There’s an attainable way to make meal prepping feel less like a chore, even if you happen to take responsibility for feeding a whole family for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Taking the time and care to establish a meal prepping technique that works for you — and finding the right food storage containers for what you prepare — can be stress-relieving. It may also be the best way to keep that Whole30 promise you made to yourself (unless you have the trust fund to spring for a pricey meal kit delivery service).
What you really need is motivation — and that can come in the form of stocking up on the best meal prep containers and the best food storage containers, which actually make the whole meal planning and meal prepping thing kind of fun — or, at the very least, easy. There are so many food storage container options out there, from plastic containers that are microwave- and freezer-safe, to easy-to-clean portion control containers, glass meal prep containers, metal containers and containers with a vented lid. And, if you’re feeling particularly fancy you could go for a bento box or mason jar. Seriously, selecting the best meal prep containers for the storage of your food is a process.
This is why why we rounded up some of the best food prep containers that are simultaneously good-looking, uber-functional, have leak-proof lids and will not only put you in the meal prepping spirit, but will also ensure you never spend $16 on an overpriced salad (or any other food) again. So lets prep some overnight oats, shake up some salad dressing, pull out your meal prep recipe and steel yourself to have a favorite meal prep container.
Bayco glass storage containers with lids
Amazon
This durable 18-piece set of food prep containers is a dream for portioning out soups, snacks, veggies, stews and brown-rice bowls, and then tossing them in your work bag or popping them in the microwave — the snap lids are completely leak and spill-proof. (Hot tip: Use the tiniest one for storing condiments and dressings.)
Reusable storage bags (set of 3)
Sur la Table
May you never buy another plastic bag again with these clever food storage containers. These reusable silicone wunderkinds come in a variety of sizes (there are three in this set). Use one for your sando and the baby ones for cut carrots, nuts and berries (or chocolate).
Ball mason jars (set of 2)
Amazon
We know you’ve maybe heard of this one before, but still, there’s nothing more satisfying than constructing a gorgeous Mason jar salad, which is pretty much the perfect way to beat the “sad desk salad” blues. These durable, freezer safe meal preparation jars are also great for storing liquids and protein shakes.
Collapsible silicone food storage containers (set of 4)
Amazon
Perfect for portion control, these colorful reusable food storage containers will help you spot your lunch in a crowded office fridge. The airtight seal locking plastic lids will minimize leaks and spills — and they collapse after use, which means more cupboard storage space for you!
Oxo leakproof salad container
Amazon
Evolutionize meal prep. This genius three-layer food prep salad container separates your proteins and toppings from your veggies and greens, and a mini container with a twist-off top keeps your dressing in check.
Prepd bamboo lunch pack
Amazon
A favorite product of Oprah’s, this genius pack has a sleek bamboo cover and a Tetris-like modular design with durable containers that are completely spill-proof. (You can buy different sizes to mix and match to help with portion control.) It’s microwave safe, freezer safe and dishwasher safe. Plus, it comes with magnetic cutlery, which decreases your chances of accidentally tossing one in the trash.
Takenaka bento box
Amazon
Prove that you’re a millennial who can actually cook (or at least one who remembers to carry those leftovers from last night to work) with this double-decker bento lunch box that can be converted into a single-tier box, too, depending on your bento lunch haul.
Unichart update stainless steel lunch box
Amazon
This adorable triple-decker box isn’t just a looker — the insulated top layer of the compartments will keep your food warm for two to three hours.
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This story was written by July Vadnal and originally posted on Chowhound last year.