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Here are the best food storage containers for batch cooking
Whether you need to store leftovers, portion out your batch cooking or want something to double up as a lunch box, here's our verdict on the best food storage containers, as tried and tested by MNHQ.
By Natasha Gregson By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Aug 19, 2025
Batch cooking – the practice of making large quantities of food, ready to store in your fridge or freezer – has become a staple in many family kitchens, particularly as the impact of the cost of living crisis continues. In fact, scroll through any Mumsnet thread on time or money-saving tips in the kitchen and you're bound to come across several suggestions of cooking in bulk or meal planning in advance.
From storing leftovers to portioning out meals and even serving as lunch boxes, the best food storage containers can be an invaluable addition to your kitchen – so long as you choose well. Containers that feel robust and sturdy are more likely to last, and it also helps if you can chuck them in your freestanding or integrated dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Another important consideration is how secure the seal is. If you're taking sauce-based lunches into work, you'll need something totally leakproof to avoid spills in your bag, yet if you're only planning on storing food upright in a fridge freezer or cupboard, this will be less of a concern.
Looking for more Mumsnet-approved buys for your kitchen? We also have guides to the best kettles for hard water and best tea towels.
Best food storage containers UK: at a glance
Best overall: Sistema Brilliance Food Storage Containers, £20 for two
Best value: IKEA PRUTA Food Storage Containers, £8 for 17
Best food storage set: LocknLock Six Piece Container Set, £24 for six
Best for space saving: Joseph Joseph Nest Lock Containers, £27 for five
Best for snacks: Sistema Snack Capsule To Go, £7 for one
Best meal prep containers: Igluu Two Compartment Containers, £14 for 10
How we tested the best Tupperware
To bring you our definitive list of the best food storage containers, we first researched the experiences of Mumsnet users, investigating their recommendations on the Tupperware brands they've used in their own homes. We then evaluated verified reviews and trusted publications to ensure our Mumsnetters’ views were consistent with wider consumer feedback and expert opinions.
When we had carefully whittled down our list to the top ten, Mumsnet writer Lucy then tested out every option to ensure they were all top notch. She used each container to store a variety of different food, scoring them on their overall design, versatility, ease of cleaning, ease of storing, and value for money. She also conducted shake tests so she could confidently assess the quality of the seal and any brand's claims of being leakproof.
Best food storage containers overall
Robust, high-quality design
Airtight and completely leakproof
Built-in clip vents to release steam in the microwave
Dishwasher safe
Pricey
Key specs
Price on writing: £20 | Material: Plastic | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Freezer safe: Yes | Microwave safe: Yes | No. of containers in set: Two, though other sizes/sets are available
What Mumsnet users say
Reviewed by MNHQ writer Lucy Cotterill: Read our full Sistema Brilliance Leakproof Food Storage Container review
When it comes to versatility, this Sistema range is brilliant by name, brilliant by nature. A clear winner for our 'best overall' title, this two-pack set impressed me immensely during testing.
Each container is made with see-through Tritan plastic, which felt very durable and robust. The biggest sell here though is their leakproof qualities; I found the rubber seal faultless and airtight, so much so that I was happy to chuck a container full of casserole in my bag without any leakage.
Another highlight was the air vents in the clips for easy microwaving. When raised, air and steam were safely expelled through the small holes without the risk of splattering pasta sauce all over my microwave’s interior. And speaking of pasta sauce, I found no signs of staining on the plastic containers after extensive use, even after using them to store tomato sauces.
They're also safe to pop in the dishwasher for a quick clean and are resilient to time in the freezer, plus there's different sizes and shapes in the range so you can choose the best capacity for you.
So, whats the catch? It's pretty hard to find a fault, but if I had to pick one, they are fairly pricey compared to other sets. Honestly though, I think they're worth splashing out on.
Related: Best American fridge freezer for families
Best value food storage containers
Stackable to save space
Great value for money
Good mix of sizes
Not as high quality as some other options
Not leakproof - less suited for use outside the home
Can stain easily
Key specs
Price on writing: £8 | Material: Plastic | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Freezer safe: Yes | Microwave safe: Yes | No. of containers in set: 17
Reviewed by MNHQ writer Lucy Cotterill: Read our full IKEA PRUTA Food Containers review
With 17 containers in the set, IKEA’s PRUTA range offers fantastic value, working out at just under 50p per box. Stackable when full and easily stored inside each other when not in use, this set includes a range of sizes so there should be a tub to suit all your leftover needs.
I liked that the transparent plastic made it easy to see the contents inside each tub; this was particularly handy when I had multiple containers stacked up in my fridge freezer. They were fairly easy to clean too, either by hand or in the dishwasher. I did notice a bit of discolouration after storing sauce-based foods within them, but it was nothing unsightly and proved to be only a minor inconvenience, especially when you factor in the low cost.
However, they definitely work better for at-home storage rather than for use on the go. While I found they sealed well, they're not leakproof, so I wouldn't want to risk using them as a lunch box.
