The main places to buy meal prep containers

You can buy meal prep containers at grocery stores, big-box retailers, restaurant supply shops, and online marketplaces. The choice depends on what you need: budget, quantity, specific materials, or speed of delivery. Most people find what they want at one of five types of stores, and each has a different strength.

Grocery stores stock basic plastic and glass containers in the kitchen aisle, usually in small quantities and at mid-range prices. Big-box retailers like Walmart and Costco carry larger selections and bulk packs at lower per-unit costs. Restaurant supply stores sell commercial-grade containers in bulk, which is useful if you're prepping for a household of many or want containers that last years. Online retailers offer the widest selection and often the fastest delivery to your door. Specialty kitchen stores focus on higher-end glass and stainless steel options.

Key Takeaways

  • Grocery stores and big-box retailers stock containers in small quantities at moderate prices, useful for trying out meal prep without a large upfront cost.
  • Restaurant supply stores sell durable commercial containers in bulk at the lowest per-unit price, but usually require membership or a business account.
  • Online marketplaces like Amazon offer the widest range of materials and sizes, with delivery in two to seven days depending on your location and membership.
  • Specialty kitchen retailers carry premium glass and stainless steel containers, which cost more but often come with lifetime warranties.
  • Warehouse clubs like Costco require membership but offer bulk packs at prices lower than grocery stores, with the option to return unused items.

Grocery stores and supermarkets

Most grocery chains stock meal prep containers in the kitchen or food storage aisle, near plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You'll find basic plastic clamshell containers, straightforward glass containers with plastic lids, and sometimes silicone collapsible options. Prices typically range from $3 to $12 per container or small pack, depending on material and brand.

The advantage here is that you can see and touch the containers before buying, check the lid fit, and take them home the same day. The downside is limited selection—most stores carry only two or three styles—and you pay more per container than you would buying in bulk elsewhere. Grocery stores are best if you want to start small, try one or two containers, or need them urgently.

Big-box retailers and warehouse clubs

Walmart, Target, and similar big-box stores carry a wider range than grocery stores, with multiple brands, sizes, and materials all in one aisle. You can find plastic, glass, and stainless steel options, often with matching lids and dividers. Prices are lower than grocery stores because of volume buying, and many stores offer online ordering with in-store pickup or home delivery.

Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club require a membership fee (typically $50 to $130 per year) but sell containers in bulk packs at the lowest per-unit price. A 10-pack of durable plastic containers might cost $15 to $20 total at Costco, compared to $3 to $4 per container at a grocery store. The trade-off is that you buy in larger quantities and have less choice in style. Most warehouse clubs allow you to return items you don't use, so the membership risk is low if you're unsure.

Restaurant supply stores

Stores like Restaurant Depot, Webstaurant Store, and local restaurant supply shops sell commercial-grade containers designed to withstand heavy use and frequent washing. These containers are thicker, more durable, and often cheaper per unit than retail versions. A case of 50 plastic deli containers might cost $20 to $30, or about 40 to 60 cents each.

Most restaurant supply stores require a business license or membership to shop in person, though some allow walk-in purchases with a fee. Online restaurant supply retailers like Webstaurant Store and WebstaurantStore do not require membership. The downside is that you must buy in bulk—usually cases of 25, 50, or 100—so this route makes sense only if you're prepping for multiple people or want containers to last several years. The containers are plain and functional rather than stylish, but they're built to last.

Online marketplaces and specialty retailers

Amazon, eBay, and other online marketplaces stock thousands of meal prep container options, from budget plastic to premium glass and stainless steel. You can filter by material, size, number of compartments, and price, then read reviews from other buyers. Delivery typically takes two to seven days depending on your location and whether you have Prime membership.

Specialty kitchen retailers like Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, and Bed Bath & Beyond focus on higher-end containers—often glass with stainless steel lids or premium plastic with lifetime warranties. These cost more (often $8 to $20 per container) but come with guarantees and are designed to look good on a kitchen shelf. Online shopping is best if you know exactly what you want, want to compare many options at once, or prefer home delivery.

What to look for when comparing prices

The cheapest container per unit is not always the best deal. Compare the total cost of ownership: a $2 plastic container that cracks after six months costs more over time than a $6 glass container that lasts five years. Check whether the price includes lids, dividers, and gaskets, since some retailers sell lids separately.

Also consider quantity. Buying a single container at a grocery store costs more per unit than buying a 10-pack online, but you might not need ten. If you're just starting meal prep, buy one or two containers at a grocery store or big-box retailer to test the size and material before committing to a bulk order. Once you know what works, buy in bulk online or at a warehouse club.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between plastic, glass, and stainless steel containers?

Plastic is lightweight and cheap but can stain and crack over time. Glass is durable and microwave-safe but heavier and breaks if dropped. Stainless steel is the most durable and keeps food insulated but is the most expensive and cannot go in the microwave. Most people start with plastic or glass and upgrade to stainless steel if they meal prep regularly.

Do I need to buy containers with dividers?

No. Dividers keep foods separate and prevent flavors from mixing, which is useful if you're storing multiple dishes in one container. But you can also use separate smaller containers or skip dividers entirely if you don't mind flavors blending. Dividers add cost, so buy them only if you know you'll use them.

Can I return meal prep containers if they don't work for me?

Most big-box retailers and warehouse clubs accept returns within 30 to 90 days, even if you've used the containers. Online retailers like Amazon have similar return windows. Restaurant supply stores usually do not accept returns on bulk orders. Check the store's return policy before buying, especially if you're ordering in bulk.

Are expensive containers worth the cost?

Premium containers last longer and often come with warranties, so they're worth the cost if you meal prep regularly and will use the same containers for years. If you're trying meal prep for the first time, start with budget containers from a grocery store or big-box retailer, then upgrade once you know your needs.

Where can I buy containers if I need them today?

Grocery stores, Walmart, Target, and other big-box retailers have containers in stock and available for pickup or when ready purchase. Call ahead to confirm they have the size and material you want, or check their website for in-store availability before you go.