Sadly, it’s part of modern living that some things we buy, no matter how careful we are, seem to disappear or get misplaced with a very slim chance of recovery. Meal prep containers, for instance, which are very important items for those on-the-go or for preparing meals for the family are nowhere to be found after just a month or two.
Nowadays, meal containers are now part of our daily lives. We cannot seem to do without them. This is so for a wide range of reasons, as wide as the selection of these wares that you’ll find in the grocery store. Stroll along the storage aisles and you will find containers in different shapes, sizes, and functions.
You have square ones, round ones, rectangular ones, and oval ones. They come small, large, and medium sizes. We can also mention leak-proof ones, stackable ones, and compartmentalized ones. As you will soon come to realize, there are containers that fare better for storage, others for some reasons. You are then well-advised to own a variety of such containers.
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Glasslock 18 Piece Oven Safe Assortment Set
If you’re looking for a meal prep container set which will give you good value for your money then look no further than this one. It comes in a set with 18 pieces. It contains new, re-designed Glasslock containers for food storage with lovely blue lids. The containers in the set come in different sizes and shapes to suit your food-storage needs.
The containers in the Glasslock 18 Piece Oven Safe Assortment Set each has latch lids which snap right into place for easy closing. The lids also have silicone gaskets which ensure that the containers are leak-resistant and airtight to keep your food fresh. This would be a perfect set for your home or even as a gift to the ones you love.
These meal prep containers offer the flexibility of using a single container in the freezer, microwave, oven, and in the dishwasher too. The containers are stain-proof, odor-proof, and liquid plus airtight. The containers are made of soda ash, silica, limestone, and other components which are natural. They’re also recyclable and BPA-free.
Pros
- Includes an assortment of meal prep containers which are microwavable and oven-safe.
- All the containers are leak-proof, airtight, recyclable, and BPA-free.
- The containers come in different sizes to suit your needs.
Cons
- The containers tend to crumble when you stack them.
- Also, the glass material tends to chip.
smartYOU PREMIUM LABELED 7 Piece Portion Control Containers Kit
This is one of the most-trusted products for meal prepping on Amazon now. It comes with perfectly-sized containers which will help you understand portion sizes better without having to count calories all the time. Using these containers for your meal prepping can even help you lose weight.
The smartYOU PREMIUM LABELED 7 Piece Portion Control Containers Kit comes with fun, easy, and color-coded containers which will help you prepare your meals without having to make measurements. The containers are made of high-quality polypropylene and are completely food safe. The containers are dishwasher-safe (top rack), freezer-safe, and microwave-safe too.
This mega-bundle comes with other items such as a tape measure, a free guide, an e-book of recipes, and a 21-day planner that’s interactive and in PDF form. All these will help you achieve the healthy lifestyle you desire. This product is completely risk-free because it comes with a full replacement or refund, no questions asked.
Pros
- The kit allows you to prep your meals easily.
- Made from high-quality material that’s microwave, freezer, and dishwasher-safe.
- Comes with a full money-back guarantee.
Cons
- The kit doesn’t come with instructions for use.
- The labels may come off after washing.
Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container
This set of meal prep containers has secure latches for an airtight seal. The food inside the containers won’t leak even if they’re in liquid forms such as sauces, stews, and soups. The Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container set has a modular design which means that you can stack the containers conveniently to save space. The containers are also made with a material that’s resistant to odors and stains.
Pros
- Safe for use in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher too.
- Made from high-quality materials which are odor and stain-resistant.
- Comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- The rubber seal may break off after some usage.
- Some claim the lids aren’t very durable.
Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers
This is another set of leak-proof containers. You can use them for meal prepping at home and conveniently take them with you to work or let your kids bring them to school. The Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers are also very versatile because you can even cook your food right in them. These are made of glass and are microwave, freezer, and oven-safe.
Pros
- Leak-proof containers which you can use to cook and store your meals.
- Made of high-quality glass which is durable and oven-safe.
- Also, freezer and microwave-safe.
Cons
- When the silicone ring comes off, you can’t reattach it.
- It’s quite difficult to close the containers.
