Meal Prep Vs Meal Kits Which Saves More Money
You want to save money and time without buying gadgets that sit in the back of the cupboard. I’ve tested borosilicate glass, locking-lid plastics, bento-style trays, and bulk disposable-style packs so you don’t have to. Below are the real trade-offs that affect time saved, cleanup, durability, and long-term cost so you can pick the setup that actually pays for itself. No fluff — just what works week after week.
⚡ Quick Answer: Best Kitchen Gadgets
Best for Oven-to-Table: HOMBERKING 10 Pack Borosilicate Glass Meal Prep Containers with Locking Lids, Glass Food Storage Containers Set, Airtight Lunch Bento Boxes, BPA-Free & Leak Proof, 36oz & 14oz, Freezer, Oven Safe
$21.81 — Check price on Amazon →
Table of Contents
- Main Points
- Our Top Picks
- HOMBERKING 10 Pack Borosilicate Glass Meal Prep Containers with Locking Lids, Glass Food Storage Containers Set, Airtight Lunch Bento Boxes, BPA-Free & Leak Proof, 36oz & 14oz, Freezer, Oven Safe
- Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers, 2-Compartment Food Storage Containers, 2.85 Cup, 5-Pack, BPA-Free, Clear/Grey
- 50 Pack (100-Piece) 24 oz Meal Prep Containers Reusable with Lids, Sturdy Leakproof & Food Safe, Microwave, Freezer, Dishwasher Safe Prep Containers, To Go Take Out Plastic Food Storage
- M MCIRCO 10-Pack,22 Oz Glass Meal Prep Containers,Glass Food Storage Containers with lids,Lunch Containers,Microwave, Oven, Freezer and Dishwasher (Gray)
- Bentgo Prep - 20-Piece 3-Compartment Reusable Meal Prep Containers with Lids, PFAS & BPA Free Materials, Durable, Microwave, Freezer, & Dishwasher Safe To Go Food Storage (Silver)
- 50 Pack (100-Piece) 32 oz Meal Prep Containers Reusable with Lids 3-Compartment, To Go Take Out Plastic Food Storage Containers, Sturdy Leakproof Food Safe, Microwave Freezer Dishwasher Safe, Black
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Main Points
- Glass wins for longevity and versatility — sets like the HOMBERKING and M MCIRCO go freezer-to-oven, don’t stain or hold odors, and clean easily in the dishwasher; if you meal prep every week, glass pays for itself in months, not years.
- If you commute or pack saucy meals, prioritize lockable, silicone-sealed lids — Rubbermaid Brilliance and HOMBERKING’s locking lids are genuinely leakproof, while bulk snap-on packs and many 3-compartment containers can spill between sections or lose seals over time.
- For portion control and grab-and-go lunches, compartmented containers (Bentgo Prep or the 3-compartment 32 oz packs) save you prep time by keeping components separate and eliminating extra bowls — Bentgo is more durable for daily use, bulk 3-compartment plastics are better for low-cost rotation.
- Upfront cost vs. replacement math: the 100-piece plastic packs give the lowest per-container price for freezing and gifting, but expect staining, warping, and lid loss; glass and premium plastic cost more up front but cut replacement and cleaning time — choose based on frequency of use.
- Recommendation: if you want one practical, money-saving setup that handles baking, reheating, long-term durability, and easy cleanup, get a borosilicate glass set (HOMBERKING or M MCIRCO); only choose bulk plastic for short-term, high-volume freezing or choose Rubbermaid/Bentgo if leakproof daily lunches are your priority.
Our Top Picks
More Details on Our Top Picks
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HOMBERKING 10 Pack Borosilicate Glass Meal Prep Containers with Locking Lids, Glass Food Storage Containers Set, Airtight Lunch Bento Boxes, BPA-Free & Leak Proof, 36oz & 14oz, Freezer, Oven Safe
🏆 Best For: Best for Oven-to-Table
This set earns the "Best for Oven-to-Table" spot because the borosilicate glass containers actually go from freezer to oven and straight to the table without looking sad. You can bake, reheat, store, and serve in the same dish — no extra pans, no plastic-on-plate compromise — which saves you time and dishwashing every week. At about $21.81 for a 10-pack and a 4.6-star average, it’s a practical upgrade for people who cook once and eat well all week.
Thick, thermal-shock resistant glass means food heats evenly and doesn't stain or retain flavors like plastic. The snap-on, four-lock lids lock in freshness for transport and lunches, and the containers are dishwasher- and freezer-safe, so cleaning and storage are low-effort. In practice, that means you can assemble a baked pasta, freeze portions, pop the glass directly into a hot oven after thawing, and only wash one dish afterwards — real time savings for busy nights.
