Meal Prep Supplies That Earn Their Drawer Space: 7 Picks

The best meal prep supplies are the ones that remove a bottleneck in your Sunday routine, and for most home cooks that means three things: a stack of deli containers for portions and sauces, a food scale for repeatable portions, and a way to handle chicken fast. Our top pick is the Dipoo 60-set deli container pack because it covers three sizes in one purchase, and the runner-up is the Etekcity 11 lb food scale because every other tool works better once portions are consistent.

This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these products; we compared maker listings, published specifications and independent coverage, and we only state specs that the listing names. Anything the listing does not say is marked “not listed”. If you are searching for the best meal prep supplies to equip a first kitchen, the table and picks below are ordered so you can stop reading once your own list is complete.

Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: Dipoo 60-Set Deli Containers (three sizes, 120 pieces)
• Best Value Scale: Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, 11 lb
• Best for Chicken Prep: SURETIVIAN Chicken Shredder Tool
• Best Starter Set: Bentgo Prep 20-Piece Meal Prep Containers
• Best Reheat-Ready Glass: KOMUEE 10-Pack 30 oz Glass Containers
• Best for Serving Day: LNNIW Food Warming Mat
• Best Freezer Bag Alternative: Stasher Silicone Storage Bags, 4-Pack

Comparison Table

1. Dipoo Deli Containers: Best Overall for Mixed Portions

• 60 sets (120 pieces) of containers with lids
• Three sizes: 32 oz, 16 oz and 8 oz, 20 sets of each
• Described as leak-proof, airtight and BPA-free
• Microwave and freezer ratings: check the maker’s page, the short listing does not confirm temperature limits

Best for: anyone who preps components rather than finished meals. Skip if: you want compartments inside a single container.

Deli containers are the quiet workhorse of a prep kitchen. The 32 oz size holds a generous serving of rice, soup or chili, the 16 oz size handles a side such as roasted vegetables or beans, and the 8 oz size is what you reach for with dressing, cooked eggs or cut fruit. Having all three in one pack means you can build a lunch from separate parts and keep wet and dry items apart until you eat.

The practical advantage is volume. With 20 of each size, you can fill the fridge for the week, freeze a second batch and still have clean spares while the dishwasher runs. That is the real value of a bulk pack: not a lower cost per piece, but never running out in the middle of a cook-up.

The trade-off is durability. Thin deli-style plastic is designed to be reused many times but not forever, and lids are usually the first part to loosen. Plan on hand-washing the lids and avoid heating tomato-based sauces in plastic, because stains build up fast.

Pros: three useful sizes; large count; stacks neatly; cheap to replace. Cons: plastic stains; lids wear before bodies; no divided sections.

2. Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale: Best Value for Consistent Portions

• 11 lb capacity
• Switches between grams and ounces
• Tare function to zero out a container
• Marketed for baking, meal prep and portion tracking

Best for: macro counters, anyone splitting a batch into equal portions. Skip if: you need a very large platform for sheet pans.

A scale is the least glamorous tool on this list and the one that changes results the most. Cooked rice looks the same in every scoop but can vary by a third. Weighing each portion into its container with the tare button takes seconds and keeps a week of lunches identical, which matters if you are following a calorie or protein target.

The workflow is simple: place the empty container, press tare, add food until the target number appears, repeat. The 11 lb ceiling is plenty for individual portions and for weighing a whole batch of chicken before cooking so you can divide it evenly afterwards.

Check the platform size against your largest container before ordering; the short listing does not state it. Also keep spare batteries or confirm the power source on the maker’s page, because a dead scale on prep day is a bigger nuisance than it sounds.

Pros: simple operation; both units; tare; compact. Cons: small platform on compact scales; platform dimensions not listed.

3. SURETIVIAN Chicken Shredder Tool: Best for Chicken Prep

• Twist-style large meat shredder
• Comes with a cleaning brush and a fork
• Anti-slip base, black finish
• Marketed for chicken breast, pork and beef

Best for: pulled chicken for bowls, wraps and salads. Skip if: you rarely cook shredded meat.

Two forks shred chicken, but they are slow and messy when you are processing four or five breasts. A twist-style shredder grips the meat and pulls it apart with a rotating motion, which leaves you with consistent strands in less time. For a weekly prep that includes taco chicken, buffalo chicken salad or slow-cooker pork, it pays for itself in saved minutes.

Work with warm, not scalding, meat. Shredding is much easier within a few minutes of cooking when fibers are loose, and the tool is easier to clean before fat sets. The included brush helps get fibers out of the teeth, which is the part most people skip and then regret.

Because this is a specialist tool, make sure you will use it. If you cook chicken once a month, two forks are fine. If chicken is your weekly protein, this is one of the cheapest time-savers in the kitchen.

Pros: fast; consistent shreds; brush included; low cost. Cons: single purpose; takes drawer space; material not listed in the short title.

