Meal prep runs on volume. A week of lunches for two people is ten containers before you count the extra pot of beans or the rice you cooked on Sunday, and that is why the cheap end of the market matters. Plastic multipacks from the big storage brands cost a fraction of glass, weigh almost nothing in a work bag and stack flat in the freezer. The trade-off is that they stain, wear and, on the cheapest packs, crack sooner.
This guide covers the entry tier of plastic meal prep containers from makers you can identify: Rubbermaid, Ziploc, Glad, Bentgo, GoodCook, Freshware, Sistema and Ello. We do not quote prices, which change daily. Instead we explain how to judge value, what each maker actually says about the microwave, the freezer and BPA, and what you give up compared with the containers on our main guide.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for in food storage, the makers’ own specifications and the details on each Amazon listing.
Quick verdict: which cheap meal prep containers to buy
For most kitchens, the best value is the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs divided set of 10: two compartments, lids that click shut, a microwave-safe base and freezer-safe, BPA-free plastic from a brand with a long track record in food storage. If you prep for a crowd, the Glad Take-Aways 30-pack gives you the most containers per box, and for a bigger main with two sides, Freshware’s 32-ounce three-compartment trays are the roomiest.
Below are the five standouts side by side, all eight packs in detail, and a short guide to making cheap plastic containers last.
Five budget meal prep containers compared
Our five standout packs, one for each way of prepping, with the count, layout and microwave rule each maker gives. All eight are reviewed in full below.
| Containers | Best for | Count & layout | Microwave (per maker) | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A main and a side | 10, two compartments | Base only | View on Amazon | |
Glad Take-Aways 2-Compartment 28 oz, 30-PackBest bulk pack
|
Big households, batch cooks | 30, two compartments | Yes | View on Amazon |
Bentgo Prep 1-Compartment 4-Cup Containers, 20-PieceBest single compartment
|
Burrito bowls, stews | 10, one compartment, 4 cups | Trays only | View on Amazon |
![Freshware Meal Prep Containers with Lids 32 oz [15 Pack] 3 Compartment](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515t0EuNi2L._SL500_.jpg)
Freshware 32 oz 3-Compartment Containers, 15-PackBest three-compartment
|
Plate-style lunches | 15, 16 + 8 + 8 oz | Yes, to 250°F | View on Amazon |
Sistema KLIP IT PLUS 1 L, 3-PackBest seal
|
Carrying lunch to work | 3, single compartment, clip lids | Without lid | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Microwave, freezer and BPA statements are each maker’s own; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best meal prep containers cheap
Eight plastic packs from eight makers, from tight-sealing clip lids to thirty-to-a-box takeout-style trays. Each pick says what the maker states about the microwave, freezer and dishwasher, what you give up compared with the containers on our main best meal prep containers guide, and one honest reason to skip it.
1. Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Divided Containers, Set of 10 – Clicking Lids and Two Compartments
TakeAlongs is Rubbermaid’s lighter, cheaper line, a step below the Brilliance containers on our main guide. This set gives you ten rectangular divided bases with lids, and the divider is what makes it useful for prep: rice on one side, picadillo or chicken tinga on the other, and the two stay apart until lunch.
According to the listing, the Quick Click Seal lids make an audible click when they close, the ridged lids let the containers stack in the fridge, freezer and cabinet, and the plastic is BPA-free. The base is microwave safe; the lid is not mentioned, so take it off before heating. Everything is top-rack dishwasher safe and freezer safe.
What you give up against Brilliance is mainly the seal and the build. Rubbermaid’s Brilliance listing calls it leakproof and airtight; TakeAlongs lids click shut but are not described that way, so keep soups and salsas in something else. The listing does not state the capacity of each container.
