Effortless Meal Prep Begins with the Right Containers

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Salads have established themselves as a lunchtime staple, offering minimal preparation, no need for reheating, and versatility in terms of ingredients. A convenient salad bowl enhances the experience, providing enough space for greens and various toppings.

One user shared, “What I appreciate about this bowl is its included dressing container and the sturdy stainless steel divider that prevents spills, even when the bowl is moved around.” This 64-ounce bowl (also available in a larger 184-ounce version) is spacious enough to accommodate multiple servings of a favorite dish, such as quinoa salad. While it requires some storage space in the refrigerator, its practicality makes it a worthwhile addition for regular salad enthusiasts.

Material: Stainless steel | Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe

Top Choice: Stasher Starter Pack

Advantages

Strong seal
Highly durable
Safe for microwave, oven, and freezer

Disadvantages

Could benefit from larger sizes

Bid farewell to single-use plastic bags and say hello to reusable silicone alternatives. The Stasher Starter Pack offers a sustainable solution, with silicone bags featuring a strong pinch lock seal. A tester remarked, “These bags are made of high-quality silicone and offer a secure closure that is easy to feel when locked.”

These pouches are ideal for storing all kinds of ingredients, including liquids, and come in various sizes, from snack-sized bags to half-gallon freezer bags that can accommodate larger items like sandwiches. While they may not fully replace traditional glass or plastic containers, they are an excellent addition to any kitchen looking to reduce single-use plastic waste.

Material: Silicone | Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe

Best for Temperature Control: Hydroflask Insulated Food Jar

Advantages

Leakproof construction
Maintains food temperature for hours
Does not retain odors

Disadvantages

Not suitable for microwave, oven, or freezer use

For maintaining the perfect temperature of your meals, the Hydroflask insulated food jar is an excellent choice. One editor noted that it kept her soup hot and overnight oats cold for a couple of hours, ideal for mealtime. There is potential to heat food thoroughly before placing it in the jar, keeping it warm enough until lunchtime.

Durability is another strongpoint of this jar, which is also non-odor retaining. “I love that it seals tightly and is robust enough to handle being moved around without the risk of leaks,” the tester said.

Material: Stainless steel | Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe

Best for Lunch: Bentgo Modern Lunch Box

Advantages

Customizable compartments
Leak-resistant design
Microwave-safe

Disadvantages

Bulkier compared to traditional options
Lacks a handle for easy transport

This innovative lunch box is perfect for those who enjoy a variety of sides and snacks with their meals. Far removed from the simple brown paper bag of childhood, it features a large compartment for the main dish and smaller ones for snacks.

The customizable design stands out: “The removable dividers make it easy to adjust the compartments to my serving preferences, rather than the other way around,” commented one user.

Material: Plastic | Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe

What to Consider When Selecting Meal Prep Containers

After extensive testing of various options, essential qualities for meal prep containers include:

Size

The container size you require will depend on your cooking habits. If you typically prepare multiple servings of the same dish, medium-sized containers may be preferable. For those who prefer to prep ingredients for individual meals, smaller-sized containers might be more suitable.

Source
www.self.com