The best meal prep bags will help you stay organized and on track to live a healthy lifestyle. All the meal prep, easy cooking and freezer meals in the world won’t help if you can’t take it with you. If long days away from home are the norm in your household, you may want to consider a meal prep bag.
This innovative organizational tool can help you reduce your calories, stick to your budget and eat healthy on the go. It will replace your small lunch box and give you lots of space.
It will also solve the problem of keeping food and blender drinks cool throughout the day. We’ve compiled a list of the 7 best meal prep bags on the market for you to check out.
There are all kinds of bags out there for you to choose from. Some come stocked with containers while others come empty. There are bags that come with shaker cups and pillboxes so you can be ready for the gym.
All of these bags will give you plenty of room to organize your food for the day all in one spot. Certain bags will even leave room for you to carry six whole meals with you. It will be easy to eat every meal, snack and post-workout drink you need during the day with one of these bags on hand.
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Meal Prep Bags Comparison Table
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Our Reviews of the 7 Top Meal Prep Bags
Meal prep bags come in lots of price points and sizes. You’ll want to think carefully about your needs as you consider the best bag for you.
We’ve focused on capacity, transportability, budget and temperature control. Whether you just need to carry two meals and a snack or a whole day’s worth of food, there’s something on this list for you.
1. Best Pick-ThinkFit Insulated Lunch Boxes
The ThinkFit Insulated Lunch Box is a very popular meal prep bag. It’s double insulated and made of heavy-duty material.
This bag will keep your food at the right temperature, whether cold or hot, for 8-10 hours. You’ll be able to pack everything you need for a long day away from home in this prep bag.
The handle has been double stitched. So it’s strong enough to support the weight of the bag and all your food. The shoulder strap can extend to 48 inches long so it’s easy to carry. There’s an extra zippered pocket on the side for storage if you need it.
Inside this bag, you’ll find 6 airtight containers (2 are 1.5 cups, 4 are 2.5 cups) for you to build your meals and snacks in. You can fit a whole day’s worth of food in these containers.
Just put your food together and slide the provided ice pack into the bag. You’ll be on your way in no time. They are microwave and dishwasher safe.
Key Details
The dimensions are 16.5″ L x 7.5″ W x 8″ H and it weighs 3.5 pounds empty. It’s large but not difficult to maneuver or store.
You can also also load up your pills and protein drink for the day in this bag. Just use the included 7-compartment pill box to keep your medication, vitamins and supplements organized. In addition, you can store your protein powder in the 20 oz shaker cup that comes with this fitness meal bag.
It will be ready to mix up when you’re done with your lunchtime workout. The shaker cup comes with three extra storage cups. They connect to the bottom of the cup to keep your drnk supplements organized.
The shaker cup is particularly useful for pre or post-workout drinks that dissolve easily into the liquid. You may find that heavier protein powder gets caught around the lid when you’re mixing it up.
This quality, budget-friendly product comes with a lifetime, no-questions-asked, guarantee. If you’re dissatisfied with the product for any reason, reach out to the manufacturer. They will help you with a replacement or refund your money.
Pros
- 6 containers, 1 shaker cup, 1 pill box and ice pack included.
- Lifetime satisfaction guarantee.
- Microwave and dishwasher safe containers.
Cons
- May be smaller than some prefer.
- Containers are not large enough to fit sandwiches in.
- Only keeps things cool for up to 10 hours.
2. MDMP Meal Prep Lunch Bag / Box For Men, Women
My Daily Meal Plan is a great option for those looking for a 3 meal bag. It comes with three BPA-free 45 oz containers, 2 ice packs and a 22 oz drink shaker with compartments for your protein and vitamin powder. The containers are safe at temperatures from -4 to 248 degrees F.
You can throw these containers in the dishwasher or freezer, but they do not respond to the microwave well. We recommend transferring your food to a different surface, like a paper plate, to microwave. It’s got everything you need for a long day at the office.
The construction of this bag is strong. It’s insulated with 6mm thick foam to keep your food cold longer—up to ten hours. The bottom is reinforced for durability and the zippers are made to last.
There’s an extra mesh bag in the front to carry your napkins and silverware. There are also two zippered compartments to store extra food.
Key Details
At 16.5″ L x 7″ W x 10.6″ H, it’s big enough to handle your breakfast, lunch and dinner. This meal prep bag weighs just over 5 pounds with the empty containers inside. You’ll be able to carry this bag on your shoulder if you want—the padded strap extends to 53″ long.
This bag is easy to wipe down when it gets dirty. You just need to use a washrag with warm water and soap.
