9 Best Meal Prep Containers (November 2026)
The best meal prep containers include the Rubbermaid Brilliance Tritan Plastic Food Storage Containers for everyday leftovers, the C CREST [10 Pack] Glass Meal Prep for oven-to-table meals, and the Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers for divided lunches.
On this page (5 sections)
The best meal prep containers for most kitchens are Rubbermaid Brilliance containers because they combine clear designs, secure seals and useful capacities for prepared meals.
C CREST is better for oven-safe glass, while Freshware offers the largest divided set for weekly batch cooking.
We compared materials, capacities, compartment layouts, set sizes, care instructions, shape and stacking.
The right pick depends on whether you need lightweight containers for carrying, glass for oven use, or a large supply for repeated meal prep.
Think about your normal foods and reheating method before you choose, since some lids must stay off and some have microwave vents.
Start with our guide to food storage containers if you also need containers for leftovers, pantry use and general kitchen storage.
Use this guide to match the container to the meal, the bag and the shelf.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for everyday leftoversRubbermaid Brilliance Tritan Plastic Food Storage Containers
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
![C CREST [10 Pack] Glass Meal Prep](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81HfSfzlqUL._AC_SL500_.jpg)
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3
Best for divided lunchesRubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itFreshware Meal Prep Containers with Lids
Best for weekly batch cooking - 5
Check itPROMOZE 50-Pack Reusable Meal Prep Containers Microwave
Best for single-compartment bulk prep - 6
Best for large portionsCheck it - 7
Best for compact bulk portionsCheck it - 8
Check itBentgo Prep Meal Prep Containers with Lids
Best for measured portions - 9
Check itBentgo Prep 3-Compartment Meal Prep Containers
Best for separated full meals
Which are the best meal prep containers for different routines?
The best choice depends on how you portion food and where you heat it. Rubbermaid suits everyday lunches, C CREST suits oven cooking, and the larger bulk sets suit repeated weekly prep.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against the needs of someone shopping for meal prep containers. Scores are not a promise of performance in every kitchen.
Rubbermaid Brilliance Tritan Plastic Food Storage Containers: Best for everyday leftovers
- 5 containers with matching lids
- 3.2-cup capacity
- BPA-free Tritan plastic
- Built-in microwave vents
Clear, stackable containers with airtight clip-on lids suit everyday meal prep, leftovers and packed lunches.
Pros
- Leak-proof seal
- Microwave vents
- Stain- and odor-resistant material
Cons
- One compartment per container
- Plastic rather than glass
Rubbermaid Brilliance is the best all-around choice for lunches, leftovers and regular fridge organization. Each container holds 3.2 cups, giving you more room than the smaller divided Rubbermaid set.
The BPA-free Tritan plastic is crystal clear, stain resistant and odor resistant. That makes it easier to identify food without opening the lid, while the lightweight build is easier to carry than glass.
Secure latches and an airtight seal are useful when a prepared meal travels in a lunch bag. Built-in vents let you microwave with the lid on, but open the vents before heating.
The set includes 5 containers and 5 matching lids. The rectangular containers stack in a fridge or pantry, so this is a practical choice when you want a manageable set rather than 50 pieces.
Choose it for everyday meal prep with one main food section. For a divided layout, the best meal prep containers oven safe guide can help you compare other arrangements.
C CREST [10 Pack] Glass Meal Prep: Best for oven-to-table meals
- 10 borosilicate glass containers
- 10 plastic lids
- 34-fluid-ounce and 12-ounce sizes
- Oven safe to 700°F without lids
A large glass set gives you multiple sizes for prepared meals, sides and leftovers, with oven use available when the lids are removed.
Pros
- Large 20-piece set
- Oven-safe glass
- Nests for storage
Cons
- Lids need separate oven handling
- Glass is heavier than plastic
C CREST is the strongest pick when glass and oven use matter more than low weight. The set includes 10 borosilicate glass containers and 10 plastic lids, with 12-ounce and 34-fluid-ounce sizes.
The glass containers are oven safe up to 700°F, and they can also go in the microwave, freezer and dishwasher. Remove the lids before oven or microwave use, since the lids are not oven safe.
The two sizes support different jobs. Use the smaller containers for sides, fruit or snacks, and the larger containers for a complete prepared meal.
