From labels to leak-proof containers, there are plenty of ways to make meal prep simple. We’ve uncovered the essential meal prep products to make the process even easier than store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Make sure you know the meal prep basics—then let’s shop!
Glass Meal Prep Containers
A sturdy container is the single most important tool for making meals ahead of time. This set of BPA-free glass containers ($25) is an easy way to prep and organize a week’s worth of lunches. Each container has two divided compartments to keep all your food extra fresh. Bonus: These are oven safe, freezer safe, and dishwasher safe.
Perfect Cooler Bag
This insulated lunch bag ($13) allows you to take your meals on the go. It’s large enough to accommodate nice-sized meal prep containers but isn’t bulky. This bag is also insulated to keep your food fresh, and has a leak-proof lining. Try it our with these make-ahead lunch recipes!
Digital Scale
Not overeating is one of the key steps to losing weight and eating smarter. A digital scale like this one ($55) helps to regulate portions and streamline your meal prep process. Weighing fruits, veggies, and meat allows you to make healthy, delicious dinners (like this tilapia with jasmine rice) with perfect proportions!
“Stasher” Bag
These reusable silicone bags (from $10) are 100% plastic-free and sturdy enough to cook in. Stasher-brand bags are safe in the dishwasher, microwave and freezer because they’re temperature-resistant. Whether you’re storing ready-to-use carrots or poaching a chicken breast, this bag will be your new best friend.
Double-Decker Container
A leak-proof salad container is a meal prepper’s dream! Whether you’re taking a fresh salad to work or on a road trip, this OXO salad container ($18) keeps lettuce separate from proteins or grains until you’re ready to eat. Your greens will stay fresh, crisp, and delicious. Try it out with these protein-packed salad recipes.
Leak-Proof Dressing Container
You can’t have salad without dressing. But what if you’re prepping a salad ahead of time? No one wants soggy lettuce—and carrying a bottle of dressing in your bag is a disaster waiting to happen. These cute mini dressing containers ($10 for 3) allow you to take sauces, dips and homemade salad dressings on the go.
Ninja Master Prep Food Processor
Family meal prep just got a whole lot easier! Save yourself some time and leave all the chopping to this handy 3-in-1 food processor ($50). The Ninja will definitely help streamline your prep days. Best of all, each container comes with a leakproof lid so you can pop your food straight into the refrigerator—no cleanup required!
Meal Prep Journal
Every good meal prepper needs a clear plan of attack! What better way to strategize than with a meal prep planner ($7). This handy notebook encourages you to write out your meals, portion sizes, and ingredient lists in advance—try this bullet journaling technique! It even has a grocery list section to keep spending on track.
Mixing Bowl & Measuring Spoons
Practically every recipe calls for measuring cups and spoons, and this 13-piece set ($19) has every size you’ll ever need. Complete with mixing bowls to boot, this stack-able set fits perfectly in any kitchen or pantry. Even better, each piece is dishwasher safe for easy clean up. What’s not to love?
Collapsible Produce Saver
This collapsible produce container ($22) helps keep your fruits and veggies safe and fresh. Unlike other containers, it will collapse or expand to fit your storage needs. The adjustable air vent also lets your produce breathe, helping your goods stay fresher for longer. How long should you expect fresh produce to last? Check this handy guide.
Slow Cooker
Of course! Whether cooking for a small family or a big party, having a slow cooker is a must. This must-have appliance ($50) allows you to set a time and temperature for your dinner while you walk away and multitask. Not sure what to make? Start with this slow cooker meal plan that lets you cook once and eat all week.
Dash Egg Cooker
Hard-boiled eggs are a nutritious addition to salads and sandwiches that can be prepped in bulk ahead of time. This rapid egg cooker ($19) can cook six hard, medium or soft-boiled eggs in a matter of minutes with little to no fuss or cleanup. We’d say that’s eggs-cellent!
Instant Pot
The name says it all with this impossibly-handy multi cooker. The Instant Pot ($100) can do practically everything—it’s a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer and warmer. It’s easy to use (follow our guide) and perfect for prepping big batch meals in advance. We’ve even got an Instant Pot recipe collection to get you started.
Removable Labels
Tired of wondering how long a casserole has been in the refrigerator? With so many containers and ingredients on hand it can be hard to keep track! Meal prep is so much easier with a strategy, and using these removable labels ($6) is a foolproof way to keep your goodies organized.
Mason Jars
These timeless glass jars are good for storing anything from homemade pickles to overnight oats. Freezer safe and dishwasher safe, these mason jars ($30 for 24) are the all-purpose container of your meal prep dreams. Plus, they’re just as good a serving dish as they are a storage container. Love glass jars as much as we do? Make sure you see this!
Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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Laura Denby