The best food storage containers under $50 for meal prep are the C CREST 10-Pack Glass Meal Prep Containers. They are oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe borosilicate glass with airtight, leak-proof lids.
We compared seven top-rated meal prep container sets under $50 on Amazon, using only the specs each brand lists. Prices, ratings and review counts come from Amazon at the time of writing and may change.
The right containers make weekly meal prep faster, keep food fresher and make reheating easy. Below you’ll find our top picks, a comparison table, detailed reviews, a buying guide and answers to common questions.
Top 3 Meal Prep Containers Under $50
C CREST 10-Pack Glass Meal Prep Containers
Rubbermaid Brilliance Tritan Food Storage Containers, Set of 5
Pyrex Simply Store 12-Pack Glass Food Storage SetMeal Prep Containers Under $50 Compared
| Image | Product | Key Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. C CREST 10-Pack Glass Meal Prep Containers Best Overall | Borosilicate glass, lead-free · Oven, microwave (not lids), freezer and dishwasher safe | 4.7/5 35,086 reviews | Check Price |
| 2. Rubbermaid Brilliance Tritan Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 Best Leak-Proof Plastic | 100% leak-proof seal with secure latches · Crystal-clear, stain- and odor-resistant Tritan | 4.7/5 17,886 reviews | Check Price |
| 3. Pyrex Simply Store 12-Pack Glass Food Storage Set Best Glass Variety Set | 12 containers: 4-cup, 2-cup, 1-cup rounds and 3-cup rectangles · Tempered glass resists stains and odors | 4.7/5 29,736 reviews | Check Price |
 | 4. Bentgo Prep 3-Compartment Meal Prep Containers, 20 Pieces Best Portion Control | 10 three-compartment trays with lids · 4-cup capacity with embossed measurements | 4.6/5 17,161 reviews | Check Price |
 | 5. Freshware 24 oz 3-Compartment Meal Prep Containers, 50 Pack Best Bulk Value | 50 containers, 3 compartments, 24 oz · BPA-free, -40°F to 250°F | 4.5/5 40,369 reviews | Check Price |
 | 6. Freshware 32 oz 3-Compartment Meal Prep Containers, 25 Pack Best for Big Portions | 32 oz total (16, 8 and 8 oz) · BPA-free; -40°F to 250°F | 4.5/5 40,369 reviews | Check Price |
 | 7. PROMOZE 50-Pack 28 oz Single-Compartment Meal Prep Containers Cheapest per Container | 28 oz single compartment · BPA-free food-grade PP | 4.5/5 25,919 reviews | Check Price |
Rubbermaid Brilliance Tritan Plastic Food Storage Containers BPA Free Airtight Lids Ideal for Lunch Meal Prep & Leftovers Set of 5 (3.2 Cup)
1. C CREST 10-Pack Glass Meal Prep Containers – Best Overall
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 35,086 reviews
Pros
Cons
The C CREST 10-Pack Glass Meal Prep Containers are the best food storage containers under $50 for meal prep. They are made from lead-free borosilicate glass that goes from freezer to microwave or oven, with airtight, leak-proof lids for carrying lunches to work or the gym. The set costs about $35 with 4.7 stars from 35,086 Amazon reviews.
Glass is the favorite material for serious meal preppers because it doesn’t stain from tomato sauce or curry and doesn’t hold onto odors. With 10 matching containers, you can prep a full work week of lunches and dinners at once.
Key features
Borosilicate glass. Oven safe and resistant to temperature changes when used as directed.
Airtight, leak-proof lids. Seal in freshness and prevent spills in your bag.
Stackable, nesting design. Saves cabinet space when empty.
What it’s like to own
The containers are dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe, though the lids should not go in the microwave. C CREST recommends washing lids by hand where possible to protect the silicone seal.
Glass is heavier to carry than plastic, so the Bentgo or Rubbermaid sets may suit commuters better.
Best for: Weekly meal preppers who reheat in the oven or microwave.
May not fit: Lightweight commuting.
