It isn’t news that our lifestyles and careers are keeping us increasingly pre-occupied. In doing so, we tend to put nutrition on the back seat. To resolve this very problem, we have come up with the perfect solution.
So, feast your eyes on the very best meal prep bags on the market as of now. Using these, you can easily portion your food and store it safely in BPA-free plastic containers. This way, your food will stay fresh as ever until that lunch break rolls around!
Best
Choice
Our top pick for this collection of meal prep bags is the ThinkFit meal prep lunch box, as it has all the fixings that make it ideal for storing your standard three-course meal plus snacks for the entire day. It is soundly built and is durable in the long run
Best
Budget
The Budget pick for this series is the Rockland Guard Insulated Meal Prep Lunch Bag as it offers a lot of the same add-ons and features as the ThinkFit lunch bag but at a much more reasonable price point, which makes it one of our buyer’s top picks as well.
Best Meal Prep Bags 2021
1. ThinkFit
In this selection of products, we would like to start with the best of the best. The ThinkFit Meal Prep Bag has everything you could ever need for taking a full three-course meal to work. The bag has three compartments so you can pack anything from breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even salads/snacks.
The ThinkFit package includes six plastic containers, a shaker cup, a pill dispenser, and two reusable ice packs. Whether you want to take lunch to work, or you have a hectic routine where you have to go to the gym right after, this bag will cater to all your needs and different types of routine perfectly.
Pros
- Portion control containers; 1.5 and 2.5 cups
- Microwave safe and freezer safe for re-heating and storage
- Durable and heavy-duty plastic construction
- Shoulder strap included for ease of carrying
Cons
- May not keep the food as warm/cold as it was initially
- Containers and shakers are not scaled
2. MIER
Another contender for the best meal prep lunch bag is the MIER adult lunch box. It has a supple PU handle strap as well as a detachable shoulder strap, which makes it easier to travel with. Owing to its size, it one of the few lunch bags that fit meal prep containers with ease.
It has been sectioned in two different parts to keep hot and cold food separate. The topmost compartment can be used to store your snacks, such as chips and cookies. There is another pocket on top and two on the sides to hold any extra items such as utensils or tissues/wet wipes.
Pros
- Insulated PEVA lining to keep food warm
- Various pockets suited to different purposes
- Eco-friendly material
- Easy to clean
- Can store large quantities of food
Cons
- May not be as durable
- The inner fabric is exposed
3. Bentgo
If you are looking for a lunch box that caters more towards children, then the Bentgo box is for you. It has been explicitly sectioned to carry child-size portions of food. It is also what we like to call ‘drop-proof’ as it has rubber edges and will not break easily, making it ideal for children.
It is leak-proof as well and will not make a mess in your lunch bag. There is a removable tray portion as well, which is microwave safe. All the internal components are also dishwasher safe. Besides the lunch box, you also get a user manual, which helps users get acquainted with a range of meal prep lunch box ideas.
Pros
- Secure open/close latches for children
- Containers are both microwave and dishwasher safe
- Rubber edged drop-proof design, durable
- The container has removable inner compartments
Cons
- Outer shell needs to be hand-washed
- Only designed for child-size portions
4. Rockland
The Rockland Guard Insulated Meal Prep Bag is insulated throughout to keep your food warm throughout the day. In terms of storage, you can fit in three full-sized containers, along with two bottles, while still leaving room for snacks. You can also substitute snack space for another small container.
On either side, there are mesh pockets where you can keep any extra items, i.e., utensils, napkins, or even your phone or wallet. As is the case with its counterparts, the Rockland Guard lunch box is ideal if you are on the go. Also, if you are going camping or on a road trip, you can count on Rocky here to carry all your meal supplies and then some.
Pros
- Comes with shoulder strap for hands-free movement
- Can accommodate three containers and two beverages
- Extra room for snacks
- Side mesh pockets for utensils, or phone, etc.
