(Part 2) Best products from r/MealPrepSunday
We found 107 comments on r/MealPrepSunday discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 870 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
21. [5 Packs]Glass Meal Prep Containers 3 Compartment with Lids, Glass Lunch Containers,Food Prep Lunch Box,Bento Box,BPA-Free, Microwave, Oven, Freezer, Dishwasher Safe (36 oz)
- HIGH QUALITY BOROSILICATE GLASS:Our glass storage containers are made from high quality borosilicate glass, which is stronger than cheaper glass food storage containers, safely go straight from the refrigerator to the microwave or oven to the table.
- PORTION CONTROL FEATURE:The portion control feature of the divided glass lunch containers allows you to regain control over your meals. The two compartments glass containers make it easy to organize your meals and keep your diet plan.
- AIRTIGHT SMART-LOCKING LIDS: MCIRCO Glass food storage containers use snap lock lids that comes with silicone seals to ensure your meal prep food will last much longer than normal plastic food storage containers. These lids are easy to use and will stop leaking. These lids will not break or slowly stop working.
- FOOD GRADE SAFE & BPA FREE: Easy to use and easy to take care of, as it’s safe in the microwave, freezer, dishwasher, and oven. Take off the lids before placing in dishwasher, oven and microwave for better maintenance.
- 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: If you receive cracked products or you are not 100% satisfied with our products, please feel free to contact our customer service. We will provide the best solution for you within 24 hours.
Features:
22. Victorinox Fibrox Pro Knife, 8-Inch Chef's FFP, 8 Inch, Black
- For home chefs & professionals. This Fibro Pro chef's knife has been the top choice of both home chefs and professionals alike. Expertly crafted with a tapered stainless steel edge that cuts with ease and efficiency.
- Fit for all tasks. Designed to handle kitchen tasks both big and small, This durable knife's razor sharp and laser-tested blade effortlessly chops, minces, slices and dices. An essential for every kitchen.
- Easy handling. Each knife features an ergonomic handle made from thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) for a non-slip grip - even when wet. This exceptional knife is weighted and balanced for easy handling.
- Knife Dimensions. Blade made out of stainless steel material - 7. 9 inches in length. Made with dishwasher safe materials for an easy clean.
- Trusted Swiss quality. Expertly crafted in Switzerland in 1884, Victorinox provides a lifetime against defects in material and workmanship. Making a Lifetime commitment has never been so easy.
- Included Components: Fibrox Pro 8-Inch Chef'S Knife, Ffp
Features:
23. Zojirushi SL-JAE14SA Mr. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar, Silver
- Round jar with 4 food bowls for hot or cold lunch storage
- Vacuum-insulated stainless-steel construction keeps food warm
- Microwaveable bowls measure 15.2, 10.1, 9.5, and 6.8 ounces
- Easy-to-clean container washes quickly.Made of BPA-free plastic and stainless steel
- Includes convenient carrying bag for transport.
- Heat Retention After 6 Hours* 153°F
- Cold Retention After 6 Hours** 50°F
Features:
24. Paksh Novelty Lunch Box Food Storage Container with Lid & Lunch Tray/Meal Prep Portion Control Bento Box, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe, 28 ounce, 10 pack
VALUE PACK - Get package of 10 rectangular microwaveable plastic food containers / food savers with clear airtight fitting lidsQUALITY YOU CAN COUNT ON - Easy to use and easy to clean; reusable; stackable; functional; 100% BPA free; keeps cold items cold and hot items hot; microwaveable and dishwash...
25. Freshware Meal Prep Containers [21 Pack] 3 Compartment with Lids, Food Storage Containers, Bento Box | BPA Free | Stackable | Microwave/Dishwasher/Freezer Safe, Portion Control, 21 Day Fix (24 oz)
- ✅ Save Time and Money: 21-Pack of Bento Boxes features 3 compartments in one container. Each meal prep container can store a total of 24oz (12-6-6 oz) which are the perfectly to stay full, yet fit and healthy!
- ✅ Healthy Meal Everywhere: Featuring food storage containers help to keep your meal prep plan and lose weight. These plastic containers can also be used as school lunch box or last night’s dinner.
- ✅ Premium Quality and Design: Most meal prep containers don’t last for a long time. They crack after a few uses or melt in microwave. Not Freshware, our heavy duty lunch containers are built to be more strong and reusable than our competitors.
- ✅ Microwave, Dishwasher, and Freezer Safe: Made of the highest quality food safe materials, these bento box can withstand temperatures from -40C to +120C (-40F to 250F)
- ✅ Freshware Promise - Freshware prides itself on providing the absolute best customer service in the industry. For any reason you decide that this bento box is not for you, you can return it with no questions asked.
Features:
26. Sistema To Go Collection Salad Compact Food Storage Container, 4.6 Cup, Blue | Great for Meal Prep | BPA Free, Reusable
Food storage container keeps salad ingredients separate until you're ready to eatSalad container has a lid with easy-locking clips and extended flexible seal helps keep contents freshGreat for back to school, lunch, leftovers, and moreIncluded fork and knife fit into containerRemovable tray with fou...
27. Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids Food Storage Containers, Racer Red, 42 Piece Set 1880801
- Plastic food storage containers feature Easy Find Lids that snap on to container bases as well as same size lids, so you can always find lids when you need them, and your cabinets stay organized
- Great for fridge and cabinet storage, crafts, and more
- Nests easily with other containers for compact storage
- Thick, durable container walls for everyday use
- Microwave safe base, freezer and dishwasher safe, and BPA free
- Set includes five 0.5 cup, five 1.25 cup, five 2 cup, two 3 cup, two 5 cup, and two 7 cup containers, plus Easy Find lids
Features:
28. Cube Plastics CR815B - 16 Ounce Black Base Plastic Container with Clear Plastic Dome Lid - 150 per case
Made in North AmericaContains - 150 16oz Containers: Dimensions 7.4" x 5" x 1.5".Microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safeMade with FDA food grade materials and RecyclablePolypropylene black base with clear lid.
29. Pyrex 3-Cup Rectangle Food Storage (Pack of 4 Containers)
- Includes (4) 6-Cup Rectangular Dish with Red Plastic Lid
Features:
30. Paksh Novelty RND24OZ16PK Lunch Box Sets/Round Large Food Container with Lid for Meal Prep, Microwaveable, Freezer & Dishwasher Safe, Leak Proof, 24 Ounce, 20 Pack, Black-BK09
20 Pack set of round compartment food containers for packing and taking food on the go for meal prep and aiding in portion control. With a capacity of 24 oz, the food storage possibilities are endless.The bento lunch box containers are excellent for storing lunch, dinner, snacks, leftovers, and more...
31. ChefLand 07496 2 Compartment Microwavable Food Container with Lid Divided Plate, Bento Box, Lunch Tray with Cover and Microwave Safe, 10-Pack , Black
- 10 pcs.- Black rectangular container with clear lid
- Lid seals tightly to keep products fresh-BPA free
- Keeping cold items cold and hot items hot
- Microwave safe, can withstand temperatures up to 250◦f
- Dimensions 6" x 8.5" Height: 1.875", Capacity: 30 oz
Features:
32. Pakkon Durable Round Bento Lunch Box/Containers With Clear Lid/Japanese Bento Box/Food Storage Container Set/Leak proof/Freezer Safe/Dishwasher Safe/BPA Free / 24 ounce [20 pk]
SUPREME QUALITY- here at PAKKON we take pride in searching the globe for only the finest products which meet our high standards; this marvelous bento box with cover surpasses our requirements by far! Quality is something we shall never compromise on! Guaranteed.EXCEPTIONAL LID - the lids of the ki...
33. Temp Stick Wireless Remote Temperature & Humidity Sensor. Connects Directly to WiFi. Free 24/7 Monitoring, Alerts & Historical Data. Free iPhone/Android Apps, Monitor from Anywhere, Anytime! -Black
Remote WiFi temperature and humidity monitor. 5 year warranty; the only sensor you'll need!Superior 1 year (+) battery life! Completely wireless, battery operated sensor (AA batteries included). No gateways or wires needed. Connects to WiFi and sends text and email alerts for high/low temperatures, ...
34. Meal Prep Haven MP-7D2C Stackable 2 Compartment Food Containers with Lids, Set of 7
- Readability: 0.1g
- Capacity: 2000g
- Weight / Timer Dual Display
- Water-proof
- Mobile App Compatible
Features:
35. Ozeri ZK14-S Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale, Black
- Accurate, elegant, easy-to-use digital kitchen scale for your largest and smallest cooking projects - weighs up to 11.24 lbs (5100 grams) with precise graduations of 0.05 oz (1 gram).
- Automatic Unit Button instantly converts between 5 units of measurements (g, lbs, lbs:oz, oz, ml) and displays results on an easy-to-read LCD screen - e.g. easily convert 539 grams to 1.188 pounds to 1 pound 3 ounces to 19.01 ounces to 539 ml.
- Precision Tare Button calculates the net weight of your ingredients by automatically subtracting the weight of any bowl or container.
- Features a newly enlarged weighing platform finished in elegant chrome, and 2 large buttons that generate an audible click confirmation. Cleans and stores easily.
Features:
36. Deli Food Storage Containers with Lids, 16 Ounce (48 Count)
Package of 48 - 16 oz Deli Food Containers with tight sealing lids Clear Heavy Guage Polyethylene Plasic - Pint Size Microwaveable - Reuseable - Dishwasher Safe Dimensions:3" Tall X 4.6" Top X 3.3" Diameter Base Commercial Restaurant Quality - Deli Takeout Container, Made in US48 sets of 16 ounce (p...
37. Foodsaver FSFSSL2244-000 V2244 Machine for Food Preservation with Bags and Rolls Starter Kit | Number 1 Vacuum Sealer System | Compact and Easy Clean | UL Safe, Single, Black
- Stretch your dollar: Meat preserved with the foodsaver system in the freezer can last upto 3 years and still taste fresh, flavorful, and freezer burn free; prep ahead meals, leftovers, and produce stored in the fridge will stay fresh upto weeks later instead of spoiling in days
- Number 1 vacuum sealing system: Foodsaver keeps food fresh upto 5x longer compared to ordinary storage methods; Led light indicators easily guide you through the vacuum sealing process; Just press the vacuum and seal button to remove the air that causes freezer burn and spoilage
- Easy lock and latch: 1 handed operation lets you easily lock the lid with a simple turn compared to other competitive units that require considerable force with 2 hands to close and lock the lid
- Seal wet and dry items: No need for multiple modes; The patented removable drip tray will catch any overflow liquid and is dishwasher safe, making this kitchen appliance easy to clean and maintain
- NRTL Tested & Certified Product: All Foodsaver appliances are ETL or UL certified by Nationally Recognized Test Laboratories (NRTLs) for compliance with applicable Product safety test standards; Safety is our number 1 priority
- Compatible with fresh handheld sealer & other accessories: Attach the handheld sealer with the accessory hose included with your machine to start preserving food in the refrigerator and pantry with FoodSaver zipper bags and fresh containers; Other optional accessories include regular and wide mouth mason jar sealers and bottle stoppers for wine and oil bottles
Features:
