Meal prep lunch boxes are a fantastic way to ensure you can take your lunch to work every day. Whether you're trying to cut down on fast food or want to eat better, meal prep lunch boxes can help you achieve your goals.
This blog will give you a complete review of the best meal prep lunch boxes on the market to help you find the best one for you.
Finding a good lunch box for meal prep can be a difficult proposition. With so many options out there, how do you know that you're picking the right one? This guide will discuss why you might want a meal prep lunch box and will then look at five of the best options on the market.
This article covers meal prep containers for your food. If you're looking for meal prep bags, we've recommended three at the end of this article.
Why should you have the best meal prep lunch box?
There are many benefits to using meal prep lunch boxes. Perhaps the most important benefit is that it can save you time during the week.
If you are someone with restricted time and are always on the go, then you know how valuable time can be. With meal prep lunch boxes, you can prepare your meals in advance and have them ready to go when you need them. Therefore, if you're able to prepare in advance, meal prep lunch boxes will save you time in the long run.
Another benefit of using meal prep lunch boxes is that they can help you to save money. If you are someone who often eats out for lunch, then you know how expensive this can be. By preparing your own meals in advance, you can also save money.
Finally, meal prep lunch boxes can also help you to eat healthier. If you are someone who often struggles to eat healthy meals, then meal prep can be a great way to help ensure that you're getting the nutrients you need. By preparing your own meals, you can control what goes into them and make sure that they are as healthy as possible.
5 Best Meal Prep Lunch Boxes
Bayco Glass 9-Pack Food Storage Containers are the best choice when it comes to food storage containers. They are made from borosilicate glass which is extra durable, environmentally-friendly, stain resistant, and odor-resistant.
This pack comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, including square, rectangular, or round containers. They can be used for any type of meal.
These containers can be used in the microwave, oven, freezer, or dishwasher. The lids are sealed with rubber rings and locking tabs for a leakproof seal. You can also choose from various colors that will add personal flair to your meal prep. They are also affordable, especially when you consider that you get nine of them.
This set comes with a lid care warning. These should not be placed in the oven or microwave. You can also hand wash them if you want them to stay in good condition. Hand-washing is fine, as you can remove the rubber for a thorough cleaning.
What We Like:
- Containers at a good price
- 9 Pack of 3, 2, and 1 compartments
- Rubber sealing to stop leakage
- Multifunctional
Five of the same items can be purchased for roughly the same amount M MCIRCO Glass Meal Prep Containers Prep Naturals' are almost identical to theirs. Some key differences could influence your decision.
The containers can be frozen safely and can hold more food because they are slightly larger. These containers are worth looking at, especially if your preference is larger portions.
Meal prep just got a whole lot easier with these glass meal prep containers. These handy containers have three compartments, so you can portion out your food for the week ahead.
They come with lids, so your food will stay fresh, and they're made from durable glass, so they're sure to last. Plus, they're dishwasher and microwave safe, so you can easily reheat your food.
These glass meal prep containers are a must-have whether you're meal prepping for yourself or your family.
If you're looking for a way to meal prep that is both healthy and convenient, look no further than glass meal prep containers.
These containers are perfect for portioning out your meals and keeping them fresh. Plus, they're easy to clean and reusable, so you can save money in the long run.
What We Like:
- Containers are made of high-quality borosilicate glass, which makes them durable and resistant to breakage.
- The divided glass lunch containers allow you to regain control over your meals, as you can divide the portion size into two separate compartments.
- The three compartments easily organize your meals and keep your diet plan on track.
- The meal prep containers are easy to clean, making them a great choice for anyone looking for a healthy way to manage their diet.
These containers are great for meal preparation. Each container has one compartment, and each container holds 30 ounces.
Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers are the perfect way to make sure your meals are healthy and delicious.
These durable glass containers are dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe, so you can reheat your food easily. With four different sizes to choose from, you can tailor your meal prep to your specific needs. And with their convenient stackable design, these containers take up minimal space in your kitchen.
