The lids make the containers airtight and leakproof, letting food stay fresh for as long as possible. Run them through the dishwasher using the top rack for no-fuss cleanup—we saw zero damage or warping even through a heated drying cycle. One drawback is that because of the way the lids are made, they're a little tough to clean by hand, but that wasn't a dealbreaker.

This set comes with six 2-ounce containers with lids, plus a tray to hold them. You can choose between pink and teal containers, and a similar set with 4-ounce containers is available for kids who are eating more food at each meal. Material: Plastic Capacity: 6 x 2-ounce Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 2-inches, 2.

If you're looking to start meal prepping, you can't go wrong with Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers. They're convenient, durable, and leakproof. Want to step up your meal-prep game and really stock your freezer? The SimpleHouseware 2 Compartment Food Grade Meal Prep Containers are a great bulk option.

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best meal prep containers on the market. We rated these containers based on design, performance, capacity, durability, and ease of cleaning. Testing was conducted by storing the food for periods of time, putting water inside and shaking to test for leaking, as well as microwaving and dishwashing them.

We then used this research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five five being the best; one being the worst to certain products on the list. The material that storage containers are made of is a big factor to consider when buying them.

Some containers are easy to clean, are dishwasher-safe, and some are even freezer-safe so you can prep meals ahead of time and keep them frozen till you're ready to use.

Most meal containers are made of glass or plastic materials. Make sure that the containers you choose are microwave-safe so your meals can be warmed up while away from home if needed.

Meal prep containers are available in all different kinds of sizes and shapes: rectangular, round, and square. Small round or square ones are perfect to hold salad dressing or a snack.

Round ones work well for soup or chili. The shape also makes for easier stirring and mixing of your food.

For easier storage, there are containers that nest inside each other. In particular, square containers make for a more streamlined organization. And rectangular containers may work best for precise portion control. Select which shapes or sizes will work best for your needs.

Dividers in a meal prep container are just a beautiful thing. They keep things separate, so the potatoes don't slide over onto the meat, or the chopped-up fruit doesn't join the sandwich.

Some containers even have a compartment to store your utensils. You can get containers with two or three dividers, making them perfect to pack a school lunch, especially for picky eaters. Meals prepped ahead will keep in the fridge for three to five days, max.

Yes, but only if the meal prep container is deemed to be freezer-safe. Slice up that leftover lasagna or baked chicken and prep them for a later date to be eaten.

Get out that pen and paper, or grab a meal prep app and put it on your phone. Start small and figure out meals for the week. Then make a shopping list. Don't stress and try to do too much meal planning in the beginning.

Take it a step at a time. Donna Currie is a cookbook author and product tester for The Spruce Eats. In addition to reviewing more than 90 products for the brand, Donna has compiled roundups on other small kitchen appliances, such as the best toaster ovens, rice cookers, and air fryers.

Bernadette Machard de Gramont is an LA-based writer who specializes in global food and wine content. After a two-year stint at Williams-Sonoma Headquarters in San Francisco, she now researches and tests a variety of cookware, bakeware, and wine tools, and interviews field experts for their insight.

She personally tested five of the products mentioned in this article. Amanda McDonald is an editor at The Spruce Eats and has over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing about all things food — from what new products are at the grocery store to chef-approved hacks that keep tricky leftovers fresh for days.

She updated this article to include the most up-to-date information. Use limited data to select advertising.

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Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources. Develop and improve services. Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. The 9 Best Meal Prep Containers to Keep Food Fresh and Organized These make planning, cooking, freezing, and reheating a breeze.

By Donna Currie. Donna Currie. Donna Currie is a food writer and blogger specializing in recipes and kitchen gadgets. She covers kitchen tools and gadgets for The Spruce Eats and is the author of Make Ahead Bread. Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process. and Bernadette Machard de Gramont.

Bernadette Machard de Gramont. Bernadette Machard de Gramont is a freelance writer for The Spruce Eats specializing in food, wine, and kitchen products, specifically cookware.

Our Top Picks. Best Glass:. Best Large Set:. Best 2-Compartment:. Best Design:. Best Vacuum Sealed:. Best Bulk:. Best for Snacks:. Best for Soup:. Best for Baby Food:. In This Article Expand. Our Picks. How We Tested Meal Prep Containers. What to Look For.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats? Best Glass. Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Container Set. Our Ratings. What We Like Durable borosilicate glass construction Divided interior Leakproof. What We Don't Like Compartments aren't individually sealed. Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers Review.

