Best Meal Prep Containers Reviewed & Rated
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Eating is a necessity no matter who you are. Depending on things like your weight, metabolism, and some other factors, the amount of food you need in a day will be different. Whether you are a homebody with easy access to a local grocery store, an aspiring athlete with a strict workout schedule, eating up to several times a day is one of the ways you are going to get through your day smoothly. Furthermore, the way you go about your daily toil will determine just how you will obtain your meals throughout your busy, or not so busy lives.
For the busier person who moves from one place to another, all throughout their day, meal preparation containers are an efficient approach to getting meals on the go. Athletes who do spurts of running throughout their day, or touring performance artists, like the musician John Mayer, would benefit from the employment of eating meals prepared and stored in a safe food container. These containers can come in varying sizes, determining the amount of food they can hold within them. Additionally, they can be sectioned off, each section varying in number and size, which all will find more valuable than the other. The number of shapes and sizes of the containers as well as the containers sections are going to vary greatly, making the market for them a sizable one.
Featured Recommendations
- Fitpacker One Container
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Our rating - SureLock Seal
- One Large Compartment
- Price: See Here
- Evolutionize Microwavable
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Our rating - BPA Free
- Freezer Safe
- Price: See Here
- Healthy Packers Portion
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Our rating - Easy Storage
- Very Affordable
- Price: See Here
You can find travel meal storage in almost any form just about anywhere, both off and online. This can have its pros as well as its cons, especially if you are just now hitting the gym and are in need of finding something such as this. A beginner can likely find a plethora of options on the internet in a heartbeat. However, in that same breath, they can find themselves overwhelmed by the vast options before them. They might not yet know just what size or style is best for them, as well as other features like the materials that go into the device.
For this very reason, we have taken the time to review and rate many containers ourselves. Afterward, we selected 10 of what we believe to be the best among the others, and present our findings in this buyer’s guide. We also offer an in-depth look at what we believe to be the defining attributes of the subject. Additionally, we even offer to answer some of the more popular questions we most commonly found when going over this topic. Time and money are both among lives most precious commodities for both aspiring fitness bodies as well stay at home moms, and by presenting to the public our buyer’s guide, we aim to save both of those for you.
10 Best Meal Prep Containers
1. Fitpacker One Compartment
Fitpacker is business with a little bit of established time in the market. They offer meal containers of varying sizes, counts as well as those with varying compartments. They come standard free of BPA, a potentially unsafe chemical often found in some plastics particularly in the construction of food and drink containers. The company is dedicated to innovation and are always looking for more effective and sufficient development methods towards making a better affordable product. As such, they are always keeping the customer in mind as they know they are the most important part of the business.
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One Compartment
Coming in a pack of 16 containers total, each one has a single large 28 0unce compartment. This can be particularly useful for the storage of a single type of food, such as soup. Having more than one container allows for multiple single foods to be carried at once which could be useful for those with a higher carrying capacity. However, on the inverse, those with limited carrying capacity may find this to be rather cumbersome. It would bode well to remember the details of your day's agenda.
SureLock
The lid of these containers is ensured to prevent any leaking of food. Built with a patented seal known as SureLock, the lid seals in whatever is insides with a click. Additionally, the lid is designed in a way so that the other containers can stack easily upon one another. A lid with this much functionality provides a convenience that sets a standard. In conclusion, a great value is what is being offered with this product.
Cost and Value
The One Compartment by Fitpacker comes in on the middle - to higher range on our pricing scale. The value of this product is in the sealing properties as well as the high quality and BPA free design of the container. By shelling out a few more dollars, if able, you get yourself a decent quality item that will last you a while. In addition to its longevity, you get 16 containers of this quality.
Coming in a pack of 16 containers total, each one has a single large 28 0unce compartment. This can be particularly useful for the storage of a single type of food, such as soup. Having more than one container allows for multiple single foods to be carried at once which could be useful for those with a higher carrying capacity. However, on the inverse, those with limited carrying capacity may find this to be rather cumbersome. It would bode well to remember the details of your day's agenda.
SureLock
The lid of these containers is ensured to prevent any leaking of food. Built with a patented seal known as SureLock, the lid seals in whatever is insides with a click. Additionally, the lid is designed in a way so that the other containers can stack easily upon one another. A lid with this much functionality provides a convenience that sets a standard. In conclusion, a great value is what is being offered with this product.