The lids of the containers can be used in the microwave, oven, freezer, or dishwasher. The lid's vent allows you to vent steam from hot food or release pressure from food that has been cooled. Our test subject successfully reheated chicken alfredo, broccoli, and shepherd's pie.
These containers, made from borosilicate glass, are stronger than regular glass containers. According to the manufacturer, these containers can be baked at 840 degrees. It was easy enough for our tester to wash the lids by herself and then throw them in the dishwasher.
What We Like:
- Durable borosilicate glass.
- Single compartment.
- For easy cooling, use vented lids.
- Leakproof.
If you're looking for a bento lunch box that will make meal prep a breeze, you can't go wrong with this 7-Pack bento lunch box. These reusable containers have three compartments, so you can easily portion out your food. Plus, they're made from durable plastic, so they'll stand up to repeated use.
The three sections are divided so that the sauce from your teriyaki chicken does not turn your cooked quinoa into a soggy mess. Rainbow lids eliminate the need for labels with Sharpies and masking tape. If you are able to remember what color you have put under each container, you don't even need to use them.
The Youngever 7-Pack Bento Lunch Box is perfect for adults and kids. These are made of sturdy plastic, and the lids fit very tight, preventing any leakage. The three compartments are great for healthy meal prep. This set comes in a variety of fun colors. Ideal for school lunches, office lunches, portion control, or meal-prepping at home!
What We Like:
- The colors are very vibrant and will make your lunch box stand out.
- The size is perfect for packing a lot of food and is portable.
- •The lids are very tight, which makes them ideal for fridge use or solid food.
- The material is durable and microwaveable.
- The product is safe for kids, and they can't open it without help.
This 16-pack of food prep containers will be useful if you have many food preparation containers to freeze meals or feed a large crowd. You can keep your mashed potatoes and soup separate from the three compartments.
The lids are tightened and leakproof. They can hold 36 ounces total and have a smaller and larger section that allows food to be kept separate.
These containers are more prominent than others and can store larger foods like a vegetable burger on a bun, with raw carrot sticks on the side, or a roast chicken on the bone, with sauteed spinach.
They require more space to stack and store, but their footprint in the fridge is minimal. They are microwave-safe and freezer-safe, but they do not have a lid.
These handy containers can be washed in the dishwasher top rack. However, they're not meant to be used for long-term storage. Our tester noticed a crack on a lid following a thorough wash cycle.
These containers are great for food transport, field trips, and road trips. They're also very affordable, so it's no big deal if they get lost, damaged, or thrown away.
What We Like:
- Affordable.
- Great for larger food items.
- The compartments are leakproof.
If you're looking for an insulated lunch box that will keep your food cold, this lunch box is a great option. For carrying, it has a long shoulder strapm as well as a comfortable handgrip, so you can carry it any way that's comfortable for you. The bottom compartment is leakproof, so you can safely carry frozen drinks or messy foods. And the containers are oven and microwave safe, so you can heat up your food without having to transfer it to another dish. Plus, they're 100% leakproof, so you don't have to worry about your food spilling in your bag.
The BPA-free six containers in the set are all dishwasher safe. Top rack only, please! If you'd rather wash them by hand, no problem at all--they're easy to clean that way, too. Just a quick rinse under some warm water and mild soap will do the trick. As for the lids, they're also dishwasher safe or can be washed by hand just as easily.
Now, onto the lunch bag itself. Because it's made of insulated fabric, spills shouldn't be an issue--but if something does happen, no worries. The interior can simply be wiped down with a damp cloth. And if the exterior gets dirty, just wash it by hand with some soap and warm water. Voila! Good as new. This option is one of our favorite lunch bags for daily meal prep containers.
What We Like:
- Includes ice pack, two 12 ounce containers, one 35 ounce container
- Interior Insulation to keep food cold
- Two roomy compartments in bag
The bag comes with three bonus large BPA-free meal prep containers. These containers are freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe, and they have innovative Smartlocking lids that prevent spills. Plus, the bag has a built-in cooler compartment that keeps food fresh for hours.
