The 7 Best Meal Prep Containers That Are Non-Toxic And Safe 

Maintaining a healthy diet and sticking to it can be quite challenging, particularly for those who are constantly on the move. Whether you're packing meals for work, school, or the gym, having the right meal prep containers can make all the difference. They help keep your food fresh and delicious and make it easy to portion out your meals and stick to your nutritional goals.

Whether you are looking to start meal prepping or are a well-seasoned expert at preparing healthy meals ahead, it's crucial to use the right food storage containers. While traditional plastic meal prep containers offer convenience, they are harmful to the environment and may not be the safest choice for your health. Thankfully, there are a number of plastic-free alternatives that make meal prep easier and healthier than ever! To help health-conscious meal preppers to find the best meal prep containers that are safe, easy to use, and environmentally friendly, we've rounded up the best non-toxic meal prep containers.

What To Look For In A Meal Planning Container

Material

In addition to being taxing on the environment, traditional plastic food prep containers are made of toxic chemicals that may be hazardous to your health. These dangerous chemicals— most commonly found in cheaper and older plastic containers— can leach out chemicals and phthalates into your food. 

Studies have found that bisphenol A, better known as BPA, is linked to numerous health issues affecting the heart, brain, and female reproductive system. Even more alarmingly, researchers have found that early childhood exposure to BPA can potentially contribute to ADHD behaviors. 

While these days, there are some BPA-free plastic containers marketed as "non-toxic," it's best to avoid plastic containers entirely if you're concerned about the environmental effects and potential health risks. When it comes to plastic-free meal prep containers, there are three common materials to choose from: glass, silicone, ceramic, and stainless steel. 

Glass

A glass container is the most common plastic alternative for meal containers, and health-conscious meal preppers prefer glass over plastic. Typically, glass containers have air proof lids made from plastic and keep your food fresh. It's important to note that while the glass containers themselves can be placed in the microwave, oven, and dishwasher, these plastic lids cannot.

Silicone

Silicone food storage containers are the most similar to traditional plastic Tupperware, as they're lightweight, flexible, and kid-friendly. 

Ceramic

Thanks to their versatility, ceramic containers have been used for food storage for centuries. While they're the most natural option, they're not the most practical, as they're heavy and can break easily. 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel food storage containers are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their durability and versatility. Unlike glass food storage containers, they're nearly unbreakable, making them a popular choice among families with small children. 

BPA free Plastic

While plastic meal prep containers should generally be avoided, a BPA-free plastic food storage container is still a common choice for meal-preppers. Plastic food storage containers are cheap and lighter than glass containers. If you do choose to stick with plastic, look for plastic labeled with the number 1,2,4,5 inside a triangle made of arrows, as they generally do not contain BPA. But it's best you avoid plastic when possible. 

Size

To successfully meal prep, you'll likely need multiple sizes of food storage containers. While larger meal-prepping containers are perfect for holding full meals, they're too large to hold snacks. Plus, it can be a pain (quite literally) to take multiple large glass containers or ceramic containers on the go. If you're new to meal prepping, we suggest purchasing a multi-pack or two meal prep containers set to start. These packs include multiple sizes and are often cheaper than buying each food container individually. 

Style

If lugging around (and cleaning) multiple containers aren't your thing, try a food container with internal compartments instead of a traditional single compartment. Nowadays, many bento box-style containers have dividers that can be moved or removed for added versatility. 

Microwave Safe, Oven Safe & Freezer Safe

Sometimes meal prepping can be as simple as storing leftovers from the night before and bringing them to work the next day. However, if you plan to meal prep for several days or weeks, freezing some of your meals might be necessary to keep them fresh and safe to eat. Freezer-safe containers allow you to prepare your meals in advance and store them in the freezer for later use. Meanwhile, microwave-safe containers make it easy to reheat your meals quickly and conveniently. Not all meal prep containers are microwave-safe, oven safe and/or freezer safe. Therefore be sure to read the product info or check with the brand to ensure it is freezer-safe, oven-safe, and microwave-safe.

Ease to Clean

Dishwasher-safe storage containers make cleanup a breeze and are more convenient for busy individuals who may not have the time or energy to hand wash their containers after every use. 

Number Of Food Storage Containers

When first starting with meal prep, it's common for people to be unsure of how many containers they actually need. The number of food storage containers required depends on how many meals one intends to prepare in advance.

