Compare the cost of preparing meals at home versus eating out and see how much you could save!
Determine portion sizes when batch cooking meals.
Plan your weekly food spending based on nutritional needs.
Calculate appropriate meal sizes for families of different sizes.
Scale recipes up or down based on serving needs.
Determine safe storage times for different prepared foods.
Assess the nutritional variety in your meal plan.
Calculate proportions for building a nutritionally balanced plate.
Determine optimal meal timing based on schedule and goals.
Calculate ideal timing for meals around workouts or activities.
Weekly Savings
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Monthly Savings
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Yearly Savings
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Meal prepping is the practice of preparing meals or meal components in advance. This can save time, reduce stress, promote healthier eating habits, and save money compared to eating out or ordering takeout for every meal. By cooking in bulk and planning ahead, you can make your food budget go further while ensuring you always have nutritious meals ready to eat.
The meal prep calculation takes into account several factors:
Meal Prep Cost Per Meal = (Weekly Grocery Cost + (Prep Time × Hourly Wage) + (Container Cost ÷ Container Lifespan)) ÷ Number of Meals Prepped
The eating out calculation considers:
Weekly Eating Out Cost = (Breakfast Cost × Breakfast Frequency) + (Lunch Cost × Lunch Frequency) + (Dinner Cost × Dinner Frequency)
Eating Out Cost Per Meal = Weekly Eating Out Cost ÷ Total Meals Eaten Out
The potential savings are calculated as:
Savings Per Meal = Eating Out Cost Per Meal - Meal Prep Cost Per Meal
Weekly Savings = Savings Per Meal × Number of Meals
Monthly Savings = Weekly Savings × 4.33
Yearly Savings = Weekly Savings × 52
Choose recipes that use similar ingredients to reduce waste and save money. Plan your shopping list carefully to avoid impulse purchases.
Purchase staple ingredients in larger quantities to save money. Items like rice, beans, and frozen vegetables are economical choices.
Good quality, reusable containers might cost more upfront but will last longer and help keep food fresher.
Prepare large quantities of base ingredients like grains, proteins, and roasted vegetables that can be mixed and matched throughout the week.