Written by Andrew Lenau | ISSA CPT & Sports Nutritionist
Fact checked by Tyler DiGiovanni, BSBM
FACT CHECKED
We adhere to a strict methodology when reviewing products. We strive to deliver you an unbiased opinion on products and services so that you're able to make an informed decision. Learn More
We may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page at no cost to you. Learn More
Meal prepping is a fantastic habit that helps people maintain a healthy diet despite their busy schedules. If you are trying to lose weight, meal prepping will make it easier to eat healthy by helping you stick to pre-planned meals to maintain a daily caloric deficit. But, even if you don't need to lose weight, getting in the habit of meal prepping will make your life much easier.
The problem that meal preppers face is how to keep their prepared meals fresh throughout the day. That's where the meal prep bag comes in. These bags provide insulation to keep your meals at the ideal temperature and level of freshness that you need to get the most enjoyment out of your food.
There is a wide range of choices when buying a meal prep bag. To make your life a little easier, We've spent considerable time in the market to sort out the best from the rest.
In this article, We'll review the 9 best meal prep bags on the current market, separated by category to make it easy for you to get the best meal prep bag to meet your needs.
9 Best Meal Prep Bags
- Best Overall: ThinkFit Insulated Lunch Box
- Runner-Up: Maelstrom Lunch Box
- Budget Pick: Rockland Guard Meal Prep Bag
- For Gym: Isolator Fitness ISOBag
- For Work: LOKASS Lunch Bag
- Premium Pick: Isolator Fitness ISODuffle
- Backpack Style: 6 Pack Fitness Expedition Backpack
- For Women: KIPBELIF Insulated Lunch Bag
- Compact Pick: JAXX by Fit+Fresh
SFS Pick
ThinkFit
2nd Pick
Maelstrom
Best Budget Pick
Rockland Guard
1. Best Overall Meal Prep Bag: ThinkFit Insulated Lunch Box
The ThinkFit Insulated Lunch Box is comprised of six meal boxes that are freezer- and microwave-safe. The included food boxes can also be put in the dishwasher to save cleaning time. In addition, the bag has a shoulder strap that makes it easy to carry even when your hands are full.
This meal prep lunch box includes six plastic meal prep containers, divided into two 1.5-cup serving sizes and four 2.5-cup serving sizes. Additionally, it comes with an ice pack, a push-button vitamin pill box with seven compartments, and one shaker cup with three storage compartments.
The food is kept at its ideal temperature until mealtime, thanks to the bag's twofold insulation mechanism. The bag is also extremely durable and has a double-stitched strap handle to ensure that it won't detach from the bag. However, people who are taller than 6 feet may not be able to get enough length out of the strap.
The bag contains a side zipper pouch that can be used to store a water bottle and protein drinks. The variety of features, the bag's durability, and the multiple included boxes and compartments make the ThinkFit Insulated Lunch Box our favorite meal prep bag.
Pros
- Six dishwasher, leak, and microwave-proof containers
- Side zipper pouch
- Durable construction
- Double insulation
Cons
- Shoulder strap not long enough for tall people
The ThinkFit lunch bag is double insulated, keeping your snacks and meals at a constant temperature throughout the day...
2. Runner-Up Best Meal Prep Bag: Maelstrom Lunch Box
The Maelstrom Insulated Lunch Cooler Box, made of superior materials and featuring a distinctive design, is another great choice for meal preppers. This bag's five-layer design and seamless ultrasonic welding make it sturdy in addition to its lovely aesthetic. It also has strong, reinforced zippers that make it simple for you to access the bag's contents whenever you desire.
This portable bag is made to fit up to six containers. That gives you the ability to maintain everything in the proper order and offers incredibly helpful smaller pockets. Additionally, the box is nicely insulated, guaranteeing that your food will stay fresh for several hours.
The Maelstrom Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag also has mesh pockets with ample space for your keys and phone, and bottle holders. A padded shoulder strap is included. The shoulder straps are adjustable and detachable for maximum convenience, making it easy for you to carry the bag comfortably.
Pros
- Durable
- Compartments for six containers
- Mesh pockets for key and phone storage
Cons
- No containers included
Maelstrom Lunch Bags are an ultra-light lunch bag weighing only 1.0Lb, that takes less space...