Why we like it
- Ten divided containers in one pack
- Lids click so you know they are closed
- Ridged lids let the containers stack
- Microwave-safe base, freezer safe, BPA-free, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 2139162 |
|---|---|
| Count | 10 containers, 10 lids |
| Capacity | Not stated |
| Compartments | 2 |
| Material | BPA-free plastic |
| Microwave | Base only |
| Freezer / dishwasher | Yes / top rack |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you pack a main and a side most days and want a brand-name set that stacks and seals with a click.
Skip it if your lunches are soupy; the listing does not claim the lids are leakproof.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Divided for a main and a side
- Audible click seal
- Stacks neatly
Cons
- Capacity not stated
- Not described as leakproof
- Lid not rated for the microwave
2. Glad Take-Aways 2-Compartment 28 oz, 30-Pack – Thirty Containers in One Box
When you cook a big batch of beans and rice for the whole week, or send leftovers home with family after a party, you need a lot of containers you do not mind losing. This Glad pack gives you thirty black two-compartment containers of 28 ounces each, with snap-seal lids.
According to the listing, the containers are microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe, made from BPA-free plastic the listing describes as FDA-compliant, and made in North America. The lids are described as leak-resistant and tight-fitting, and the containers nest when empty to save cupboard space.
This is the lightest-duty pack on our list in feel: takeout-style containers rather than a storage set meant to last for years. That is the trade for the count. If you want containers that outlast many dishwasher cycles, the Rubbermaid or Sistema picks are sturdier choices.
Why we like it
- Thirty containers in one pack
- Microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe, per the listing
- Made in North America
- Nests when empty
Key specifications
| Model | AMZ-2932BLK CP30 |
|---|---|
| Count | 30 containers with lids |
| Capacity | 28 oz |
| Compartments | 2 |
| Material | BPA-free plastic, described as FDA-compliant |
| Microwave | Yes |
| Freezer / dishwasher | Yes / Yes |
| Made in | North America |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you prep for a big household, freeze a lot of portions, or hand food out to guests and do not expect the containers back.
Skip it if you want a few containers that last for years; a heavier set is better value over time.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most containers per box
- Two compartments
- Made in North America
Cons
- Takeout-style, lighter build
- Black base hides what is inside
- Thirty is a lot to store
3. Bentgo Prep 1-Compartment 4-Cup Containers, 20-Piece – Room for a Full Burrito Bowl
Our main guide recommends Bentgo Prep’s three-compartment set. We chose the one-compartment version here on purpose: it is the same line and the same 4-cup size, but with one open space, which suits the way a lot of Mexican food is eaten. A burrito bowl, a portion of chile verde over rice or a serving of enchiladas fits better in one open container than split into three small ones.
The 20-piece set is ten trays and ten lids. According to the listing, the trays have embossed measurements for portioning, and the materials are PFAS- and BPA-free. Only the trays are microwave safe, not the lids; they are top-shelf dishwasher safe and freezer safe, and Bentgo recommends hand-washing the lids for best results. The clear lids stack together when the trays are full.
Why we like it
- 4-cup capacity, per the listing
- Embossed measurements for portioning
- PFAS- and BPA-free materials, per Bentgo
- Clear lids that stack
Key specifications
| Model | 8701NB |
|---|---|
| Count | 10 trays, 10 lids |
| Capacity | 4 cups |
| Compartments | 1 |
| Material | PFAS- and BPA-free plastic |
| Microwave | Trays only |
| Freezer / dishwasher | Yes / top shelf (hand-wash lids recommended) |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if your meal prep is mostly bowls and one-pot dishes and you want a portion guide built in.
Skip it if you want hands-off cleaning; the lids last longer washed by hand.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Generous 4-cup size
- Portion markings
- States PFAS- and BPA-free
Cons
- Lids not microwave safe
- Lids best washed by hand
- No divider for wet and dry foods
4. Freshware 32 oz 3-Compartment Containers, 15-Pack – A Main and Two Sides
Freshware’s containers look like the ones a taqueria hands you at the counter. This pack is fifteen 32-ounce containers, each split into a 16-ounce main compartment and two 8-ounce sides, according to the listing. That layout is a full plate: carne asada in the big section, rice and beans in the small ones.
