Best Storage Solutions for Vegan Meal Prep Reviewed
When it comes to vegan meal prep, having the right storage solutions can make all the difference in maintaining freshness, minimizing food waste, and streamlining your cooking process. Below is a detailed review of the best storage solutions tailored for vegan meal prep enthusiasts, featuring various materials, styles, and functionalities.
1. Glass Containers
-
Borosilicate Glass Containers
- Features: Durable, microwave, and oven-safe.
- Benefits: Borosilicate glass withstands temperature changes and is less prone to cracking. Ideal for storing soups, stews, and baked dishes.
- Recommendation: The Ecolunchbox Nesting Trio is perfect for transporting salads or main dishes while keeping them segregated.
-
Glass Meal Prep Containers with Lids
- Features: BPA-free lids with airtight seals.
- Benefits: Keeps food fresh and prevents the absorption of odors. Clear glass allows easy visibility of contents.
- Recommendation: The Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers are highly rated for their portion sizes and multifunctional use.
2. Bento Boxes
-
Eco-Friendly Bento Boxes
- Features: Divided compartments, often made from sustainable materials.
- Benefits: Keeps different meal components separate, simplifying portion control. Excellent for varied meals like grain bowls or salads.
- Recommendation: The Monbento Original Bento Box is stylish and functional, promoting eco-friendliness.
-
Stainless Steel Bento Boxes
- Features: Non-toxic, durable, and often insulated.
- Benefits: Lightweight and easy to clean, these containers are perfect for on-the-go meals.
- Recommendation: LunchBots Trio Stainless Steel Containers are perfect for carrying diverse vegan meals.
3. Silicone Storage Bags
-
Reusable Silicone Bags
- Features: BPA-free, freezer-safe, and dishwasher-safe.
- Benefits: A sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags. Perfect for marinating vegetables and storing snacks or leftovers.
- Recommendation: Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bags come in various sizes, making them versatile for meal prep and snacking.
-
Vacuum Seal Silicone Bags
- Features: Airtight seal, pump included.
- Benefits: Extend the shelf life of meal preps by removing excess air. Suitable for both cold and warm dishes.
- Recommendation: The Fressko Vacuum-Seal Food Storage Bags are excellent for storing bulk items or pre-prepped ingredients.
4. Plastic Meal Prep Containers
-
BPA-Free Plastic Containers
- Features: Lightweight and stackable.
- Benefits: Affordable option for meal prep and portion control with various sizes available.
- Recommendation: The Komax Biokips Side Lock Containers are a budget-friendly choice, ensuring a leak-proof seal and ease of storage.
-
Microwave-Safe Plastic Containers
- Features: Microwave and dishwasher-safe.
- Benefits: Ideal for reheating meals without transferring to another dish.
- Recommendation: The Rubbermaid Brilliance Containers are popular for their clarity and airtight seals.
5. Mason Jars
-
Wide-Mouth Mason Jars
- Features: Available in various sizes from pint to quart.
- Benefits: Perfect for salads in a jar, overnight oats, or smoothies. The glass allows for easy inspection of contents.
- Recommendation: Ball Wide Mouth Mason Jars are a classic choice that works for many storage needs.
-
Mason Jar Salad Kits
- Features: Layered storage for salads.
- Benefits: Keeps ingredients fresh until you’re ready to eat, best for meal prepping salads over several days.
- Recommendation: The Prepworks by Progressive Salad Jar lets you layer dressings separately, preventing sogginess.
6. Vacuum Sealer Systems
-
Countertop Vacuum Sealers
- Features: Electric operation, adjustable sealing modes.
- Benefits: Extend shelf life for bulk meal prep. Ideal for sealing delicate items like prepared tofu or fresh veggies.
- Recommendation: The FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer is a top choice among meal preppers for its robust functionality.
-
Handheld Vacuum Sealers
- Features: Portable, battery-operated options available.
- Benefits: Convenient for quick storage needs without occupying countertop space.
- Recommendation: The Anova Culinary Precision Vacuum Sealer is compact and efficient for quick sealing tasks.
7. Freezer-Safe Containers
-
Freezer Storage Containers
- Features: Sturdy and designed to withstand cold temperatures.
- Benefits: Safely store your meal preps for the long term without freezer burn.
- Recommendation: The Rubbermaid Commercial Products Freezer Containers are designed specifically for prolonged freezer storage.
-
Ice Cube Trays for Smoothies
- Features: Silicon varieties enable easy release.
- Benefits: Freeze single portions of smoothies or blended sauces for quick blend-and-go meals.
- Recommendation: The OXO Good Grips Silicone Ice Cube Tray allows for flexible freezing and easy popping.
8. Labels and Markers
-
Freezer Labels
- Features: Water-resistant and writable surfaces.
- Benefits: Prevents confusion with easily identifiable labels on meals.
- Recommendation: The ADOLFE Freezer Labels adhere well and are easy to remove.
-
Chalkboard Markers
- Features: Easily erasable.
- Benefits: Ideal for marking dry-erase containers or glassware without permanent damage.
- Recommendation: The Arteza Chalk Markers are popular for their versatility and vibrancy.
Storage Tips for Vegan Meal Prep
- Organize by Cook Days: Use color-coded containers or labels to distinguish meals prepared on different days.
- Storage Portions: Divide meals into single-serving portions to facilitate easy reheating and eating.
- Cool Before Storing: Allow foods to cool before placing them in containers to prevent condensation and sogginess.
- Rotate Your Stock: Use older items first to minimize waste.
Proper storage solutions enhance the meal prep experience for vegans, maximizing freshness while being environmentally friendly. Whether you prefer glass, silicone, or classic containers, the right options facilitate a streamlined cooking process and delectable vegan meals every week.
