Helpful Tools that Make Meal Prepping Easier

Simplify your weekly meal prep with these must-have tools that keep your kitchen organized, your food fresh, and your meal planning on point.

Meal prepping is more than just an organizational trend; it’s a time-saving approach for busy families that can simplify your week, save money, and even support healthier eating habits. Having the right tools for meal prepping can help you avoid these pitfalls, keeping meal prep efficient, enjoyable, and sustainable over time.

Do you need nice containers when you can simply reuse an old cottage cheese container? No, but you may find it’s easier to meal prep if you have some helpful tools and reusable containers.

Why Meal Prep?

When my two youngest daughters were in their teens, we were on the go all the time.

When you have a busy schedule, meal prepping can be a true lifeline. A well-planned meal prep session means:

• Fewer trips to the grocery store since your ingredients are already mapped out.
• Less stress during mealtimes as everything is ready to go.
• More nutritious meals that you can feel good about, tailored to your preferences.

Imagine opening the fridge on a busy day to find neatly organized meals, snacks, and ready-to-cook ingredients at your fingertips. The trick? Making sure your tools are just as organized and suited for the job.

The Benefits of Having the Right Tools for Meal Prep

When you’re prepared with the right meal prep tools, your weekly routine can turn into a smooth and almost effortless process. Here’s how these tools make a difference:

1. Increases Efficiency

Having a dedicated set of containers, storage options, and organizational supplies streamlines the prep process.

2. Reduces Food Waste

Tools that help with portioning, labeling, and sealing allow you to store your meals properly. Labeling, for example, helps you remember what you have in the fridge, so things don’t get forgotten. Additionally, airtight containers help ingredients stay fresh longer, which means less food wasted and fewer last-minute grocery runs.

3. Promotes Portion Control

Prepping with tools designed for portioning helps you avoid over-eating while ensuring you get the nutrients you need.

Building Your Meal Prep Toolbox

If you are new to meal prepping or simply want to make meal prep easier, think about the types of foods you want to prep for the week and what you might need to make it easier. Here are some categories that can help you organize and streamline your kitchen:

• Containers for All Types of Foods: Invest in a variety of containers that can hold everything from sauces to larger meals.
• Labels for Clarity and Freshness: Labeling meals can be a game-changer. You’ll know what’s in each container, as well as when it was prepared, which helps you track freshness.
• Tools for Portioning and Measuring: Measuring spoons, cups, and even portion-specific containers help you prep with accuracy, making it easier to stick to your meal plan.
• Freezer-Friendly Bags and Containers: Many meals can be prepped in bulk and frozen for later. Freezer-friendly options help you store meals while keeping them fresh, reducing food waste.
• Vacuum Sealing Options: Consider using vacuum-sealing tools to extend the shelf life of your prepped foods. This can make a big difference in keeping fresh items from spoiling.

Helpful Meal Prepping Finds on Amazon

Meal prepping doesn’t have to be a big, stressful production. Start by choosing a day to prep for the week ahead. Map out your meals, prepare ingredients, and portion them into the containers. Label everything clearly, and arrange it in your fridge or freezer for easy access.

15 Amazon Finds to Help in Meal Prep

Here’s a list of 15 meal prep products featured by Melissa Ringstaff:

1. Salad Dressing/ Condiment Containers – Compact 2.7 oz glass containers for storing dressings and condiments.
2. Dissolvable Food Rotation Labels – 1×2-inch labels that dissolve in water, perfect for easy labeling.
3. Fresh & Save Vacuum Sealer Set – Vacuum sealer with airtight containers to keep food fresh longer.
4. Urban Green Glass Food Storage Containers – Microwave-safe containers with glass lids for versatile storage.
5. Glass Meal Prep Containers – Airtight containers available in various sizes for portion control.
6. 24 Oz Glass Soup Container Set – Large, round containers ideal for soups with airtight lids.
7. 2-Compartment Glass Meal Prep Containers – Portion control containers with upgraded sealing lids.
8. 3-Compartment Glass Lunch Containers – Divided containers suitable for meal prepping multiple foods.
9. Snack Bento Box Containers – Bento-style snack boxes with four compartments for on-the-go meals.
10. FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine – Automatic vacuum sealer for food preservation and sous vide cooking.
11. Glass Meal Prep Containers – 1 Compartment containers with sealing lids perfect for single portions.
12. FoodSaver Elite Vacuum Sealer – All-in-one vacuum sealer with liquid sealing capability.
13. Reusable Freezer Bags Kit – Includes freezer bags, a baggy rack, and labels for organized storage.
14. Baggy Rack Stand – A hands-free tool for filling storage bags easily.
15. Freshware Meal Prep Containers – 50-Pack of Bento Boxes features 3 compartments plastic containers.
16. 8-Piece Deep Glass Baking Dish Set with Lids – 8-piece baking dishes set includes 4 baking dishes and 4 gray plastic tight fitting lids, which are designed to keep your food fresher longer.

These tools streamline meal prepping, making it efficient and organized.

With a toolbox that fits your needs and style, meal prep becomes something you look forward to instead of dreading. You’ll have more time, less stress, and the satisfaction of knowing your week is set up for success.

Free Printable Meal Plan and Prep Set

This Weekly Meal Plan and Prep Set is a practical, easy-to-use printable designed to simplify your weekly meal routine. It includes a meal overview to plan each day’s dishes, a prep tasks section to organize ahead, and a convenient shopping list to make grocery trips efficient. Perfect for busy homemakers, this set helps you save time, reduce stress, and create smooth, enjoyable mealtimes for the whole family.

3 Ways to Download

1. If you’re a member of The Homemaker’s Society, you’ll find your link to download the Weekly Meal Plan and Prep Set below or you can purchase this printable set in my shop.
2. Become a member of The Homemaker’s Society. and you’ll get instant access to this free printable checklist and hundreds of other helpful resources for your home as part of your membership.
3. FREE for non-members too! If you aren’t ready to become a member yet, just fill out the form below and you’ll get the Meal Plan and Prep sent straight to your inbox! I hope you are blessed by this resource!

Members Only Download