I'm old school. I come from down south. Well before folks were shelling out big bucks for Tupperware, my grandma was filling used margarine containers to house any and everything BUT butter. Back then you had to open about five things to actually find what you were looking for. Especially if it was actually butter. Cool whip containers. Whatever. If it came to the house in plastic with a lid on it, it would be reused to store something else later.

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Then there was actually Tupperware. They used to have Tupperware parties back in the day. And folks guarded that stuff with their lives. If they let it leave the house with someone, they would usually ask for it back and then hunt it down if it didn't get back soon enough. Just my mom? Sure...

We've evolved all the way to food storage containers from Ziploc and the like to meal prep and meal prep containers.

Meal prep is the latest fad. It's all about preplanned meals and healthier eating and living. And lots of these.

McConnell Adams TSM Lansing
McConnell Adams TSM Lansing
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Now I know these things are for meal prep. They are also the new to go boxes from peoples houses. They will let you take these and they don't care if they get them back. I received a fair amount of them filled with Thanksgiving goodies.

But when you're done using them do you toss them or keep them?

I own that sleeve of 50 you see above. When I use some (or get some new ones) you know what I do next?

McConnell Adams TSM Lansing
McConnell Adams TSM Lansing
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McConnell Adams TSM Lansing
McConnell Adams TSM Lansing
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In the washer they go. But I was wondering, is that what we're supposed to be doing? Are they made to be thrown away? I asked Dr. Google. And I only made matters worse.

  • I found out a lot of folks prewashed them before they used them and suggested you do the same.
  • Did you buy the right meal prep containers? Is it BPA-free?
  • Is it microwave safe? Is it dishwasher safe?
  • Should you have bought glassware instead?
  • What size containers did you get?
  • Did you get the ones with dividers to keep foods separate?
  • How many did you buy?

For answers to all the above questions check out Everything You Need To Know About Meal Prep Containers.

And the short answer to my question? When purchasing your meal prep containers (and now I'll be looking for smaller ones with a divider), make sure they say they are microwaveable and reusable.

Why does everything have to be so complicated?

LOOK: Here are copycat recipes from 20 of the most popular fast food restaurants in America

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