Cost and Value
The One Compartment by Fitpacker comes in on the middle - to higher range on our pricing scale. The value of this product is in the sealing properties as well as the high quality and BPA free design of the container. By shelling out a few more dollars, if able, you get yourself a decent quality item that will last you a while. In addition to its longevity, you get 16 containers of this quality.
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Cons
2. Evolutionize Microwavable
Evolutionize is a meal preparation container brand under the larger company known as Lift Unlimited. Evolutionize offers a varied selection of containers all aimed for the fitness and sports enthusiast. They are dedicated to delivering a quality and affordable product to the public. Keeping the gymnast in mind, their products are geared toward the proper storage and easy transportation of a busybody.
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Reusable
The containers guarantee high quality with several main features. It boasts higher reusability than other brands products. Its BPA free plastic construction stands up against the test of time, use, as well as washing. As such, you will find that these will last much longer than expected. Its airtight seal, you will find, is another large contributor to its high quality.
Single Compartment
This product has a single 28-ounce carrying compartment. This feature has several benefits but also has its detriments. The benefits of the single compartment are in the size of it, allowing for storing of a good amount of a single food, or two or more mixable foods. However, the detriments of this are limited. Those looking for a container that has sectioned off basins will not have much use of the items single basin.
Cost and Value
Evolutionize offers a product that falls into the low end of our buyer's guides pricing scale. The package contains a total of 7 containers, each of a simple construction. These things greatly contribute to this offers low cost. Being such a less costly option is great for anyone with a tight budget. Additionally, this selection is perfect for anyone who lives alone or anyone who knows they will not need too much to get by.
The containers guarantee high quality with several main features. It boasts higher reusability than other brands products. Its BPA free plastic construction stands up against the test of time, use, as well as washing. As such, you will find that these will last much longer than expected. Its airtight seal, you will find, is another large contributor to its high quality.
Single Compartment
This product has a single 28-ounce carrying compartment. This feature has several benefits but also has its detriments. The benefits of the single compartment are in the size of it, allowing for storing of a good amount of a single food, or two or more mixable foods. However, the detriments of this are limited. Those looking for a container that has sectioned off basins will not have much use of the items single basin.
Cost and Value
Evolutionize offers a product that falls into the low end of our buyer's guides pricing scale. The package contains a total of 7 containers, each of a simple construction. These things greatly contribute to this offers low cost. Being such a less costly option is great for anyone with a tight budget. Additionally, this selection is perfect for anyone who lives alone or anyone who knows they will not need too much to get by.
Pros
Cons
3. Healthy Packers Portion
Healthy Packers is a company who offers consistency. They have a great amount of varying food storage containers. Not only do the containers come in different counts, but also in different sizes. They guarantee a great quality of container for competitive prices in the big market. As a standard their plastics are BPA and are certified by the FDAA, so be sure that their quality products are safe for regular use.
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High Quality
The containers are promised to be of a high quality. Its plastics that make up its construction hold up to the elements quite well, giving it longevity. The lids provided are easy to use and additionally off a leak-proof seal, preventing the spilling of whatever is inside. Altogether the quality of the item is guaranteed and justifies the cost quite easily.
Fun and Varied
This particular offer has 7 containers of varying measurements. Each container is of a different color than the other, giving the item an easier way to differentiate as well as giving some harmless fun to the mix. The varying sizes have a great number of benefits, allowing one to store their own preferred amounts of whatever they choose. Additionally, this allows you to be discriminate with what you take along, all in accordance with the tasks in your day.
Cost and Value
This offer falls in on the low end of the pricing scale in our buyer's guide. Most notably, it is the best value on our entire list! This most definitely is in the causation of the items affordability, giving any and all who have a wallet the ability to obtain this item. Despite its low cost, the containers quality is still exactly what one will need in the world of food on the go, so be sure not to bat an eye at this most affordable product.
The containers are promised to be of a high quality. Its plastics that make up its construction hold up to the elements quite well, giving it longevity. The lids provided are easy to use and additionally off a leak-proof seal, preventing the spilling of whatever is inside. Altogether the quality of the item is guaranteed and justifies the cost quite easily.
Fun and Varied
This particular offer has 7 containers of varying measurements. Each container is of a different color than the other, giving the item an easier way to differentiate as well as giving some harmless fun to the mix. The varying sizes have a great number of benefits, allowing one to store their own preferred amounts of whatever they choose. Additionally, this allows you to be discriminate with what you take along, all in accordance with the tasks in your day.
