Meal prep containers might not be the most exciting kitchen purchase, but if you’re serious about preplanning and prepping your meals to take the guesswork out of eating healthier, they’re an essential tool. The best meal prep containers help you portion out lunches, stash freezer-friendly dinners and organize snacks to make eating healthier a no-brainer.
Meal prepping takes some effort, but once you get the hang of the habit, it carries real health benefits. “When you wait until you’re hungry to figure out what you’re making for dinner, you go for what’s quick rather than what is the most nutritious,” says Sarah Alsing, sports dietitian and meal prep recipe creator for Delightfully Fueled. Planning meals ahead of time reduces decision fatigue and gives you more control over what — and how much — you’re eating, adds Jayme Limbaugh, registered dietitian and clinical exercise physiologist. It can also support portion control, make it easier to log meals if you’re tracking intake and help reduce the stress around mealtime.
The right container can also preserve freshness and extend the life of your food. That means fewer midweek grocery runs and less food waste, which could ultimately save you money.
To find the best meal prep containers, I researched dozens of options and tested 14 different sets across materials, sizes and styles, from sleek bento boxes to freezer-friendly silicone trays. I evaluated each one for durability, portability, leak resistance, ease of use and ease of cleaning (including whether they could survive a trip through the dishwasher without warping or cracking). I also spoke with three nutrition and meal-prepping experts to get their input on which features matter most when it comes to making weekly meal prep a habit.
Ready to level up your meal prep game and get a handle on your weekly food intake? Read on for our picks for the best meal prep containers in 2025.
Best overall meal prep containers
More meal prep containers we like for 2025
Factors to consider when purchasing meal prep containers
Whether you’re embarking on a new diet or simply trying to make eating healthy more convenient, it’s important to balance convenience, function and durability when shopping for meal prep containers. According to registered dietitians and experienced meal preppers, the right container doesn’t just make meal prep easier — it can support consistency, reduce stress around mealtime and help you stay on track with your nutrition and budget goals. Here are the key factors to consider before making your purchase.
Material
The material of the container is one of the most important factors to consider. Meal prep containers come in various materials, including glass, plastic, stainless steel and silicone.
-
Glass: Across the board, experts recommend glass as the top choice for long-term use. It’s microwave- and oven-safe, easy to clean and won’t stain or absorb odors. Most importantly, glass doesn’t leach chemicals into your food — something Limbaugh often flags for clients concerned about hormone health, since plastics may be endocrine-disrupting. Lauren Sampson, meal prep expert and founder of Athlete Lunchbox, adds that glass “just feels cleaner” and holds up well over time.
-
Plastic: While typically more affordable and lightweight, plastic containers tend to discolor and retain odors, especially after multiple reheats. Still, they can be great for freezing since they’re less prone to cracking than glass, and are often more travel-friendly.
-
Stainless steel: This material is another durable option, offering longevity and sturdiness. However, stainless steel containers are not always microwave-safe, which may be a deal-breaker if you don’t want to transfer your food to a bowl or plate to reheat.
-
Silicone: These lightweight containers, especially the collapsible kind, are great space savers and travel companions, though they’re better suited for snacks or smaller meals.
Size and compartments
Meal prep containers come in a variety of sizes, and choosing the right size(s) for your needs can make all the difference. Alsing recommends a 32-ounce container for most meals: It’s large enough to hold everything without overcrowding, and gives you room to stir or mix. Sampson also prefers this size for entrées but suggests having a set of smaller jars for breakfasts like overnight oats. If you eat multiple small meals throughout the day, keeping a range of sizes on hand allows for flexibility.
As for compartments, they’re a personal preference. If you don’t like your food touching — or want to separate sauces or sides from mains — they’re handy. Alsing points out that divided containers are especially useful for keeping textures and flavors distinct throughout the day. Some people also find bento-style lunch boxes handy for portion control and encouraging more balanced meals.
Microwave, freezer and oven compatibility
When shopping for a meal prep container, make sure whatever you choose is compatible with your preferred cooking and storage methods.
Glass and microwave-safe plastic containers are ideal if you frequently reheat meals. Sampson points out that she uses glass for microwave and oven use but switches to plastic when freezing to avoid cracking from sudden temperature changes. Silicone is also a good option for freezer storage.
Durability and longevity
While price is important, you’ll want a container that can withstand regular use. Glass containers may be a little more expensive, but all three experts I spoke to agree they’re worth the investment.
Plastic containers, on the other hand, are prone to stains and may crack or warp over time, especially with repeated heating or dishwashing. While they might be less expensive up front, you may have to replace them more often. Stainless steel can be a durable option but might be prone to scratches and dents with repeated use.
Leakproof and airtight seals
Leakproof containers are nonnegotiable for anyone taking meals to work or school. Look for lids with silicone seals and locking tabs. Both Alsing and Sampson emphasize that airtight lids not only prevent messes but also help keep food fresher longer.