The listing gives an actual temperature range, which few cheap packs do: -40°F to 250°F, so the containers go from freezer to microwave. They are BPA free, dishwasher safe and stackable, and the warranty field reads one year from the manufacturer. Freshware also notes that delis, food trucks and caterers use them as to-go containers.
The trade-off is the takeout-style build: these are thinner than a storage set, and the listing says they hold up to repeated use rather than promising years of it.
Why we like it
- 16, 8 and 8 ounce compartments
- Stated range of -40°F to 250°F
- BPA free, dishwasher and freezer safe
- One-year manufacturer warranty, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | FR-332X15BK |
|---|---|
| Count | 15 containers with lids |
| Capacity | 32 oz (16 + 8 + 8) |
| Compartments | 3 |
| Material | BPA-free plastic |
| Microwave | Yes, range to 250°F |
| Freezer / dishwasher | Yes (to -40°F) / Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you like a plate-style lunch with the sides kept apart, and want enough containers for a full week for two.
Skip it if you want a sturdier, longer-lived container; these are built like takeout boxes.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Big main compartment
- Clear temperature range
- Fifteen to a pack
Cons
- Thin, takeout-style plastic
- Compartments are not sealed from each other
- Black base hides contents
5. Sistema KLIP IT PLUS 1 L, 3-Pack – Leak-Proof Clip Lids That Travel Well
Sistema’s clip-lid containers are the sturdiest of the cheap options here. This pack holds three 1-liter (about 34 ounces) KLIP IT PLUS containers with a single open compartment. According to the listing, the lids close with Sistema’s easy-locking clips and an extended flexible seal, and the containers are described as airtight and leak-proof, which is what you want in a bag on the way to work.
The containers stack to save space, and they are top-rack dishwasher, fridge and freezer safe. Microwave them without the lid. The plastic is phthalate and BPA-free, and the containers are designed and made in New Zealand, per the listing. There are no dividers, so pack rice and a guisado side by side or use a small cup for the salsa.
Three containers is fewer than any other pack on this page, so the value is in how long they last rather than in the count. Our main guide includes Sistema’s Nest It line; this is a different, clip-lid design.
Why we like it
- Locking clips and flexible seal, described as airtight and leak-proof
- Stackable
- Phthalate and BPA-free
- Designed and made in New Zealand
Key specifications
| Model | 881613 |
|---|---|
| Count | 3 containers with lids |
| Capacity | 1 L (about 34 oz) |
| Compartments | One (no dividers) |
| Material | Phthalate- and BPA-free plastic |
| Microwave | Without lid |
| Freezer / dishwasher | Yes / top rack |
| Made in | New Zealand |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you carry lunch every day and want a container that clips shut and stays shut.
Skip it if you need many containers at once, or want built-in dividers; three is the smallest pack on this page.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strongest seal on this page
- Sturdy build
- Stacks to save space
Cons
- Only three containers, no dividers
- Lid off in the microwave
- Clips add bulk when stacking empty
6. GoodCook Single Compartment 4-Cup Containers, 10-Pack – Guaranteed Unconditionally
GoodCook makes a simple one-compartment container with 4-cup volume measurements embossed on the side. This pack is ten containers and ten lids, according to the listing, with domed lids that do not press down on food, which matters for tostadas, a stack of quesadillas or a salad topped high.
The listing says the containers are dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe, made without BPA, and stack in the fridge or freezer. The line that sets it apart at this price is GoodCook’s own: the containers are “Guaranteed Unconditionally.” For a cheap container, a maker that will replace it is real value.
Why we like it
- Embossed 4-cup measurements
- Domed lids do not crush food
- Made without BPA; microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe
- Guaranteed Unconditionally, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 10783 |
|---|---|
| Count | 10 containers, 10 lids |
| Capacity | 4-cup markings |
| Compartments | 1 |
| Material | Plastic made without BPA |
| Microwave | Yes |
| Freezer / dishwasher | Yes / Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a plain, open container from a well-known brand with a guarantee behind it.