Cost and Value
This offer falls in on the low end of the pricing scale in our buyer's guide. Most notably, it is the best value on our entire list! This most definitely is in the causation of the items affordability, giving any and all who have a wallet the ability to obtain this item. Despite its low cost, the containers quality is still exactly what one will need in the world of food on the go, so be sure not to bat an eye at this most affordable product.
Pros
Cons
4. Enther Three Components
Enther is a name that deals in various household items. They are more into the business of bathing items, such as bath bombs, bath towels, and bath candles. Additionally, they have a variety of meal preparation containers at their arsenal. The containers come standard with toxin and BPA free plastics. The quality of all their items are of good quality and are worth taking a look at.
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Three Sections
This container gives the consumer the option to store three different foods within. The three sections make it so the food you are taking without will not mix in with the other compartments. Therefore, there will be no worry about your meal being contaminated by a food stored in another section. Having the leisure is definitely a good factor for a meal on the go.
Microwave and Freezer Safe
The plastic in this item can endure high heat a low colds. As a result, your food can be heated in a microwave, so you can store frozen foods as a meal in your travels. Additionally, food that you may want to keep frozen will not be a hassle either, as the container is durable to the temperature of the freezer. Lastly, the item is dishwasher safe, making it extremely easy to clean and reuse.
Cost and Value
The Enther 20 count of 36 Oz container is on the higher of the pricing scale. If you have the money to spend on it, you end up with good quality food ware. It's resistance to both high and low temperatures, as well as it's airtight seal really justify the products cost. The three sections offer an additional layer of convenience that further make the cost understandable.
This container gives the consumer the option to store three different foods within. The three sections make it so the food you are taking without will not mix in with the other compartments. Therefore, there will be no worry about your meal being contaminated by a food stored in another section. Having the leisure is definitely a good factor for a meal on the go.
Microwave and Freezer Safe
The plastic in this item can endure high heat a low colds. As a result, your food can be heated in a microwave, so you can store frozen foods as a meal in your travels. Additionally, food that you may want to keep frozen will not be a hassle either, as the container is durable to the temperature of the freezer. Lastly, the item is dishwasher safe, making it extremely easy to clean and reuse.
Cost and Value
The Enther 20 count of 36 Oz container is on the higher of the pricing scale. If you have the money to spend on it, you end up with good quality food ware. It's resistance to both high and low temperatures, as well as it's airtight seal really justify the products cost. The three sections offer an additional layer of convenience that further make the cost understandable.
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Cons
5. EZ Prepa Bento
EZ Prepa is a lesser known company that aims to please the aspiring athletic. Their product is designed to plan out the next weeks worth of meals or more. The pack of 20 containers features 32 oz of storage, sectioned off into 3 compartments. This should properly accommodate anybody looking to get serious about their diet as well as getting serious about their fitness.
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20 Count
It would seem as though 20 food trays is only necessary for a school of kids unless you are a bodybuilder. Getting 20 or more in a set is necessary for planning out your food intake. Some days you will have a carb day whereas others you will want to have more intake of another nutrient. Planning your food week out is essential to fitness for some and these trays enable you to do just that.
Stackable
Going along with the planning of your weekly intake is the proper storage design. These trays are able to be easily stacked on top of one another to save space in a fridge or freezer. Saving space for the next planned out week is also an important aspect most would benefit from. Additionally, these trays are microwave and freezer safe, which is a perfect all-around feature.
Cost and Value
These trays from EZ Prepa sit in the middle of the buyer's guides pricing scale. Being neither the most costly, or the most affordable, you get some considering to do. By shelling out a few more bucks you get a decent all around bento box with sectioned portions, good carrying capacity, and some other decent options. This is definitely worth the consideration.
It would seem as though 20 food trays is only necessary for a school of kids unless you are a bodybuilder. Getting 20 or more in a set is necessary for planning out your food intake. Some days you will have a carb day whereas others you will want to have more intake of another nutrient. Planning your food week out is essential to fitness for some and these trays enable you to do just that.
Stackable
Going along with the planning of your weekly intake is the proper storage design. These trays are able to be easily stacked on top of one another to save space in a fridge or freezer. Saving space for the next planned out week is also an important aspect most would benefit from. Additionally, these trays are microwave and freezer safe, which is a perfect all-around feature.
