Meal prepping has been on the forefront of my mind even more so lately. While I meal prep for my uncle every Tuesday for the week I have also started meal prepping for myself. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve dieted (not really a diet, just getting more serious about high protein and high fiber and a prayer for the best?) because since I have chronic illness plus the pleasure of being in perimenopause I’m always left defeated and frustrated. Even when I’m active and eating healthy I still seem to only gain weight. Ugh. Am I alone in this? ANYWAYS, let me get back to this blog post.

Life gets hectic (!) and when it does, meal prep can be the secret to eating healthier, saving money, and reducing stress in the kitchen. It’s a great way to jump back into the proper proportions… because eyeballing it isn’t always the way to go. Example, the “proper” serving size of peanut butter is about the size of ONE WALNUT. The gasp that left my body when I realized this. The right meal prep tools can make all the difference in keeping your weekly prep simple and enjoyable. And to be honest I use these tools all the time for storage even when I’m not meal prepping. Here are must-have meal prep tools every busy cook needs to stay organized and efficient.

Here is also where I tell you for legal reasons that I may earn commission on the products in this blog post at no cost to you. These are also all products I use and recommend in real life.

1. Glass Meal Prep Containers

Forget the flimsy plastic containers — durable glass meal prep containers are a game-changer. They’re safe for the oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher, making them perfect for batch cooking and storing leftovers. Plus, they don’t absorb odors or stains.
 Shop Glass Meal Prep Containers on Amazon

2. Instant Pot or Multi-Cooker

If you only buy one big kitchen gadget, make it an Instant Pot. This all-in-one tool functions as an air-fryer, pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice maker, steamer, and literally more because it’s a 11 in 1 appliance. It cuts cooking time in half and lets you prep large batches of grains, proteins, or soups with minimal effort.
 Shop Instant Pot on Amazon

3. Sharp Chef’s Knife

Meal prep starts with chopping — and a good chef’s knife makes it faster, easier, and safer. A high-quality knife will save you time when dicing vegetables, cutting proteins, and slicing fruit for the week ahead. And before anyone comes for me… yes, these are Paris Hilton knives. They work, they’re cute, and I will forever Stan Paris. Period.
 Shop Chef’s Knife on Amazon

4. Cutting Board Set

Designate separate cutting boards for meats, vegetables, and fruits to keep your kitchen clean and organized. Look for non-slip cutting boards that are durable and easy to wash.
 Shop Cutting Board Set on Amazon

5. Food Processor

When it comes to chopping, slicing, or shredding in bulk, a food processor is your best friend. Use it for prepping vegetables, making sauces, or even creating homemade nut butters.
 Shop Food Processor on Amazon

6. Reusable Silicone Bags

Single-use plastic bags can pile up quickly and they’re not great for the planet. Reusable silicone bags are an eco-friendly alternative for storing snacks, chopped veggies, or marinated proteins. They’re freezer-safe, dishwasher-safe, and perfect for keeping your fridge organized. I am all about cutting down on single-use plastics and I love these! In fact, I just bought a new set of 10 to use for freezer meals.
 Shop Reusable Silicone Bags on Amazon

Meal prepping doesn’t have to be overwhelming… especially when you’ve got the right tools on hand. From reliable glass containers to powerful gadgets like the 11 in 1 Instant Pot, these essentials will help you save time, eat well, and keep your kitchen running smoothly.