Skip it if you want leakproof lids; the listing does not claim them.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Unconditional guarantee
- Domed lids
- Portion markings
Cons
- No divider
- Not described as leakproof
- Black base hides contents
7. Ziploc Divided Rectangle Containers, 8 Count – Ultra-Light for a Work Bag
Ziploc’s divided rectangles are the lightest containers on this list: eight plastic containers and eight lids, each with divided compartments, according to the listing. They are made for “on-the-go” lunches, and Ziploc describes the Smart Snap lids as leak-proof and easy to use.
The listing says the containers are BPA-free and safe in microwaves (used as directed), dishwashers, fridges and freezers. Ziploc does not give a capacity in the listing, so check the size against your portions.
The trade-off is weight: very light plastic is easy to carry and cheap to replace, but it will not stand up to years of hot dishwasher cycles the way Sistema or Rubbermaid might.
Why we like it
- Divided compartments
- Smart Snap lids described as leak-proof
- BPA-free plastic
- Microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 341945 |
|---|---|
| Count | 8 containers, 8 lids |
| Capacity | Not stated |
| Compartments | Divided |
| Material | BPA-free plastic |
| Microwave | Yes, use as directed |
| Freezer / dishwasher | Yes / Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you carry lunch on foot or by bike and want the lightest container that still has a divider.
Skip it if you want to know the exact capacity before you buy; the listing does not give it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very light
- Leak-proof claim from the maker
- Easy to replace with the same pack
Cons
- Capacity not stated
- Thin plastic
- Only eight in the pack
8. Ello Snap & Nest 4.5 Cup Plastic Containers, 5-Pack – Nest Away When Empty
Ello is better known for glass, but its Snap & Nest line is plastic and nests when empty, so five containers take up little more cupboard room than one. This set is five 4.5-cup containers with five locking lids, according to the listing.
The listing describes the snap-on lids as airtight and leak-proof. All parts are top-rack dishwasher and freezer safe, and the containers are microwave safe without the lid. Ello adds a plain warning we wish more makers gave: do not cook or boil in them, because high temperatures can damage the container and lead to microplastic release. Reheat, do not cook.
Why we like it
- 4.5-cup capacity
- Nests when empty
- Locking lids described as airtight and leak-proof
- Clear care instructions from the maker
Key specifications
| Model | 660-2504-505-4 |
|---|---|
| Count | 5 containers, 5 lids |
| Capacity | 4.5 cups |
| Compartments | 1 |
| Material | BPA-free plastic |
| Microwave | Without lid; reheat only |
| Freezer / dishwasher | Yes / top rack |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if cupboard space is tight and you want a big, sealing container that tucks away.
Skip it if you need a divider or more than five containers.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Nests to save space
- Large 4.5-cup size
- Honest heat warning
Cons
- Only three containers, no dividers
- No divider
- Lid off in the microwave
What you give up with cheap plastic
The containers on our main guide and our glass meal prep containers guide cost more for real reasons. Glass does not stain from red chile or achiote, can usually go in the oven, and does not wear the way plastic does. Premium plastic lines are built to stay clear and seal tighter for longer. With the entry tier you trade some of that for weight, count and price.
In practice that means three things. Tomato and chile sauces will tint pale plastic over time, so a black or colored base hides it better. Lids are usually the first part to fail, so a pack with a guarantee, like GoodCook’s, or from a large brand whose lines stay on sale, like Rubbermaid or Ziploc, is easier to keep going. And most makers say to microwave the base only, with the lid off, and to reheat rather than cook in plastic, as Ello spells out.
How to judge value in cheap meal prep containers
1. Count containers against meals
Work out how many lunches and dinners you prep in a week, then add a few for leftovers. One person needs about five to ten; a family can use thirty. Value is the cost per container you will actually use, not the biggest number on the box.
