Best Vegan Meal Prep Containers Reviewed
As more people adopt a vegan lifestyle, meal prepping has become essential for maintaining a nutritious and convenient food routine. A reliable set of meal prep containers not only simplifies the cooking process but also helps keep your meals fresh, organized, and portable. Below, we delve into some of the best vegan meal prep containers available, focusing on materials, design, and features that cater to plant-based meal enthusiasts.
1. Glass Meal Prep Containers: 3 Compartment Set
Material: Borosilicate glass
Capacity: 30 oz per container
Best for: Oven and microwave use
These glass meal prep containers come with three compartments, making them ideal for portion control. The sturdy borosilicate glass is freezer, microwave, and oven-safe (up to 450°F), allowing for versatile cooking and reheating options. The airtight lid seals in freshness, ensuring your plant-based meals stay delicious. Plus, they’re dishwasher-safe, which simplifies cleanup.
Pros:
- Durable and resistant to thermal shock
- Eco-friendly and reusable
- Easy to stack and store
Cons:
- Heavier than plastic options
- May shatter if dropped
2. Stainless Steel Meal Prep Containers
Material: Food-grade stainless steel
Capacity: 16 oz to 32 oz options
Best for: Long-lasting durability
Stainless steel meal prep containers are a fantastic eco-friendly alternative to plastic. They’re lightweight, rust-resistant, and can last for years with proper care. With an airtight silicone seal, these containers are perfect for salads, grains, and stews. They are also safe for dishwasher and refrigerator use.
Pros:
- BPA-free and non-toxic
- Stackable and easy to transport
- Resistant to odor and staining
Cons:
- Not microwave-safe
- Limited variety in size and compartments
3. Bamboo Fiber Meal Prep Containers
Material: Bamboo fiber composite
Capacity: 28 oz per container
Best for: Lightweight storage
Bamboo fiber meal prep containers are an eco-conscious choice that combines style and sustainability. These containers feature a sleek design and are made from a blend of bamboo and other natural fibers, making them biodegradable. They are perfect for cold meals like salads and fruit, but should not be used in the microwave.
Pros:
- Biodegradable and compostable
- Lightweight and portable
- Unique designs available
Cons:
- Not suitable for hot foods or microwaving
- Less durable than glass or stainless steel
4. Silicone Meal Prep Containers
Material: Food-grade silicone
Capacity: 24 oz per container
Best for: Versatile storage and cooking
Silicone meal prep containers are flexible and microwave-safe, making them perfect for a variety of plant-based dishes. These collapsible containers save space and are often designed with compartments for easy meal separation. They retain heat well, ensuring your meals stay warm longer.
Pros:
- Freezer, microwave, and dishwasher-safe
- Space-saving design
- Non-stick surface for easy cleaning
Cons:
- May absorb odors over time
- Not as sturdy as glass or metal options
5. Plastic Meal Prep Containers with Lids
Material: BPA-free plastic
Capacity: 28 oz per container
Best for: Budget-friendly versatility
Plastic meal prep containers are a popular choice due to their affordability and variety of sizes. Many come with multiple compartments, ideal for balanced vegan meals. Their lightweight nature makes them easy to transport, particularly for those who carry lunch to work or school.
Pros:
- Inexpensive and widely available
- Good for individual portioning
- Generally safe for microwave use
Cons:
- Less durable and can warp over time
- Not eco-friendly compared to other materials
6. Wooden Meal Prep Containers
Material: Sustainable wood
Capacity: 20 oz per container
Best for: Aesthetic appeal
Wooden meal prep containers make an elegant addition to any kitchen. They are beautifully crafted and often feature natural finishes that showcase their organic material. While not ideal for all meal types, they work well for grain bowls and salads.
Pros:
- Unique and attractive designs
- Made from sustainable materials
- Often treated with food-safe oils
Cons:
- Not dishwasher or microwave-safe
- Limited functionality compared to other materials
7. Insulated Meal Prep Containers
Material: Stainless steel with insulation
Capacity: 16 oz to 32 oz
Best for: Keeping food hot or cold
Insulated meal prep containers are designed for those on the go. These double-walled containers can keep food hot or cold for hours, perfect for hearty vegan stews or refreshing salads. The interior is often stainless steel, ensuring the container is durable and easy to clean.
Pros:
- Excellent temperature retention
- Durable and reusable
- Leak-resistant designs
Cons:
- Often pricier than standard containers
- Limited design options for compartments
8. Mason Jar Meal Prep Kits
Material: Glass
Capacity: 16 oz to 32 oz jars
Best for: Layered salads and overnight oats
Mason jars are a trendy solution for meal prepping. Great for storing layered salads, overnight oats, or smoothies, they allow you to see the contents easily. While not traditional “containers,” their airtight seal preserves freshness and flavor.
Pros:
- Versatile for many meal types
- Eco-friendly and reusable
- Easy to transport
Cons:
- Fragile and can break
- Limited to individual servings
9. Divided Meal Prep Containers
Material: Plastic or glass
Capacity: 28 oz per container
Best for: Meal planning for families
Divided meal prep containers offer a convenient way to keep different food items separate while prepping meals for multiple days. These containers come in various sizes and materials, and they’re perfect for portioning out grains, vegetables, and proteins.
Pros:
- Helps promote portion control
- Ideal for meal diversity
- Often microwave-safe
Cons:
- Complicated cleaning if food spills into compartments
- Can take up more space in storage
10. Travel Meal Prep Containers
Material: Durable plastic or silicone
Capacity: 24 oz
Best for: On-the-go meal prep
Travel meal prep containers are specifically designed for those who need to meal prep while traveling. Many of these containers include utensils and are built to withstand movement. They’re particularly useful for camping, work trips, or day outings.
Pros:
- Comes with built-in storage for utensils
- Compact and easy to carry
- Leak-resistant designs
Cons:
- Limited variety in design and material
- May not keep food hot/cold
Choosing the right vegan meal prep containers can significantly enhance your meal prepping experience. By considering material, size, and functionality, you can find the perfect containers to support your vegan lifestyle and ensure you enjoy your meals throughout the week. Whether you prefer glass, stainless steel, or eco-friendly alternatives, the options listed here cater to various preferences and needs, allowing you to embrace meal prepping with ease.
