Meal prep is all about preparing whole meals or even just parts of meals in advance. Meal prep is often used by those that have busy weekdays. With a little ahead of time prep on the weekends, things are so much easier for weekday dinners. From chopping veggies ahead of time, to measuring out ingredients into one container, there are all kinds of ways to meal prep. There are also several pieces of food prep equipment that will make the job easier for you including the best food prep containers.
With the right food prep equipment, you can wash veggies, peel them, chop them, and store them in handy containers. Having good quality prep tools like a good peeler, and a nice chefs knife will help you get your veggies processed and ready quickly. Having the right food prep storage containers will keep you organized. Finally, having handy food prep cooking options like sheet pans and slow cookers will help you get those family dinner nights done! Would you like to reduce your food preparation time during the week when you are busy? Read on for the best meal prep containers and kitchen accessories.
Essential Food Prep Equipment
If you are passionate about home cooked meals and you love the little kitchen accoutrements that make food prep quicker and more efficient, then you will love these suggestions! Having the right food prep equipment for preparing meals in advance is an ideal way to maximize both preparation efforts and storage efficiency.
For efficient meal prep, essential equipment includes a set of good-quality knives, cutting boards, and food storage containers to keep ingredients organized and fresh. A slow cooker, instant pot, or large sheet pans can help cook in bulk, while measuring cups, spoons, and a food processor or blender make chopping and mixing easier.
Food Prep Meal Storage Containers
The airtight food storage container makes food last longer. A big part of food prep is cutting things up or measuring things out so they can be stored efficiently and be ready for quick use. This advance work makes it possible for you to throw a meal together with very little time. You need several food prep storage containers so you can stack things up in the fridge or freeze meals for easy grab and heat later. I suggest getting a large food storage set with only a couple of size options. That way they stack nice and store easy when they are not in use. Or when you want to make equal size meals ahead of time.
Glass Containers
- Glasslock Oven Safe Containers: These glass containers are sturdy, BPA-free, and can go from fridge to oven (minus the lid). They resist staining and don’t absorb food odors, making them ideal for strong-smelling foods.
- Pyrex Meal Prep Containers: Made from durable glass, Pyrex containers are microwave, oven, and dishwasher-safe. They come in different sizes and are great for reheating meals directly in the container.
Plastic Containers
- Meal Prep Haven Containers: Simple, stackable, and portioned for single meals, these containers are durable and freezer-friendly, making them ideal for bulk meal prepping. These food grade plastic containers are BPA free and are to microwave safe, freezer safe, and dishwasher safe (top rack) so you can use them again and again. A vary budget friendly option available through my affiliate Amazon link.
- Sistema Containers: Ideal for portioned meals and snacks, Sistema containers come in various compartment styles and are made of BPA-free plastic. They’re microwave-safe with a venting system for easy reheating.
Stainless steel containers will work for this but you are likely to forget what is in them and then things can go bad. I like glass storage containers that are Microwave, Oven, Freezer and Dishwasher Safe. Glasslock containers are great for easy storage and portion control. If you are going to go with plastic containers, be sure they are BPA-free plastic.
Glass Prep Bowls With Lids
Glass prep bowls in a variety of sizes are great additions to your meal storage containers. These can glass containers can be used to store sauces, measure out spices, or hold snacks. So many uses! It is nice to be able to slap a lid on and stick them in the freezer. Or take them out and about on the go. Look for ones that are dishwasher safe and have lids.
You can use a glass prep bowl to make a sauce, put on the lid and put it in the refrigerator to cool, and then serve. By using the same container for preparation and storage and serving, you are saving time and you are taking steps to prevent dirty dish pileups.
I also use different sizes of pyrex glass mixing bowls with lids. Here is my affiliate link to my favorite set on Amazon. In this way, I can mix things up and store for later easily. Then after serving in that same bowl (a salad for instance), I can refrigerate the leftovers too by simply popping on the plastic lid! Pyrex glass is safe in the oven, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher.
Squeeze Bottles Or Mason Jars
In his blog on kitchen tools and gadgets, a chef known as the Food Woolf examines ways in which we can be more efficient in the kitchen. The chef shares that we need to have sauces and oils nearby and in a container that’s easy to access for multiple uses throughout food preparation. He suggests using a squeeze bottle like the ones mustard and ketchup are traditionally kept. These bottles are a great way to avoid opening caps or bottles while getting access to frequently used liquid ingredients. Furthermore, it will provide greater ease and help keep clutter off the countertops. My husband loves this tip. He loves preparing sauces ahead of time for use and storing them in his squeeze bottles. I prefer just using a mason jar with a lid. Choses whatever works for you!
A Good 8″Chef Knife
An 8″ chef knife is a great all purpose knife. It can be used for chopping up veggies and cutting meat. Get a good quality knife with good reviews. Along with a chef knife, I suggest a small paring knife, a peeler, and a lemon zester as basic kitchen tools.
Sheet Pan
A nice large sheet pan can be used both in food prep and in easy food cooking. There are lots of recipes you can find where with just a bit of veggie and meat preparation, you can just lay it out on the sheet pan and cook it all together on that one dish! Very funky fresh, as my daughter would say.
Easy Food Prep Tips
- Plan Your Meals: Decide on recipes and portion sizes for the week. Consider. ingredients that overlap to save money and time.
- Batch Cooking: Prepare versatile staples like grains, proteins, and roasted veggies in large batches. These can be mixed and matched for different meals.
- Invest in Quality Containers: Use airtight, BPA-free containers or glass jars to store prepped ingredients or meals. This helps them stay fresh longer.
- Pre-Chop Veggies: Chop and store vegetables in water to keep them crisp and easy to grab for cooking or snacking.
- Freeze for Later: Portion meals and freeze extras. They’ll be perfect for busy days when you need a quick, nutritious meal.
Conclusion
A meal prep container set simplifies meal planning, reduces food waste, and helps maintain portion control, all of which support healthier eating habits and budget-friendly grocery shopping. By pre-portioning meals in reusable containers, you can easily grab balanced, ready-to-eat meals, saving time during busy days. High-quality, leak-proof containers keep food fresh longer and are usually microwave- and dishwasher-safe, making reheating and cleanup convenient. Many sets include stackable designs to maximize fridge space, helping you stay organized while cutting down on single-use packaging, which is also eco-friendly.
Think about how you cook, and the steps you take in preparing and storing your food. Then make a list of the plastic containers and other prep tools you need in place to accommodate your culinary needs. You will find that this food prep equipment is so helpful! You will likely wonder how you got along without it during all those previous years of shuffling through a unorganized kitchen. I hope you find that these tips help to make food prep easy! Will you try doing your meal prep in advance on the weekend? It is a great healthy habit that also helps save time and money!
Related Posts:
Benefits Of Meal Planning Plus Tips To Get Started
Sweet Potato Nourish Bowl Recipe (perfect recipe to meal prep)
Nathan says
The overall look of your site is magnificent as well as the content. Thanks for sharing your favorite food prep containers. I plan to use plastic meal prep containers for lunch and glass for dinners at home. I like how you highlighted the most important factors for each brand of food storage.
Ramona says
Very helpful blog post. I think the best food storage container is the glass kind with the silicone gasket because they are leak proof. I see you put them top of your list for good reason.
Blue Techker says
I appreciate you sharing this blog post on the best meal prep containers and equipment. Very helpful tips too. Thanks!
Kidzonia says
Great tips! I’m definitely going to try meal prepping. Thanks for the container recommendations.