Meal Prep Containers Overview
Alright, let’s dive into the world of meal prep containers. It’s amazing what those handy little boxes can do for your cooking game. They keep everything fresh and tidy, like your kitchen’s best organizer, and make preparing meals a breeze. Here’s a quick breakdown on picking the perfect containers for your chow.
Choosing the Right Containers
All containers are not created equal. The choice boils down to a few things: what they’re made of, how big they are, and how easy they make life.
Material
- Plastic: These are the lightweights of the group – and typically budget-friendly. They’re great pals for your work lunch. Stack them up without a worry; they’re not prone to cracks, but can sometimes hold onto stains like a bad habit.
- Glass: Think of glass as the durable buddy who’s always got your back and stays eco-friendly. Heavy, sure, but completely microwave-safe and won’t hold onto weird smells from last week’s curry. Perfect for home use if portable’s not on your list.
For the nitty-gritty between these two, swing by our Plastic vs. Glass Containers section.
Size and Compartments
Finding the right size and compartment type is like picking your perfect coffee order—essential and surprisingly personal. Single compartments for the uncomplicated meals; multi ones when you want some diversity on your plate.
| Container Type | Ideal For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Single Compartment | Straightforward meals, snacks | Easier cleanup, flexible |
| Two-Compartment | Mains with a sidekick | Keeps flavors separate |
| Specialty Containers | Salads, soups, insulated goodies | Designed for specific meals, sometimes with nifty extras |
Convenience
- Leak-Proof: Think of these as the fortress for your food—no spillage here.
- Microwave and Freezer Safe: The double-duty warriors. Perfect to go from chilly to toasty.
- Stackable: Minimal space, maximum order. Keep your kitchen neat and happy.
For more on which boxes get our gold star, peep our top picks in best meal prep containers or check out the 10 best meal prep containers of 2024.
Eco-Friendly Options
If you’re huggin’ trees on weekends, why not carry that love to your kitchen? Reusable, recyclable, even biodegradable containers can make your meal prep eco-chic.
The right gear makes meal prep a cinch. Think about the material, size, and convenience, and keep your food in prime shape. Don’t forget to explore more specific options like the best freezer meal prep containers and the ones tailored for the cold best meal prep containers for freezer.
But wait, there’s more! Meal prep is about how you container and how you cook. Peek at our meal prep methods to turn even the busiest week into a feast-ready, stress-free affair.
Plastic vs. Glass Containers
Picking the right container for your meal prep can be like choosing your favorite pair of socks in the morning—it sets the tone for the day. Here, I’m gonna give you the lowdown on why you might want to reach for plastic or glass containers when you’re making the magic happen in the kitchen.
Benefits of Plastic Containers
Let’s raise a glass—or a plastic cup—to the humble plastic container. These bad boys are tough cookies, taking life’s knocks and bumps in stride. Unlike glass, they’re not gonna chip if you drop ’em on the kitchen floor after one too many attempts at juggling. Some of the good ones stick around for years, shelling out solid service even if you’re a meal-prep machine using them till they tire (Peanut Butter and Fitness).
If you’re someone like me, always running out the door and shoving your lunch into your bag on the way, plastic’s a winner. It’s lightweight, and you don’t have to tiptoe around it, worrying about it breaking. Here’s why folks like ’em:
- Durability: Tougher than week-old bread.
- Longevity: Can roll with the punches for years.
- Lightweight: Your back will thank you.
- Cost-Effective: Wallet-friendly compared to glass.
Make sure when you’re snagging plastic containers, you hunt down those BPA-free ones. That way, you can nuke your lunch without stressing about the ninja chemicals jumping into your food (Peanut Butter & Fitness).
| Feature | Plastic Containers |
|---|---|
| Durability | High |
| Weight | Lightweight |
| Longevity | Up to 7 years |
| Cost | Low |
For my list of superstar plastic containers, check out our top plastic container picks section.
Advantages of Glass Containers
Alright, glass containers—they’re the prom queens of the kitchen storage world. No need to worry about chemicals spoiling your soup with these, and they look slick enough to serve your dinner party leftovers right on the table.
Here’s what makes them the bees’ knees:
- Aesthetic Appeal: As classy as a tuxedo.
- Oven Safe: From fridge to oven without batting an eye.
- Stain and Odor Proof: They don’t hold on to the smell of last week’s curry.
- Chemically Safe: No funky stuff leaching into your spaghetti.
