The Best Under-$40 Kitchen Tools to Make Meal Prep a Breeze, According to a Food Editor

Title: Top Kitchen Tools for Efficient Meal Prep, As Suggested by a Food Expert

In the midst of our busy schedules, it’s all too easy to fall into the habit of opting for quick fast food meals. However, for those looking to save money and prioritise homemade cooking in 2025, meal prepping can be a great solution. Allocating some time on weekends to prepare meals in advance can ensure you have convenient options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the week. To make the process easier, we sought guidance from Alex Loh, the Food Editor at EatingWell, for recommendations on essential kitchen tools and helpful tips to streamline the meal prep routine.

KitchenAid Nonstick Baking Sheet, priced at $15, is a versatile tool ideal for baking a variety of dishes such as cookies and roasted vegetables. Loh finds this baking sheet particularly useful for preparing large batches of roasted vegetables that can be incorporated into meals like grain bowls and salads throughout the week.

The W&P Portion Cubes Freezer Tray, available for $25, is a convenient storage solution for sauces and soups. Loh appreciates the portioning capabilities of this six-cube tray, with each cube holding one cup of food. The tray’s design includes a silicone base reinforced with a metal frame to prevent spills, along with a plastic lid for maintaining freshness.

For storing prepped ingredients or portioning out meals, the Rubbermaid Glass Food Storage Containers Set of 4, priced at $35, are highly recommended. Loh highlights the durability of these containers and their versatility, as they are dishwasher safe, oven-proof up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, microwave-friendly, and freezer-safe.

To aid in planning and organising meals, the Juzari Dry Erase Magnetic Meal Planner is a budget-friendly option at $7 (originally $9). Loh emphasises the importance of organisation in meal prepping and finds that visually mapping out meals for the week helps her stay on track. This erasable planner features daily boxes for meal schedules that can easily be wiped clean at the end of the week and conveniently attaches to the fridge with its magnetic backing.

In addition to these kitchen tools, subscribing to a service like Factor may be an alternative for those who prefer ready-made meals. Factor offers a variety of premade meals that can be delivered to your doorstep, with the option to choose from 40 dishes each week. Currently, new subscribers can enjoy 50% off their first box and free shipping, making it a convenient and time-saving solution for meal planning.

By incorporating these expert-recommended kitchen tools into your meal prep routine, you can streamline the process and make cooking at home more manageable. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned meal prepper, having the right tools can enhance your experience in the kitchen and simplify the task of preparing meals in advance. Take the first step towards achieving your 2025 goals by investing in these essential kitchen items that are designed to make meal prep a breeze.

The importance of meal prepping cannot be overstated, especially for those looking to maintain a healthy and cost-effective eating routine. By utilising the right tools and strategies, you can set yourself up for success in the kitchen and ensure that nutritious meals are readily available throughout the week. Stay organised, plan ahead, and enjoy the benefits of homemade meals by incorporating these kitchen tools into your meal prep arsenal.