8 Best Portion Control Plates for a Healthy Diet (2024 Review)

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If you’re in a hurry and just want to know what the best portion control plate for a healthy diet is, then we recommend Bariatric Surgery Bowl + 8 Inch Plate Set as the best choice.

There are many of us who have a weakness when it comes to portion control with food.

When we eat something we like, we are often tempted to go back for seconds!

However, while eating more food may make us feel good in the short term, it will hinder your ability to lose weight.

Eating the correct portion sizes will help you lose weight and force you into a healthy diet that will increase your energy, improve your sleep, and make you feel better overall.

Using a portion control plate for your meals will help you limit your eating to only the amount of food that your body needs.

We have reviewed the top products on the market today so you can find a portion control plate that is right for your needs.

Don’t have time to read the entire review?

Here are our choices for the best portion control plates of 2024!

Best Overall: Bariatric Surgery Bowl + 8 Inch Plate Set CLICK HERE FOR PRICE
Best Runner-Up Option: La Boos Square Portion Control Plates CLICK HERE FOR PRICE
Best Value for the Money: Health Beet Portion Control Plate CLICK HERE FOR PRICE
Most Budget-Friendly: Meal Measure Portion Control Tray CLICK HERE FOR PRICE
Best for Promoting Healthy Eating Habits to Kids: Health Beet Portion Plate for Kids & Toddlers CLICK HERE FOR PRICE
Best for Traveling & Commuting: Precise Portions Go Healthy Portion Control Plates CLICK HERE FOR PRICE
Most Eco-Friendly Option: Shopwithgreen Unbreakable Divided Plates CLICK HERE FOR PRICE
Best for a Total Portion Control System: Efficient Nutrition's 21 Day Portion Control Container Kit CLICK HERE FOR PRICE

How to Choose the Best Portion Control Plate

You first need to identify exactly what you want from your portion control plate.

Are you looking to lose weight?

Or are you looking for a simple solution to be able to bring lunch to work without having to measure how much food to bring?

According to the American Diabetes Association, eating the correct portions of food can help you manage your blood glucose levels and your weight. To this end, you can fill your portion control plate easily without using special tools or having to count calories.

Consider your budget and needs while shopping around for a portion control plate.

Also, think about if you will be the only person using the plate, or if other people in your household may be using it as well. This can help to narrow down your choices.

How to Use a Portion Control Plate

The first step in using a portion control plate is learning and seeing the correct serving size.

The serving size refers to the amount of food that is recommended by government agencies, such as the Dietary Guidelines put out by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

Proper serving sizes can typically be found by reading a nutritional label, but a portion is the amount of food that a person actually consumes. Most of the time, the portion size is larger than the serving size because people don’t know any better.

Follow the instructions on your portion control plate to meet your dietary goals. These plates make it simple to learn how much food you should be eating during each meal.

Use these plates by simply filling them with the food that they specify in each area of the plate.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering Buying a Portion Control Plate

Do you pressure yourself to finish a meal, even if you’re full?

If the answer to this question is yes, you may need a portion control plate to help you gauge when you’re done eating. While you may believe that it is wasteful to leave food on your plate, the food is actually not going to waste if you are able to save some for leftovers.

This actually makes your meals much more economical. When it comes to eating after you’re full, stop thinking that it is a bad thing to still have food on your plate.

Do you eat your children's leftovers?

Again, you likely don't want to waste food, and your children are probably not focusing on that too much. It is hard to get children to eat everything on their plates, but that does not mean that you need to eat more.

Give your children small servings to start, to help determine if they like something before putting the entire meal on their plates.

This will prevent food from going to waste because it has been touched. Try to abstain from your child's leftovers if you do not need to eat them.

Do you like to go back for seconds or thirds at meals?

The problem with making more food than you need to eat is that it makes it very tempting to allow your eyes to get bigger than your stomach.

Using a portion control plate will help you eat a reasonable amount of food from the start. This will also help you to evaluate the nutritional content of what you are eating before you begin.

For example, you will have a better sense of how many servings of vegetables you have on your plate compared to how many servings of simple carbohydrates. Before thinking about going back for seconds, stop to have a small drink of water.

Also, stop to consider if you are going back for seconds because you are still hungry, or simply because the food is in sight and you enjoy it.

Do you feel sick after eating because you’re so full?

According to Cara Stewart, a dietitian and nutritionist, it can take up to 20 minutes for your brain to receive the signal that your stomach is full. If you usually finish a meal and feel uncomfortably stuffed, this is a good tip to keep in mind.

