The three Finest Meal Prep Containers of 2025, Examined & Reviewed

The subreddit r/MealPrepSunday is dedicated to the artwork of planning and making ready meals. In keeping with its description, it’s a neighborhood of over 5.6 million followers who need “to avoid wasting time, cash, or to get in these features.” Meal prepping methods differ relying in your motivation. For households, making and storing a big batch of chili can present a fast weeknight dinner. For athletes, creating particular person pre-portioned meals is a useful solution to plan forward for enough vitamin. 

It doesn’t matter what you’re cooking or why, storage is a necessary a part of meal prep. The best containers will assist preserve meals recent (and forestall freezer burn) and effectively match into your fridge. I put 10 units of meal prep containers to the check and located three merchandise that meet these necessities. 

The Winners, at a Look

This set is ideal for preppers who wish to pack pre-portioned meals. It contains 5 equivalent rectangular containers that stack neatly for simplified storage. Every unit has a capability of simply over 4 cups (34.67 oz), which is loads of room for a beneficiant lunch or dinner. The locking lids snap into place, forming a good, leakproof seal. 

Zwilling’s Contemporary & Save system makes use of a handheld vacuum sealer to take away oxygen and seal lids in place. This hermetic design can lengthen your meals’ shelf life—much less oxygen means slower bacterial development and diminished freezer burn danger. The thick glass bases are oven- and microwave-safe for straightforward reheating. 

Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep containers are easy, versatile, and efficient. The locking lid and rubber gasket create a leakproof seal. This set contains 5 containers, every with a 3.2 cup capability—they’re nicely sized for storing particular person lunches or dinners. Priced at round $30, this plastic set is a stable, inexpensive choice.

The Exams

• Meal Storage Take a look at: To check how nicely they may maintain and protect meals, I stuffed two containers (utilizing completely different sizes when out there) from every set with a portion of strain cooker lentils and sausage. I saved the containers in my freezer for 2 days earlier than thawing, reheating, and tasting. I checked for leaks and took observe of any freezer burn or off textures. 
• Sturdiness Take a look at: To evaluate seal integrity, I opened and closed one container from every set 20 instances, paying attention to any cumbersome options or weak spots. To check materials sturdiness, I dropped the containers from waist top onto a wood floor and checked for any scratches or chips. 
• Stacking Take a look at. For every set, I positioned a number of containers in my fridge. I examined a number of completely different preparations, together with stacking, to look at how nicely they match within the house.
• Leak Take a look at. I stuffed one container from every set with water, sealed the lid, and gave it 10 vigorous shakes. I checked for any drips throughout and after shaking. 
• Basic Use and Cleansing: I cleaned every container in response to the producer’s directions, evaluating it for comfort and checking for indicators of damage. I additionally took observe of any options or flaws that affected the consumer expertise all through the testing course of.

What We Discovered

Clear Containers Maintain Meals Prime of Thoughts 

In keeping with the Pure Assets Protection Council, poor visibility is without doubt one of the primary components contributing to meals waste in houses. In case you can’t see what’s in your fridge, you’re extra prone to neglect about it. Clear containers make it simpler to establish your meals. 

Many of the merchandise that I examined, together with all of my winners, featured clear glass or plastic bases and lids. With this clear design, I used to be in a position to acknowledge the contents at a look. Different containers, just like the Bentgo, OXO, and Caraway units, had opaque bases and see-through lids. This design limits visibility, particularly when containers are stacked. 

I Most well-liked Glass Development 

Glass containers are extra versatile and received’t leach plastics into your meal. The glass Pyrex, Zwilling, and Caraway units provided probably the most reheating choices—the container bases are each oven and microwave-safe. The entire plastic merchandise I examined had been labeled microwave-safe, however a number of research have indicated that microwaving plastic can launch dangerous chemical compounds, even when the product is labeled for microwave use. 

In relation to put on and tear, glass and plastic each have potential drawbacks—glass can break, and plastic can degrade. The ceramic-coated glass Caraway container was the one product that outright failed the sturdiness check. The candy-colored base shattered as quickly as I dropped it. The opposite glass merchandise—Pyrex, Zwilling, Maintain All the things, and PrepNaturals—bounced off the ground with no scratch. 

Sealing Issues—As Does Opening  

A high-quality lid is completely important. A decent seal preserves meals by decreasing oxygen movement—this slows bacterial development. In case you plan on transporting your meals, the lid is the one factor standing between you and a backpack (or purse) catastrophe. I cherished the lentil and sausage stew I made throughout testing, however I’d be extraordinarily displeased if it leaked inside my bag. 

In my expertise, locking lids present probably the most peace of thoughts. Containers just like the Maintain All the things, Rubbermaid Brilliance, and PrepNaturals use 4 plastic flaps to maintain every little thing in place—these lids stayed put and resisted leaking, regardless of how arduous I shook them. The Bento container’s snap-on seal was significantly much less efficient. The contents leaked throughout testing, and the lid popped open after jostling round within the freezer. 

Hermetic seals introduced a distinct downside. This design, discovered on the Caraway and Pyrex units, works like a suction cup. Urgent down on the silicone-lined lid forces air out and compresses the fabric in order that it sticks to the aspect of the container. As soon as the lid is sealed in place, eradicating it may be difficult. Opening the Caraway containers was a two-handed operation—the bottom and lid edges are flush, so there wasn’t a lot to seize onto. The Pyrex set was far more manageable. The Pyrex lids embody a seam and a silicone deal with. Pulling up on the deal with lifts the sting of the lid and breaks the seal in order that the lid can pop off. 