3. Best Budget Meal Prep Bag: Rockland Guard Meal Prep Bag
The Rockland Guard Insulated Meal Prep Bag provides great value for the money. This bag can accommodate up to three containers and two water bottles in its insulated main area. That is half the container space you get with our number-one-ranked meal prep bag.
The Rockland bag has a carrying handle and a shoulder strap that you can adjust for size, making it perfect for various uses. As a result, you can confidently take it to work or on hiking trips to ensure your food is nice and fresh.
The Rockland Guard Insulated Meal Prep Bag has an upper pocket on the bag's lid where you can store little snacks to sate those mid-afternoon hunger pangs.
The pocket on the rear of the bag is ideal for storing your snacks or having a handy compartment for your keys or phone. Back and side pockets allow for extra storage.
Pros
- Budget-priced
- Takes three containers and two water bottles
- Plenty of storage pockets
- Helps boots physical and mental energy
Cons
- Only three container spaces
Manage your daily meals with absolute ease and keep them at the perfect temperature...
4. Best Gym Meal Prep Bag: Isolator Fitness ISOBag
The Isolator Fitness ISOBag is popular with bodybuilders who follow a six-meal schedule, eating every 3 hours throughout the day. The main compartment of this bag has enough space to accommodate up to 6 containers and an ice pack. In addition, your purchase comes with six dishwasher-proof containers.
The bag is fully insulated to keep your food cold or hot. It has up to four separate insulated compartments.
The Isolator Fitness ISOBag has two drink-friendly side pockets that are completely insulated. There are also a couple of mesh pockets so you can store your keys, phone, or other items.
The bag has a secure, adjustable well-padded shoulder strap that is removable. This is a lightweight bag that is very convenient to carry.
Pros
- Well priced
- Comfortable shoulder strap
- Durably constructed
Cons
- Container lids are a little tricky to remove
ISOBag is the ULTIMATE meal management system! It is fully insulated and designed...
5. Best Meal Prep Bag for Work: LOKASS Lunch Bag
The LOKASS meal prep bag features an elegant modern design that makes it a smart choice as a meal prep bag that you take to work. It has two independent insulating sections that let you keep cold drinks and hot food separate while keeping them both at their desired temperatures.
The exterior of this meal bag is made from heavy-duty nylon fabric that not only looks great but is also water and scratch-resistant and keeps its shape well. It has a two-way dual zipper with real leather toggles that allows you to gain easy access.
The interior of the bag consists of thick foam padding and soft PEVA insulation. This will preserve food in either cold or warm conditions for 6 hours.
The bag has a top handle and an adjustable shoulder strap, both of which feature reinforced stitching. The strap is also removable.
Pros
- Two separate insulating sections
- Water-resistant
- Dual zipper openings
- Insulates food for up to 6 hours
Cons
- Does not come with containers
This thermal tote lunch bag features 2-way zipper access to wide-open main compartments...
6. Best Premium Meal Prep Bag: Isolator Fitness ISODuffle
The ISODuffle by Isolator Fitness is an easy-to-use meal prep bag in the shape of a duffle bag. It includes five food storage compartments and is completely insulated, so your food and beverages will stay hot or cold for up to 14 hours. Up to four containers can be stored simultaneously in the front zipper. Two internal and two external mesh pockets are also included.
Eight leakproof, resealable plastic containers are included with the purchase of the Isolator Fitness ISODuffle meal prep pack. These containers don't contain BPA and are microwave- and dishwasher-safe, freezer- and stackable, recyclable, and freezer safe. You get four different food containers in the following sizes:
- (2) 12oz
- (2) 16oz
- (2) 28oz
- (2) 38oz
This is a lightweight bag that weighs less than seven pounds. It has an adjustable shoulder strap and handles. You also get two leakproof Isobricks. Provided that you register after purchase, you will get lifetime warranty coverage on the zippers and stitching.
The Isolator Fitness ISODuffle is on the pricier side of meal prep bags, but the quality and features justify the price tag.
Pros
- Convenient duffle bag format
- Keeps food and beverages hot and cold for up to 14 hours
- Comes with eight containers
Cons
- Expensive
The ISODuffle is a durable, 5-compartment duffle bag and is the ULTIMATE meal management system! This bag is fully...
