Products You Need to Actually Meal Prep The Right Way

There’s a lot that goes into meal prepping. From the time and energy it takes to actually plan the week ahead, to the cooking and storing of food. We get it. It doesn't exactly scream weekend fun.

But IOHO (in our humble opinions), the benefits greatly outweigh the costs. You’ve got food ready for the week, you don’t need to spend time in front of the stove each night, and you make healthier options earlier to avoid making some unhealthy decisions later. It’s a bit of a mental hurdle to get over, but once you’ve entered the world of meal prepping, you’ll never wanna leave it.

To get you started, we’ve rounded up some basics. Like a way to get groceries quickly, tools you’ll need in the kitchen, some delish snacks to help you through, and a few extras we just adore. 

But warning: you may be hungry after reading this. Don’t blame us. Blame the snacks.

Groceries

A Walmart+ membership that delivers your groceries for free…†

Just add items to your virtual shopping cart to get the process started. Get everyday low prices, with as soon as same-day delivery options. There’s a $35 order minimum, but with over 180,000 items to choose from, we’re pretty sure you’ll find every single thing you need. Step one: get groceries. Step two: meal prep. Easy peasy.* ($12.95/month, Walmart+)

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Tools

A weekly notepad to help you think ahead…

Don’t play the mental guessing game. Now you can sit down on a Sunday to plan out the week ahead. And the side of the pad has a tear-away grocery list to help streamline your shopping trip. Tbh, the most important part of meal prep is organization. So starting with a visual plan is the first step to success. ($11.95, Amazon)

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A food scale to help you weigh ingredients during prep…

Hello, precise cooking and baking. No more eyeballing. This scale comes with a bowl that sits on top to control loose ingredients like rice, fruit, and liquids. It’s also pretty easy to use. Just choose your setting via the ‘unit’ button on the scale. You can weigh in grams, ounces, pounds, fluid ounces, and milliliters. The stainless steel surface makes cleanup a breeze, too. ($18.99, Amazon)

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Microwavable nesting storage bowls that can really do it all…

They can go from the freezer, to the fridge, to the microwave, to the dishwasher. So you don’t have to dirty different plates and bowls while trying to eat one meal. They’re also leak-proof and airtight. So they’ll keep things tasting fresh. And to store them, just stack them. No need to waste precious cabinet space. You’re welcome. ($62+, Food52)

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Airtight silicone lids that can suction to bowls you already own…

Use ‘em as saucepan lids, storage lids, or as covers to keep food warm once it’s cooked. Consider them the eco-friendly sub for plastic wrap. We’ve used them as bowl covers when microwaving. So you don’t get that annoying sauce splatter. They’re easy to wash and nestle together to lie flat. Versatility 101. ($40, Food52)

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Sectioned food containers that are great for prepping portions ahead of time…

Add your different food groups to each compartment. Think meat, veggies, and your chosen starch each in its own place. So you can just grab one container from the fridge and heat it up. Without having to take the time to prepare a plate. Each container comes with a lid, and is microwave and dishwasher-safe. ($15.99/15 pack, Amazon)

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Dissolvable labels so you know what food is in each container…

And the best part? You won’t have to deal with that sticky residue that can be left over from old labels. When you’re done, just wash with warm water and the label will peel right off. The sticker even has a tiny place to write date and time, so you know exactly when you need to eat the food by. ($11.67, Amazon)

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A freezer tray for soup and sauce to help you plan ahead…

Ah, the solution you’ve been looking for. Stop dumping liquids you don’t finish. Now you can freeze ‘em and eat them later. And this tray makes certain things way less awkward to store. The bottom is silicone, so you can easily push out the blocks. Aka no furious banging against the counter. We’re talking easy release. ($19.95, Amazon)

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Snacks

A sweet and crunchy seed chip that is gluten-free and plant-based…

With lots of fiber, protein, and omega-3s, these chips are a great snack post-workout, for active kiddies, or for those who just crave a great crunch. They’ve got chia seeds, flaxseeds, brown sugar, almonds, pecans, and pumpkin seeds. You can also get them drizzled with chocolate or sprinkled with cayenne pepper. Munch away. ($15.75+/3 pack, D’lishus Chips)

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A cookie that is allergy-friendly...

