Choosing Meal Prep Containers
Hey there! Trying to nail down the perfect meal prep containers? You’re in the right spot! Whether you’re a seasoned kitchen ninja or just diving into the meal prep game, having the right containers can make life so much easier. Let’s sprinkle some fun and dive right in on what to consider – not just for keeping your food fresh, but for keeping your sanity too.
Factors to Consider
1. Material
Picking the material is like choosing your best friend – gotta have each other’s back. Here’s the lowdown:
- Plastic: Super light and won’t break the bank. They’re great if you can toss ’em in the microwave and they won’t mess with your food’s mojo (BPA-free all the way, baby!).
- Glass: Fancy, no funky smells sticking around, and it’s safe for both microwaves and ovens. Beware – they come with a bit more heft.
- Stainless Steel: Durable and light, but steer clear of the microwave. Perfect for cold dishes or when you’re just not in a heating kind of mood.
- Silicone: Magic for the nomadic kitchen – they can squish down for savings in the cupboard department.
2. Size
Size matters when it comes to keeping your portions just right (because not all of us have wolf-sized appetites all the time).
| Container Size | Best For |
|---|---|
| 24 oz | Little noshes, quick snacks |
| 30 oz | Hugin’ meals, separate loveable components |
3. Compartments
You don’t want your pasta kissing the salad (unless that’s your thing):
- Single Compartment: For when you keep things simple or need to toss everything together.
- Two Compartment: Keeps your bread from sogging up with those juicy bits.
- Three Compartment: Bento box vibes or if you’re all about that variety.
4. Leak-Proof and Lids
Nothing’s worse than opening your bag to a soupy surprise. Make sure those lids snap, crackle, and pop – I mean, seal tightly!
5. Microwave and Oven Safety
If you’re into reheating, double-check your container won’t blow up or warp. Glass is generally your buddy here, while stainless steel can take a break when the microwave is lit.
6. Durability and Longevity
Give those containers a lifespan. Glass and steel last longer but are heavier on the arms, whereas plastic saves your muscles, albeit for a shorter run.
Use these tips to grab the best meal prep containers that’ll make meal prepping just another fun day in the park. And when you’re set, peep our best meal prep recipes so you can load up those containers with tasty goodness. Happy cooking!
Plastic Meal Prep Containers
Plastic meal prep containers are a big hit with folks who love saving a buck and keeping things hassle-free. So here’s the scoop on why they’re great: they’re tough cookies and super handy because they’re microwave-friendly and don’t contain that nasty stuff, BPA.
Durability and Longevity
Plastic containers are the tank of the storage world. And if you’re a meal-prepping pro, they’re just what the doctor ordered. Some of ’em, like those from Peanut Butter & Fitness, can last a hefty 7 years, even with heavy-duty use. Take brands like Rubbermaid Brilliance—they’re champs at hanging tough. I’ve got a stash of these puppies that still look half decent after 5 years of kitchen combat.
Folks love to rave about their strength. These containers don’t buckle under pressure—literally! No bending or wobbling when packed full, and they cruise through cooler transports like a breeze.
| Brand/Type | Years of Service | Customer Praise |
|---|---|---|
| Rubbermaid Brilliance | 5 and counting | Durable and sturdy |
| GoodCook Reusable Containers | Over 3 | Flexible, easy cleaning |
Microwave-Safe and BPA-Free
If you’re scoping out meal prep gear, make sure your containers can take the heat—microwave heat, I mean—and skip the sinister stuff like BPA. BPA is a chemical hooligan that can sneak into your bites, especially when things get steamy. Go for BPA-free to keep your food safe and sound.
And for those lunch-packing warriors hustling against the clock, BPA-free containers are your trusty sidekicks. Microwave-safe means you can zap your leftovers without a hitch, which is gold when you’re juggling a zillion things a day.
| Feature | Perk | Heads-Up |
|---|---|---|
| Microwave-Safe | Handy for quick meals | Perfect for busy bees |
| BPA-Free | Keeps food safe | Nixes the nasty stuff |
If you’re itching for more deets, there’s a treasure trove of wisdom waiting for you on the top meal prep containers and how to ace your go-to meal prep recipes. If you’re into glass and seeking alternatives, feast your eyes on our lowdown for the best glass meal prep containers.
Glass Meal Prep Containers
If you’re the kind of person who likes things tough, pretty, and safe in the food-storing game, glass containers are right up your alley.
