12 Containers to Make Meal Prep a Breeze

• Best overall: Fit & Fresh Divided Glass Containers
• Best plastic: Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers
• Best durable: Duralex Lys Stackable Clear Bowl Set
• Best 2-compartment: Pyrex Mealbox 10-Piece Divided Glass Food Storage Set
• Best 3-compartment: Bayco Glass Meal Prep Containers
• Best freezer-safe: Pyrex No Leak Lid Glass Storage Containers
• Best for soups: Ello DuraGlass 2 Cup Glass Meal Prep Bowl
• Best collapsible: Annaklin Kitchen Collapsible Food Storage Containers
• Best bowls: Anchor Hocking Round Glass Food Storage Containers
• Best for salads: Sistema Food Storage Containers with Salad Dressing and Condiment Containers
• Best affordable: Bento Prep 2-Compartment Meal Prep Containers
• Best for kids: Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box

Meal prep containers allow you to:

• prepare and store healthy meals in bulk
• keep food fresh longer
• keep food portioned and ready to eat or heat
• cut down on waste from one-time-use containers
• save money by skipping the drive-thru
• save time by doing all your meal prep at once

Plus, many containers are designed to be compact, saving you valuable refrigerator real estate.

When selecting the best meal prep containers, we considered the following factors:

• Durability: We prioritized containers that are made from durable materials and can withstand regular use without cracking or breaking.
• Spill-proof and leakproof: We looked for products that are designed to prevent messes during transport and storage.
• Expert recommendations: We asked nutrition experts to share their go-to products.
• Ease of cleaning: We prioritized containers that are dishwasher-safe and free from difficult-to-clean crevices.
• Utility: We included a wide range of containers to suit a variety of needs and preferences. So, whether you prefer 1, 2, or 3 compartments or you want round containers rather than rectangular ones, you’ll likely be able to find one that works for you.
• Price: We included products to suit a range of budgets.
• Vetting: All the products on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

Best overall

Fit & Fresh Divided Glass Containers

• Price: $$
• Material: glass
• Capacity: not disclosed
• Dimensions: 8.25 × 5.75 × 9.25 inches (in) (20.96 × 14.61 × 23.5 centimeters [cm])
• Safe for: microwave, oven, dishwasher, freezer

This glass container from Fit & Fresh is one of the best meal prep containers because, in addition to being airtight from the outside, it features a tight leakproof inner seal on each compartment to keep even the messiest foods separated.

Glass containers offer several benefits over plastic, including ease of cleaning and greater resistance to stains and odors. Plus, you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into your food (1).

These containers can go from the freezer or fridge to the oven — a quality that makes them a versatile and durable glass option for meal prepping.

Best plastic

Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers

• Price: $$–$$$
• Material: plastic
• Capacity: 3.2 cups (757 milliliters [mL])
• Dimensions: 10.2 × 8.19 × 5.67 in (25.9 × 20.8 × 14.4 cm)
• Safe for: microwave, dishwasher, freezer

If you want most of the benefits of glass without the extra bulk and weight, these containers from Rubbermaid are worth considering.

They’re versatile, durable, affordable, lightweight, and easy to store. Plus, they’re designed to prevent staining and are safe for the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher.

These containers are a favorite of Joanna Smyers, MS, RD, LD, owner of The Food Nerdette, who shared, “I love the Rubbermaid Brilliance food storage containers. They have StainShield plastic that’s BPA-free and have clear, snug, vented lids.”

As a bonus, these containers are low profile — great for stacking and for efficient cooling and reheating.

Best durable

Duralex Lys Stackable Clear Bowl Set

• Price: $$
• Material: glass
• Capacity: 10 ounces (296 mL), 1/2 quart (qt) (473 mL), 1 qt (946 mL), 15 qt (14.2 liters [L]), and 25 qt (23.7 L)
• Dimensions: max 9.1 × 9.1 × 4.1 in (23.11 × 23.11 × 10.41 cm)
• Safe for: microwave, dishwasher, freezer

These freezer-safe bowls are heavy-duty, durable, and stackable for easy storage. Plus, they’re freezer-safe up to -4°F (-20°C).

The tempered glass is extra strong and can go from the freezer to the microwave without breaking, making these containers great for freezing soups and stews. The tempered glass design also means that they won’t chip as easily as many other glass containers.

This set was recommended by Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD, owner of Sound Bites Nutrition, who particularly likes these bowls because “they come in multiple sizes and the lids are sturdy and airtight.”