7. Best Backpack Meal Prep Bag: 6 Pack Fitness Expedition Backpack
The Expedition 300 Backpack from 6 Pack Fitness is the most convenient, comfortable backpack we've come across. It weighs just 7 lb and is made from 900D Gucci Polyester with a water-repellant seal. The interior construction is 21o polyester with a cool tech lining.
The recently upgraded version of the Expedition 300 now has upgraded zippers in all areas to ensure durable, easy openings and closures. A large main compartment allows you to store your clothing and other personal items.
There are also internal compartments to store your keys, phone, and other items. There is also a fleece-lined technology compartment that can take a laptop up to 15 inches.
Another fleece-lined pocket allows you to store your sunglasses safely. The shoulder straps are padded for comfort, and there is an adjustable strap across the sternum. The backpack also features a top carry handle.
The Expedition 300 backpack comes with the following accessories:
- 3 - 20 oz. Sure-Seal Containers
- 3 - Small Freezer Gel Packs
- 1 - Mini Sports Supplement Container
- 1 - Removable Meal Core
This backpack provides excellent meal management options when you are hiking or traveling.
Pros
- Fleece-lined inner pockets
- Very comfortable shoulder straps
- Comes with multiple accessories
Cons
- Warranty only for 12 months
- Expensive
Insulated modular core system keeps 3 meals organized and independently accessible. Includes ...
8. Best Meal Prep Bag for Women: KIPBELIF Insulated Lunch Bag
The KIPBELIF Insulated Lunch Bag is specially designed for women and looks just like a stylish women's handbag. The upgraded liner and technology incorporated into this bag provide excellent insulation for up to 14 hours. That is more than double the length of insulation that you get with most competing meal prep bags.
This bag features large multifunctional pockets on both sides. It also has a serviette side pocket, bottle pocket, fork and knife pocket, as well as a larger pocket for your keys and other everyday items.
The KIPBELIF Insulated Lunch Bag comes in two sizes. The standard-sized bag can hold fourteen 12oz cans, while the large size has a capacity for 18 cans. This is considerably more carrying capacity than the majority of competing brands.
The KIPBELIF Insulated Lunch Bag has been meticulously tested for quality and durability. After 200,000 tests, the bag can bear 225 pounds for 5000 carries.
Pros
- Stylish design to appeal to women
- Large carrying capacity
- Available in two sizes
- 14 hours of insulation
Cons
- Does not come with containers
Thanks to upgraded liner technology, KIPBELIF Insulated Lunch Bags keep your food cold/warm/fresh up to 14 hours...
9. Best Compact Meal Prep Bag: JAXX by Fit+Fresh
The Fit & Fresh JAXX Meal Prep Bag has been designed for maximum carrying capacity in minimum space. This meal prep bag's wide compartment and unique design allow it to accommodate up to six food containers.
Because of its durable quilted dobby nylon fabric construction, the JAXX Meal Prep Bag is perfect for use at the gym and at the office. This prep bag contains a separate, leakproof cooler section that can keep your food fresh.
You receive four leakproof plastic containers with each purchase. Each meal prep container has a firmly fitting, leakproof cover that can withstand the dishwasher.
Additionally, you receive a sturdy 28-oz. water bottle with a special JAXX agitator so that you can mix protein powder effortlessly and enjoy smooth, grit-free shakes, as well as an ice pack and vitamin container.
Pros
- Small compact design
- Four leakproof plastic containers
- Patented shaker bottle
Cons
- Some reviewers report seams coming apart after just a couple of months
Our original FitPak includes everything you need; a durable, insulated bag, (4) 2-cup and (2) 1-cup reusable...
What is a meal prep bag?
A meal prep bag is a portable insulated bag for you to carry your meals around with you. They have separate compartments to allow you to separate your different meals. They are larger than conventional lunch boxes and have better insulation properties.
Benefits of a meal prep bag:
Meal prepping is one of the best things you can do to establish a consistently healthy pattern of eating. But meal prepping is only as good as your ability to keep your food fresh, insulated, and ready to eat. That's where a meal prep bag comes into play. Here are five benefits of investing in a meal prep bag:
1. Retain the Temperature of food
A quality meal prep bag will allow you to enjoy your meal at the temperature that it is intended to be eaten¹. That means that your warm food stays warm, and your cold food stays cool. Being able to enjoy a steaming dish at lunchtime on a cold day when you are out and about is golden.
