These Meal Prep Containers Will Save Time and Money During Your Busy Week

Our Top Pick

Bayco Glass Food Storage Container Set

$43 $32 at Amazon

When it comes to everything you could want or expect out of food storage containers, the Bayco Glass 24-Piece Food Storage Containers check all the boxes. For starters, they're made of borosilicate glass, which means they're extra durable, eco-friendly, stain-resistant, and odor-resistant. This pack has a range of sizes and shapes, including round, rectangular, and square containers, so you can use them for all kinds of meals.

The containers themselves are safe to use in the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher, plus the lids have locking tabs and rubber rings for a leak-proof seal. There are different color choices to add a bit of personal pizzazz to your meal prepping. To top it all off, they are a budget-conscious glass option, especially considering you get 12 containers.

The only caveat with this set is the lid care. The lids shouldn't go in the microwave or oven, and you could technically put them in the dishwasher, but it's better to hand wash them to keep them in their best condition. That being said, hand-washing them isn't so bad because you can take the rubber out for a thorough clean.

The Details: Glass; 12 containers and 12 lids; dishwasher-safe containers, hand wash lids

Best Budget

Enther Meal Prep Containers

$17 at Amazon

For anyone meal prepping on a budget, you'll get more bang for your buck with this pack of 20—each container costs less than one dollar. Wondering where you're going to find room to store 20 containers? Luckily, the containers stack nicely within each other, saving you lots of storage space in your cabinets and room in your fridge.

The drawback with these plastic containers is that they aren't designed for long-term use. As the manufacturer suggests, you will need to toss them out after about 30 uses. But the good news is that even though they're made from a lighter plastic, these disposable meal prep containers are still BPA-free and food-grade safe, and they can hold up in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. Plus, each container has a 28-ounce capacity, the sweet spot for holding a single meal.

The Details: Plastic; 20 containers and 20 lids; dishwasher safe

Best Plastic

Rubbermaid Food Container

$55 $45 at Amazon

Plastic containers are much lighter than glass ones, which can make a big difference if you're carrying lunch on your commute every day. If you're searching for something plastic, you can't beat these containers from the reputable food storage brand Rubbermaid. This stackable set comes in sizes ranging from a half cup to almost 5 cups deep, so you'll have a good assortment to choose from when meal prepping.

We tested a 10-piece set for ourselves (featuring a few taller containers) and were thoroughly impressed by the Brilliance line. The containers didn't retain any odors or stains after a thorough wash and nothing ever leaked. We also loved the clean look of the set.

Made from BPA-free plastic, these trusty containers can do everything your glass ones can, while being a whole lot easier to transport. They have an airtight seal that keeps food fresh, they can be reheated in the microwave (even with the lid), and you can put all their components in the dishwasher. Speaking of reheating: One perk these containers have that many competitors don't is special vents on the lids that you can pop open when microwaving, allowing you to leave the lid on and avoid splatter. As with all plastic options, scratches may appear on the surface over time.

The Details: Plastic; 12 containers and 12 lids; dishwasher safe

Best Glass

Pyrex Simply Store Glass Food Storage Container Set

$38 at Amazon $45 $41 at Target $47 at Walmart

Pyrex is one of the most trusted brands for glass storage, so it's no surprise that this set is the best glass option for meal preppers. Some people might be hesitant to use glass for fear of shattering, but these containers are made from high-quality borosilicate glass that excels when it comes to durability.

"I choose Pyrex over other containers because they're more affordable and generally lighter in weight compared to other brands, making them more accessible and versatile," says Talia Koren, founder of meal prep subscription program Workweek Lunch. "I've had them for years and years!"

You can put these glass meal prep containers in the microwave and oven, throw them in the dishwasher, and stack them in the freezer with no problem. During all that heavy lifting, the nonporous glass prevents food stains, odors, and flavors from sticking around, so you don't have to be reminded of the last meal you stored while eating your current one.

The lids require special care, as they're made from a plastic material (BPA-free). You can put them in the microwave while reheating, but definitely don't put them with the glass container in the oven. One of the nice things about the lids is that they come in different colors, so you can color-coordinate your meal preps and easily know what dish is in which container.

The Details: Glass; 9 containers and 9 lids; top-rack dishwasher safe

Best with Dividers

Bentgo Lunch Box

$15 $12 at Amazon $15 at Target $29 $15 at Walmart

There are plenty of meal prep containers that have a divider to separate your main dish and sides, but this bento box takes things a step further by having two levels. Anyone picky about keeping the different components of their meal from touching each other will appreciate that they can put something larger in the bottom container and then a couple of side dishes in the top container with two compartments. Even if you aren't fussy about your food touching, the different-sized sections can help with portion control.