The containers nest inside each other to save space when empty. The glass is heavier than plastic, so consider how far you carry meals before choosing this set.
Choose C CREST for batch cooking that moves from oven to table or refrigerator. See our guide to best meal prep containers glass for more glass options.
Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers: Best for divided lunches
- 5 two-compartment containers
- 2.85-cup capacity
- Airtight clip-on lids
- Built-in microwave vents
Two compartments keep an entree and side dish separate, while clear, stain-resistant plastic makes the contents easy to see.
Pros
- Built-in vents
- Two food sections
- Lids fit same-size Brilliance containers
Cons
- Smaller capacity than 4-cup trays
- Plastic rather than glass
Rubbermaid Brilliance 2-Compartment containers are best for a main dish and side that should stay separate. Each BPA-free plastic container holds 2.85 cups across two sections.
The clear bases and lids make food easy to identify, while the stain- and odor-resistant plastic suits repeated meal prep.
Secure latches and an airtight seal help keep food contained during transport in lunch bags, at work desks and in cars.
Built-in vents support microwave reheating with the lid on and latches opened, so steam can escape.
The containers are freezer safe, dishwasher safe and shatter resistant for batch cooking, chilled storage and easier cleanup.
The Smart Lid System allows lids to fit same-size Brilliance containers across material types.
Choose this set when compartments matter more than maximum capacity. For smaller divided options, compare the best meal prep containers small guide.
Freshware Meal Prep Containers with Lids: Best for weekly batch cooking
- 50 containers with lids
- 24-ounce total capacity
- 3 compartments
- BPA-free plastic
The bulk pack suits weekly meal planning when you want a main dish and two sides in one container.
Pros
- Large 50-pack
- Three divided sections
- Microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe
Cons
- More storage space needed for 50 containers
- Shallower rectangular design
Freshware is the best bulk option for planned lunches across a full week. The set includes 50 containers with lids, each with three compartments and a 24-ounce total capacity.
The layout gives one 12-ounce large cavity and two 6-ounce smaller cavities for a main dish and two sides.
That division suits a set meal structure, with protein and starch in the large section and vegetables, sauce or a snack in the smaller sections.
BPA-free plastic supports microwave, freezer and dishwasher use across a stated range of -40°F to 250°F.
The containers are stackable and designed for repeated use, which helps when a fridge shelf holds several meals.
The 9 x 6.8 x 1.5 in rectangular shape is relatively shallow, so check your shelves and lunch bag before ordering 50 containers.
Plan where empty containers and lids will live, since the count is a real storage commitment.
Choose Freshware for portioned batch cooking and divided meals. Pick another set if you prefer glass or need taller containers for soups.
PROMOZE 50-Pack Reusable Meal Prep Containers Microwave: Best for single-compartment bulk prep
- 50 containers
- 28-ounce capacity
- 1 compartment
- BPA-free plastic
A single large compartment works for meals that do not need dividers, with a bulk count for repeated lunches or takeout use.
Pros
- 50-count set
- Microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe
- Stackable shape
Cons
- No divided sections
- Lids are not included in the listed components
PROMOZE is best for single-compartment bulk prep when you want 50 containers for repeated meals, takeout or catering-style storage. Each rectangular container holds 28 oz.
The one-compartment layout gives clear space for a complete meal without dividers, such as pasta, rice bowls, meat and vegetables.
It also suits meals taken to work, school or the gym, since one open section is simple to fill, close, carry and eat from.
The BPA-free plastic is microwave safe, freezer safe and dishwasher safe.
Leak-proof lids and a stackable shape support carrying and storage, but check the lid details before relying on this set for soups or sauces.
At 8.75 x 6 x 1.75 in, each container has a broad, shallow shape that suits flat meals but may not suit foods needing extra height.
Choose PROMOZE when quantity and a single section matter most. Consider Freshware or Bentgo if you want built-in dividers.
Dealusy 50 Pack: Best for large portions
- 50 containers with easy-open lids
- 32-ounce capacity
- Reusable plastic
- Microwave and freezer safe
The largest stated capacity in this group is useful for generous portions, full meals or food storage that needs extra room.
