10 Best Meal Prep Containers UK 2024 | Pyrex, VonShef, and More
With most of us leading busy lives or trying to shop on a budget, preparing our meals in advance is a great way to save time and money whilst also reducing food waste. Some of us are also committing to weekly meal prep, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, as a way to keep an eye on our portions to lose weight, get healthy, or bulk up.
In order to make your meal prepping as efficient as possible, the first thing you’ll need is a functional, good quality container (or ideally a set of several) to store and transport your prepared food in. In this guide we'll help you choose the most suitable containers for your needs and share our top ten recommendations from Amazon, Argos and eBay.
Quick List - Top Meal Prep Containers
VonShef
Top Choice for Long-Lasting Glass, Airtight Seals and Value for Money
Zoe&Mii
Best for Both Travel and Home in a Variety of Handy Sizes
Home Planet
A Sturdy Choice for Work or School
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
- How to Choose a Meal Prep Container in the UK – Buying Guide
- Glass Vs. Plastic: Comparing the Main Varieties of Container1
- At Home or on the Go: Choose Features Depending on Where You Use Them2
- What Will You Put Inside? Choose the Size, Shape and Quantity to Best Fit Your Meals3
- Check Whether the Containers Are Safe for Use in the Microwave and Dishwasher4
- Top 10 Best Meal Prep Containers in the UK
- No. 1VonShef | 1. VonShef Glass Food Storage Container 12 Pack｜Pack of 12
- No. 2Zoe&Mii | 2. Zoe&Mii Premium Food Containers 7 Pack｜Pack of 7
- No. 3Home Planet | 3. Home Planet Single Compartment Glass Food Container 5 Pack｜Pack of 5
- No. 4Pyrex | 4. SZRWD Silicone Collapsible Containers 4 Pack
- No. 5Hello Meal Prep | 5. Chef Fresh Packs Glass Meal Prep Containers 4 Pack｜Pack of 5
- 5 more products
- How to Meal Prep Each Week
- More Ideas for Healthy Prep
- Summary
How to Choose a Meal Prep Container in the UK – Buying Guide
Whether you're new to the world of meal prep or already have a cupboard full of containers but want to finally find the perfect set, you will need to bear a few things in mind before choosing. Below we will list some of these points to help you on your way to becoming a meal prep expert.
Glass Vs. Plastic: Comparing the Main Varieties of Container
Firstly, let’s delve into some of the pros and cons of the two most commonly available types of meal prep container: glass and plastic.
Glass Is Best for Those Who Want Sturdy, Long-Lasting Containers
This is also a plus for those who are looking for an environmentally-friendly product that won’t need to be replaced and disposed of very often. It's also guaranteed to be completely BPA-free.
When reheated, glass also distributes heat more evenly through your food, and is also often oven and freezer safe. Many users report it is easier to clean, and does not leave any odour or staining on the container as with plastic. However, remember it will be much heavier to transport.
Plastic Is Light and Easy to Transport, and Kid-Friendly
Of course, unfortunately, plastic is a non-biodegradable material that cannot be broken down after being disposed of, which has a negative impact on our ecosystem. Therefore, it may not be a top choice if you're environmentally-conscious.
As a final note, there has been some controversy over chemical BPA’s (Bisphenol A) leaking into food through plastic containers, and although food storage items are heavily regulated, always check if this a concern for you. Also bear in mind that the plastic has to be heated up to 700 degrees for this leakage to occur!
At Home or on the Go: Choose Features Depending on Where You Use Them
Now let’s think about where you will be getting the most use out of your containers. You may like to prepare lunches to save money, or you may like to cook several portions of food to store at home to take some of the stress out of a busy life. Either way, the material of the containers and their size are an important factor.
Making At-Home Meals for the Week or Storing Ingredients? Try Tidy Stackers With Airtight Lids
You will also want to choose a set that can be organised efficiently in your fridge or freezer – especially if you have multiple people using the fridge. Try wide, flat containers which are the size of their contents so as not to waste space, as well as those that stack easily in the cupboard when not in use.
Plan to Take Your Meals On the Go? Choose Sets That Are Leakproof, Lightweight and Include Helpful Extras
You could use glass if you aren’t moving the meal to more than one location, but bear in mind it will be heavier. Either way, look for a practical size and shape for fitting in your bag or lunch container.
There's nothing worse than finding your lovingly-made lunch has spilled inside your bag, so be sure to check for leakproof containers with clip-lock closures. You can also look out for additional extras for on-the-go eating such as a reusable cutlery set, and extra pots for dressings and sauces.
What Will You Put Inside? Choose the Size, Shape and Quantity to Best Fit Your Meals
Multi-compartment containers are great for those that are practising portion control for diet or fitness as they cannot be overfilled, and are often predetermined in their sizing for proteins, carbs and snacks. This variety is also great for kid’s lunchboxes and those who like to keep certain food types from touching.