2. Rubbermaid Brilliance Tritan Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 – Best Leak-Proof Plastic
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 17,886 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Rubbermaid Brilliance Tritan set is the best leak-proof plastic meal prep container, at about $28 with 4.7 stars from 17,886 Amazon reviews. Rubbermaid guarantees a no-spill seal with secure latches.
Crystal-clear Tritan resists stains and odors, and built-in vents let you microwave without removing the lid.
Key features
Leak-proof latches. Ideal for soups and saucy dishes.
Stain-resistant Tritan. Stays clear over time.
Microwave vents. Heat without removing the lid.
What it’s like to own
The set is dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe, and it stacks neatly in the fridge. Each container holds 3.2 cups.
With just five containers, it won’t cover a full week of meals for two.
Best for: Soups, stews and saucy meals.
May not fit: Big-batch prep.
3. Pyrex Simply Store 12-Pack Glass Food Storage Set – Best Glass Variety Set
Pyrex Simply Store (12-Pack) Glass Food Storage Containers Set
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 29,736 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Pyrex Simply Store 12-Pack is the best glass variety set, at about $47 with 4.7 stars from 29,736 Amazon reviews. It includes three each of 4-cup, 2-cup and 1-cup round containers plus three 3-cup rectangles.
High-quality tempered glass resists stains and odors, and the BPA-free plastic lids fit snugly.
Key features
Diverse sizes. Store sauces, sides and full meals.
Tempered glass. Durable for everyday use.
Freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe lids. Top rack only.
What it’s like to own
Pyrex has been a kitchen staple for generations, and these containers double as serving dishes. The colored lids add a bright touch.
The snap-on lids are not latch-sealed, so they are less spill-proof than Rubbermaid for transport.
Best for: Home storage and leftovers.
May not fit: Leak-proof commuting.
4. Bentgo Prep 3-Compartment Meal Prep Containers, 20 Pieces – Best Portion Control
Bentgo Prep 3-Compartment Meal Prep Containers with Lids, 20 Piece Set
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from 17,161 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Bentgo Prep 3-Compartment set is the best for portion control, at about $13 with 4.6 stars from 17,161 Amazon reviews. Each of the ten trays holds 4 cups with embossed measurements.
The containers are made from PFAS- and BPA-free materials and built for repeated use.
Key features
Three compartments. Keep mains and sides separate.
Embossed measurements. Easy portioning.
Custom-fit lids. Clear and stackable.
What it’s like to own
Trays are microwave safe and top-shelf dishwasher safe. Hand washing lids keeps them in good shape longer.
Lids shouldn’t be microwaved.
Best for: Calorie-conscious meal preppers.
May not fit: Oven reheating.
5. Freshware 24 oz 3-Compartment Meal Prep Containers, 50 Pack – Best Bulk Value
Freshware Meal Prep Containers with Lids 24 oz [50 Pack] 3 Compartment
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 from 40,369 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Freshware 24 oz 50-Pack is the best bulk value for meal prep, at about $22 with 4.5 stars from more than 40,000 Amazon ratings. Each container has three compartments to keep a main and two sides apart.
They handle -40°F to 250°F, so you can freeze batches and reheat in the microwave.
Key features
Built-in dividers. Portion control for balanced meals.
Heavy duty, reusable. Stands up to repeated use.
Stackable. Neat fridge and freezer storage.
What it’s like to own
With 50 containers, you can prep weeks of meals or share with family. They also work as takeout containers.
Plastic can stain from sauces and isn’t as durable as glass.
Best for: High-volume meal prep.
May not fit: Long-term durability.
6. Freshware 32 oz 3-Compartment Meal Prep Containers, 25 Pack – Best for Big Portions
Freshware Meal Prep Containers with Lids 32 oz [25 Pack] 3 Compartment
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 from 40,369 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Freshware 32 oz 25-Pack is the best for big portions, at about $17 with 4.5 stars from more than 40,000 Amazon ratings. Each container holds 32 ounces in a 16-8-8 oz layout.