Cons
- The zipper may get snagged if not used properly
- Containers need to be bought separately
5. Meal Prep Lunch Bag
Although the title may not look like much, the features definitely do the talking here. This meal prep lunch bag is a one-stop solution to all your lunch carrying needs. It can hold three meal prep containers, a shaker cup, and two ice packs for maintaining the temperature of the cooler. Woven from extra strength PVC, it is durable as well.
What we love about this lunch bag is that it comes with the containers. The containers weigh 45 ounces each and are leak-proof and are therefore “mess-free”. The shaker cup itself packs quite a punch as it has three extra cups for holding items such as protein powder and vitamin supplements.
Pros
- Reinforced base and padded shoulder strap for portability
- Bonus shaker cups with three extra cups worth of storage
- Three 45-ounce containers included with the bag
- Dishwasher safe containers
Cons
- Boxes may not be microwave safe
- Top compartment zipper needs to be handled with care
6. Fitmark
The Fitmark Box Meal Prep Bag has a fresh new design and is particularly lightweight for ease of portability. It has a heavy-duty shoulder strap and is made of extra-strength nylon that speaks for the durability and will not wear and tear under the weight of more massive containers. Speaking of which, the Fitmark includes two 32-ounce BPA free containers.
These containers are both dishwashers safe, microwave safe, and have been paired with a bonus shaker cup that can be used to store vitamins. Besides, it includes two ice packs to keep your food fresh for up to eight hours. There are mesh pockets for your napkins and utensils, along with one on the side to carry your water bottle.
Pros
- Has a divider on the inside for ideal organization of containers
- Mesh pockets for holding additional items
- Nylon manufacturing; lightweight and durable
- Comes with two boxes and shaker cup
- Containers are dishwasher and microwave safe
Cons
- The bag may be slightly bulky
- The divider is not flexible
7. 519 Fitness
As a worthy contender on this list, the 519 Fitness meal prep backpack is a force to be reckoned with. Woven with polyester on the outside, and aluminum film on the inside, it is quite durable. It is insulated throughout and promises to keep your food cold/warm for up to sixteen hours.
It has adjustable, padded shoulder straps that are put in place for your comfort and for ease of portability. There is also a padded handle on top if you wish to carry it by hand. There are numerous sections within the bag, including a seventeen-inch compartment for your laptop.
It comes with a total of six meal prep containers that are BPA-free, safe for the microwave and the dishwasher, so there’s another thing you don’t have to worry about. Besides, there is also an ice pack in the package to regulate the temperature of your food.
Pros
- Durable and recyclable material
- Six containers and ice pack included with the bag
- Multiple compartments and mesh pockets for storage
- Can hold all your food including snacks for the whole day and more
Cons
- A bit on the heavier side
- More suited for large quantities of food
8. TO GO
If you are a fan of the color black, then the TO GO meal prep bag is your “go to” lunch bag. Similar to its counterparts, it does have a padded handle and shoulder straps, but let’s move on to the really juicy stuff. The TO GO box comes with two ice packs and a whole collection of BPA-free meal prep containers for your convenience.
Said containers totally microwave safe and leak-proof. Just when you thought we were done, let us tell you that it comes with a shaker cup and a pillbox for holding your additional supplements and vitamins. It is ideal for taking to university, office, gym, and even on road trips or camping purposes.
Pros
- Four 20-ounce containers and two 12-ounce ones
- Includes shaker cup, pillbox, and two ice packs
- Padded handle and shoulder strap for ease of portability
- Dishwasher/microwave safe; easy to clean
Cons
- May be subject to occasional shipping damage
- May come across some cosmetic damage
9. Isolator Fitness
For those of us struggling with meal management and portion control, the Isolator Fitness ISO meal prep bag presents the ideal fix. With an insulated design, it is guaranteed to keep your food warm for up to twelve to sixteen hours. It has multiple zippered and mesh pockets, along with a separate compartment for your shaker cup, fondly referred to as the ISO-Shaker, which is included with the bag.