Cost and Value
These trays from EZ Prepa sit in the middle of the buyer's guides pricing scale. Being neither the most costly, or the most affordable, you get some considering to do. By shelling out a few more bucks you get a decent all around bento box with sectioned portions, good carrying capacity, and some other decent options. This is definitely worth the consideration.
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6. Freshware Stackable
Freshware was founded in sunny Los Angelos, in 2010. The idea was to go into business to create a kitchen that houses items they founders could not find elsewhere. Their bakeware, as well as many other of their things, is something to behold in matters of quality and functionality. In this selection, they are offering a food prep tray that is approved by the US and European FDA.
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FDA Approved
These bento boxes are made up of materials that the FDA has deemed safe for children and adults. The plastics that make up their construction are BPA free. BPA is a chemical commonly used in the manufacturing of plastics and is known to break down in small increments into your food. Having cookware that is safe for the entire family is surely only a plus.
Portion Control
The trays are designed primarily for planning ahead for portion controlled meals. They are sectioned off into three basins which allow for said portion control. The sections do what one might expect; keeping your stored food from mixing in with the other basins as well as allowing you to choose what foods you wish to take and how much of said food. This is always a plus when choosing this type of item.
Cost and Value
The Stackable Freshware bento box comes in on the lower to middle range of the buyer's guides pricing scale. It is a rather affordable item, but not exactly the most affordable on our list. However, this is still an option even if you have a tighter budget than others. Furthermore, the quality of the product totally justifies the products cost, which makes it even more worth the consideration.
These bento boxes are made up of materials that the FDA has deemed safe for children and adults. The plastics that make up their construction are BPA free. BPA is a chemical commonly used in the manufacturing of plastics and is known to break down in small increments into your food. Having cookware that is safe for the entire family is surely only a plus.
Portion Control
The trays are designed primarily for planning ahead for portion controlled meals. They are sectioned off into three basins which allow for said portion control. The sections do what one might expect; keeping your stored food from mixing in with the other basins as well as allowing you to choose what foods you wish to take and how much of said food. This is always a plus when choosing this type of item.
Cost and Value
The Stackable Freshware bento box comes in on the lower to middle range of the buyer's guides pricing scale. It is a rather affordable item, but not exactly the most affordable on our list. However, this is still an option even if you have a tighter budget than others. Furthermore, the quality of the product totally justifies the products cost, which makes it even more worth the consideration.
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Cons
7. Prep Naturals Glass
Prep Naturals is another company dedicated toward helping you make a better you. They offer a line of cook and bakeware for the everyday consumer as well as the everyday fitness guru. This item is one of a kind on our list as it is the only item on the list that is made of glass. This has its up's as well as it's down's, but some may find the glass to be a better option overall. However, bear in mind that this item may be less about the convenience and practicality as it is style.
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Glass
This items most notable feature is easily its glass construction. The glass provides many benefits to the item, particularly its longevity in the face of the elements. It can withstand high and low temps in the microwave as well as the freezer. A downside would be its weight as well as its bulkiness. It may take a lot to shatter, but is not shatter proof so bear that in mind.
2 Sections
The glass food box is sectioned off into two separate sections. This mainly allows for the much sought after portion control that many look for in a bento box. It prevents food from mixing in together as well as allowing one to pick out a couple kinds of food, and how much food they'd like to take with them. However, most boxes come with sections of three, so some may find having only two sections to be a blunder of sorts.
Cost and Value
The Glass lunch box by Prep Naturals is on the higher range of the pricing scale. This is comparatively the higher cost option on our list but upon second look, the cost is greatly justified by the item you get. The items glass production makes it durable, as well as granting it extreme longevity. Of, course, glass has it's downsides as well, but for those who really think it to be a better option and have the money to spend, there is no reason to second guess this selection at all.
This items most notable feature is easily its glass construction. The glass provides many benefits to the item, particularly its longevity in the face of the elements. It can withstand high and low temps in the microwave as well as the freezer. A downside would be its weight as well as its bulkiness. It may take a lot to shatter, but is not shatter proof so bear that in mind.
2 Sections
The glass food box is sectioned off into two separate sections. This mainly allows for the much sought after portion control that many look for in a bento box. It prevents food from mixing in together as well as allowing one to pick out a couple kinds of food, and how much food they'd like to take with them. However, most boxes come with sections of three, so some may find having only two sections to be a blunder of sorts.
