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8 Best Meal Prep Containers with Compartments (November 2026)

Updated on · By the Microwave Doctor team

The best meal prep containers with compartments include the Prep Naturals 5 Pack 36oz Glass Meal for 2-section glass meals, the Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers for leakproof plastic, and the Freshware Meal Prep Containers with Lids for bulk weekly prep.

On this page (7 sections)
  1. Which meal prep containers with compartments are best?
  2. How many compartments do you need?
  3. Glass or plastic divided containers?
  4. What size meal prep container should you buy?
  5. How should you clean and store divided containers?
  6. Are compartments useful for portion control?
  7. Which meal prep containers with compartments should you choose?

The best meal prep containers with compartments are the Prep Naturals 5 Pack 36oz Glass Meal containers for 2-section glass storage. Rubbermaid suits lightweight leakproof plastic, while Freshware and Bentgo offer larger sets for repeated weekly prep.

Divided containers keep a main course, side dish, fruit or snack from mixing during storage and transport. That separation helps rice, vegetables and protein arrive at lunch as they left your kitchen.

Start with our guide to food storage containers if you also need boxes for leftovers, pantry use or freezer organization. A divided set solves a narrower job, so comparing the two helps you avoid boxes that are too small for your usual meals.

We compared stated materials, capacities, compartment layouts, set sizes and care instructions. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against the needs of shoppers looking for meal prep containers with compartments.

Capacity should come before looks. A 24 oz box split into three sections behaves very differently from a 32 oz box with the same layout, because each side gets less room.

Material shapes daily use. Borosilicate glass offers oven and microwave flexibility, while BPA-free plastic keeps a lunch bag lighter and makes large sets easier to store.

Set size matters for Sunday prep for the whole week. Five containers may suit one person, but a household or high volume routine may need 15, 20 or 50 matching boxes.

Lid design deserves close attention. Snap lock lids, clip on latches and built in vents change how a container travels, how it reheats and how much care it needs after washing.

Compartments are not a promise that no food will ever touch. A raised divider keeps solid foods apart during transport, yet liquid or sauce can still move if a container is tipped on its side.

Dry grains, roasted vegetables and sliced fruit travel well in divided boxes, while soupy dishes may suit a single compartment with a tight lid. Care instructions also differ between a container and its lid, with some lids needing hand washing or top rack placement and glass lids removed before oven or microwave use.

Check fit inside your fridge, freezer, lunch bag and cabinet before you order. A set that stacks well at home will also be easier to carry through a busy morning.

Price was not a factor in how we compared these picks. The picks below cover glass and plastic in two and three compartment layouts.

Our picks at a glance

  1. 1 Prep Naturals 5 Pack 36oz Glass Meal
    Best for 2-section glass meals

    Prep Naturals 5 Pack 36oz Glass Meal

    9.7/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers
    Best for leakproof plastic

    Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers

    9.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 Freshware Meal Prep Containers with Lids
    Best for bulk weekly prep

    Freshware Meal Prep Containers with Lids

    9.5/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  1. 4M MCIRCO 5 Pack

    M MCIRCO 5 Pack

    Best for 3-section glass meals
    Check it
  2. 5Bentgo Prep 3-Compartment Meal Prep ContainersCheck it
  3. 6Freshware Meal Prep Containers with Lids

    Freshware Meal Prep Containers with Lids

    Best for hearty divided lunches
    Check it
  4. 7FIT Strong & Healthy Glass Meal Prep Containers

    FIT Strong & Healthy Glass Meal Prep Containers

    Best for mixed 2- and 3-section sets
    Check it
  5. 8Bentgo Prep Meal Prep Containers with Lids

    Bentgo Prep Meal Prep Containers with Lids

    Best for single-section prep
    Check it

Which meal prep containers with compartments are best?

Prep Naturals is the strongest all-around choice for 2-section glass storage, while Rubbermaid is better for lightweight plastic and Freshware gives you the most containers for bulk preparation. The right pick depends on how many foods you separate and how often you run the dishwasher.

