10 Best Meal Prep Containers Under $20

If you’re tired of food spills, flimsy lids, and messy lunches, the right meal prep container makes all the difference. I rounded up 10 affordable, durable options that make weekly meal prep stress-free.

🥡 1. Glass Meal Prep Containers with Locking Lids

• Mrs. Freyre’s Findings:
  I love these for when I actually manage to cook extra and want to store leftovers without worrying about leaks in the fridge. The locking lids really do give me peace of mind—no spaghetti sauce disasters here!

• Summary Review: Sturdy, leak-proof, and freezer-safe.
  Practicality: Perfect for leftovers or bulk meal prep nights.
  Cost: Mid-range but worth the upgrade for durability.

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🍱 2. 3-Compartment Bento Lunch Boxes

• Mrs. Freyre’s Findings:
  Packing lunches feels less stressful when I use these. The compartments keep food separate so my kids don’t complain about “things touching,” and it helps me stay on top of portion sizes.

• Summary Review: Great for balanced lunches on the go.
  Practicality: Ideal for school, work, or portion control.
  Cost: Affordable and reusable.

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🥗 3. Large Salad Bowls with Dressing Container

• Mrs. Freyre’s Findings:
  When I’m trying to eat healthy, these save me from soggy lunches. I can prep salads in advance and toss the dressing in right before eating. Huge win for keeping greens crisp.

• Summary Review: Fresh salads, no soggy lettuce.
  Practicality: Great for healthy meal prepping or office lunches.
  Cost: Reasonable for a set of on-the-go salad bowls.

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🧊 4. Freezer-Safe Plastic Containers (Set of 20)

• Mrs. Freyre’s Findings:
  These are my go-to for bulk cooking weekends. They stack neatly in the freezer and I don’t feel guilty if one doesn’t make it back from a kid’s lunch bag.

• Summary Review: Simple, stackable, and space-saving.
  Practicality: Best for freezer meals or large families.
  Cost: Budget-friendly bulk option.

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🍲 5. Microwave-Safe Soup Containers

• Mrs. Freyre’s Findings:
  I use these for my batch-cooked soups and stews—perfect for those busy weeknights when I just need something quick and warm. The venting lids mean no soup explosions in the microwave (thank goodness).

• Summary Review: Soup storage without the mess.
  Practicality: Great for prepping and reheating.
  Cost: Affordable, everyday option.

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🐟 6. Leak-Proof Sushi & Snack Boxes

• Mrs. Freyre’s Findings:
  I like these for more than sushi—fruit, crackers, even cut veggies. They’re perfect for on-the-go snacks without spills in my bag.

• Summary Review: Fresh storage for small meals and snacks.
  Practicality: Good for kids, snacks, or delicate foods.
  Cost: Mid-range for the convenience.

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🍔 7. Reusable Silicone Food Bags

• Mrs. Freyre’s Findings:
  I switched to these for sandwiches and snacks, and I love not going through so many plastic baggies. They wash easily and hold up really well.

• Summary Review: Eco-friendly and reusable.
  Practicality: Great for snacks, sandwiches, or freezer use.
  Cost: Pricier upfront but saves money long-term.

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🥤 8. Mason Jar Meal Prep Containers

• Mrs. Freyre’s Findings:
  These never go out of style. I use them for overnight oats, smoothies, even layered salads. They’re simple, classic, and surprisingly versatile.

• Summary Review: Timeless and budget-friendly.
  Practicality: Multi-use for meals, snacks, or drinks.
  Cost: Very affordable, especially in sets.

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🥪 9. Compartmentalized Snack Boxes

• Mrs. Freyre’s Findings:
  After school, these save me from scrambling. I just fill the compartments with a mix of fruits, cheese, and crackers, and the kids have a balanced snack ready to go.

• Summary Review: Snack time made simple.
  Practicality: Keeps food separate and fresh.
  Cost: Low to mid-range depending on the set.

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🥘 10. Divided Glass Meal Prep Set

• Mrs. Freyre’s Findings:
  These feel a little more “grown-up” than my usual plastic containers. I like them for work lunches when I want something sturdy that heats up nicely in the microwave or oven.

• Summary Review: Premium feel with practical use.
  Practicality: Oven-safe, microwave-safe, and durable.
  Cost: A bit more upfront but worth it.

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📝 Final Thoughts

Meal prepping doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the right containers, you save time, money, and a lot of daily stress.

👉 Pro Tip from Mrs. Freyre: I recommend having at least 2–3 different types on hand—like glass for dinners, bento boxes for lunches, and snack boxes for the kids. That way, you’ll always have the right container ready for whatever your week throws at you.