Cost and Value
The Glass lunch box by Prep Naturals is on the higher range of the pricing scale. This is comparatively the higher cost option on our list but upon second look, the cost is greatly justified by the item you get. The items glass production makes it durable, as well as granting it extreme longevity. Of, course, glass has it's downsides as well, but for those who really think it to be a better option and have the money to spend, there is no reason to second guess this selection at all.
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8. Sable Meal Prep
Sable is another lesser-known name in the cookware world, but their product is well worth the consideration. Their food preparation containers have some things going for it that make it so. The FDA, SGS, and the LFGB have approved of them for they are free of BPA and other chemicals some plastics are made with. They are additionally functional for the pickiest of fitness guru. These trays have sectioned off basins, hold up to 32 ounces of food and come in a pack of twenty. This is more than enough for anyone planning the next week or so of meals.
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Hot and Cold
The bento boxes hold up pretty well against the polar opposite temperatures. They can withstand freezing temperatures commonly found in the freezer, enabling you to store them in the freezer. Additionally, they can withstand the high heat that microwaves produce, thus, enabling a consumer to heat up a meal they have stored. Indeed, these are very temperature friendly - a necessity for anyone planning out a week or more of meals.
Stackable
Stackable is a trait that is deceivingly arbitrary to bring up. However, any fitness buff knows the quality of food trays being stackable. The quality of trays being stackable means you save precious storage room in your fridge. When you are planning out your next week of meals, this is a great quality. Anyone in the fitness world should seek this especially if they have a family to feed as well.
Cost and Value
The bento boxes by Sable fall into the low-cost category on our pricing scale. This makes it an affordable option for the fighter on the tightest of budgets. This can also be a good gift option for a fighter you may know. Do not be deceived by the low price tag, as these trays hold up fairly well against our more expensive options on the list.
The bento boxes hold up pretty well against the polar opposite temperatures. They can withstand freezing temperatures commonly found in the freezer, enabling you to store them in the freezer. Additionally, they can withstand the high heat that microwaves produce, thus, enabling a consumer to heat up a meal they have stored. Indeed, these are very temperature friendly - a necessity for anyone planning out a week or more of meals.
Stackable
Stackable is a trait that is deceivingly arbitrary to bring up. However, any fitness buff knows the quality of food trays being stackable. The quality of trays being stackable means you save precious storage room in your fridge. When you are planning out your next week of meals, this is a great quality. Anyone in the fitness world should seek this especially if they have a family to feed as well.
Cost and Value
The bento boxes by Sable fall into the low-cost category on our pricing scale. This makes it an affordable option for the fighter on the tightest of budgets. This can also be a good gift option for a fighter you may know. Do not be deceived by the low price tag, as these trays hold up fairly well against our more expensive options on the list.
Pros
Cons
These trays by DAPRIL have some things that have made it qualified for our list. Its extremely extreme temperature friendly in both terms of heat as well as cold. They also have three sectioned basins, allowing you to store more than one food within. This particular feature comes in a pack of 10 which doesn't seem like much but can have some benefits we will go over more in depth later. For those needing a replacement or just some more trays, this offer might be for you.
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Pack of Ten
This feature comes in a pack of ten. This is a smaller number than the other features on our list. On the surface, this does not seem like a whole lot, and it isn't, however, it does have some benefits worth considering. For starters, if you live alone, and only prefer to plan a week or less at a time having just ten trays is a great idea. Additionally, if you need some replacement trays for whatever reason, this low-cost offer can come in handy.
FDA Approved
The FDA has approved of these bento boxes which means a couple of notable things. For one, they are BPA free. BPA is an acronym for a chemical that some plastics employ the use of in their production. This chemical can break down into your food over time, thus getting into your body. Some do not like the idea of this and prefer to abstain from the use of these. This is definitely a good thing the FDA oversees in the event you have a family with children. Its a safe tray for all to use!
Cost and Value
These food trays are on the lower end of the pricing scale. This is in part to the count of trays only being a total of ten. These are good quality trays, which alone justifies the already low cost. This is a good place for a beginner to start off if you're new to the fitness game and do not want to overdo it or the wallet is not exactly fat. Overall, the quality and the price can not be beaten. Lastly, it also makes for a good replacement if you need to replace any damaged or lost bento boxes.
