Ask r/MealPrepSunday what containers to buy and you will get passionate, detailed answers from people who prep every week. We took the most consistently recommended options, tested them across a full month of meal prepping. including microwave reheating, dishwasher cycles, and transport. and found five that genuinely deserve their community endorsement.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers | Home storage and reheating | 4.8/5 |
| Rubbermaid Brilliance BPA-Free Containers | Leak-proof transport | 4.8/5 |
| Pyrex Simply Store Glass Set | Variety of sizes | 4.7/5 |
| Bentgo Glass 2-Compartment Container | Portioned meals | 4.6/5 |
| Ankou Airtight Meal Prep Containers | Budget bulk pack | 4.5/5 |
Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers — Best for Home Use
Prep Naturals’ glass containers are the most frequently mentioned on r/MealPrepSunday for good reason. They are borosilicate glass. meaning they handle sudden temperature changes without shattering. and the snap-lock lids create an airtight seal. The 1-cup, 2-cup, and 3-cup sizes cover most meal portions. In our month of testing, they showed no staining even after multiple cycles of tomato-based sauces, and the lids stayed sealed through microwave and dishwasher cycles without warping. The only caution is weight. a glass container full of food is heavier than plastic, so keep that in mind for commutes.
Shop Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers on Amazon
Rubbermaid Brilliance BPA-Free Containers — Best Leak-Proof Option
The Rubbermaid Brilliance containers are the undisputed king of leak-proof performance on Reddit, and our testing confirmed it. The four-latch locking lid creates a seal tight enough to throw in a bag sideways without a single drip. The clear plastic body is BPA-free and lets you see contents at a glance. They stack efficiently in a fridge and nest for compact storage. They are microwave-safe (without the lid), dishwasher-safe, and freezer-safe. They also resist staining better than most plastic containers we compared. For anyone who carries food in a bag and cannot afford leaks, Brilliance is the answer.
Shop Rubbermaid Brilliance Containers on Amazon
Pyrex Simply Store Glass Set — Best Variety of Sizes
Pyrex’s Simply Store set is a meal prep staple because it covers a range of volumes. from small 1-cup containers for sauces and snacks up to large 4-cup containers for full-meal portions. in a single purchase. The tempered glass is oven-safe up to 450°F, which means you can store, bake, reheat, and serve all in the same container. The lids are BPA-free plastic with a snap fit. Reddit users frequently cite this set as a kitchen foundation purchase that they use daily years after buying it. Lids are sold separately in variety packs if any wear out over time.
Shop Pyrex Simply Store Glass Set on Amazon
Bentgo Glass 2-Compartment Container — Best for Portioned Meals
The Bentgo Glass container is the Reddit favorite for macro-counting and portioned meal prep. Each container has two compartments. one large for protein and vegetables, one smaller for a starch or side. which keeps food separated and prevents sogginess on sauces. The borosilicate glass base is microwave and oven-safe. The lid is airtight. At 1.8 lb per container it is heavier than a plastic bento, but the glass quality is noticeably better. Users tracking macros or following specific portion templates consistently prefer this style over single-compartment containers.
Shop Bentgo Glass 2-Compartment Container on Amazon
Ankou Airtight Meal Prep Containers — Best Budget Set
Ankou’s BPA-free plastic containers occupy the affordable end of the spectrum without sacrificing the basics. The airtight lids seal reliably, they are microwave and dishwasher safe, and the 2-cup rectangular shape is optimally sized for most meal-prep portions. A 7-pack covers a full week of lunches in one purchase. Reddit users recommend these specifically for people new to meal prepping who want to try the habit before investing in glass containers. They show some staining after repeated tomato sauce cycles, but for the price, the performance is more than adequate.
Shop Ankou Airtight Meal Prep Containers on Amazon
How to Choose Containers for Meal Prep
Glass vs. plastic is the primary decision: glass for home storage and reheating, plastic for lighter-weight transport. Ensure containers are microwave-safe (glass) or have microwave-safe lids (plastic). Stackable, uniform shapes save significant fridge space. avoid mismatched containers that waste vertical room. Airtight lids matter for food safety and preventing fridge odors from cross-contaminating your prepped meals. Consider whether you want single-compartment containers for mixed meals or divided containers for keeping food groups separate. Buying in sets of 7-10 uniform containers simplifies storage and reduces the lid-hunting problem.
For related kitchen picks, see our guides on the best containers for hot food and best containers for bulk food storage. Our full testing methodology explains our evaluation criteria.
Frequently asked questions
Are glass or plastic containers better for meal prep?+
Glass containers are preferred for reheating, do not absorb food odors or stains, and last longer. Plastic containers are lighter, less expensive, and less breakable. ideal for bringing food to work or the gym. Many dedicated meal preppers use both: glass at home for storage and reheating, lightweight plastic BPA-free containers for transport.
How many meal prep containers do I actually need?+
For a standard weekly meal prep, plan for 5-7 lunch containers and 5-7 dinner containers if prepping both meals. that is 10-14 containers total. If you prep only lunches, 5-7 containers covers a full work week. Many Reddit users recommend buying sets of 10 to avoid running out mid-week before the containers are washed and restocked.