It fits a main course, salad and dessert, a full meal in one box.
Key features
16-8-8 oz layout. Easy portion planning.
Freeze, reheat and wash. Microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe.
Built to reuse. Heavy-duty plastic.
What it’s like to own
They stack neatly and also work as lunch boxes for school (ages 3+).
Larger size takes more fridge space.
Best for: Athletes and big eaters.
May not fit: Small fridges.
7. PROMOZE 50-Pack 28 oz Single-Compartment Meal Prep Containers – Cheapest per Container
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 from 25,919 reviews
Pros
Cons
The PROMOZE 50-Pack is the cheapest per container, at about $20 with 4.5 stars from 25,919 Amazon reviews. Each 28 oz container has a single compartment and leak-proof lid.
They are made from BPA-free, food-grade PP and are reusable or recyclable.
Key features
Freezer safe. Helps prevent freezer burn and odor absorption.
Microwave safe. Reheat in the same container.
Stackable. Mess-free transport.
What it’s like to own
Top-rack dishwasher cleaning is easy. They are popular for catering and takeout too.
No dividers for separating foods.
Best for: One-dish meals and soups.
May not fit: Portion-controlled plates.
How to Choose Meal Prep Containers
Glass vs plastic
Glass (C CREST, Pyrex) doesn’t stain or hold odors and can go in the oven. It is heavier and costs more per container.
Plastic (Rubbermaid, Bentgo, Freshware) is lightweight and affordable. Look for BPA-free materials, and Tritan for better stain resistance.
Compartments and portion control
Divided containers (Bentgo, Freshware) keep mains and sides separate and make portioning easy.
Single-compartment containers are better for soups, stews, salads and one-pot meals.
Leak-proof lids
Latching lids (Rubbermaid Brilliance) and airtight seals (C CREST) prevent spills when you carry meals.
Snap-on lids are fine for home storage but less reliable in a bag.
Microwave, freezer and dishwasher safety
Check each part: many lids aren’t microwave safe even if the containers are.
Freezer-safe containers let you prep weeks ahead; top-rack dishwasher washing protects lids.
Quantity and size
Count meals per week and people. Bulk packs (Freshware, PROMOZE) suit families or batch cooks.
24–32 oz suits most lunches and dinners; smaller sizes are great for snacks and sauces.
Durability and cost
Glass lasts for years; disposable-style plastic is cheaper but wears faster.
Consider a mix: glass for home reheating and lightweight plastic for commuting.
FAQ
What are the best meal prep containers under $50?
The C CREST 10-Pack Glass Meal Prep Containers, for their oven-safe borosilicate glass and leak-proof lids.
Are glass meal prep containers better than plastic?
Glass resists stains and odors and can go in the oven, while plastic is lighter and cheaper. Many people use both.
Can I microwave meal prep containers?
Most containers are microwave safe, but check the lids: C CREST and Bentgo lids should not be microwaved.
How long does meal prep last in the fridge?
Most cooked meals keep 3–4 days in the fridge. Freeze portions you won’t eat within that window.
Are plastic meal prep containers safe?
Choose BPA-free containers. Bentgo states its containers are also PFAS-free.
What size meal prep container should I buy?
24–32 oz works for most full meals; 1–2 cup containers are better for snacks and sides.
Final Verdict
The C CREST 10-Pack Glass is the best meal prep container set under $50 for durability and reheating flexibility.
Choose Rubbermaid Brilliance for leak-proof plastic, Pyrex Simply Store for glass variety and Bentgo Prep for portion control.
For bulk value, Freshware and PROMOZE packs deliver dozens of containers for around $20.
Quick picks:
- Best overall: C CREST 10-Pack Glass
- Best leak-proof plastic: Rubbermaid Brilliance
- Best glass variety: Pyrex Simply Store 12-Pack
- Best portion control: Bentgo Prep
- Best bulk value: Freshware 50-Pack
Related buying guides: · ·