2. Portion Control
Meal-prepped food ensures that you get the ideal portion size at every meal. When you're prepping your meals for weight loss, you are able to portion out the food in accordance with your caloric and macronutrient requirements. That takes all of the guesswork, not to mention the temptation, out of the equation. Getting consistent portion control is pivotal to achieving your weight loss and health goals².
When you've got a quality meal prep bag, you will be far better equipped to consistently meal prep³ ⁴.
3. Prevents spillage and leakage
There are a few things as frustrating as opening up your work bag at lunchtime only to find that the leek and ham soup that you spent hours prepping on Sunday has leaked out all over your work documents.
With a quality meal prep bag, you will never have to face that scenario. They will prevent even the smallest amount of leakage and spillage, giving you complete peace of mind.
4. Can store a variety of items
A good meal prep bag will provide you with a wide range of the storage options. You are able to store different most meal prep containers in different areas of the bag, as well as soups, drinks, and snack foods. In addition to food items, most bags will also have compartments for you to store your keys, phone, and other items that you carry with you throughout the day.
5. Can help keep your diet on track
When you are out and about and the hunger pangs set in, having a meal on hand is priceless. Being able to reach for a delicious, homemade meal that you know has the right calories, carbs, fat, and protein will prevent you from splurging for junk food or something else that isn't going to be beneficial for your body. That will provide you with the consistency to maintain a daily negative calorie balance where you are burning more calories each day than you are taking in through food⁵. That will keep you on track with your diet so that you are losing fat by the day.
Restaurant and takeout food is usually always higher in calories, total fat, saturated fat, and sodium than food made at home. This explains why meal planning has been associated with weight loss and the reduction of obesity.
Meal planning is linked to lower probabilities of obesity and overweight in men and women, respectively.
In one pilot program, participants got together every Sunday for six weeks to prepare wholesome lunches and dinners for the working week. By the end of the program, participants had not only embraced a more wholesome diet but had also lost an average of more than 3 pounds⁶.
What to look for when buying a meal prep bag:
Buying the cheapest meal prep bag that you come across may not be the best strategy. Sometimes it is worth paying a little more for a meal prep bag that will give you better food quality consistency and is more durable. Here are the six top things to look out for:
1. Materials
You want your meal prep bag to be, first and foremost, durable. It should be lightweight and foldable. The best material is high-density polyester. Top-quality bags may also feature mesh pockets, zip lock bags, and come with the best meal prep containers of various sizes that will keep your food fresh and leakproof.
2. Build Quality (Insulation effectiveness)
A meal prep bag's primary purpose is to keep your food adequately insulated. They must be able to maintain the proper temperatures from the time of storage through the time of consumption, whether they are warm or cold items.
A good meal prep bag should, at the very least, keep your food fresh for four hours. However, keep in mind that the insulation method depends on the containers as well as the type of bag you purchase.
Only use an insulation-equipped bag to store your food; ideally, one lined with PEVA or EPA foam. You can buy nylon-based meal preservation bags, but we suggest using something other than them. Although the nylon covering insulates the foam, it will not retain heat or cold for very long.
3. Features
Meal prep bags may come with meal containers in a range of sizes. These should be made from durable BPA-free plastic or PVC material. Ideally, they should be measurement marked for portion control. Any included containers should be dishwasher-proof.
Other features that may be included in your meal prep bag are shaker cups, ice packs, and vitamin pill boxes.
4. Style
Think about how you want to carry the meal prep bag. If you want to do so over the shoulder, you will need a different type of strap than if you were to carry it at your side.
Regardless of how you carry the bag, you need to ensure that the handle is strong and secure. It should be double-stitched and made from durable webbing material.
If you buy a meal prep bag with a shoulder strap, the strap should be able to be custom adjusted. It should also be removable and have extra padding at the shoulder area.
It would also help if you also thought about whether the bag will be with you when you're dressed for business as opposed to a recreational environment. If so, you will want a bag that matches your dress code.
5. Price
The price of meal prep bags has an extremely wide range. The most expensive product is not necessarily the best. Although higher-priced bags will most likely have more features, there are plenty of very reasonably priced bags that will meet most people's needs.
