The Best Meal Prep Containers: Top Picks for 2024

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the right containers can truly enhance your meal prep experience. Trust me, I’ve dealt with my share of leaky lunches and stained containers, so I know what works and what doesn’t.

Why Quality Meal Prep Containers Matter

You know that awful moment when you reach into your bag only to find that your carefully prepared lunch has spilled everywhere? I’ve been there! That’s why I’m a firm believer in investing in good meal prep containers. After I ruined my favorite work bag with a leaky curry, I realised that cutting corners on container quality is a mistake.

Quality containers do more than just prevent leaks. They help keep your food safe, save you money over time, and are better for the environment. I used to toss out countless cheap containers each year, which was neither economical nor eco-friendly.

Here’s what I’ve found makes quality containers worth the investment:

• They keep food fresh for longer (I’ve had salads stay crisp for up to 5 days!)
• They’re more durable (my high-quality glass containers have lasted me 3 years and counting)
• They actually save you money in the long run
• They’re better for the planet (less plastic waste and a longer lifespan).

Glass vs Plastic Meal Prep Containers: Making the Right Choice

Let’s settle this debate once and for all! After using both extensively, I can confidently say there’s no one-size-fits-all answer – it really depends on your specific needs.

Here’s a breakdown of both options based on my personal experience:

Glass Containers:

• Durability: Virtually scratch-proof (unless you’re really trying!)
• Safety: No chemical leaching concerns
• Weight: Heavier
• Cost: Higher initial investment
• Best for: Home storage and microwave reheating

I absolutely love my Pyrex Simply Store Glass Set for home use. They’re fantastic for reheating and don’t hold onto any food smells.

Plastic Containers:

• Durability: Can warp and stain
• Safety: Look for BPA-free options
• Weight: Lighter and more portable
• Cost: More affordable initially
• Best for: Daily transport and workplace lunches

For plastic options, I’ve had great success with the Sistema KLIP IT Container Set. They’re lightweight and ideal for daily commuting.

Top 10 Meal Prep Containers Worth Your Money

After trying out numerous options (and facing a few food storage mishaps), here are my top recommendations that you can rely on:

1. Best Overall: Glasslock Container Set

• Why I love it: Completely leakproof and extremely durable
• Perfect for: Everything from soups to salads
• Personal experience: Still going strong after 2 years of daily use

2. Budget Pick: IKEA 365+

• Why I love it: Surprisingly good quality for the price
• Perfect for: Kicking off your meal prep journey
• Personal experience: A great starter set, although the lids can warp after about 6 months

3. Premium Choice: Joseph Joseph Nest Storage

• Why I love it: Clever design that saves cupboard space
• Perfect for: Organisation enthusiasts
• Personal experience: Definitely worth the investment for the space-saving design

4. Best for Portion Control: Sistema Meal Prep Containers

• Why I love it: Ideal portion sizes
• Perfect for: Weight management
• Personal experience: Helped me stay on track with my nutrition goals

5. Best Glass Option: OXO Good Grips Smart Seal

• Why I love it: The most effective locking mechanism I’ve encountered
• Perfect for: Long-term food storage
• Personal experience: These held up for a full year of daily use with no seal degradation
• Extra features: The push-button lid design is fantastic for those with arthritic hands
• Downside: They are a bit on the expensive side, but the quality makes it worthwhile.

6. Best for Meal Planning: PrepNaturals Glass Meal Prep

• Why I love it: Features three compartments that are just the right size for portions.
• Perfect for: Planning meals for the week ahead.
• Personal experience: I’ve been using these for 8 months for my meal prep, and they’ve worked flawlessly.
• Extra features: The dividers effectively keep different foods from mixing together.
• Downside: Lids can be a bit tough to clean around the seals

7. Best for Soup Storage: Thermos King Food Jar

• Why I love it: It keeps food hot for over 7 hours.
• Perfect for: Enjoying hot lunches when there’s no microwave available.
• Personal experience: It was a lifesaver during office renovations when we were without a microwave.
• Extra features: Comes with a built-in spoon and has a collapsible design.
• Downside: Limited capacity compared to regular containers