This feature comes in a pack of ten. This is a smaller number than the other features on our list. On the surface, this does not seem like a whole lot, and it isn't, however, it does have some benefits worth considering. For starters, if you live alone, and only prefer to plan a week or less at a time having just ten trays is a great idea. Additionally, if you need some replacement trays for whatever reason, this low-cost offer can come in handy.
FDA Approved
The FDA has approved of these bento boxes which means a couple of notable things. For one, they are BPA free. BPA is an acronym for a chemical that some plastics employ the use of in their production. This chemical can break down into your food over time, thus getting into your body. Some do not like the idea of this and prefer to abstain from the use of these. This is definitely a good thing the FDA oversees in the event you have a family with children. Its a safe tray for all to use!
Cost and Value
These food trays are on the lower end of the pricing scale. This is in part to the count of trays only being a total of ten. These are good quality trays, which alone justifies the already low cost. This is a good place for a beginner to start off if you're new to the fitness game and do not want to overdo it or the wallet is not exactly fat. Overall, the quality and the price can not be beaten. Lastly, it also makes for a good replacement if you need to replace any damaged or lost bento boxes.
Pros
Cons
10. Nutribox Reusable
The Nutribox Reusable is an item that is not unlike the other products reviewed in our top ten. It has a lot of the same that most look for in a bento box. Its weight capacity, sections, and ability to withstand polarizing temperatures makes for a formidable meal container that some may look for. Its low item count, however, could make this selection a more sought after one than others.
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15 Count
This particular count is a bit smaller than others on this list. However, this can be good for a number of reasons. For starters, the smaller count can make this selection a good place to get replacement trays. Another good reason for this smaller count can be for someone only planning a smaller amount of meals, as their training regimen doesn't require that much planning ahead. Not a choice for anyone looking to plan for much longer periods of planned dieting.
Spill Proof
Spill Proof is pretty straight forward. This means the trays are designed to prevent the spilling of your food. This is completely all in part to the lids locking securely where they should be. For trays that are designed to be carried and traveled with - this is a very sought after feature that anyone who is interested should be looking for.
Cost and Value
This particular selection from Nutribox sits on the lower end of our guides pricing scale. This makes it a more than an affordable choice for anyone with a tight budget. Its low count has a bit to do with its low cost - which can also be a benefit to a beginner or anyone just looking to plan out their meals lightly. The item doesn't exactly stand out from our other selections with the exception of its low count, but this does not at all disqualify it from being worthy of a look over.
This particular count is a bit smaller than others on this list. However, this can be good for a number of reasons. For starters, the smaller count can make this selection a good place to get replacement trays. Another good reason for this smaller count can be for someone only planning a smaller amount of meals, as their training regimen doesn't require that much planning ahead. Not a choice for anyone looking to plan for much longer periods of planned dieting.
Spill Proof
Spill Proof is pretty straight forward. This means the trays are designed to prevent the spilling of your food. This is completely all in part to the lids locking securely where they should be. For trays that are designed to be carried and traveled with - this is a very sought after feature that anyone who is interested should be looking for.
Cost and Value
This particular selection from Nutribox sits on the lower end of our guides pricing scale. This makes it a more than an affordable choice for anyone with a tight budget. Its low count has a bit to do with its low cost - which can also be a benefit to a beginner or anyone just looking to plan out their meals lightly. The item doesn't exactly stand out from our other selections with the exception of its low count, but this does not at all disqualify it from being worthy of a look over.
Pros
Cons
There you have it. After reviewing each one of these and more, what we have shared are among the best meal preparation containers that the internet has to offer. For many starting off in the world of fitness or martial arts, this could be more than enough to give a beginner the idea they need to make their own decisions. However, some might need to know more about the nitty-gritty details to get a better idea of what they should be looking for in meal preparation. Others yet might need to even know why they are looking for certain attributes. For those curious minds, we will go over the criteria that helped us determine what went into our top 10 products in the next section.
Criteria For Evaluating The Best Meal Prep Containers
Specifications
This section goes over the only things that truly determine what makes a bento box a good one: the characteristics of the item itself. These are the things that any aspiring athlete or fitness guru looks for when planning out their meals in this fashion. A meal-prep container that lacks these things run the risk of being unsafe or just plain out unwanted by the masses. We believe these are the things you should consider when making your next purchase in this particular category of shopping.