38. Snapware: 18PC Total Solution Pyrex Glass Food Keeper Set - Featuring Write N' Erase Lids - 18PC - 18-Piece Set.
- 18PC Total Solution Pyrex Glass Food
Features:
39. Meal Prep Containers - Food Storage Prep Containers Certified BPA-free - Portion Control, Reusable, Washable, Microwavable Plastic Containers with Lids Bento Box (7 Pack, 2 Compartment, 28 Ounce)
SAFETY AS PRIORITY: Our meal prep containers are made in Canada, use certified BPA-free and CFC safe plastic materials. Made with only FDA and CFIA approved materials, our food storage prep containers with lids are food safe and environmentally sustainable.FULLY REUSABLE: From FREEZER to MICROWAVE (...
40. MontoPack Disposable 5" Aluminum Foil Pie/Tart Pan (50 Pack) | 5 Inch Round Cake Pan for Baking Personal Mini Pies, Homemade Cakes & Quiche | Oven Safe Foil Tins Easily Stack & Store, Freeze & Reheat
PREMIUM HEAVY-DUTY & DURABLE ALUMINUM TIN FOIL PIE PAN: With these 100% aluminum foil mini pie pan, we provide top quality and durability. The small pie pans won’t bend or fold in during baking and measure 5” in diameter, while the graduated bottom is 3”DISPOSABLE FOR QUICK & EASY, MESS-FREE C...
Sure! Everyone's situation is different. For me:
I don't have anything against glass, and in fact, would love to use it more, but given my current situation's limitation & requirements, plastic is the best option for me at the moment. I cook a lot for meal-prep, I eat a lot of food, and I cook for a lot of people. So for me, the biggest draws to disposable containers are the cost & space requirements, both in the freezer & in dry storage. It's not an ideal situation, but it is what it is, and I have to deal with it one way or another!
For the second week in a row the wife pretty much planned the menu. She chose a couple of old low-cal favorites, and a some new stuff she found on Pinterest throughout the week.
Ham Wraps - An easy portable little snack/meal and one of the wife's favorites. It starts with 8oz of low-fat cream cream cheease. Add in a bundle of diced green onions, some chopped ham slices, and a tablespoon of worchester sauce. Mix by hand, and smear 1/7 of this mix onto a low-cal tortilla.
Caloriess: 178
Cauliflower Casserole - A returning dish from last week that the wife absolutely loves. It smells like a loaded baked potato, and the wife confirms that it tastes the same as well. This week I doubled the batch which gave us more meals, and a bigger portion for each. We made 8 of these.
Started by chopping up 2 heads of cauliflower and boiling them til tender in salted water (took about 15 minutes). Rinsed until chilled, and then broke them up by rubbing between my hands. Put this in a casserole dish, and add in 8oz of low-fat cream cheese, 1 cup of low-fat sour cream, 1/4 cup of parmasean cheese, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 bundle of chopped green onions. Stir it up, and into a 350 degree overn for 15 minutes.
Calories: 152
Chicken Salad - 1 can of Swanson cooked chicken, 1 tablespoon of Light Miracle Whip, 1 stalk of celery finely chopped, about a tablespoon of chopped yellow onion, and a healthy dash of Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning. Not sure what the wife's plans are for this one (normally eats with Baked Lays, but I think she's eyeing some crackers this week).
Calories: 150
Quinoa & Black Beans - A new dish the wife picked out this week. Mexican is her favorite type of food, and this dish provides the flavor and plenty of stomach filling potential with a low calorie count.
Started by dicing a yellow onion, and sweating it in a little olive oil until they just start to develope some color. Then added in 1 can of low-sodium black beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of diced green chiles, 1 3/4 cup of vegetable broth, and 3/4 of quinoa. Simmer for about 20 minutes, and then remove from the heat and let set for a while. Scooped 1/5 of this mix into a meal prep container, and we've got a healthy portion for not a lot of calories.
Calories: 235
Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing - Salads are key to making this process work. My wife likes to eat a lot of food, and pulling that off on a diet means you need a big meal that's extremely low-cal standing by for emergencies. The wife tends to get bored easily though, so each week we try to find something to change it up a bit.
The salad was extremely simple. 1/2 of a bag of salad mix into a Chinese soup container, 1/4 of a cup of pre-cooked chicken strips. The dressing this week was the "something different". It was 1/4 cup of Dijon Mustard, 2 tablespoons of Light Miracle Whip, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Whipped together, and then portioned out in a little container I picked up off of Amazon.
Calories: 101
Pork Chili - This week's big soup was my pork chili. It's tasty, low-cal, and full of protein, which is important for me as much as I've been working out.
It started by slow-cooking a 3lbs pork tenderloin overnight in the Crock-Pot with some garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder smoked paprika, and 2 chicken bullion cubes. I set it on high for a few hours, then once it came to a boil I dropped to low heat and let it cook overnight.
The next morning I roasted a bag of little tri-color peppers and 4 pablano peppers for about an hour at 450 degrees. Then wrapped in foil to let sweat, and then peeled them and rough chopped. These went into my 3 gallon soup pot with some chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, smoke paprika, and red pepper flakes. Let this simmer for a bit, and then deglazed with about 1/2 of a Yuengling Lager. Then added 3 cans of tomato juice, 3 cans of chili beans, and let this whole mix come to a boil. Then I shredded the pork tenderloin by hand, added it to the chili, and removed from the heat. Let it set for an hour, and then enjoy.