6. Reviews
We recommend checking online reviews from verified purchasers before buying a meal prep bag. This will allow you to get a good assessment of the bag's functionality, including its ability to keep the food hot and cold, durability, handling, and comfort.
You will also be able to get an idea of how the company responds to any customer complaints, giving you a good idea of their level of customer service.
Meal Prep Bag FAQs
Is meal prepping really cheaper?
Yes, meal prepping is definitely cheaper. It will allow you to save money on impulsive food purchases when you are about and about.
If you are a worker who is used to buying lunch every day, investing in a meal prep bag and setting aside some time on a Sunday afternoon to prepare your lunches for the coming week could save you around a hundred bucks every week.
Should you put your lunch bag in the refrigerator?
Yes, you should always put your lunchbox in a refrigerator. This may not be possible, though, when you are at work or on the go. That's why having a meal prep bag is a good idea. You will be able to store your lunch in the bag, enabling you to keep it at the ideal temperature.
Should an ice bag go on top or on the bottom of a lunch bag?
Often a lunch bag or box will have a specific area where the ice pack should be placed. There is considerable debate about where the ice pack should be placed, with some claiming that it should go on top, with others stating that it is best under the food.
The key point is that you should have an ice pack somewhere in your lunch bag. Then, as soon as you are able, put the lunch bag in the refrigerator.
What kind of meal prep containers should I get?
We recommend getting 4-6 meal prep containers in a range of sizes, including small, medium, and large. They should have measurements marked along their sides to allow you to get precise measurements. The containers should be made from plastic or durable PVC. They should also have a completely sealable lid that is easy to get on and off and should be 100% leakproof.
Summary
A quality meal prep bag will provide you with the means to carry your food with you all day long. That puts you in total control of what you put in your mouth.
As a result, you will be far better able to maintain your healthy eating habits and stick to your diet, whether your goal is to build muscle, lose fat or maintain your current weight.
The best meal prep bag on the market is the double-insulated ThinkFit Insulated Lunchbox, which includes six meal prep containers, a pill dispenser, a shaker cup & two large reusable ice packs. The containers are dishwasher, microwave, and freezer friendly, and the bag comes with a removable shoulder strap.
The ThinkFit lunch bag is double insulated, keeping your snacks and meals at a constant temperature throughout the day...
Now you know more about the top bags available but what if you don't have the time to meal prep? In this case you should check out the Best Keto Meal Delivery Services on the market.
References
- Paulus K, Nowak I, Zacharias R, Bognar A. Influence of heating and keeping warm on the quality of meals. Ann Nutr Aliment. 1978;32(2-3):447-58. PMID: 707925.
- Klein L, Parks K. Home Meal Preparation: A Powerful Medical Intervention. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2020 Mar 1;14(3):282-285. doi: 10.1177/1559827620907344. PMID: 32477029; PMCID: PMC7232892.
- Ducrot P, Méjean C, Aroumougame V, Ibanez G, Allès B, Kesse-Guyot E, Hercberg S, Péneau S. Meal planning is associated with food variety, diet quality and body weight status in a large sample of French adults. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2017 Feb 2;14(1):12. doi: 10.1186/s12966-017-0461-7. PMID: 28153017; PMCID: PMC5288891.
- Widener MJ, Ren L, Astbury CC, Smith LG, Penney TL. An exploration of how meal preparation activities relate to self-rated time pressure, stress, and health in Canada: A time use approach. SSM Popul Health. 2021 May 21;15:100818. doi: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100818. PMID: 34113709; PMCID: PMC8170144.
- Dasgupta K, Hajna S, Joseph L, Da Costa D, Christopoulos S, Gougeon R. Effects of meal preparation training on body weight, glycemia, and blood pressure: results of a phase 2 trial in type 2 diabetes. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2012 Oct 17;9:125. doi: 10.1186/1479-5868-9-125. PMID: 23075398; PMCID: PMC3543247.
- Widener MJ, Ren L, Astbury CC, et al. An Exploration of How Meal Preparation Activities Relate to Self-Rated Time Pressure, Stress, and Health in Canada: A Time Use Approach. Population Health. September 15, 2021.
Andrew Lenau
Author