Fancy trying your hand at some batch cooking or meal prepping? If you’re here, chances are you’re considering or have already started doing a bit of batch cooking to save your precious time and money. And there’s no denying that batch cooking comes with a wealth of benefits; as well as (crucially) saving you from slaving over a hot stove every evening after work, it’s a great way to cut costs, reduce food waste, keep things healthy, and control portion sizes. However, when it comes to keeping your dinner fresh, preventing leaks, and keeping things easy, you’ll need to make sure that you’re clued up on some of the best containers for meal prepping and batch cooking. And that’s where we can help.
The Best Containers for Meal Prepping & Batch Cooking
Fancy giving batch cooking or meal prepping a go? Check out this guide for the best containers to use to make sure your lunch stays leak-free.
What to look for in your meal prep containers
Let’s start with some of the key features of a top-notch meal prep container (it’s a bit of a page-turner, we know). Firstly, you’ll want it to be made out of glass, plastic, or stainless steel. And while it does come down to preference – the thought of metal Tupperware might make you cringe slightly – it’s important to consider the durability of the material, how heavy it is, and whether it’s microwave safe. For example, if you’re planning on lugging a batch-cooked curry to work every day you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t weigh a tonne.
The size is also something to look out for. If your meal prep container is too small, you might find yourself feeling hungry and going off the process entirely. Too big and you might overlook the health benefits that can come from batch cooking. Either way, it’s important to identify how big your portion sizes should be before investing in a container that isn’t right for you.
Ever got to work and realised your laptop is drenched in tomato sauce? A leakproof design is absolutely essential to prevent spills and make sure your dinner stays nice and fresh. Plus, you’re going to want to make sure it’s microwave, dishwasher, and freezer-safe – for obvious reasons.
The best containers for meal prepping/batch cooking
So, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best meal prep and batch-cooking containers for your every need. Don’t just pop down to your local shop and grab the first Tupperware that looks at you – just check out this list before you make any rash decisions. Simple.
The best overall meal prep container
Features:
Compact nesting design for easy storage.
Leakproof, airtight snap-lock lids.
Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe.
Quality:
Made from BPA-free, durable plastic.
Designed to last through daily use without wear.
Stain-resistant and easy to clean.
Why We Like It:
Space-saving and stylish, perfect for small kitchens.
Multiple sizes make it versatile for snacks to full meals.
Reliable and mess-free for busy lifestyles.
Features:
BPA-free plastic for safe food storage.
Easy-locking clips and flexible seals for airtight freshness.
Stackable design for efficient freezer organisation.
Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe.
Quality:
Durable and lightweight construction.
Resists warping and cracking even at freezing temperatures.
Trusted brand known for long-lasting food storage solutions.
Why We Like It:
Perfect for batch-cooked meals stored in the freezer.
Stackable design saves space and minimises clutter.
Easy to use and clean, making meal prep simple.
Best for Portion Control
Features:
Includes single and multi-compartment containers for versatile use.
BPA-free, reusable plastic that’s microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe.
Lids with a snug fit to prevent leaks and spills.
Quality:
Sturdy, thick plastic resists wear and tear.
Designed to maintain integrity through repeated heating and freezing.
Lightweight but robust enough for regular meal prep.
Why We Like It:
Ideal for portion control, perfect for weight management or fitness goals.
Affordable pack of 10 ensures you always have enough containers.
Easy to clean, making meal prep less of a chore.
Best for On-the-Go Meals
Features:
Made from durable stainless steel with a silicone strap for secure closure.
Includes a built-in fork for convenience.
Oven, freezer, and dishwasher safe for maximum versatility.
Quality:
High-grade stainless steel resists rust and dents.
Leakproof design ensures no mess in bags or backpacks.
Premium look and feel with long-lasting durability.
Why We Like It:
Sleek and portable, ideal for commuting or outdoor meals.
Leakproof and sturdy enough for liquids and hearty meals.
Eco-friendly, reusable, and stylish – a great alternative to plastic.
How to keep your meal prep containers clean
The fun doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve chosen your trusty meal prep container set, it’s time to keep it clean. Make sure you pop it in the dishwasher or clean it thoroughly after every use to avoid any stains or odours. Certain plastic tends to stain easily so bear this in mind when deciding on your container set and consider opting for glass or stainless steel if this bothers you.
So, there you have it. We hope this list of the best containers for meal prepping and batch cooking will come in handy – it’s time to get cooking.