Dirt and food will come clean with ease. We don’t recommend throwing this lunch bag in the washer though.
This product comes with a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer. You can return it directly to the manufacturer for a full refund if you’re unhappy with the product.
Pros
- Easy cleanup in the dishwasher or by hand.
- Lifetime, money-back, guarantee.
- 3 BPA-free containers, 1 shaker cup and 2 large ice packs included.
Cons
- Bag may be a bit heavy when full for some users.
- Side pocket storage may be lacking for some.
- Containers don’t do well in the microwave.
3. MIER Adult Lunch Box Insulated Lunch Bag
For those interested in a really simple meal prep bag, the Mier is a great choice. It doesn’t come with any bells and whistles like airtight containers—just the bag.
If you’ve already got ice packs and food containers you like, this is a great insulated bag to carry them in. It will keep food cold for up to 10 hours.
You can carry your meals to work easily with this great budget option. It’s designed to keep hot and cold foods separate and maintain the appropriate temperature in each compartment.
Key Details
It’s lightweight when empty at just 13.6 oz. It’s 10.2″ L x 7.9″ W x 11″ H and big enough to carry food for two meals. You can store your dry goods in the top compartment. Any food at risk of leaking out of the container should be kept in the bottom, leak-proof compartment.
You can detach the shoulder strap for this bag—it’s about 4 feet long. It’s easy to carry it either on your shoulder or in your hand.
It also comes with two open side pockets and a front zipper pocket for extra storage. This is a great lunchbox to send your kids to school with or take to work with you on the go.
Mier equipment comes with a warranty that guarantees the product is free from manufacturer’s defects and errors in workmanship for the life of the product. You should follow the proper care instructions that come with the product. If you have any issues, reach out to the manufacturer directly.
Pros
- Budget-friendly option.
- Meals for two stay cold for up to ten hours.
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
Cons
- Containers or ice packs not included.
- Not an ideal bag for keeping food warm.
- May be smaller than some prefer.
4. Best Budget Pick - Evolutionize EDC Meal Prep Bag - Full Meal Management System
This meal prep bag is built with two compartments. It comes with a non-toxic gel ice pack and three airtight containers.
These will fit in the bottom compartment. The top compartment is separate and can hold a 4th meal or snacks, depending on what you need.
It can also fit two protein shaker cups in addition to the four meals. There’s an additional side pocket and mesh pocket for even more storage if you need it.
This meal prep bag is a nice budget option which comes with several containers. There are not as many extras as some bags on this list though. However, the three containers will definitely get you started packing your food quickly.
Key Details
This bag is 12″ L x 7″ W x 9″ H and comes with a shoulder strap. It’s not too big but it holds a lot. The metal reinforcement in this bag makes it sturdy—it weighs approximately 3 pounds empty.
The containers are microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe. You should remove the lid to microwave your containers as they can warp in the heat.
You should cover your food with a paper towel or plate instead. Additionally, if you choose to wash these containers in the dishwasher, we recommend using the top rack.
If you’re a mom pumping at work or away from home, consider this bag as a storage solution for your needs. It’s big enough to fit a pump, pump accessories, several 4-oz bottles of milk and an ice pack to keep things cool for up to 8 hours.
This product comes with a 100% experience guarantee. The manufacturer asks that you contact them if you have any issues with their product. They promise they’ll find a way to help make your experience with their product better.
Pros
- Four meals or three meals and snacks fit inside.
- Metal reinforced bag is extra sturdy.
- 100% experience guarantee.
Cons
- Shaker cup not included.
- Container lids are not microwave safe.
- Snack container may be smaller than some prefer.
5. Fit and Fresh Jaxx 9pcs. Meal Prep Lunch Bag
This compact meal prep bag can fit a lot in a small space. It comes with four 2-cup containers, two 1-cup containers, a 28 ounce shaker bottle and an ice pack.
The BPA-free containers are microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe. This bag also comes with a vitamin case to keep you on track with your health goals.
The large ice pack that’s included slides in between these stacked containers easily. Therefore, your food is close to the source of the cold no matter where it is in the bag. The thick walls will keep your food insulated for up to 8 hours.
Key Details
This bag measures 9″ W X 7″ D X 8″ H making it among the smaller solutions on our list. If you add the 28 oz shaker bottle to the bag, it makes it 12″ W.
If you want a bag that will fit more than just the provided storage containers in it, you may want to choose a different bag on this list. There’s a lot of room within the containers, but no large extra pockets for snack storage.
Warranty information is difficult to determine for this product. Check your product manual for details or reach out to the manufacturer if you have questions.