EDC Meal Prep Bag by Evolutionize
This set of meal containers comes with 3 full-sized containers as well as an ultra-versatile bag. The lunch box has an insulated compartment at the top which is separate and which also fits a 4th container or additional food items. The EDC Meal Prep Bag by Evolutionize has a compact design but provides high storage. This makes it a very versatile solution to meal prepping and meal management.
Pros
- Versatile meal prep containers which come with insulated top compartments.
- Has a compact design which allows for high-storage.
- Made with premium materials which are also heavy-duty.
Cons
- Some say that the inner lining of the bag isn’t very sturdy.
- Some claim that the containers are too bulky.
Reditainer 3-Compartment Microwave Safe Food Container
These leak-proof containers have lids which are easy to unlock. The sizes of the containers allow for good portions for meal prepping. The Reditainer 3-Compartment Microwave Safe Food Container has a tray that will fit 3 bananas, 2 apples, and about a handful of grapes. You can also raise the lids of the containers in case you want to add an extra scoop on top of your food. It’s also dishwasher-safe for added convenience.
Pros
- The set comes with meal prep containers and clear lids.
- Lids seal the containers tightly to keep your food fresh.
- Compartments separate the cold and hot items effectively.
Cons
- Some say that the material is quite brittle.
- The containers are quite large.
INEVIFIT Meal Prep
This portion-control set includes 10 containers which are airtight and leak-proof with lids. They’re perfect for those who want to purchase meal prep containers as an investment. The INEVIFIT Meal Prep will help you stay on top of your health and nutrition. The set has durable, high-grade containers which you can bring with you everywhere you go. With these containers, staying in shape has never been so easy!
Pros
- Meal prep containers which are airtight and leak-resistant.
- The containers are reusable and have different compartments.
- DEHP and BPA-free containers which are also FDA-certified.
Cons
- Some claim that the lids are fairly fragile.
- They’re quite difficult to open.
ECOlunchbox Three-in-One Stainless Steel Food Container Set
Here’s another set of meal prep containers this time made of stainless steel. There’s no danger of harmful components such as PVC, BPA, lead or vinyl with these containers. The ECOlunchbox Three-in-One Stainless Steel Food Container Set is food safe, reusable, and extremely durable. The containers have a rectangular shape and a 3-in-1 nesting design that’s convenient and will prevent your food items from mixing together. It’s an eco-friendly option that’s perfect for any meal prepper.
Pros
- Made with high-quality stainless steel that’s durable.
- Doesn’t contain harmful PVC, BPA, lead or vinyl.
- Safe, reusable, and well-designed.
Cons
- Not completely leak-proof.
- The covers don’t fit too well.
monbento MB Original Bento Box
This meal prep container is very convenient because it’s dishwasher and microwave-safe. The monbento MB Original Bento Box comes in 2 classic colors, white and gray. When using it in the microwave, all you have to do is open the intermediary lid’s silicone cap to ensure safe heating. You can also use this container in the freezer or the refrigerator. It’s completely airtight and it’s also BPA-free.
Pros
- A BPA-free container which is dishwasher-safe too.
- Also, it’s microwave safe as well as freezer-safe.
- A stylish meal prep container that’s completely airtight.
Cons
- Some claim that it’s leaky.
- You can’t store liquids in the container.
LunchBots Trio II Stainless Steel Food Container
This product is excellent for those who want to prepare easy meals and snacks. It has three compartments where you can place different food items. The LunchBots Trio II Stainless Steel Food Container is convenient, portable, durable, and food-safe. This meal prep container is perfect for home use and for traveling too. Although not suitable for storing liquid food items, it’s virtually indestructible and dishwasher-safe too.
Pros
- Convenient meal prep containers which are also safe and durable.
- Dishwasher safe and made with high-quality stainless steel.
- Comes from a trusted brand.
Cons
- The plastic cover isn’t very durable.
- The container is quite thin.
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Why Do You Need Meal Prep Containers for Meal Prepping?
Perhaps the most relevant part of health and fitness is proper nutrition. Without a well-balanced diet containing the right amount of healthy fats, proteins, and carbs, working in the gym even for hours will just be a waste of valuable time and energy. One easy way to make sure that you get the proper nutrients and still save time is by preparing your meals ahead of time.
