Bentgo Meal Prep Containers Review: Is It Only Good for Instagram?

Let’s be real here: plain black meal prep containers are pretty depressing looking. They scream “gym rat eating cold chicken in a car.”

Bentgo Prep is the answer to this problem. These colorful products, passionately promoted under names like “Mint” and “Gold,” are presented as the “premium” option to generic containers. They are sure to look awesome on a feed, but will they perform well within the chaotic environment of a typical office kitchen?

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$12.53

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As we dived into what users on r/Bento and r/MealPrepSunday had to say, we wondered whether these cute containers would stand up well to actual use or if they’re nothing more than overpriced Ziploc bags.

The “Spaghetti Incident”: Will It Stain?

The largest hazard in purchasing “Mint” colored plastics is, obviously, Tomato Sauce.

The Harsh Reality: As per users’ views, light colors don’t forgive.

• The Stain Test: When you reheat spaghetti bolognese or yellow curry in these, it will stain at the bottom. This characteristic differs from black vessels because, instead of hiding stains, the Mint base tends to retain red and yellow pigments.
• The Fix: You can soak them with OxiClean or let them sit out in the sun to bleach the stain, but who has time for that? If you eat as much red sauce as I do, you will find that these beautiful containers won’t remain so beautiful for very long.

“Custom-Fit” Lids: Marketing vs. Physics

Bentgo boasts of the “Custom-Fit” design of its lids. However, does that imply they are leak-proof?

Salad vs. Soup: The covers truly have a better quality of construction compared to the generic ones. They click nicely and fit exactly around the edge.

• For Solids: The seal on the container is great if you are boxing a salad, pasta, or a sandwich.
• For Liquids: Don’t be caught up in the hype. There is no silicone gasket. If you fill this with soup and turn it on its side in your tote bag, it will leak. It’s better than those cheap takeout containers, but it’s not Rubbermaid Brilliance.

Microwave Test: No More “Rough Spots”

We’ve all had those cheap plastic containers that begin to develop rough white spots (pitting) when microwaved with oily food.

The Quality Check: This is where Bentgo defends its cost. Users have stated that the plastic utilized in Bentgo is more solid and smooth to the touch compared to similar products such as Glotoch or Enther.

• Heat Resistant: Whether it is oily dishes or sauces, the material is highly resistant to pitting and melting in comparison to lower-priced alternatives. Reheating your lunch is not going to make you eat microplastics along with your lasagna.

Aesthetics as a Feature: The “Motivation” Factor

Is it worth paying twice as much just because it comes in a great color?

Actually, yes for a certain type of individual. Comments on Reddit forums like r/1200isplenty mention that having a “cute” set of matching containers actually motivates them to meal prep. If having the Mint green box will make you more stoked about eating your home-cooked lunch instead of grabbing fast food, then the ROI is instantaneous. It’s more of a lifestyle choice.

Longevity: The Dishwasher Effect

How long will these last before they warp?

• The Timeline: The majority of users experience 6+ months of continuous usage before wear becomes visible.
• The Weakness: The base is very strong, but the lids eventually lose the “snap” when they are put in the dishwasher every day. The lids don’t warp off into useless shapes like cheap brands, but they do loosen up. Hand-washing the lids will extend their life significantly.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy This?

Buy Bentgo Prep If:

• You Need Motivation: You want your fridge to look organized and aesthetically pleasing to inspire you to cook.
• You Eat “Safe” Foods: What you eat for lunch is primarily salad, sandwiches, or non-staining foods like chicken and rice.
• You Want a Middle Ground: You desire something better than disposable tubs but are not yet ready to lug heavy glass containers.

Skip It (And Buy Rubbermaid TakeAlongs) If:

• You Love Curry: The staining on the mint color will drive you excited.
• You Are Rough on Gear: If you toss your bag around on the subway, you need a gasket seal, not a snap lid.
• You Want “Buy It For Life”: These plastics may be tough, but they are plastics nonetheless and will eventually need replacing.

In other words, Bentgo Prep is the “Business Casual” of prep containers. It looks professional and performs well, as long as you don’t treat it like heavy-duty work clothes.