8. Most Versatile: Lock & Lock Eco Collection

• Why I love it: Suitable for everything from the freezer to the microwave.
• Perfect for: Everyday use with a variety of foods.
• Personal experience: It’s my go-to choice for batch cooking.
• Extra features: The stackable design helps save a lot of cupboard space.
• Downside: The clear plastic can stain with tomato-based foods

9. Best Budget Set: Vtopmart Plastic Containers

• Why I love it: Offers amazing value with a 7-piece set.
• Perfect for: Those just starting out or for temporary use.
• Personal experience: A fantastic starter set that held up for 6 months of regular use.
• Extra features: Comes with labels and a marker pen.
• Downside: Lids loosen slightly after frequent dishwasher cycles

10. Most Innovative: Bentgo Glass

• Why I love it: Features a unique compartment design.
• Perfect for: Meals that have multiple components.
• Personal experience: It’s my favorite for bringing salads to work.
• Extra features: Includes built-in cutlery and a sauce container.
• Downside: Heavy when fully packed

Pro Shopping Tips Based on My Experience

1. Check for Sales

• Many of these containers are discounted during Black Friday.
• I managed to save $30 on my OXO set by keeping an eye out for deals.

2. Consider Sets vs Individual Pieces

• Buying sets usually provides better value.
• I suggest starting with a set and then adding individual pieces as you need them.
• The Lock & Lock sets often come with bonus smaller containers.

3. Match Container to Use Case

• If you bike to work, avoid splurging on pricey glass containers.
• Choose thermal containers if you lack microwave access.
• Think about the weight if you’ll be carrying containers over long distances.

Keep in mind that these reviews stem from my personal experiences with various containers. Your needs may differ, but these suggestions should provide a good foundation for selecting the right containers for your meal prep journey.

Essential Features to Look for in Meal Prep Containers

When I began meal prepping, I assumed any container would suffice. I was mistaken! Here are the key features I’ve discovered to be essential:

1. Leak-proof Seals

• Seek out silicone seals that create a proper vacuum.
• Always test with water before trusting them with soup.
• The Lock & Lock containers have never leaked on me.

2. Airtight Design

• Crucial for keeping food fresh.
• Stops odours from escaping.
• Helps prevent freezer burn.

3. Temperature Resistance

• Must withstand both freezer and microwave.
• Look for containers that won’t crack with temperature changes.
• Steer clear of cheap plastics that warp.

I highly recommend the OXO Good Grips Smart Seal range for outstanding temperature resistance.

4. Compartment Divisions
If you’re anything like me, you’ll dislike when your crunchy salad becomes soggy from the dressing or when your curry seeps into your rice. That’s where compartments come into play!

Key compartment considerations:

• Depth variations (at least 2.5cm for main dishes).
• Sturdy divider walls (no flimsy removable ones).
• Equal sizing for portion control.

I’ve had great success with the Sistema Bento Box. The compartments are genuinely well-sealed—no more sauce sneaking under dividers!

5. Stackability
After experiencing an avalanche of containers tumbling from my cupboard (twice!), I realized that stackability is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Here’s what to look for.

Stackability features:

• Nesting design when empty.
• Stable stacking when full.
• Compatible lids and bases.
• Corner design that prevents sliding.

The Joseph Joseph Nest Storage set is fantastic for this – they nest perfectly when empty and stack securely when full.

6. Size Range
One size definitely doesn’t fit all! Here’s my tried-and-true size guide:

• Should handle freezer to microwave.
• Look for containers that won’t crack under temperature changes.
• Avoid cheap plastics that warp.

Small (350-500ml):
Perfect for: Snacks, dressings, portions
I use these for: Nuts, cut fruit, dips
Recommended: Sistema Small Containers

Medium (750-1000ml):
Perfect for: Individual meals
I use these for: Daily lunches, dinner portions
Recommended: Glasslock Medium Set

Large (1.5-2L):
Perfect for: Batch cooking, family portions
I use these for: Weekly meal prep, salad storage
Recommended: OXO Good Grips Large

7. Visibility
After tossing out way too many forgotten leftovers, I’ve realized that being able to see what’s inside is key.