With these meals safely stored in your refrigerator, you can focus on your health and fitness goals, then come home to enjoy a well-prepared balanced meal. Meal prepping is economical at the same time, convenient. Well-planned meals will ensure you will be eating rich and healthy foods that contain the proper daily nutrients.
Of course, meal prepping will involve planning meals ahead of time. This will eliminate that frustrating feeling of rushing home from work to prepare meals, especially for the entire family. It’s like adding more stress to an already tiring day. Preparing meals will give you the guarantee that there will be planned nutritious foods on the table when you get home. No more need to rush.
The key here is preparing your meals, preferably on a weekly basis. Start the procedure before the start of the week and then store your menu in the fridge or the freezer in meal prep containers. This way, you can just heat dinner in the oven or pop it in the microwave.
A few minutes later, you would be enjoying a well-balanced meal without all the hassles of daily preparations. How simple and convenient is that? Meal prep containers are also a key ingredient to this formula. You should have a variety oQuick Redirectsf these in your pantry to ensure plenty of fresh and pre-made meals for yourself and your family.
What Are the Benefits of Using Meal Prep Containers?
At this point, the advantages of meal prep containers should be obvious. Their use will save money, time, and will allow you to make healthier food choices. Nutritious foods are important. So are containers as they will be used to store your nutritious foods for each week’s duration.
Containers have their own set of benefits. For one, they’re used to store your planned meals and keep them fresh until consumption. Second, these are reusable, making them much more economical than their disposable counterparts. Third, using them for storage can save space in the fridge, especially the stackable types. It’s also easier to clean-up after each meal.
Although you can save some money using your old containers, there is a greater chance for spoilage because these were not made for storage purposes in the fridge. Additionally, the spoilage can pervade into other foods contained therein. Consider meal prep containers. They have no leaks, prevent food spillage, and are usually microwave-safe. Aesthetically, they look great and will make the display in the fridge look neater.
What Are Meal Prep Containers?
Meal prepping could be a new phrase for some people. Simply stated, it’s cooking large batches of food in advance, portioning the food into meals for a specific period of time. Typically, the time frame of consumption is a week. Do the preparations of meal prepping at the beginning of the week.
It may take longer but it definitely will eliminate the time and effort spent cooking throughout the incoming week. Many times, because of time constraints, you would rather buy your meals in a restaurant and this becomes more expensive. With meal-preps, this won’t happen.
Meal prep containers are important if you start planning meals for the week. Do some research to find the best containers on the market. This will make certain you will be buying the best storage for your planned healthy foods. Whether you’re planning for a big meal on the weekend that could last for a number of days through apportioning or laying out each meal for the week, you will be needing only the best containers.
The choice of containers can also depend upon your lifestyle. If you are the on-the-go type, choose containers that can fit your schedule and your calorie intake. When it comes to plastics, there’s the BPA factor to think about. Your choice should be free of this dangerous chemical. The containers should also be lightweight and low-cost. Other important features include resistance to temperature, ease of maintenance, and durability. Presently, plastic containers are the most popular ones for food storage throughout the world.
Performance wise, glass containers can trump all other types. They are healthier, stain, and smell-resistant. Unfortunately, glass ones are a lot more expensive, have poor portability, and are breakable.
Stainless steel can also be a little more expensive and is not very practical for cold climate use. But there is always something stylish about steel wares, plus the fact that they’re excellent at keeping foods warm for longer periods.
Kits have containers plus added features. These include plastic containers with added practical accessories plus some temperature control measures. Kits can be great for cars but their multi-piece set up makes it awkward for other forms of commuting. These are great for bikers and those who use public transportations.
Should You Be Worried About BPA and Phthalate Content of the Meal Prep Containers?
Let us give emphasis on the BPA content of plastics, together with its less-famous companion, phthalates. Both are harmful chemicals that may be present in some plastics. BPA or Bisphenol-A is used to make clear and hard plastic products. Phthalates make plastics soft and flexible. Recent studies have shown that both these chemicals can act as endocrine inhibitors.
They can imitate human hormones and this action can confuse your body causing all sorts of health problems. The presence of BPA or phthalates can bring about side effects like the weakening of the immune system, the stimulation of prostate cancer cells and even structural damage to the brain.
