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    Best Glass Food Storage Containers For Meal Prep

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    If you’re ready to ditch plastic containers but have no clue where to start, you’re in the right place. After years of trial and error, I’ve landed on a reliable glass container setup that makes meal prep easier. In this post, I’m breaking down exactly what to look for (size, shape, and brand), plus the containers that earned a permanent spot in my kitchen (and maybe soon, yours too).

    White kitchen drawer full of stackers glass containers of different shapes and sizes.
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    As someone who's been meal prepping for 10+ years, I can confidently say that the right containers make all the difference. They help you stay organized, make fridge scans a breeze, and save time by doubling as bakeware for things like oatmeal or casseroles. No more juggling mismatched lids or transferring food between dishes😄

    And don’t worry, this isn’t going to be one of those “here are 56 options, good luck!” kind of posts. I’ll walk you through the exact containers I use every day. The sets that have been with me for years, truly hold up, and don't disappoint.

    Wait, why should we avoid plastic containers?

    Before we jump in, let's quickly recap the research on plastic containers. First, many contain compounds like bisphenol A (BPA), which is a known endocrine disruptor—meaning it can interfere with hormones in the body. BPA exposure has been linked to increased risk of certain cancers, infertility, metabolic disorders like diabetes, and obesity (Almeida et al., 2018).

    Even BPA-free plastics aren’t entirely risk-free. Many use BPA analogues like BPS or BPF, which studies suggest may have similar adverse health effects (Rochester & Bolden, 2018).

    Second, studies have shown that plastic containers can release microplastics and nanoplastics into food, especially when heated in the microwave (Hussain et al., 2023).

    These tiny particles are ingested unknowingly, and while research is still evolving, we know enough to say it’s smart to minimize exposure where we can.

    Why I (mostly) choose glass

    So if plastic’s not ideal... what’s the better option? For me, it’s glass by far ⤵️

    • It doesn’t stain or hold odors: No more tomato-stained containers or lingering curry scent from last week’s dal (speaking from experience😂). It’s ideal for sauces and spiced dishes, especially in a plant-based kitchen.
    • No greasy film: Plastic containers can come out of the dishwasher looking clean but still feeling oily (ugh!). Glass comes out clean, every time.
    • It’s durable and holds its shape: I’ve had some of my glass containers for years, and they’ve survived countless dishwasher cycles, freezer sessions, and a few minor drops. No warping, no bends, no cracking from regular use.
    • Oven-to-fridge magic: You can bake directly in a glass container, let it cool, pop the lid on, and store it in the fridge. It saves time, doing dishes, and is perfect for meal prep.
    Glass food storage containers of different shapes without lids on a light grey backdrop.

    The non-negotiables! What to look for

    Here's what you want to look for when buying new glass containers:

    • Microwave, freezer, and oven safe: You want containers that can handle the full cycle of prepping, baking, refrigerating, freezing, and reheating.
    • Dishwasher safe: Because no one wants to hand-wash five containers at the end of a long workday.
    • Airtight lids: Preferably BPA-free with a solid snap-lock or silicone seal.
    • See-through: So you always know what’s in your fridge without opening five lids to find the one thing you're looking for.

    Container shapes and sizes that work

    After years of trial and error, here’s what I’ve learned about shapes, sizes, and what they’re best for:

    Rectangular glass container with a couscous salad and a little dressing container in the upper left corner.

    Rectangular containers

    I use them for just about everything: salad bowls, stir-fries, one-pot meals, pasta dishes, you name it.

    They’re also great for storing a batch of snacks like energy balls, muffins, or waffles.

    Different brands size slightly differently, but anything in the 28–34 oz range (roughly 3.5–4 cups or 800mL to 1L) works well for single servings. Anything larger tends to be a bit bulky for individual portions.

    I use the IKEA 365+ glass containers (34 oz) but I also love the MCIRCO brand.

    💡 Hack: If breakage is a concern (especially if you’re commuting), look for containers with silicone sleeves. They offer a layer of protection.

    Containers with compartments

    If you (or your kids) don’t like food touching, or you want to keep crackers, tortilla chips, or bread separate until serving, containers with 2 compartments can be really handy. But note that most can't be stacked on top of each other (such as these MCIRCO ones).

    Two-comparment glass container with tortilla chips at the top and quinoa chili at the bottom.

    💡 Hack: Use silicone muffin cups inside a standard rectangular container if you want some separation without committing to compartment-style containers.

    Baked oatmeal with chocolate chips in a small square glass container.

    Square containers

    Square containers are perfect for when you want to bake right in the dish. I use mine for single-serve baked oatmeal, potato gratins, or mini frittatas.

    My fave: Pyrex EU Cook & Freeze square (0.8L)

    Round containers

    Round containers (16 oz, 500 ml) are great for soups, stews, or smaller grain salads. I also find they fit in the freezer well.

    That said, I tend to reach for rectangular containers most of the time, or use jars like Weck or wide-mouth Mason jars as alternatives.

    Start Here!

    New To Meal Prep?

    I break down everything you need to know before you start: from planning, grocery shopping, and managing your meal prep session to storage

    Start reading

    The containers I use every day

    • Rectangular glass containers: As mentioned above, these are my go-to for ready-to-eat meals. I use them for grain bowls, stir-fries, and anything I want to prep and take with me during the week. They're leak-proof, stack easily in the fridge, and reheat evenly.
    • Pyrex Cook & Freeze (EU): This range is basically the European version of the Pyre Simply Store (US), which are my most-used containers. You can bake in them and store anything you cook in the fridge and freezer. Note that the lids aren’t leakproof, so I keep these for home use only.
    • Mixing bowls with lids: I use a 3-piece set that lets me prep, store, and serve all from the same bowl. So practical in the summer when I’m living off chopped salads and pasta bowls!
    • Stainless steel salad dressing containers: If you're packing salads as a lunch for work, these tiny containers with silicone lids are a must for dressings. They're also great for dips in snack boxes.

