19 handy meal prep containers whether you're in the office or WFH, because meal deals can be damn spenny
Though the majority of us remain WFH, there are still a few who pop into the office from time to time for a welcomed break from the mundanity of it all. Admittedly, among the excitement of being somewhere other than our own four walls for the day, we've been treating ourselves to one-too-many Pret lunches in the process. While there's absolutely no harm in doing that (Sunshine Wrap, we love ya), our bank accounts could do with a little rest from spending unnecessary money 24/7. Remember when your mum used to say “there's food at home”? She was right.
Enter: our search for the best meal prep containers. You’d be surprised at just how many different varieties there are when it comes to food storage. There are Amazon meal prep containers and glass meal prep containers. Some collapse entirely, some have a sectioned-out interior for all your different snacks, and some even come with their own cutlery! Who knew?
Prepping your meals - whether with a meal delivery service or not - especially during the week for when you’re at work, makes your life a breeze. It can also help you to meet your dietary or fitness goals as you’re more likely to have healthier meals on hand and less likely to go looking for quick fixes (no shame in a cheeky afternoon chocolate bar though). There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, however; meal prepping will look different for different people which is why it’s always good to have a variety of container sizes and types to suit your preferences.
The really organised peeps among us will batch-cook meals ahead of time, portioning it out for the week ahead. Other people will make or prepare meals the night before they intend to eat it. Whichever way you swing, there’s a meal prep container out there for you.
Convenience and time management are two more key factors to meal prepping. Your to-buy list will become much more simple when you know exactly what you’ll be eating and when, plus having a supply of standby meals in the fridge or freezer is a lifesaver during busy weeks when you just don’t fancy cooking. It’ll also save you a ton of money; meal prepping is V budget friendly as you buy ingredients in bulk, which is often cheaper, and you’re using your oven or microwave less!
What are the best containers for meal prep?
One thing is for sure, you definitely don’t want a meal-prep container that’s going to leak if you plan on taking it with you to work. No one wants to open their handbag after a long commute to find their laptop is now covered in tomato pasta and their planner is smeared with hummus. Containers like these air-tight ones from Joseph Joseph are ideal, plus the variety of sizes means you can take one for a starter, one for your main and one for pud (yay).
This black+blum travel lunch pot set comes with its own little spork making it perfect for soups or pasta. Its made with leak-proof silicone which seals everything in - dreamy for picnics - and also features millilitre and fluid ounce markings inside the bigger pot to measure liquid ingredients. Or perhaps you’re looking to buy a larger set of meal-prep containers? In which case, this 40-piece set from Amazon should tick all your boxes (no pun intended). Don't forget the old faithful bento box style lunch boxes, too, if you're one for separating your foods.
For more from GLAMOUR UK's Associate Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
Keen to get batch cooking? For our round-up of the best meal-prep containers, keep reading.
Best meal prep lunch box: Joseph Joseph
Joseph Joseph GoEat Space-Saving Lunch Box, £16, John Lewis
Simply turn the lid of this lunch box upside down and you've got a large area for your lunch and two small sections for snacks. The detachable rim ensures that everything stays together when it's in your bag.
Save when you shop for meal prep containers with these John Lewis discount codes.
Amazon meal prep containers
40-Piece Air-tight Food Containers With Lids, £39.99, Amazon
Perhaps you’re looking to buy a larger set of meal-prep containers? In which case, this 40-piece set from Amazon should tick all your boxes (no pun intended). The set is presented with a variety of different sizes so breakfast, lunch and dinner is sorted!
Glass meal prep containers
Cordelia Food Storage Container, WAS £18 NOW £12, Anthropologie
This food storage container is probably best reserved for your fridge or carrying to a picnic. The charming glass design is great for leftovers.
Meal prep container with spoon
black+blum Travel Lunch Pots & Fork, £20, Oliver Bonas
This black+blum food jar comes with its own little spork making it perfect for soups or pasta. Its made with leak-proof silicone which seals everything in - dreamy for picnics - and also features millilitre and fluid ounce markings inside the bigger pot to measure liquid ingredients.
Save when you shop for meal prep containers with these Oliver Bonas discount codes.
Amazon meal prep containers: glass meal prep containers
Glass Meal Prep Containers, £47.02, Amazon
These ten containers are made from borosilicate glass which is stronger and can hold things of a high temperature without breakage. Featuring snap-lock lids, each container is completely airtight and leak proof to keep food fresher for longer.
