Meal Prep Containers: The Complete Buying Guide

The right containers can make or break your meal prep game. Flimsy lids that leak, containers that stain after one use, plastic that warps in the microwave — we've all been there. This guide covers everything you need to know to choose containers that actually work.

Why Your Containers Matter

Good meal prep containers do more than hold food. They keep meals fresh longer, make portioning easier, stack neatly in your fridge, and survive the dishwasher without warping. The wrong containers waste food, create frustration, and eventually end up in the trash.

Investing in quality containers pays for itself quickly when you stop throwing away spoiled food and replacing cheap containers every few months.

Glass vs. Plastic: The Real Differences

Glass Containers

Pros:

• Don't stain or absorb odors
• Microwave and oven safe (without lids)
• Last essentially forever with proper care
• Easy to see contents
• No chemicals leaching into food

Cons:

• Heavier to carry
• Can break if dropped
• More expensive upfront

Best for: Home storage, reheating meals, anyone concerned about plastic chemicals.

We recommend Pyrex Simply Store Glass Containers for most home cooks. They're affordable, durable, and the lids seal well.

Plastic Containers

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable
• Won't shatter if dropped
• Usually cheaper
• Better for taking to work

Cons:

• Can stain (looking at you, tomato sauce)
• Absorb odors over time
• May warp in dishwasher or microwave
• Need replacement more often

Best for: Portability, taking meals to work, anyone on a tight budget.

If you go plastic, choose BPA-free containers with secure locking lids. Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers are our top pick — they're leak-proof, microwave-safe, and more durable than most plastic options.

What to Look For When Buying

Leak-Proof Lids

This is non-negotiable. A container that leaks is worse than useless — it ruins bags, desks, and your lunch. Look for containers with locking tabs or silicone seals.

Stackability

Your fridge has limited space. Containers that stack neatly save room and keep things organized. Matching sets from the same brand usually stack best.

Portion Sizing

Different meals need different sizes:

• 1-cup containers: Snacks, sauces, dressings
• 2-cup containers: Side dishes, small portions
• 3-4 cup containers: Standard meals, most lunches
• 6+ cup containers: Large salads, family-size portions

Compartments vs. Single

Compartmentalized containers keep foods separate — great for meals where you don't want sauce soaking into rice. Single compartments are more versatile and easier to clean.

Our Top Container Recommendations

Best Overall: Pyrex Simply Store

Pyrex Simply Store Glass Containers (12-Piece Set)

Classic glass containers that do everything well. Affordable, durable, and widely available. The lids are basic but effective.

Best for Meal Prep: Rubbermaid Brilliance

Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers

These have compartments built for meal prep, with secure lids and good stackability. Perfect for the classic protein + grain + vegetable combo.

Best for Produce: Rubbermaid FreshWorks

Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver

Specialized containers with ventilation that keeps produce fresh longer. If you're tired of wilted lettuce and mushy berries, these are worth it.

Container Care Tips

• Let food cool before sealing. Hot food creates condensation that makes things soggy.
• Hand wash lids when possible. Dishwashers can warp plastic lids over time.
• Remove stains from plastic with a paste of baking soda and water.
• Store with lids off to prevent trapped odors.
• Replace warped lids immediately — they won't seal properly.

How Many Containers Do You Need?

For basic meal prep (lunches for one person):

• 5-7 medium containers (3-4 cups) for main meals
• 3-5 small containers (1-2 cups) for snacks and sides
• 2-3 large containers for batch cooking and storage

Start with a 12-piece set and add more as needed. It's better to have a few quality containers than a cabinet full of mismatched lids that don't fit anything.