Stain and Odor-Proof Properties
Glass meal prep containers shine because they don’t hold onto stains or smells. Unlike their plasticky counterparts, glass just shrugs off colors and scents left by even the most dazzling or nose-tingling foods. This is gold for those of us tossing in everything from beets to curry in our meal prep sessions.
| Feature | Glass Containers |
|---|---|
| Stain-Proof | Yes |
| Odor-Proof | You bet |
| Dishwasher Safe | Absolutely |
Folks rave about how easy these containers are to clean, and how they keep looking all transparent and spiffy, no matter how many times they’re used (Peanut Butter & Fitness). If you like your meal-prepping simple and mess-free, glass is a solid choice.
Curious for more tips? Check out the 411 on super glass meal prep containers.
Oven and Microwave Safety
Glass containers are like best friends with your oven and microwave. They can take the heat and keep on ticking. For instance, Rubbermaid’s Brilliance Glass Food Storage Containers can hang out in your oven up to 450°F, making them champs for heating in ovens or toaster ovens (Good Housekeeping).
| Brand | Oven Safe | Microwave Safe | Max Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubbermaid Brilliance | Yup | Sure thing | 450 |
| OXO Good Grips | Absolutely | You got it | Varies |
These containers also work wonders in microwaves, adding to their list of talents. Just handle them sensibly, especially when moving from the freezer to oven or microwave, unless crackle-crash is your idea of kitchen fun (Peanut Butter & Fitness).
If freezing and reheating with glass tickles your fancy, dive into our guide on top-notch freezer meal prep containers for extra goodies.
To wrap it up, glass containers have a lot to offer, from being resilient against stains and odors, to being oven and microwave friendly. While they aren’t as light and drop-resistant as plastic, their sturdiness and flexibility make them worth the extra muscle for serious meal preppers. Feel like exploring more options? Peek into our lineup of ultimate containers for meal prepping.
Stainless Steel Meal Prep Containers
Lightweight Option
So here’s the deal: if you’re after a food container that’s tough but doesn’t weigh you down, stainless steel is your buddy. These shiny little numbers are both stylish and strong, good for anyone juggling a hectic schedule or if you’re into meal prepping like a pro. Stainless steel loves a good challenge—which is why it won’t easily scratch or dent—perfect for those always on the move or wrangling meal prep for a family.
Eco warriors, rejoice! You won’t find single-use plastics in these babies; they’re all about reusability. If you’re always on the go or enjoy tossing a meal in a backpack for a hike or a picnic, you’ll dig how light they are. No need to hold your breath with every bump like you would with glass containers; these won’t shatter.
Check out the comparison table for a closer peek at how lightweight and useful they really are:
| Container Type | Weight | Microwave-Safe? | Toughness | Eco-Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Light | Nope | High | Absolutely |
| Glass | Hefty | Yes | High | You bet |
| Plastic | Light | Yes | So-so | Nope |
Limitations and Suitability
Okay, here’s the flip side. While these stainless wonders are great, they can’t go near a microwave. That’s a bummer if you don’t have a spare dish on hand when hunger strikes and you need a warm-up (Heads up from Peanut Butter & Fitness). Not super convenient if you’re typically stuck with just a microwave come meal time.
These containers shine when they’re holding cold stuff. Salad? Please. Sandwich? You got it. Pack a lunch without the need for a zap, and you’re golden. For families looking to toss a snack or lunch together, they’re a winner. But if steamy dinners are your jam, maybe glass or plastic might suit your kitchen escapades better.
Got a curiosity itch? Satisfy it with our rundown of the best meal prep containers, whether you’re swayed by glass or fond of plastic.
In a nutshell, stainless steel containers are champions of durability, lightness, and eco-friendliness. But if you’ve got your heart set on heating things up, take a stroll through our feature sections on best glass meal prep containers and plastic options. You’ll find your groove with the perfect fit for your reheating needs.
Silicone Meal Prep Containers
Suddenly, silicone meal prep boxes are all the rage! Whether you’re a busy worker bee, a gym junkie, or someone rooting for Mother Earth, these containers are the cool kids on the block for keeping your meals tidy.
Collapsible and Portable
Here’s where silicone containers shine: they can shrink like your favorite pair of jeans after the holidays! When you’re not using them, they flatten down, freeing up that ever-elusive counter space. Trust me, if you’re always juggling things like a circus act, this feature is solid gold. They’re a godsend for tight kitchens or if you’re always toting lunch and snacks with you. Workweek Lunch gives a thumbs-up to their portability, and I gotta say, it’s spot on.
Benefits of Collapsible Silicone Containers:
- Space-saving design: Perfect for cramped kitchens and stashing away.
- Portability: Light enough to take anywhere—be it to work, on a trip, or to the gym.
- Lightweight: Makes lugging meals less of a chore.
| Attribute | Silicone Containers |
|---|---|
| Space-saving | ✔️ |
| Easy to transport | ✔️ |
| Lightweight | ✔️ |
Want more on meal organization? Check out our best containers for meal prepping.