Twelve BPA-free meal prep containers come with the bag! You get four different sizes ranging from 12 ounces to 38 ounces. Trust us; portion control has never been easier. In terms of storage, the ISOBAG can store up to eight containers at one time, depending on the size.
Pros
- 12 leak-proof plastic meal prep containers included
- Multiple compartments and pockets for ample storage
- Can hold up to eight containers at a time
- Adjustable shoulder strap for easy portability and comfort
Cons
- Containers do not hold up well in the dishwasher
- The strap may need to be adjusted to fit different individuals
10. Fit and Fresh Original Jaxx
Last but not least, we have the Fit and Fresh Original Jaxx meal prep bag that can be the solution to your meal prepping worries. Like many of its counterparts, it comes with six BPA-free containers, a shaker bottle, ice packs, and a separate case of vitamins. The shaker bottle, a patented design, works wonder for mixing protein powder on the go.
The containers themselves have tightly fitted lids that prevent them from leaking anywhere. They are also freezer safe and microwave friendly so, re-heating food is made convenient. Besides, the insulation keeps the food fairly warm as well. The bag itself is compact and easy to carry, regardless of where you are going.
Pros
- Six BPA-free plastic containers
- Compact and easy to carry
- Insulated to keep food warm
- Leak-proof, freezer-safe containers
- Patented shaker cup and ice packs also included
Cons
- Dishwasher use not recommended for containers
- The Main compartment is slightly cramped
5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Meal Prep Bag
Let us guess – you too have been taken by the phenomenon that has taken the meal prepping arena by storm, that is, the advent of meal prep bags!
We don’t blame you; it is easy to see the appeal they have to offer. From helping you control portions, and practice better meal management, it is the golden ticket to eating healthier on-the-go and maintaining your diet.
However, before you start searching for the best meal prep bags on Amazon, there are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself. Keep reading to find out!
Is it easily portable?
Although there are many types of meal prep bags out there, you need to check whether they fit your preferences in the first place.
For starters, you should check to see if the bag has a comfortable shoulder strap and a padded handle. You can carry it by hand or on your shoulder but ensure that you can do so with ease.
For the shoulder strap, you may also want to consider how far it extends. If you are particularly tall, it can sometimes get stuck and leave you feeling awkward with the bag halfway up your torso.
Does it fit my budget?
Set a flexible budget for yourself; however, do not go overboard and spend all your savings on a meal prep bag.
We agree that it is a smart investment, but you don’t want to go breaking the bank on it. Besides, you will not necessarily get the best bag for the highest price.
As long as you know what you want, and how to spot that, you will be able to reach a reasonable bargain regarding the cost.
Will it keep my food warm?
Let’s face it; nobody wants cold food at the end of the day. Except for the odd delicacy that is cold pizza, most of us want our meals hot, or the very least warm. Luckily, most meal prep bags are insulated inside out, so your food will remain relatively warm.
Also, you need to see if the containers that come with the bags are microwave safe. In this way, you don’t have to go through any hassle when it comes to reheating your food.
Can it fit all my meals?
As emphasized above, a couple of lunch boxes aren’t enough. Not to mention, you don’t want to feel like a child going to kindergarten with your sack lunch.
Therefore, you need to ensure that it is large enough or appropriately sized for all your portions. Besides, you will want one that has enough room for your water bottle and snacks too.
What else does it have to offer?
This one is simply an added bonus, but it always helps to know your options. For instance, some meal prep bags come with free shaker cups or ice backs. Some may have cases for your vitamin supplements as well.
If these are some things that you would like to have in your collection, then, by all means, go with the ones that offer these amenities!
Frequently Asked Questions
⭐ What are meal prep bags used for?
If you find yourself always on the move and do not have the time to manage cooking all your meals, you can use a meal prep bag to prepare your food in advance and take it with you wherever you go.School and work can take up quite some time as it is, and if you throw the gym into the mix, then it is even harder. Some of the best meal prep bags will have room for all your meals for the day while you are out.