Best meal prep container: Bento box
Bento Box Lunch Box, £17.99, Amazon
This food storage container is divided into two layers with a partition, allowing you to store different food separately and help balance your nutrition. Bento boxes are everywhere at the moment and you can see why - who wouldn't want something as easy as this to store their lunch in?
Glass meal prep containers: Pyrex
Pyrex 7 Piece Cook & Go Set, £70, Argos
You get seven of these reusable glass meal prep containers. Each one comes with a lock lid to avoid any spillages and, most importantly, they're oven and dishwasher safe.
Check out these Argos discount codes before you buy the best meal prep containers.
Best meal prep lunch box
black+blum Leak-Proof Stainless Steel Lunch Box, £28, John Lewis
Inspired by the brand's first steel lunch box, this nifty design is made of durable stainless steel making it oven-safe for heating up food and freezer-safe for storing pre-cooked food. It's leak-proof, courtesy of the silicone valve creating a secure vacuum-sealed closure, and features a silicone band that holds a handy stainless steel fork in place.
Save when you shop for meal prep containers with these John Lewis discount codes.
Reusable meal prep containers
Stojo Pink Collapsible Lunch Box, £23.50, Oliver Bonas
Tight on space? Unlike bulky lunchboxes, the Stojo Pink Collapsible Lunch Box is a reusable box that can conveniently fold into a leak-proof disc when not being used. It's also super easy to clean.
Save when you shop for meal prep containers with these Oliver Bonas discount codes.
Best meal prep containers
Sistema Mini Bites To Go Snack Box, £3.74, John Lewis
If you're not a big eater or you're only going out for a short while, this stack of snack pots from Sistema is ideal. Store your favourite fruit salad, nuts or veggies in this leak-proof design.
Best meal prep container set: Joseph Joseph
Joseph Joseph Nest Lock Airtight Storage Containers, £28, John Lewis
Containers like these air-tight ones from Joseph Joseph are ideal, plus the variety of sizes means you can take one for a starter, one for your main and one for pud (yay).
Save when you shop for meal prep containers with these John Lewis discount codes.
Silicone meal prep containers
Set of Three Collapsible Silicone Freezer Boxes, £10, Dunelm
This set of three silicone meal containers are freezer, fridge and microwave safe making them great for bulk batch cooking in advance for the week. They are collapsible for a more economical space saving storage, too.
Save when you shop for meal prep containers with these Dunelm discount codes.
Best stackable meal prep container: Skip Hop
Skip Hop Stackable Food Storage Containers, £12, John Lewis
These interchangeable containers are your perfect on-the-go companion. Ideal for baby food, or for your own snacks, they can be used separately or stacked together and carried by the handle.
Save when you shop for meal prep containers with these John Lewis discount codes.
Meal prep containers: Sistema lunch box
Sistema Stackable Lunch Box, £9, John Lewis
This Sistema lunch box features three sections that are ideal for portion control. You can store different meal combos for you to snack on throughout the day.
Best meal prep container: Dunelm
Set of 3 Dot Snack Boxes, £4, Dunelm
Think of all the lunch time snacks you can have with these three meal prep containers. Stylish and convenient, these boxes are reusable, durable and easy to clean.
Save when you shop for meal prep containers with these Dunelm discount codes.
Best meal prep container: Mepal
Mepal Cirqula Food Storage Bowls, £45, John Lewis
Mepal's Cirqula bowls are ideal for storing, heating and serving food. The four bowls, made of BPA-free plastic, can be used in the fridge or freezer or to heat food in the microwave. Put them in the dishwasher for easy cleaning and then stack or nest in a cupboard when not required.
Best meal prep container: Dunelm
Good 2 Go Portion Perfect Food Box, WAS £6 NOW £3, Dunelm
If portions are your thing then this meal prep container is for you. It collapses down when not in use to save on space, and the lid ensures no spillages.
Save when you shop for meal prep containers with these Dunelm discount codes.
Best meal prep containers: food prep containers
Klip Lock Muti Pack Storage 12-Piece Set, £20.50, Argos
All your food storage needs are met with one handy set courtesy of Argos. This 12-piece design stores larger, batch-cooked meals as well as lunches, snacks and liquids.
Check out these Argos discount codes before you buy the best meal prep containers.
Best meal prep container: Dunelm
Good 2 Go 2 Compartment Storage Food Box, WAS £6 NOW £3, Dunelm
This compact food container is ideal for eating on the go. Collapsing to half it's size and featuring two compartments, this space saving piece is microwave safe (without the lid) and features a spork and condiment pod. What more could you want?
Save when you shop for meal prep containers with these Dunelm discount codes.