Calories: 155 for an 8oz bowl.
Bonus Meal: I'm working out a ton, and don't care about calories. By biggest struggle at this point is actually getting enough food to keep myself going, so I've started making some breakfast sandwhiches for myself. It's an everything bagel topped with 2 scrambled eggs, a turkety sausage patty, and a little cheeze. Microwave these for 90 seconds, fipping half-way through, and they make a great little protein filled way to start the day.
Gear: When I picked up the new dressing containers this week it occurred to me that I've never done a write up about any of the gear that I use. This might prove useful, so here's the list.
Prep Containers: Just some basic 2 slot prep containers I picked up off of Amazon. I've bought about 30 of these so far, and been pretty happy with them. One of my orders came in with half of em broken, but a quick call to their customer service got it fixed. I figured the items weren't expensive enough to be worth their trouble getting shipped back, so I told them "refund half of my money and we'll call it even", and they agreed.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I97JQ28/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Chinese Soup Containers: These actually started with me just reusing some actual soup containers from a chinese restruant, but they proved useful enough that I started buying my own. My "big soup of the week" tends to be eaten for dinner, so these don't get used for soup. Instead we've found that they make great salad bowls.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M9Z4SV6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
My New Dressing Containers: Dressing a salad more than hour in advance will lead to be a big nasty wilted mess. I bought these so that we could pre-portion the dressing and drop it in the salad bowl each week. On weeks where we make the Pizza Lunchables they'll also make great pizza sauce containers. Thus the reason I bought 8 of them.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XS2SHQJ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I frankly don't understand the popularity of the divided containers, but %90 of my prepped meals are all in one bowl.
I'm pretty cheap, so I just have several of these bowls. They aren't amazing quality, but I've had one set for over a year and use them pretty much weekly, and they're still holding up fine. I don't believe they're dishwasher safe, but I don't put them in the dishwasher anyway.
I also have this set, which is also over a year old and is also in pretty good shape. My mother bought that set about five years ago for typical leftover usage and hers is still going strong as well. The variety of sizes gives me more options for when I don't want to just have "a bowl of stuff" for lunch. I do like that a number of the lids are interchangeable, so you get the flexibility of differing volumes while only having to keep track of three different lid types.
People seem pretty happy with pyrex, so maybe I'll upgrade to that eventually, but what I have works fine for me right now.
How I plan to store this all.
First, I have our kitchen fridge. It’s a bottom freezer and has a great pull out feature that stores all my flat bagged items. The rest is just semi organized chaos of bulk items.
Samsung
28 cu. ft. 4-Door French Door Refrigerator in Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel : https://www.homedepot.com/p/Samsung-28-cu-ft-4-Door-French-Door-Refrigerator-in-Fingerprint-Resistant-Stainless-Steel-RF28R7201SR/308743988
I had to buy a fridge for my old duplex when I lived alone. I love this thing so now we use it as a beverage center / overflow when the holidays come around. We keep it in our laundry room, which is right off the kitchen: Not that it matters, but mine is white.. and I swear they added a reversable door feature that I would love to have on mine because it opens backwards as it sits now! Not a lot of storage capacity, but so far most breakfasts are in here.
LG Electronics
23.5 in. W 10.1 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator in Platinum Silver with Reversible Door :
https://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-Electronics-23-5-in-W-10-1-cu-ft-Bottom-Freezer-Refrigerator-in-Platinum-Silver-with-Reversible-Door-LBNC10551V/303528146
Lastly, our garage freezer. I know that chest freezers are more efficient… but let’s be honest – they are a pain in the butt to access. We opted for a garage rated freezer because we live in Texas and it can get HOT for many months. This thing has been wonderful. The foot peddle seems silly, but it’s actually very useful.
Gladiator
17.8 cu. ft. Upright Rolling Garage Freezer in Black :
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gladiator-17-8-cu-ft-Upright-Rolling-Garage-Freezer-in-Black-GAFZ30FDGB/303842128?mtc=Shopping-VF-F_Vendor-G-D29A-29_13_REFRIGERATION-Multi-NA-Feed-LIA-NA-NA-MajorAppl&cm_mmc=Shopping-VF-F_Vendor-G-D29A-29_13_REFRIGERATION-Multi-NA-Feed-LIA-NA-NA-MajorAppl-71700000059090936-58700005416012891-92700049340207703&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwYuw3IrW5QIVyyCtBh1mVg_REAQYBSABEgLCEfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
This freezer holds a LOT and because the amount of inventory we have in there (easily $500 worth of meat), not to mention the hours I put into meal prep… I insisted we get a freezer thermometer. It hooks up to wifi and will alert if the temp get’s too hot. It’s already saved us when I put something too close to the door. If the power goes out, we get an alert that there is no power… and we can hook up a generator or at least know how long it’s been down. The other option is the good old quarter sitting on top of a cup of frozen water.
Temp Stick Wireless Remote Temperature & Humidity Sensor. Connects Directly to WiFi. Free 24/7 Monitoring, Alerts & Historical Data. Free iPhone/Android Apps, Monitor from Anywhere, Anytime! -Black :
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HH7YD2Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Salads would be great - the kind with leafy green bases but also chickpea or pasta salads.