Finally, you should pick a set that contains the relevant amount of containers in relation to how many meals you will prepare and store at once.
Check Whether the Containers Are Safe for Use in the Microwave and Dishwasher
Whichever material you opt for, you will probably want to enjoy some of your prepared meals hot. Look out for containers which are safe for use in the microwave, or the oven if you plan to reheat at home.
Often you will have to remove the lid, so check the product instruction to avoid warped lids – some containers also feature a handy steam-releasing valve instead.
Some containers can be tricky to clean, so if you use a dishwasher remember to check whether your choice is safe to go inside, and where in the dishwasher it is best stacked.
Top 10 Best Meal Prep Containers in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | VonShef 1. VonShef Glass Food Storage Container 12 Pack｜Pack of 12 | | Top Choice for Long-Lasting Glass, Airtight Seals and Value for Money | |
2 | Zoe&Mii 2. Zoe&Mii Premium Food Containers 7 Pack｜Pack of 7 | | Best for Both Travel and Home in a Variety of Handy Sizes | |
3 | Home Planet 3. Home Planet Single Compartment Glass Food Container 5 Pack｜Pack of 5 | | A Sturdy Choice for Work or School | |
4 | Pyrex 4. SZRWD Silicone Collapsible Containers 4 Pack | | The High End, High Quality Glass Set | |
5 | Hello Meal Prep 5. Chef Fresh Packs Glass Meal Prep Containers 4 Pack｜Pack of 5 | | The Ultimate Starter Kit for New Meal Preppers | |
6 | Daisy Homeware 6. Daisy Homeware Premium Multi-Compartment Lunch Box 4 Pack｜Pack of 4 | | Fab For Children’s Lunches and Snacking | |
7 | Igluu Meal Prep 7. Chef Fresh Packs Meal Prep Container 16 pack｜Pack of 10 | | Prep Like a Boss With Airtight 3 Compartment Containers | |
8 | Perfect Placed 8. Perfect Placed Round Meal Containers 14 Pack｜Pack of 10 | | Great for Salad Lovers and Fridge Organisation | |
9 | MyChoice 9. MyChoice Food Container 10 Pack｜Pack of 10 | | A Value Pack for Everyday Meal Prepping | |
10 | IKEA 10. IKEA Pruta Food Container 17 Pack｜Pack of 17 | | Cheap and Cheerful With a Variety of Sizes |
VonShef1. VonShef Glass Food Storage Container 12 Pack ｜ Pack of 12
Top Choice for Long-Lasting Glass, Airtight Seals and Value for Money
A great all-rounder, the containers are assured to be leakproof and come in a great selection of sizes suitable for everything from a small snack to a family meal. Square-shaped containers as well as rectangular ensure you will find a use for every part of the set whether on the go or at home.
Zoe&Mii 2. Zoe&Mii Premium Food Containers 7 Pack ｜ Pack of 7
Best for Both Travel and Home in a Variety of Handy Sizes
The large 1700 ml container is also ideal for at-home food storage and storing multiple portions or baked goods. Unlike some plastic locking containers, Zoe&Mii utilises a 4-clip system (for each side of the container) for extra security and freshness.
Home Planet 3. Home Planet Single Compartment Glass Food Container 5 Pack ｜ Pack of 5
A Sturdy Choice for Work or School
The lids feature a vent for steam to escape, and we love that an extra is included in the pack – for those pesky lids that often disappear somewhere between the dishwasher and the cupboard. The 5-pack makes this ideal for the school or working week, and they are fairly light for glass so can be transported without too much extra weight.
Pyrex 4. SZRWD Silicone Collapsible Containers 4 Pack
The High End, High Quality Glass Set
The lids have a handy space for writing on too, so you can label the meal each tub contains, or the date on which you prepped it. They're also 100% airtight and leakproof, so you can forget any annoying spillages. They're more costly than most, but worth shelling out for if you want something that lasts.
Hello Meal Prep 5. Chef Fresh Packs Glass Meal Prep Containers 4 Pack ｜ Pack of 5
The Ultimate Starter Kit for New Meal Preppers
The airtight lids and multi-compartment feature makes these another good choice for storing portions of chopped fruit and vegetables or snacks in the fridge, ready for preparing a quick meal at home. And if you need to throw them in a bag, fear not, as they'll happily travel around all day with no spillages.
Daisy Homeware 6. Daisy Homeware Premium Multi-Compartment Lunch Box 4 Pack ｜ Pack of 4
Fab For Children’s Lunches and Snacking
Bear in mind that the container is fairly shallow so is really only for small amounts of food, but this does give it the advantage of fitting well into a backpack or bag, or even a desk drawer at work for a snack during the day. The plastic is also fully recyclable, but better suited to dry foods due to the child-friendly easy-open lid.
