Set yourself up for success in 2026 with these 20 affordable IKEA meal prep containers and tools that make healthy eating the path of least resistance.
I have the best intentions when it comes to making tasty dinners, lunches, and healthy snacks, but then, well, life happens. My schedule is typically too hectic to cook quality, home-cooked meals every night, but if I plan ahead, that’s a different story.
Meal prepping has the potential to be a major timesaver if you have the right tools. It’s like the passive income of the culinary world. It takes a bit more work on the front end, but after your initial time investment, you enjoy continual rewards for minimal effort.
To maximize your meal-prep potential and make it worth your while, you need products that help you plan, prep, and store food efficiently and safely. IKEA’s assortment of affordable kitchen gadgets and food storage options will make you wonder why you didn’t start prepping meals sooner.
Meal Prep Tools
These tools make prep work quick and easy, whether you’re slicing, dicing, chopping, or shredding. Measure your ingredients, sort, and prepare everything you need for your favorite recipes.
IKEA 365+ Mandoline
$12.99
Say goodbye to wasting time in the kitchen thanks to IKEA’s easy-to-use mandoline slicer. It features three different thicknesses, which you can select quickly with a turn of the dial. After slicing your ingredients, hand-wash and fold up the slicer for slim, space-saving storage.
IKEA 365+ Cutting Boards
$4.99
A good set of cutting boards is essential when you’re prepping meals. Cutting boards protect your countertops and knives, and this colorful trio from IKEA goes a step further. The board doubles as a lid, so you can chop veggies, scrape them into a container, and tuck them away in the fridge for later.
STJÄRNSTÖR Chef’s Knife
$4.99
This durable stainless steel chef’s knife cuts through all kinds of food, making it a must-have for your kitchen. It’s solid, versatile, and comfortable to use, standing up to repeated use with ease.
IKEA 365+ Paring Knife
$14.99
To tackle the more detailed side of slicing and dicing, add the IKEA 365+ paring knife to your collection. Paired with the durable STJÄRNSTÖR chef’s knife, it gives you an ideal duo for all your peeling, chopping, and cutting needs.
VARDAGEN Measuring Cup
$7.99
When you’re cooking, there’s always something you need to measure, whether it’s oil, water, milk, or various dry ingredients. This quality glass measuring cup features clear markings and is safe to use in the microwave, so you don’t have to transfer contents before you heat them.
UPPFYLLD Grater With Container
$6.99
One of the biggest complaints my husband has about meal prep is when it comes to shredding cheese, zucchini, etc. It seems no matter what we put under our grater, we end up with a mess all over the counter.
Maybe it’s user error, but I’m adding this food grater to my IKEA shopping cart. It has two different-sized graters, and as you shred, everything goes into the attached container.
VISPAD Mixing Bowls
$9.99
A good set of mixing bowls is a priority when it comes to meal prep. These sturdy bowls are great for whipping up a quick batter, mixing sauces, and more. Plus, they’re freezer and microwave-safe, so you can store what you need and warm it up straight away without dirtying up another container.
UPPFYLLD Colander
$1.99
This vibrant, green colander allows you to rinse fruits, veggies, and even pasta. The handles on the side provide a comfy grip for moving the colander or holding it under running water. It’s designed to fit snugly inside the VISPAD mixing bowls, preventing drips and also making storage a snap since it cuts down on kitchen clutter.
UPPFYLLD Lemon Squeezer
$2.99
Add fresh juice to your recipes with this comfortable, convenient lemon squeezer, which is suitable for multiple citrus fruits. It includes a strainer to catch seeds and pulp, and rests atop a glass or bowl so you don’t miss a drop of juice.
GENOMSNITT Scale
$19.99
Measuring out portions is a big part of meal prep, and this food scale helps you get everything just right. It features tempered glass, which is easy to clean, and a large display so you can read the numbers without straining your eyes.
FANTAST Meat Thermometer
$14.99
Food safety is critical anytime you’re cooking, meal prep included. Serving undercooked meats can be especially detrimental, leading to a myriad of health concerns. Use the FANTAST meat thermometer to ensure all of your ingredients are at their optimal temperature.
HAVREHOJ Tablet or Recipe Book Holder
$19.99
When you’re in the middle of mixing, chopping, and squeezing all sorts of foods, your counters can get pretty crowded. It can also be tricky to bend down every time you need to see the next step in a recipe. This tablet holder keeps your recipes front and center at eye level and out of the mess. It also works as a great cookbook stand.
Meal Prep Containers and Storage
The key ingredient for successful meal prepping is proper food storage. Whether it’s prepping and storing fresh herbs to have on hand when needed or freezing a couple of weeks’ worth of meals, IKEA has smart products that do the job.
IKEA 365+ Square Food Container With Lid
$4.99
This glass food container comes in two sizes and is perfect for storing meals and serving them. The snap-tight closures keep food fresh and prevent leaks. The container is also oven-safe and dishwasher-safe, adding to its convenience.
IKEA 365+ Food Container Inserts
$2.99
Pair these clever food container inserts with the above-mentioned square food storage container to create the perfect meal-prep or to-go box. The divided inserts keep items separate, and one of them comes with a lid, which is ideal for smaller bits or dressings.
More IKEA 365+ Glass Food Containers
Price Varies
Once you’ve finished creating various meals, store them in the appropriately-sized, leak-proof, airtight containers that keep your food fresh for longer. The IKEA 365+ line of glass food storage makes serving super efficient. Simply remove the lid, then pop them in the microwave or oven when it’s time to eat.
IKEA 365+ Plastic Food Containers Three-Pack
$12.99
Want to bring your meal to-go, but worried about a glass container knocking around during the commute? Or maybe you’re going to enjoy lunch poolside, where glass is taboo. IKEA’s plastic food containers provide a convenient option for storing and serving meals when you prefer to keep things glass-free.
KLIPPKAKTUS Storage Box for Fridge
$3.99
An organized refrigerator goes a long way in helping you breeze through meal prep. Keep all of your produce, eggs, and other fresh items neatly contained and easy to identify with these clear fridge storage boxes. They’re also stackable, so you can make the most of your fridge’s surface space.
PRUTA Food Storage Set
$6.99
This set of containers allows you to separate and store all sorts of ingredients or ready-made meals. There are 17 pieces in all different sizes, so you can store everything from small portions of sauces and toppings to large batches of leftovers.
KLIPPKAKTUS Herb Storage
$6.99
I think these herb storage containers are so clever. I feel like fresh herbs always go bad if you can’t use them within a couple of days. But these holders keep basil, rosemary, and other fresh sprigs green and fresh for days since you can add water to the bottom.
FILFISK Resealable Bags
$19.99
Use these colorful, multi-sized resealable bags to store portioned meals, snacks, and more. They’re easy to clean, and they’re reusable, so no waste like you get with ordinary plastic bags. Plus, they’re dishwasher, microwave, and freezer-safe!
I love that all these food storage containers are freezer-safe, allowing me to make my favorite dishes and keep them fresh for months. It’s so much easier to whip up healthy recipes at one time when you have a few hours free. Then, when life gets busy, a healthy, satisfying home-cooked meal is only a few minutes away.
What are your go-to products when it comes to the perfect meal-prep routine? Do you already have some of the items on this list, or do you have a few that you’re adding to your cart as you read this?
I’m snagging that grater for sure! No more shredded cheese chaos, just yummy pizzas, nachos, and mac ‘n cheese. Are you an avid meal-prepper? Share your favorite prep tips in the comments (and maybe a recipe or two)!