The most common places to find meal prep containers

You can buy meal prep containers at grocery stores, big-box retailers, restaurant supply shops, and online marketplaces. Most people find what they need at one of five places: Target, Walmart, Amazon, specialty kitchen stores, or local restaurant supply companies. Each has different prices, container styles, and bulk options, so where you shop depends on how many containers you need, what size, and whether you want to see them in person first.

Grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods stock basic meal prep containers in their kitchen section, usually near plastic wrap and storage bags. These tend to be smaller selections—often just a few brands in common sizes—but you can pick them up the same day. Big-box stores like Target and Walmart carry more variety and usually have lower per-unit prices, especially if you buy in bulk packs of 10 or 20 containers.

If you need many containers at once or want commercial-grade options, restaurant supply stores like WebstaurantStore, Sam's Club, or local restaurant suppliers sell containers by the case. These are cheaper per container but require larger minimum orders. Online retailers like Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, and specialty kitchen sites let you compare brands and read reviews without leaving home, though shipping costs can add up for heavy plastic containers.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart and Target stock meal prep containers in bulk packs at lower per-unit prices than grocery stores, and you can see the containers before buying.
  • Restaurant supply stores and Sam's Club sell containers by the case for the lowest per-container cost, but require buying 50 or more at a time.
  • Amazon and other online retailers let you compare brands, read customer reviews, and filter by size or material, but factor in shipping weight and cost.
  • Local grocery stores have the smallest selection but let you buy just one pack without waiting for delivery or committing to bulk orders.
  • Specialty kitchen stores and HomeGoods sometimes carry higher-end or unusual container styles, though selection varies by location.

Comparing prices across retailers

Price per container drops significantly when you buy in bulk. A single pack of 10 containers at a grocery store might cost $8 to $12, or about $0.80 to $1.20 per container. The same brand in a 20-pack at Walmart or Target usually runs $12 to $18, bringing the per-container cost down to $0.60 to $0.90. Restaurant supply stores sell cases of 50 or 100 containers for $15 to $30 per case, which works out to $0.15 to $0.60 per container depending on size and material.

Online prices vary widely. Amazon often matches or beats big-box store prices on popular brands, but shipping can cost $5 to $15 depending on the order weight and your membership status. Specialty retailers like Rubbermaid's official site sometimes offer sales or bulk discounts that rival restaurant suppliers. The cheapest option is almost always a restaurant supply store or Sam's Club membership, but only if you actually need 50+ containers and have space to store them.

Don't assume the cheapest container is the best deal. Thin plastic cracks easily and stains quickly, while thicker polypropylene or glass containers last longer and resist odors. Buying 20 durable containers at $1 each often costs less over time than replacing 50 cheap ones at $0.30 each every few months.

What to look for when choosing a retailer

If you're buying fewer than 20 containers, a grocery store or big-box retailer is usually fastest and simplest. You see the containers, check the lid fit, and take them home the same day. This matters if you're starting meal prep this week and don't want to wait for shipping.

If you're buying 20 to 50 containers, Walmart or Target online often has the best combination of price and speed. Their websites let you filter by size, material, and customer rating, and many items ship within two days if you have a membership or spend above a threshold.

If you're buying 50 or more containers or need commercial-grade options that last through a commercial dishwasher, a restaurant supply store is worth the trip or the online order. WebstaurantStore, for example, stocks thousands of container styles and sells by the case. Local restaurant supply shops sometimes offer better prices than national chains and can advise on durability for heavy use.

For specialty containers—glass, compartmentalized, or unusual sizes—check HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, or specialty kitchen retailers like Williams Sonoma or Sur La Table. These stores rotate inventory, so selection changes, but you might find higher-quality options at discount prices.

Online shopping versus in-store shopping

Shopping in person lets you inspect the container quality, test the lid seal, and check the size against your fridge space. You can also compare brands side by side and leave with containers the same day. The downside is limited selection—most stores stock only three to five brands—and you pay more per container.