4. Bentgo Prep 20-Piece Meal Prep Containers: Best Starter Set

• 20 pieces: containers and lids
• 4-cup capacity per container
• Stackable, portion-control design
• Listed as PFAS-free and BPA-free

Best for: first-time preppers who want a matched set. Skip if: you need divided compartments.

A 4-cup container is a sensible default size: it fits a protein, a starch and a vegetable in a layered portion without crowding. Because the pieces are matched and stackable, the cabinet stays tidy, and the lids all fit every base, which removes the daily game of finding the right lid.

The PFAS-free and BPA-free statements are useful if you reheat food often, though you should still follow the maker’s microwave guidance and avoid heating on high for long periods. If you want to feed a family, pair this set with the deli containers above, using the larger boxes for mains and the small ones for toppings.

Pros: matched lids; stackable; clear material claims; easy to replace. Cons: only one shape; plastic can stain.

5. KOMUEE Glass Meal Prep Containers: Best for Reheating

• 10 containers with lids
• 30 oz capacity
• Glass bodies, airtight lids
• Oven and freezer limits: not listed in the short title, check the maker’s page

Best for: people who reheat at work or at home and want no staining or odors. Skip if: you carry meals in a light bag all day.

Glass does not hold onto curry color or garlic smell the way plastic can, and many cooks prefer reheating in it. The 30 oz size is large enough for a full dinner portion, which makes the set work for family leftovers as well as lunches.

The cost of glass is weight. Ten full containers are a lot to carry, and a drop onto tile will end a container. Treat these as fridge-to-microwave containers, not as a lunchbox you toss in a backpack. Let hot food cool slightly before sealing the lid to reduce condensation and pressure buildup, and avoid moving glass straight from freezer to a hot oven.

Pros: no staining; easy to see contents; good for reheating; longer lifespan. Cons: heavy; breakable; higher up-front cost.

6. LNNIW Food Warming Mat: Best for Serving Day

• 36 x 15 inch surface
• Fast-heat design with a child lock
• Includes a heat-resistant pad
• Temperature settings: not listed in the short title

Best for: batch cooks who serve gatherings or eat in shifts. Skip if: your prep is purely for grab-and-go lunches.

A warming mat is not a core prep item, but it matters if your batch cooking supports a family dinner, a game day spread or a potluck. At 36 by 15 inches, it fits a few dishes side by side and keeps cooked food warm without a chafing setup.

Use it with covered dishes so food does not dry out, and place it on a heat-safe surface even though a pad is included. The child lock is a sensible feature in busy households. Food safety still applies: hot food should be kept hot and cooled promptly, so do not use a warming mat as a place to store leftovers for hours.

Pros: large surface; child lock; includes pad; simple to store flat. Cons: needs an outlet; not a cooking appliance; situational.

7. Stasher Silicone Storage Bags: Best Freezer Bag Alternative

• 4-pack of reusable bags
• Food-safe silicone construction
• Marketed for freezer, microwave and sous vide use
• Exact capacities by size: not listed in the short title

Best for: marinades, soups and portioned freezer meals with less single-use plastic. Skip if: you freeze huge batches at once.

Reusable silicone bags stand in for disposable zip bags, and because they lie flat in the freezer, they stack efficiently. They are also useful for marinating, since you can squeeze out air and keep marinade against the meat.

Washing takes a little more attention than a plastic container: turn them inside out, and use a bottle brush or a spoon handle for corners. Four bags will not cover a heavy prep day on their own, so think of them as a complement to containers rather than a replacement.

Pros: reusable; flat freezer storage; versatile; less waste. Cons: premium pricing per bag; slower to dry; small pack size.

Also Consider

VITEVER 6-Pack Glass Sauce Containers (2.7 oz)

Small glass dressing cups with lids for sauces, dips and condiments. They keep salads from getting soggy and are easy to wash. Check lid material and leak-resistance on the maker’s page.

Xomoo Silicone Freezer Tray With Lid

Makes 2-cup, 1-cup and half-cup frozen portions for soup, broth and sauces. Pop out the blocks and move them to a bag to free the tray for the next batch.

Bentgo Modern Adult Bento Lunch Box

A leak-resistant lunch box with 3 to 4 compartments, a 5.5-cup capacity and an adjustable divider. Useful if you prefer separated foods to layered ones.

Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Food Storage, Set of 4

A 3.2-cup glass set from a long-established brand, suited to people who want fewer, sturdier containers rather than a large bulk pack.

How We Chose

This guide is research-based. We reviewed manufacturer listings, compared specifications across similar products, and read independent kitchen-gear coverage from publications that explain how food-storage materials behave. We did not personally use any of these products and we make no performance claims from personal use. We picked tools that solve distinct problems in a weekly prep routine, limited each brand to a small number of entries, and favored items with clearly stated sizes and materials.

We left out novelty gadgets, anything whose core claims could not be verified from the maker’s description, and duplicates of the same container type. Prices are shown only as tiers because they change often.

