You can control portions without counting calories—use the right containers and a simple routine. As a meal-prep coach who actually packs lunches every week, I focus on setups that save time, clean easily, and last. This roundup compares a heavy-duty 2-compartment glass set and three color-coded plastic kits (7, 14, 28 pieces) so you can pick what fits your schedule, dishwasher, and appetite. No fluff—just what works in real kitchens.

Main Points

• Glass vs. plastic: glass (MCIRCO 36 oz, 2-compartment) wins for durability, no staining or odors, and oven/microwave/freezer/dishwasher safety—it’s heavier but built to last. Plastic kits are lighter and cheaper but can discolor or warp over time if exposed to high heat.
• Compartments matter: the 2-compartment 4.5‑cup container keeps hot and cold foods separate and speeds up assembly and reheating—ideal when you want a balanced plate without fiddling with measuring tools.
• Color-coded kits make portioning idiot‑proof: the 7/14/28-piece systems include size-coded containers, a COMPLETE GUIDE, a 21‑day planner/tracker and recipes—perfect if you want a simple visual method and habit support instead of calorie counting.
• Quantity and rotation: pick the kit size for your workflow—7 pieces if you’re testing the system, 14 for one-week rotation without washing every night, 28 if you prep multiple people or two weeks at once.
• Recommendation: for most busy cooks who want time savings, durability, and easy cleanup, get the MCIRCO 2-compartment glass 36 oz set—add the 14-piece color-coded kit only if you want guided tracking and extra containers for faster turnover.

Our Top Picks

Best for Oven & Microwave		M MCIRCO [5-Pack,36 Oz] Glass Meal Prep Containers 2 Compartments Portion Control with Upgraded Snap Locking Lids Glass Food Storage Containers, Microwave, Oven, Freezer and Dishwasher (4.5 Cups)	★★★★½ 4.7/5	Key Ingredient: Heat-resistant tempered glass	Scent Profile: Neutral — resists odor absorption	Best For: Best for Oven & Microwave	Check Price on Amazon	Read Our Analysis
Best for Diet Beginners		Portion Control Containers DELUXE Kit (14-Piece) with COMPLETE GUIDE + 21 DAY PLANNER + RECIPE eBOOK BPA FREE Color Coded Meal Prep System for Diet and Weight Loss	★★★★½ 4.5/5	Key Ingredient: BPA-free polypropylene plastic	Scent Profile: Odorless out of the box	Best For: Best for Diet Beginners	Check Price on Amazon	Read Our Analysis
Best for Compact Portion Control		7 PCS Portion Control Containers Kit (with COMPLETE GUIDE, 21 DAY DAILY TRACKER, 21 DAY MEAL PLANNER, RECIPES PDF),Label-Coded,Multi-Color-Coded System,Perfect Size for Lose Weight	★★★★½ 4.6/5	Key Ingredient: BPA-free, food-grade plastic	Scent Profile: Neutral — no lingering plastic smell	Best For: Best for Compact Portion Control	Check Price on Amazon	Read Our Analysis
Best for Family Meal Prep		Portion Control Containers DELUXE Kit (28-Piece) with COMPLETE GUIDE + 21 DAY PLANNER + RECIPE eBOOK BPA FREE Color Coded Meal Prep System for Diet and Weight Loss	★★★★½ 4.5/5	Key Ingredient: BPA-free polypropylene plastic	Scent Profile: Neutral; odor-resistant material	Best For: Best for Family Meal Prep	Check Price on Amazon	Read Our Analysis

More Details on Our Top Picks

1. M MCIRCO [5-Pack,36 Oz] Glass Meal Prep Containers 2 Compartments Portion Control with Upgraded Snap Locking Lids Glass Food Storage Containers, Microwave, Oven, Freezer and Dishwasher (4.5 Cups)

   🏆 Best For: Best for Oven & Microwave

   ★★★★½ 4.7/5

   

   Best for Oven & Microwave

   Check Price on Amazon

   The M MCIRCO 5-pack earns the "Best for Oven & Microwave" spot because the glass bodies actually go where you cook — oven, fridge, freezer, and microwave — so you stop juggling containers. The 36‑ounce size with two compartments gives you an obvious visual portion without measuring. You cook or reheat in the same dish, reduce dishwashing, and get meals plated faster.