Pros
- 32-ounce size
- 50-piece set
- Stackable and dishwasher safe
Cons
- Largest containers need more cabinet space
- Single compartment
Dealusy’s 32-ounce set is the best match for large portions and generous meal sizes. It includes 50 containers with easy-open lids, giving you 100 pieces in total for a full rotation of meals.
The BPA-free plastic is reusable, microwave safe, freezer safe and dishwasher safe. That mix covers batch cooking, chilled storage, reheating and cleanup without needing different containers for each step.
Tight-sealed lids and stackable containers help with transport and fridge organization. A secure seal matters when a large meal travels in a bag alongside other items.
Each container measures 8.9 x 6.1 x 2.3 in. That extra height and 32-ounce capacity can suit larger meals, but a 50-piece set needs a planned storage area.
The taller profile gives more room than a shallow tray. It can hold a full meal with fruit or vegetables, or a mixed dish that needs breathing space.
The single-compartment design keeps the interior open for one meal. Use it for large portions, fruit or vegetables that do not need separate sections.
Easy-open lids can help when you want fast access at lunch. The snap closure still needs a check before travel, especially with saucy food.
Choose Dealusy 32 oz when capacity matters more than compact storage. For smaller bulk portions, the 24-ounce Dealusy set takes up less room per container.
Dealusy 50 Pack: Best for compact bulk portions
- 50 containers with lids
- 24-fluid-ounce capacity
- Reusable plastic
- Square shape
This smaller Dealusy set fits buyers who want many containers without moving up to the 32-ounce size.
Pros
- 50-count set
- Reusable design
- Microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe
Cons
- Single compartment
- Hand washing is also recommended
Dealusy 24 oz is the better fit for compact bulk portions. The set includes 50 reusable square containers with lids, so you can prep many meals without choosing the larger 32-ounce size.
Each container measures 7.4 x 5 x 2 in and holds 24 fluid ounces. The square shape can use shelf space efficiently, while the 2-inch height leaves room for a standard prepared meal.
BPA-free plastic is microwave safe, freezer safe and dishwasher safe, with hand washing also recommended. Leak-resistant lids and stackable construction support transport and storage.
The single compartment gives flexibility for mixed meals, but it does not keep side dishes apart. Choose Freshware or Bentgo when separation is central to your meal plan.
Pick this set when you want many reusable containers in a moderate size. It is also a practical option for people searching for meal prep containers cheap without moving to a smaller set count.
Bentgo Prep Meal Prep Containers with Lids: Best for measured portions
- 10 trays and 10 lids
- 4-cup capacity
- Embossed measurements
- PFAS- and BPA-free materials
Embossed measurements and a full 4-cup capacity help with consistent portions when you prefer one food section per tray.
Pros
- Clear portion measurements
- Reusable trays
- Microwave-safe trays
Cons
- Lids should be hand washed for best results
- One compartment
Bentgo Prep is best for measured, single-compartment portions. The set includes 10 trays and 10 custom-fit lids, and each tray holds 4 cups for a full prepared meal.
Embossed measurements help you portion food consistently without adding a separate measuring cup. That is useful for anyone who follows a meal plan or wants portions to match from week to week.
The one-compartment design works for a full meal, salad, cereal or leftovers that do not need dividers. It keeps the layout simple and leaves the full capacity open for mixed foods.
The trays are made from food-safe materials with no PFAS, BPA, vinyl, lead or PVC. That material list matters to buyers who want to avoid those components in daily food storage.
They are microwave, freezer and top-shelf dishwasher safe, while hand washing the lids is recommended for best results. Follow that care note to keep the lids fitting well over time.
Clear, stackable lids help organize the fridge or pantry. You can see the contents at a glance and stack meals without opening each container to check.
The 10-count set is easier to store than a 50-pack, but it gives you fewer containers for a full week of meals. It suits a smaller routine or a household that does not batch cook as often.
Choose Bentgo when portion markings and a 4-cup size matter. For separated meals, use the three-compartment Bentgo set instead.
Bentgo Prep 3-Compartment Meal Prep Containers: Best for separated full meals
- 10 three-compartment trays
- 10 custom-fit lids
- 4-cup capacity
- PFAS- and BPA-free materials
Three sections keep a main dish, side and snack separate, while the 4-cup size leaves room for a complete prepared meal.
