How to Pick the Best Meal Prep Containers

Make meal prepping easier with these top-rated meal prep containers. From glass to plastic, find the best containers to keep your food fresh!

Here's a practical guide to help you stay organized, reduce waste and make your meal prep routine more efficient.

It all starts with the right containers

Having the proper containers is the first step to being more organized with your weekly meal prep! I’ve rounded up the best containers for the job, including pros and cons for each option.

There’s no long and complicated list – just the basics, so you can buy what you need, leave what you don’t, and get right down to prepping with ease.

What to look for in meal prep containers

• Leak-proof and air-tight: You want containers that won’t spill in your bag and can keep food fresh until lunchtime. A secure, air-tight seal helps preserve meals longer—and no need to worry about carrying them upright.
• Dishwasher safe: Look for containers that can go straight into the dishwasher. It saves time, especially if you're prepping multiple meals during the week. Check that both the base and lid are dishwasher safe before buying.
• Microwave safe: If you're reheating meals at work or home, microwave-safe containers are a must. They make it easier to heat and eat without extra cleanup.
• The right material and size for your routine: Glass is great if you're working from home or don’t mind a bit of extra weight. Plastic is lighter and more portable for meals on the go. Choose a size that fits your portions well so there’s less empty space and air exposure.
• Long-lasting and budget-friendly: Good containers don’t need to be expensive, but they should hold up to daily use. A quality set will last through weekly meal prep, travel, and plenty of dishwasher cycles—making it a worthwhile investment over time.

My personal recommendations

I've rounded up my favourite brands here to take out the guesswork. Let me know what you think of them!

Glass meal prep containers

Best for: Everything! Individual servings, fruits, veggies, meat, salads

My pick: Prep Natural Glass Meal Prep Containers

These are my fave because you can easily reheat your leftovers in the microwave and they're dishwasher and freezer-safe!

Round glass containers

Best for: Smaller portions, sauces, side dishes, ingredient prep

My pick: Anchor Hocking Glass Storage Containers

These round glass containers are great for smaller portions of leftovers and ingredient prep.

Mason jars

Best for: Layering salads, homemade dressings, sauces, yogurt parfaits, overnight oats, smoothies, marinades

My pick: Ball Glass Mason Jars

I like to have a bunch of different mason jar sizes on hand. They're just so handy and are amazing for meal prepping salads!

Bento boxes

Best for: Lunches, snacks, kid lunchboxes

My pick: Prep Naturals Glass Bento Box Containers

These are so fun for your work week lunches and are super kid friendly! Keep everything separated in different containers.

Foil containers

Best for: Freezer meals

My pick: Plastible Disposable Foil Pans

These are SO perfect for freezer meals. Freeze the food in them then stick the container right in the oven.

Freezer bags

Best for: Freezing soups, dump dinners, marinated protein

My pick: Ziploc Gallon Freezer Bags

These are great for freezing a bunch of meals that you can thaw in the fridge and then dump in the crock pot.

Reusable silicone food bags

Best for: Anything you'd put in a regular Ziploc bag

My pick: Stasher Bags

These reusable bags get the same job done as the plastic bags but are made of a safer material and produce less waste.

Silicone cubes

Best for: Freezing soups, sauces, liquids, stews and fillings

My pick: Souper Cubes

These are great for freezing soups, sauces, liquids and fillings while saving space in your freezer.

Disclosure: Please note that these are affiliate links – I will get paid a small percentage of the sale if you make a purchase. This is money that helps keep my blog up and running so I can continue to send you free recipes 🙂 There is no extra cost to you whatsoever and I only recommend products I genuinely love from companies I trust!