Your Guide to choosing the right Meal Prep Containers
The most important part of overall wellness is nutrition. Without a balanced diet of good carbs, healthy fats, and plenty of protein, nothing else matters. Meal prepping is one of the most helpful ways to ensure that you stay on target with your wellness goals. It guarantees that you have pre-portioned, nutrient-rich, foods ready and waiting for you every day, to make eating healthy the most convenient option available to you. Pre-planning meals also help you curb hunger, by getting your body on a schedule, and also helps fight the temptation to pick up those ready to eat meals from your local gas station. By making eating healthy even more convenient, you are significantly increasing your chances for nutritional and fitness success. Meal prep containers are a vitally important aspect of meal prepping, and without quality, durable, and affordable containers you're setting yourself for a meal prep failure!
Find the Right Size Containers
Finding the perfect size meal prep containers for your lifestyle and eating preferences can feel daunting. With sizes ranging from one cup up to seven cups (and beyond), it can be tricky to figure out which size (or sizes) are going to be your perfect meal prep match.
Our best tip for beginner meal preppers: buy a few cheap containers in different sizes. You really won’t have a good idea of how much space you need until you try them out. Find them in the grocery store or pharmacy by all the foil and saran wrap next time you hit the store.
Related: Meal Prep for Beginners
You may find that your first few times testing out containers you end up packing way too much or too little food – that’s okay! Figuring out your perfect portions will take 2-3 weeks, but once you get there, you’ll know exactly what container sizes are your perfect fit.
We found success with a 29oz (3-cup) size container for most meals. But, also really enjoy big salads for lunch, so my container of choice is usually a 4-cup round container with the salad dressing cup attached.
Advantages of Meal Prep Containers are:
- Prераrе уоur mеаlѕ in аdvаnсе аnd ѕtасk them in уоur fridgе аt home, оr аt wоrk, for better organization.
- Lоѕе wеight аnd build muѕсlе by соntrоlling уоur роrtiоn ѕizе. Plan оut уоur mеаlѕ via аnd wаtсh thаt weight drор
- They are reusable, microwave and dishwasher safe
- They are convenient for daily use such as реrѕоnаl mеаlѕ or even fоr just расking lеftоvеrѕ frоm thе dinnеr tаblе
- Meal prep containers are leak proof and help keep food fresh, longer. Well... good ones anyways
- Light-weight and Easy to transport
NOTE: Look for BPA frее fооd соntаinеrѕ that are ѕаfе fоr you аnd your fаmilу
Glass Containers vs. Plastic Containers
Glass:
- Costs more, but more economical for long term
- Too heavy for travel or on-the-go eating
- Easy to clean
- Ideal if you're concerned about plastic's safety
Plastic:
- Ideal for a mobile lifestyle
- More convenient for the various sizes
- Easily disposable
- Lightweight
Single Compartment Meal Prep Container – 10 piece
#10783 Single Compartment:
. Large 4 cup capacity to hold a full meal
. Recipes include: Marmalade Sausage and Veggies for breakfast, Bacon Ranch Chicken for Lunch, and One Pan Baked Cod and Veggies for dinner
Dual Compartment Meal Prep Containers - 10 piece set
#10785 2 Compartment Container:
. Large 2 cup compartment for protein and Small 1 cup compartment for carbs
. Recipes include: Butternut squash cranberry skillet for breakfast, Kofta Kebab for Lunch, and Sesame Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry for Dinner
Three Compartment Meal Prep Container - 10 piece set
#10785 3 Compartment Container:
. Large 2 cup compartment for protein and 2 small 1 cup compartments for carbs and vegetables
. Recipes include: Turmeric Scrambled Eggs for breakfast, Apple BBQ Meatloaf for Lunch, and Pesto Chicken for dinner
Round Meal Prep Containers - 10 piece
#10787 Round 3 Compartment:
. Round dinner plate shape with perfectly measured compartments for healthy meal planning that include 1-cup veggies, 1-cup protein, and 1-cup grains
. Recipes include: Salmon and Fruit with Spinach for Breakfast, Chimichurri Steak for Lunch, and Beef Barbacoa for dinner
. A 9" plate diameter can lead you to eat less than normal larger plate sizes
. Lid contains orientation tabs to ensure the lid is positioned correctly on the vessel
. Eating from a bright red place can lead you to eat less overall
Snack Size Meal Prep Container - 10 piece
- Two separated compartments perfect for a portion-controlled main meal and a side dish
- Microwavable, freezer and dishwasher safe
- 10 sets for work or school week; lunches for two or 2 meals for one
- Includes complete meal prep starter guide, with 3 healthy recipes developed especially to fit the container
- Each container is embossed with helpful volume measurements
- Recipes you can pick for these containers are; Everything Bagel Cashews, Zesty GF Chex Mix, Mexican Street Corn
ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS:
STAINLESS STEEL, SILICONE, AND MORE!