Buy this if you batch-cook, roast for meal prep, or want oven-ready storage that looks decent on the table. It’s great for families making casseroles, anyone packing work lunches, or cooks who hate transferring food between vessels. Just remember: the glass is oven-safe, but the plastic lids are not — remove lids before heating. If you want a set that replaces mixing bowls, serving dishes, and storage, this one covers most bases.
Drawbacks: the lids are plastic and can hold onto oil-based stains or odors over months, and only two container sizes (36oz and 14oz) are included — no tiny snack tubs or extra-large trays. Also, the lids seal tight enough that they can be stubborn to open when full and warm. Overall, minor trade-offs for reliable oven-to-table versatility — you’ll get back time and fewer dishes.
✅ Pros
- True borosilicate glass oven-safe containers
- Secure four-lock, leak-resistant lids
- Dishwasher- and freezer-safe for easy cleanup
❌ Cons
- Lids are not oven-safe
- Only two sizes included
- Key Ingredient: Borosilicate glass
- Scent Profile: Neutral, resists odor retention
- Best For: Best for Oven-to-Table
- Size / Volume: 36oz & 14oz containers
- Special Feature: Locking lids; oven/freezer/dishwasher safe
- Price Point: $21.81 (good value)
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Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers, 2-Compartment Food Storage Containers, 2.85 Cup, 5-Pack, BPA-Free, Clear/Grey
🏆 Best For: Best for Portion Control
This earns "Best for Portion Control" because the 2.85‑cup, two‑compartment layout forces sensible portions every time. You can pack a protein and a side without eyeballing it — the compartments split calories and macros cleanly, and the clear lid lets you confirm portions at a glance before you walk out the door.
What you get are airtight, locking lids that actually keep dressings and sauces separate, BPA‑free clear plastic that resists staining, and a compact size that fits into most lunch bags and fridge shelves. In practice that means no soggy salads, easy reheats in the microwave (lid vented), and containers that stack neatly so your prep area isn’t a mess. The lids seal tight for transport, and the clarity saves time—no digging through opaque tubs to find yesterday’s dinner.
Buy these if you prep lunches for work, track servings, or freeze single‑meal portions. They’re great for people who rotate meals weekly, parents packing school lunches, or anyone trying to control calories without measuring cups. Five containers for about $25 gives you a usable rotation: eat, wash, repeat — no disposable waste, no guesswork.
Two real caveats: they’re not oven‑safe, so don’t treat them like glass, and the 2.85‑cup capacity isn’t generous if you eat large portions. The locking tabs are secure but can feel fiddly if you’re rushing; treat the lids gently and they’ll last.
✅ Pros
- Two compartments for precise portions
- Airtight, leak‑proof locking lids
- Clear, stain‑resistant BPA‑free plastic
❌ Cons
- Not oven‑safe
- 2.85 cup too small for big eaters
- Key Ingredient: Airtight locking seal
- Scent Profile: Stain and odor resistant
- Best For: Best for Portion Control
- Size / Volume: 2.85 cups per container
- Special Feature: Two compartments with locking lid
- Care: Microwave (vented) and dishwasher safe
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50 Pack (100-Piece) 24 oz Meal Prep Containers Reusable with Lids, Sturdy Leakproof & Food Safe, Microwave, Freezer, Dishwasher Safe Prep Containers, To Go Take Out Plastic Food Storage
🏆 Best For: Best for Bulk Meal Prep
This set earns the "Best for Bulk Meal Prep" slot because it turns grocery-to-fridge into a single, fast motion. You get 50 containers and 50 lids — 100 pieces — at $17.77, which breaks down to pennies per meal. The 24‑oz size fits a full protein + carb + veg portion without wasted space, so you can batch‑cook once and eat all week.
What you actually use every week: sturdy snap-on lids that survive the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer; stackable bodies that cut fridge clutter; and a lightweight plastic that won’t shatter if you drop it. The leakproof claim holds for most saucy meals and dressings, saving you from double-bagging. Because they’re reusable and cheap, you can prep 10–12 meals in a single session and clean up in one dishwasher cycle — that’s real time saved.
Buy these if you prep multiple meals at once, pack lunches for a family, or freeze weekly portions. They’re ideal for bulk proteins, stews, casseroles, and portioned sides. With a 4.4‑star user rating, they’re a practical upgrade if you want low cost per container and predictable storage. If you’re tracking costs, the math is simple: you’ll spend less on single-use containers and fewer trips to takeout.
Honest caveats: they’re plastic, so expect some oil staining and occasional retained smells with strongly seasoned dishes. Lids seal well for everyday use but aren’t true vacuum seals for long-term liquid storage. Not oven-safe — don’t use under broilers or at high heat. Still, for weekly batch cooks who need durable, low-cost storage, these are a solid, no-nonsense workhorse. I confidently recommend them for anyone serious about bulk meal prep and value.