Sampson prefers lids with silicone edges for ease of use, but keep in mind, not all leakproof containers are created equal. If leak resistance is important to you, be sure to check product reviews for real-life test results instead of taking the manufacturer’s word for it. If you want extra security, some containers, like the W&P Bento Box, even come with straps or clamps to prevent leaking.
Ease of cleaning
Meal prep can be time-consuming, so you don’t want to spend extra time cleaning stubborn stains on containers. If you dislike washing dishes by hand, look for meal prep containers that are dishwasher-safe, though be aware that plastic and silicone containers wear down quickly when washed frequently in the dishwasher. Glass containers are often easier to clean and won’t absorb stains or odors like plastic can.
Price
Meal prep containers range in price, but you don’t need to splurge to get a quality set. While glass containers generally cost more, they often last longer, so they can be a worthwhile investment.
Sampson recommends starting with what you have and upgrading over time, highlighting IKEA’s line of glass containers as an affordable, long-lasting option. Some brands also offer bulk sets, which can provide a more affordable per-container price. Whether you’re spending $5 or $15 per container, look for a balance of value and longevity, especially if you plan to use them regularly.
How we chose
To find the best meal prep containers, I spoke with three food experts: two registered dietitians and a meal-prepping expert who has been meal prepping for over a decade. I asked them about which materials are safest for food storage, what features make meal prep easier and how to choose the best meal prep containers.
From there, I researched dozens of options online and compared hundreds of customer reviews to see how these containers performed for others over time. I narrowed down the options to those with the highest ratings. I personally tested more than a dozen containers over several months, using them in real-life scenarios: prepping breakfasts, lunches and dinners; freezing leftovers; tossing containers into bags; and reheating food in both the microwave and the oven. I paid close attention to how easy each one was to use and clean, how well they stacked and stored and whether they kept food fresh without leaking or warping over time.
As a certified functional nutritionist and the author of several meal prep cookbooks, including The Everything Low-Carb Meal Prep Cookbook, I’ve spent years helping people build sustainable, healthy eating habits. I know how big of a difference the right container can make. With that in mind, I approached testing as both a professional and a home cook, focusing on options that are practical, safe and actually enjoyable to use.
Other products we tested
While the following meal prep containers didn’t make our final list, they might still be a good fit for your meal prep needs. Here’s a quick look at the other contenders — and if you’re looking for more options, be sure to check out our editorial team’s roundups of the best food storage containers and best nontoxic food storage containers.
-
Pyrex Freshlock Glass Storage Containers: While Pyrex is known for its durability and reliable airtight seals, I found these containers heavy and bulky, making them less convenient if you have limited storage space.
-
S’well Food Canister Set: I loved these containers, but they felt more niche. They’re better suited for snacks or single-serving meals than for full meal prep. The insulation was a plus, though.
-
Prep Naturals: These containers are a budget-friendly glass option, but they didn’t hold up as well as some of the others. One of the flaps on the lid cracked off within a few weeks, and while it’s still usable, it’s no longer leakproof.
-
Oxo Smart Seal Food Containers: The lids on these sealed well and felt very sturdy. I also appreciated the clear labeling and stackable design. That said, they took up more storage space than I’d like, and the glass felt heavier and more breakable than some others I tested.
-
W&P Seal Tight Glass Bowls: These were super sleek and great for minimalist lunch packing. I loved the modern design and silicone-wrapped glass, but the tall, jarlike shape made them less versatile than other options.
-
IKEA 365+ Stainless Steel Container With Lid: Looks-wise, these were one of my favorite containers. They stacked nicely, and the lids stayed put. However, they aren’t totally leakproof and can’t go in the microwave — only the oven — which may be a deal-breaker for some.
FAQs
What is the best material for a meal prep container?
Our experts agree that glass is best. It’s durable, won’t stain or absorb odors and is safe for the microwave, oven and freezer. It also doesn’t leach microplastics like some plastic containers can. However, if you’re freezing food, plastic may be more practical, while stainless steel works well if you don’t need to reheat.
What size containers are best for meal prep?
The ideal size depends on your meals, but many experts recommend 32-ounce (4-cup) containers for full meals. This size offers plenty of space without being bulky. That said, smaller containers are great for breakfasts or snacks, and having a variety of sizes can help you stay flexible and organized.
What are the best-quality meal prep containers?
Heatproof tempered glass containers are often considered the best-quality meal prep containers. After testing, the glass Rubbermaid Brilliance containers stood out as the highest quality.
How can I clean my meal prep containers so they last a long time?
Experts recommend handwashing when possible, especially for plastic containers, as the dishwasher can degrade them over time. If you do use the dishwasher, place lids on the top rack to avoid warping. Limbaugh also advises soaking glass containers after use to avoid stains, and Sampson suggests cleaning right after meals to prevent mold buildup. For stubborn odors or stains, soaking in baking soda and vinegar can help, especially for glass containers.
Meet our experts
-
Jayme Limbaugh, RD, clinical exercise physiologist and founder of Crystal Coast Wellness in North Carolina
-
Sarah Alsing, RD, sports dietitian and meal prep recipe creator for Delightfully Fueled
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