⭐ Where can I buy meal prep bags from?
Meal prep bags are quite common nowadays, and you can find them at your local goods store. However, shopping online is also a good option if you don’t want to leave the comfort of your home.You can also research online beforehand to get to know all the different varieties of bags that are out there. It is also an excellent platform to compare prices before settling on any one product.
⭐ Do meal prep bags come with containers?
Although it is not a sure thing, most meal prep bags do come with a few containers along with some additional amenities such as ice packs, shaker cups, and vitamin cases.
⭐ How much do meal prep bags cost?
A meal prep bag can cost you anywhere between USD 30 and USD 50, which is the intermediate range. For larger or more expensive brands, the price can go up accordingly.
⭐ What are the different types of meal prep bags?
There are three main types of meal prep bags. For starters, there is the classic shoulder strap bag, the backpack style bag, and perhaps the most unconventional, the meal prep lunch box. The lunch box caters more so towards children, though.
⭐ How can I clean my meal prep containers?
Most meal prep containers are dishwasher safe, so pop them in there, but remember to place them on the top rack, so they don’t get damaged. Before putting them in the dishwasher, do ensure that they are dishwasher safe. If not, then washing them by hand will suffice as well.
⭐ Are the meal prep bags heavy?
Meal prep bags typically weigh between two to three pounds at most. Some of the larger backpack style bags may weigh around five pounds, but the shoulder straps are padded, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble carrying it around.
⭐ What are meal prep bags made of?
Most meal prep bags are woven with nylon or some similar fabric so, they are pretty durable. Some people report having trouble with the zippers, though, so you might want to be careful with those.
⭐ Do meal prep bags keep food warm?
Yes, most meal prep bags are insulated so, they do an excellent job of keeping your food warm, some even up to twelve hours or so.
⭐ How long does a meal prep bag last?
As long as you take proper care of them, meal prep bags should last you a few good years, if not more. You might have to replace the zippers, but otherwise, be careful not to work it over too much, or try to stuff in containers that just don’t fit.
5 Benefits of Owning Your Own Meal Prep Bag
People in all age groups are struggling in their own way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Naturally, this includes meal management, as well.
Eating out for every meal is clearly not an option, nor is cooking every single meal. You cannot manage with the limited amount of time that you get between work, school, and gym, etc.
If you want to implement a healthier diet, then you can always try meal prepping. It will save you a bunch of time, money, and allow you to have your home-cooked meals no matter where you are.
For this purpose, you will need a meal prep bag to carry your supplies throughout the day. Keep reading to find out about some of the benefits that meal prep bags have to offer!
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Picture this; you’re at work. Your co-workers decide to order in or go out to lunch, or perhaps you work at one of those places where they have catered lunches, you are bound to be tempted to partake in the feast.
It is entirely natural because most home lunches don’t seem too appealing, or the servings aren’t big enough. Most people are content with carrying a couple of containers with them to work, but that won’t cut it anymore.
Having a whole meal prep bag with you, you can carry breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a selection of healthy snacks for in-between. In short, some of the best meal prep bags are designed to hold up throughout the day!
Better Portion Control
Meal prep bags usually come with a selection of containers of different sizes. These containers are designed to carry appetizers, entrees, and snacks, etc. According to the size of the box, you can exercise proper portion control for each meal.
Also, if you want to adhere to a particular diet, you will need to find substitutes for specific food items while you are out, and there are bound to be slip-ups here and there. You’ll be stuck counting calories all day.
However, you can avoid all that hassle with a meal prep bag that you can carry with you wherever you go. So, look up a buyer’s guide right now to get yours!
Spend Less Time Cooking
With most diets or meal plans, you can get stuck with a ton of cooking. However, there is a better way – meal prepping! You can prepare all your meals the night before, or even prep individual meals for the entire week.
This will relieve you of the effort that you have to put before every meal. Having these meal prep bags around is practically having dinner on the table if you think about it.