Best 2-compartment

Pyrex Mealbox 10-Piece Divided Glass Food Storage Set

• Price: $–$$$
• Material: glass
• Capacity: 2.3 cups (544 mL)
• Dimensions: 6.73 × 2.44 × 4.88 in (17.09 × 6.20 × 12.40 cm)
• Safe for: microwave, dishwasher, freezer

These tempered glass containers have two compartments to keep food separated and fresh.

“Many compartmented containers on the market are made from plastic, making this storage option unique,” said Caroline Thomason, RD, a dietitian and certified diabetes educator.

Both the containers and the BPA-free plastic lids are microwave-, dishwasher-, and freezer-safe. The containers are designed to resist stains and odors, and the lids are airtight to prevent spills and messes.

Best 3-compartment

Bayco Glass Meal Prep Containers

• Price: $$
• Material: glass
• Capacity: 4.1 cups (970 mL)
• Dimensions: 8.1 × 6.1 × 2.8 in (20.57 × 15.50 × 7.11 cm)
• Safe for: microwave, dishwasher, freezer, oven

Bayco Glass Meal Prep Containers are a versatile, durable three-compartment option.

In addition to being freezer-safe, they can withstand temperatures up to 752°F (400°C), so they’re safe for the microwave and oven too — just make sure to remove the lids first.

The rubber sealing rings on the lids help prevent leaks and can be removed for effective and easy cleaning.

Best freezer-safe

Pyrex No Leak Lid Glass Storage Containers

• Price: $$
• Material: glass
• Capacity: 3 cups (710 mL)
• Dimensions: 7.5 × 5.5 × 1.75 in (19.05 × 13.97 × 4.45 cm)
• Safe for: microwave, dishwasher, freezer, oven

These freezer-safe glass containers have a low profile, so they’re easy to stack in your freezer without taking up too much space.

The containers are also safe for the dishwasher and preheated oven and feature BPA-free, microwave-safe lids with venting tabs for mess-free reheating.

These Pyrex containers were recommended by Sharon Puello, RD, CDN, a dietitian and certified diabetes educator, who said, “The bigger sizes are great for putting away extra portions of soups and cooked dishes, as well as for packing lunch.”

Best for soups

Ello DuraGlass 2 Cup Glass Meal Prep Bowl

• Price: $$
• Material: glass and silicone
• Capacity: 2 cups (473 mL)
• Dimensions: 5.2 × 5.2 × 3.5 in (13.21 × 13.21 × 8.89 cm)
• Safe for: microwave, dishwasher, freezer, oven

These bowls are airtight and leakproof — great for storing soups and stews. Plus, the silicone sleeve adds a layer of protection to the glass container.

“I love using Ello Duraglass Food Storage and Meal Prep containers — they can go from the oven or microwave (without the lid) or into the refrigerator or freezer, and they’re dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup too,” explained Toby Smithson, RD, diabetes lifestyle expert for DiabetesEveryDay and author of “Diabetes Meal Planning and Nutrition for Dummies.”

Best collapsible

Annaklin Kitchen Collapsible Food Storage Containers

• Price: $$
• Material: silicone
• Capacity: 3.4 cups (800 mL)
• Dimensions: 3.3 × 5.7 × 2.4 in (8.5 × 14.6 × 6.1 cm)
• Safe for: microwave, dishwasher, freezer

If you’re short on cupboard space, these silicone containers are a good option.

They’re lightweight, collapsible, and stackable, so they’re easy to pack away or store in small spaces.

This pack comes with four large containers, all safe for the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher. The company also sells packs with containers of different sizes and colors.

While the lids are airtight, it’s important to snap the sides of the lid and not to press down on the top, as doing so could cause the container to collapse and the contents to spill.

Best bowls

Anchor Hocking Round Glass Food Storage Containers

• Price: $
• Material: glass
• Capacity: 1 cup (237 mL) and 4 cups (946 mL)
• Dimensions: 4 × 4 × 2 in (10.16 × 10.16 × 5.08 cm) and 6 × 6 × 3 in ( 15.24 × 15.24 × 7.62 cm)
• Safe for: microwave, dishwasher, freezer, oven

A set of bowl-shaped meal prep containers comes in handy for soups, salads, pasta dishes, and grain bowls.

These containers from Anchor Hocking are our top pick because they can go from the freezer to the oven — up to 425°F (218°C) — to the dishwasher, making the entire meal prep process a cinch!

They were also recommended by Christine Milmine, RDN, who said, “I love that the Anchor Hocking brand has glass food prep containers that are transparent so you can see what’s inside easily. They have different sizes and lids so you have several options to choose from.”