For greens: Separate your greens from your toppings so that nothing gets soggy and use hardy veggies like radish, onion, bell pepper, peas, corn, beans, celery, or carrot as toppings. I have these nifty salad boxes that I fill on Sunday and everything stays fresh until I use the last one on Friday.
Pasta/Chickpea Salad: Again, use hardy veggies over things like cucumber or tomato to avoid any mushiness. Pasta salad can even be pre-dressed with what ever dressing combo you like. I like a mix of spicy mustard with red wine vinegar and just a little vegan mayo. Here's a good example: http://ohsheglows.com/2015/07/21/chickpea-salad/
Wraps and sandwhiches could also be an option. A whole wheat wrap with hummus, spinach, red bell peppers, red onions,and whatever other veggies you like makes a great lunch (you can even pack separately and assemble at lunchtime if you're worried about the wrap getting soggy. Same for sandwhiches - lettuce, onion, slice of tomato, cheese, etc.
Here is what I made for the week, along with some tips I learned while cooking:
Chicken Burrito Bowls
Sausage Egg Roll in a Bowl
Korean Beef Bowls
Muffin Tin Baked Eggs
Containers used:
I live in Canada, and personally found it difficult to find decent containers (still on the hunt) that are not overly expensive since I need to buy at least 10.
I currently use a mix of these plastic containers which probably wont last as long as the glass containers from ikea. They seem like they are good enough thus far lasting through microwaves and dishwashers. IMO, they are a pretty decent size - at least for my needs... for my basic meal prep it fit 1 cup cooked rice, 112g of chicken breast and a bunch of broccoli.
If I was American I'd probably go for these containers
I'm not a pro at this as I just started MPS recently, but I've learned it's best to get containers that are freezer/microwave/dishwasher safe, BPA free. Hopefully others can chime in with their experience!
Finally, I get my inspo from:
Goodluck!!
Not OP but the containers in the picture look pretty much exactly like mine. I love them and they work super well for taking my meals to campus and work. Link: Freshware Meal Prep Containers... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073TRZ91C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
PS: I am aware that glass containers are much better for the environment and I’m working my way up to them (really tight budget so I went with these for now).
I am just out of school and have recently been doing this as well. I have found that just using fresh vegetables from the grocery store either raw or roasted are the best methods.
For my slow cooker I have been making 2 things with high yield that are 1. easy, 2. cheap, and 3. delicious. Chilli, with plenty of red, green, yellow peppers, and chicken curry (essentially just chicken breast, rice, veggies, curry powder, and coconut milk) with mushrooms, peppers, tomato, green beans, sugar snap peas, etc. Makes 5 days worth of lunch and leftovers you can freeze or have for dinner! Best of luck and I am no expert of this and trying to continue to learn.
Also these have been my saving grace: http://www.amazon.com/Meal-Prep-Haven-2-Compartment-Containers/dp/B011SUKOHE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452181732&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=lunch+containers&psc=1
Depending on how long it is from when you leave home until when you eat you could just bring something you don't mind eating at room temp.
My old office only had 2 microwaves for over 100 people, probably over 150. The office before that had 2-4 and for a few months none. Needless to say there was always a wait at lunch time. I just started eating my food room temp.
Obviously not everything tastes as good at room temp. I've had good luck with Japanese bento style meals; rice, veg, a bit of meat. Just bento cookbook is a good resource. She has tips for making ahead and freezing parts of the meals as well.
If you have time to cook something quick or heat up some soup a good lunch jar will keep it warm until it's time to eat. It great for pasta and sauce.
For a heartier meal and/or more variety mr bento can't be beat. The stuff at the bottom stays warmest. Again it requires some prep time in the morning though
So there are two main types of vacuum sealers; External sealers and chamber sealers. External sealers are like your garden variety food saver. The bag stays outside the machine and the machine draws air from the open end of the bag. Upsides are they are inexpensive and quite effective for sealing dry or frozen goods and they are small. Down sides are that they use corrugated bags (which are pricey) and don't work well with moist food (or at all with liquids) because the suction draws the liquids from the food and prevents the bag from sealing. Chamber sealers have a chamber that the whole bag/food combo sits inside of and the chamber is evacuated. Since the vacuum is on the inside and the outside of the bag there is no pressure differential so you can vacuum pack anything including a bag of liquid. The bags are also much cheaper because they are simple smooth plastic. Downsides are that the machines are MUCH more expensive, require maintenance (oiling) of the pump, and they are quite large in comparison to external sealers.
Now, the quality difference between a <$100 external and a $200-300 external are going to be things like durability, vacuum pressure, and sealing bar width. More expensive units usually have dual piston pumps that evacuate faster and to a higher level of vacuum, wider sealer bars for a better seal (for instance I always do two seals with my food saver to be safe), can seal more bags continuously without over heating, and have more features like adjustable vacuum pressure, marinating modes, and various sealing options.
You can get over priced externals that sell on points like built in roll storage, various (usually useless) accessories, and fancy looks but you are wasting your money. This is an excellent entry level external. It is a single piston pump with no fancy features, but it works perfectly fine on most things. You'll generally have to let wetter meats set up a bit in the freezer first so they don't leak liquid, but that's true for most externals without a "wet" or "low vacuum" setting. This would be a higher end external with dual piston pump, cooling fan and a bunch of settings. This guy here is about as cheap as you will find for a dual piston, but it will not be nearly as durable or versatile as the Pro350.
Chamber sealers, you can spend $500-15,000 on but for most home users this is the gold standard. Inexpensive (for a chamber sealer at least) and has a well proven track record. Come see us over at /r/sousvide we have a ton of threads discussing sealers.