Pros
- Three food sections
- Reusable trays
- Microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe
Cons
- Lids are best hand washed
- Takes more room than smaller trays
Bentgo Prep 3-Compartment is best for full meals that need separate sections. The set includes 10 three-compartment trays and 10 custom-fit lids, with a 947 ml stated volume for a complete meal.
Three sections can hold a main dish, vegetables and fruit without mixing them during transport. That separation keeps textures apart until you are ready to eat.
The 4-cup capacity gives more room than the smaller Rubbermaid divided containers. It can suit a larger lunch while still keeping each food in its own section.
The food-safe materials contain no PFAS, BPA, vinyl, lead or PVC. Buyers who care about those materials can choose this set with a clearer picture of what is used.
The trays are microwave safe, freezer safe and dishwasher safe, while the lids are best hand washed. That care split is worth noting before you plan a dishwasher-only routine.
Each rectangular container measures 9.5 x 6.6 x 2 in. Measure your lunch bag and refrigerator shelf before ordering because the long footprint needs more horizontal space.
The 10-count set is easier to store than a bulk pack. It suits regular meal prep without filling a cupboard with dozens of spare containers.
Choose this set for reusable divided meals with a larger overall capacity. For a 50-pack, Freshware offers more containers and smaller three-section portions.
How should you choose meal prep containers?
Choose meal prep containers by material, portion size, compartments, set count and care instructions. Those five details affect how well the containers fit your cooking routine.
Are glass or plastic meal prep containers better?
Glass is the better choice for oven use and for buyers who prefer a heavier container that can move from cooking to storage. C CREST uses borosilicate glass and supports oven use up to 700°F without the lids.
Plastic is lighter and often more practical for carrying prepared meals. Rubbermaid Brilliance, Freshware, PROMOZE, Dealusy and Bentgo all offer plastic-based options with different capacities and layouts.
If you want glass but do not need a 10-container set, compare best pyrex meal prep containers for another glass-focused route.
What size meal prep container should you use?
Use 24 oz for moderate portions, 28 oz for a larger single-section meal, and 32 oz when you want the most room in this group. The 2.85- to 3.2-cup Rubbermaid options suit everyday lunches and leftovers.
A 4-cup Bentgo tray gives extra space for a full meal. Before choosing, compare the container dimensions with your lunch bag, refrigerator shelf and cabinet height.
Do compartments help with meal prep?
Compartments help when you want to keep a main dish and sides separate until you eat. Rubbermaid has two sections, while Freshware and Bentgo offer three-section layouts.
A single compartment is more flexible for mixed dishes, soups that need careful transport and larger portions. It also leaves more usable open space inside the container.
For a round format, see best meal prep containers round. Round containers can suit certain foods, but rectangular designs usually make stacked fridge storage easier.
How many containers do you need?
A 5- or 10-container set can cover several prepared meals without taking over your cabinet. A 50-pack makes more sense when you batch cook for many days, share meals or need containers ready for frequent washing cycles.
Large sets need a storage plan for both containers and lids. Stack the matching pieces by size and keep lids upright where they are easy to find.
What should you check before reheating?
Check whether the microwave guidance applies to the container, the lid or both. C CREST specifically requires the lids to be removed, while Rubbermaid includes built-in vents for microwave heating with the lid on and the latches opened.
Do not move a plastic lid into an oven unless the product instructions specifically allow it. For glass, avoid placing a lid on the container during oven heating.
Are reusable containers worth choosing?
Reusable containers make sense when you prepare meals often and can keep up with washing and storage. Dealusy, Freshware, PROMOZE and Bentgo all identify reusable designs, while Rubbermaid emphasizes durability and repeated everyday use.
A reusable set suits people who cook at home several times a week. It can reduce waste, but only if you have the time and space to wash and store the containers properly.
Choose the set size you can store and clean regularly. A 50-pack is useful only if you have space for the containers and a routine for keeping lids matched.
A smaller set may suit a single person or a light meal prep routine. It still needs a clear place for lids, because unmatched lids slow down packing on busy mornings.
Think about the full cycle from cooking to eating to washing. The best set is the one you will use again, not simply the one with the largest count.
You can compare more options in our guide to best meal prep containers reusable. Buyers who want to avoid plastic can start with best meal prep containers no plastic.