Flavor Retention
So, while these silicone sidekicks can squish down and hit the road with you, they’re not without their quirks. They’ve got a knack for holding onto strong food smells—kind of like that one sweater that won’t give up the curry aroma. If you keep jumping from spicy to sweet dishes, it might get annoying. Workweek Lunch mentions this too: silicone keeps past meals’ flavors hanging around.
Tips to Mitigate Flavor Retention:
- Use baking soda: Scrub ’em with a baking soda mix to say goodbye to funky odors.
- Dry thoroughly: Let them air dry completely so they don’t start smelling like a damp basement.
- Dedicated use: Designate containers for specific foods to dodge flavor mashups.
Need more tricks for your meal prep containers? Peek at our list of the best tupperware for meal prep.
Being clued in on what silicone containers have to offer—and where they might trip you up—can help you figure out if they fit your meal prep hustle. If you’re looking for other options, we’ve got you covered with our recommendations for best glass meal prep containers and stainless steel meal prep containers.
Meal Prep Container Sizes
Hey there! When you’re diving into the best meal prep containers, picking the right size is like finding the secret sauce for your food prep routine. Let’s chew over why size matters and how it plays into your daily grub game.
Single Compartment (24-30 oz)
These containers are your bread and butter for straightforward meals. According to Peanut Butter & Fitness, sizes between 24 and 30 oz hit the sweet spot for planned eats. They give just the right amount of room to stash your meal without squishing it in or having it feel all lonely with loads of empty space.
| Container Size | Ideal For |
|---|---|
| 24 oz | Simple Meals |
| 26 oz | Medium Meals |
| 30 oz | Bigger Meals |
- 24 oz Containers: Perfect for keeping things simple. Toss in your protein, some veggies, and maybe a little side. Wouldn’t your grilled chicken love a cozy spot next to broccoli?
- 26 oz Containers: Got a meal with a bit more going on? These are your go-tos for a seamless middle option. Think of them like the Goldilocks of meal prepping—not too small, not too big.
- 30 oz Containers: Now, if you’re packing for a big appetite, like an athlete or you’re prepping for your energetic kiddos, these are the big kahunas you need!
Factor of Versatility
When it comes to meal prep, versatility is the name of the game. Single-compartment containers fit perfectly into your meal prepping lineup, offering flexibility that keeps things fresh and easy.
- Handles Add-ons Like a Champ: The large 30 oz size plays nice with silicone muffin cups or sauce containers, which is super handy when you don’t want your flavors to mingle (Peanut Butter & Fitness).
- Cuts Down on Food Waste: Picking the right container size means you don’t toss your food and it stays fresh longer. Grab the 24 oz for no-fuss meals and larger ones when you’ve invited the whole gang over.
Considering how versatile different meal prep containers can be makes routine meal prep more practical and straightforward. If you’re curious about divvying up space and other neat container tricks, check out our compartments in meal prep containers section and peep at best glass meal prep containers for those who like seeing what they’re noshing before diving in.
Compartments in Meal Prep Containers
I’m all about those compartmentalized meal prep containers; they make life oh-so-easy by keeping every ingredient in its lane. Say goodbye to the horror of mushy food! These containers come in different styles, letting you pick what fits your groove.
Keeping Ingredients in Their Own Corners
If you’re all about tossing your food together, go with single compartment containers. But if like me, you enjoy when your food stays in its space, check out these babies:
- Single Compartment (24-30 oz): Good for meals you don’t mind mixing up.
- Two Compartments: Perfect for keeping your gravy from drowning your rice.
- Three Compartments: A must for mixing it up with a bento box style meal.
| Container Type | Sweet Spot Uses |
|---|---|
| Single Compartment | For when simplicity’s key |
| Two Compartments | Keep the wet and dry separate |
| Three Compartments | Bento lovers, this is for you |
If your meal’s a colorful mix—think protein, grains, veggies—these multi-slot containers are your mealtime saviors, saving every bite from turning into a soggy mess.
Specialty Container Choices
Got fancier needs? There’s a whole smorgasbord of specialty containers to check out:
- Salad Containers: Keep your greens, meats, and dressing apart, embracing freshness over wilt.
- Bento Boxes: Ideal for when you wanna feel fancy with a meal sporting several courses.
