A meal management bag is a safe and insulated portable storage container for meals. The best meal management bag is specially designed with compartments to store your meal portions separately. These bags have larger capacities than regular lunch boxes and can store food for longer hours. Take a look at our curated list of the best meal management bags and pick the right one for you.
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Different Types Of Meal Prep Bags
Here are the three types of meal management bags.
- Lunch box: This compact bag is suitable for a single lunch box and comfortably fits backpacks. It works for a small snack or a quick bite.
- Backpack: This design is suitable for on-the-go people. It has two straps to hold the bag on the back, leaving the hands free. It usually has space for other essentials.
- Single-strap bag: Designed to carry on one shoulder, it is spacious but unsuitable for long commutes.
Benefits Of Having A Meal Prep Bag
Check out some of the benefits of a meal management bag.
- Diet maintenance: It allows you to carry different healthy food items according to your diet plan.
- Right temperature: Its insulation and high thermal retention capacity help keep your meals hot or cold for long hours. It also prevents the food from getting spoilt while on the go.
- No spill: Its leak-proof material can reduce spills and leaks and are easy to clean.
- Pockets: Apart from a core compartment for meal boxes, it has pockets to carry bottles, pill boxes, cutlery, and other essentials.
10 Best Meal Management Bags
1. Best Freezer-Safe: ThinkFit Insulated Meal Prep Lunch Box
ThinkFit meal prep lunch box has double insulation and two reusable ice packs to keep your food hot or cold. It includes six containers with tight lids and is BPA-free, freezer-safe, and microwave-safe. The insulated meal management bag also has a pill organizer, a shaker cup, a side pocket for a bottle, a comfortable shoulder strap, and three compartments on each side. If you need further convincing, check out this YouTuber’s review.
Pros
- Leak-proof and dishwasher-safe containers
- YKK zippers
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Might be a little small
- Shaker might not be drop-proof
2. Best Airtight: 6 Pack Fitness Meal Motivator Cube Lunch Bag
Featuring insulated interiors, this 6 Pack Fitness meal motivator cube bag keeps your meals cold and fresh for a long time. It includes one ice pack and three portion control containers of 20 oz each. All its containers are dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe. This cube lunch bag with an ice pack has an adjustable strap and a carrying handle for comfortable transport. Its dual-zipper closure facilitates easy usage, and the side mesh pockets allow you to store a bottle or handy things such as keys, tissues, or a purse.
Pros
- Made of 600D heavy-duty polyester
- Lids have a silicone seal
- BPA-free portable food containers
- Has an internal mesh pocket
- Leak-proof and airtight lids
Cons
- Container may be slightly smaller than expected
- May not have an internal partition
Point to consider3. Best Easy-To-Clean: Mier Insulated Lunch Bag
The Mier insulated lunch bag has two separate compartments. Its upper dry section is for storing fruits, pies, or snacks, while the leak-proof bottom section allows you to store drinks, juice, soups, and more. Crafted with a food-grade, insulated PEVA liner, this meal management bag keeps your food warm or cold as per your preference. The bag is easy to wipe clean and has a short carrying handle as well as an adjustable shoulder strap for easy portability. Additionally, it includes a front zipper pocket for carrying cutlery or other small essentials.
Pros
- Adjustable and removable shoulder straps
- Has a name card pocket and two side pockets
- U-shaped flap with double zipper for easy access
- Available in multiple colors
- Available in two sizes
Cons
- Thermos may not fit upright
- Zipper might catch onto the inside lining
4. Best Travel-Friendly: Isolator Fitness ISOMini Meal Prep Management Insulated Lunch Bag
If you want a bag that keeps your food cold for prolonged hours, try this Isolator Fitness ISOMini insulated bag. This insulated food carrier is engineered to keep the drinks or food cool for 12 to 16 hours and has an adjustable and detachable shoulder strap for easy carrying. It boasts two side mesh pockets, allowing you to store water bottles or other small things. In addition, the two-compartment design enables you to segregate your food for hassle-free storage.
Pros
- Includes BPA-free containers and a gel-free ISOBrick
- Has a non-slip grip handle
- Dual zipper for easy access
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- May not be washable
5. Best Water-Resistant: Bentgo Deluxe Multimeal Bag
The Bentgo deluxe multiple meal planning bag has an ergonomic design with small and large insulated compartments that can store four meals, snacks, and drinks neatly. In addition, the padded shoulder strap ensures easy carrying without leaving strap marks on your shoulder. This lunch bag with compartments is made of premium-quality, food-safe, and waterproof fabric with leak-proof insulation that keeps your food insulated for up to eight hours.
Pros
- Suitable for gym, home, and work
- Includes mesh pockets for ice packs
- Includes external water bottle holder
- Comes with a name tag holder
- Features an exterior pocket for holding essentials
- Available in multiple colors
- Easy-to-clean fabric
Cons
- May be bulky and larger than expected
- Strap clips may be squeaky
6. Best For Portion Control: To Go Meal Prep Bag
The insulated meal prep bag from To Go includes six portion-controlled meal containers, two ice packs, a shaker, and a medicine box. It has adjustable shoulder straps and a carry handle. Each container is microwave- and dishwasher-safe. The portion control bag measures 13×7.4×7.4 inches, and the meal prep organizers are leak-proof and BPA-free.
