The 5 best glass meal prep containers- my top five picks! After testing many brands over the years, this post reviews my top five picks so you don't waste your time or your money.
Just like having the right freezer containers, it's also important to have quality meal prep containers to keep your food as fresh as possible. I have tested many glass meal prep container brands over the years, and I've narrowed it down to five quality containers for you.
Reasons to choose glass meal prep containers
- they are free from chemicals- yes, many plastic containers are BPA free these days, but I'm just waiting for the next chemical to be discovered. Using glass means you don't have to worry about anything from the containers seeping into your food.
- they re-heat your food more evenly- glass just conducts heat better.
- they keep your food fresher- no smells or tastes absorb into your food the way they can from plastic meal prep containers.
- they are more environmentally friendly- glass containers last longer than plastic, and they are more expensive so you are less likely to treat them as 'disposable'.
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Video
Watch the video below to see my favorite glass containers for meal prep. You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel, or on Facebook.
1. Best meal-sized container
If you are looking for a basic glass container, I highly recommend these Snapware 2 cup glass storage containers
. I own nearly 40 of them! They are perfect for cooked and portioned out meal prep recipes. I've frozen, microwaved and baked them, and have put them through the dishwasher hundreds of times, and have never had a single one break!
- Canadians- check out Real Canadian Superstore
- Americans- check Target or Walmart!
2. Best sectioned container
If you are looking to make Bento-style lunches, these Prep Naturals 3 compartment glass storage containers
help you can keep your fruit and veggies separate from other ingredients that must be kept dry (like chips, crackers etc).
We love these containers, though we do wish the lids were as well constructed as our Snapware glass containers. That being said we've owned them for nearly 3 years and have put them through the dishwasher dozens of times and they are still working.
3. Best larger meal prep container
If you are looking to store energy bites chopped veggies, cooked chicken, or any larger portion of food, you will need a larger storage container. I highly recommend these Snapware 6 cup glass storage containers!
4. Best affordable option
When it comes to function and affordability, it's hard to beat a pint-sized mason jar. From parfaits to smoothie packs to storing veggies, sauces, soup portions and more, they are durable, and get the job done well. I recommend a wide mouth jar as it is easier to eat out of as well as to get your food in and out.
5. Best variety
Update (July 2020)- while I haven't mentioned them in the video above, I am a huge fan of IKEA's glass meal prep containers. They come in a huge variety of sizes (check out the 3 L ones above), are affordable, durable and seem to be great quality.
They also have the option of wood or plastic lids. I've owned several sets for 2 years now, and am extremely happy with how they've held up through freezing, thawing, baking and washing.
- 3 L containers- I use these for freezer crockpot or Instant Pot recipes, as well as casseroles
- 1.7 L jar with lid- I use these to store soups in the fridge (I have the plastic lid)
- 4 cup containers- a bit large for prepped meals, but great to store meal prep components like hard boiled eggs, chopped veggies etc
Ashley
How do you label your meal prep containers or mason jars? Do you use labels? Dry erase markers? Masking tape?
I am just starting this process & want to purchase meal prep containers soon!
Denise
Hi Ashley! Most of the time I don't even label my containers, but when I do, I either use painter's tape, write on the lid with dry-erase marker, or these reusable labels. They stay on forever and you can erase and write over time and time again 🙂
Sue Russell
I’m all about the mason jars for EVERYTHING from meal prep to regular storage to making salad dressings, etc. My entire cabinet is full of them and I use the wide mouth jars for freezing soup, tomatoes sauce, pesto, etc. Love, love, love them. And I write on the lids what the food is and an expiration date. I just purchased some snap ware on your recommendation. I bought the two and four cup containers. The two cup seems kind of small for a meal that I would want to microwave so I thought the four might work better for some meals. I’m looking forward to trying them. I’m enjoying reading your tips and recipes!
Denise
Hi Sue! I use mason jars for everything these days, too! I even converted my pantry into mason jar storage for all my baking supplies. So easy to refill! I hope you enjoy the meal prep containers, I've never tried the 4 cup ones, keep me posted on how they work out for you!
Pia P.
Hi Denise, I bought 2 of the 2 cup ones yesterday to try. The ones you recommended. Do you remove the ring every time when you wash them? Any tricks to Washington g the kids?
Pia
Sorry, type-o there. I meant tricks to washing the lids.
Denise
Hi Pia! No, I don't remove the ring...in fact I don't think you can remove the ring from the snapware ones, is that the one you're talking about? If the ring is coming out, you may want to exchange them. Lids- I put on the top rack of my dishwasher!
Aimee
Occasionally our Snapware lids have developed a black growth underneath the silicone seal "rings." They can be worked out with a dull knife for separate lid/seal cleaning, and then pushed back into place once lid and seal are thoroughly dry. It probably helps to not let the lids sit in water (like in the sink).
Aimee
Forgot to say- this issue has been on Snapware that's been in use for 8+ years.
Denise
Oh that's disappointing to hear. I have never had that, but I don't leave them in water and make sure they are 100% dry before storing away. I also live in a really dry climate so maybe that helps? Thanks for sharing 🙂
elizabeth Gault
how do you store them when not in use? I gotta say the plastice ones are so easy to stack and store
Denise
I stack my glass ones too! The snapware ones stack on top of each other great and then I store all the lids in a drawer. The multi-compartment containers need to be stored with the lids on so they are more bulky.
Rebecca Sheffar
I use the glass ‘canning’ jars for my smoothie ingredients.
I measure out the amount of each ingredient for each smoothie and put it in the jar but don’t put the liquid in, saving that to add whenever I want a smoothie.
So all I have to do is take out a jar, remove the lid and dump the contents in my blender, add whatever juice I want...mostly orange juice though.
Place the lid securely on your blender once everything is in there.
Blend the whole thing until smooth and enjoy!
Denise
That's exactly what I do too! Here is my post on zero-waste frozen smoothie packs https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/5-make-ahead-breakfast-smoothies/
Tricia
I just bought a few of the Snapware containers and they are built so nice. Question for microwaving - do you leave the plastic lid on when warming in the microwave and if so, do you leave the lid snapped on tight? I know it says microwave safe just concerned the seals on the lids might not last long if using in the microwave.
Denise
Hi Tricia! I leave the lid covering the container but ajar, never snapped on.
Suzanne
I stocked up on Prep Naturals when they were on special at Amazon and the lids are awful. I've never used them in the microwave or dishwasher, I've only handwashed them. However, I'm lucky to get two sides to snap shut. I'll try the Snap Naturals next, thanks for the suggestion!
Denise
Hi Suzanne! I agree, the lids leave something to be desired, that's for sure. I haven't had issues getting them to snap on though, just the liner comes out all the time. I am going to be trying out some other containers and hopefully will find some that have better lids. Snapware is awesome though, I haven't found any other containers that match their quality.
Brittany Audra @ Audra's Appetite
I asked for glass meal prep containers for Christmas after reading your blog/posts about meal prep...and LOVE them!! I use them literally pretty much every single day.
Denise
I'm so happy to hear that! I love my glass meal prep containers!