Look for:

• Clear sides (at least partially)
• Minimal texture on the container
• Non-staining material
• Labels or marking area

Pro tip: The Pyrex Simply Store remains crystal clear even after months of storing tomato-based sauces!

8. Microwave Features
It wasn’t a pleasant experience when my container melted in the microwave (what a disaster!). Here’s what you need for microwave safety.

Essential microwave features:

• Steam release vent
• Heat-resistant material (up to 120°C / 248°F)
• Microwave-safe symbols clearly marked
• Splatter-proof design

The Lock & Lock Heat Resistance range has excellent steam vents that prevent explosions while reheating soup.

9. Seal Quality
The seal is crucial for a container’s effectiveness! Here’s my checklist for testing seals.

Seal test process:

1. Fill with water
2. Turn upside down
3. Shake gently
4. Store on side for 1 hour
5. Check for any leakage

Look for:

• Silicone seal rings
• Four-sided locking mechanisms
• Visible seal indentation when closed
• Easy-to-clean seal design

I swear by the Glasslock Container seals—they’ve handled countless soup spills in my bag.

10. Durability Indicators
After testing numerous containers, here are the durability features that truly matter.

Physical indicators:

• Thick corners (less likely to crack)
• Reinforced locking mechanisms
• Quality plastic grade (look for recycling numbers 1, 2, or 5)
• Dishwasher-safe rating

Construction features:

• One-piece lid design
• Tempered glass (if glass)
• BPA-free certification
• Thermal shock resistance

The Thermos Brand containers meet all these criteria and have withstood over two years of daily use in my kitchen.

Pro Tips for Feature Selection

1. Consider Your Routine

• Commuting? Prioritise leak-proof seals
• Batch cooking? Focus on stackability
• Office lunches? Look for microwave features

2. Think Long-term

• Quality seals save money over time
• Better materials reduce replacement needs
• Warranty coverage is important

3. Match Features to Food Types

• Liquid foods need better seals
• Mixed meals benefit from compartments
• Acidic foods require stain-resistant materials

Remember, the ideal container combines these features based on your specific needs. I’ve learned that having all the features isn’t always necessary—it’s about finding the right mix for your lifestyle.

How to Properly Care for Your Meal Prep Containers

I once ruined a $50 set of containers by accidentally putting them in the dishwasher on the wrong setting. Learn from my mistakes! Here are some practical care tips I’ve gathered over time:

1. Cleaning Best Practices:

• Always rinse immediately after use to prevent staining.
• Use a baking soda paste for those stubborn stains.
• Avoid using abrasive sponges on plastic containers.

2. Storage Tips:

• Stack containers with paper towels in between to prevent sticking.
• Store lids separately to keep everything organised.
• Keep them in a dry, cool place to maintain their quality.

3. Maintenance Tricks:

• Regular vinegar soaks can help remove any lingering odors.
• Consider replacing seals annually for optimal freshness.
• Check for chips or cracks on a monthly basis to ensure safety.

Common Meal Prep Container Mistakes to Avoid

One of my biggest blunders was storing tomato sauce in a plastic container without treating it first—those orange stains were impossible to remove!

Common Mistakes:

• Storing hot food in plastic containers.
• Using damaged containers that could leak.
• Overfilling containers, which can lead to spills.
• Choosing the wrong size for your meal prep needs.
• Neglecting proper cleaning routines.

The biggest mistake? Opting for cheap containers in hopes of saving money. Investing in quality options like the Sistema Brilliance range will actually save you money over time.

All in all

I can confidently say that investing in quality containers is absolutely worth it. Whether you prefer glass or plastic, make sure to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use them.

Remember:

• Quality containers are an investment in your meal prep success.
• Choose based on your lifestyle and needs.
• Proper care can significantly extend the life of your containers.
• Don’t hesitate to mix and match different types.
• And don’t forget to check out The Ultimate Guide to Healthy Meal Prep

Ready to embark on your meal prep journey? I’d love to hear about your experiences and favourite containers in the comments below!