Best Large Set. FullStar Piece Food Storage Container Set. What We Like Stackable Sturdy material Very effective lids Easy to clean. What We Don't Like No large containers in the set. Best 2-Compartment.

Bentgo 2-Compartment Meal-Prep Containers with Custom-Fit Lids. What We Like Slim, low-profile design Embossed capacity on compartments Easily stackable. What We Don't Like Thinner construction than others Should not be heat-dried. Best Design.

OmieGo Bento. What We Like Lids seal well and are easy to attach Lock into place when stacked Microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe Environmentally-friendly design. What We Don't Like Cannot be used in the oven. Best Vacuum Sealed. Anchor Hocking TrueSeal Food Storage Containers.

What We Like Lids seal well and are easy to attach Glass is oven-, microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe Made in USA. What We Don't Like Heavy. Anchor Hocking TrueSeal Food Storage Containers Review. This set of five square glass containers has tight-fitting lids held in place by a snap closure on each side.

These containers are also fully BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, making clean-up a breeze. I love these things. I also have the glass ones for things like fish, enchiladas, or other stinky or colored foods.

If you like some separation between your meal components, these deep, clear plastic containers are a great choice. They also haven't shown any discoloration despite the food containing varied spices including turmeric. This bento box stacks three trays high and offers eight unique compartments for your meal components, including a cute round dip holder for ketchup, mayo, or salad dressing.

It stacks very nicely and cleanly and the fact that it's dishwasher safe is a huge bonus. I make homemade meals for my hubby and me, and I always cook extra to freeze for later dates when I don't feel like slaving over the stove.

These are good portion-sizes and easy to wash. I even put them in the dishwasher with no issues. This piece set is as beautiful as it is functional.

Also, the fact that I don't have to transfer food out of the container to go into the stove or microwave is a huge win and lessens what I have to clean. These deeper plastic meal prep containers are perfect for transporting leafy salads, grain bowls, and even soups.

They have tight-fitting clear lids and nest together neatly for easy storage. They don't change colors like the flimsy black containers. The lids also fit really snugly. I will be ordering more from this brand.

This fully-stainless steel bento box has two levels and removable trays. Two of the trays hold three cups each, and one smaller insert holds three-fourths of a cup for a side dish or dip. The trays nest securely together and two clamps hold everything in place. The box is sturdy re: has weight to it.

The locking caps are pretty tight in a good way, but I think would be difficult to open for a small child or elderly person. I would buy it again. Its one-liter capacity is ample space for salads, bowls, and pasta dishes.

The opaque lid is held in place by a secure, grippy silicone strap. Plus, the unbreakable BPA-free plastic construction makes this bowl exceptionally durable. They hold just the right amount of food, they clean perfectly in the dishwasher, and their design is sleek and clever.

The strap-sealed lid works perfectly—nothing EVER leaks! We own four of these, and the one that is four-years-old looks as brand new as the three we just got. Great product!! This set of three squishy silicone boxes is super lightweight and portable. The three ounce rectangular containers collapse nearly flat, which is a great feature for storing in a small kitchen space.

Plus, they come in three cute colors! They easily fit into my purse when going out. They work perfectly for our leftovers. This set of three ounce containers has tight-fitting silicone lids held in place by a seal that prevents leaks on-the-go.

They have colorful designs, so the containers can double as serving dishes, too. So pretty and perfect for taking my bowls of soup to work! Wonderful purchase! These heavy-duty plastic reusable meal prep containers are inexpensive and highly practical, with two spacious compartments to divide up your meal.

The fifty-pack is a great pack for two people prepping together. The larger bottom compartment can hold a quartered sandwich, a serving of pasta, or a burrito. Three equally-sized smaller sections are a good size for snacks and dips. The containers are also freezer and dishwasher-safe.

The tops click nice and snug. What's better is they stack snugly inside of each other whether storing away in the cabinet or stacking in the fridge.

Stash a big veggie-packed salad into this deep bowl-style bento box. In addition to the spacious ounce container, there is also a smaller ounce tray insert that can hold salad toppings that would otherwise get soggy or messy like croutons, fruit, or dressings.

Both pieces are dishwasher-safe. The setup is great, and so far, I have not had any leaks with the sauce container. I just recommend washing everything by hand, especially the sauce container, as its closure piece is delicate.

