Why use meal prep containers?
There are several advantages to using meal prep containers, including:
- Save money
- Eat healthier
- Lose weight
- Save time
- Easy transport
How many meal prep containers do I need?
People often ask how many meal prep containers to buy. Of course, this is largely going to depend on how many people you are meal prepping for and how many mealsper week you are trying to prep.
If you are a single person just starting to meal prep, I would purchase a four or six set of meal prep containers. With four you could prep most of your lunches for the week, six would allow you to do that and a few dinners. Once you get into the swing of things, you could invest in a larger meal prep container set so you can prep more meals and save more money!
Glass Meal Prep Containers vs Plastic Meal Prep Containers
Which is better: glass meal prep containers or plastic meal prep containers?
The truth is, there are pros and cons to each type of meal prep container. It may come down to your personal needs and preference.
Advantages of glass meal prep containers:
- Lastslonger
- Safer
- Can be reheated in the oven
- Less likely to stain/absorbodors
Advantages of plastic meal prep containers:
- Cheaper
- Lightweight
- Easily disposable
We mostly use glass because we reheat a lot of our foods in the oven, it will save us money in the long run, and I try to reduce the amount of plastic in our lives where I can.
Plastics are classified by which raw materials they are made from. There are seven categories of plastic and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says that you should only be using plastics 1, 2, 4, or 5 for food use.
Most plastic storage containers you come across are made from #4 or #5, but be aware that a lot of Tupperware is made from plastic #7.
If you decide to go plastic, make sure that the meal prep containers are BPA free and classified as a 1, 2, 4 or 5. You can find this code imprinted in a small triangle on the bottom of all plastic containers.
Meal Prep Container FAQs
Are meal prep containers reusable?
Yes, meal prep containers are reusable. Glass ones will last longer than plastic.
Can you freeze meal prep containers?
Yes, you can freeze meal prep containers. There are even meal prep containers made especially for freezing that will help your food stay fresher longer and keep the freezer burn at bay.
Can you microwave meal prep containers?
Yes, meal prep containers can be microwaved. If you are microwaving in a plastic meal prep container, you probably want to make sure that it is BPA free.
Where to buy meal prep containers?
I buy most of my meal prep containers from Amazon (where I do must of my shopping!). You can also usually find them at Target & Walmart.
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FAQs
If you are a single person just starting to meal prep, I would purchase a four or six set of meal prep containers. With four you could prep most of your lunches for the week, six would allow you to do that and a few dinners.
What container should I use for meal prep? ›
Materials: Meal prep containers most commonly come in plastic, glass, and silicone, though you'll find some stainless steel containers, too. The material can be a personal preference, but there are pros and cons to each type. Both Alsing and Persyn recommend glass containers for safety and quality.
How many cups should a meal prep container be? ›
If you're looking for a set of identical containers for meal prep, we suggest buying multiples in one of two sizes: either the 3.2 cup or the 4.7 cup—both are roomy enough to hold a sandwich and a side, a grain bowl, a hearty amount of soup, or generous green salad.
Do you throw out meal prep containers? ›
“Plastic food storage containers should be replaced every six months to one year, depending on usage and wear and tear. Over time, plastic containers can become scratched, stained, or damaged, and that starts to pose a food safety risk, explains Dragomir Markovic, food scientist and founder of Wise Intake.
Are plastic or glass meal prep containers better? ›
Are glass food storage containers better than plastic? This really comes down to a personal decision. Glass is oven safe and heavy-duty but susceptible to breaking. Plastic is light and easy to store but stains and can degrade over time with microwave use.
How many food containers do I need? ›
While every person will have different needs, on average, an individual can usually get along well by having between 6 and 10 food storage containers featuring a mix of a few big ones and a lot of smaller ones.
What are the best portions for meal prep? ›
The basic portion sizes that we want to aim for are this: 4 oz of protein, 1/2 cup of grains and 2 cups of veggies per meal. I use containers that hold 3 cups of food. My containers always contain around 2 cups of veggies, 1/2 cup of protein and 1/2 cup of grains — and that's enough for ME, a 5'3” woman.
How long does food last in meal prep containers? ›
Meal-prepped soups and stews can last up to four days in the fridge. Chicken and rice can last up to five days in the fridge. Meal prep salads can last up to three days in the fridge.
Should I wash meal prep containers before use? ›
It's unlikely that plastic food containers will be sterilised before they are packaged, so you should always wash new products to be safe.
How much food is enough for prepping? ›
To prepare, pack at least 2,000 calories of food per adult per day. In addition, pack at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation in clean plastic containers.
While you definitely want variety for your meal prep, you should limit your recipes to two or three per week, and for five days ahead of time max. Being prepared is great, but you also want to make sure you're eating meals with fresh ingredients even if prepared ahead of time.
What size mason jars are best for meal prep? ›
Meal Prepping for Beginners
If you have larger storage containers, use those — or consider investing in half-gallon or gallon-sized Mason jars.
Do I put my meal prep in the fridge or freezer? ›
Step 2: Cook your meal prep for the first 4 days of your week and store it in the fridge. Step 3: On the fourth day of the week, move your freezer meals for days 5-7 to the fridge so they can thaw. BAM! You've got a full week of meal prep in 1 day of cooking.
Is 30 year old Tupperware safe to use? ›
Try to think back to when you got your Tupperware. The Tupperware® brand didn't nix BPA until 2010, and truly vintage Tupperware may even leach heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and arsenic into stored food. Suddenly those leftovers don't sound very appetizing…
How many days will meal prep last? ›
Generally, most meal prepped foods will remain safe to eat for 3-5 days when stored in the refrigerator at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The lifespan can vary depending on the ingredients and methods of preparation. Here's a brief overview: Cooked Poultry and Meat: Typically, they are good for 3-4 days.
How much food should I put in meal prep? ›
The basic portion sizes that we want to aim for are this: 4 oz of protein, 1/2 cup of grains and 2 cups of veggies per meal. I use containers that hold 3 cups of food. My containers always contain around 2 cups of veggies, 1/2 cup of protein and 1/2 cup of grains — and that's enough for ME, a 5'3” woman.
How big is a container for meal prep? ›
Containers that are 24oz or smaller might also be right for you if you're the type of prepper who eats 5 small meals a day. Smaller 2-cup containers like this are great for breakfasts or soups. For overnight oats, I've found that 10-12 oz is the perfect size.