What motivates your Grandma? Does she have anything else to do? Is she willing to branch out her recipes? Any health issues on her part you can lump in?
Obviously making assumptions here. How about having her make homemade granola bars for you as a snack. Homemade low fat, low salt chicken broth as a drink?
Guessing you are trying low carb, maybe low fat. There are some great chicken dishes: chicken piccata, chicken marsala, chicken and rice. Can she learn to use Google? Send her off to explore things like stuffed peppers. How is her egg repertoire?
I agree with the idea of having her be part of your meal prep for lunch.
"Grandma, I love you and I know you love me. I really have to lose this weight in a way that keeps me healthy. Things are going pretty well. Here is how you can help."
Maybe buy her a kitchen scale like this https://www.amazon.com/Ozeri-ZK14-S-Digital-Multifunction-Kitchen/dp/B004164SRA ?
Wouldn't hurt to do things she doesn't want to, like take out the trash. Make beds. Whatever. Clean the bathroom.
I use these: Pyrex 3-Cup Rectangle Food Storage (Pack of 4 Containers) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JJILWQ0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_8rNgyb8J0Q5EA
Yes, they're much heavier than plastic.
Here's why I use them:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00COK3FD8/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1 hopefully the link works. Someone on here actually suggested this 42 piece Rubbermaid set from Amazon awhile back. Been pretty pleased with it thus far and a great deal.
I really appreciate my vacuum sealer when meal prepping. It's super helpful to freeze food for longer storage.
what I use
Also, I've found a simple kitchen scale is very useful for portion control.
this one
agreed...we bought them at Costco as Snapware. This set has some larger ones but that works for larger leftovers you can then re-heat at home or portion out later. The gaskets in the lids keep liquids in, though they can be a bit more labor to clean. I feel better microwaving glass more frequently as even the thicker plastic BPA free containers change over time with frequent microwaving.
We bought a few packs of these for lunches and storage we've since converted to the glass ones bc the plastic etches, however the small ones are PERFECT for the type of storage you are looking at, but they're reusable and washable. With the amount we toss into landfills, I'm pretty unwavering in how important it is to reuse things like this.
I recommend this all the time: https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SL-JAE14SA-Bento-Stainless-Silver/dp/B000246GSE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1483758166&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=mr+bento
Keeps hot things hot or cold things cold, has 4 separate containers inside so you can have a main and a few sides and they won't all run together. It's pricey, for a glorified lunch box, but I love mine and it's been totally worth it for me.
Perhaps look at r/Bento. Traditionally eaten cold and there's lots of ideas there.
As for salads, I've been eating chickpeas lately as I find they're pretty filling.
Perhaps also invest in stainless steel containers to keep hot food warm for a bit. A good thermos that's vacuum insulated should also allow you to have warm soup if it was hot in the morning.
EDIT: something like this maybe:https://smile.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SL-JAE14SA-Bento-Stainless-Silver/dp/B000246GSE/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1480976857&amp;sr=8-17&amp;keywords=stainless+steel+bento
These are awesome for salads: https://smile.amazon.com/Sistema-Collection-Salad-Storage-Container/dp/B004R97IJ6/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1479840003&amp;sr=8-1-fkmr0&amp;keywords=martha+stewart+salad+to+go+container
They could be considered a tad on the small side for someone who eats a lot of calories, but for me I always feel plenty satisfied from the amount of salad it holds. I fill the main container with lettuce, cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices, and then fill the top two compartments with cubed grilled chicken. And the convenience of built-in silverware and dressing container is too good to pass up. You'd think the dressing cup would be too small, I think it's only 2 TBSP, but I use homemade italian dressing and it's plenty.
i re-use them, but they don't last forever. i got both of the following from reditainer
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00SX9XFMU/ref=psdc_13880481_t2_B009W2LMRM
these are brittle when frozen. most of my failures cracked because something pressed on them or fell and hit them in my freezer. besides that, they have low sides, so it was easy for sauce/liquid to leak out
https://smile.amazon.com/Reditainer-Extreme-Containers-16-Ounce-36-Pack/dp/B00HG8YTB0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1523405028&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=reditainer
these are much more durable for freezing. and since they have taller sides by comparison, i worry less about transporting liquids in them. microwaving though, the food gets hot enough that the containers shape bends a little with the heat. and the dishwasher gets hot enough and if they slip and get wedge in an odd shape when hot, they will cool and now be an oblong shape. they are still fine to be used, but the harder, black and clear ones from the first link, they always stayed their same shape.
i do like the 2nd ones better because i've ordered a few sizes and it is nice for portion control. i fill the round containers about 2/3rds of the way full. it's small enough i can almost always microwave and eat it all at once. or i'll put a rich stew in it and then have a 2nd container full of some fresh cut vege, that i wont microwave.
I use Pyrex glass containers like so: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JJILWQ0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_HMDzzbQMB8TAQ
I got these on sale for $4-6 each from a superstore here. Yes, they're more expensive than plastic, but I built up the collection over time. I can reheat and eat in them, they are easier to clean and I don't worry about plastic juice leeching into my food.
Thanks, Yeah there great! I got them on amazon see below:
https://www.amazon.com/Containers-Compartment-BPA-Free-Microwave-Dishwasher/dp/B07N2BPQC3
I've really been enjoying my Pyrex snap ware. I've been using them daily for work for a year now and they've been perfect.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BSZJYY4
My local Costco has them on sale, something like $25 for the set, $30 normally.