   Thick, heat‑resistant glass tolerates direct oven heat and rapid fridge-to-heat transitions, so you can roast, reheat, and store without swapping bowls. The upgraded snap‑locking lids keep meals stacked and transportable, cutting assembly time during weekly meal prep. They nest neatly to save cabinet space and toss clean in the dishwasher — no scrubbing tiny corners.

   If you batch cook for the week, bring lunches to work, or want oven-to-table convenience, these are for you. The two compartments make balancing protein and veg simple, so you eat right without counting calories. For busy evenings, pop a baked dish straight into the container, refrigerate leftovers, and reheat at lunch — less time cooking, less time thinking.

   Be honest: the lids are plastic and not oven-safe, so remove them before you bake. They can also trap a little moisture if not fully snapped, so avoid watery soups for full confidence. Despite that, the durability, cleanup speed, and true oven/microwave glass performance make this set my go-to pick — I recommend it for serious meal preppers who want oven-ready storage that actually saves time.

   ✅ Pros

   • Oven, microwave, freezer safe glass
   • Two compartments for instant portion control
   • Stacks and nests to save cabinet space

   ❌ Cons

   • Lids are plastic and not oven-safe
   • Lids can trap moisture; careful with thin liquids
   • Key Ingredient: Heat-resistant tempered glass
   • Scent Profile: Neutral — resists odor absorption
   • Best For: Best for Oven & Microwave
   • Size / Volume: 36 oz (4.5 cups) — 2 compartments
   • Special Feature: Upgraded snap-lock lids, stackable
   • Care: Dishwasher, freezer, microwave safe (lids top-rack)

2. Portion Control Containers DELUXE Kit (14-Piece) with COMPLETE GUIDE + 21 DAY PLANNER + RECIPE eBOOK BPA FREE Color Coded Meal Prep System for Diet and Weight Loss

   🏆 Best For: Best for Diet Beginners

   ★★★★½ 4.5/5

   

   Best for Diet Beginners

   Check Price on Amazon

   This kit earns "Best for Diet Beginners" because it turns portioning into a visual system you can use from day one. The 14-piece, color-coded containers map portions to food groups, and the included COMPLETE GUIDE, 21‑DAY PLANNER, and recipe eBook walk you through meals so you don’t have to guess. In short: it teaches you the habit, not just the gear.

   What you get is practical: measured containers that stack, snap-on lids that stay put in a packed fridge, and a planner that schedules meals so prep sessions take minutes instead of hours. The BPA‑free plastic is lightweight for grabbing on the go, the color coding removes mental math, and the planner + recipes speed up decision-making for a full three weeks. You’ll prep faster and waste less food.

   Buy this if you’re new to portion control, returning to structured eating after a break, or prepping lunches for work. It’s best when you want rules without counting calories — follow the planner and you’ll see what a week's worth of balanced plates looks like. If you’re coaching a family new to meal planning, the visual system helps everyone stay consistent.

   Honest caveats: the kit feels pricey for plastic, and very active eaters may find some portions small. Lids can be stiff the first few uses; warm water softens them. Still — if you need a clear, low-effort system to learn portioning, this kit delivers and I recommend it confidently.