Pros
- Double-insulated walls
- Extra pockets for small items
- Freezer-safe containers
- Durable handle
Cons
- Containers might be slightly small
- Seams may come apart
7. Best Spacious: PrepNaturals Meal Prep Bag
PrepNaturals meal prep bag includes food storage containers and is designed with a sling handle and a short carry handle. Crafted from durable polyester and PEVA lining inside, it has strong zippers to keep things in place. The meal prep cooler bag keeps food fresh for eight hours with a core-insulated compartment. It also comes with two ice packs to keep the food cool and six pockets.
Pros
- Comes with multi-purpose shaker bottle
- Freezer-safe containers
- Removable divider
- Spacious
- BPA-free
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Might not keep the food warm for long duration
- Might not be lightweight
Quick tip8. Best Adjustable Straps: RitFit Insulated Lunch Box
Suitable for adults and children, this large meal prep bag is designed with adjustable straps. This meal management tote bag contains three containers and has space in the top compartment for a fourth box. The insulated pockets can hold a water bottle, while two mesh pockets can accommodate other essentials. With extra foam padding on the interior lining for thermal resistance, each compartment can be separately temperature-controlled.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Ice pack included
- Waterproof and tear-resistant
- Leak-proof, microwave- and dishwasher-safe containers
- BPA-free containers
- Easy to clean
- Available in many colors
Cons
- Ice pack might be thin
- Drink compartment might be slightly small
9. Best Easy-To-Carry: Oboo Lunch Backpack
Oboo business backpack is paired with a lunch bag. The meal prep bag is insulated and keeps food fresh for eight hours. It offers space for three managed meals and includes an ice pack. This removable lunch bag is easy to carry, and the meal prep backpack is spacious with multiple pockets.
Pros
- Includes removable insulated lunch bag
- Has a laptop compartment
- Cam store up to three meals
- Unisex design
- Zipper closure
- Multiple compartments
Cons
- Lining of the lunch bag may be thin
- May not be durable
10. Best Stain-Resistant: MDMP Meal Prep Lunch Bag
Bring home this all-in-one meal preparation kit that includes everything you will ever need to get the most out of your meals. This travel meal bag comes with three dishwasher-safe boxes, two ice packs for keeping your beverages chilly, and a 22oz shaker for smoothies on the move. Crafted with an ultra-durable PVC material, it maintains the food temperature for up to 16 hours, keeping it insulated and properly organized. The meal prep containers are reusable and leakproof, not to mention stain-resistant and super-easy to use anywhere.
Pros
- Two zippered side pockets
- Metal buckle attachments
- BPA-free containers
- YKK zippers
- Comes with a shaker with built-in storage
Cons
- Might be slightly big for daily lunch
- Label on the bottle might comes off after a few washes
Pro TipDo Food Prep Bags Need To Be Refrigerated?
Insulated lunch bags do not need to be refrigerated if you use them for a few hours. Some bags also come with ice packs which keep the food cold for eight to 12 hours. In case of long hours, you can refrigerate the bag or keep it in a cool place, especially if it is carrying meat.
How To Choose The Right Meal Management Bags?
Here are some points to consider while buying a meal management bag.
- Size: Choose the bag’s size depending on how many meals you usually carry. Some bags are designed to hold two meals, while others can hold up to four. Also, if you use your meal bag for other essentials, you might need a bigger bag.
- Insulation: Ensure the bag is adequately insulated to keep food fresh and healthy for long hours.
- Containers and pockets: Choose a bag with multiple containers and pockets for efficient storage and meal management. Decide on the number of compartments you may need based on your requirements.
- Portability: Shoulder straps, backpack style, or carry handles are a few options to choose from. Ensure the handles are padded and adjustable for more comfort.
- Proofing: Ensure the meal bag is waterproof and leak-proof to prevent spills.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our team of skilled writers and researchers have compiled this list of the best meal management bags that help you follow a healthy diet and keep the meals fresh with portion containers. We have chosen bags that are durable and leak-proof and feature medicine boxes and ice packs to keep some foods cold. We have also included those that are microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are meal prep bags machine-washable?
You can wash standard meal bags in a washing machine. However, you may hand wash or use the gentle cycle in the machine to wash insulated bags to prevent the insulation from degrading. Ensure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines before washing the bag.
2. Are meal management bags safe?
Meal management bags have insulated fabrics and lockable zippers that enable you to carry food safely, keep the food at the desired temperatures, and are leakproof. However, ensure the bag is made from food-grade, chemical-free materials for optimal safety.
3. Do meal management bags come with containers?
Yes, some meal management boxes come with containers. However, the number and type of containers can vary depending on the brand and size.
Meal management bags are safe, insulated, and portable storage solutions for your meals. They are bigger than regular lunch boxes and give you more organization options as they come with an array of features and accessories. Further, they help keep your meals clean, healthy, and mess-free. To choose the right meal management bag, you need to consider the quality of insulation and the number of pockets and containers. The prep bag options listed here vary by design and capacity but are all waterproof, easy to carry, well-insulated, made of safe materials, and leak-proof.
Infographic: How To Care For Meal Management Bags?
Meal management bags are a convenient solution for organizing and transporting portioned meals on the go. With their insulated design and versatile compartments, they ensure your food stays fresh, easily accessible, and at your desired temperature throughout the day. Refer to the infographic to learn how to care for meal management bags, extending their durability and maintaining hygiene.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.
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