*Taps mic.* Ingredients matter. And these are made with apple, carrots, buckwheat, flax, rolled oats, cinnamon, and ginger. Flavors range from double chocolate to birthday cake. But those who have allergies — fear not. They’re free of the top eight allergens (like peanuts and wheat). Because everyone deserves a cookie. ($24.99/5 pack, Partake)

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Cranberry coconut granola bites that are perfect for an afternoon snack…

Handcrafted in Brooklyn, these bites are a labor of love. And are the ideal solution to crumbly bars that create a mess. They’re organic and gluten-free, too. So consider them the poppable option your snack life has been searching for. Pour ‘em into a bowl and kiss those 3pm hunger pains away. ($8, It’s Nola)

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A popcorn variety pack that’ll come in handy on movie night…

One bag sea salt, one bag truffle, one bag vegan caramel. The secret? They’re made with mini heirloom kernels that pop to about half the size of regular kernels. So they’re crunchier, tastier, and won’t get wedged in between your teeth. And the ingredients are non-GMO, dairy-free, and gluten-free. We approve. ($14.99/3 pack, Amazon)

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A spoonable smoothie that can work as breakfast or dessert…

Kinda like ice cream. But a smoothie cup you can keep in the freezer. Made up of fruits, nuts, and seeds, these sweet snacks are perfect for an after-dinner treat. Or they can be paired with a piece of fruit for a nutritious breakfast. They’re plant-based with no added sugars, and flavors include chocolate, strawberry, peanut butter, coffee, and blueberry beet. ($47.88/12 pack, Sweet Nothings)

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Meal Plans

A meal plan that’s designed for kiddos who tend to be picky eaters...

It’s filled with delicious and nutritious options ideal for your toddler. Simply pick the ones that work for your kid and get them delivered weekly to your doorstep. The meals come fully cooked and ready to heat. There’s pizza pockets and broccoli parm, chicken mac ‘n’ cheese, and veggie bowls. Sigh of relief sold separately. (Plans start at $5.99/meal, Yumble Kids)

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A plant-based meal plan that’s high-protein and incredibly delicious…

Meat isn’t for everyone. And a plant-based diet can be very nutritious and environmentally friendly. Psst...eating one less burger a week can save the equivalent of 320 miles in carbon emissions. With Purple Carrot, you can choose between meal kits and prepared meals. You’ll be able to see what’s on the menu a week before, and can make your selects from there. Everything will then be shipped to your door. Totally radish. (Plans start as low as $9.99/serving, Purple Carrot)

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Some Skimm Faves

A spice collection to zhuzh up your flavors…

Season, season, season. We can’t stress enough how much herbs and spices can elevate your meals. And with this 10 pack, you’ll be able to choose which ones you want. Maybe you’re a fan of chili powder, maybe you’re into oregano. It’s all about customization. ($49.99, Spicewalla)

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A hot sauce and spicy honey collection for those who like heat…

If you tend to stick to the same recipes over and over again, we’ve got you covered. Adding a bit of hot sauce and spicy honey can really help you reimagine basic dishes. Everything here is crafted in South Carolina using local ingredients. And don’t worry — each one is made to enhance your meal, not mask any flavors. We’re licking our lips. ($28+, Food52)

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A cookbook all about meal prepping and how to nail it every single time…

Recipes on recipes on recipes. Sometimes it’s really hard to get creative with your food. And we hear ya. That’s why we turn to blogger and author Chungah Rhee for help. This cookbook has options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With some snack ideas thrown in, too. A lot of Rhee’s recipes are conscious of calorie intake, and she provides tips on how to cook comfort food without loading up on high-fat ingredients. So grab your apron and dive in. ($27.60, Bookshop)

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*This denotes a sponsored post. 

†Restrictions apply. Check availability in your area at signup.

PS: These are editorially selected, but if you purchase, theSkimm may get something in return. PPS: If something’s out of stock, oops, it was there when we published. Thanks.

Skimm'd by Alexandra Napoli, Emmy Favilla, and Jessica Kelly