- Freezer-Friendly Containers: Let you stockpile food for later without the taste taking a hit.
| Special Container Style | What’s it Best For |
|---|---|
| Salad Containers | Staying crisp and fresh |
| Bento Boxes | Carving out distinct meal parts |
| Freezer-Friendly | Good for the long haul storage |
These niche containers have their perks. Salad containers save your lettuce from premature sog, while bento boxes keep your chickens and chocolates from playing tag (Peanut Butter & Fitness). Need a tightly-sealed space for your soup? A freezer-friendly container has you covered (Amazon).
For more cool tips on the best containers for meal prepping or finding what’s hearty and glass-made best glass meal prep containers, hop over to our guide sections. Pro tip: peek at our best meal prep recipes to add some flair to your food, and see the best meal prep bags for easy toting of your tasty goods.
Freezing Considerations
Caution with Glass Containers
When choosing meal prep containers, glass often tops the list because it doesn’t hold onto smells or stains. Plus, you can pop them in the oven, microwave, or dishwasher without a worry. But when it comes to freezing these bad boys, you gotta be careful so you don’t end up with a shattered mess.
Glass containers are a bit like that friend who’s great until something sudden happens—they can crack or even shatter if handled wrong:
- Don’t overfill with liquids. Water turns into ice and ice wants more room to party.
- Leave some wiggle room for expansion.
- Avoid shocking it with a quick temp change. Translation: No hot dish goes straight into the icy abyss of your freezer.
With these tips in mind, glass containers are still a favorite for meal prep fans. They’re strong and reliable if you treat ’em right. For more on why glass rocks in the kitchen, hop over to best glass meal prep containers.
Freezer-Friendly Options
If freezing meals is your jam, you might wanna stock up on containers built to handle the cold. Here’s what you can go for:
1. Plastic Containers: GoodCook’s Reusable Meal and Snack Prep Containers are a good bet. They’re lightweight, easy to stack, and have compartments, which means they’re family-friendly too. Check out more about them over on best tupperware for meal prep.
2. Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Storage: These babies love the heat up to 450°F and are tough enough for everyday use and freezing (Good Housekeeping). More on these at best meal prep containers glass.
3. Silicone Containers: Silicone is king when it comes to folding up and saving space. Plus, it holds onto flavors and stands up to freezing pretty well. More on these nifty containers at best meal prep containers.
| Container Type | Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| GoodCook Plastic | Light, Stackable | $3 each |
| Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass | Heat-friendly, Sturdy | $ |
| Silicone | Foldable, Handy | $-$$ |
For more practical tips and picks, have a peek at our articles on best meal prep lunch box and best meal prep bags.
Remember, picking the right container is a game-changer for making your meal prepping life easier, plus safer for keeping those tasty dishes fresh.
Meal Prep Container Recommendations
Picking the right meal containers can totally change how fresh and neat your meals are. Let’s look at some top picks you might love.
Rubbermaid Brilliance Containers
I gotta say, the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers really take the cake. These beauties nabbed Kitchen Gear Awards not once but twice in 2021 and 2022, and it’s easy to see why. Leakproof, microwave-friendly, and stackable—we’re talking triple threat here. Plus, they come in all shapes and sizes, fitting every meal prep need under the sun.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic (BPA-Free) |
| Sizes Available | Many |
| Microwave Safe | Yes |
| Leakproof | Yes |
| Stackable | Yes |
If you’re on the hunt for more plastic container choices, swing by our write-up on the best tupperware for meal prep.
GoodCook Reusable Containers
Now, for those counting pennies, the GoodCook Reusable Meal and Snack Prep Containers are the real deal at just under $3 each. They’re light, stack like a dream, and with various compartments, they’re perfect for both big family meals and snack time. They’re a godsend for stashing goodies for the little ones or just planning out diverse meals.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic (BPA-Free) |
| Sizes Available | Many |
| Microwave Safe | Yes |
| Value | Fantastic |
For even more on budget-friendly options, stop by our piece on the best containers for meal prepping.
Other Notable Brands
Besides Rubbermaid and GoodCook, there’s a whole world of awesome meal prep containers out there. Check out these gems:
- Meal Prep Haven – Great for nuts about portion control, making meal planning a breeze.
- Prep Naturals Glass Containers – A sweet pick for those who give a nod to Mother Earth with eco-friendly glass. Dig deeper in our piece on the best glass meal prep containers.
- Bento Box – Fancy Japanese meals or like having multiple compartments? Bento Boxes might just be your jam.
- Sistema – These offer microwave-friendly, leakproof plastic containers that stack away nice and tidy.
For a wider scoop on awesome meal prep containers, peep our articles on the 10 best meal prep containers of 2024.
These standout containers are loved for their durability, ease of use, and keeping food fresh as can be. Folks rave about how easy they are to clean and their role in keeping a healthy routine. Want more firsthand customer feedback? Hit up reviews on Amazon.
