Are you a meal prepper? We used to go to Supperworks and spend a couple hours once a month getting some freezer meals ready to go but since they closed, we haven’t done as much. I’m itching to get back into it because it saves us so much time and money! So recently, I’ve been on the hunt for the Best Food Storage Containers For Meal Planning!
For the best in organization and meal preparation storage, you want to make sure that you’re choosing containers that not only fit your lifestyle needs, but that are solid, leak-proof, freezer-proof and portable.
The Best Food Storage Containers For Meal Planning
Disclosure: Some of the links in the post below are affiliate links provided for your convenience. This means that if you purchase something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no added cost to you.
With a variety of containers and options available, it can be difficult and time consuming to know if you’re choosing the right ones for your unique needs. Here are tips for choosing the best food storage containers.
Non-BPA Plastic
If you’re looking for the most economical containers, consider plastic. Make sure you’re choosing those that are non-BPA and are food safe. You’re looking for containers that come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different food prep situations.
The plastic should be stain and odor resistant. For ease of use, the containers should also be dishwasher and microwave-safe. If you plan to use them in the freezer, you should make sure they are safe for those temperatures.
Lids should attach securely and be leak-proof as well. Consider using labels to identify the contents no matter what type of container you choose.
Rubbermaid Brilliance Microwavable Food Storage Container Set, 18-Piece
Here’s a plastic storage container option that meets the criteria listed above. This set comes highly rated. I personally own this set and wow, they were a game changer. They seal really well – I’ve never had a leak! And, if you’re placing them in the microwave, they have built-in vents.
For plastic containers that are for on-the-go use or for sectional meal planning storage, consider this option. These can be reused several times before they need to be thrown away, but they aren’t the most eco-friendly choice. Still, I’ll admit that they are handy for prepping complete meals that I can take wherever I go.
Food-grade Silicon
Another option is to use containers made of silicone. The food-grade manufacturing process with silicone containers means they’re non-toxic, and BPA free. Silicone containers are odorless, tasteless, non-stick, leak-proof and easy to clean. Most are also dishwasher safe.
When you’re looking to store smaller items, consider using fillable bags. These are great for sandwiches, frozen fruit, veggie sticks and slices and smaller portions of food. Here are great choice for eco-friendly zip-lock style reusable bags that go from fridge to freezer.
Remember to consider the portability of your pre-planned meals. You’ll want easy-to-transport containers that are lightweight and can be easily packed. Consider these collapsible silicone containers work well for packable lunches. When not in use, the containers collapse for easy storage.
Glass
Possibly the best way to store food items without the worry of chemical leaching from container material is to use glass. Eco-friendly glass is easy to clean, re-heat in and most glass is freezer-friendly.
Glass containers come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, are stackable for easy storage and are generally thought of as superior to other storage container methods. Choose container with lids that are tight-fitting, easy to put on and remove.
I’m going to be ordering some of these to try. A family member sent home some leftovers for us in something similar and I really liked it. I love my Rubbermaid Brilliance but if I could find a more eco-friendly option that is just as good, I’d be thrilled.
Here’s a multi-sized set with air-tight snap-lock lids. The smaller containers are easily portable.
Here’s a glass set that contains compartments for easy meal prep storage. They are fridge, freezer and microwave safe. They are a great option for on-the-go lunches.
Meal storage and meal prep containers will help save you money in the long run by giving you workable options to store your food so that you’re wasting less.
You’ll be more organized and will appreciate the peace of mind of having your food stored in safe in convenient containers for ease of use and planning.
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