Mastering Meal Prep in 2025: Tips for Success and Consistency

Photo credit: www.self.com

Preparing meals can often feel overwhelming, especially when ideas are scarce or time is limited. In such moments, engaging in meal prep can prove beneficial, allowing you to prepare simple dishes in advance and save money on takeout.

Meal prepping varies greatly between individuals. Some may choose to chop ingredients ahead of time, a process known as mise en place, while others prefer to cook complete meals and portion them out. Whether you’re new to meal prep or struggle to maintain the habit, this guide offers helpful tips and recommendations that could motivate you to give it a try—and maybe even reduce your reliance on delivery apps for weeknight dinners.

Our Top Picks

Rubbermaid Brilliance Airtight Food Storage Containers
Blue Apron Subscription
Farberware Edgekeeper 5-Inch Santoku Knife
KitchenIQ Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener
Hiware Solid Stainless Steel Spider Strainer
OTOTO Measuring Spoons Set
OXO Good Grips 7-Piece Nesting Measuring Beaker Set
Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and ReaLemon 100% Lemon Juice
Dash Rapid Egg Cooker
W&P Porter Seal Tight Glass Lunch Bowl Container
OXO Good Grips Storage Container
Joseph Joseph Chop2Pot Plus Folding Cutting Board
BUILT Gourmet Getaway Soft Neoprene Lunch Tote
Papaya Reusable Paper Towels

FAQs

What are the best foods for meal prepping?

According to Alexa Nichols, MS, RD, a registered dietitian, the most suitable foods for meal prep are those that store and reheat well. She suggests selecting versatile ingredients that can be utilized in various recipes. Categorizing your grocery list into grains, proteins, fats, fruits, and vegetables enables you to mix and match for balanced meals. Some suggested staples include:

Starches:

• Rice
• Oats
• Quinoa
• Potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Squash

Proteins:

• Chicken
• Eggs
• Ground turkey
• Tofu
• Greek yogurt
• Beans

Fats:

Various nuts and seeds, olive oil, avocados

Fruits:

Apples, bananas, berries, oranges

Vegetables:

• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Leafy greens

How long can you keep your meal-prepped food in the fridge or freezer?

The USDA recommends consuming leftover meals within three to four days if refrigerated, or up to four months if frozen. Although frozen foods may last longer, quality might diminish over time.

How many times can you reheat your leftovers?

While there’s no strict rule for reheating leftovers, it’s best to reheat only portions you plan to eat. Pre-portioning meals helps minimize repetitive reheating, which can lead to food spoilage and loss of texture.

Rubbermaid Brilliance Airtight Food Storage Containers

Rubbermaid

Brilliance Airtight Food Storage Containers

Pros

• Lockable lids
• Stackable design
• Freezer-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe
• Variety of sizes

Cons

Some users may find the lids difficult to remove.

Choosing the right containers for meal prep is crucial. Cara Harbstreet, MS, RD suggests the Rubbermaid Brilliance containers for their reliable vacuum seal lid that prevents leaks. They come in multiple sizes, suitable for batch cooking or pre-portioning meals.

Blue Apron Subscription

Pros

• No grocery shopping required
• Highly customizable
• Pre-portioned ingredients reduce food waste

Cons

Limited leftovers unless extra portions are purchased.

If you want to avoid grocery shopping altogether, meal kit subscriptions like Blue Apron deliver ingredients directly to your home. Harbstreet, a long-term subscriber, appreciates their portion sizes and variety of recipes, making them easy to incorporate into meal prep routines.

Farberware Edgekeeper 5-Inch Santoku Knife

Farberware

Edgekeeper 5-Inch Santoku Knife

Pros

• Comfortable and versatile design
• Includes a blade cover
• Budget-friendly

Cons

Some users report it dulls quickly; hand washing is recommended.

A reliable knife simplifies meal preparation. Harbstreet favors the Japanese santoku knife for its versatility and ease of use, making it ideal for a range of food prep tasks.

KitchenIQ Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener

KitchenIQ

Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener

Pros

• User-friendly
• Quickly sharpens blades
• Inexpensive

Cons

Some customers find it smaller and lighter than expected.

Regularly sharpening kitchen knives is essential for safe and effective food prep. According to Harbstreet, maintaining a sharp knife enhances comfort and confidence during cooking tasks, leading to a more enjoyable experience.

Source
www.self.com