Are you tired of constantly wasting money on takeout and fast food? Do you need help finding the time to cook healthy meals during a busy workweek? Meal prepping is the solution, but choosing the right container can make all the difference in your success.
We’ve compiled The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Meal Prep Container to help you navigate all your options and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Say goodbye to soggy salads and hello to perfectly portioned meals with our expert tips and recommendations!
What are Meal Prep Containers?
If you’re like most people, you probably have many questions about choosing the best meal prep container. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about meal prep containers so that you can decide which type of container is right for you.
What are Meal Prep Containers?
Meal prep containers are reusable food storage containers to portion out and store meals. They come in various sizes and shapes and can be made from different materials, such as plastic, glass, or metal. Meal prep containers can store cooked and raw foods and refrigerate or freeze them for later use.
Why Use Meal Prep Containers?
There are many reasons why you should use meal prep containers. For one, they can help you save money by allowing you to cook in bulk and portion out your meals ahead of time.
They also help you stay organized and save time by eliminating the need to measure ingredients each time you want to cook a meal. Additionally, meal prep containers make packing healthy lunches and snacks easy. And finally, using reusable meal prep containers is better for the environment than disposable food storage options like plastic bags or foil wrappers.
Benefits of Meal Prep Containers
There are so many different ways to do it when it comes to meal prep. You can cook all your meals from scratch or use shortcuts like frozen meals or takeout. But one of the best meal prep methods is using meal prep containers.
Meal prep containers have a lot of benefits that make them ideal for meal prepping:
- They’re portion-controlled, so you can ensure you’re not overeating.
- They’re reusable so that you can save money in the long run.
- They’re easy to transport, so you can take your meals with you on the go.
Here are some of the other benefits of using meal prep containers:
1. You can make ahead and store in the fridge or freezer: Meal prep containers are perfect for making ahead and storing in the fridge or freezer for later. This way, you always have a healthy meal ready to go when you need it.
2. They help with portion control: One of the main benefits of using meal prep containers is that they help with portion control. This is especially helpful if you’re trying to lose weight or eat healthier. By portioning out your food beforehand, you can avoid overeating or eating too much of one thing.
3. They’re great for on-the-go eating: If you’re always on the go and don’t have time to sit down for a meal, meal prep containers are great for taking your food with you. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer, so you always have something ready to go.
4. They’re affordable: Meal prep containers are also very affordable. They cost a fraction of the price of meals from restaurants or takeout places, and they last much longer. So not only do they save you money in the long run, but they’re also much more eco-friendly than disposable options.
Types of Meal Prep Containers
There are a few different types of meal prep containers to choose from. The most popular are plastic and glass.
Plastic: Plastic containers are the most affordable option and can be found at most stores. They’re lightweight and easy to clean, but they can retain smells and flavours from previous meals.
Glass: Glass containers are a bit more expensive than plastic, but they’re non-porous, so that they won’t hold on to smells or flavours. They’re also dishwasher and microwave safe.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel containers are another great option. They’re durable, non-porous, and dishwasher-safe. However, they can be pricier than both plastic and glass options.
Other Considerations: There are a few other things to remember when choosing meal prep containers. Make sure to choose BPA-free and food-grade containers if you’re concerned about safety. You’ll also want to ensure your chosen containers have secure lids to avoid leaks.
Considerations When Shopping for Meal Prep Containers
When choosing the best meal prep containers, remember a few key considerations. First, think about the type of food you’ll be prepping. Will you be prepping hot or cold meals?
If you’re prepping hot meals, you’ll need containers that can withstand high temperatures. If you’re prepping cold meals, you’ll need containers that won’t sweat and leak.
Next, consider the size of the containers. You’ll want to ensure the containers are big enough to fit all your food but not so big that they’re difficult to carry around or take up too much space in your fridge.
Finally, think about the material of the containers. Some materials hold up better than others in the microwave or dishwasher. And if you’re trying to be eco-friendly, look for reusable containers made from sustainable materials.
How to Choose the Best Container for You
When it comes to meal prep containers, there are a lot of options on the market. And while they all will get the job done, not everyone is equal. So, how do you choose the best container for you? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. The type of food you’ll be prepping. If you’re only prepping dry meals (think: rice, quinoa, pasta, etc.), then any container will do. But if you’re also prepping wetter foods like soup or stew, you’ll want to ensure your container has a tight-fitting lid to prevent leaks.
2. The size of your meals. This one is self-explanatory – you’ll want to ensure your container is big enough to fit all of your food! If you’re unsure, err on caution and use a larger size.
3. How many meals you’re prepping at once? Are you only prepping one meal for the week ahead? Or are you batch-cooking several days’ worth of meals? If it’s the latter, you’ll want to ensure your containers can stack neatly in your fridge (or freezer).
4. Your budget. Meal prep containers come in a wide range of prices, so decide how much you’re willing (or able) to spend before starting your search. Remember that the more you spend, the better product you get.
5. Your needs. Last but not least, think about what features are important to you. For example, if you’re looking for containers that can go from the fridge to the microwave or oven without issue, then look for microwave and oven-safe ones!
Tips on Using and Caring for Your Container
When it comes to choosing a meal prep container, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, consider the size of the container. You want one large enough to hold all your food but not so large that it’s difficult to carry or store.
Second, think about the material. Some containers are made of glass or plastic, while others are made of stainless steel. Each has advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
Finally, consider the price. Meal prep containers can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. Choose the one that fits your budget and your needs.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect meal prep container, knowing how to care for it is important. First, wash it with warm water and soap before using it for the first time. This will remove any dirt or debris that may be on the surface.
After each use, wash the container with warm water and soap. If you’re using a dishwasher-safe container, you can also put it in the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface of the container.
Conclusion
The best meal prep container depends on your needs and preferences. A wide variety of containers are available, so take some time to think about what kind of features and materials you need to make meal prepping easier.
With this guide, we hope you have gained an understanding of the different types of meal prep containers out there and can confidently choose one that will work for you and meet all your needs!