I may even buy the larger size for my fiancé if he decides he wants to start making salads for lunch, too. No one wants to open their lunch bag at the office to find their homemade soup has leaked all over their laptop.

This glass bowl container has a tightly-fitting screw-on lid that prevents leaks. You can heat your lunch, and remove it from the microwave without burning your fingertips. The bowl also comes in five colors and two size options 16 and 24 ounces.

Meal Prep Containers in Food Storage Containers(+) · Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Cup Deep Square Food Storage Containers, Set of 4, Red · Pyrex Easy Grab Bake & Bayco glass storage containers with lids. Verel glass food storage containers with bamboo lids. Reusable storage bags (set of 3) * Ball Mason Our Top Picks: ; What's in My Kitchen: Ello Duraglass Meal Prep Containers – $ at Walmart ; Best Glass Set: Pyrex Simply Store Piece Glass

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Affordable meal prep containers - Missing Meal Prep Containers in Food Storage Containers(+) · Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Cup Deep Square Food Storage Containers, Set of 4, Red · Pyrex Easy Grab Bake & Bayco glass storage containers with lids. Verel glass food storage containers with bamboo lids. Reusable storage bags (set of 3) * Ball Mason Our Top Picks: ; What's in My Kitchen: Ello Duraglass Meal Prep Containers – $ at Walmart ; Best Glass Set: Pyrex Simply Store Piece Glass

Hellooo durable meal prep containers. These glass dividers are perfect for including protein, fresh veggies and starch or snack. Plus, you have one for every day of the week with a bonus container, too.

This beautiful glass set is well-crafted, with slightly more room for your main dish and a separate compartment for a side salad or snack. Pyrex is the powerhouse of meal prep containers.

Its containers are slim enough to fit in your work tote or backpack. Calling all minimal-minded folks. This modern white meal prep container is just the perfect size for a meal and matches any kitchen set. Plus, it has a durable seal and will become your new built-in BFF.

On a budget? How about purchasing this nine-pack of glass meal prep containers with locking lids? Particularly, the depth of these meal prep containers makes them stand out from the rest.

The Bentgo Glass Leakproof Salad Container is so well-designed. Uniquely structured, the BlenderBottle GoStak Food Storage Containers is an easy way to organize and transport all of your snacks for a quick bite throughout the day.

Plus, you can carry each miniature container separately if desired. However, the Skinny Stacks are specially designed to be slim, whether for on-the-go use or to store before eating. Meet the meal prep containers that not only work for your food but also work for your kitchen cabinets.

If portion control is your mission, the Lanfubiao containers are how to get there. These small containers do the job of holding all of your citrus fruits, apples and other favorites to ensure you meet your health goals and feel satiated.

Simply let the containers come to room temperature before putting them in the oven. Many prefer glass for long-term storage because it's stain- and odor-resistant, which is something you'll appreciate if you're leaving something particularly aromatic in a container in the freezer for a while.

With this set, you'll get different sizes of round, rectangular, and square shapes, meaning you'll have plenty of options to find the perfect fit as you stack everything away in your freezer amid all the other goodies that might already be in there.

The Details: Glass; nine containers and nine lids; dishwasher safe. Why It's Great: Made with thick glass; ideal for sauce and other liquids; four locking tabs to prevent spills. There's nothing worse than taking the time to pack a meal only to find that the contents have leaked out of the container and into your bag.

Part of OXO's Smart Seal line, these containers are well-equipped in the fight against leaks thanks to their four locking tabs and silicone seal in the lid.

When it comes time to clean your containers, that silicone bit is removable, making it easier to wash before your next use. It may take a bit of finesse closing the lids at first try snapping two tabs at once or rotating the lid , but once you get them down, you'll have a tight seal.

If you're concerned about leakage, then it's likely you're storing something like salad with a dressing, soup, or pasta, and luckily, the round design of these containers is perfect for dishes just like that.

The smallest containers in this set are especially handy if you're carrying any sauce or dressing on the side. Plus, the BPA-free borosilicate glass resists stains, so whatever liquids are inside won't leave a mark goodbye unsightly marinara stains.

The Details: Glass; six containers and six lids; dishwasher safe. Sure, you can ladle some soup into a rectangular storage container; however, there's something that just feels off when enjoying soup from anything but a bowl.