Best food storage container set
Airtight and leakproof
Range of sizes in the set
Good value for money
Nesting design for easy storage
Containers are shallow in depth
The largest size tub wasn't used as much
Key specs
Price on writing: £24 | Material: BPA-free plastic | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Freezer safe: Yes | Microwave safe: Yes | No. of containers in set: Six
What Mumsnet users say
Reviewed by MNHQ writer Lucy Cotterill: Read our full LocknLock Six Piece Container Set review
LocknLock make some of the best food storage containers for leftovers thanks to their 100% airtight seal, helping your food stay fresh until you want to eat it. They're also ideal for portable lunches as the robust four-lock closing system makes them genuinely leakproof; I stored soup in them with no issues, and they passed my water leak test with flying colours.
I loved their stackability too; they easily tuck into each other neatly when not in use, so they are great for space-saving. They're also sturdy enough to be placed on top of each other when full.
My only real gripe is that the largest tub in the set (5.5L) is unlikely to get much use due to its substantial size – I can't imagine carting it around in a bag for lunches on the go. The six-piece set is also pretty expensive at its full RRP, though you can currently snap it up for just £24, which given its robustness is exceptionally good value for money.
Related: The best toaster and kettle for your kitchen
Best space-saving storage containers
Space-saving design
Airtight and leakproof
Fun design
Colour-coded bottoms to easily match lids
Made from high-quality plastic
Expensive
Key specs
Price on writing: £27 | Material: Silicone, plastic | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Freezer safe: Yes | Microwave safe: Yes | No. of containers in set: Five
What Mumsnet users say
Reviewed by MNHQ writer Lucy Cotterill: Read our full Joseph Joseph Nest Lock review
The Joseph Joseph brand always injects colour and fun into their kitchenware range. This clever set of nesting food storage containers is a fantastic example of practicality and style, and their striking design made me smile the moment I unboxed them.
It's not all style over substance though. The brightly coloured lids made organising kitchen storage easy-peasy, and I loved the way each box sat snugly inside each other, with the lids stacked securely on top. The colour-coded dot on the bottom of each base was a big help too – there's no need to guess which lid fits which tub.
Each lid snapped onto the base quickly, and the durable seals around the lid make the tubs airtight and leakproof; in fact, this set scored top marks for seal quality in my shake test.
The only downside is the cost, but the containers felt very robust and are certainly built to last.
Related: The best slimline dishwashers for small kitchens
Best container for snacks
Small compartments for snacks on the go
Removable spork included
Two sections so you can keep food separated
Airtight and leakproof
Size only suitable for small snacks
Can't select your chosen colour on Amazon
Younger children may struggle with the twisting to open
Key specs
Price on writing: £7 | Material: Plastic | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Freezer safe: Yes | Microwave safe: Yes (without lid) | No. of containers in set: One
Reviewed by MNHQ writer Lucy Cotterill: Read our full Sistema Snack Capsule To Go review
Another way to save money with the cost of living crisis is taking snacks from home with you, instead of buying things when you’re out and about. And this tub is perfect for popping a little something in to enjoy on the go.
The small 515 ml capsule comes with a lift-out compartment so you can store two different snacks in it at the same time – I found it was great for keeping wet and dry foods separate, such as granola and yoghurt. I even tried it out with cereal and milk and was pleased to find it didn't leak at all.
It’s also fridge and freezer safe, can go in the microwave as long as you take the lid off, and can go through the dishwasher on the top rack. Do bear in mind, however, that there's only one small container included – it may be quite pricey if you're kitting the whole family out. It will save you buying expensive snack-sized portions day-to-day though, so you may find it's worth the initial outlay.
Alternatively, if you're wanting to pack up snacks alongside your lunch, the best bento box might just be the solution. These handy containers have different compartments so you can store food separately.
Best food storage containers for meal prep
Ideal for meal planning or portion control
Nesting design
Good value - 10 in a set
Made from thin plastic
Not leakproof
Won't last as long as some more durable designs
Key specs
Price on writing: £14 | Material: Plastic | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Freezer safe: Yes | Microwave safe: Yes | No. of containers in set: Ten
What Mumsnet users say
Reviewed by MNHQ writer Lucy Cotterill: Read our full Igluu Two Compartment Containers review
Ideal for prepping meals in advance, these Igluu Containers offer a convenient solution for batch cooking or storing leftovers with their two-compartment design and domed lids.
I loved how easy they were to stack on top of each other in a fridge or freezer – it made storing them really simple, particularly after whipping up a big batch of food that needed to be portioned out separately. They're also safe for use in the microwave too, so meals can be reheated with ease.
My biggest gripe was the quality of the container; made from relatively thin plastic, there is the risk of them cracking over time. That said, at only £14 for a pack of ten, they offer fantastic value for money and are great for meal prepping beginners. It's worth noting, however, that they are leak-resistant as opposed to leakproof, so I wouldn't recommend them being transported in a work or school bag.
More food storage containers: tried and tested
"I have the Oxo Pop storage tubs. They are really nice and stack together. I just have a few of the bigger ones for pasta and rice."
