Meal Prep Containers: How to Choose the Right Ones

After ordering some take-away you might think; This looks like a useful container to prep some meals in. Then, it happens. Leakages in your bag. You're about to go to a meeting after working out and now your car is messy. If you're looking for a better way to prep your meals, it's time to invest in high-quality meal prep containers. With so many different types and brands on the market, it can be a nuissance to look around for it. That's why we've put together this guide with a list to help you make the right decision for your needs.

What to Consider When Choosing Meal Prep Containers

Before we dive into our top picks, let's first go over the most important factors to consider when shopping for meal prep containers.

Compartments

Meal prep containers with compartments can be a great option for those who like to separate their food into different sections. This is especially useful if you want to keep your veggies, protein, and carbs separated to avoid sogginess or mixing flavors.

Water-tightness

If you're packing soups, stews, or other liquids, it's essential to choose containers with a water-tight seal to avoid leaks and spills. Look for options with snap-on or screw-on lids that create an airtight seal to prevent moisture from escaping. Additionally, containers with a rubber or silicone gasket can provide an added layer of protection against leaks. Overall, choosing water-tight meal prep containers can save you time and effort, as you won't have to worry about spills or leaks in your bag or fridge.

Durability

Durability is an essential factor to consider when choosing meal prep containers. Look for containers made from high-quality materials that are built to last. Avoid flimsy plastic containers that are prone to cracking or breaking over time, especially if you plan on keeping them in environments where temperatures fluctuate a lot, since this will deteriorate materials. More durable materials for this purpose are HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and PP (Polypropylene).

Freezer Safe

Freezing meals is an excellent way to prepare healthy, home-cooked food in advance and have it ready to go when you need it. However, not all meal prep containers are created equal when it comes to freezing.

Glass containers are an excellent option for freezing, as they can withstand extreme temperature changes and won't crack or break like plastic containers might. Stainless steel containers are also a good choice, as they are durable and can keep your food cold for longer periods of time.

When using plastic containers for freezing, make sure they are labeled as freezer-safe. Freezer-safe plastic containers are made from materials that can withstand the extreme temperatures of the freezer without cracking or warping. It's also a good idea to avoid using plastic containers that have been previously used for non-food purposes, as they may contain chemicals that could leach into your food when frozen.

Price

Price is always a consideration when choosing meal prep containers. While cheaper options may be more affordable, they may not be as durable or have the same features as more expensive options. Determine your budget beforehand and choose the best option that fits within it.

1. Glass Airtight Meal Prep Containers

The 10 pack glass meal prep containers by Rubbermaid is a versatile set of containers that comes with 10 lids and 10 containers. These containers are perfect for a variety of uses including gym preps, leftovers, portion control, office lunches, travel, picnics and more. Made from high-quality borosilicate glass, these containers are stronger than cheaper glass containers, and can go straight from the refrigerator to the microwave or oven to the table. They are easy to clean without absorbing stains or smells, making them reusable over and over again. The snap-locking lids come with silicone seals that ensure your meal prep food stays fresh for a longer period of time and don't leak.

Price: 4/5

The price for the set of 10 glass meal prep containers is reasonable and affordable.

Durability: 5/5

Made from high-quality borosilicate glass, these containers are sturdy and built to last. They are easy to clean and reusable, making them a great investment.

Freezer-Safe: 5/5

These containers are freezer-safe, which is a great feature for those who like to prepare meals in advance.

Water-Tightness: 5/5

The airtight snap-locking lids with silicone seals ensure that your food stays fresh and doesn't leak, making them ideal for meal prepping on-the-go.

This set of glass meal prep containers by Rubbermaid is an excellent choice for anyone looking for durable, freezer-safe, and water-tight containers. The containers are reasonably priced, easy to clean, and come with airtight snap-locking lids with silicone seals to ensure your food stays fresh. Based on the product description, this product is definitely worth considering, with a rating of 4/5 for price and 5/5 for durability, freezer-safe, and water-tightness.