The Zwilling Contemporary & Save containers boasted probably the most superior sealing know-how. This set makes use of a handheld vacuum sealer to take away air and lock the lid in place. Lifting the rubber gasket on the lid permits air to movement again in so you may open the container. This design struck a stability between seal energy and luxury. Throughout testing, the Zwilling containers didn’t leak a drop and preserved meals texture nicely.  

The Standards: What to Search for in a Meal Prep Container 

My favourite meal prep containers are created from sturdy glass that’s each microwave and oven-safe. They’ve tight lids that forestall leaks and supply a user-friendly opening expertise. For handy storage, select a clear container in an effort to establish its contents. 

Our Favourite Meal Prep Containers 

What we preferred: The Maintain All the things set is extraordinarily sensible. These medium-capacity containers are the proper measurement for a single-serving meal. Their uniform form makes it simple to avoid wasting house by stacking and aligning containers. The locking design retains the lid in place and prevents leaks.   

What we didn’t like: These containers aren’t massive sufficient to retailer family-sized meals. Though the form is ideal for stacking, the glass backside could slide round if bumped. The silicone gasket can separate from the lid whereas opening, however it’s simple to pop again into place.  

Key Specs

• Variety of items: 5 containers, 5 lids 
• Capability: 34.67 ounces
• Materials: Glass base, plastic and silicone lid 
• Lid fashion: Locking 
• Microwave-safe: Sure, base solely 
• Oven-safe: Sure, base solely 
• Dishwasher-safe: Sure, lid is prime rack secure 

What we preferred: The Zwilling Contemporary & Save pairs high-quality glass development with super-sealing energy. The power to take away extra oxygen helps protect meals texture and gradual bacterial development. Throughout testing, stew saved on this set retained a nice texture even after freezing and thawing. Containers keep shut—the hermetic seal held sturdy within the fridge and freezer till opened. This set contains measurement choices for each single-serving and batched meals. 

What we didn’t like: These containers aren’t well-suited to storing liquid or powdery meals—high-quality particles or drops can clog the vacuum sealer. Throughout testing, the rubber gasket sometimes popped out after I lifted it to interrupt the seal. The vacuum sealer and containers are bought individually. With a mixed price of $160, that is by far the costliest product that I examined. 

Key Specs

• Variety of items: 3
• Capability:​​ 12, 30, and 68 ounce containers 
• Materials: Borosilicate glass base, plastic and rubber lid
• Lid fashion: Vacuum seal
• Microwave-safe: Sure, base solely 
• Oven-safe: Sure, base solely 
• Dishwasher-safe: Sure

What we preferred: The Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep containers are dependable and inexpensive—at round $30, they’re by far the least costly winner. This set can also be extremely packable. Plastic development makes every container considerably lighter than glass, and the locking lid snaps firmly into place for transport. 

What we didn’t like: The plastic development helps make this set light-weight and inexpensive, however it’s additionally much less sturdy in the long run.  

Key Specs

• Variety of items: 5
• Capability:​​ 25.6 ounces
• Materials: BPA-Free plastic, rubber gasket
• Lid fashion: Locking
• Microwave-safe: Sure 
• Oven-safe: No
• Dishwasher-safe: Sure

The Competitors

• Pyrex® Final™ 10-Piece Glass Storage Set: This was my favourite set for its easy however sturdy glass development, however sadly, it has been discontinued.
• Rubbermaid Brilliance 2 Compartment Meal Prep Containers: I preferred this set’s locking lids, however the divided bases cut back versatility. (In case you’re not storing a aspect and a primary, you’re simply dropping house.) The stable plastic development additionally will increase contamination danger.  
• Bentgo 20-Piece 1-Compartment Containers: These flimsy, opaque plastic containers didn’t seal nicely—they leaked throughout testing and misplaced their lids within the freezer. 
• PrepNaturals 5 Pack 30 Oz Glass Meal Prep Containers: I preferred this set’s sturdy glass base, however the plastic lid’s seamed latches had been a bit of finicky.  
• OXO Prep & Go 5-Cup Meal Container: I preferred this product’s hinged, locking handles. The opaque plastic partitions made it tough to know what was inside, although.
• Caraway Meals Storage Set: This set included interesting extras, like a storage rack and removable silicone handles, however it was the one product to interrupt throughout testing. 
• Ello 10 Computer BPA Free Plastic Meal Prep Container Set: Fussy lids knocked this colourful set out of rivalry—the rubber gasket popped out after repeated opening and shutting. 

FAQs

Is it higher to meal prep in plastic or glass containers?

Utilizing glass containers, just like the ones from Zwilling, reduces the danger of contamination. Plastic storage vessels can leach dangerous chemical compounds into meals—this danger will increase as the fabric degrades. To restrict publicity, keep away from heating meals in plastic and eliminate scratched or chipped containers.   

What’s the healthiest container to retailer meals in?

Selecting a container created from non-toxic, inert supplies may help keep away from sure well being dangers. Glass containers are non-reactive and received’t contaminate meals with microplastics. 

What are the very best quality meal prep containers?

The most effective meal prep containers have a sturdy base and a tight-sealing lid. Our favourite merchandise are created from thick glass to cut back contamination dangers. 

Why We’re the Consultants

• Madeline Muzzi is a author, editor, and video producer.
• She is a daily contributor to Critical Eats and has written many evaluations, together with wine decanters and countertop ice makers.
• Madeline has packed and transported over 2,000 lunches. 
• For this evaluation, she examined 10 units of meal prep containers over the course of two weeks.