $17 for 6 pack

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.

Best Leakproof

Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Airtight Food Storage Containers, 8-Piece Set

Leakproof
Built-in vents
Stain- and odor-resistant
May lack durability
Smaller than other meal prep containers

Rubbermaid’s stackable containers are crystal clear, so you can easily keep track of your meal prep inventory. Made from BPA-free Tritan, 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.

Price at time of publication: $50

The Stasher Bag is the unicorn of food storage containers because it’s not only reusable, it 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.

Best Multifunctional

Stasher Reusable Silicone Bag

Sleek, compact design
Safe in oven, microwave, dishwasher, and freezer
Latex-free, BPA-free, PVC-free
Only one compartment

Usable up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, 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 to secure it.

Latex-free, BPA-free, and PVC-free, the Stasher Bag comes in various sizes, including half-gallon, pocket, sandwich, snack, and the 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.

Price at time of publication: $13

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.

Best Glass

Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers

Made from chemical-free glass
Leakproof
Odorless
Clear container for easy organizing
Heavy
Lid is not safe for dishwasher or microwave

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 by 5.1 by 2.6 inches and weigh 1.6 pounds.

Price at time of publication: $35

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 a well-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.

Best Stainless Steel

LunchBots Large Cinco Stainless Steel Lunch Container

Separate compartments
Free of toxins and chemical linings
Best for cold meals only
Not microwaveable

The sleek, compact container fits seamlessly into lunch bags and backpacks and stack 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 all-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.

Price at time of publication: $42

What Experts Say

“Investing in high-quality meal prep containers is a great way to set you up for success with your nutrition goals. Planning—and preparing—meals and snacks ahead of time makes sticking to your meal plan simple. If meal prep feels overwhelming, I suggest starting with one meal, such as breakfast. Mixing up a large batch of overnight oats and storing it in individual containers makes mornings easier,"—Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN.

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.

Best for Snacks

OTOR 25 Pack Stackable Bento Boxes

Three compartments
Stackable, easy to organize
Compartments too small for some food

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.

Price at time of publication: $25

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.

Best Bento

EZ Prepa Meal Prep Containers with Lids - Bento Box

Stackable
BPA-free
Safe to microwave
May lack durability
Reports of leaks

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.

Price at time of publication: $36

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.

Best for Salad

Bentgo Salad BPA-Free Lunch Container

Separate containers for toppings and dressing
Includes reusable fork
Airtight lid
Not freezer safe

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.

Price at time of publication: $30

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 Fahrenheit.

Best for Freezer

C Crest Glass Food Storage Containers

Stackable
Comes in two sizes
Leakproof lids
Lids cannot be microwaved
Hand washing necessary
Heavy

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.

Price at time of publication: $56 for 10 count

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 of S’well Eats food bowls, sold separately. The glass bowls include measurement lines on the outside making it easy to portion out food.

Best for Reheating

S’well Prep Food Glass Bowls

Leak-resistant lids
Durable
No compartments or separation
Smaller than some
Heavy

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.

Price at time of publication: $22

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 oz to 101 oz so you can keep the main dish separate from sides and sauces and portion them out as you go throughout the week.

Best for Organization

Joseph Joseph 10 Piece Nest Lock Plastic Food Storage Set

Stackable to save space
Leakproof lids that snap
BPA-free
No compartments to separate meal components

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.

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 two 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.

Best for Kids

Bentgo Kids Lunch Box

Rubber-coated edges
Easy-to-open
Leakproof latches
May be too small for teens

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.

Price at time of publication: $40

What to Look for in a Meal Prep Container

Material

The first step in choosing a meal prep container is deciding on your preferred material. The most popular materials used in food storage containers are glass, plastic, stainless steel, and silicone. Keep in mind that reusable containers are only more environmentally friendly than single-use containers if they are used many times over. Each material has its pros and cons; overall, it’s a personal preference.

Final Verdict

Glass containers are a sturdy, low maintenance option that are dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and typically also freezer and oven-safe. Another major selling point is that glass is nonporous, meaning there’s no space to trap odor and bacteria. Glass is also free of potentially harmful chemicals. On the flip side, glass containers are much heavier, fragile, and can be more costly.

BPA-free plastic containers are another great option to consider. In addition to being mostly dishwasher- and microwave-safe, plastic containers are lightweight and budget-friendly. High-quality, sturdy plastics wear well and won’t warp or dent in the dishwasher. Plastic is not the most eco-friendly pick of the bunch, and it’s important to note that if your plastic containers crack, they are no longer safe to use and should be disposed of properly. Be sure to choose BPA-free plastic to avoid potentially harmful chemicals.

Stainless steel containers are a popular option for preparing cold meals. These eco-friendly metal containers are often offered in compact bento-style lunch boxes, packing seamlessly in a work or school bag. While stainless steel cannot be heated, it is generally dishwasher-safe.

Due to its malleable nature, silicone is a smart choice for anyone looking to save space, either in the kitchen or in a lunch bag. Silicone bags are designed to replace single-use plastic bags and can usually be used for a variety of cooking methods.

Capabilities

The idea behind meal prepping is to make life easier and spend less time cooking and cleaning. To get the most out of your efforts, look for meal prep containers that are safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven.

Compartments

Compartmentalized meal prep containers are a popular choice, especially for kids or for preparing multi-course meals. Bento boxes are a great option for packing a variety of food in one compact container and keeping wet and dry foods separate.

Ease of Cleaning

There’s nothing worse than cracking open your lunch container after a long day and spending what seems to be endless amounts of time scrubbing. The beauty of a nonporous material like glass is that it doesn’t absorb odor or bacteria, making cleaning much easier. Ideally, find a container that is dishwasher-safe to cut down on cleaning time.

Durability

Invest in meal prep containers that will last for years and will stand up to a little roughhousing and the occasional tumble. Additionally, make sure the material is sturdy enough to handle the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher.

Lid Design

Look for a lid that incorporates a seal, suction, or locking mechanism. This ensures a secure hold, keeping liquids from seeping in between the cracks and spilling.

Size

Meal prep masters seek the ideal balance between storage space and food capacity. Since every meal and family member is different, we suggest investing in a variety of container sizes for different meals and portion sizes.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

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 of how long the dishes you prepare will last in the fridge to 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,” says Laney 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 number 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 therefore 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.”

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 of how long the dishes you prepare will last in the fridge to determine how far in advance to prep your meals and therefore how many containers you will need.

“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,” says Laney 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.”

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 number 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.”

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.

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 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.

What to Look for in a Meal Prep Container#

Material#

Capabilities#

Compartments#

Ease of Cleaning#

Durability#

Lid Design#

Size#

Why Trust Verywell Fit#