2. Match the layout to your food
Two compartments suit a main and a side; three suit a plate with rice and beans; one open compartment suits bowls, stews and burrito bowls. Mexican food that is saucy, like chile colorado, travels better in one compartment than split across dividers that do not seal from each other.
3. Read the microwave line exactly
“Microwave safe” on a budget pack often means the base only. Rubbermaid, Bentgo, Sistema and Ello all say to heat without the lid. Freshware gives a 250°F upper limit. If a listing does not mention the microwave, do not assume. For reheating tips, see our guide on how to reheat Mexican leftovers.
4. Check the freezer rating
Every pick here is listed as freezer safe. The North Carolina State Extension’s food safety program says leftovers keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 to 4 months in the freezer, and that hot food cools faster in shallow, small containers. If you freeze a lot, our guide to freezer organization containers covers containers built for it.
5. Look for a guarantee or warranty
Cheap containers rarely come with one, so the few that do stand out: GoodCook’s unconditional guarantee and Freshware’s one-year manufacturer warranty, per their listings.
How we picked these eight budget packs
We looked at the entry tier of established storage brands: the plainest, most affordable multipacks from Rubbermaid, Ziploc, Glad, Bentgo, GoodCook, Sistema and Ello, plus Freshware, a newer brand. We kept only plastic containers in stock on Amazon in the United States, read each listing for count, capacity, compartments and the exact microwave, freezer, dishwasher and BPA wording, and report those claims only as each maker states them. We left out glass, which has its own guide, and every container already recommended on our main and sibling guides; the one-compartment Bentgo Prep set is a different layout from the three-compartment set on our main guide, as explained above. We skipped packs from sellers with no identifiable brand. We checked the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall records for every brand here and found no recalls of these containers. We have not used these containers ourselves; the specifications are the makers’ own.
Cheap meal prep container questions, answered
What are the best budget meal prep containers?
For most kitchens, Rubbermaid’s TakeAlongs divided set: ten two-compartment containers with clicking lids, BPA-free and freezer safe, with a microwave-safe base. For bulk, Glad’s 30-pack; for a bigger plate-style lunch, Freshware’s 32-ounce three-compartment trays.
Are inexpensive meal prep containers safe to microwave?
Only as each maker says. Most of the packs here are rated for the microwave with the lid removed, and Ello warns against cooking or boiling in its containers because high heat can damage them and lead to microplastic release. Reheat food, then move it to a plate if you prefer.
What are the best value meal prep containers for a family?
A big pack like the Glad Take-Aways 30-pack covers a week for a family, and nests when empty. If you want fewer containers that last longer, the Sistema clip-lid containers are the sturdiest of our picks.
Plastic or glass for meal prep?
Plastic is lighter, cheaper and better for carrying; glass resists stains, goes in the oven and lasts longer. Many kitchens use both: glass at home, plastic for the work bag. Our glass meal prep containers guide covers the other side.
How long do cheap plastic containers last?
Makers rarely say. Watch for cracks, warped lids that no longer seal and deep stains or scratches, and replace those containers. Top-rack washing and keeping lids out of the microwave, as most makers instruct, help them last longer.
Our last word on budget meal prep
Start with the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs divided set if you want one dependable pack for everyday lunches. Choose Glad’s 30-pack for volume, Freshware for a full plate with two sides, Bentgo’s one-compartment trays for bowls, and Sistema when the seal matters most. GoodCook, Ziploc and Ello fill the gaps for a guarantee, light weight and tight cupboards.
For the full range, including glass and premium plastic, see our main guide to the best meal prep containers, and for everyday leftovers, the best food storage containers. Packing salads? Our salad bowl lunch guide has containers made for them, and a pot of charro or refried beans is one of the easiest things to prep for the week.
And on the nights nobody wants to cook, see the menu or call to order.