ProductBest forMaterialCompartmentsSetOur score
Prep Naturals 5 Pack 36oz Glass Meal2-section glass mealsBorosilicate glass25 containers with lids9.7
Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containersleakproof plasticBPA-free plastic5 containers with lids9.6
Freshware Meal Prep Containers with Lidsbulk weekly prepBPA-free plastic350 containers with lids9.5
M MCIRCO 5 Pack3-section glass mealsBorosilicate glass5 packs9.4
Bentgo Prep 3-Compartment Meal Prep Containerslarge batch rotationFood-safe materials with no PFAS or BPA320 pieces9.2
Freshware Meal Prep Containers with Lidshearty divided lunchesBPA-free plastic15 containers with lids9.0
FIT Strong & Healthy Glass Meal Prep Containersmixed 2- and 3-section setsBorosilicate glass4 containers with lids8.7
Bentgo Prep Meal Prep Containers with Lidssingle-section prepFood-safe materials with no PFAS or BPA120 pieces8.5
1

Prep Naturals 5 Pack 36oz Glass Meal: Best for 2-section glass meals

Prep Naturals 5 Pack 36oz Glass Meal, meal prep containers with compartments
9.7/10Our score
  • 5 borosilicate glass containers
  • 2 compartments
  • Airtight snap-lock lids
  • Microwave, oven, freezer and dishwasher safe

This set suits meal prep that usually needs one main food and one side kept apart. Borosilicate glass and multiple safe-use options make it flexible for storing and reheating.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Borosilicate glass
  • 2 divided sections
  • Oven and microwave safe

Cons

  • Glass is less light than plastic
  • Only 2 compartments

Prep Naturals is the top choice when you want two divided sections in borosilicate glass. The set includes 5 glass food containers with 5 airtight snap-lock lids, giving you a practical rotation for work lunches and prepared meals.

Each container has 2 compartments, so it suits a main dish with one side better than a meal that needs separate vegetables, grains and protein. The clear square design makes food easy to see before you open the lid.

The containers are described as microwave safe, oven safe, freezer safe and dishwasher safe. Remove the lid before oven or microwave use, and let hot glass cool according to the care directions.

Two sections leave more room for each food than a three section box of similar size. That extra space helps with larger portions of rice, pasta or salad.

The snap lock closure is made to resist leaks and keep food fresh. Check all four sides of the lid before packing a bag, especially with sauce or other moisture.

Glass adds weight compared with plastic, so this set suits home storage and short carry distances. Choose Prep Naturals if you prefer glass and want flexible storage from freezer to reheating.

Prep Naturals 5 Pack 36oz Glass MealCheck it on Amazon
2

Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers: Best for leakproof plastic

Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers, meal prep containers with compartments
9.6/10Our score
  • 5 containers
  • 2 compartments
  • 2.85-cup capacity
  • Built-in microwave vents

Rubbermaid is a strong fit for portable lunches where low weight, clear contents and leakproof closure matter. Its 2-compartment layout holds a main dish and side.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Leakproof and airtight
  • Lightweight and shatter resistant
  • Built-in vents

Cons

  • Plastic instead of glass
  • 2 compartments

Rubbermaid Brilliance is the best fit for portable meals when lightweight, shatter-resistant plastic matters. Its 5-pack uses 2 compartments and holds 2.85 cups, enough for a main item and side dish in one rectangular box.

The BPA-free plastic has clear bases and lids, so you can identify food from any angle. Rubbermaid also describes the containers as stain- and odor-resistant, which may matter with colorful sauces or strongly scented foods.

Secure latches and an airtight seal support transport. Built-in vents allow splatter-resistant microwaving with the lid on and the latches opened, a useful detail for office lunches.

The modular shape is designed for stacking in a fridge or lunch bag. That helps when you prep several meals and want them to sit neatly without taking extra shelf space.

A 2.85 cup capacity suits moderate portions rather than very large meals. If your main dish and side are both generous, food may sit close to the lid and leave less room for safe closure.

Stain resistance can help containers look cleaner over repeated use. It does not replace washing, and sauce residue should still be cleaned from the seal and latches after each meal.

Pick Rubbermaid when you want a lighter alternative to glass with a 2-section layout. It is less suited to meals that need three separate food areas.

Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep ContainersCheck it on Amazon
3

Freshware Meal Prep Containers with Lids: Best for bulk weekly prep

Freshware Meal Prep Containers with Lids, meal prep containers with compartments
9.5/10Our score
  • 50 containers
  • 3 compartments
  • 24 oz total capacity
  • Microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe

This large set is aimed at frequent meal prep, families and food service use. Three sections separate a main item from two sides in each 24 oz container.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Largest set here
  • 3 compartments
  • Stackable design

Cons

  • More storage space needed
  • Plastic rather than glass

Freshware's 50-pack is the practical choice for high-volume meal prep. Each 24 oz BPA-free plastic container has 3 compartments, so one box can hold a main course and two sides without mixing them.

The set suits weekly cooking, families, lunch packing or any routine that needs many matching containers. The containers are stackable, and the stated care options include microwave, freezer and dishwasher use.

Three compartments are useful for balanced meal layouts, but each section is smaller than a single open container. Check your usual portion sizes before choosing this set for large foods.

The bulk quantity makes sense when you prep many meals at once. You can fill a fridge with ready lunches and still have clean containers left for the next batch.

Plastic construction keeps each box light to carry. That can help with work, school and travel, where glass would add noticeable weight to a bag.

The containers are described for use down to -40°F and up to 250°F. Freezing a batch ahead and reheating later fits the routine this set is built for.

Choose Freshware when the number of containers matters more than glass construction. The 50-pack needs more cabinet space, but it reduces the need to wash and reuse the same boxes during a prep cycle.

Freshware Meal Prep Containers with LidsCheck it on Amazon
4

M MCIRCO 5 Pack: Best for 3-section glass meals

M MCIRCO 5 Pack, meal prep containers with compartments
9.4/10Our score
  • 5 glass containers
  • 36 oz volume
  • 3 compartments
  • Snap-lock lids

M MCIRCO suits larger meals that need three separate areas. The borosilicate glass containers can be used in the microwave, freezer, oven and dishwasher.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • 3 compartments
  • 36 oz volume
  • Stackable design

Cons

  • Glass adds weight
  • Lids must be removed for oven and microwave use

M MCIRCO is a strong choice for shoppers who want 3 compartments in borosilicate glass. The 5-pack has 36 fluid ounce containers, giving you more total room than the smaller 2.85-cup Rubbermaid boxes.

The three-section layout works for a main dish with two sides, or for keeping fruit and vegetables away from the main food. Snap-lock lids with silicone seals are designed to create an airtight closure.

The containers are described for microwave, freezer, oven and dishwasher use. Remove the lids before placing them in an oven or microwave, and account for the extra weight that comes with glass when packing a lunch.

Three sections help with portion control because each food has a set place. That structure can make it easier to repeat the same meal format across several days of prep.

The rectangular shape and stackable design support fridge organization. Matching containers can be lined up on a shelf so your prepared meals are easy to see and reach.

Borosilicate glass is described as stronger than standard glass in the product data. That matters for a container that may move between fridge, microwave and table.

Pick M MCIRCO for larger divided glass meals. Its trade-off is that three sections can limit the size of each individual portion.

M MCIRCO 5 PackCheck it on Amazon
5

Bentgo Prep 3-Compartment Meal Prep Containers: Best for large batch rotation

Bentgo Prep 3-Compartment Meal Prep Containers, meal prep containers with compartments
9.2/10Our score
  • 10 trays
  • 10 custom-fit lids
  • 4-cup capacity
  • Embossed measurements

Bentgo gives you 10 three-compartment trays and 10 lids, so it suits a regular prep schedule. The 4-cup capacity and embossed measurements help divide larger meals.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • 10 trays and 10 lids
  • 3 compartments
  • Embossed measurements

Cons

  • Lids are hand-wash only for best results
  • Microwave trays only

Bentgo Prep is built for a longer meal-prep rotation, with 10 three-compartment trays and 10 custom-fit lids. Each tray has a 4-cup capacity and embossed measurements that can help you divide larger portions.

The set uses food-safe materials described as free from PFAS, BPA, vinyl, lead and PVC. The trays are reusable and suitable for microwave, freezer and top-shelf dishwasher use, while the lids are best hand washed.

Ten trays make this a useful choice if you prep many breakfasts, lunches or leftovers at once. Its 3-compartment design keeps foods apart, but the full set takes more room than a 5-pack.

Embossed measurements add structure that a plain divider does not provide. They can help you keep portions similar from one meal to the next without extra tools.