This meal prep bag is perfect for carrying your lunch to and from work or school. The padded shoulder strap ensures maximum comfort while you’re transporting your food, and the detachable and adjustable design means that you can customize the fit to your needs. Plus, the bag is completely waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about your food getting wet if it rains. And if it ever starts to look dirty, you can simply wipe it down with a wet cloth.
What We Like:
- Includes 2 ice packs, and 3 containers
- Bag is waterproof
- Two mesh side pockets on the side and one on the top for ice pack
The ThinkFit lunch box is a great option for those with active lifestyles. The six meal prep containers are perfect for portioning out food, and the shaker cup is perfect for mixing up protein shakes or other drinks. The two large reusable ice packs keep food fresh and cool, and the pill dispenser is perfect for keeping track of medications. The lunch box is also popular with bodybuilders and those who have hectic work schedules, as it helps to keep food fresh and organized.
It has three compartments on each side, so you can pack your breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and salads. Plus, it comes with 2 XL ice packs to keep your food safe and cool. So whether you're headed to work or school or just packing a picnic lunch for the park, the lunch box is a great option for keeping your food fresh and cool all day long.
Overall, the ThinkFit lunch box is an excellent option for those looking for the whole package to conveniently prep and pack a healthy lunch.
What We Like:
- 100% Lifetime guarantee
- Comes with six meal prep containers, Small and medium sizes
- Shoulder strap
- Includes shaker cup and two ice packs
Buyer's Guide: Best Meal Prep Lunch Boxes and Meal Bags
Choosing the best food prep box and meal prep bag to meet your needs is daunting.
Here is a list of items you must consider when looking for the most efficient bag for meal preparation.
Meal Prep Containers: Glass vs. Plastic
The top food containers for meal preparation are made of either plastic or glass. Glass is an anti-stain surface that isn't prone to absorbing odors or flavors and can be utilized to cook food in microwaves.
Borosilicate glass is solid; however, keep in mind that even laboratory-grade glass isn't completely shatterproof. Plastic containers are strong and light; however, they aren't suitable for use in the microwave and are prone to retain odors, flavors, and eventually stains. In any event, it's a good idea to think about the use of material that is dishwasher safe to make cleanup easy.
The lids on your containers must have an airtight seal that stops leaks so that you can keep your food inside and in a clean lunchbox. Snap-on lids made of rubber are the best choice for those who like traveling with hearty or soupy dishes.
Bag Insulation
Ensuring that your meals are well-insulated is the primary goal of a food preparation bag. Whether it's a warm or cold food item, it needs to be able to keep the correct temperature from the time of storage until the time of consumption.
A good meal prep bag must keep food fresh for a minimum of four hours. Keep in mind that the quality of insulation doesn't just depend entirely on the bag you choose; it also depends on the container.
Food items should be stored in bags with proper insulation and preferably with EPA foam or a PEVA liner. Some bags will preserve food items using nylon, but we do not recommend them. Although the nylon layer helps to protect the food, however, it isn't able to hold it for prolonged periods.
Similarly, if your meal containers are made of robust materials and come with an airtight design, an additional layer of insulation will be included in your food.
Meal Prep Bag Dimensions
Before you decide on the right meal prep bag, It is crucial to be aware of what you require, particularly in terms of dimension and size.
If you plan on carrying your meal preparation bag on a trip, then it might not be a good idea to carry the largest food prep bag that can double as a travel bag.
Although most meal prep bags are easy and small, some variations are specifically designed for different kinds of people, like fitness enthusiasts or even travelers.
These bags are ideal for storing several boxes that can be used to store food items for the duration of a day.
It is also important to consider the size of the containers into account. While some containers come with the ability to control portions, others don't. Suppose you're always aware of your health and are following a diet.
Meal Prep Bag Weight
It's also crucial for prospective buyers to consider how heavy the meal preparation bag is. Because these bags are made for use on the go, We don't believe it's a good idea to opt for one that is heavy, considering that you'll likely transport other items besides the food items.