The two containers are further separated by a divider lid, where you'll conveniently find a small set of utensils. If you regularly eat lunch on the go, you'll have everything you need in one package. Plus, the variety of attractive colors—such as blush marble and khaki green—allows you to bring your lunch to work in style.

Word to the wise: While the box does have a good seal, it's not leak-proof. This means it's not the best option for carrying salad dressing, soups, and other liquids unless you make sure it stands upright the whole time.

The Details: Plastic; 1 container with various components; dishwasher safe

Best Leak-Proof

OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Container Set

$33 at Amazon $33 at Macys $33 at Oxo

There's nothing worse than taking the time to pack a meal only to find that the contents have leaked out of the container and into your bag. Part of OXO's Smart Seal line, these containers are well-equipped in the fight against leaks thanks to their four locking tabs and silicone seal in the lid. When it comes time to clean your containers, that silicone bit is removable, making it easier to wash before your next use. It may take a bit of finesse closing the lids at first (try snapping two tabs at once or rotating the lid), but once you get them down, you'll have a tight seal.

If you're concerned about leakage, then it's likely you're storing something like salad with a dressing, soup, or pasta, and luckily, the round design of these containers is perfect for dishes just like that. The smallest containers in this set are especially handy if you're carrying any sauce or dressing on the side. Plus, the BPA-free borosilicate glass resists stains, so whatever liquids are inside won't leave a mark (goodbye unsightly marinara stains).

The Details: Glass; 6 containers and 6 lids; dishwasher safe

Best for Liquids

W&P Porter Seal Tight Glass Bowl

$25 at Amazon $30 at Nordstrom View on Wandp.com

Sure, you can ladle some soup into a rectangular storage container; however, something just feels off when enjoying soup from anything but a bowl. That's why we love this screw-top lunch bowl for on-the-go soups. It's leak-proof, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe for ease of travel, use, and cleanup.

This container is made from durable glass and wrapped in soft silicone, making it comfortable to handle and stylish to carry around. The screw-top lid is designed to prevent leaks and makes it easier to open up the container so you can avoid splatters and spills that might occur with a latch opening.

What you get in attractive design, you will have to cover in cost, though. For just a single, 16-ounce unit, this isn't the most affordable option out there. But if you're willing to pay a bit more for style and are looking for something functional to bring soup to work, this container is worth the price.

The Details: Glass and silicone; one container with lid; dishwasher safe

Best for the Freezer

Sistema Klip It Plus Food Storage Containers

$24 at Amazon

If you're storing food in the freezer, you'll want a food container that can withstand intense temperatures—both hot and cold. This six-piece set from Sistema can handle freezers, fridges, microwaves, and dishwashers (just keep them on the top rack). The freezer-safe aspect makes it a great option for meal preppers who make big batches of food at a time; you can store a meal in the freezer and take it out whenever you need it.

The stackable containers all feature a snap-lock lid, which is great for a secure grip, although some reviewers feel the "wings" are a bit brittle. With that in mind, try to be a little gentle while opening or closing these containers. Another highlight of this set is the fact that there are three different sizes. The two larger containers are ideal for storing cooked chicken or a pork chop, while the mid-sized container is great for sides—think roasted fingerling potatoes or some tasty green beans. Last but certainly not least, the two mini containers are perfect for freezing sauces, dips, or dressings to keep them fresh.

The Details: Plastic; 6 containers and 6 lids; top rack dishwasher safe

Best for the Oven

1790 Glass Storage Containers

$43 at Amazon

If you don't want to dirty up additional dishes, why not reheat your meal right in its storage container? These borosilicate glass containers can handle temperatures from -40° to 450° F. Just be careful with how quickly you go from the freezer to the oven, as you don't want to cause thermal shock that could make the glass crack. Simply let the containers come to room temperature before putting them in the oven.

Many prefer glass for long-term storage because it's stain- and odor-resistant, something you'll appreciate if you're leaving something particularly aromatic in a container in the freezer for a while. With this set, you'll get different sizes of round, rectangular, and square shapes, so you'll have plenty of options to find the perfect fit as you stack everything away in your freezer amid all the other goodies that might already be in there.

The Details: Glass; 9 containers and 9 lids; dishwasher safe