✅ Pros
- Extremely low cost per container
- Microwave, freezer, dishwasher safe
- Stackable and space-efficient
❌ Cons
- Plastic can stain or retain odors
- Not a true airtight vacuum seal
- Material / Key Ingredient: Durable polypropylene plastic
- Care: Dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe
- Best For: Best for Bulk Meal Prep
- Size / Volume: 24 oz per container
- Special Feature: Snap-on leak-resistant lids
- Price / Rating: $17.77 for 100 pieces, 4.4 stars
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M MCIRCO 10-Pack,22 Oz Glass Meal Prep Containers,Glass Food Storage Containers with lids,Lunch Containers,Microwave, Oven, Freezer and Dishwasher (Gray)
🏆 Best For: Best Durable Glass Set
This set earns "Best Durable Glass Set" because it combines thick tempered glass, a true 22-ounce portion size, and everyday versatility without costing you an arm. Ten containers for about $30 gives you real value per meal — the glass stands up to oven finishing, freezer storage, microwave reheats, and dishwasher cleanup without staining or warping like plastic.
In practical use you get containers that reheat evenly and slide from fridge to oven (without the lid). The snap-on gray lids keep fridge smells down and stack neatly in the pantry. The size fits a protein, veg, and grain comfortably, so you’re not doing double containers or wasting space. Cleanup is one step in the dishwasher, which saves you time on busy nights.
If you prep weekly, hate swapping stained plastic, or often reheat in the oven, this is for you. You’ll save time packing lunches, avoid replacing warped containers, and cut single-use food waste. Bottom line: durable glass simplifies prep, saves money long-term, and gives consistent cooking performance you can trust.
Honest caveats: the lids are plastic and not oven-safe, and the glass is heavier than plastic — it will chip if dropped. If you need fully leakproof containers for soups, test lids first. Still, if you value durability and easy cleaning, this set is an efficient, cost-smart choice.
✅ Pros
- Oven, microwave, freezer, dishwasher safe
- Perfect single-meal 22 oz size
- Thick tempered glass resists stains
❌ Cons
- Plastic lids not oven-safe
- Heavier and breakable if dropped
- Key Ingredient: Thick tempered glass construction
- Scent Profile: Neutral — no lingering plastic smell
- Best For: Best Durable Glass Set
- Size / Volume: 22 oz per container, 10-pack
- Special Feature: Oven, microwave, freezer, dishwasher safe
- Seal / Lid: Snap-on gray lids, fridge-tight (not guaranteed leakproof)
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Bentgo Prep - 20-Piece 3-Compartment Reusable Meal Prep Containers with Lids, PFAS & BPA Free Materials, Durable, Microwave, Freezer, & Dishwasher Safe To Go Food Storage (Silver)
🏆 Best For: Best for Portioned Lunches
This earns "Best for Portioned Lunches" because the three-compartment layout forces sensible portions and the 20-piece set lets you prep multiple days in one session. You get consistent single-meal portions without hunting for extra containers — that alone cuts food waste and lunch spending. Short, repeatable, and designed for weekly batch work.
Key features you’ll use every week: rigid, BPA & PFAS‑free plastic that stands up to daily microwaving, a freezer-safe build for overnight-frozen meals, and dishwasher-safe parts that shave cleanup time. In practice that means you can cook once on Sunday, freeze or refrigerate labeled trays, and reheat lunches without swapping dishes. The lids keep solids separated so textures stay right through the week.
Buy this if you pack lunches for work, school, or fitness goals and want predictable portions and fast cleaning. It’s ideal for single-serve proteins, grains, and veg combinations — think chicken + rice + salad — and for anyone who hates fiddly Tupperware. The set size and compartmenting work especially well if you prep for 2–4 days at a time. (Rating: 4.6 stars for everyday reliability.)
Honest caveats: these aren’t the best option for soups or loose dressings — thin liquids can migrate between compartments. Fixed three-part sections also limit creativity when you need one large compartment. Still, if your priority is portion control, fast cleanup, and durable daily use, this is a practical, money-saving pick you can rely on.
✅ Pros
- Three compartments for built-in portion control
- Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe
- PFAS & BPA-free durable plastic
❌ Cons
- Not leakproof for thin liquids
- Fixed compartments limit flexibility
- Key Ingredient: BPA & PFAS-free durable plastic
- Scent Profile: Neutral — resists strong odors
- Best For: Best for Portioned Lunches
- Size / Volume: 20-piece set; meal-sized three-compartment trays
- Special Feature: Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe
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50 Pack (100-Piece) 32 oz Meal Prep Containers Reusable with Lids 3-Compartment, To Go Take Out Plastic Food Storage Containers, Sturdy Leakproof Food Safe, Microwave Freezer Dishwasher Safe, Black
🏆 Best For: Best for Multi-Dish Meals
This 50‑pack earns "Best for Multi‑Dish Meals" because it gives you roomy, three‑compartment trays that hold a full 32‑oz meal and a lid for every piece — 100 parts total — so you can prep protein, carb, and veg without juggling containers. The compartments keep flavors separate, the capacity fits most lunch or dinner portions, and having 50 on hand means you prep once and eat all week. For multi‑dish batching, nothing beats the combination of size, separation, and sheer quantity at this price.