BPA and phthalates cannot cause real damage to the body. The real damage happens when foods are heated in these plastics containers. For prospective meal-preppers, this can be a cause for concern because their prepared foods will be heated in their original containers through microwave ovens.
All these can be avoided simply by choosing meal-prep containers that are free from BPA and phthalates. These may be more expensive, but remember, your long-term health is worth doling out a few more dollars.
What Are Some FAQs About Meal Prep Containers?
If you want to find the best meal prep containers out there, then you should learn all you can about them. To help you out, let’s discuss some of the FAQs about these convenient and versatile containers.
How safe are meal prep containers?
You’ve heard a lot of rumors that plastics are bad for your health. This is a partial truth. Some plastics are bad, some are safe. What makes plastics get its notoriety is due to BPA and phthalates, chemicals that are harmful to the human body. These can come in contact with our food through plastic containers.
In small doses, the effect could be minuscule but in large ones, these plastic components can pose a serious risk to one’s health. You can avoid such issues by just buying plastics that are free of BPA and phthalates. Choose brands which have been approved by the FDA as BPA-free. This means the brand has passed the FDA regulations for being dishwasher and microwave safe.
In actuality, there is even a greater health risk when you make use of plastic containers and materials which aren’t microwavable. Experts believe that the danger coming from plastics when heated is not really that accurate. They contend that for phthalates or BPA leakage to occur, you will need to heat food to a 700˚F temperature.
Do we really use that much heat on food? Plastic containers are preferred because they are light and convenient and can be easily carried to work every day as opposed to heavy glass containers. The choice of containers for prep meals will solely depend on you. If you feel comfortable with one type, then go for it.
But plastics do have many advantages. No need to worry about harmful effects as long as you choose the right and safest one. Try a couple of containers first until you settle on the container that you like. Don’t let fear of plastic containers get in your way. If you believe in this healthy lifestyle of meal preps, just go for it.
You should also keep some glass containers in your cupboard. Dinner, for instance, won’t require plastic containers which are primarily for on-the-move situations. Glass containers would be more appropriate because they are easier for reheating foods in the oven, especially if you have no microwave in your home.
Are containers with dividers practical?
They certainly are a huge help, especially in the portioning out of macronutrients. They can also offer comfort to those who don’t want certain food groups to touch. You can buy containers with removable or adjustable dividers. Again, this depends upon one’s personal preference.
How many containers should one have?
The answer will depend on how many meals you will be preparing for the week. The number shouldn’t really pose a problem since you can always buy if you needed more.
Important Factors to Keep in Mind
Reliability of the Meal Prep Container’s Lid
When it comes to choosing meal prep containers, one of the first things you need to consider is the reliability of the lid. You don’t want to prep your lunch in a container and bring it with you only to find out that the food you’ve placed in it has leaked or spilled out because of a weak lid.
With such containers, some lids are more reliable than others. Ideally, you should choose a product with a lid that will keep the food safely inside the container. The most common type of lids is the snap-on. With this kind of lid, it can go either way. But a lot of brands use this type of lid because they’re convenient and easy to use.
If you have the chance to test the lid before purchasing, you can do so in different ways. First of all, you can place a liquid into the container then lean it on its side. Then check and see if the liquid will come out even though you’ve sealed the container.
The best lids would have some type of suction, locking or sealing mechanism on the lid itself. This will hold the lid in place and keep the food items and all the juices from leaking or seeping out. After you’ve learned the container against the wall, you can try to shake it up too. This will allow you to see if the contents stay inside even while the container is in motion.
These two steps will help you determine the lid’s reliability. Of course, you can perform other steps to check the quality of the lid. But if it’s able to survive both these tests without issue, then you probably have a good one in hand.
The Material of the Meal Prep Container
The next factor to consider is the material of the meal prep container. Usually, when bowls and plates aren’t readily available, people would simply consume their meals directly from the food containers. But not all meal prep containers are made equal. That’s why you need to consider the material of the container as this is very important.
As much as possible, choose a meal prep container which is made of a material that’s versatile. Go for those which are microwave-safe, freezer-safe, oven-safe, food-safe, and more. If you want a convenient product, choose one which is also dishwasher-safe. You can easily find these features on the product’s specifications so make sure to read everything carefully.