The Best Meal Prep Containers That Are Non-Toxic And Safe

Verel Glass Meal Prep Containers with Bamboo Lids

Best Overall

If you're looking for a stylish and eco-friendly way to store your food, the Verel Glass Meal Prep Containers with Bamboo Lids are a great choice. Verel's glass meal prep single-compartment glass food storage containers are made using durable glass and eco-friendly bamboo lids with leak-free silicone seals, making them entirely plastic-free.

One of the things that I love about these glass food prep containers is their versatility. They can be used to store a wide range of foods, from dry goods like pasta and rice to fresh fruits and vegetables. Since these containers are made from glass, you can rest easy knowing that no harmful chemicals will leach into your food. Plus, the bamboo lids double as a small cutting board, making it easier than ever to enjoy meals on the go. With their functional and stylish bamboo lids, these containers add a touch of elegance to any kitchen. And because they are made from a renewable resource, they are a more sustainable alternative to plastic or metal lids. Cleaning these glass food storage containers is a breeze, as they can be easily washed by hand or popped in the dishwasher. And because they are stackable, they are ideal for small kitchens or fridges.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.4/5 Durability: 4.5/5 Quality: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.4/5 Ease to Clean: 4.6/5 Leak Proof: 4.5/5

Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Container Multi-Pack

Most budget friendly

If you're searching for durable and long-lasting meal containers, look no further than the Prep Naturals Glass Meal Containers. These containers are made from high-quality glass that is resistant to thermal shock, ensuring that they last for a long time. This means you can easily store your food in the fridge or freezer and then reheat it in the microwave or oven without risking the glass cracking or shattering.

Not only are the Prep Naturals Glass Meal Containers made of high-quality glass, but they also come with airtight lids that keep your food fresh and delicious. Plus, their convenient snap-locking system makes opening and closing containers easy. The containers are also stackable, so you can easily store them in your fridge or freezer without taking up too much space. With SmartestLock lids guaranteed to be leak-proof, you'll never have to worry about spills inside your bag. And when you are done, you can simply pop them in the dishwasher for a hassle-free cleaning experience, or you can hand wash them with a little soap and water.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Durability: 4.5/5 Quality: 4.7/5 Value for Money: 4.4/5 Ease to Clean: 4.6/5 Leak Proof: 5/5

M MCIRCO Glass 2-Compartment Meal Prep Containers

Best value

Looking for the best containers for meal prep that can keep your food organized and fresh for longer and offers great value? The M MCIRCO Glass 2-Compartment Meal Prep Containers are an excellent choice. These containers are made from durable glass and come with two compartments to keep your food separate and organized. The airtight lids ensure that your food stays fresh and delicious, and the containers are microwave and dishwasher-safe for easy reheating and cleaning.

The portability of these containers is one of their standout features. Their compact and stackable design makes them ideal for storing in your fridge or taking on the go, whether you're headed to work, school, or the gym. Another great feature is the durability of these containers. The sturdy construction means they can withstand everyday wear and tear, and the secure snap-locking system ensures your food stays safe and secure. Maintaining these containers is a breeze, as they can be effortlessly cleaned by hand or placed in the dishwasher. And if you're worried about space, the containers are designed to stack neatly on top of each other, making them ideal for small kitchens or fridges.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Durability: 4.7/5 Quality: 4.7/5 Value for Money: 4.8/5 Ease to Clean: 4.8/5 Leak Proof: 5/5

S Salient three Compartments Glass Lunch Containers

Best with three compartments

This S Salient meal prep container is one of the best meal prep containers on the market, and it may just have it all. If you're searching for the best meal prep containers that can keep your food organized, fresh, and tasty for longer, the 3-Pack Glass Meal Containers with Compartments are a great choice. Also perfect for anyone who doesn't want their food to touch each other. These glass food storage containers are made from high-quality, durable glass resistant to thermal shock. The meal prep containers feature three compartments that can keep your food separate and organized, and the airtight lids ensure that your food stays fresh and delicious.