Look for a Zojirushi on Amazon. They are good quality. I'm a big guy, and I do fine with one. They are great.
I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SL-JAE14SA-Bento-Stainless-Silver/dp/B000246GSE/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1474668094&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=zojirushi
Not OP but I ordered these, which look similar, back in April of 2015 and still use them to this day. I would say over a year of use out of them I definitely got my money's worth. They also have 3 compartment/single compartment available, if you should desire.
Thank you!
I'd imagine these prep containers would work great for soup. Or even your standard glass containers would work well too.
Freshware Meal Prep Containers [21 Pack] 3 Compartment with Lids, Food Storage Bento Box | BPA Free | Stackable | Lunch Boxes, Microwave/Dishwasher/Freezer Safe, Portion Control, 21 day fix (24 oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073TRZ91C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_R-jZBbC8C546Q
I had just bought what i believe to be the exact same ones :)
Here are the containers I got: http://amzn.com/B00MQ09BIE
They are definitely freezer and microwave safe! They're quite durable, I think they'll last through at least 20 hand-washes each. And they work out to around 40 cents each, which is very reasonable. :)
Pyrex snapware. I bought individual containers from a grocery store in Canada but amazon, walmart, costco, etc has the set. They are by FAR the best containers I have ever used.
BPA free, microwavable, easy to clean, not too expensive, and come in assorted compartment styles but still remain stackable and easy to store.
Link
>But for real, you need a knife with a nice depth to it, so you can get a good chop on. Even a cheap one treated well would be better than chopping with the one you have.
https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Fibrox-Chefs-Knife-8-Inch/dp/B008M5U1C2
A decent knife is a must. That's the classic "low cost, but decent" choice (there are others, but this is the most commonly available choice). It will make a big difference. Makes a good present if you can't afford it outright.
Pakkon Round Bento Lunch Box Containers With Clear Lid / Japanese Bento Box / Storage Container Set 24 ounce 20 pk
Best deal on amazon right now.
I just bought these from Amazon to use for lunches. I've got a bunch of different-sized Tupperware and they always seem a bit too high and not wide enough, so hopefully these will solve that problem. Plus, I won't have to search for the correct lid since they're all the same!
And my favorite container for freezing is a good ol' trusty store-brand quart zip freezer bag!
A lot of people on here like those cheap black plastic containers that look like what you get from Chinese fast food restaurants. I have tried them, and they are too flimsy for my taste. I've had these containers for years, and they are as cheap or cheaper than the black ones. They do have issues if you microwave tomato based sauces (like most plastic), but they seal well, are very durable, machine washable, and very cheap.
Edit: They also nest really well for storage, and the lids match several different sized bases so you aren't always hunting for the right lid.
On Amazon! Mines are these:
Freshware Meal Prep Containers [21 Pack] 3 Compartment with Lids, Food Storage Bento Box | BPA Free | Stackable | Lunch Boxes, Microwave/Dishwasher/Freezer Safe, Portion Control, 21 day fix (24 oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073TRZ91C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_paV6BbV1WCPZ2
My favorite and go to knife for everything. Its had heavy use for 2 years and still works great.
Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef's Knife, 8-Inch Chef's FFP https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008M5U1C2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_kpUwFyYRt3v5T
Seriously good budget blade. I feel like this and a good cutting board is something every emerging adult needs to discover the joy and thriftyness of cooking for your self.
Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef's Knife, 8-Inch Chef's FFP https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008M5U1C2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_R5MNDb0K2ZSFR
Not OP - but I think they are these (i use them and love them)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JJILWQ0/ref=psdcmw_13880481_t1_B0000CFTP7
I'll be honest. I just trusted Amazon and bought the number 1 seller in vacuum sealers haha. This one to be exact along with these bags.
Aside from the one I bought I have zero experience with vacuum sealers, but I can say I don't have any issues with the one I bought either. It works and works well. They say the bags can store some foods up to 6 months, but I as I said in my original comment I found the chicken and rice portion of my last meal to be kinda starting to show slight signs of burn...although I suppose it could have been user error or just in my head.
These, and yes; dishwasher safe as well.
>I have long public transport commutes, so anything that is too liquid (even a chance of spilling) won't work for me
You know those plastic bowls you get when you order soup with your Chinese takeout? They really don't cost that much:
Deli Food Storage Containers with Lids, 16 Ounce (50 Count) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SX9Y4C
It gives you a few more options. I trust them tossed into my bookbag on top of my books.
Seal them inside a freezer bag for an added later if protection if you want.
I dunno what you consider expensive, but I got these last year, and they've worked great.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I97JQ28/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Thanks for all the great comments and compliments! Woke up to a full inbox. To answer a few of the questions:
They are actually reusable that most of us get on Amazon.
I ordered these two weeks ago.
Paksh Novelty Round Plastic Meal Preparation Container/Food Saver with Clear Lid, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe, 24 oz, 16 Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QQIXCB4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_nH5EybQX5C7J6
Yeah and I don't work the same days every week so I have to do it when it fits for me. The containers are totally re-useable. I posted the amazon link from which I got them somewhere in the comments here, certainly worth the money.
Edit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B011SUKOHE/ref=pd_aw_sim_79_1/260-6751480-0648625?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=VH9AT27RC6508B5X2N1M&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=71mKLmqC32L
This is what I got. They have been working pretty good so far.
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Base-Plastic-Container-Clear/dp/B00MQ09BIE/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1483037560&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=cube+plastics
> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QQIXCB4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_nH5EybQX5C7J6
Thanks for the link :)
Sure.