2. Amazon Basics Glass Food Storage Boxes

This glass food container with locking lid is perfect for storing or transporting leftovers, ingredients, on-the-go meals, and more. The set includes 7 containers (2 rectangular 1.6 cup, 2 rectangular 4.5 cup; 2 round 1.7 cup, and 1 round 4 cup) and 7 lids, making it a versatile option for a range of meal prep needs. Made of food-safe, BPA-free borosilicate glass, the non-porous construction doesn’t retain odors, flavors, or stains. The leak-proof locking lid helps maintain freshness and can be used for storing sauces, soups, and other liquids. The containers are freezer, microwave, and oven safe (lids are not oven or microwave safe) and can tolerate excessive temperature changes without cracking. They are heat-resistant up to 1076 degrees F. The glass containers and lids are dishwasher safe, but to maintain long-term integrity, hand washing the lids is recommended.

Price: 3/5

This 14-piece set of glass food containers with locking lids is a bit on the expensive side compared to other similar products in the market.

Durability: 4/5

The borosilicate glass construction is non-porous and can tolerate extreme temperature changes without cracking, making it a durable and long-lasting option. The lids, however, are not usable in high-heat environments, like the oven or microwave.

Freezer-Safe: 5/5

The containers are freezer-safe, making them a great option for meal prepping in advance.

Water-Tightness: 4/5

The leak-proof locking lids help maintain freshness and prevent spills, but they are not completely water-tight, so some caution is necessary when transporting liquids.

Overall, this glass food container with locking lid set is a great option for those who prioritize durability and freezer-safe features. While the price may be a bit high, the quality and versatility of the set make it a worthwhile investment. With a rating of 3/5 for price, 5/5 for durability and freezer-safe, and 4/5 for water-tightness, this product is a solid choice for anyone looking for high-quality meal prep containers.

3. 28 Pieces Food Storage Containers

We found this set for a very reasonable price compared to the previous ones, with a few compromises. These 28 pieces food storage containers offer extra-large capacity compared to competitors, making it the perfect solution for all your meal prep needs. The set includes 14 containers with 14 lids, in 11 different sizes to fulfill all your needs. There are 6 rectangular containers (2x54oz, 2x34oz, 2x17oz), 4 square containers (71oz, 44oz, 27oz, 14oz), and 4 round containers (54oz, 37oz, 22oz, 11.8oz).

Made of food-grade PP and silicone materials, these BPA-free freezer containers for food are PVC-free, lead-free, chloride-free, and safe for everyday use. These easy snap-lock containers for food are freezer-safe, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe. The airtight storage containers are temperature resistant between -20℃ to 120℃. With 4 sides locking lids and silicone sealing, these kitchen containers storage set are super airtight and leak-proof. Each box has a corresponding size lid that ensures a tight seal. The stackable design maximizes the use of your kitchen and pantry and keeps them organized and clean. They are also portable, making them perfect for office, outdoor activities, or anywhere you like.

Price: 5/5

This 28-piece food storage container set by KITHELP offers a lot of value for its price.

Durability: 4/5

Made of food-grade PP and silicone materials, these containers are durable and built to last. However, they may not be as sturdy as glass or stainless steel containers.

Freezer-Safe: 4/5

These containers are freezer-safe, making them perfect for meal prepping in advance. Since they're made of PP, however, it scores one point less compared to the rest.

Water-Tightness: 5/5

With 4 sides locking lids and silicone sealing, these containers are super airtight and leak-proof, ensuring that your food stays fresh and doesn't spill.

Based on the product description, this 28-piece food storage container set by KITHELP is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile, affordable, and durable meal prep solution.