New materials for meal prep containers hit the market constantly. When considering which containers to buy, think about some of these alternative materials:
Stainless Steel Meal Prep Containers are a great, very lightweight option. The biggest drawback of stainless steel containers is that they can’t be microwaved, so they’re the best no-reheat meals. Look for BPA-free stainless steel meal prep containers, like these (they’re also dishwasher safe!).
Silicone Meal Prep Containers are nice because they’re usually collapsible, too. After eating, you can collapse them for easy transport home! They do tend to hold onto strong flavors, so be wary of keeping anything potent in them for too long. These BPA-free silicone meal prep containers are a great option.
Bento-style meal prep containers have compartments to keep foods separate. We love the Lunch Bots brand and use them all the time! They are also fantastic for snack lunches.
“Stacked” containers, like these, are specifically made for keeping salad fresh. Pack your greens and other hearty items (like grains) in the bottom and use the top compartments for dressing, cheese, and more, then simply mix at mealtime.
Containers with silverware and condiment compartments, like these, feature Bento Box-style compartments, as well as silverware that nests in the lid.
And of course, for no reason at all, the most expensive meal prep container we could find: These containers come in at a whopping $109.99 each and are self heating and have a built in pressure release valve! WOW.
sherwin turkin says
how much cost for three meals or two meals per month
sherwin turkin says
do you delivery those foods at st. louis mo ?
Meal Prep on Fleek says
Hi Sherwin. We actually are not a meal prep company. Our goal is to educate people on the ease and benefits of meal prepping, so you could make meal prepping a part of your lifestyle. It's SO easy!!
Did a quick search for you and found, Pure Plates (http://www.pureplatesstl.com/about/), which looks to be a company in your area that may deliver to you. Hope that helps
Dianne Reed says
Just what I was looking for!
Meal Prep on Fleek says
Awesome! Let us know if you have any questions. =)
Diane says
Do you have a variety pack of containers? Since I am only one person, I do not need so many of each one.
Meal Prep on Fleek says
Sure thing. Take a look at these containers Diane: http://amzn.to/2xX1Aw2
Rudy Valle says
Excellent information. Thank you.
Christine says
Can you help me put some meal planning menu together
Sarah Kesseli says
Hi Christine - Unfortunately, we do not offer custom meal plan menus at this time.
J Patrick says
I would love to be able to get weekly healthy meal prep recipes with a grocery list. Do you know good places for that. Emailed to me or where I could sign up for?
Sarah Kesseli says
Hi Jaynie - we do not have a resource for that on our blog at this time. However, it is something we are currently in the process of working on. Please stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter. We will be sharing that content there.
Michelle says
Hi. Do you know of any containers that are disposable and environment-friendly?
Sarah Kesseli says
Hi Michelle, we do not at this time.
Debbie says
Just what I needed!
Tayonna says
Thank you this website really helped me out alot ! Its simple straight to the point and understanding!! Making me feel more motivated and confidence
Maryam says
How does this work when you have a salad in one compartment and an entree in another? Do you have to just eat everything cold since there’s no way to just reheat one segment?
Sarahi says
I eat my salad first then I reheat the entree. Ps I'm a customer that loves all the containers
Sarah Kesseli says
That is so great to hear, Sarahi! Thank you for sharing that with us. Do you have a favorite or go-to container?
