Best Meal Prep & Storage Containers, and Cutest Lunch Bags
So you want to get organized with healthy meals? You’re ready to start making your own food, packing lunch and skipping the takeout. That’s fantastic news! I’m all about healthy eating and I’m excited to get you started. But one thing you need to think about, is how you’re going to get all that healthy food around. That’s right — food storage.
Best Meal Prep & Storage Containers, and Cutest Lunch Bags
Here are my fave useful & sustainable containers for bringing to work and storing food - in the pantry, fridge, and freezer!
But! Let’s start with some meal prep basics:
If someone is just getting started with meal prep what are the essentials they need? What will they use them for and why are these your picks?
Make single servings:
A good way to control portions is to buy single-serving packages of food. This may be a little more wasteful, but it’s more convenient. If you have the patience and self-control to make your own single-serving packages, even better! Foods that are great to buy in single-serving packages are guacamole packets, string cheese, nuts, and nut butters.
Be realistic about how often you will eat out:
When creating your meal plan, try to be realistic about how often you will eat out. If chicken & veggies just isn’t going to cut it on Friday night, don’t even plan (and buy groceries) to last you that long. You will end up SAVING money in the end when you plan for what is realistic in your life! Don’t feel bad about this, it’s far better than setting unrealistic expectations that you feel bad for living up to.
Buy certain foods in bulk:
Especially once you get the hang of meal prepping and shopping for yourself, buy certain foods in bulk that you know you’ll get through. I typically recommend these foods you buy in bulk if you can - e.g. at the grocery store or at bigger stores like CostCo. These foods last a long time - which is important especially if you’re only cooking for yourself.
Frozen non-starchy veggies like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and green beans
Packs of nuts like peanuts, cashews, etc. (or better yet get a variety!) - if you want to make your own little packs, go ahead by all means! For me, it’s worth it to buy the pre-packaged packs because I’m lazy (I’m sure some of you can relate!)!
Jerky - lasts for so long!
Frozen protein - like burger patties, shrimp, chicken breasts
So what do we want in containers?
No leakage. Sometimes you won’t know this until you’ve used it a few times, but keep an eye on new containers so they don’t wreck any bags or leave you with a nasty surprise!
Limiting of plastic / any potential chemicals or compounds that can get into our food. If this sounds a little complicated, start with BPA free plastic.
Ability to go from the freezer, to the fridge, to the microwave, etc.
Dishwasher safe. Obviously something you can clean up quickly and easily is a must!
Oven & microwave safe. I don’t want to be transferring from my container to a heating container and then to a plate. Way too many things to clean up! Being prepared with some oven and microwave safe options will save you so much time and clean up.
I really love and prefer glass containers with lock lids for the reasons listed above. However! They can be pretty heavy. If they’re too heavy for you to cart around - consider leaving some at work to transfer your food to so you can heat it up. AND! Don’t put the lids in the microwave :)
SO! With all of that being said, here are my favorite containers.
I. Meal Prep Containers
2-Compartment Glass Lock-Lid Containers (Click here to see them) - best for taking to work/ school
I prefer 2-compartment so you don’t feel so stressed to fill up every section with a different food :) And I love the lock lids to prevent spilling. These aren’t perfect though - make sure they’re stacked vertically in your lunch bag and don’t carry at any kind of angle.
Large Glass Containers (click here to see them) - best for storing food at home
I think I have 10 of these I’m not joking 😂 They are SO handy because they’re so big, they can go from the freezer to the fridge, they can go in the stove (without the lid), etc. My absolute favorite! At this point I don’t use any other storage containers besides these.
3 oz mini containers (click here to see them) - best for small quantity foods
These aren’t 100% leak-proof, but they’re pretty good! Pack them in your insulated lunch bag. ALSO! These actually aren’t dishwasher safe so just wash them by hand. Ideal for bringing along a salad dressing without your salad getting soggy.
16 oz (2 cups) Thermos with Spoon - best thermos
Thermoses are excellent for non-spillage and keeping foods hot - especially helpful if you’re somewhere without a microwave! You’ll be surprised how well these old school throwbacks keep your hot drinks or soups hot. Ideal on a chilly winter’s day, far better than a mason jar.
II. Cutest Lunchboxes
Here are my faves - so cute AND insulated! This is so important, especially if you’ve got a long commute or you’re going to running around a lot. An insulated lunch box will keep your lunch temperature it needs to be. Depending on the day, you might even consider adding an ice pack to your tote bag.
The cutest purse, I mean insulated lunch bag 😍 from Modern Picnic - use the code FOOD15 for 15% off for a limited time!