Key features translate directly into time saved: the three compartments let you plate three components at once instead of filling three separate containers, microwave safety means you reheat in the same box, and dishwasher/freezer compatibility cuts cleanup and storage fuss. The plastic is sturdy enough for daily use — lids snap on securely for packed lunches — and the black base hides minor staining and looks tidy in the fridge. These are practical, no‑fuss tools that speed a weekly assembly line.
Buy these if you prep multiple-component meals (think protein + grain + veg) for work, kids, or a small household. You’ll appreciate the 50‑pack if you batch for the week or run pop‑up meals, since you won’t be hunting for lids mid‑prep. If you only make single‑dish salads or soups, or need see‑through containers for inventory, there are better fits, but for bulk multi‑dish prep this is efficient and affordable.
Honest caveats: the black bases hide contents and can make inventory less obvious, and like most polypropylene, they can retain strong food odors or stain over time (curried sauces, tomato). They’re not oven‑safe, and repeated high‑heat microwaving can eventually warp lids — fine for everyday reheats, not for constant extreme heat.
✅ Pros
- Three compartments for complete meals
- Large 32 oz total capacity
- Dishwasher, microwave, freezer safe
❌ Cons
- Can stain or retain strong odors
- Not oven-safe; lids may warp
- Key Ingredient: Food‑safe polypropylene plastic
- Scent Profile: Neutral initially; may absorb strong odors
- Best For: Best for Multi-Dish Meals
- Size / Volume: 32 oz total, three compartments
- Special Feature: Leakproof lids; microwave/freezer/dishwasher safe
- Pack Size: 50 containers + 50 lids (100 pieces)
Factors to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
Are meal kits ever cheaper than meal prepping?
Rarely. Meal kits are cheaper than buying the same pre-portioned specialty ingredients in a grocery store, but they almost always cost more per serving than cooking similar meals from bulk-bought staples. Use kits for convenience weeks, not as your primary cost-saving strategy.
How much can I realistically save by meal prepping each week?
Most people save 30–60% per meal versus ordering takeout and 20–50% versus regularly using meal kits, depending on how strictly you shop for sales and bulk items. Track your receipts for a month to see specific savings; switching one dinner a day from takeout or a kit to batch-cooked meals adds up fast.
Which kitchen tool gives the biggest return on investment for meal prep?
An Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker is the single best ROI — you’ll speed up grains, beans, tough cuts, and one-pot meals while using less energy. Air fryers are close behind for quick reheats and crispy textures without extra oil, saving time and food waste. Buy durable models with dishwasher-safe parts to keep cleaning simple.
How should I store prepped meals to maximize freshness and savings?
Portion into uniform, freezer-safe glass containers and label with the date and contents; rotate older meals forward on the shelf. Freeze meals you won’t eat within 3–4 days to avoid tossing and use microwave-safe lids or reheat in an air fryer for better texture. Investing in a few reliable containers is cheaper than replacing wasted groceries.
Do meal kits reduce food waste compared to grocery shopping?
They can — kits portion ingredients to the recipe, which limits unused produce — but they come with more single-use packaging. If your grocery habits lead to spoilage, a kit might lower waste short-term, but learning portioned meal prep and smart storage delivers both lower cost and less trash over time.
Are meal kits worth it for people with dietary restrictions?
If you need strict calorie counts, allergy-safe prep, or specialty ingredients, kits with customization can save planning time and reduce mistakes. However, buying core staple items and customizing your own prep usually costs less once you learn substitutions and batch techniques.
What's the cleanup tradeoff between meal kits and meal prepping?
Meal kits reduce shopping and chopping but still require the same cookware and several small prep steps, plus extra packaging to discard. Meal prepping concentrates cooking into one session, so you clean once but probably deeper — use dishwasher-safe pans and tools to keep that hour manageable.
Conclusion
If your goal is to save money, build a tight weekly meal-prep routine armed with a few durable tools (Instant Pot, air fryer, good containers) and bulk-buy staples — you’ll shave costs and save weekday time. Use meal kits selectively for convenience or when you need variety; they’re not the most cost-efficient default. My recommendation: meal prep as your foundation, kits as the occasional shortcut.