4. Fitpacker Meal Prep Containers

The Ello Duraglass 10pc Meal Prep Food Storage Containers includes five 3.4 cup glass food containers and five BPA-free plastic locking lids to keep food fresh for longer. Duraglass containers are made of high-quality tempered glass that resist stains and odors, making them easy to clean. However, based on reviews, these containers are NOT microwave or heat-resistant. The snap-on airtight lids lock to ensure no spills and keep food fresh longer. The lids are BPA-Free, freezer and top rack dishwasher safe. The containers are oven and freezer safe, making them ideal for meal prepping. All parts are top rack dishwasher safe, and there is no need to remove the sleeve. The removable extra-thick silicone protection sleeve comes in a variety of colors to make meal prepping fun. It also protects from chips and breaks and is dishwasher and microwave safe.

Price: 3/5

This 5-pack meal prep container set by Ello is priced higher than similar products on the market.

Durability: 4/5

Made of high-quality tempered glass and a removable silicone protection sleeve, these containers are durable and resistant to stains and odors. However, they are not microwave or heat-resistant, which may affect their longevity.

Freezer-Safe: 5/5

These containers are freezer-safe, making them perfect for meal prepping in advance.

Water-Tightness: 5/5

With snap-on airtight lids, these containers are leak-proof and ensure that your food stays fresh and doesn't spill.

Based on the product description, this 5-pack meal prep container set by Ello is a good choice for those who prioritize durability and freezer-safe features. The removable silicone protection sleeve adds an extra layer of protection and comes in fun colors to make meal prepping enjoyable. However, the price is a bit higher than similar products, and the containers are NOT microwave or heat-resistant, which may affect their usefulness for some users. With a rating of 3/5 for price, 4/5 for durability, 5/5 for freezer-safe, and 5/5 for water-tightness, this product is worth considering for those who prioritize freezer safety and leak-proof features.

5. Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers by GeniCook

The GENICOOK jumbo set of stainless steel containers with lids provides extra space to store meals and snacks. It includes 3 convenient tubs in 3 different sizes: 22 Oz/650ml, 44 Oz/1300ml, and 76 Oz/2250ml, so you can safely keep all your foodstuff fresh & tasty. With its versatility, this set of containers is ideal for various uses, such as lunch boxes, snack containers, bento boxes, or for general food storage. It is designed to be lightweight, making it easy to bring along everyone's favorite foods on the go. Made of durable 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, the GENICOOK container will not rust or corrode. Its BPA-free lid is designed to create an airtight, leak-proof seal, which locks in freshness and prevents spills. Furthermore, this container is freezer safe and can also be reheated, providing maximum convenience and flexibility for your food storage needs. The stackable Bento Box set is an eco-friendly choice for the environment, allowing you to reduce waste and save money in the long term. Simply clean it in the dishwasher after use, and you can reuse it over and over again. The GENICOOK jumbo set of stainless steel containers with lids makes a fantastic gift for any occasion, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a practical and useful present.

Price: 3/5

Compared to other similar products on the market, the GENICOOK jumbo set of stainless steel containers with lids is priced higher.

Durability: 5/5

Made of durable 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, this container set is built to last and will not rust or corrode.

Freezer-Safe: 5/5

This container set is freezer-safe, making it perfect for meal prepping and storing leftovers.

Water-Tightness: 5/5

The BPA-free lid is designed to create an airtight, leak-proof seal, ensuring that your food stays fresh and doesn't spill.

Overall, based on the product description, the GENICOOK jumbo set of stainless steel containers with lids is a great choice for those who prioritize durability, freezer-safe features, and water-tightness. The versatility of the container set makes it perfect for various uses, while its eco-friendliness allows you to reduce waste and save money in the long term. The price may be a bit higher than similar products, but it is worth it for the quality of the product.

Conclusion

Meal prep containers are a must-have for anyone who wants to save time and money by prepping their meals in advance. When choosing the right containers for your needs, consider factors like material, size, seal, and heat-resistance. Our picks for meal prep containers include a range of options from glass and plastic to stainless steel, with varying features and price points to fit any budget. Invest in high-quality meal prep containers and enjoy the convenience and peace of mind they provide, and make sure to seal them shut, otherwise, the car wash is probably your next stop.