Meal prepping allows you to plan and portion out meals in advance, which can save time, reduce stress, and promote healthier eating habits. While plastic containers have long been a popular choice, glass storage containers offer a more sustainable, safer alternative. Here’s a look at the top five safest glass storage containers for meal prep that can help you keep your food fresh and ready to go.
Why You Should Start Meal Prepping Today
Meal prepping has become a trendy health habit, but it’s a fantastic way to improve your overall well-being. By prepping your meals in advance, you can take control of your diet, ensuring you have nutritious, balanced meals ready to go throughout the week. This can help you avoid the temptation of unhealthy fast food or last-minute choices. It’s a great way to manage your portions, which is beneficial for weight management and maintaining a balanced diet.
Beyond the health benefits, meal prepping can save you a significant amount of time and money. By planning and cooking in bulk, you reduce the daily stress of deciding what to eat, freeing up time for other activities.
It also helps you stick to a budget, as you can buy ingredients in larger quantities — often for cheaper — and reduce food waste by using everything you purchase. Some families can save up to $500 on groceries each month by planning meals. Whether you’re looking to improve your diet, save time or manage your budget better, meal prepping is a smart, sustainable practice.
Top 5 Safest Glass Storage Containers
When it comes to meal prep, safety is just as important as convenience. Glass storage containers are a great choice because they don’t leach harmful chemicals into your food and are more environmentally friendly than plastic alternatives.
Choosing good-quality glass containers keeps your food fresh and makes cleanup easier. Here are the top five glass containers for your meal-prepping needs.
Pyrex Simply Store Meal Prep Glass Containers
Thanks to its high-quality glassware, Pyrex is a household name, and the Simply Store line lives up to its reputation. These containers are made from durable tempered glass that can withstand sudden temperature changes, making them safe to use in the oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher.
The airtight lids ensure your meals stay fresh for longer periods. From yogurt parfaits and trail mix to pasta dishes, the various sizes mean you can store all your favorites. They’re available in sets of five, eight, nine, 12, 14 and 16, perfect for larger families and those who live alone.
The BPA-free lids make the Simple Store range one of the safest glass storage containers, plus they stack easily for efficient storage. While the containers themselves are oven-safe, the lids are not, so avoid heating up your meals with them still on.
Get it on Amazon for $40.96
Glasslock 20-Piece Assorted Container Set
The Glasslock 20-piece set offers a comprehensive collection of glass containers in different shapes and sizes, ideal for any meal prep situation. The snap-lock lids are airtight and have a leak-proof seal, keeping your food fresh and secure, even on the go. Their eco-friendly, BPA-free glass is stain and odor-resistant, so they’re ideal for tomato-based foods and soups.
This Glasslock set is freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe, and you can even pop it in the air fryer. Made with TEMPERMAX technology, these containers are shatterproof, so you don’t need to worry about frequent replacements.
Get it on Amazon for $54.99
OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Container Set
OXO is well-known for its thoughtful design, and the Good Grips Smart Seal set is no exception. These containers feature four locking tabs that create a secure, leak-proof seal, making them ideal for transporting your meals to work, school or the gym. They are made from borosilicate glass, which is resistant to thermal shock, so they can go straight from the freezer to the oven without risk of shattering.
This multipurpose set is fantastic for meal preppers who love easy-to-use containers that can handle sudden temperature changes. The silicon seal is simple to remove and easy to clean. The lids, however, aren’t oven-safe, so it’s best to remove them before reheating your food.
Get it on Amazon for $55.95
Anchor Hocking TrueSeal Glass Food Storage Containers
Anchor Hocking’s TrueSeal range is a budget-friendly yet high-quality option for avid meal preppers. The TrueSeal lids provide an airtight seal, perfect for keeping your meals fresh throughout the week. Being BPA-free means your food stays free from harmful chemicals, making them one of the safest glass storage containers.
This set is best for budget-conscious individuals who don’t want to compromise on quality. On the downside, the lids can be a hassle to clean, but they’re easy enough to pop in the dishwasher. Meanwhile, the thick, durable glass is stain- and odor-resistant, as well as microwave-, oven- and dishwasher-safe.
Get it on Amazon for $32.56
Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers
Prep Naturals is another great affordable meal prep option. Designed specifically for meal prepping, each container features portion control compartments, making it easy to separate your proteins, carbs and veggies.
The dishes are made from high-quality borosilicate glass, and the snap-lock lids ensure no leakage while you go about your day. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to maintain a balanced diet while keeping their meals organized.
If you eat bigger portions, the compartments may not be big enough. However, they can be great for packing an assortment of snacks for the office or gym.
Get it on Amazon for $34.99
Meal Prepping Hacks
Getting started with meal prep can be a game-changer for your routine, but knowing a few key strategies can make the process even more efficient and enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your meal prep sessions:
Begin with prepping just a few meals or snacks for the week to avoid feeling overwhelmed. As you get more comfortable, you can gradually increase the amount of food you prepare.
Take some time each week to plan your meals and create a grocery list. This helps you stay organized and ensures you always have the ingredients you need.
Prepare large portions of staple foods like grains, proteins and vegetables to mix and match throughout the week. This saves time and gives you a bit more flexibility in your meals.
To keep salad veggies fresh, wash and thoroughly dry them in a salad spinner and keep any dressings on the bottom of the container rather than adding them on top.
Aim for a balance of proteins, healthy fats and carbs in each meal to keep your nutrition on track. Including a variety of vegetables adds nutrients and flavor.
Identify your busiest days and prep meals that are easy to grab and go. Salads, overnight oats, chia pudding, rice bowls and pasta dishes can be lifesavers on hectic days.
Don’t be afraid to swap ingredients or change up recipes based on what you have on hand. Meal prepping is about making life easier, not creating more stress.
Simplify Your Schedule
Choosing the right glass storage containers for meal prep can significantly improve your routine. Whether you prioritize durability, leak-proofing or portion control, there’s sure to be a container on this list that suits your needs.
Living a healthier lifestyle takes more than just grabbing random ingredients on the way out the door. Meal prepping can make your mornings less stressful and help you reach those health and fitness goals. Give these glass meal prep containers a try and save time, money and energy on those extra busy days.