Clear, stackable lids help with fridge and pantry storage. You can see the contents without opening the lid, and matching trays are easier to organize in a crowded shelf.

The set is aimed at reusable, long term meal prep rather than disposable use. That makes it a fit for people who prep on a regular schedule and want a stable rotation.

Choose Bentgo when you want a large reusable set with built-in measurements. Use the trays in the microwave without the lids, following the stated care instructions.

Bentgo Prep 3-Compartment Meal Prep ContainersCheck it on Amazon
6

Freshware Meal Prep Containers with Lids: Best for hearty divided lunches

Freshware Meal Prep Containers with Lids, meal prep containers with compartments
9.0/10Our score
  • 15 containers
  • 32 oz total capacity
  • 16-8-8 oz layout
  • 3 compartments

This Freshware set is made for larger portions that still need separation. Its 16-8-8 oz layout gives the main food more room than either side.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Roomy 32 oz layout
  • 15 containers
  • Stackable

Cons

  • Plastic construction
  • Large set needs cabinet space

This Freshware set is designed for larger divided meals, with 15 BPA-free plastic containers holding 32 oz each. The 16-8-8 oz layout gives the main food twice the space of either side.

That layout suits hearty lunches and dinners where a full-size main course needs separate vegetables, fruit or another side. The containers are stackable and described as microwave safe, freezer safe and dishwasher safe.

The 15-pack gives you more rotation than the glass sets without reaching the 50-container volume of Freshware's smaller 24 oz option. It is a middle ground for households that want larger portions.

The unbalanced layout can make meal planning easier. Put the largest portion in the 16 oz section and use the two 8 oz sections for sides that need less room.

BPA-free plastic keeps the containers light for transport. That helps when you carry lunch to work or pack food for school, where a glass set would be heavier.

Stacking matters when you store a full week of meals. Matching boxes can be arranged in the fridge so each lunch is easy to find and remove.

Choose this set when 32 oz capacity and a larger main compartment matter most. If you prefer glass or need many small containers, another pick will fit better.

Freshware Meal Prep Containers with LidsCheck it on Amazon
7

FIT Strong & Healthy Glass Meal Prep Containers: Best for mixed 2- and 3-section sets

FIT Strong & Healthy Glass Meal Prep Containers, meal prep containers with compartments
8.7/10Our score
  • 2 containers with 2 compartments
  • 2 containers with 3 compartments
  • 32 oz capacity
  • Borosilicate glass

This variety set works when some meals need two sections and others need three. Each container holds up to 32 oz and comes with a snap-locking lid.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Two layouts in one set
  • Glass containers
  • Airtight lids

Cons

  • Only 4 containers
  • Lids off for microwave and oven use

FIT Strong & Healthy offers a useful mix of layouts: 2 containers with 2 compartments and 2 containers with 3 compartments. That makes the 4-pack a good match for households whose meals do not all need the same divider pattern.

Each borosilicate glass container holds up to 32 oz and comes with a BPA-free plastic snap-locking lid. The containers are microwave safe, freezer safe and dishwasher safe, while the lids should go on the top rack or be hand washed.

This set gives you more flexibility than a pack with only one layout. It also gives you fewer total containers, so it may suit occasional prep better than a daily high-volume routine.

Two compartment boxes suit a main dish and one side. Three compartment boxes suit a main dish with two smaller additions, such as vegetables and fruit.

The snap locking lid includes corner protection and a removable silicone ring. Removing the ring during cleaning can help with maintenance around the seal.

Borosilicate glass supports oven use up to 450°F with the lid off. Remove the lid before microwave or oven use, and handle the hot container with care.

Choose FIT Strong & Healthy when you want both 2- and 3-compartment glass boxes in one set. Remove the lids before microwave or oven use.

FIT Strong & Healthy Glass Meal Prep ContainersCheck it on Amazon
8

Bentgo Prep Meal Prep Containers with Lids: Best for single-section prep

Bentgo Prep Meal Prep Containers with Lids, meal prep containers with compartments
8.5/10Our score
  • 10 one-compartment trays
  • 10 custom-fit lids
  • 4-cup capacity
  • PFAS- and BPA-free materials

This Bentgo set is the outlier because its trays have one compartment. Choose it when you want a large batch of single-food portions or plan to use separate containers for sides.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • 10 trays and 10 lids
  • 4-cup capacity
  • Reusable materials

Cons

  • No built-in compartments
  • Lids are hand-wash only for best results

Bentgo Prep is the outlier in this roundup because its 10 trays have one compartment, not built-in dividers. It belongs here as an alternative for shoppers who want the same large 20-piece format but prefer open trays for single-food portions.