Sure, they can be a bit heavy, and if you’re a klutz like me, you might wanna handle ’em carefully to avoid the dreaded kitchen klaxon. But if you’re about that durable, non-plastic lifestyle, glass containers are solid gold. Just be cautious when you’re freezing stuff—give ’em a little breathing room to handle those icy expansions (Peanut Butter & Fitness).
| Feature | Glass Containers |
|---|---|
| Aesthetic | High |
| Oven Safe | Yes |
| Stain Proof | Yes |
| Chemical Safety | High |
Want to know which glass containers are calling your name? Jump over to our best glass meal prep containers section.
For a soup-to-nuts rundown comparing both types, swing by our best containers for meal prepping page and find your perfect meal prep partner.
Single Compartment Containers
Hey there! If meal prep is your jam, single compartment containers are your trusty sidekick. They’re perfect for stashing away all kinds of meals—whether you’re packing lunch, dinner, or your favorite snacks.
Ideal Size Range
Let’s talk size. Picking the right one can make or break your meal prep game. For lunch and dinner, you’ll want a container that’s between 24 and 30 oz. It’s roomy enough for a hearty meal but not a drag to carry around. Check out this quick rundown:
| Meal Type | Ideal Container Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch/Dinner | 24-30 oz | Perfect for main meals |
| Snacks | < 16 oz | Great for fruits, nuts, or a quick munch |
| Light Meals | 16-24 oz | Just right for smaller bites or sides |
If you’re one of those folks who like munching many small meals throughout the day, a smaller container—maybe 24 oz or less—might suit you better. They’re spot-on for simple meals or special diet plans like those outlined by Peanut Butter & Fitness.
Benefits and Considerations
So, why should you cozy up to single compartment containers? Let’s spill the beans:
1. Keeping It Simple: One big space means you don’t need to puzzle over compartments. Life’s less complicated when there’s less to clean and pack.
2. Jack of All Trades: Toss in salads, stir-fries, pasta, casseroles—these containers can handle ‘em all!
3. Cozy Fit: Their design lets you stack them easily in the fridge or freezer. More containers, fewer problems.
But, there are a few things you might wanna keep in mind:
Portion Check: Without those little dividers, you might stack it too high and end up eating more than planned.
Mix and Match Issues: Sometimes, you wanna keep your sauce and salad apart until chow time. If that’s you, check out our tips on the best meal prep lunch boxes here.
Material Choices Matter: Plastic vs. Glass – pick your side! Plastic is tough and lightweight, perfect for years of use, just make sure it’s BPA-free for microwave safety. Glass, on the other hand, survives the oven and cleans easily, but it’s heavier and can give you a heart attack if you drop it. For more on glass boxes, hop over to our page on best glass meal prep containers.
So, to wrap it up, single compartment containers are a must-have in your meal prep lineup—keeping it simple and efficient. Think about what works for you before picking your new favorite food holders, and don’t forget to explore more on our best containers for meal prep page.
Two-Compartment Containers
Alright, let me spill the beans on two-compartment containers. They’re like the unsung heroes of meal prepping. Perfect for busy folks or those on a diet game.
Separating Ingredients
Think of these containers as bodyguards for your food—keeping those ingredients apart and safe. You ever had that nightmare where your rice goes soggy or your salad mingles with the dressing too soon? Yeah, these containers put an end to that. Fish stays fishy (in a good way), and your snacks or moisture-haters stay nice and dry.
Take the Bentgo 2-Compartment Meal-Prep Containers, for instance. Man, these guys know their job. They’ve got snug lids that stop any sneaky leaks. Plus, they hold 24 ounces of tasty goodness, and they’re stackable, ready for the dishwasher, microwave, or freezer. So, you do you and let them handle the rest.
| Container Brand | Compartment Count | Total Capacity | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bentgo | 2 | 24 oz | Stackable, Dishwasher-Safe, Microwave-Safe, Freezer-Safe |
Wanna see more cool bowls to prep your meals? Have a look at the best bowls for meal prep page.
Practicality in Meal Prep
Now, let’s talk practicality, because these containers really are the unsung heroes in meal prepping land. They make portion control a breeze, with their separate spaces keeping your carbs, veggies, and proteins all perfectly balanced. Fitness nuts and nutrition enthusiasts will know what I mean—nail those macros without a second thought.
And here’s something to love—your meals won’t get all mixed up during storage or your chaotic commute. Every bite keeps its own flavor punch, whether you’re chowing down at your desk or your kitchen table.
For more awesome meal prep tips, swing by our best meal prep recipes and best Tupperware for meal prep pages.
Pop these two-compartment wonders into your meal prep lineup, and watch your food organization, portion control, and meal-quality skyrocket. If you’re on the lookout for the best containers for meal prep, these really know how to pull their weight.
