Meal prep containers: A buyer’s guide
Switching to weekly meal prep is a great way for individuals and families to prioritize their health and stick to a diet. Nothing spoils a good meal prep week such as poor storage of all that nutritious food. The thawing frozen meals, separating them carefully so you don’t end up reheating them again and again can be tiring!
If you are toying with the idea of hiring a personal chef for a meal prep plan or dedicating your weekends to doing so yourself, housing the right set of containers is key. From preserving freshness to optimizing portion control, good containers - suited to the kind of food you consume, are a crucial tool in the meal prep arsenal.
Types of Containers by material
Glass
Glass containers are non-toxic, versatile, and easy to clean. They are microwave/oven safe; and come with air-tight lids in most cases.
Anchor Hocking offers a range of basic tempered glass containers that come with plastic SnugFit lids or Cherry TrueSeal Lids, if you are looking for a budget buy. Current price on Amazon: $27 for a set of four 32 oz containers.
Pyrex is probably the most trusted glassware brand, with containers available in different sizes and lids made of plastic, glass, and bamboo.
Current price on Amazon: of $38 for a set of five 40 oz containers.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a stylish pick, Ello DuraGlass Meal Prep Containers are great. Each container comes with a colorful silicon sleeve to protect the glass and a snap-on airtight lid to make it leak-proof.
Current price on Amazon: $31 for a set of four 16 oz containers.
If you're looking for the ultimate elegance in food storage, Caraway is the perfect choice. Their non-stick ceramic coating offers a non-toxic and non-porous storage surface, preventing odors and stains; while their clear glass lids provide visibility.
Current price on Amazon: $40 for a single 40 oz container.
Reusable Plastic
A popular choice for meal prep due to their affordability, plastic containers can also be a good pick if you are looking for options to freeze/refrigerate left-overs. To minimize the risks associated with plastic containers, choose BPA-free options and avoid heating them for extended periods. Additionally, consider opting for reusable plastic containers to reduce your environmental impact.
Rubbermaid plastic containers are light to carry, with lids that attach securely and removable trays that compartmentalize containers.
Current price on Amazon: $27 for a set of four containers, 37 oz each.
On the other hand, Sistema provides more reasonable options. They are ideal for storing large portions of meals, making them perfect for weekly meal prep. Their airtight design ensures food freshness and prevents leaks, while the stackable features optimize storage space in your refrigerator or pantry.
Current price on Amazon: $16 for a set of 3 containers, 34 oz each.
Beyond containers
Storage bags
Food grade silicone can offer a classy looking option for storage bags. Stasher provides great options with a leak-free Pinch-Loc seal. These are dishwasher safe and can also be used for sous vide cooking.
Current price on Amazon: $36 for a set of 4 with variable sizes from 64 oz to 12 oz
Storage Wraps
Bees Wraps made from organic cotton and beeswax are natural alternatives to plastic. They are perfect for wrapping sandwiches, cheese, cakes, and breads; or covering food in the fridge. A set of three costs around $18 currently.
Make a responsible choice for the Planet
US alone generates over 42 million tons of plastic waste every year, much of which comes from single-use items like food storage containers. In the U.S. around three-quarters of plastic waste ends up in landfills with limited recycling efforts. Shifting to reusable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly options minimizes waste and helps to protect the world, one meal at a time.
At Viva Chefs, we’re committed to sustainability. Good meal prep containers allow you to enjoy food prepared by our expert chefs in the way it is meant to be relished, while adopting a greener lifestyle. Check us out by clicking the button below!
PS: If you are curious about hiring a personal chef and have some questions, feel free to shoot me an email at ravi at vivachefs dot com or set up a 15 minute meeting by clicking here