Pros
- Fits 3-4 meals and snacks.
- Reasonably priced.
- Extra-large shaker bottle included.
Cons
- Warranty information difficult to determine.
- May be too small for some.
- Container lids may warp in the dishwasher.
6. Isolator Fitness 6 Meal ISOBAG Meal Prep Management Insulated Lunch Bag Cooler
This 6 meal bag is one of the largest on our list at 18″ L x 9″ W x 8″ H. It weighs about 5 pounds empty and will be heavier when filled with food.
It comes with a handle and removable, padded shoulder strap so you can carry it either way. In addition, it’s made in all different colors so you can pick your favorite.
It also comes with 3 ice packs to ensure your food stays cold for 12-16 hours. Included are a number of containers in different sizes—six of the 16-ounce size and two each of the 28 and 38-ounce sizes.
All of the containers provided will fit in the bag. We recommend hand washing them when you’re done.
Big Enough for 6 Meals + Snacks
Key Details
The bag itself has four inner compartments for easy organization. It also has two zippered, insulated side pockets you can store extra snacks, utensils or bottles. There’s also a mesh pocket in the top where you can slide flat things like a pill box or napkins.
This product comes with a lifetime warranty on manufacturer defects, zippers and stitches. However, you have to register your product within thirty days to qualify for it.
You need to hang onto your proof of purchase. Next, follow the manual’s instructions for proper use. If you do these things you’ll have a fully supported bag that will last you a long time.
Pros
- 6 meals and snacks fit comfortably.
- 10 containers in varying sizes included.
- Lifetime warranty on manufacturer defects, zippers and stitches.
Cons
- Shaker cup or pill box not included.
- Pricier than some may prefer.
- Containers are not dishwasher safe.
7. 6 Pack Fitness Innovator 300 Stealth Meal Management Bag
This 17″ L x 9″ W x 10.5″ H bag comes with 2 side pockets and a padded shoulder strap. It weighs 5.4 pounds and will be comfortable to carry even when full.
This bag will hold 3 meals and snacks. It’s a great size for those doing 8-hour work days with a quick gym visit before or after.
It will keep your food cool with the 2 provided ice packs for 8 or more hours. Even if you don’t use the ice packs, it’s insulated enough to keep your food cool for several hours.
You can fit protein bars and other snacks in the side pockets. You can also put water bottles or protein shakes in these pockets—even a 32-oz bottle will fit.
Key Details
It comes with three 24-oz containers that will hold full meals inside. When you’re done using them you can throw them in the top rack of the dishwasher.
This bag washes down with warm water and soap when it gets dirty inside and out. We do not recommend washing it in the dishwasher.
As with any gel ice pack, it’s a good idea to keep them inside a sealable plastic bag. This ensures that if you ever have a leak, your food stays clean and safe.
This product comes with a limited 1-year warranty from the manufacturer. You should hang onto your proof of purchase and check your product manual for more details.
Pros
- Big enough to hold 3 meals plus snacks.
- Containers and ice packs included.
- 1-year limited warranty.
Cons
- Must retain proof of purchase in order to use warranty.
- Mesh pockets for ice packs are a bit of a tight fit.
- Some may prefer a lifetime warranty for their product.
Meal Prep Bag Buyer’s Guide
It can be tough to pick the right meal prep bag. Finding the right one means taking a close look at your lifestyle. You should think about things like how much food you eat, how many snacks you need, what kinds of supplements you take as you look through this guide.
Also, consider your goals for meal planning. It’s tough to come up with new and interesting meals to prepare each week. Aside from the recipes on our site, these cookbooks here can give you some great ideas. If you follow the Paleo diet then these cookbooks would be a great addition to your kitchen.
Some of these bags will keep your food cold for as long as 16 hours. Others will only keep it cold for 8 hours. Whatever your needs, it’s important to keep food cold until you eat it. The length of your day will guide you toward the best bag.
So will the number of containers you need. Think about what’s most important to you as you take a look at the details below.
How to Select the Best Meal Management Bag
The best meal prep bags keep your food well insulated. They are easy to carry and help you manage your ideal meal plan. There are bags that come with great warranties while other bags come with great accessories.
Whatever your needs, there are lots of reliable bags on this list. We recommend you consider the following points as you identify the right bag for you.
Capacity and Insulation
You should think about your preferred meal schedule as you think about which bag to choose. Selecting the right bag also depends on your schedule. Your needs will depend on how many hours you need your food to stay cold. Bags can stay cold for 8-16 hours, depending on which one you choose.
