If there’s any New Year’s resolution that sparks some productivity, creative thinking and ends in deliciousness, it’s meal prepping.
Made a worldwide phenomenon in recent years, meal prepping not only saves us time (especially for the 9-to-5ers — you know who you are) but automatically creates a fun weekend adventure with each new recipe added to your “to make” list.
Having prepared meals to take out for lunch means no more working until noon and wondering, “What’s for lunch?”
But, to champion your weekends and meal prep like a pro, you need the best meal prep containers for the job. Sure, you may be thinking, “They’re just containers!” However, once you devote yourself to grilling chicken, steaming broccoli (perhaps in the fan-favorite Always Pan we reviewed) and dicing up veggies, you’ll come to realize how important durable, quality containers are.
From budget options that come in bulk to glass meal prep containers with different colored lids to organize your meals from Monday to Friday, see the 20 best meal prep containers we rounded up below.
Cheers to food storage to make our lives easier.
After detailing our favorites, we also included some sworn-in meal prep recipes we tried to give you some cooking inspiration.
Before browsing our top selections, check out some of the best places to shop for meal prep containers:
1. Prepdeck Mini Recipe Prep & Storage Station, $80
The best meal prep containers overall
If you’re looking to take your meal prep game to the next level next year, consider Prepdeck’s all-in-one meal prep container and workstation. It contains five large, two medium, two small and two miniature containers, plus a folding storage hub, clad with a garlic grater, juicer, vegetable peeler, zester and more.
Not only is it perfect for cooking but it’s just as convenient for taking your prepared foods on the go.
2. NutriBox Meal Prep Plastic Food Storage Containers (40-Pack), $22
The best meal prep containers in bulk
For $22, you can snag 40 food storage containers that do the job. If you would rather spend your money on the ingredients themselves than the containers, this set is for you.
3. Bayco Glass Meal Prep Containers (8-Pack), $40
The best meal prep containers with compartments
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.
4. Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers (5-Pack), $35
The best meal prep containers for a five-day work week
If you’re just prepping meals for a five-day workweek, all you need is five containers. 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.
Not to mention, the five-pack is only $35.
5. Pyrex Glass Meal Prep Set (5-Pack), $25
The best meal prep containers without compartments
Pyrex is the powerhouse of meal prep containers. Its containers are slim enough to fit in your work tote or backpack.
6. Hemind Meal Prep Containers (50-Pack), $26, original price: $30
The best disposable meal prep containers
Though not sustainable, these round meal prep containers are great if you’re traveling and don’t have time to wash anything or plan on meal prepping every once in a while. For $25, you can’t beat this 50-pack.
7. Zwilling Fresh & Save Plastic Airtight Meal Prep Container, $20
The best meal prep container for the minimalist
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.
8. Mainstays Tritan Food Storage Containers (9-Pack), $10
The best budget meal prep containers
On a budget? How about purchasing this nine-pack of glass meal prep containers with locking lids? In a variety of shapes and sizes, it’s one of our favorite starter kits.
9. Fullstar Meal Prep Tupperware (20-Pack), $40, original price: $45
The best meal prep containers for families
Now, doesn’t this stack of colorful foods in Fullstar Meal Prep Tupperware make you want to get right into the kitchen? For $40, it’s a durable variety pack that even comes with personalized salad dressing containers.
10. Rubbermaid Flex and Seal Food Storage Containers (42-Pack), $41
The best meal prep containers for soups and sauces
If you’re keen on your favorite tomato basil soup and homemade marinara sauce, this 42-pack is for you. Particularly, the depth of these meal prep containers makes them stand out from the rest.
11. Bentgo Glass Leakproof Salad Container, $25, original price: $35
The best meal prep container for salads
The Bentgo Glass Leakproof Salad Container is so well-designed. With ample room for leafy greens and a unique top tray to include croutons, veggies and dressings (perfect to avoid a soggy salad), this one is A+ and only $25.
12. Mealcon Meal Prep Containers (7-Pack), $19
The best colorful meal prep containers
With a rainbow lid for every day of the week, the Mealcon Meal Prep Containers are a compartmentalized option that’s worth the buy.
13. BlenderBottle GoStak Food Storage Containers (4-Pack), $12
The best meal prep containers for snacks
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.
14. Enther Meal Prep Containers (12-Pack), $11
The best meal prep containers for freezing and reheating
Let’s talk about freezing and reheating. Some containers aren’t equipped for those two things, but these babies are. They’re microwave-safe, durable, dishwasher-safe, BPA-free and ready for your freezer.
15. Skinny Stacks Meal Prep Trays (2-Pack), $23
The best meal prep containers for commuters
When you’re carrying your laptop, new pair of headphones and other essentials in your work bag, an oddly shaped meal prep container can be cumbersome. However, the Skinny Stacks are specially designed to be slim, whether for on-the-go use or to store before eating.
16. Joseph Joseph Nest Plastic Food Storage Containers (12-Pack), $33, original price: $42
The best space-saving meal prep containers
Meet the meal prep containers that not only work for your food but also work for your kitchen cabinets. The Joseph Joseph 12-pack won’t take up much real estate in your kitchen and come in various sizes to meal prep everything on your list.
17. Lanfubiao Portion-Control Container Kit (14-Pack), $18
The best meal prep containers for portion control
If portion control is your mission, the Lanfubiao containers are how to get there. With measurements marked on the lids (along with labels for veggies and protein, among others), it’s a set to have on hand just shy of $20.
18. Freshware Meal Prep Containers (36-Pack), $14, original price: $20
The best meal prep containers for your side of fruit
We can’t forget about our recommended daily fruit servings. 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.
19. Anchor Hocking Round Food Storage Containers with Plastic Lids (13-Pack), $35
The best meal prep container bowls
For some, meal prep container bowls may be preferred, likely for the maximized depth to store thicker cuts of meat and heftier soups or chili. This 13-pack is the best of both worlds: glass containers, plastic lids.
20. Good Cook BPA-Free Plastic Reusable Meal & Snack Prep Containers (30-Pack), $28
The most sought-after meal prep containers people are searching for
According to consumers, Good Cook is one of the most searched-for brands on Google for meal prep containers. That said, this 30-pack is pretty ideal for only $28, with the bundle coming in three color options.
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