In addition, the bag is likely to become significantly heavier once it's been filled with food and food, so it is important to reduce the weight to the minimum.
Meal Prep Bag Straps and Handles
The straps and handles included in the package are an additional crucial consideration to think about before placing a purchase. What is the best way to carry the bag? Do you want a shoulder strap to carry it over your shoulder? On your back?
Do you prefer carrying it around in your hands? The straps and handles have to be included, and they should be strong enough to ensure they won't break easily.
Meal Prep Bag's Extra Features
Other aspects to consider when choosing the best meal prep bags to meet your requirements.
The first thing to consider is that you should consider the design and ensure that it's designed with ease of use and the comfort of users in mind. In reality, the compartments of certain bags aren't easy to get to, so you should avoid bags that are difficult to access.
It is also important to determine if the bag has several pockets since they can be useful for storing essentials. Be sure to check the quality of the zippers, as many bags have poor-quality zippers that could begin to cause issues right from the first day.
Some bags, like the brand ThinkFit, may come with an ice pack, shaker, and containers, so you can buy a package without having to buy the extra products separately.
Meal Prep Bag Materials
The materials used to construct your food prep bag could influence other aspects, one of which being portability and durability.
For instance, even though plastic bags for meal preparation is a great option for mobility because plastic bags are usually folded, their durability could be questioned. It is important to be sure that the material you use to create the bag for your meals is ideal for your needs and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions about Meal Prep Lunch Boxes
Meal prepping for the week can be hard, especially if you're not equipped with everything to prep your food.
You want to save money and eat healthily, but you don't know how to make that happen. You've seen all those amazing Instagram pictures of people's meal prep lunches, and you're inspired but intimidated.
We've got your back. These meal prep lunch box FAQs will answer all your questions and help get you started on your own healthy lunch-prep journey.
What is the best container for meal prep?
The best container for meal prep is a glass container. Glass containers are microwave and dishwasher-safe, and they don't leak chemicals into your food. They're also oven-safe, so you can use them to reheat food in the oven.
What should not be left in a lunch box?
You should not put in a lunch box:
-Anything that needs to be refrigerated
-Perishable items like fruits and vegetables
-Moisture-rich foods like sandwiches and wraps
-Packaged food with high levels of sodium or sugar
-Foods that have been recently microwaved
What is the healthiest lunch box?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the healthiest lunch box will vary depending on the person's diet and lifestyle. However, a healthy lunch box typically includes fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
It's also important to be mindful of portion sizes. Try to pack only what you can eat during your lunch break and save the rest for later.
Is it better to meal prep in glass or plastic containers?
Glass containers are better to use for meal prepping because they are oven-safe and can be used in the microwave. They also don't leach chemicals into your food as plastic containers do.
Is it okay to meal prep in plastic containers?
There are pros and cons to using plastic containers for meal prepping. On the one hand, they're lightweight and often easier to clean than glass containers. They're also less expensive than many other types of storage containers. However, some plastics can release harmful chemicals into food, so choosing quality products free of BPA and other toxins is important.
What Option of Our Meal Prep Lunch Boxes Is Best For You?
Knowing which meal prep lunch box is right for you and your family can be tough.
There are so many options available, so it can be hard to decide which is right for you. Not to mention, they can all be pretty pricey.
We've researched for you and found the best meal prep lunch boxes. Whether you're looking for something eco-friendly or a budget-friendly option, we've got you covered.
If you're looking for meal prep bags, feel free to check out our article on the best meal prep bags.
Here is the list of items reviewed:
1. Bayco: 9 Pack Glass Meal Prep Containers
2. M MCIRCO: Glass Meal Prep Containers 3 Compartments
3. PrepNaturals: Glass Meal Prep Containers
4. Youngever: 7 Pack Bento Lunch Box, Meal Prep Containers
5. Simple Houseware Bento Lunch Meal Prep Container
6. FineDine Insulted Lunch Box Set: 8-Piece