Best for salads

Sistema Food Storage Containers with Salad Dressing and Condiment Containers

• Price: $
• Material: plastic
• Capacity: 1 cup (250 mL), 4 cups (1 L), and 8.5 cups (2 L), plus 4 small dressing containers
• Dimensions: not disclosed
• Safe for: microwave, dishwasher, freezer

This all-in-one food storage container can keep your salad ingredients fresh and ready to go for easy meal prep.

Plus, the assorted kit includes four dressing containers to keep your salad from getting soggy by lunchtime.

“The double container for snacks has lots of room for fruits, veggies, cheese, crackers, lots of options to mix and match, and the dressing containers are perfect to load with some ranch or hummus for dipping,” said Julia Stevens, MPH, a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified personal trainer, and owner of Active Nutrition, a private practice based in Metro Detroit.

Best affordable

Bentgo Prep 2-Compartment Meal-Prep Containers

• Price: $
• Material: plastic
• Capacity: 3 cups (710 mL)
• Dimensions: 8.7 × 6 × 1.6 in (22.1 × 15.24 × 4.06 cm)
• Safe for: microwave, dishwasher, freezer

If you’re looking to save money, the Bentgo Prep 2-Compartment Meal Prep Containers are the way to go, as each container costs less than $1.50.

These affordable containers feature two compartments to keep your food items separate, include tight-fitting lids, and are made from food-grade BPA-free plastic.

Plus, they stack neatly together to save space in your cupboards and fridge.

Best for kids

Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box

• Price: $$$
• Material: plastic
• Capacity: 3.3 cups (780 mL)
• Dimensions: 8.5 × 6.5 × 2 in (21.59 x 16.51 x 5.08 cm)
• Safe for: microwave, dishwasher, freezer

This meal prep container is great for keeping lunch and snacks ready to go for young kids, especially those who don’t like their foods to touch.

The box has four sections and a removable ice pack in the bottom to help keep food cold. It’s a good lunch box option to bring to daycare or school or on road trips.

As a bonus, the lunch box is available in a variety of bright colors.

Here’s a quick look at our top picks:

When deciding on a meal prep container, you may want to consider the following factors:

• What food will you store? Knowing the types of meals you’ll store in your containers can help you choose the right ones. For example, bowls are helpful for soups and stews, while containers with multiple compartments may work better for salads and snack boxes.
• How do you want to use them? Will you be prepping food and then freezing it and cooking it later? If so, you’ll want to purchase containers that are freezer-, microwave-, and oven-safe.
• What size will you need? Large containers work best for storing leftovers or large portions, while smaller ones work better for individual meals and small portions.
• How will you store them? If you have limited cupboard space, choose containers that nest or collapse to save space.
• How much time do you want to spend cleaning them? If you don’t want to handwash your containers, be sure to buy ones that are dishwasher-safe.
• What material do you want? Glass is typically easier to clean and less likely to discolor or absorb odors. However, plastic and silicone are often lighter and less likely to break, which is particularly important for kids’ lunch boxes. Just be sure to choose a product made from BPA-free, food-grade plastic.

Depending on the types of meals and snacks you like to prep, you may find that you need multiple types of containers.

Whether you’re new to meal prepping or are looking to up your game, here are a few quick tips to set you up for success:

• Keep track of your favorite meals so you always have a list of healthy meal ideas on hand.
• Shop your kitchen before heading to the grocery store to help reduce food waste and save money.
• Make an organized grocery list — and stick to it!
• Start with a clean kitchen and all your supplies on hand.
• Batch cook foods that can be used in several meals throughout the week.
• Use your freezer to store leftovers and extras so you always have an easy meal on hand.
• Divide meals into portions before refrigerating or freezing them.

Is it better to meal prep in a glass or plastic container?

While glass is heavier and sometimes more difficult to store, there are several benefits of using glass over plastic.

For example, glass is easy to clean and is often safe to use in the microwave, oven, and freezer without the risk of harmful chemicals leaching into your food. Plus, it’s less likely to stain or retain odors and more eco-friendly (1).

If choosing plastic, select a product made from BPA-free plastic. Some plastics are also more stain- and odor-resistant, so they’re better options if you regularly store foods such as red sauces and curries.

What types of containers keep food fresh for longer?

Glass or food-grade plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are best for keeping food fresh longer.

Can meal prepped foods last for more than 5 days in the fridge?

According to the Food and Drug Administration, most cooked foods can safely be kept in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. After that, the risk of bacterial growth and food poisoning increases (2).

Meal prepping can save you valuable time and money and help you meet your health goals. And if you’re preparing food in advance, you’ll need the right containers to store it.

Meal prep containers come in all sizes and shapes, have a wide range of prices, and have varying uses and degrees of durability. Choose the containers that fit your meal prep style and make the most sense for your meal prepping goals.