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The Best Food Storage Containers For Meal Planning

Posted by Andrea Updyke

on Sep 16, 2019, Updated Apr 22, 2020

Meal planning is essential in the busier seasons of life. In addition to creating weekly menus, meal prep takes it to another level of awesome. Here are the best food storage containers for meal planning. 

Tis the season for life to get busier. I don’t know about you, but I need lots of structure in the fall and winter months especially leading up to the holidays.

For me, that means more menu planning and prepping.

For the best in organization and meal preparation storage, you want to make sure that you’re choosing containers that not only fit your lifestyle needs, but that are solid, leak-proof, freezer-proof and portable.

With a variety of containers and options available, it can be difficult and time consuming to know if you’re choosing the right ones for your unique needs.

Here are tips for choosing the best food storage containers.

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Meal Planning for Healthy Meals

You all know my history with healthy eating. It’s an on-again/off-again relationship. That said, when I plan ahead and hit the grocery store, I’m far more likely to eat the right foods and skip the fast food temptation.

When I started my journey with the Faster Way to Fat Loss, a big part of the learning process was thinking ahead and planning my shopping lists according to my new way of eating. 

It’s especially important to be mindful of meals when trying to change your eating habits.

I’m much more successful when I take that to heart, which is why I am constantly adding to my quick and easy Faster Way to Fat Loss meal ideas list. 

Non-BPA Plastic Containers

If you’re looking for the most economical food storage sets, consider plastic. Make sure you’re choosing those that are non-BPA and are food safe.

Look for containers that come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different food prep situations.

The plastic should be stain and odor resistant and containers should also be dishwasher and microwave-safe.

If you plan to use them in the freezer, make sure they are safe for those temperatures. Lids should attach securely and be leak-proof as well. 

Consider using labels to identify the contents no matter what type of container you choose.

Here’s a plastic storage container option from Rubbermaid that meets the criteria listed above.

This set contains 7 containers and plastic lids and comes highly rated.

For plastic containers that are for on-the-go use or for sectional meal planning storage, consider this bento box option. 

We have used this style for years and it’s especially great for school lunches. 

Food-grade Silicon Storage Containers

Another option is to use containers made of silicon. The food-grade manufacturing process with silicon containers means they’re non-toxic, and BPA free.

Silicon containers are odorless, tasteless, non-stick, leak-proof and easy to clean. Most are also dishwasher safe.

When you’re looking to store smaller items, consider using fillable bags.

A nice storage bag is great for sandwiches, frozen fruit, veggie sticks and slices and smaller portions of food.

Here is a great choice for eco-friendly zip-lock style reusable bags that go from fridge to freezer.

Remember to consider the portability of your pre-planned meals. You’ll want easy-to-transport containers that are lightweight and can be easily packed. 

Consider these collapsible silicone containers work well for packable lunches. When not in use, the containers collapse for easy storage.

Glass Food Storage Container Options

Possibly the best way to store food items without the worry of chemical leaching from container material is to use glass. Eco-friendly glass is easy to clean, re-heat in and most glass is freezer-friendly.

Glass containers come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, are stackable for easy storage and are generally thought of as superior to other storage container methods.

Choose containers with lids that are tight-fitting and easy to put on and remove.

Here’s a multi-sized set of glass dishes with air-tight snaplock lids. The smaller containers are easily portable.

Here’s a glass set that contains compartments for easy meal prep storage. They are fridge, freezer and microwave safe. Another great option for on-the-go lunches.

Meal storage and meal prep containers will help save you money in the long run by giving you workable options to store your food so that you’re wasting less.

You’ll be more organized and will appreciate the peace of mind of having your food stored in safe in convenient containers for ease of use and planning.

Using Food Storage Containers for Meal Planning

Once you have the storage options that work best for your lifestyle, meal planning and preparation can actually be enjoyable. 

I was surprised to learn how few of my friends enjoy leftovers during the week.

I eat leftovers all the time!

There is nothing better than realizing there is a meal in the fridge just waiting for you when hunger strikes. 

And before you think meal prep has to mean cooking all day on Sunday, that isn’t always the case!

Sure, you can make ahead some chili pie or sausage kale soup for the week, but you can also prep by simply chopping vegetables or dividing out portions for lunches. 

The bottom line is you want your life to be less complicated. Planning ahead with some pre-made meals in the fridge is a great way to start and saves time in the long run.

Do you meal prep? What are your favorite make-ahead meals?