If you’re concerned about BPA, you’re not alone. In fact, a lot of people are concerned about the safety of this component which is commonly used when making plastic materials. This component is known as an endocrine disruptor since it has the ability to mimic the natural hormones of the body.
Fortunately, the FDA regulates the production of plastic containers closely especially if they come in contact with food. The FDA requires manufacturers of meal prep containers and similar products to pass certain tests which meet their specifications and standards. If you still prefer a plastic meal prep container but you want to avoid this component altogether, choose a product that’s BPA-free.
The Convenience of the Meal Prep Container
This is another important factor to consider. If you’re always on-the-go, it’s best to choose a meal prep container that fits easily in small spaces. Go for slim, lightweight containers with a flat shape so you can bring it everywhere you go and stick with your meal plans. Such portable containers are also versatile because you can fit the right meal portions in them.
Meal prep containers come in different shapes and sizes. You would typically choose depending on your meal prepping plans. Also, think about the meals you’re planning to cook before you choose a container to buy. For instance, if you love cooking foods which are heavy in tomato sauce and other similar dishes, it’s probably a good idea to choose containers which are stain-proof so you won’t have such a hard time washing them.
The ease of maintenance is also a big part of the convenience. If you plan to wash your meal prep containers all at the same time, then go for the dishwasher-safe ones to make things easier. When it comes to ease of cleaning, the stainless steel and glass containers have an edge because unlike plastics, they don’t stain and the strong odors of food don’t stick to them as much.
The Durability of the Meal Prep Container
No matter what kind of product you’re looking for, make sure it will last. This is why durability is another important factor to consider. Since you would most likely be using the meal prep containers frequently, you have to make sure that they’re durable enough. The meal prep container should be able to cope with the wear and tear of daily use.
Aside from being a freezer, microwave, and oven-safe, make sure the containers can also handle the everyday handling. This is especially true if you have kids and they will be using the containers every day too. No matter what the material of the meal prep container is, durability remains to be a major factor.
Temperature Capability of the Meal Prep Container
Finally, it’s also important to check the temperature capability of the meal prep container. Let’s talk about heat first. Usually, after cooking the meals, you would transfer them into the containers when you are meal prepping. This means that the container should be able to handle the heat of the food.
The same thing goes for when you want to heat up the meals you’ve prepared before eating them. If you’ve prepared meals for the whole week, you would be storing them in the refrigerator. And when it’s time to eat those meals, you’d probably want to place them in the microwave to make them hot and delicious before you dig in.
In both situations and in any other situations which involve heat, your meal prep containers should be able to handle them. When it comes to heating food, this is where BPA-free containers are most recommended. Also, choose products which are microwave-safe so you won’t have to worry whenever you want to heat up your food before eating.
The meal prep containers should also be able to handle cold temperatures. This is especially important for meal prepping because you would generally cook a huge batch of meals (usually for the whole week) and store it either in your refrigerator or freezer to maintain its freshness. Therefore, it’s important to choose products which can cope with the cold.
Also, you should consider the danger of freezer burn and of flavors and smells being absorbed from the freezer and into the container which will make the food within taste different. You have to find the best container which will prevent this from happening. Preferably, choose the airtight ones so that the dishes you’ve cooked and stored in the containers won’t get compromised even if you store it in your refrigerator for a long time.
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Conclusion
The meal prep concept is used to save time and effort in preparing one’s meals for the whole week. Preparation is usually done at the beginning of the week when meals are planned, prepared, and stored for the week’s supply. You can make your own healthy food options. This is practical since it will save you the frustrations of rushing home from work and preparing dinner for yourself and your family every day.
With meal prep, you do the cooking and cleaning only once each week. Of course, you will be needing storage containers for your food regimen and meal prep containers were designed for this purpose. There are many types of storage containers which come in different sizes, shapes, compositions, and functions.
Plastics are the most popular because they are not expensive, they’re convenient lightweight, and more. But be sure to choose meal-prep plastic containers that are 100% free of BPA and phthalates. These are chemicals present in some plastics that can do harm to the body.
