Top Meal Prep Containers for Storing Dinner

The art of meal prep has become increasingly popular, with communities like r/MealPrepSunday dedicated to sharing strategies and tips for planning and preparing meals. Whether you're a busy professional or an athlete looking to optimize your nutrition, meal prep is a great way to save time and money. However, one of the most essential components of meal prep is storage - the right containers can help keep food fresh and prevent freezer burn.

To find the best meal prep containers, Serious Eats tested 10 sets of containers, putting them through a series of rigorous tests. The tests included a meal storage test, where containers were filled with pressure cooker lentils and sausage and stored in the freezer for two days; a durability test, where containers were dropped from waist height to assess material durability; a stacking test, where containers were placed in the refrigerator to observe how well they fit in the space; a leak test, where containers were filled with water and shaken vigorously to check for leaks; and a general use and cleaning test, where containers were cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions and evaluated for convenience and signs of wear.

## Clear Containers Keep Meals Top of Mind

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, poor visibility is one of the main factors contributing to food waste in homes. Clear containers make it easier to identify your meals, and most of the products that Serious Eats tested, including all of the winners, featured clear glass or plastic bases and lids.

## I Preferred Glass Construction

Glass containers are more versatile and won't leach plastics into your meal. The glass Pyrex, Zwilling, and Caraway sets offered the most reheating options - the container bases are both oven and microwave-safe. All of the plastic products tested were labeled microwave-safe, but multiple studies have indicated that microwaving plastic can release harmful chemicals, even if the product is labeled for microwave use.

## Sealing Matters

A high-quality lid is absolutely essential. A tight seal preserves food by reducing oxygen flow - this slows bacterial growth. If you plan on transporting your meals, the lid is the only thing standing between you and a backpack (or purse) disaster. Serious Eats found that locking lids provide the most peace of mind, and containers like the Hold Everything, Rubbermaid Brilliance, and PrepNaturals use four plastic flaps to keep everything in place.

| **Container** | **Number of pieces** | **Capacity** | **Material** | **Lid style** | **Microwave-safe** | **Oven-safe** | **Dishwasher-safe** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Hold Everything | 5 | 34.67 ounces | Glass base, plastic and silicone lid | Locking | Yes, base only | Yes, base only | Yes | | Pyrex Ultimate | 5 | 16, 24, 32, 48, and 56-ounce containers | Pyrex glass base, glass and silicone lid | Airtight seal | Yes, base only | Yes, base only | Yes | | Zwilling Fresh & Save | 5 | 16, 24, 32, 48, and 56-ounce containers | Glass base, glass and silicone lid | Airtight seal | Yes, base only | Yes, base only | Yes |

## The Best Meal Prep Containers

The top picks from Serious Eats' testing include the Hold Everything Rectangular Glass Food Storage Containers, Pyrex Ultimate 10-Piece Glass Storage Set with Glass Lids, and Zwilling Glass Food Storage Container + Vacuum Sealer Pump. These containers are durable, leakproof, and easy to clean. They also offer a range of capacity options, from single-serving meals to batched meals.

### Hold Everything Rectangular Glass Food Storage Containers

The Hold Everything set is extremely practical, with medium-capacity containers that are perfect for single-serving meals. The locking design keeps the lid in place and prevents leaks. However, these containers aren't large enough to store family-sized meals, and the glass bottom may slide around if bumped.

### Pyrex Ultimate 10-Piece Glass Storage Set with Glass Lids

The Pyrex Ultimate Glass Storage set is durable, versatile, and stackable. The containers performed well in all of the tests, preserving food well and preventing frostbite. However, this set includes three round and two rectangular containers, which can waste fridge space when stored together.

### Zwilling Glass Food Storage Container + Vacuum Sealer Pump

The Zwilling Fresh & Save pairs high-quality glass construction with super-sealing power. The ability to remove excess oxygen helps preserve food texture and slow bacterial growth. However, these containers aren't well-suited to storing liquid or powdery food - fine particles or drops can clog the vacuum sealer.