Igluu Meal Prep7. Chef Fresh Packs Meal Prep Container 16 pack ｜ Pack of 10
Prep Like a Boss With Airtight 3 Compartment Containers
The pack size of ten also makes these ideal for batch cooking, and luckily, the plastic is more heavyweight than some so should withstand regular use in the microwave and dishwasher. Again, the lids of the containers themselves do not contain locking clips, so are leak-resistant as opposed to leakproof.
Perfect Placed 8. Perfect Placed Round Meal Containers 14 Pack ｜ Pack of 10
Great for Salad Lovers and Fridge Organisation
The flatter, round shape makes them ideal for stacking in the fridge or freezer too, as well as fitting inside one another neatly in the cupboard. Just be aware that they are not completely leakproof, so take care when slinging that aforementioned soup into your work bag.
MyChoice9. MyChoice Food Container 10 Pack ｜ Pack of 10
A Value Pack for Everyday Meal Prepping
The product promises air-tight sealing to keep food fresh and odour-free, but again only includes regular lids – so perhaps high-liquid foods should be avoided if you are taking prepped meals away from home.
IKEA10. IKEA Pruta Food Container 17 Pack ｜ Pack of 17
Cheap and Cheerful With a Variety of Sizes
We feel this set would be most useful for home storage, as there are only a couple of appropriately-sized options for on-the-go meals, and the lids are not leakproof. The containers can be easily nested inside one another in the cupboard, however, which is a positive!
How to Meal Prep Each Week
It may seem difficult to fit several hours of cooking into your schedule, so set aside a time once or twice a week with no distractions. Most people prefer to do this at the weekend, after they have stocked up at the supermarket and before they start work for the week.
Start simply! Choose meals that you enjoy and can confidently prepare, and after you have gauged how long they will take to make, you can add to your rotation. You could also base your meals on similar ingredients that can be used in several recipes, where you change one component or add some seasoning to create two meals from one base.
Simple, healthy recipes are often quicker and easier to prepare, which will be beneficial for both beginners and the nutrition-conscious. Preparing chopped vegetables, proteins and cooked grains to store in the fridge will ensure you have ingredients on hand to throw something together when you need to.
More Ideas for Healthy Prep
You've got the containers to put your future culinary creations in, but what about the best equipment to prep them with? Take a look at our related articles to help you whip up a healthy storm!
Summary
Author: Natasha Dziubajlo
Top 5 Meal Prep Containers
No. 1: VonShef｜1. VonShef Glass Food Storage Container 12 Pack｜Pack of 12
No. 2: Zoe&Mii ｜2. Zoe&Mii Premium Food Containers 7 Pack｜Pack of 7
No. 3: Home Planet ｜3. Home Planet Single Compartment Glass Food Container 5 Pack｜Pack of 5
No. 4: Pyrex ｜4. SZRWD Silicone Collapsible Containers 4 Pack
No. 5: Hello Meal Prep ｜5. Chef Fresh Packs Glass Meal Prep Containers 4 Pack｜Pack of 5
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Most ViewedFeatured Rankings Similar to Kitchen & home appliances
New ArrivalsFeatured Rankings Similar to Kitchen & home appliances
Search by category
Automotive
Agricultural vehicle parts & equipment, Car & motorbike care, Car & vehicle electronicsBaby Products
Activity & entertainment, Car seats & accessories, Carriers & accessoriesBeauty
Bath & body, Fragrances, Hair careBooks
Antiquarian, rare & collectable, Arts & photography, Biographies & memoirsBusiness, Industry & Science
3D printing & scanning, Abrasive & finishing products, Agricultural equipment & suppliesComputers & Accessories
Accessories, Barebone PCs, Components & replacement partsDIY, Garden & Tools
Building supplies, Construction machinery, ElectricalElectronics & Photo
Accessories, Camera & photo, Car & vehicle electronicsFashion
Baby, Boys, GirlsGrocery
Baby foods, Bakery, Beer, wine & spiritsHealth & Personal Care
Baby & child care, Dental care, Diet & nutritionHome & Kitchen
Arts & crafts, Artwork, BathroomLarge Appliances
Beer & wine storage & dispensers, Compact kitchens, Dishwashers & dish dryersMusical Instruments & DJ
Bass guitars & gear, DJ & VJ equipment, Drums & percussionPC & Video Games
Currency & subscription cards, Handheld game systems, Legacy systemsPet Supplies
Birds, Cats, DogsSports & Outdoors
Accessories, Fitness, Hunting & fishingStationery & Office Products
Art & craft supplies, Calendars, planners & personal organisers, Envelopes & mailing suppliesToys & Games
Arts & crafts, Baby & toddler toys, Building & construction toys