Question 1

How long does prepped quark stay fresh in a container?

Accepted Answer

Plain quark: 3-4 days refrigerated. Quark mixed with sweeteners, berries, or protein powder: 2-3 days. The whey starts separating after day 2 — visible liquid in the box — but it's still safe to eat, just stir it back in. Freeze-and-thaw is not recommended; the texture goes grainy.

Question 2

Can I freeze meal-prep containers full of food?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with three rules. (1) Glass containers must be tempered (Pyrex, Rubbermaid Brilliance, Prep Naturals) — don't freeze regular glass. (2) Leave 2 cm headroom because liquids expand when frozen. (3) Crack the lid open before microwaving from frozen — sealed lids can pop from steam pressure.

Question 3

Are plastic containers safe for hot food?

Accepted Answer

Modern BPA-free polypropylene (the plastic in Bentgo and Komax) is rated safe for food temperatures up to ~120°C. Don't put it in the oven. Microwave-reheating is fine if the lid is vented or removed. If you're cautious about plastic + heat, switch to glass for any meal you'll reheat (Pyrex, Rubbermaid, Prep Naturals).

Question 4

How do I get the smell out of plastic containers?

Accepted Answer

Soak 30 minutes in warm water + baking soda + a squeeze of lemon. Rinse, then air-dry in direct sunlight for a day. If the smell remains after one soak, the plastic has absorbed it permanently — time to replace. Glass containers don't have this problem.

Question 5

What's the right number of containers to start with?

Accepted Answer

For one person: 5 main-meal boxes (500-700 ml) + 3 snack-size (250 ml) + 1 large family-size. That covers a 5-day work week plus snacks. Add 2-3 more when you start batch-cooking on weekends.