The set includes 10 one-compartment trays and 10 custom-fit lids. Each tray has a 4-cup capacity, and the food-safe materials are described as free from PFAS, BPA, vinyl, lead and PVC.

The trays are reusable and described as microwave safe, freezer safe and dishwasher safe. The lids are best hand washed, and the trays should be used in the microwave without the lids.

An open tray gives you full use of the 4 cup capacity. That can suit pasta, salad, leftovers or any meal where separate sections are not needed.

The trade off is mixing. Foods placed in one tray will touch during storage and transport, so this format is less useful for meals with distinct components.

Ten trays support a large prep schedule. You can rotate breakfasts, lunches or dinners without washing the same box every day.

Choose this set only if separate compartments are not required for every meal. For built-in dividers, the 3-compartment Bentgo Prep set is the better match.

Bentgo Prep Meal Prep Containers with LidsCheck it on Amazon

How many compartments do you need?

Two compartments work best for a main dish and one side, while three compartments suit a main dish with two smaller sides. More sections can reduce mixing, but they also divide the total capacity into smaller spaces.

A 2-compartment glass container such as Prep Naturals gives each food more room. A 3-compartment option such as M MCIRCO or Bentgo keeps more components apart in one box.

Think about sauces and moisture as well as portion size. A divider can keep foods from touching, but it does not make every section leakproof from the others.

For more options, compare best glass divided food containers if material is your first concern. If you need lighter boxes, see best divided plastic food containers.

Glass or plastic divided containers?

Choose glass for oven-to-table flexibility, and choose plastic for lighter transport and larger set sizes. The best material depends on how you reheat food and how far you carry it.

Prep Naturals, M MCIRCO and FIT Strong & Healthy use borosilicate glass. Their stated microwave and oven instructions require lids to be removed before heating, so plan a separate place to set the lid.

Rubbermaid, Freshware and Bentgo use plastic or food-safe materials. These picks are easier to carry, and some include microwave vent details or larger sets for repeated prep.

Glass can suit home storage when weight is less important. Plastic can be more convenient for work, school, travel and large batch rotation.

The differences show up in reheating habits. Glass containers can move from fridge to oven or microwave in many of these sets, while plastic sets focus on microwave and dishwasher convenience.

Weight affects more than the carry to work. A bag with several glass containers and food can feel heavy, and that matters if you walk, cycle or use public transport daily.

Plastic sets often come in larger quantities. Freshware offers 50 boxes, and Bentgo offers 20 pieces, which can reduce how often you need to wash and reuse the same containers.

Glass sets in this roundup are smaller. Prep Naturals and M MCIRCO each offer five containers, and FIT Strong & Healthy offers four, so they suit a lighter prep cycle.

Lid care also differs by material. Glass containers often use snap lock lids with silicone seals, while plastic sets may use clip on latches or custom fit lids.

Some plastic lids need hand washing for best results. Bentgo states that guidance for its lids, while FIT Strong & Healthy gives similar care advice for its plastic snap locking lids.

Stain and odor resistance is another plastic benefit in the Rubbermaid set. That can help when colorful sauces or strong smelling foods are part of your regular rotation.

Glass has its own practical appeal for home use. Clear borosilicate containers show food clearly and can be used for serving as well as storage.

Neither material is correct for every kitchen. Match the choice to how you reheat food, how far you carry it and how many containers you need in rotation.

If you rarely use an oven, plastic may be simpler. If oven reheating and glass storage matter to you, the glass picks offer more flexibility.

Storage space should also guide the decision. Large plastic sets need cabinet room, while smaller glass sets are easier to fit into an existing kitchen.

Cleaning habits matter too. Dishwasher safe containers reduce effort after weekly prep, but lids may still need extra care around seals and latches.

Think about replacement and longevity as well. A durable set that fits your routine will be used more often than a larger set that is hard to store.

The right material is the one you will use without friction. Consider weight, heat, set size and care together before you choose between glass and plastic.

