Ditch the plastic containers and switch to stainless steel for healthier, more sustainable meal prep. Here is everything you need to get started.
Why Go Plastic-Free?
Plastic food containers leach chemicals into food, particularly when heated or used with acidic foods. BPA, phthalates, and microplastics have been linked to hormonal disruption, inflammation, and other health concerns. Even BPA-free plastics may contain alternative chemicals with similar effects. Stainless steel is completely inert — it does not leach, stain, or absorb odours. It is also far more durable: a quality stainless steel container will outlast dozens of plastic ones, making it both the healthier and more economical choice over time.
Choosing the Right Containers
For effective meal prep, you need containers in a few different sizes. A large container (around 1400ml) works for main meals — salads, grain bowls, and pasta dishes. A medium container (around 900ml) suits side dishes, snacks, and smaller portions. A smaller container (around 500ml) is ideal for sauces, dips, and fruit. Look for containers with leakproof lids — silicone-sealed glass or stainless steel lids prevent spills in bags and lunchboxes.
Batch Cooking with Stainless Steel
The key to successful meal prep is batch cooking. Pick one or two days per week to prepare proteins, grains, and vegetables in bulk. Stainless steel pans are ideal for batch cooking because they can handle high heat for searing, deglaze easily for sauces, and transition from hob to oven without concern. Cook proteins in your SEIDO pan, transfer directly to stainless steel containers, and refrigerate once cooled. The containers are freezer safe to -40°C, so you can prepare meals weeks in advance.
Reheating Without Plastic
Stainless steel containers can go directly into the oven (remove any glass lids first) at up to 250°C, making reheating simple. For microwave reheating, transfer food to a ceramic or glass dish — stainless steel cannot be microwaved. Many people find that oven reheating produces better results anyway, particularly for proteins and roasted vegetables. If you are reheating at work, a small toaster oven paired with a stainless steel container is the perfect plastic-free solution.
Packing Lunches That Travel Well
Stainless steel containers with quad-lock lids (like SEIDO's lunch box range) are designed for transport. The silicone-sealed lids create a leakproof seal that keeps sauces, dressings, and liquids contained. Pack denser items at the bottom — rice, grains, proteins — and lighter items like salad leaves on top. If you want to keep items separate, use smaller containers nested inside a larger one, or look for containers with built-in dividers.
Weekly Meal Prep Framework
A simple weekly framework removes decision fatigue. Sunday: prepare two proteins (e.g., chicken thighs and salmon), one grain (rice or quinoa), and two roasted vegetable mixes. Portion into containers for Monday to Friday. Wednesday: prepare a fresh batch of salads and snacks for the second half of the week. This two-session approach keeps meals fresh while minimising effort. Store containers in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze for up to three months.