Avoid Making Messes
Most lunch boxes can leak and make a massive mess of your food. However, meal prep bags come with rubber-edged containers that prevent any such mishaps. Besides, the bag ensures that all your boxes and snacks are in one place.
They also have dividers that come in handy when it comes to organizing your containers. There are mesh pockets in most of these bags for your water bottle, shaker cup, wallet, phone, napkins, and utensils, etc.
Temperature Control
The cherry on top is that your food stays at the temperature you desire. For cold foods or beverages, most meal prep bags come with a couple of reusable ice packs that will keep those drinks chilled for up to eight to ten hours.
Conversely, they are insulated to keep your food warm until lunch or dinner time rolls around. The containers themselves are microwave safe, so re-heating shouldn’t be an issue either.
3 Types of Meal Prep Bags
Meal prep bags come in various shapes and sizes, and they can all be equally desirable, depending on what you are looking for.
Some of the best meal prep bags on the market are a mix of three major categories. So, without further ado, let’s get into it! You might get your ideal pick here.
Meal Prep Lunch Box
This is perhaps the most basic design, as it most closely resembles an actual lunch box. If you are looking for something similar, then this is the classic choice.
In the lunch box, you can find different components that can be used to portion your food. There may also be a sizeable removable tray, which you can put in the microwave to reheat your food. Additionally, they are very easy to clean too.
Shoulder Strap Lunch Bag
The shoulder strap lunch bag is perhaps the most common choice of these three. You can carry it like a handbag, so it stays out of the way while you’re on the move.
These come in a few different sizes as well and can carry all your meals for the day, including snacks. Also, they have room for your phone, wallet, and other accessories!
Backpack Meal Prep Bag
Now, the backpack version of the meal prep bag comes in handy if you are going on a road-trip, or camping, for instance.
As the title suggests, these bags are quite roomy and can carry a ton of supplies for such outing. They might be a bit bulky for regular use, but if you prefer it, then, by all means, go with your gut.
3 Tips For Cleaning Meal Prep Bags Inside and Out
It is no secret that meal prep bags make life much easier for people who have busy lifestyles. Eating on-the-go has never been so convenient. However, try as we might, we cannot get rid of the chore that is cleaning the bag itself.
Good news – you don’t have to, at least not that often. As long as you don’t spill anything in the bag, you don’t have to wash it out. Washing the bag can actually do more harm than good because it can damage the fibers or the zippers.
However, there are a couple of tips that you can use to keep your bag fresh after using it day after day!
Dust It Out
Regularly, you won’t have to deal with much except a few crumbs here and there. You definitely do not need to wash the whole thing for this. Dust it thoroughly to get rid of these crumbs.
If you are extra conscious, you can leave the clasps open once you have emptied the contents of the bag to aerate it at the end of the day. This will remove any odors that some food may have left behind.
The odor, as mentioned earlier, is familiar with garlic-infused foods such as garlic bread or pasta sauce so, aerating it is an excellent alternative to spraying it with freshener.
Use Wet Wipes
The most mess you will experience with a meal prep bag is a tiny spill here, and that is nothing to worry about. You can use a dry tissue to wipe it off, and then a wet cloth or wet wipe to get rid of any stains and leave behind a pleasant odor.
Keep the Containers Clean
Some of the best meal prep bags on the market come with between four to eight containers of varying sizes. These containers are made of BPA-free plastic, and most are dishwasher safe, so you can pop them there for a quick wash at the end of the day.
However, some containers don’t do so well in the dishwasher, so you will have to wash them by hand. Some containers may be tougher to clean if they contain a cheese sauce, etc. So, you can leave them to soak and wash them out later.
For more tips on how to keep your meal prep bags, you can look up our frequently asked questions section to get some information on more of the same.
Conclusion
With such a vast inventory of meal prep bags at your service, we hope you will take some out from your schedule, and chalk out a healthy meal plan for yourself. Maintaining a healthy diet has never been easier! For further queries, feel free to contact us via email.