What size meal prep container should you buy?

Choose capacity by your largest usual meal, not by the number of compartments alone. A 24 oz three-section box and a 32 oz three-section box divide food differently, even though both keep components separate.

Freshware's 24 oz set is aimed at a main course and two sides in a compact layout. Freshware's 32 oz set gives the main section 16 oz and each side 8 oz, which better suits larger lunches.

Bentgo's 4-cup trays provide more open room across three sections, while Rubbermaid's 2.85-cup containers are smaller and lighter for moderate portions. Measure your lunch bag and refrigerator shelf before ordering a large set.

If portion size is your main concern, read our guide to best portion control meal prep containers. For more help dividing servings, see how to use portion control containers.

How should you clean and store divided containers?

Clean the container and lid according to their separate care instructions, then let both dry before closing them. Food can collect around snap locks, silicone seals and divider edges, so inspect those areas during washing.

Dishwasher-safe containers can reduce cleanup after a weekly prep session. Some lids need top-rack placement or hand washing, including the lids described for FIT Strong & Healthy and Bentgo.

Stack matching containers with the lids nearby so you do not mix sizes. Store glass carefully, and avoid forcing a lid onto a container that is still warm or overfilled.

For glass-focused choices, see best glass portion control containers. If freezing prepared portions is your goal, compare best portion control freezer containers.

Are compartments useful for portion control?

Compartments can make portions easier to repeat, but the divider itself does not measure food. Layouts such as Freshware's 16-8-8 oz design or Bentgo's embossed measurements give you more structure than an open box.

Use the largest section for the food that needs the most room, then assign the smaller sections to sides, fruit or snacks. Keep the same layout across several meals if consistency helps your routine.

For exact volume guidance, see best portion control containers with measurements. You can also compare best portion control containers for weight loss or best color-coded portion control containers.

Which meal prep containers with compartments should you choose?

The Prep Naturals 5 Pack 36oz Glass Meal is the best overall choice for 2-section borosilicate glass. Pick Rubbermaid for lighter leakproof plastic, M MCIRCO for 3-section glass, or Freshware for a large plastic rotation.

Choose the 32 oz Freshware set when you need a larger main compartment, and choose FIT Strong & Healthy when you want both 2- and 3-compartment glass layouts. Bentgo's 20-piece sets make sense for larger prep schedules, but only the 3-compartment version has built-in dividers.

For smaller portable snacks, continue with our guide to best snack meal prep containers. The right divided food container is the one whose layout matches your meals, capacity fits your portions, and care routine fits your kitchen.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

  1. 1 Prep Naturals 5 Pack 36oz Glass Meal
    Best for 2-section glass meals

    Prep Naturals 5 Pack 36oz Glass Meal

    9.7/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers
    Best for leakproof plastic

    Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers

    9.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 Freshware Meal Prep Containers with Lids
    Best for bulk weekly prep

    Freshware Meal Prep Containers with Lids

    9.5/10 our score

    See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What are the best meal prep containers with compartments?

The best meal prep containers with compartments depend on your usual meal layout. Prep Naturals suits 2-section glass meals, Rubbermaid suits lightweight leakproof plastic, and Freshware offers 50 three-compartment containers for bulk preparation.

Choose the number of sections before comparing materials and set size.

Are divided meal prep containers better than separate containers?

Divided meal prep containers save space and keep a main dish with its sides in one box. Separate containers give you more freedom when portions change or when foods need different storage conditions.

Use divided containers when keeping components apart during transport matters most.

Can meal prep containers with compartments go in the microwave?

Some can, but follow the product's specific instructions. Prep Naturals, Rubbermaid, Freshware and the Bentgo trays are described as microwave safe, while the glass picks require their lids to be removed before heating.

Never assume the lid and container share the same microwave instructions.

How many compartments should a meal prep container have?

Choose 2 compartments for a main dish and one side, or 3 compartments for a main dish and two sides. Two sections leave more room for each food, while three sections help prevent small portions from touching.

Match the layout to the meals you prepare most often.

What should you look for in divided food containers?

Check the compartment count, total capacity, material, lid closure and care instructions. Also consider whether the set has enough containers for your prep cycle and whether the boxes fit your fridge, lunch bag or freezer.

A good divider keeps food separate without making the container hard to clean.