S Salient meal prep containers are ideal for on-the-go lunches with a durable design and three compartments. In addition to three glass storage containers with locking BPA-free plastic lids, the kit also includes a three-piece utensil set: a knife, fork, and spoon. These meal prep containers are incredibly versatile and safe in the microwave, oven, and freezer. This means that you can easily reheat your food when required or store it in the freezer for later use. The compact and stackable design also makes them ideal for storing in your fridge or taking on the go.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Durability: 4.6/5 Quality: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Ease to Clean: 4.7/5 Leak Proof: 4.5/5

LunchBots Medium Trio II Snack Container

Best Stainless Steel Meal Prep Container

If you're looking for a durable and versatile food container for snacks and small meals, the LunchBots Medium Trio Stainless Steel Snack Container is an excellent choice. Crafted from high-quality 18/8 stainless steel, these meal prep containers are not only durable and long-lasting but also safe for storing your food. The three compartments allow you to keep your foods separate and organized easily, and the airtight design ensures that your food stays fresh and delicious.

This meal prep container stands out for its versatility as it's ideal for packing a variety of snacks, including nuts, fruit, cheese, and crackers. And since it's crafted from stainless steel, you don't have to worry about any harmful chemicals leaching into your food. The container is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and store. Featuring a sleek and stylish design, this meal prep container adds a touch of elegance to your snack time routine, no matter where you are - at work, school, or on the go. Cleaning this meal prep container is a breeze, as it can be easily washed by hand or popped in the dishwasher. Thanks to its stainless steel construction, this meal prep container won't rust or stain over time, ensuring long-lasting use.

Unlike the other meal prep containers in sets, this stainless option only comes as a single meal prep container. If you are seeking meal prep for the week, buying this option as meal prep containers can be expensive. But it is plastic-free and more durable than plastic and glass meal prep containers.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Durability: 4.8/5 Quality: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Ease to Clean: 4.5/5 Leak Proof: 4.5/5

Caraway Food Storage Set

Best Premium Meal Prep Containers

If you're in search of a high-quality and non-toxic food storage set that will help you keep your food fresh and organized, the Caraway Food Storage Set is an excellent choice. This set includes four containers in different sizes made from high-quality non-toxic ceramic-coated glass, which is durable, long-lasting, and safe for your food. The containers come with airtight lids that seal in freshness and are designed not to leak so that you can confidently store your food.

The versatility of this set is one of its standout features. The different sizes allow you to store various foods, from leftovers and meal prep to snacks and produce. And because they're made from non-toxic ceramic-coated glass that offers a non-stick finish and is free of BPA, heavy metals, PTFEs & PFAs, you don't have to worry about any harmful chemicals leaching into your food. The stylish and minimalist design adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen, and the neutral color palette will complement any decor. Cleaning this set is a breeze, as the meal prep containers can be easily washed by hand or popped in the dishwasher (except lids and inserts). And because they're made from glass, they won't absorb any odors or stains over time.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Durability: 4.8/5 Quality: 4.7/5 Value for Money: 4.8/5 Ease to Clean: 4.5/5 Leak Proof: 4.5/5

W&P Porter Seal Tight Glass Lunch Bowl Container w/lid

Best Meal Prep Bowl

The Container with Airtight Lid is a stylish, convenient, and durable meal prep bowl that you won't want to miss. It is one of the best containers for food prepping salads, noodles, and overnight oats. Made with high-quality, BPA-free glass and wrapped in premium protective silicone, it's built to last. The airtight lid ensures that your food stays fresh and delicious, and it's also microwave and dishwasher-safe, making reheating and cleaning a breeze.

This meal prep bowl is incredibly versatile and can be used to store leftovers, meal prep, snacks, and much more. Its compact and stackable design also makes it easy to store in your fridge or pantry. While this meal prep bowl is more expensive than mason jars, the Container with Airtight Lid is dishwasher safe and microwave safe. Some mason jars don't allow you to microwave food, and they can be hot to touch afterward, unlike Container with Airtight Lids. And with two sizes and five color selections, you can find one that fits your vibe.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Durability: 4.2/5 Quality: 4.7/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Ease to Clean: 4.4/5 Leak Proof: 4.5/5

How We Picked

We have carefully curated our collection of top meal prep containers, using a meticulous selection process that involves our personal experiences, thorough research of customer feedback from different retail platforms, and valuable inputs from home chefs. We have given top priority to important factors, such as material quality, durability, portion size, ease of cleaning, and leak-proof design, to ensure that our chosen meal prep containers meet the highest standards of excellence.