Best Containers for Meal Prep: Glass, Plastic or Stainless Steel?
Jun 8, 2025
Meal prepping isn’t just about cooking ahead — it’s also about storing your meals the right way. The type of container you use affects how long your food stays fresh, how safe it is to reheat, and even how convenient your routine feels.
So, if you’re wondering whether to use glass, plastic, or stainless steel containers for your meal prep, you’re in the right place.
Here’s a complete breakdown to help you make the best choice.
The Contenders: What Are We Looking For?
Before we dive in, let’s establish the criteria for a great meal prep container. We'll judge our three contenders on:
Safety & Durability: Is it non-toxic? How well does it hold up over time?
Convenience: Is it microwave, oven, dishwasher, and freezer safe?
Performance: Does it leak? Does it absorb stains or odors?
Cost & Sustainability: What's the initial investment and long-term environmental impact?
The right containers make your meal prep routine smoother, safer, and more sustainable.
The Classic Choice: Glass Containers
Glass is often seen as the gold standard for food storage at home, and for good reason. It’s a clean, non-reactive material that food lovers trust.
The Pros:
Completely Non-Toxic and Non-Porous: Glass will never leach chemicals into your food. It also won’t absorb stains or odors, so your tomato sauce won’t haunt your container forever.
Oven and Microwave Safe: This is a huge advantage. You can cook, store, and reheat your meal in the very same dish, saving time and cleanup. (Always check manufacturer instructions; lids are typically not oven-safe).
Easy to Clean & Long-Lasting: Glass is dishwasher safe and maintains its crystal-clear look for years, making it a sustainable choice.
The Cons:
Heavy and Bulky: Carrying several glass containers in a work bag can feel like a workout.
Breakable: An accidental drop can lead to a shattered container and a lost lunch.
Often More Expensive: The initial investment for a quality set of glass containers is typically higher than for plastic.
Best for: Anyone who primarily eats their prepped meals at home, values a 100% non-toxic solution, and loves the convenience of an oven-to-table-to-fridge container.
The Lightweight Champion: Plastic Containers
Plastic is the ubiquitous, convenient, and budget-friendly option you’ll find everywhere. Modern plastic containers have improved significantly, but there are still trade-offs to consider.
The Pros:
Lightweight and Portable: This is plastic’s main advantage. It’s easy to stack and carry, making it ideal for commutes, school lunches, and travel.
Affordable: You can get a large set of plastic containers for a fraction of the cost of glass or steel.
Durable: While it may not last as long as glass, it won't shatter when dropped.
The Cons:
Can Stain and Retain Odors: That tomato sauce? It will likely leave its mark. Over time, plastic can take on the scent of pungent foods.
Potential Health Concerns: It is absolutely crucial to choose containers that are explicitly labeled "BPA-free." You should also check if they are microwave-safe, as some plastics can warp or degrade with heat.
Shorter Lifespan: Plastic is prone to scratches, warping, and discoloration, meaning you’ll likely need to replace it more often.
Best for: Commuters, students, those on a tight budget, and for storing cold meals like salads or snacks where reheating isn't a concern.
The Modern Challenger: Stainless Steel Containers
A growing favorite in the eco-conscious community, stainless steel offers a unique combination of durability and portability.
The Pros:
Extremely Durable & Lightweight: It’s virtually indestructible and as light as plastic, making it the perfect unbreakable, portable option.
Non-Toxic: Like glass, stainless steel is a safe, stable material that won't stain, rust, or hold onto odors.
Temperature Retention: It can help keep cold foods chilled for longer than glass or plastic.
The Cons:
NOT Microwave or Oven Safe: This is the deal-breaker for many. You cannot reheat food directly in a stainless steel container. You must transfer the food to a microwave-safe dish first.
Opaque: You can’t see what’s inside without opening the lid.
Can Be Pricey: High-quality, leak-proof stainless steel containers often come with a premium price tag.
Best for: Packing cold lunches (salads, sandwiches, fruit), kids' meals, and anyone looking for a completely plastic-free, unbreakable storage solution.
So, Which Meal Prep Container Is Best?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best containers for meal prep depend on your habits, preferences, and priorities:
Choose glass if you prep mostly at home, want to reheat safely, and value durability.
Choose plastic if you need something light, cheap, and quick to replace.
Choose stainless steel if you're on the go often and want something ultra-durable.
Don’t forget — what matters even more than your containers is having a system to stay organized with your recipes and weekly prep.
And if your goal is weight loss, choosing the right container can make a big difference. Pre-portioned meals stored in the right format help reduce overeating, keep your servings consistent, and support long-term habits. It’s one of the key advantages of meal prep over less structured approaches — and it works even better when combined with tools that help you plan and track everything with ease.
Bonus Tip: Pair Your Containers with a Smart Recipe App
Your containers are only half the battle — you also need a way to plan, track, and follow your meals. That’s where Any Recipe comes in.
Any Recipe is a recipe manager app built for iPhone that helps you:
Save all your favorite meal prep recipes in one place
Use AI to adjust meals to your diet or portion sizes
Turn your plan into a smart grocery list in seconds
Add food photos so you remember what you loved
Navigate hands-free while cooking
It’s the perfect way to bring structure and simplicity to your meal prep — from the moment you plan to the moment you store.
Conclusion: Invest in the Right Containers — and the Right System
Meal prep becomes far easier when you have the right tools. Quality containers help keep your food fresh and safe — but they work even better when paired with a system that keeps you organized from start to finish.
Still wondering how it all fits into your routine? Understanding the difference between meal prep and meal planning can help you choose the strategy that fits your lifestyle best.
Download Any Recipe today and take your meal prep routine to the next level — with smarter planning, clearer structure, and more time to enjoy what you’ve made.