Try to eat slowly to help give your brain the time it needs to realize you have had enough to eat. It may help you to chew slowly, or try setting your fork down after each bite.

If you give your brain the time it needs to acknowledge that you have had enough to eat, you will be much less likely to overeat and be uncomfortable.

8 Best Portion Control Plates for a Healthy Diet (Our 2024 Review)

There are several options for portion control plates on the market to help you improve your diet.

Here are the eight best products for 2024 that provide the most value to the consumer. The product that is best for you may depend upon your specific needs.

1. Best Overall: Bariatric Surgery Bowl + 8 Inch Plate Set

Check Price on Amazon!

Treating obesity is a complex challenge involving changing someone’s relationship with food and exercise.

However, according to the Australian Family Physician Journal, controlling portion sizes of meals is a simple and reliable way to assist in extreme weight loss. This set of bowls and plates helps in doing just that.

This Bariatric Surgery Bowl + 8 Inch Plate Set, which are designed and produced by Portion Perfection (the original creators of the decade-old portion plate that is still a popular item today) offer an ideal practical solution for people who have a Gastric Band, Sleeve Gastrectomy, or who have recently had Gastric Bypass surgery.

Created by Amanda Clark–an Advanced Accredited Dietitian, and a leader in the field of dietetics–this product is often recommended by dietitians, physicians, diabetes specialists, and bariatric nurses all over the world.

They’re perfect for bariatric patients, but really can help anyone who is trying to learn about portion control.

This set of plates and bowls helps you control your calorie intake by sight and offers a visual reminder for bariatric patients to achieve the best results after having weight loss surgery.

Learning to visualize quantities using these plates and bowls will help set you up for continued weight loss success in the future.

When you order this product, you will receive two Portion Perfection bowls that display cup measurements on the inside, allowing you to add your food to the bowl without having to measure or weigh it first.

These bowls are especially helpful to use during the early post-surgery period, during which patients are advised to consume a 1/2 cup of puree, because this can easily be measured as you’re pouring your puree directly into the bowl.

The two plates that come in your order are designed around three strategies:

  • Nutritional Balance – fill half your plate with lean protein and the other half with low-starch vegetables and an optional small carb.
  • Portion Control – these plates are specifically designed to hold a maximum of one cup of food, which is the recommended amount after all weight-loss surgeries. Users can fill the plates with the recommended foods, with a maximum depth of one inch in the center of the plate.
  • Eating Behavior – there are prompts written around the plate that identify the eating behaviors that are needed in order to effectively tolerate your meals and feel satisfied.

While similar products claim to be “bariatric” plates, they’re typically merely small plates that include pictures. These plates, however, are a product of years of research and strategy to formulate the most effective product available. 

These plates are made for Australian customers, and come with a booklet (the Australian Healthy Snack Bible) that specifies what types of foods to eat and teaches you how to maintain a high level of food tolerance following bariatric surgery.

This book is updated annually, so you can be sure to find the products listed in this booklet in your local grocery store.

The foods and snacks in this book are identified in correct portion sizes and help eating feel good again.

The foods that are specified to go on these plates and bowls won’t get stuck in your body before reaching your stomach, which reduces your chances of experiencing reflux or rapid gastric emptying, which can lead to nausea and stomach cramps.

This strategic system is perfect to use for the stage 3 gastric sleeve or bypass diet because it clearly leads you through a balanced, low GI, portion controlled diet.

Based on over 20 years of clinical research, and presented in a clearly illustrated format, the information on these plates and bowls is easy to understand and remember.

Finally, Portion Perfection offers calorie guides for 1300, 1600, 1800, and 2200-calorie diets, or can be used in conjunction with guidelines that are customized by your doctor.

PROS

  • Available in both Melamine and Porcelain versions available
  • Both the Portion Perfection and the Bariatric Plate come in a Spanish version that includes an instruction booklet
  • Microwavable, dishwasher, and oven-safe
  • Company offers great customer service
  • Comes with a free cookbook that is updated annually

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Some users wish these came with matching (small) cutlery
  • This is not really a stylish option in the case of having company over to eat

2. Best Runner-Up Option: La Boos Square Portion Control Plate

Check Price on Amazon!

Controlling your food portions does not mean no longer having the types of food you like best.

Usually, it means you can still indulge, but must do so in moderation. This product keeps that principle in mind, and makes space for your favorites on the plate.

When choosing the right plate for portion control, it is wise to avoid those that are made from materials that can potentially leach harmful chemicals and contaminate your food.