Online shopping gives you access to dozens of brands, customer reviews that mention durability and staining, and often lower prices. You can read what other people say about whether lids actually seal, whether the containers warp in the microwave, and how long they last. The trade-off is waiting for delivery and paying shipping, plus you can't feel the plastic thickness or test the lid before buying.

A practical middle ground: check reviews online to narrow down which brand and size you want, then buy a small pack in person at a big-box store to test it. If you like it, order in bulk online for future restocking.

Container materials and where to find them

Polypropylene plastic is the most common meal prep container material. It's lightweight, affordable, and microwave-safe. You'll find it everywhere—grocery stores, Walmart, Target, and online. Brands like Rubbermaid, Glad, and store brands all make polypropylene containers. They're durable for everyday use but can stain and crack after a year or two of heavy washing.

Glass containers are heavier and more expensive but last longer and don't stain or absorb odors. Pyrex, Rubbermaid Brilliance, and Anchor Hocking make glass meal prep sets. You'll find them at Target, Walmart, and online retailers, but they're usually sold in smaller quantities (4 to 8 containers per set) because of shipping weight. Restaurant supply stores rarely stock glass because it breaks easily in commercial kitchens.

Compartmentalized containers with dividers are common at big-box stores and online but less common at grocery stores. Rubbermaid, Bentgo, and store brands make them. These are useful if you want to keep proteins, vegetables, and grains separate without buying multiple containers.

Stackable or nesting containers save freezer and fridge space. These are easier to find online than in stores because they take up more shelf space in retail locations. Amazon and specialty kitchen sites have the widest selection.

Buying in bulk and storage tips

If you're buying 50 or more containers from a restaurant supply store, make sure you have space to store them. Stacked containers take up less room than you'd think—50 containers might fit in a single cabinet or closet shelf—but confirm before ordering. Some people store extras in a garage or basement.

Buying in bulk makes sense if you meal prep weekly and go through 10 to 15 containers per week. That's about 500 to 750 containers per year, so a case of 100 every two months is reasonable. If you meal prep once a month or less, buying smaller packs at a big-box store is smarter because containers can crack or warp while sitting in storage.

Check the expiration date or manufacturing date on bulk orders, especially from online retailers. Plastic containers don't expire, but older stock may have been stored in heat or sunlight, which can weaken the plastic. Most retailers rotate stock regularly, but it's worth checking if you're buying a large case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy meal prep containers at dollar stores?

Yes, but quality varies. Dollar stores like Dollar Tree and Dollar General stock basic plastic containers, usually in packs of 5 to 10 for $1 to $3. The plastic is often thinner than containers at big-box stores, so they crack more easily and stain faster. They're fine for short-term use or if you're testing meal prep before investing in better containers.

What's the difference between food storage containers and meal prep containers?

Meal prep containers are usually smaller (16 to 32 ounces), come in packs, and have tight-sealing lids designed for stacking in the fridge. Food storage containers are often larger and sold individually or in smaller quantities. Both work for meal prep, but meal prep containers are cheaper per unit when bought in bulk and stack more efficiently.

Do I need to buy containers with compartments?

No. Compartmentalized containers are convenient if you want to keep foods separate without mixing flavors, but regular single-compartment containers work just as well. You can buy more single containers for the same price as fewer compartmentalized ones, so it depends on your preference and budget.

Are glass containers worth the extra cost?

Glass lasts longer and doesn't stain, so if you meal prep regularly and keep containers for years, glass saves money over time. Plastic containers typically last one to two years before cracking or staining noticeably. Glass costs two to three times more upfront but can last five years or longer, making it cheaper per year of use.

Where can I find containers with custom sizes or shapes?

Specialty kitchen retailers like Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, and online marketplaces like Amazon carry unusual sizes and shapes. Restaurant supply sites like WebstaurantStore stock hundreds of options, including square, rectangular, and round containers in sizes from 8 ounces to 64 ounces. Local restaurant supply stores can also special-order containers if they don't have what you need in stock.