    In my kitchen

    Why I'm obsessed with Weck jars

    If you’ve ever been frustrated by narrow-mouthed Mason jars or plastic deli containers that warp after a few washes, you'll love Weck jars. They’re wide-mouthed, easy to clean, freezer- and microwave-safe, and stack so well in your kitchen cabinets or drawers. ✨

    Over time, I’ve narrowed it down to the best 4 sizes that cover pretty much everything you need when it comes to meal prep:

    • 250 ml: Perfect when you batch dressings, creamy sauces, chia puddings, or homemade jam.
    • 370 ml: My favorite size for overnight oats! There’s enough room to stir in yogurt and add toppings without it overflowing.
    • 500 ml: Great for soups, stews, or anything you want to freeze in individual portions. This one is also famously used by sourdough bakers.
    • 850 ml: Ideal for salad jars or cooked grains (I love using these for quinoa, lentils, or pasta salads).

    The good thing about Weck jars is that you can start with just a few jars and build your collection over time. I’ve gradually added more based on what I actually use and now my fridge looks as organized as it feels (most days 😅).

    Elo's 7 top tips

    Learn from my mistakes! Here are a few more things I wish I had known when choosing my containers and habits I wished I'd pick up on right after buying a new set.

    1. Stick to 4-6 sizes max: Growing up we had a drawer full of containers but you could never find the matching lid. 😩 Now I stick to a few consistent sizes that stack easily, nest when empty, and share the same lids. It’s a small change that makes a big difference when it comes to storage.
    2. Avoid bamboo lids: They look beautiful in Pinterest photos… but in real life? They mold quickly and don’t hold up well over time. I skip them entirely.
    3. Get a lid organizer: It sounds silly, but having a dedicated bin or drawer divider for your lids will seriously improve your kitchen organization.
    4. Hand-wash snap-lock lids: I know, I know, dishwashers are tempting. But those high-heat cycles can warp the lids, especially the snap-lock kind, and suddenly they don’t snap onto your container the way they should. Same goes for the silicone rubber rings of Weck jars.
    5. Use borosilicate glass if you plan to go from freezer to oven: Not all glass is created equal. Borosilicate has a higher resistance to thermal shock, so it’s safer to go straight from frozen to hot without worrying about cracks. Most Pyrex Cook & Freeze or Simply Store containers are borosilicate but check the label to be sure.
    6. Don’t microwave plastic lids: Even BPA-free plastic isn’t meant to be reheated. If you need to cover something, use a small plate or flip another container upside down.
    7. Never fill containers all the way when freezing: Always leave a bit of room at the top. Food expands as it freezes, and filling a glass container to the brim is an easy way to crack it (been there, done that). A good rule of thumb: stop around the ¾ mark.

    Beyond glass: other non-plastic materials worth considering

    While glass is my everyday go-to, I totally get that it’s not always the most practical, especially when you're on the go, packing lunches for kids, or trying to avoid a shoulder workout just from carrying your bag. Here are a few other container options:

    Stainless steel

    Lightweight, durable, and perfect for packed lunches. The only downside? You can’t see what’s inside, which can make your fridge feel like a guessing game. Still, if I had kids, these stainless steel bento boxes would 100% be my go-to for school lunch boxes.

    Insulated containers

    These are great if you want to keep food warm (or cold) for several hours. Ideal for soups, curries, or breakfast oats on-the-go. Just make sure the lid seals tightly if you’re commuting.

    Ceramic-coated containers

    A beautiful, non-toxic alternative (e.g., the Caraway meal prep set) but definitely on the pricier side. In my experience, they don’t hold any practical advantage over glass, but if aesthetics are your thing and you don’t mind the price tag, they can be a nice option.

    Silicone zip bags

    I love these for storing cut fruit, fresh herbs, or snacks in the fridge or freezer. They’re flexible, space-saving, and plastic-free. Just make sure you fully dry them after washing (P.S. some shapes are trickier to clean and air out).

    Non-plastic options

    Vacuum systems

    I’ve been using the Zwilling Fresh & Save vacuum-seal system for over a year now, and I’m impressed. Prepped apples stay white, lettuce doesn’t wilt, and meals genuinely last longer in the fridge. Plus, it gives me peace of mind knowing I can prep a few extra days ahead without wasting food. Read my full Zwilling Fresh & Save review →

    Three vacuum-seal glass containers stacked on top of each other.

    Innovation or gadget?

    Is the hype about vacuum-seal containers real?

    Read my honest review about the Zwilling Fresh&Save containers.

    Read more

    FAQ: Just getting started?

    How many containers do you need for meal prep?

    It really depends on how many meals you plan to prep each week. On average, I prep around 12 servings and use 8 rectangular containers, plus a few larger ones for bulk storage.
    👉 My tip: Start small. Only buy 2–4 containers from a brand or size you want to test and see if you like it before buying 8+ containers.

    What should I invest in first if I’m just starting out?

    Start with the basics: a couple of rectangular containers (around 28-32 oz) and a good oven-safe casserole dish with a lid. Those 2 are the most versatile and you'll use them all the time.

    Should I buy a set or mix and match?

    Honestly? I’m not a big fan of variety sets. There’s always at least one size you’ll never use. I prefer sets of 4 of the same size, which are way more functional, and easier to stack and store.

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