- Weight: The quantity of food is always measured by the weight contained within the package. Therefore, an important quality of any meal container is the amount of food it can carry. This is always represented by weight, usually in ounces. The most common maximum weight is 32 ounces. This is the most common maximum weight, not only on our list but generally in this particular market. The weight normally does not exceed 32 ounces but can be lower. These numbers are normally made very known in the description of the item but also sometimes in the name of the item. 32 ounces is more than enough for anyone, but some may really have a need for a smaller amount for specific personal reasons.
- Sections: Sections are a very important feature. Some containers have no isolated sections and come with one large basin. For some, this can be good enough as they only want or need to eat one food for a low carb day. Other trays can come in two isolated sections, or even three. Three isolated sections are the most common form these come in. Having three isolated sections are particularly useful in the event that you are planning full meals ahead of time. These allow particularly for having more than one food during a planned meal. Having the basins sectioned off help to prevent the unwanted mixing of several different foods.
- Tray Count: The tray count will often vary. There is not a typical tray count to look out for as the count varies so frequently. This is a number most advertise alongside the product name or in some cases, on the package itself. The differences in tray count can have a number of benefits no matter what the number might be. For instance, a tray count that is low, like 10 or 15, can be a good choice for somebody who is just starting out. These people could be new to the concept of planning your meals ahead of time and are unsure of how to do it properly or are even unsure if they will stick with it. This low count is also ideal for replacing old or damaged trays. This is more for if someone is a seasoned vet to this concept. However, there are larger counts of trays, like 21 and more. These are for the veteran of the gym, who are well acquainted with planning out meals and know the ropes of carb days and more. They can plan out many meals in a day for many days ahead with little to no hassle.
- Plastic: Among the most important aspects of food carrying devices is the material the container is made out of. The material is always a reusable resource. It mostly comes in the form of plastic. Most companies will advertise that their plastic is BPA Free if it is (most are) and if it is FDA approved. The plastic is often extreme temperature friendly, which means it can withstand both high heat and low freezing temperature. The plastic is also strong enough to make the tray reusable; allowing it to be dishwasher safe. However, not all plastic trays are designed this way and normally will tell you whether or not this is the case.
- Glass: Rarely will you find a glass bento box. However, they do exist and some prefer theirs to be constructed from glass, as opposed to plastic. Glass construction comes with pros and cons – as do all things in life. Glass is most assuredly temperature friendly and can be frozen or heated to extreme temperatures and is dishwasher safe. The construction will guarantee a long lasting storage unit, but can also shatter if dropped from a high enough distance. Despite its sturdiness, glass can be weighty and can be limited in matters of storage and mobility. Therefore, there is a lot of giving and take for an aspiring fighter when considering a glass device over a plastic one.
- Storage: In the world of fitness, working out, and martial arts, meal preparation is a big thing. This fact gets even more serious, the more serious one is about the endeavor entirely. Celebrities like “The Rock” has been seen posting on social media his meal preparation and it’s amazing how filled his fridge is with just these very containers. People who plan every single meal for up to weeks are going to be in need of many trays. Therefore, the ability to store a large number of trays efficiently is a key aspect to bento boxes. Most come standard with the ability to be stacked on top of one another very efficiently which maximizes storage space. Glass containers are right out with this aspect as they are large and clunky. Plastic trays that are easily stackable are what most seek when it comes to proper meal planning.
This concludes our criteria section. Hopefully, this has given you more than enough to carry on your own way and make an informed choice. Using the knowledge you may have gained from this section, along with the data presented to you from the top 10 section, you should have enough to now make your next purchase with confidence. This is exactly our goal by taking the time to go over these items and presenting what we have. Furthermore, by saving you time and extra effort, we hope we have saved you extra time and even some money too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do the number of trays vary per package?
A: Yes. Each offer will inform you of how many trays you are getting in each one. They are normally advertised in the item description and sometimes on the box itself.
Q: Are the trays dishwasher safe?
A: Not all bento boxes are dishwasher safe. Most packages will inform you outright whether they are or not. This is something you must look out for before considering your next purchase.
Q: Are there trays that do not have any isolated sections?
A: Yes. Although most come standard with 2 or 3 isolated sections to separate your food efficiently, there are some options even on our list that are a single and simple basin. These will not be too difficult to find.
Q: Are these containers reusable?
A: Every selection on our list is a reusable tray. This means they can be washed and used many times before having to replace them. Most every company that makes meal preparation containers designs them to be reusable, and seldom ever to be used one time.