Specialty Containers
If you’re like me, juggling life’s chaos while trying to eat well, those special meal prep containers can be lifesavers. Whether you love a crisp salad or a steaming bowl of soup, there’s something to make meal time better. I’m chatting about two all-stars in the container league: salad containers and insulated bowls.
Salad Containers
Ever had a soggy salad ruin your lunch vibe? Salad containers are here to save the day. They’ve mastered the art of keeping your leafy greens fresh until you’re ready to dig in. Compartmentalized to separate ingredients—your salad remains a work of art, just as you crafted it. Perfect for us busy bees or anyone wanting to stick to healthy choices without sacrificing taste.
These nifty containers often have a neat little spot for dressing—bye-bye, soggy salad. Plus, some even toss in a fork and knife right in the lid. How cool is that?
| Feature | Example |
|---|---|
| Price | $23.99 for a fab set of four with lids (BuzzFeed) |
| Compartments | Different sections for all your goodies |
| Utensils | Fork and knife sometimes included |
| Dressing container | Keeps dressing separate so nothing gets mushy |
Want some inspiration? Scope out our best meal prep salads that’ll pack perfectly in these containers.
Insulated Bowls
For those who chase their dreams (or run on a treadmill), insulated bowls are a revelation. They keep your food just the right temp—hot or cold. This makes them a hit with fitness fans, athletes, and anyone who’s always on the move. Thanks to some cool vacuum tech, they hold onto that heat (or chill) for hours. It’s almost like having a portable kitchen.
These bowls come in all kinds of sizes, perfect for your favorite soup or stew. Plus, they’re a win for Mother Earth – because who needs single-use plastics, right?
| Feature | Example |
|---|---|
| Temperature Control | Keeps your meal hot or cold long after it’s packed |
| Sizes | Choose the size that fits your meal |
| Eco-Friendly | Ditch the single-use. Go reusable. |
| Specialty lids | Vacuum seal to lock in the heat or cold |
Peek at our list of the best meal prep containers to find more gems.
For us meal prep fans, whether it’s salad containers or insulated bowls, these are all about making life a bit easier. Ensuring our food stays as tasty as it was when we packed it. For more great finds, check out our advice on the best meal prep lunch box and awesome tips for the best high protein meal prep.
Meal Prep Container Recommendations
Picking the right bowls for meal prep can really change your game. Whether you like glass or plastic, the right set of containers brings order to your kitchen chaos and keeps your food tasting pretty darn fresh.
Best Glass Containers
Go for glass if you’re looking to dodge any unwanted plastic chemicals. They’re classy, can handle the heat of an oven, and aren’t too hard to clean. Sure, they’re not the lightest, and dropping one means game over, but it’s a small price to pay for safety and style (Peanut Butter & Fitness).
| Container Set | Features | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Container Set | Two sections, no leaks, tough borosilicate glass | 29 oz | $28.99 |
| Anchor Hocking TrueSeal Food Storage Containers | Strong tempered glass, takes heat up to 425°F, vacuum lids | Varies by set | $34.99 |
The Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Container Set is a crowd-pleaser. With its twin compartments, it’s got plenty of room for organized meals, and you won’t have to worry about sauce spills in your work bag.
Anchor Hocking’s TrueSeal Food Storage Containers are all about keeping food fresh. Those see-through lids mean no more guessing games about what’s inside, and they slide from freezer to oven like they were born to. If you’re serious about prepping, they’re a smart buy.
Top Plastic Container Picks
Plastic containers are the popular kids—lightweight, sturdy, and kind to your wallet. Many are BPA-free, which makes them safe pals in your microwave and for storing groceries (Peanut Butter & Fitness).
| Container Set | Features | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bentgo 2-Compartment Meal-Prep Containers | Neat to stack, BPA-free, harsh on dishwashers, microwaves, and freezers | 24 oz | $13.99 |
| Freshware Meal Prep Containers | Microwave-, dishwasher-, and freezer-friendly, reusable | 32 oz | $16.99 for a pack of 21 |
The Bentgo 2-Compartment Meal-Prep Containers have got your back if you keep solids and liquids apart. They’re stack-friendly, survive freezer burns, and dishwashers too—all everyday heroes in your kitchen (The Spruce Eats).
If you’re cooking up a storm, Freshware Meal Prep Containers deliver quantity and quality. Sturdy and reusable, they come in big packs—music to the ears of large families or busy home chefs.
For more answers and shopping advice, hit up our complete guide on the best meal prep containers. And don’t overlook using a heat protectant when heating up leftover containers.