With this La Boos Square Portion Control Plate, you don’t have to worry about contamination. It is made with bamboo, is 100% BPA-free, and comes in an elegant design.

As a bonus, you aren’t the only person who will benefit from an elegantly presented, healthy meal. The environment will also benefit, because the materials used to make this plate are sustainable and eco-friendly.

PROS

  • Environmentally friendly materials that do not leach chemicals that may contaminate the food
  • Labeling on each section makes it easier to control the portions of specific food groups
  • Elegant design makes it a giftable item for anyone who needs a portion control plate

CONS

  • The square design requires you to thoroughly clean the corners to fully take away food particles, making dishwashing a bit more time-consuming
  • Some staining may occur when in contact with dark-colored food and sauces

3. Best Value for the Money: Health Beet Portion Control Plate

Check Price on Amazon!

This is the most affordable choice of those we have reviewed.

It is great for people who just want to get started right away or those who want to give portion control a shot before spending a lot of money on it.

This Health Beet Portion Control Plate promotes healthy eating habits and inspires creative cooking. It is also easily read by children, so it can be used by people of any age.

PROS

  • Designed by a dietitian to hold the correct portion sizes of food for both adults and teenagers
  • Made of sturdy plastic that is dishwasher-safe, BPA-free, and free from pthalates and PVC
  • Great to use for diabetic meal patterns
  • Easy to clean
  • Works as a great teaching aid to teach children how to eat properly

CONS

  • Some plates are not safe for the microwave
  • Does not have physical dividers between each food group
  • Exact amount of food is not mentioned with the visual portion size
  • Graphic is slightly off-center on some of the plates

4. Most Budget-Friendly: Meal Measure 1 Portion Control Tool

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The Meal Measure 1 Portion Control Tool is a measuring tool that you can use to measure your food right on your plate. Each section is clearly labeled for a vegetable or fruit, a starch, and a protein. Each section measures one cup at the top and has a one-half cup line inside.

The protein section is equal to about three ounces, or the size of a deck of cards.

PROS

  • Top-rack dishwasher safe
  • Well made and durable
  • Easy to store
  • Good for the whole family
  • Budget-friendly

CONS

  • Bulky
  • Does not sit flush against a plate unless the plate is large and flat
  • Time-consuming
  • Does not work well with foods containing a lot of liquid

5. Best for Promoting Healthy Eating Habits to Kids: Health Beet Portion Plate for Kids & Toddlers

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It's important to teach kids healthy eating habits from a young age, but that can be difficult, especially for picky eaters.

These portion control plates from Health Beet make healthy portions simple, visual, colorful, and fun, and are especially designed to meet the nutritional needs of kids from 2-12.

Kids love the perfect size and bright colors, and quickly learn how to make good food choices for themselves.

The Health Beet Portion Plate for Kids & Toddlers are designed by dietitians, to help making healthy, balanced meals simple and appealing.

The three deep compartments divide the plate into areas for proteins, grains, and fruits and vegetables, with simple, colorful pictures kids will love.

Designed with the correct portions for kids 2-12, the plates make portion control easy and intuitive. Picky eaters will appreciate that the foods are kept separate, and the plates will help to develop their palate.

The Health Beet Portion Plate for Kids & Toddlers is safe, sturdy, and re-usable, with no BPA, PVC, melamine, or phthalates. The plates are dishwasher safe, and have save, curved edges.

PROS

  • Simple, appealing visual design
  • Proportioned for kids ages 2-12
  • Naturally teach healthy eating habits and develop their palate
  • Dishwasher safe
  • No toxic materials

CONS

  • Labels aren't very durable, especially in the dishwasher

6. Best for Traveling & Commuting: Precise Portions 2-Go Healthy Portion Control Plates

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This is a great product for people who are on the go.

These Precise Portions 2-Go Healthy Portion Control Plates are divided into three different sections for lean meat, non-starchy vegetables, and starch or grains, to help users easily control their portion sizes.

These travel plates are able to keep your food portions exact, even when you are taking your food with you.

To make sure that your portioned food stays in place and secure, this product comes with sealable lids. This is great for people who want to pack a healthy, portioned lunch for work, or send a healthy lunch to school with their children.

It can also be used for nutritional snacks on the days when you are extra busy.