What are the best meal prep containers for clear storage?
Clear containers are easiest to identify in a crowded fridge, and Rubbermaid Brilliance is the clearest match in this group. Its Tritan set and two-compartment Brilliance set both emphasize crystal-clear views of the contents.
That visibility helps in daily use. You can spot a planned lunch, check a date or spot a side dish without opening several lids and letting cold air out.
Clear lids also help you find prepared food without opening several containers. A clear top works with a clear base, so the food stays visible from above and from the side.
This matters when a fridge holds leftovers, lunches and family meals at the same time. A quick glance can save time and reduce the habit of opening every container to check.
Clear plastic is not the only route, though. Glass can also give a clear view, while opaque plastic may hide the contents until the lid comes off.
For some people, a colored lid or base adds a simple code. Colors can mark work lunches, children’s meals or a particular day of the week.
Choose clear material when visibility is a priority. Choose a darker or solid design only if you prefer a neater fridge look and do not mind opening containers to identify food.
For more options focused on visibility, see best meal prep containers clear. Use that guide when you want to compare clear sets beyond the picks in this roundup.
What are the best meal prep containers for different materials?
Plastic is the most practical choice for lightweight carrying and large sets, especially when a lunch bag already holds a bottle and cutlery.
Glass is better for oven use, while metal is usually considered when durability and non-plastic storage matter, so compare the trade-offs before choosing best meal prep containers plastic or best meal prep containers metal.
Plastic suits commute-heavy routines and bulk meal prep, and Rubbermaid, Freshware, PROMOZE, Dealusy and Bentgo all offer plastic options.
Glass suits people who want to move food from storage to heating with fewer changes, since C CREST glass can go in the oven without the lid.
Glass is heavier, so it can be less handy for long walks or packed bags.
Metal can suit durability and a non-plastic routine, but it does not suit every heating method, so check care and microwave guidance before you buy.
Color can also help separate household portions or meal types. If that matters in your kitchen, see best meal prep containers colored.
Choose the material that fits your heating and carrying routine first, then use size, compartments and set count to narrow the final pick.
The best meal prep containers: final picks
The best meal prep containers depend on the routine you need to support. Pick Rubbermaid Brilliance for everyday lunches, C CREST for oven-safe glass, Freshware for 50 divided containers, or Dealusy 32 oz for larger single-compartment portions.
Each pick suits a different pattern of cooking and eating, from light daily use to a full week of batch cooking.
Choose Bentgo Prep when embossed measurements matter, and choose the three-compartment Bentgo when you want a reusable full meal with separated sides.
Measure your lunch bag and fridge shelf before you order, since a container with the right capacity can still be awkward if its shape does not fit.
Check the heating rules for both the container and the lid, since some lids must come off, some have vents, and some need hand washing.
Choose a set size you can store and clean without stress, from ten containers for a small routine to 50 for a household that batch cooks often.
For leak concerns during transport, compare best leakproof meal prep containers before you decide.
The final choice should match your meals, your heating method and your storage space.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
Best for everyday leftovers
Rubbermaid Brilliance Tritan Plastic Food Storage Containers
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for divided lunches
Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What are the best meal prep containers for most people?
The Rubbermaid Brilliance Tritan set is the strongest everyday choice because it combines 3.2-cup containers, clear BPA-free plastic, secure clip-on lids and built-in microwave vents.
Choose C CREST if oven use matters, or Freshware if you need 50 divided containers for weekly batch cooking.
Are glass or plastic meal prep containers better?
Glass is the better fit for oven use and can move from freezer or refrigerator to microwave when the lids are removed. Plastic is lighter for carrying and often makes more sense for large sets.
Choose based on heating habits, carrying distance and how much cabinet space you have.
What size container is best for meal prep?
A 24-ounce container suits moderate portions, while 28- to 32-ounce containers leave more room for larger meals. A 2.85- to 3.2-cup container works well for everyday leftovers and lunches.
Use divided containers when your main dish and sides need to stay separate.
Can meal prep containers go in the microwave?
Many containers here are microwave safe, but the rules differ by material and part. C CREST glass containers can go in the microwave without their lids, while Bentgo specifies microwave use for the trays.
Open vents or remove lids as the product instructions require before reheating.