Meal Prep Methods
Nailing meal prep comes down to being a pro at portioning your eats. Here’s my take on three handy ways to get those servings just right with the best bowls for meal prep.
The Kitchen Scale Method
This one’s my go-to. It’s like having a personal assistant for your meals. Weigh everything, divide by how many meals you’re making, and bam, even portions every time.
| Meal Item | Total Weight (g) | Servings | Weight per Serving (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 1000 | 4 | 250 |
| Rice | 800 | 4 | 200 |
| Broccoli | 600 | 4 | 150 |
Knowing the weight of what you’re eating makes planning meals a breeze. Get more on getting those portions spot on with the best meal prep containers.
The Eye Method
No scale? No prob. The Eye Method is about eyeballing it. Think about dividing your favorite dish into equal parts, like cutting a pie—everyone gets a piece. Your best meal prep lunch box comes in handy here too. It’s not exact math but it gets the job done in a pinch.
Weight Guessing Method
This method’s like the cool cousin to the Eye Method. It’s about feeling it out—literally. Break your meal down by portions and just sense it. Sometimes using a cup or spoon helps keep it real.
- Split the recipe by servings.
- Guess the weight by feel or use whatever’s in the kitchen to dish it out.
It’s not exact, but hey, you don’t always need a scale, especially when you’re in a hurry or trying out those best meal prep recipes.
Bringing these methods into your meal prep game makes everything click. If you’re curious about more tips and tricks, check out our best meal prep services for some awesome ideas.
Meal Prep Services
Tired of spending hours in the kitchen and still ending up with a peanut butter sandwich? Meal prep services are like having your own tiny chef army, ready to whip up tasty dishes without the sweat and tears of planning, buying, and chopping. Let’s take a look at some fan favorites that make life a whole lot easier for busy folks, health fanatics, and hungry families alike.
Marley Spoon
Marley Spoon is like having Martha Stewart as my kitchen buddy. They’ve snagged recipes from her treasure chest and added some fresh ones too, all doable in 30 minutes or less. Marley Spoon dared to be different when it hit U.S. shores in 2016, promising culinary fun with ingredients I can barely pronounce.
Highlights:
- Recipes Straight from Martha: Feel like a home cook superstar.
- Speedy Cooking: Dishes ready before my hunger strikes.
- Surprising Ingredients: Spice up meals with the unusual.
HelloFresh
HelloFresh takes meal times from “meh” to “wow!” with its trio of plans: classic, veggie-lover, and everyone-in-the-family-happy. Their kits help me ditch takeout and boss around my stove with some cool pro tips. Everything’s vacuum-sealed to stay fresh longer than my last New Year’s resolution.
Highlights:
- Three Plans: Pleasing all, from meat lovers to plant nibblers.
- Cook Like a Pro: Easy peasy for rookie chefs.
- Fresh for Longer: Thanks to magical vacuum sealing.
Green Chef
HelloFresh’s green cousin, Green Chef flaunts its organic badge proudly as the first USDA-endorsed meal kit. Catering to picky eaters like me, they rally behind keto fans, gluten shunners, and veggie enthusiasts. I’m covered without having to memorize what each diet means.
Highlights:
- Organic All the Way: USDA stamp of approval.
- Diverse Diet Choices: Keto? Vegan? Take your pick.
Blue Apron
Blue Apron’s my go-to for those wild recipe nights, boasting dishes like honey chipotle chicken and hoisin duck, complete with newbie-friendly photo steps. Plus, they spoil me with add-ons like wine deliveries (cheers!) and a shop for must-have kitchen gadgets.
Highlights:
- Crave-Worthy Meals: Like having restaurant nights at home.
- Instructions Galore: With photos that help me not screw up.
- Extras Galore: Wine and gadgets straight to my door.
By enlisting a meal prep service, I dodge meal planning headaches and enjoy tasty, health-conscious dishes that fit right into whatever my diet needs. Whether it’s wild recipes, all-organics, or simplicity for kitchen rookies, there’s a service for each taste and preference. Want more on finding those perfect meal prep bowls or nifty meal prep containers? Check out our guides for all your kitchen must-haves.
| Service | Unique Recipes | Organic Options | Beginner-Friendly | Quick Prep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marley Spoon | Yep | Nope | Yessiree | Fast and furious |
| HelloFresh | Not really | Nah | Absolutely | Quick as a wink |
| Green Chef | Not their thing | Oh yeah | Sure thing | Take your time |
| Blue Apron | Heck yeah | Nada | Totally | More of a marathon |