   ✅ Pros

   • Color-coded, measured portions — no counting
   • Includes guide, 21-day planner, recipe eBook
   • BPA-free, lightweight, stackable design

   ❌ Cons

   • Some portions small for high-calorie needs
   • Lids are stiff until broken in
   • Key Ingredient: BPA-free polypropylene plastic
   • Scent Profile: Odorless out of the box
   • Best For: Best for Diet Beginners
   • Size / Volume: 14-piece kit; mixed portion cups
   • Special Feature: Complete guide, 21-day planner, recipe eBook
   • Care: Hand-wash or top-rack dishwasher friendly

3. 7 PCS Portion Control Containers Kit (with COMPLETE GUIDE, 21 DAY DAILY TRACKER, 21 DAY MEAL PLANNER, RECIPES PDF),Label-Coded,Multi-Color-Coded System,Perfect Size for Lose Weight

   🏆 Best For: Best for Compact Portion Control

   ★★★★½ 4.6/5

   

   Best for Compact Portion Control

   Check Price on Amazon

   This kit earns the "Best for Compact Portion Control" slot because it solves the two biggest roadblocks to portioning: space and decision fatigue. The seven-piece, color-coded system tucks into crowded fridges and lunch bags, and the included guide + 21-day trackers stop you from guessing serving sizes midday. If you want portion control that fits your life — not the other way around — this is built for that.

   What you actually get: a multi-color labeled set that makes portions obvious at a glance, simple meal-planning pages, and a recipes PDF so you don't stare at your containers wondering what to pack. The containers are lightweight and stack neatly, which saves time opening a jammed fridge. The daily planner and tracker save you from recalculating portions every week — you prep once, reuse the pattern, and cut decision time by half during busy mornings.

   Buy this if you meal-prep for one, commute, or have a tiny fridge. It’s perfect for single adults, students, or anyone who wants portion control without counting calories. Use it for weekday lunches, short-term weight-loss challenges, or travel meal prep — it makes consistent portions reliable and portable so you don’t have to think about it.

   Honest caveats: $72.28 is steeper than basic containers, so it’s an investment in the guides and system, not just plastic. The sizes are compact — excellent for you, not ideal if you batch-cook family-sized dinners. Also, color labels can show wear if you run them through high-heat cycles constantly. Still, for focused, space-conscious portioning, it delivers.

   ✅ Pros

   • Compact, fridge-friendly storage
   • Color-coded system simplifies portions
   • Includes guide, planner, and trackers

   ❌ Cons

   • Not ideal for family-sized batch cooking
   • Higher price than basic containers
   • Key Ingredient: BPA-free, food-grade plastic
   • Scent Profile: Neutral — no lingering plastic smell
   • Best For: Best for Compact Portion Control
   • Size / Volume: Seven compact containers for small-to-medium portions
   • Special Feature: Label-coded system + guides and 21-day tracker
   • Price / Rating: $72.28 · 4.6 stars

4. Portion Control Containers DELUXE Kit (28-Piece) with COMPLETE GUIDE + 21 DAY PLANNER + RECIPE eBOOK BPA FREE Color Coded Meal Prep System for Diet and Weight Loss

   🏆 Best For: Best for Family Meal Prep

   ★★★★½ 4.5/5

   

   Best for Family Meal Prep

   Check Price on Amazon

   This kit earns the "Best for Family Meal Prep" slot because it gives you a ready-made system for portioning multiple people at once — 28 pieces, color-coded lids, and a 21-day planner that actually helps you move from idea to packed lunches on Sunday. You can portion breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in one session, stack everything cleanly in the fridge, and have predictable servings for the week. That predictability is what keeps a busy household on track without counting calories.

   What you get: assorted container sizes that cover single servings and family portions, snap-lock lids that stay put, BPA‑free thicker plastic that holds up to repeated use, and microwave- and dishwasher-safe pieces for quick reheats and cleanup. The color coding and included recipe/meal-planning guides remove guesswork — you’ll save time deciding portions and what to cook. In practice, you can batch-cook a roast, split it into family-sized dinners, portion individual lunches, freeze extras, and reheat without soggy containers or scavenging for matching lids.