That's why we love this screw-top lunch bowl for on-the-go soups. It's leak-proof, microwave safe, and dishwasher safe for ease of travel, use, and cleanup. This container is made from durable glass and wrapped in soft silicone, making it comfortable to handle and stylish to carry around.

The screw-top lid is designed to prevent leaks, and it also makes it easier to open up the container so you can avoid splatters and spills that might occur with a latch opening.

What you get in attractive design, you will have to cover in cost, though. For just a single, ounce unit, this isn't the most affordable option out there.

But if you're willing to pay a bit more for style and are looking for something functional to bring soup to work, this container is worth the price.

The Details: Glass and silicone; one container with lid; dishwasher safe. After extensive research, the Bayco Glass Food Storage Containers with Lids earned the top spot thanks to their durability, versatility, affordability, and leak-proof sealing.

The Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers are also a great choice for those who want something lightweight but still do an excellent job of keeping food fresh. Glass or plastic are your two main choices when it comes to material. Meanwhile, plastic containers can be significantly lighter.

That being said, we prefer glass due to the fact that it's eco-friendly, more durable, and non-porous. The right shape and size for you depends on the food you make and how you want to store it. If you're prepping individual meals, go for containers that are between 25 and 30 ounces, which is the size range of an average meal.

If you're making big batches of food to leave at home, you can opt for something bigger. In terms of shape, rectangular containers are the norm, but you might want one with dividers or bowl-shaped containers, depending on what you're cooking.

Though most meal prep containers favor function over style, the clear, see-through containers make it easy to see and keep track of what food is inside. Whatever design you choose, the basic qualities you should look for are whether a container is leak-proof and safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer.

It depends on how many meals you're planning on making in advance four days is Koren's "rule of thumb" for all meal preps and how much storage space you have at home. Many will find that those ounce containers are just the right size for a single meal.

Sometimes the lids have different specifications than the containers themselves, so don't forget to double-check that information as well. Generally speaking, glass containers are preferable to plastic containers when freezing and microwaving, since some plastic materials release chemicals when heated.

This piece was written by Cindy Brzostowski, a freelance writer and avid home cook who previously worked in cookbook publishing. Her writing has been published in Blue Apron, The Kitchn, and EatingWell, among others, and she used her background in the food space to steer her research.

Cindy also consulted with Talia Koren , cookbook author and founder of the blog and digital meal plan subscription Workweek Lunch. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising.

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Our Top Pick: Bayco Glass Piece Food Storage Containers. Buy on Amazon. Why It's Great: Good value for price per container; rubber seals to prevent leakage; versatile Grain of Salt: Lids might require hand-washing to lengthen lifespan. Best Budget: Enther Pack Meal Prep Containers. Why It's Great: Airtight lids; lightweight; stackable Grain of Salt: Won't last as long as glass options.

Best Plastic: Rubbermaid Piece Brilliance Food Storage Containers. Why It's Great: Secure, two-latch design; vents for mess-free microwaving; variety of sizes Grain of Salt: May scratch easily. The 10 Best Lunch Boxes for On-the-Go Meals.

Best Glass: Pyrex Piece Simply Store Glass Food Containers. Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart. Why It's Great: Long-lasting, durable construction; stain and odor resistant; assortment of shapes, sizes, and colors Grain of Salt: Plastic lids may crack over time.

Best with Dividers: Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Lunch Box. Buy on Amazon Buy on Target Buy on Walmart. Why It's Great: Features two stackable containers; includes utensils; handy strap for portability Grain of Salt: On the pricier side; not leak-proof.

Best for the Freezer: 9-Pack Glass Food Storage Containers. Why It's Great: Made with high-quality glass; can handle up to ° Fahrenheit; easy to stack Grain of Salt: Lids aren't oven safe.

Best Leak-Proof: OXO Good Grips Piece Glass Container Set. Buy on Amazon Buy on Home Depot Buy on Oxo. Why It's Great: Made with thick glass; ideal for sauce and other liquids; four locking tabs to prevent spills Grain of Salt: Lids can be tricky to close; small capacity.

Buy on Amazon Buy on Wandpdesign. Why It's Great: Ideal for liquids; stylish design; convenient screw-top lid Grain of Salt: Pricey for one container.

We Tested 21 Food Storage Containers—Here Are the Ones Worth Buying. Our Takeaway After extensive research, the Bayco Glass Food Storage Containers with Lids earned the top spot thanks to their durability, versatility, affordability, and leak-proof sealing.