Meal prepping helps give you time back by batch cooking. And in a fraction of the time, you can have healthy, perfectly portioned meals for nearly a week. If you’re thinking about trying it out, or just looking to up your current routine, these essential kitchen tools will help simplify your meal prepping and cooking in general.

Why meal prep?

Spending hours in the kitchen every day trying to whip up meals for you or your family is not exactly ideal, especially if you have a busy lifestyle. And, on the days when you don’t feel like firing up the stove, it’s tempting to get delivery. While it’s convenient, it’s not always the healthiest or cheapest option. Plus, if you’ve had to throw out food that’s gone bad because you didn’t have time to prioritize cooking it, you know the guilty feeling all too well.

Who is meal prepping best for?

It’s ideal for anyone looking to streamline their cooking routine and simplify mealtime, plain and simple. It doesn’t matter if you’re a busy parent juggling work and family responsibilities, a student trying to eat well on a budget, or an athlete fueling your workouts with nutritious meals. This routine can help you stay on track and make healthy eating effortless.

The Meal Prep Kitchen Tool Essentials

Now, for tools you need to get started.

1. Containers

Meal prepping is synonymous with proper storage for keeping your meals fresh and delicious throughout the week. You’ll want a variety of high-quality containers to store your prepped ingredients and meals. Here’s a breakdown of all the containers you may want to consider:

• Glass Meal Prep Containers: Ideal for reheating meals in the microwave or oven, glass containers are durable, non-toxic, and won’t absorb odors or stains.
• Bento Boxes: Perfect for portion control, bento boxes feature compartments to keep different foods separate and are great for packing balanced meals.
• Mason Jars: Versatile and eco-friendly, mason jars are perfect for storing salads, soups, overnight oats, and more. They’re also easy to clean and can be reused indefinitely.
• Small Containers for Sauces: Don’t forget to include small containers for storing sauces, dressings, and condiments. These containers are perfect for adding flavor to your meals without the mess.
• Thermoses: Great for keeping soups, stews, and other hot meals warm on the go. Thermoses are a convenient option for busy individuals who need a quick and easy lunch solution.

2. Vegetable Peeler

Peeling vegetables can be a time-consuming task, especially when dealing with tough-skinned varieties like carrots and potatoes. A high-quality vegetable peeler can make quick work of this job, allowing you to peel with precision and ease.

3. Measuring Cups and Spoons

Precision is important in cooking, especially if you have specific health goals you’re trying to meet. Having accurate measurements is essential for achieving consistent results. Measuring cups and spoons allow you to portion out ingredients with precision, ensuring that your recipes turn out perfectly every time.

4. Food Processor

A food processor is a versatile tool that can handle a wide range of tasks, from chopping and blending to pureeing and mixing. With a food processor, you can quickly and easily prepare ingredients for your favorite recipes!

5. Slow Cooker

The slow cooker is a lifesaver if you want to enjoy homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen. With this mini appliance, you can simply toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and let the magic happen while you go about your day. From hearty stews to tender roasts, the slow cooker can handle it all with minimal effort on your part.

6. Instant Pot

An Instant Pot is like a Swiss-army knife for the kitchen. This multi-functional appliance combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and more, allowing you to prepare a wide variety of dishes with ease.