   Buy this if you feed two or more regularly, coach a household toward consistent portions, or meal-prep for different appetite sizes (kids versus adults). It’s best when you want a one-box solution to start weekly prep habits: Sunday assembly line, fridge-ready meals, and grab-and-go school or work lunches. If you run a small meal delivery for family friends, this keeps orders consistent and cuts down on portion fights.

   Honest caveats: the kit is bulky and needs pantry real estate, and some lids can discolor over time if they sit with tomato-based sauces. The included planner and eBook are practical but sometimes generic — you’ll still tweak recipes for picky eaters. Overall, if you want a durable, time-saving family system that replaces mismatched containers, this is the one to buy.

   ✅ Pros

   • Color-coded for fast portion assembly
   • Dishwasher and microwave safe
   • Includes meal planner and recipe eBook

   ❌ Cons

   • Takes significant pantry storage space
   • Lids can discolor with tomato sauces
   • Key Ingredient: BPA-free polypropylene plastic
   • Scent Profile: Neutral; odor-resistant material
   • Best For: Best for Family Meal Prep
   • Size / Volume: 28-piece kit; assorted single-to-family sizes
   • Special Feature: Color-coded system + 21-day planner
   • Care: Microwave-safe, top-rack dishwasher safe

Factors to Consider

Frequently Asked Questions

How many containers do I need for a week of lunches?

Start with 7–10 mid-size containers if you plan to prep lunches for a week — that covers a lunch per workday plus a couple extras for dinners or swaps. If you use divided containers, you may need fewer since each holds a full meal with sides. Choose a mix of sizes so you’re not wasting space or food.

What size containers are best for portion control?

For most people, 2-cup (about 500 ml) containers work as a main-portion size, with 1-cup sections for sides. Use 1-cup or muffin-sized molds for single servings of grains, proteins, or snacks to make grabbing a portion automatic. Match sizes to your goals so you’re not scooping out food every time you plate.

Are plastic containers safe for reheating and long-term use?

Use BPA-free plastics labeled microwave-safe for reheating, and replace them if they become warped or heavily stained. Glass or stainless are better long-term options — they don’t absorb odors and stay clear, which makes meal planning less guesswork. If you store acidic or oily foods, opt for glass to avoid lingering smells and surface damage.

Can I use an air fryer or Instant Pot to help with portion control?

Yes — air fryers and Instant Pots make batch-cooking efficient so you can portion immediately while food is hot, which reduces waste. Use the Instant Pot for large batches of grains or shredded protein and divide into containers, and use the air fryer for quick roasted veggies and single-serve proteins. They speed cooking and simplify consistent portions across meals.

How do I prevent meals from getting soggy in the fridge?

Keep wet sauces separate and add them at serving time or store in small lidded ramekins to preserve texture. Choose containers with vents or condensation-resistant lids if you reheat directly. For leafy greens, pack dressings and crunchy toppings separately to keep salads crisp.

Is a kitchen scale necessary if I want to portion without counting calories?

A scale is helpful at the start so you learn what visual portions look like, but you don’t need it forever. Weigh a few common portions, record them (or mark scoops), then use measured scoops and consistent containers to repeat those portions without the scale. That initial investment speeds future prep and reduces guesswork.

What’s the easiest way to freeze portioned meals?

Freeze meals flat in freezer-safe bags for quick stacking and fast thawing, or use shallow glass containers if you plan to reheat in the same dish. Label with contents and date, and cool food before sealing to prevent excess ice crystals. Portioning into individual servings before freezing makes reheating a one-step process and reduces waste.

Conclusion

Portion control is mostly about good tools and simple routines: consistent container sizes, a couple measured scoops, and cookware that fits your reheating habits save you time and mental energy. Invest in stackable, dishwasher-safe containers (glass if you reheat often, stainless for freezer-first routines) and a short, practical meal-prep guide to make portions automatic. My recommendation: start with a 7–10 set of divided, glass or stainless containers plus a couple measured scoops — you’ll cut decision time and food waste in half.