New to meal prep? You may be wondering what you need to get started. Here are the top 10 most basic and essential tools you need to start your new meal preppin’ life.
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Essential Meal Prep Tools
1 – Meal Prep Containers
This one seems like a no-brainer. We wrote an in-depth guide to meal prep containers if you need help picking some out. Any type of divided plastic or glass meal prep container would be a great way to get started.
2 – Cutting Board Set
Preparing fresh meats and veggies requires a nice cutting board or two. If you don’t already own a few, you’ll want to pick up a set. I am currently using this 3 piece set that satisfies all my cutting board needs and was very budget friendly.
3 – Quality Chef’s Knife
There’s nothing worse than working with a dull knife. When you start meal prepping you’ll want a quality Chef’s knife to help you chop all those veggies and slice all those meats. A quality knife doesn’t have to break the bank. If you have a little extra to spend, I’d recommend investing in this self-sharpening knife set.
4 – Instant Pot and/or Slow Cooker
In my humble opinion, an Instant Pot or Slow Cooker is an absolute must have for any regular meal prepper. They can cut your Meal Prep Sunday time in half as well as open up a whole new world of freezer meals and dump recipes. Think of all the money you’ll save on take out!
5 – Mason Jars
Mason jars are so versatile. They truly are one of my favorite kitchen items. You can use them to meal prep salads, soups, noodles, and sauces. They’re also great for storing leftovers such as extra chopped veggies.
6 – Set of Measuring Cups & Spoons
Now that you’re preparing your own foods and “adulting”, you’ll need to make sure you have a complete set of measuring spoons and cups. A basic set like this will do everything you need without breaking the bank.
Buy Measuring Cups & Spoons Set
7 – Ziploc Bag Holder
Ziploc bag holders are especially key when you dive into the world of freezer meals. I bought a three pack of these for a couple of bucks and they make days when I’m putting together multiple meals a breeze!
8 – Sheet Pan
You can make a whole week’s worth of meals all at once with sheet pan recipes. If you have two sheet pans, you can prep lunch and dinner at the same time. A welcome time save on busy meal prep Sundays!
9 – Plastic Portion Cups
I use plastic portion cups in many of my meal prep recipes. They are useful for containing sauce and dressing so your other foods don’t get soggy and for portioning out snacks like nuts. I find myself using the 2 oz cups most often, but also the 1 oz and 5 oz from time to time.
10 – Food Processor
A food processor will truly bless your life on Meal Prep Sundays. It can help you chop up veggies in a jiffy as well as make homemade nut butter and sauces. Our favorite use? Homemade hummus!
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