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Meal prepping can save time, money, and effort during the week, but without the right containers, it quickly becomes a messy and frustrating process. Choosing the best meal prep containers is one of the most important steps toward successful meal prepping.
High-quality containers keep food fresh, simplify storage, and make reheating easy. Finding containers that are durable, non-toxic, and versatile ensures they can withstand regular use without breaking or warping.
Successful meal prepping depends on having containers suitable for different types of meals and snacks. A combination of mason jars, glass containers, and silicone bags creates a flexible meal prep system that covers all bases.
Using the right container makes a significant difference in how long food stays fresh and how convenient it is to store and serve meals.
Mason Jars
Mason jars have become essential for meal prepping due to their versatility and durability. Their airtight seal helps keep food fresh, and the wide range of sizes covers different meal prep needs.
Glass construction makes them easy to clean and resistant to staining or odors, ensuring they remain useful for a long time.
Stackable design also helps save space in the fridge or pantry.
4 Ounce Jars
Small but mighty, 4-ounce jars work perfectly for portioning out salad dressings, dips, and condiments.
Ideal for hummus, guacamole, or peanut and almond butter, they provide just the right size for small snacks or additions to larger meals.
These jars also work well for holding small amounts of trail mix, nuts, or seeds, helping to control portions and minimize waste. Their small size makes them easy to store and quick to grab for on-the-go snacking.
16 Ounce Wide-Mouth Jars
Medium-sized jars provide a flexible option for meal prep. Their wide-mouth design makes them easy to fill and clean, and they hold the perfect amount for side salads, soups, and parfaits.
- Chia seeds
- Nut butter
- Toppings
Soups also store well in these jars, making them easy to heat and serve. Their size makes them convenient for meal prepping multiple servings at once without taking up too much space.
32 Ounce Wide-Mouth Jars
Large mason jars work well for bulk storage and larger meal preps. Great for storing soups, stews, or marinara sauce, they hold enough for several meals.
Big salads with lots of toppings and protein layers stay fresh for days in these jars, making them ideal for busy weeks.
Their freezer-safe design allows for easy batch cooking, prepping a large batch of turkey marinara, freezing it, and pulling it out for quick dinners is a major time-saver.
Their large size also allows for layering ingredients without crushing or compacting them, which keeps textures intact.
Mason Jar Accessories
Additional accessories expand the functionality of mason jars. Silicone inserts make it possible to keep dressings or dips separate from the main dish, eliminating the need for extra containers.
Sleeves provide protection for the glass and improve grip, making the jars more portable and less prone to breaking.
Adding silicone top inserts with straw holes turns mason jars into convenient drink containers, perfect for your meal replacement smoothie!
Metal straws pair well with these lids, offering a reusable, eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws.
Glass Pyrex Containers
Glass Pyrex containers form the backbone of any solid meal prep strategy. Their oven-safe, microwave-safe, and freezer-friendly design makes them highly versatile.
Pyrex glass is BPA-free, so harmful chemicals never leach into food during heating or freezing.
Their clear design allows for easy identification of contents, reducing the need to open and check each container.
2 Cup Round Containers
Small round containers provide an excellent option for snacks or side dishes. They hold just the right amount of fruit salad, quinoa, or soup for a single serving.
Brown rice or roasted vegetables fit neatly in these containers, making them easy to grab for quick lunches or small meals.
Their size also works well for portion control when managing calories or balancing meals.
3 Cup Rectangle Containers
- Protein
- Vegetable
- Carb
Meals like baked salmon with roasted broccoli and sweet potatoes fit neatly in these containers, which stack easily in the fridge or freezer.
Their shape maximizes storage efficiency, reducing clutter in the fridge and keeping meal prep organized.
Portioning meals into these containers helps with meal tracking and ensures each meal contains balanced nutrients.
4 Cup Round Containers
Larger round containers suit bulky meals like burrito bowls, pasta dishes, and large salads. Their extra capacity allows room for mixing ingredients without overflow.
Tossing a salad with dressing or stirring a burrito bowl becomes easier when there’s enough space to prevent spillage.
Meals with multiple components, like rice, beans, grilled chicken, and vegetables, stay fresh and maintain texture in these containers. Their size also works well for storing leftovers.
Starting with a Variety Pack
Using a variety pack of Pyrex containers helps identify which sizes work best for different meals and snacks.
Mixing and matching shapes and sizes creates a more flexible meal prep setup that adapts to changing meal plans and needs.
Silicone Zip Bags
Silicone zip bags provide a sustainable alternative to plastic storage bags. Their reusable, dishwasher-safe design makes them a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for meal prep.
Freezer-safe and heat-resistant, they adapt to a wide range of storage and heating needs.
Their flexible shape allows for easy packing, and their airtight seal preserves freshness and prevents leaks.
Snack and Sandwich Sizes
Smaller silicone bags work well for portioning out fruits, vegetables, and snacks. Packing sliced cucumbers, baby carrots, or trail mix becomes easy with these bags.
Their compact size also makes them perfect for packing healthy snacks for work, school, or travel.
Beyond food storage, they serve as practical holders for toiletries, makeup, or small personal items when traveling.
Large Gallon-Sized Bags
Larger silicone bags work well for batch-prepping freezer meals.
Preparing a double batch of beef stew and freezing one portion in a gallon-sized silicone bag saves time and reduces meal prep effort during busy weeks. Ingredients for slow-cooker meals also fit well into these large bags.
Simply prep the ingredients, seal the bag, and freeze it until needed. When ready to cook, just empty the bag into the slow cooker and let it simmer.
Large silicone bags also work for marinating meats and storing larger portions of fruits and vegetables.
Durability and Convenience
Silicone bags resist tearing, staining, and odor absorption, ensuring they remain useful for years.
Their airtight seal keeps food fresh and prevents freezer burn. Dishwasher-safe material makes cleanup easy, while their collapsible design saves space when not in use.
Using silicone zip bags cuts down on single-use plastic waste and provides a more sustainable option for meal prepping.
The Bottom Line
Having the right meal prep containers makes meal prepping more efficient and enjoyable. Mason jars work well for snacks, soups, and salads, while Pyrex containers provide a versatile option for larger meals and mixed ingredients.
Silicone zip bags offer a sustainable alternative to plastic bags, making them perfect for snacks and freezer meals. Investing in high-quality containers creates a smoother meal prep routine and helps keep food fresh longer.