PROS

  • Designed by registered dietitians using current USDA nutritional guidelines
  • Dishes are microwavable and safe for the dishwasher
  • Made from BPA-free plastic
  • Mess-free with tightly sealed lids
  • Can be easily stacked in cupboards
  • Comes with a meal guide
  • Addition of the top prevents the user from piling food up too high

CONS

  • Made from a thin material that becomes stained by food
  • Difficult to get the lid to fit on perfectly
  • Cover does not keep the sections separate
  • Plates warp after they have gone through the dishwasher several times

7. Most Eco-Friendly Option: Shopwithgreen Unbreakable Divided Plates   

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These Shopwithgreen Unbreakable Divided Plates    are incredibly strong and durable, and come in a huge range of colors for every style and occasion.

Even better, they are made out of recycled milk jugs, and are, in turn, 100% recyclable when you are done with them.

The heavy-duty recycled HDPE plastic is free of harmful materials, is microwave and dishwasher safe, and is rugged and durable.

It's nice when doing something good for your body also does good for the earth, and these divided plates are a fantastic choice for the environment.

They are sturdy, stackable, and reusable, with deep dividers and a tip-resistant design.

Safe for toddlers, these plates are also perfect for picnics, barbecues, outdoor events, and the whole family.

They are free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, and melamine. Because they don't have surface coating or decals, they can be used in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher.

The Shopwithgreen set is made in America, in an FDA-regulated facility. These plates and bowls are available in 17 different color choices and are shipped with reduced packaging for even less environmental impact.

PROS

  • Made of recycled materials
  • Recyclable
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Free of harmful materials
  • Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe
  • Deep containers for stability
  • Available in wide range of colors
  • Made in the USA
  • Shipped with less packaging

CONS

  • The company logo is embedded on the front of the design, which reduces the style of these plates
  • Can only be microwaved for 20-30 seconds at a time to heat food

8. Best for a Total Portion Control System: 21 Day Portion Control Containers Kit

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This complete portion control system helps you eat healthy, reduce portions, and even lose weight in a simple system that doesn't require counting calories or weighing food.

Simply fill the colored and labeled containers with the right foods and follow the included color-coded meal plan, and controlling portions and weight becomes incredibly simple.

This comprehensive portion control system includes 7 portion control containers, a how-to guide, an interactive planner, and a 21-day recipe book, for a simple, affordable, total meal manager.

The 21 Day Portion Control Containers Kit comes with 7 food containers that are color coded and labeled, and precisely measured for perfect food portions.

The containers are nestable and microwavable, and also freezer and dishwasher safe, for endless options.

The containers are also BPA-free, DEHP-free, and made of high quality thicker plastic for greater durability. Lids fit securely and are easy to use.

Along with the guide, recipes, and interactive planner, these containers form the basis of an incredibly simple way to manage your diet and make healthy food choices without weighing, counting, or measuring.

The 21 Day Portion Control Containers Kit comes with 7 color-coded containers with labeled lids, an interactive planner, a how-to-guide, and a recipe e-book (the book and planner are emailed to you after ordering).

SmartYOU Products is also giving away a free tape measure so you can track your progress. The company backs this system with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

PROS

  • Simple portion control system is easy to understand and use
  • Containers are precisely measured for perfect portions
  • High quality plastic without BPA or DEHP
  • Containers can be frozen, microwaved, and are dishwasher safe
  • Comes with planner and recipes for simple meal planning
  • Comes with a free tape measure
  • Affordable weight management system
  • Has a satisfaction guarantee

CONS

  • Using this meal planning system may involve eating “3 green containers of veggies” per day, which can mean washing the same container over and over again in a day. For convenience, you may want to get more container sets.
  • This system looks the same as other 21-day systems offered by other companies, and works in the same way, but the containers may not be the exact same size as those sold by similar systems. If you are purchasing the SmartYOU Products containers to add to an existing system from another company, they may not be interchangeable.

Final Thoughts on Portion Control Plates

In conclusion, the best overall product for this category is the Bariatric Surgery Bowl + 8 Inch Plate Set

This product is very easy to use and comes with clear instructions. It will also keep you from overeating and going back for seconds if you use it properly.

You won't pressure yourself to overeat if you have this tool to help measure what to put on your plate. Rather, you will be able to eat the perfect amount of food for every meal without having to stuff yourself.

This cost-effective option for weight loss helps to take the guesswork out of portioning out your meals, and will definitely stop you from feeling uncomfortably full after you eat.

If you have children, you will not be tempted to finish their leftovers anymore, because they will not fit on this product.

If you are trying to lose weight, it is important to focus on your diet and how much you are eating. Having a product like this is a simple tool to really get you started.

Don't be negligent when it comes to your diet. Make sure that you have a tool like the Bariatric Surgery Bowl + 8 Inch Plate Set to help you eat the healthiest amount of food for your body.

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meal measure portion control plate