The best glass meal prep containers withstand temperature changes and regular handling without cracking or wearing down. The size of your containers is one of the most important factors to consider. Glass containers come in various sizes, typically ranging from small 1-cup containers for snacks to larger 5-cup options suitable for full meals. Assess your meal prep habits to determine the best fit for your needs.
EcoEvo Glass Food Containers with Glass Lid
They are heavy and leaky, however, and they seem to https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/most-weight-loss-friendly-foods be more of a fashion statement than viable storage containers. Like our top-pick glass Pyrex and Snapware containers, these containers are made from tempered glass. This set stood up to our drop tests and didn’t scratch or chip during use.
Use Cabinet Door Space
Plus, each container has a 28-ounce capacity, the sweet spot for holding a single meal. Since getting this set from Caraway, I am actively excited about storing my leftovers, packing my lunches, and making big batches of oatmeal for the week ahead. This bundle—which includes the five-piece Food Storage Set and the four-piece Mini Food Storage Set—comes with containers in almost any size you might need. I also love that the lids are clear, so I can see exactly what I’m reaching for in the fridge.
- In this guide, we’ll explore the 9 best glass meal prep containers to help you find the perfect option for your needs.
- And it’s not just about freezing in these…you can also pop them in the microwave or oven to reheat, cook, or bake, then throw them in the dishwasher for a souper easy cleanup.
- And while the FDA banned BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups in 2012, its widespread use continues in many food storage products.
- Meal prep bags are often insulated and come with reusable ice packs to keep your food cool and out of the temperature danger zone.
- We tested glass, plastic, and stainless steel containers—and they all have their perks.
- It’s the best way to see their entire lineup, from the classic Brilliance series to the latest innovations, ensuring you find some of the best meal prep containers straight from the source.
Best Materials for Plastic-Free Food Storage Containers
Crackers are a good replacement for bread and make a fine substitute when making sandwiches. A great source of energy, peanut butter is chock-full of healthy fats and protein. Unless the jar indicates otherwise, you don’t have to refrigerate after opening. What I loved most was having something I could bring to my local shared workspace that required zero prep the night before — just grab, go and enjoy. Yes, marinating chicken thighs in a mixture of oil, acid (like lemon juice or vinegar), and spices for 4-24 hours enhances flavor and tenderness.
The best meal prep containers with compartments
The material that storage containers are made of is a big factor to consider when buying them. Some containers are easy to clean and dishwasher-safe; some are even freezer-safe, so you can prep meals ahead of time and keep them frozen until you’re ready to use. During testing, we noted that the thick plastic makes these containers extra durable, so you can use them again and again. They are suitable for the fridge, freezer, or microwave—just be sure to pop the lids open to vent them before heating.
Overall, it’s a solid option if you prefer storing food in stainless steel containers. Stainless steel food storage containers are excellent for on-the-go meals and lunch boxes. They’re perfect for when you’re packing snacks, salads, or sandwiches. Use them for meal prep or to transport your meal without worrying about plastic leaching into your meal as they are completely BPA-free food storage containers. Our top performers did not show any marks of deformation after moving from the freezer to the microwave and running through the dishwasher five times. The top performing food storage containers that were were lightweight, stackable, easy to use and see-through stood out as the best containers for meal prep.
Benefits of Glass Meal Prep Containers
All through testing these collapsibles performed well, and they looked pretty doing it, in colors ranging from sunny yellows to muted blues in both opaque and transparent options. Material – The material has to be sturdy enough to withstand extreme temperatures and be durable at the same time. If you’re looking for a gift for the coffee lover in your life who seemingly already has it all, this could be the gift you’ve been searching for. These bowls from Freshware are excellent for rice and noodle bowls, salads, and soups. They hold more than enough (45 ounces), and with the proper care, this pack of 30 bowls can last a very long time.
Cooking Methods: Oven-baking, grilling, or air-frying for juicy, tender chicken thighs every time
If you’re looking for a durable and versatile food container for snacks and small meals, the LunchBots Medium Trio Stainless Steel Snack Container is an excellent choice. Crafted from high-quality 18/8 stainless steel, these meal prep containers are not only durable and long-lasting but also safe for storing your food. The three compartments allow you to keep your foods separate and organized easily, and the airtight design ensures that your food stays fresh and delicious. If you’re looking for a stylish and eco-friendly way to store your food, the Verel Glass Meal Prep Containers with Bamboo Lids are a great choice. Verel’s glass meal prep single-compartment glass food storage containers are made using durable glass and eco-friendly bamboo lids with leak-free silicone seals, making them entirely plastic-free.
Other glass food storage containers we tested
For example, storing hot soups in non-BPA-free microwave-safe food containers increases the risk of leaching. More precisely, a comprehensive 2015 review in Environmental Health linked BPA exposure to infertility, obesity, diabetes, and even breast cancer. If this describes you, I have a few recommendations at different price points.
SimpleHouseware Meal Prep Storage Containers
(You can buy different sizes to mix and match to help with portion control.) It’s microwave-safe, freezer-safe and dishwasher-safe. Plus, it comes with magnetic cutlery, which decreases your chances of accidentally tossing a fork in the trash. These durable, freezer-safe meal prep jars are also great for storing liquids like salad dressing, soup and protein shakes. Best of all, glass gets sparkling clean with no effort, unlike some other materials. Glass is stain- and odor-resistant, eco-friendly, and more durable, but is heavy and typically bulkier. Plastic is lighter and generally less expensive, though often not resistant to stains and odors.
Best plastic food storage containers
A creamy tomato mascarpone and basil sauce was a comforting classic, whilst the bolognese had impressive depth of flavour and the pesto, broccoli and spinach sauce was vibrant and well-seasoned. We enjoyed these just with pasta, but source COOK also suggest different recipes the sauces could be added to, such as pasta bakes or using a Mediterranean veg sauce with fish. The generous 500ml pots can be microwaved from frozen for easy last-minute meals.
