Meal prep containers let you cook once and eat all week. The best ones hold up in the microwave and fridge, keep foods from leaking and stack neatly. Compartments are useful when you want rice, protein and vegetables kept apart.
The six options below mix glass and plastic, including glass meal prep containers, 2 compartment meal prep containers, microwave safe meal prep containers and bento meal prep sets. We have not used these products ourselves, and details can change, so confirm size, material and care notes on the current listing before buying.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Material | Glass resists stains and reheats evenly; plastic is lighter to carry |
| Compartments | A divider keeps wet and dry foods apart |
| Lid seal | A locking or snap lid helps stop leaks in a bag |
| Microwave and dishwasher use | Check what each maker says about bases and lids |
Specs at a Glance
| Container | Material | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyrex Simply Store | Glass with plastic lids | Glass set | Lids are not usually oven safe |
| Glasslock Glass Containers | Tempered glass with locking lids | Locking-lid set | Gasket lid; check each part’s care advice |
| Rubbermaid Brilliance | Clear plastic with latching lids | Stackable set | Sold in sets of mixed sizes |
| Snapware Total Solution Glass | Glass with snap lids | Snap-lid set | Check the listing for compartment options |
| Bentgo Prep | BPA-free plastic | 2 compartment | Often sold in multi-packs |
| Prep Naturals Glass | Glass with plastic lids | Compartment sets | Often sold in packs; check the listing for sizes |
The 6 Best Meal Prep Containers
1. Pyrex Simply Store Glass Food Storage
A familiar glass set with plastic lids. The glass bases are made for fridge, microwave and cupboard use, and the set suits prepared lunches.
Suits: glass meal prep containers. Strengths: a trusted brand and easy-to-clean glass. Weaknesses: single compartment only. Skip it if you need separate compartments.
View Pyrex Simply Store on Amazon
2. Glasslock Glass Food Storage Containers
A glass set with locking lids and gaskets. It suits meals carried in a bag, where a tight seal matters.
Suits: leak-resistant glass lunches. Strengths: a locking lid and a glass body. Weaknesses: heavier to carry. Skip it if you want a lightweight plastic set.
View Glasslock Glass Containers on Amazon
3. Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers
A popular set of clear plastic containers with latching lids that stack well in the fridge or a bag.
Suits: stackable meal prep containers. Strengths: clear sides and latching lids. Weaknesses: plastic can stain. Skip it if you want glass.
View Rubbermaid Brilliance on Amazon
4. Snapware Total Solution Glass Meal Prep Containers
A glass line with snap-on lids that includes meal-sized containers. Some sets offer dividers, so check what is included.
Suits: a flexible glass prep set. Strengths: an established brand and many sizes. Weaknesses: lid replacement may be needed over time. Skip it if you want a one-piece container.
View Snapware Total Solution Glass on Amazon
5. Bentgo Prep Meal Prep Containers
A set of plastic meal prep containers with compartments, aimed at weekly portion prep. The format suits rice, protein and sides kept separate.
Suits: 2 compartment meal prep containers. Strengths: portion separation and a multi-pack. Weaknesses: plastic only. Skip it if you prefer glass.
6. Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers
A glass meal prep set with compartment options. It is aimed at weekly prep and at cooks who want glass for reheating.
Suits: bento meal prep containers. Strengths: glass bases with a compartment layout. Weaknesses: fewer details on sizes in some listings. Skip it if you want a basic round container.
View Prep Naturals Glass on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Let hot food cool a little before sealing it, to reduce condensation.
- Wash gaskets and lids separately.
- Freeze meals in containers that the maker says are freezer safe.
- Label each container with the date you made the meal.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Moving glass directly from the freezer to a hot microwave.
- Overfilling a container so the lid will not seal.
- Leaving the lid on while microwaving unless the maker says it is fine.
- Buying only one size for every meal.
Meal Prep Container FAQ
Are glass meal prep containers better than plastic?
Glass reheats cleanly and resists stains. Plastic is lighter and cheaper. The best choice depends on whether you carry meals or eat at home.
Do two compartment containers work for hot and cold foods?
They keep foods apart, but they do not insulate. Follow each maker’s advice for the microwave.
How many containers do I need for a week?
Most people prep five to seven meals, so five or more containers is a common starting point.
Can I freeze meals in these containers?
Many glass and plastic containers are made for the freezer, but not every lid is. Leave a little room for food to expand, and check each maker’s advice before freezing.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- How many meals do you plan to portion at one time, and does your fridge have shelf space for them?
- Will you carry them to work or school, or eat at home?
- Do you reheat in a microwave, an oven, or a toaster oven, and does the listing mention which are suitable?
- Do you want lids that stack neatly or nest inside the bases?
- Do you prefer a single large space or divided sections for sauces and sides?
- Does your bag have room for a container of this shape?
Storage and Organisation Notes
Containers can quickly take over a cupboard. Matching lids to bases is the usual frustration, so consider a set where one lid shape fits several sizes. Keeping lids in a shallow bin or a drawer divider helps you find the right one in seconds.
Label each container with the date you cooked the meal, using masking tape or a dry-erase marker if the maker’s listing says that is suitable. Place the oldest meals toward the front of the fridge so they are eaten first.
Think also about the journey from fridge to desk. A tote with a narrow opening may not accept wide, flat shapes, and a container that leaks in a bag can spoil more than lunch. Look at the lid closure shown in the listing and decide whether you are comfortable with it.
Who Should Skip It
If you cook fresh every evening and rarely have leftovers, a large collection may sit idle. Anyone with a very small fridge should measure first, because square shapes often use space more effectively than round ones. Check the maker’s listing and instructions for materials, temperature limits and washing guidance before you use any container for hot, frozen or acidic food.
The Short Version
For classic glass, the Pyrex. For locking lids, the Glasslock. For stackable plastic, the Rubbermaid Brilliance. For a flexible glass line, the Snapware. For compartments in plastic, the Bentgo Prep. For compartments in glass, the Prep Naturals.