Clarence says
Hey i am Starting a meal prep service and really need to buy in bulk. I love The red ones that are circular. Who do i have To reach out too?
Meal Prep on Fleek says
Hey Clarence. We're actually working on a bulk pack right now (100-120 pieces). We're still a couple months away due to backorders and logistics, but stay tuned and we'll let you know as soon as the bulk pack is ready.
Meg Boden says
I bought a snack size meal prep set today. On the wrapping, it said that it was good for 10 uses. Why only 10 uses?
Sarah Kesseli says
Hi Meg, That is a great question! The meal prep containers are the middle ground between single-use disposable and long term reusable containers such as glass. We are actually in the process of removing the 10 uses since they have proven to last much longer. If you aren't abusive with the containers they will last. However, some people are very rough with them and thus the recommendation for 10 uses.
Stephani says
Am I able to prep a weeks worth of meals and freeze them in the containers?
Meal Prep on Fleek says
Hey Stephani! Absolutely. Feel free to use these meal prep containers in the freezer
Kim says
I have 3 different types of your containers. I have to say I love love love them. I even use them when I’m at home, since it has the portions (the Red Round) marked inside the container. My husband is in the oil field and he is able to prep his food for the week in these and take them with him. Btw we are way past 10 used on them. They feel thin, but have sustained 3 kids and a husband. Thanks so much!!!!
Kirston L Luther says
Are all 4 types of containers microwave/dishwasher/freezer safe?
Meal Prep on Fleek says
Yes they are Kriston! =)
Michelle stewart says
Do the lids on these containers seal each compartment? Also, are they thick enough to use with a food sealer?
Meal Prep on Fleek says
Hey Michelle - We haven't tried using them in a vacuum sealer. What are you trying to prep? Maybe we could offer some suggestions?
Teresa Myers says
I have been having trouble with the red set for some reason the lids are not snapping on. I have bought several of the other sizes and they fit together great but I would like to send meals to my Grandma but with the issue of the lids it hinders me a bit.
Meal Prep on Fleek says
Hey Teresa - Thank you for letting us know! We reached out to you on email.
Theresa says
Approximately how many’s does each “meal” last in the refrigerator?
Meal Prep on Fleek says
Hi Theresa - If you're asking about how many days the meal will last, it really depends on what you're making. Chicken/Beef hold up longer than fish would at the same refrigerated temperature.
Shirlene Darby says
I am wondering if the container can be brought in bulk? Really needed all of this information. I will better be able to prepare meals for my elderly family members. This would make it much easier for them to handle.
Meal Prep on Fleek says
Shirlene - Do you have a Sams Club card? If so, we have a bulk 120 piece (60 unit) set for sale there for only $25! Check it out here: https://www.samsclub.com/p/goodcook-meal-prep-120-piece-portion-controlled-containers/prod23031017
shirley moore says
DO YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE LID BEFORE MICROWAVING???
Meal Prep on Fleek says
We will either crack the lids open or remove them completely remove the lid before microwaving.
Gail says
One of my trays broke the first time I opened it, it was in the fridge overnight. I am very disappointed.
Sarah Kesseli says
We are so sorry to hear that, Gail! Please send an email to [email protected]
Cathy Jones says
I purchased the round red set, and have frozen my first meal in one of them. I can't seem to find any directions for how long it should take to microwave this frozen meal. I have no experience in frozen pre-prepped meals, so I do need some guidance. I know the lid should be opened or removed before microwaving, but how long should it take?
Sarah Kesseli says
Hi Cathy, I am happy to hear that you are putting the containers to good use. Unfortunately, there are no general microwave instructions to be given. The time will depend on the microwave itself (the wattage), as well as, what is in there and how much. I encourage you to experiment and see what works best for each meal!
Vanesa says
I bought the 120 piece set, but the guide did not come with them. I emailed, but did not get a reply. Is there somewhere online I can get this?
Meal Prep on Fleek says
Just emailed. =) Thank you Vanesa
T Williams says
There are no recipes included in my purchase of the containers. 🙁
Meal Prep on Fleek says
Hey Trisha - please email hello @ mealpreponfleek .com
We got you covered!