Mumsnet user Fluffycloudsfloatinginthesky | Recommended brand
OXO Good Grips
Pop Containers
"I loved the clip-down airtight lid, which kept my food fresh with zero leakage. Due to the nature of the reclaimed plastic, however, the unique colours are allocated at random."
MNHQ writer Lucy | Tried & tested
LocknLock Eco Friendly
Food Storage Container Set
"[...] These are great. I also have some smaller two portion ones and one portion ones (for when I have a smaller amount of leftovers)."
Mumsnet user Bedsidefirehalf | Recommended product
Lakeland
Stack-A-Boxes
"If your kids are forever failing to close the cereal box, this set of three four-litre cereal containers from Chef's Path is a great storage alternative."
MNHQ writer Lucy | Recommended product
Chef’s Path
Cereal Storage Containers
How many food storage containers do I need?
There are a few factors to think about when it comes to deciding how many food storage containers you need:
How many people are there in your household?
Are you planning on batch cooking and meal prepping?
How often do you have leftovers that need storing?
Do you take lunches and snacks to work or out and about with you?
Do you want to store things like rice and pasta in matching airtight food storage containers?
Asking yourself these questions can help you work out if you just need a few containers or if you need to invest in a big set of them.
What works best for a lot of families is to buy a set of plastic food storage containers in an assortment of different sizes, so you can use some for leftovers, some for snacks, and some for storing batch cooked meals in the freezer.
Read next: The best budget dishwasher for cleaning your new Tupperware
How to shop for the best food storage container
If the cost of living crisis has made you rethink the way you cook and eat at home and you want to invest in some new food storage containers for meal prepping, batch cooking, and leftovers, here are a few tips on what to look out for.
Material: Most containers are made of food safe BPA-free plastic as it is durable and practical, but bamboo, silicone and glass storage are all excellent alternative options. However, it's worth noting that even the best glass food storage containers will be heavy and prone to shattering if they're dropped, so plastic sets are a better option for families.
Ease of use: Food containers that are easy to open and seal, are airtight, so keep food fresh and don’t leak, will make your domestic life much simpler.
Practicality: Are they suitable for use in the freezer? Can they be heated in the microwave or even the oven? Can you transport food to work or play without making a mess? These are essential questions to ask of what should be a time-saving device.
Easy cleaning: Can they be popped in the dishwasher, or do they need hand washing separately? Look for tubs with rounded corners that won’t trap leftover food, and try to avoid those easily stained by highly pigmented sauces such as bolognese and chilli.
Storage: We all know the nightmare of kitchen cupboards overflowing with mismatched Tupperware and hunting for missing lids. Choose containers in a variety of sizes that can nest within each other or are sturdy when stacked on top of each other.
Round vs square: When you’re thinking of how you’ll store your containers, think about the space you have available and what would work best for you. Square food storage containers are generally the most space-saving option as they store and stack closely together.
Durability: Long-lasting materials that withstand lots of use, changes of temperature and carrying to and from places of work are worth spending extra money on. It may be tempting to go for cheaper options, but some will have a higher chance of ending up in your kitchen bin if they're not up to scratch.
How do you organise food storage containers?
A lot of the sets of food storage containers you can buy now have a stackable design. So they nest together nicely while you’re not using them.
If you have some that don’t quite stack together then you can organise the containers and lids together by size or colour.
Another option is to store the containers nested together and the lids separately, using a creative option like a file holder or toast rack to keep them corralled nicely.
Which container is best for storing food?
After researching all the different options, we think that the best food storage containers are the Sistema Brilliance ones.
The different size options are great for leftovers, taking lunches to work, and storing batch-cooked meals.
They’re sturdy, completely leakproof, and airtight so they’ll keep all your food lovely and fresh. They also stack together well to save space in your fridge or freezer.
How we tested the best food storage containers
First up, we spent hours scouring the Mumsnet forums to gather insights on the top ways to store food and keep it fresher for longer. We noted down quality recommendations from our users on the different food storage container brands they've tried in their own kitchens, paying close attention to both positive and negative feedback on popular brands and products.
Next, we looked at industry awards and reviews to see which brands consumer experts felt were worth purchasing and we cross-referenced this with the reviews from consumers.
Finally, we collated all that information to come up with a list of the ten best Tupperware containers that we think offered something for everyone. We then commissioned our writer Lucy to thoroughly test out each option and carefully analyse the performance of each.
About the authors
Natasha Gregson is a Senior Editor at Mumsnet and oversees all home and kitchen content on site. With several years of editorial experience under her belt she has written on many topics, covering everything from fashion to health, parenting to entertainment, and has had work featured in national publications including The i Paper and Stylist Magazine.
A keen foodie, she loves nothing more than trying new culinary creations in the kitchen, which often includes testing out and researching the latest time-saving gadgets for Mumsnet, so she knows a thing or two about finding the right food storage for your home.
Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising expert opinions and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.
In addition to writing various Mumsnet kitchen roundups such as the best tabletop dishwashers and the most stylish kettle and toaster sets, Lucy has been on a food storage mission this year. She’s been testing and reviewing 10 different food storage containers both inside and outside the home to help find the best options for Mumsnet users.
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