I use deli containers like these. I freeze a lot so they work good for soups and sauces. amazon deli containers
They are also available at restaurant supply houses.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P2L59X0/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_6iogvb16H8H04
i just copy pasted this link from another thread, full credits do not go to me :)
I usually buy these, the lids are a little fragile but otherwise very good containers
First off, almost nobody needs a set. You need about 3 knives.
First get a chefs knife. Paring knife, and serrated bread knife. These are a good value.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008M5U1C2/ref=s9_top_hd_bw_b1DP7_g79_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-5&amp;pf_rd_r=230Y0Z8B55TYCH1SDENR&amp;pf_rd_t=101&amp;pf_rd_p=78067633-c290-5f30-9b97-4f36402ed099&amp;pf_rd_i=289857
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009YB1O/ref=s9_top_hd_bw_b1DP9_g79_i4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&amp;pf_rd_r=1R60GWR7DS63YMZWPSX6&amp;pf_rd_t=101&amp;pf_rd_p=3d283863-2f7a-5026-b103-df6ca17cfb61&amp;pf_rd_i=289859
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00091SCV4/ref=s9_top_hd_bw_bmmJ1f_g79_i4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&amp;pf_rd_r=Q22WZ1VK9RPC5TCKWBBV&amp;pf_rd_r=Q22WZ1VK9RPC5TCKWBBV&amp;pf_rd_t=101&amp;pf_rd_p=c05682f3-2464-421b-98a7-d9c94376a312&amp;pf_rd_p=c05682f3-2464-421b-98a7-d9c94376a312&amp;pf_rd_i=720777011
That's all you need and those are all good brands that will get you a ton of service without breaking the bank. You can spend more, but it's for not much more utility.
I found them on Amazon! They have 3 compartment ones, too.
Link:=
ChefLand 2 Compartment Microwavable Food Container with Lid Divided Plate, Bento Box, Lunch Tray with Cover and Microwave Safe, 10-Pack
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P2L59X0/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_6iogvb16H8H04
I didn't have any, so while I was cooking I ordered some from Amazon Prime Now.
ChefLand 2 Compartment Microwavable Food Container with Lid Divided Plate, Bento Box, Lunch Tray with Cover and Microwave Safe, 10-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P2L59X0/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_Bb7Cxb6RQ5WRQ
I have been using the 3 cup rectangular Pyrex containers and really prefer them over the circular ones just because they stack so much more nicely when not in use. I can generally stack 4 in the height of my drawer compared to 2 of the round ones.
Amazon!
These right here are what I use. I bought them back during cyber Monday and they have held up very well through daily use.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D0JDZFO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oBtAybV5EVFHA
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016P88NHW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_KZg7VcK1W81C9
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BYA4H1W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_uKTbdPNLYjmJ5
Updated link, OPs link seemingly goes to a used set that’s more expensive.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N2BPQC3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OZWGDb9Y0TSXA
Also, simply searching the mfg name yielded a few different sets.
Either way, thanks OP!
Thanks. Try this: Freshware Meal Prep Containers... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073TRZ91C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I purged my mountain of supermarket deli meat containers... (Oscar, Hillshire, etc) Every brand's lid is just a little bit differently sized and I was about to lose my damned mind!!
Now I use Mason jars, plus the 16oz & 32oz Deli Containers that you can buy online in bulk - A few restaurants here use them for your leftovers, and it's nice being able to add them into the collective pile without worrying over Yet Another Kind Of Lid.
They look like Pyrex dishes.
rectangle
and
round
/r/loseit likes this one https://www.amazon.com/Ozeri-Digital-Multifunction-Kitchen-Elegant/dp/B004164SRA
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I bought mine off Amazon $13 for 21 Containers
Cheap enough that I don't stress when they crack.
If you want to keep ingredients separate, consider a bento! They can even keep hot/cold stuff in different layers in the same container.
https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SL-JAE14SA-Bento-Stainless-Silver/dp/B000246GSE
We bought these for our kids lunches. You can keep hot and cold items separated. Watch the videos for full explanation.
also it's on sale for $30 right now: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B008M5U1C2/55467-20/ref=gb1h_img_m-3_3342_169dd9fc?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&amp;pf_rd_m=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&amp;pf_rd_t=101&amp;pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3
Here is the mobile version of your link
We use the containers from the link below. Had the same sets (we bought 2) for years and haven't had any issues.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00COK3FD8/?th=1&amp;psc=1
Are these what you are looking for?
Sold and ships from amazon.ca.
Containers
I have two sets:
Round: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QQIXCB4?psc=1&amp;redirect=true&amp;ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
Rectangle, 3 compartments: http://www.amazon.com/ChefLand-3-Compartment-Microwave-Container-Divided/dp/B00PY032QK/
I personally use these Three Compartment Meal Prep Haven Containers
They also have them in Two Compartment and Single Compartment
I'm using these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016P88NHW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_5qbndfd2pBx1h
I got these after a post on this subreddit
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B016P88NHW/ref=sxl1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1466657705&amp;sr=1&amp;pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65
I use these.
Here is a link for the exact ones I purchased!
M MCIRCO Meal Prep Containers
I got them from Amazon
Edit: formatting
These are my favorites. I also have these. I've used them for about a year and have only had to discard a few (one I dropped and it broke, the others were normal wear and tear).
These bad boys:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JJILWQ0
They haven't leaked at all so far, but I carry them to work in a ziplock gallon back just in case.