The best meal prep containers for most people are the Prep Naturals glass containers, which are portioned, leakproof, microwave-safe and freezer-friendly for batch-cooked meals, with Bentgo and compartment plastic sets as lighter, portable options. Meal prep containers store full portioned meals you cook in advance, so they need to be the right size, microwave-safe and ideally leakproof. The right one depends on whether you want glass durability or plastic portability. This guide compares four meal prep container sets.
The Prep Naturals glass set is the best meal prep container for most people: portioned, leakproof, microwave-safe and freezer-friendly. Choose Bentgo or compartment plastic for lighter, portable lunches. Match glass or plastic to durability or portability.
- Best overall: Prep Naturals glass
- Best compartment: Bentgo Prep
- Best budget: Freshware plastic
- Avoid: flimsy plastic that warps in the microwave
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Quick Picks
- Best overall: Prep Naturals glass — portioned, leakproof, durable. Check price on Amazon
- Best compartment: Bentgo Prep — divided sections, portable.
- Best budget: Freshware plastic — cheap, microwave-safe.
Comparison Table
| Meal prep container | Material | Compartments | Best for | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prep Naturals | Glass | 1-3 | Durable batch meals | Check Price |
| Bentgo Prep | Plastic | 2-3 | Portion control, lunches | Check Price |
| Freshware | Plastic | 1-3 | Budget, bulk | Check Price |
| Rubbermaid Brilliance | Plastic | 1 | Leakproof single meals | Check Price |
How We Chose These Meal Prep Containers
We compared meal prep containers by portion size and compartments, microwave- and freezer-safety, leakproofing, durability, stackability and value. We researched and spec-checked each set and reviewed owner feedback rather than claiming hands-on testing. Flimsy plastic that warps or stains was downgraded.
Key Takeaway: Meal prep lives in the microwave, so reheating matters most. Glass reheats evenly and never warps or stains, while compartment plastic keeps foods separate and is lighter to carry. Pick by whether you reheat at home or on the go.
Best Overall: Prep Naturals Glass
Best for: batch-cooked meals reheated at home or work. Why it made the list: portioned glass that reheats evenly, resists stains and odours, and is freezer-friendly.
- Key specs: tempered glass, snap-lock leakproof lids, 1 to 3 compartments, microwave-, freezer- and dishwasher-safe (lid off for oven).
- What we like: even reheating, no stains or odours, durable, leakproof.
- What we do not like: heavy to carry; can break if dropped.
- Who should buy it: anyone batch-cooking and reheating meals.
- Who should avoid it: those who want the lightest containers to carry.
- Common complaints: weight; lid clips wear with heavy use.
- Size note: single or two-compartment for most meals.
- Cleaning note: dishwasher-safe; glass never holds curry or tomato stains.
- Alternative: Bentgo for compartments, Freshware for budget.
Meal Prep Container Buying Guide
Compartments
Divided containers keep proteins, carbs and vegetables separate, useful for portion control and stopping foods going soggy.
Glass vs Plastic
Glass reheats evenly and resists stains; plastic is lighter and more portable. See glass vs plastic food storage.
Batch Cooking
Buy enough matching containers for a week of meals. See how to meal prep for the week.
Safety Notes
- Use only microwave-safe containers to reheat.
- Vent the lid when microwaving.
- Cool food before freezing, and leave headspace.
- Replace warped or cracked containers.
What to Avoid
- Flimsy plastic that warps in the microwave.
- Non-leakproof lids for saucy meals.
- Mismatched sizes that do not stack.
- Sets too small for full meals.
FAQ
What are the best meal prep containers?
The Prep Naturals glass set is the best for most people: portioned, leakproof, microwave-safe and freezer-friendly. Bentgo Prep is the best compartment plastic option.
Are glass or plastic meal prep containers better?
Glass reheats evenly and resists stains and odours; plastic is lighter and more portable. Choose by whether you reheat at home or carry meals out.
How many meal prep containers do you need?
Enough matching containers for the meals you batch-cook, often 5 to 10 for a week of lunches or dinners.
Final Verdict
The Prep Naturals glass set is the best meal prep container for most people, with Bentgo Prep for compartments and Freshware for budget. Choose glass for reheating or plastic for portability. See our best food storage containers and how to meal prep guides.
