The best meal prep containers to make lunchtimes a dream

Whether you're a regular in the office these days or simply don't want the hassle of having to cook lunch every day when working from home, you'll need a meal prep container.

Aside from making your meal times straightforward, they're a fantastic way to hit all your macros if you're into fitness, making your health journey much easier.

Having your meals ready to go also frees up more time for you to run errands on your lunch break, or go for a #hotgirlwalk and get some steps in. It's also a great way to save money - because as much as we love Pret, we absolutely can't afford it every day.

We've searched far and wide to find the best meal prep containers to make lunchtimes a breeze. Whether you're looking for a glass container, a bento box, or a breakfast container, we've got you covered.

The best meal prep containers

How to choose a meal prep container

There are plenty of different containers, some of which are best for cold foods and others for snacks. The best meal prep container for you is completely relative and depends entirely on what you'll need it for.

However, there are a few things to watch out for when it comes to selecting a container. These include if it's microwave-safe, and that it's airtight - especially for liquids such as soups. You should also see if it's dishwasher-safe if that's how you plan to wash yours.

A container that has different sections or additional internal boxes will make it easier to store all of your favourite foods, and it has to be the perfect size and weight for your rucksack or bag.

Meal prep ideas

Searching for some meal prep ideas? Here are some meal prep ideas we love here at team Closer:

Protein, carbohydrates and vegetables - Yep, it's the age-old meal prep classic, but for good reason. Simple to cook and reheat, many meal preppers love this option as you can tailor the main ingredients, plus the seasoning, and spice depending on what you fancy that day. Some popular options include chicken, salmon or tuna, paired with rice, quinoa or couscous, with broccoli, green beans or peppers.

Bean salad - Team filling and protein-rich chickpeas, beans or lentils with tomatoes, cucumber, sweetcorn, carrots, lettuce and more. The world is your oyster with this option (and it's cheap, too).

Soup - Another affordable option, simply blend your favourite ingredients to create a delicious, hearty meal that can also be frozen. We love tomato and basil or spicy butternut squash.

Wraps and pittas - Elevate the classic sandwich by using a wrap or a pitta instead. Simply make the fillings ahead of time and pop them into your carb of choice the morning of (unless you want soggy food!).

Pasta - One of the simplest options to batch cook, you can't go wrong with a delicious bowl of pasta. Pesto pasta, feta, tomato, red onion and chilli, or a lovely veg-packed ragu are great options. Check out some easy recipes for beginners, here.

Alternatively, a food subscription box can not only save you money but helps reduce waste and makes life easier. Plus, it means you don't have to do the dreaded big shop when you're tired and hungry. What's not to like?