Buying Guide: Choosing Meal Prep Supplies

Start with the number of meals, not the number of containers

A common mistake is buying 30 containers for a plan that needs 10. Count the meals you actually prep: five lunches and five dinners need ten main containers plus a few small ones for sauces. Add two or three spares for the dishwasher cycle and you have your number. Buying double that mostly creates clutter.

Match the container size to the food

Use roughly 24 to 32 oz (3 to 4 cups) for a full meal with protein, grain and vegetables, 16 oz for a side, and 2 to 8 oz for sauces and toppings. A 4-cup container is a flexible default, while smaller sizes keep dressing separate. Large single containers also work for batch storage of soup or chili.

Plastic, glass or silicone

Plastic is light and cheap but stains and warps over time. Glass resists odor and staining and is the better reheating choice, but it is heavier and breakable. Silicone bags and trays are best for freezing and marinating because they lay flat and can be reused. Many cooks use a mix: glass for the fridge, plastic for travel, silicone for the freezer.

Check lids and temperature limits

Lids fail before bodies. Look for lids that snap on all four sides, and read the maker’s guidance on microwave, freezer and dishwasher use. If a listing does not state a temperature rating, treat it as unknown and follow the conservative path: cool food before sealing, and do not microwave sealed lids tightly shut.

Think about storage and washing

Nested or stackable containers save space. Tools such as shredders and mats should live where you can reach them, or they will not get used. Dishwasher-safe is convenient, but top-rack placement and hand-washing lids extend life considerably.

Food safety basics

Cool cooked food promptly, refrigerate within two hours, and follow the guidance from national food-safety agencies for how long prepared meals can stay in the fridge, which is commonly three to four days. Freeze portions you will not eat in that window.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Sealing piping-hot food in a lid, which traps steam and warps plastic.
• Buying only one size, then using oversized containers for sauces.
• Skipping a scale and finding that meals vary in size from day to day.
• Putting everything in the freezer without labels or dates.
• Choosing glass for a commuter who carries lunch in a backpack.

A Worked Example: Ten Lunches in Ninety Minutes

Here is how these tools fit together in a realistic session. Suppose you want ten lunches for two people across the week: shredded chicken, rice, roasted vegetables and a sauce. The numbers below are planning figures, not measurements from our own kitchen.

With ten main containers, ten small cups and a couple of freezer bags, the session needs no improvisation. If you plan to serve a family dinner from the same cook-up, a warming mat keeps the shredded chicken hot while rice and vegetables finish. If you only prep for yourself, skip it and put the budget into a second set of containers, so you never wait for a dishwasher cycle before starting the next batch.

A useful rule is to design the kit around the longest step. For most people that is portioning, not cooking, because every container has to be opened, filled, closed and labeled. A scale and matched lids shorten exactly that step. Shredders and mats are conveniences; containers and a scale are infrastructure.

Finally, think about cleanup. Rinse the shredder immediately, soak lids rather than scrubbing them dry, and keep silicone bags open to dry upside down on a rack. Ten minutes of cleanup discipline after each session does more to extend the life of your kit than any single product choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best meal prep supplies for beginners?

A set of matched containers, a food scale and a few small sauce cups cover most needs. The Bentgo Prep set plus a scale is a simple starting pair, and you can add deli containers later.

How many meal prep containers do I need?

Plan for one container per meal you prep, plus a few spares. Ten to fifteen is enough for most single-person weekly plans.

Are glass or plastic meal prep containers better?

Glass is better for reheating and odor resistance, while plastic is lighter for carrying. Many people keep both. Always follow the maker’s heating guidance.

Do I really need a food scale for meal prep?

You do not need one, but it makes portions consistent, which helps if you track calories or macros. It also speeds up dividing a big batch evenly.

Is a chicken shredder worth buying?

If you prep shredded chicken or pork every week, yes, because it saves time compared with forks. If you rarely cook shredded meat, skip it.

Can I freeze meals in deli containers?

Many deli-style containers are marketed as freezer-friendly, but ratings vary, so confirm on the maker’s page. Leave a little headspace because liquids expand as they freeze.

How long does prepped food last in the fridge?

Food-safety agencies commonly recommend eating cooked leftovers within three to four days. Freeze anything you will not finish in that time.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you only buy one thing, choose the Dipoo deli container pack for its mix of sizes. Add the Etekcity scale if you care about consistent portions, and the SURETIVIAN shredder if chicken is your weekly protein. Pick the Bentgo Prep set for a matched starter kit, the KOMUEE glass set if you reheat a lot, the LNNIW mat if you serve groups, and the Stasher bags if you freeze soups and marinades. Build gradually; the right kit is the one that matches how you actually cook.

Sources

• Manufacturer product pages for Dipoo, Etekcity, SURETIVIAN, Bentgo, KOMUEE, LNNIW and Stasher
• USDA food-safety guidance on leftovers and refrigerator storage
• Independent kitchen-equipment coverage from Serious Eats and Wirecutter on food storage and kitchen scales
• Product listing details as published at the time of writing

Last updated: October 2026