If you’re looking for a bag that will support your food needs from early morning to late evening, try the Isolator meal prep bag. This bag comes with 3 ice packs to keep your food cool longer than any other bag on this list. It also comes with 10 containers designed to get you through 6 meals and snacks.
Our best pick, the ThinkFit bag, also provides room for 6 meals. It’s not quite as insulated as the Isolator bag but will still keep your food cold for 8-10 hours.
There are bags on this list that are ideal for those needing 3-4 meals in their day. These are the Jaxx, EDC, Fitness Innovator and MDMP choices. They come with containers designed to hold 3-4 meals plus snacks. You could also choose to include less food and instead pack water bottles with the extra room. These bags will stay cold for 8-10 hours.
The Mier lunch box is designed to hold up to two meals plus snacks. It will keep your food cool for 8 hours or less. This is a great, basic option for those who just need to bring breakfast and lunch to work along with a few snacks.
Included Components
Our best pick, the ThinkFit bag, includes 6 containers, 1 shaker cup, a pill box and an ice pack. You get a lot of choice on what to bring with these accessories.
Everything you need for a healthy day will fit in this bag, from protein shakes to vitamins to meals. The Jaxx bag is smaller but has the same number and type of accessories as the ThinkFit.
The Isolator bag comes with 10 containers and 3 ice packs. It has the highest number of containers of any of the bags on our list. However, it does not come with shaker cups or pill boxes. You will have to use your own if those are things you need.
The Innovator, EDC and MDMP all come with 3 containers and 1 or 2 ice packs. The MDMP bag also comes with a shaker cup.
The Mier bag includes no extra components. You’ll need to have your own ice pack and containers. This is a great budget option if you already have plenty of your own containers. If you do not have your own containers, choose a different option on this list.
Warranty
ThinkFit, MDMP, Mier, Isolator and EDC all provide some type of lifetime warranty or guarantee on their products. The Isolator’s coverage even includes the stitching on the bag.
The Innovator bag comes with a 1-year warranty. The Jaxx bag may or may not have a warranty. You should take a look at your product manual for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is the ideal meal prep bag?
A: In our opinion, it’s the ThinkFit Insulated Lunch Box. This bag comes with 6 containers, 1 shaker cup, 1 pill box and an ice pack. It’ll keep your meals cool for 8-10 hours. There are lots of ways to organize your meals and snacks in this bag.
Q: What is a meal prep bag?
A: A meal prep bag is an insulated carrying case designed to keep your healthy, homemade meals and snacks fresh for a long day. Meal prep bags come in a variety of sizes and styles. Many come with containers, like the ThinkFit, MDMP, EDC, Jaxx, Isolator and Innovator.
Some, like the Mier, only provide the case so you can fill it yourself with the containers and accessories you already have on hand. Whatever your specific needs, these bags are a great way to stay healthy on the go.
Q: What’s the best bag for work?
A: The answer depends entirely on your job and your eating habits. If you’re the type that needs 6 small meals a day and you tend to be gone for 10 or so hours, we suggest that you try the Isolator or ThinkFit bags.
They’re built to hold a large quantity of meals or snacks. In addition, they will keep your food cold on long days. If you need less food, a bag that holds 3-4 meals/snacks might fit your lifestyle better.
Q: Which meal prep bag keeps food cold the longest?
A: The Isolator bag on our list comes with 3 ice packs designed to keep your food cold for 12-16 hours. This bag will be great for long days at the office or long travel days on the road.
Q: Do food prep bags need to be refrigerated?
A: No, these bags are designed to insulate your food from outside temperatures. You can just add one or more ice packs to the bag, zip it up and go. Food will stay fresh in all of the bags on our list for up to 8 hours or more.
Conclusion
If you’re new to meal prep bags, picking the right one can certainly seem overwhelming. But organizing your healthy meals is easy as long as you have the right tools. As you consider this list, you should identify your budget and think about how you typically eat in a day. With these things in mind, also consider your needs for containers. There are many styles and solutions on this list.
The ThinkFit bag, our best pick, is a great choice if you’re looking for a middle ground option. It is a great, quality product for the price. It also comes with a variety of accessories. If you’re just starting out meal prepping and don’t quite know what to pick, this is a nice starter bag.
A meal prep bag is a great way to stay healthy even when you’re busy. With a good organizational tool in hand, it’s easier to hit your weight, health and fitness goals. Any of these bags will help you organize your life and stick to your plan.
We hope that after reading our detailed meal prep bag reviews and comprehensive buying guide, you’ll have all the information you need to select the best meal prep bags for your needs.
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