Meal prep doesn’t need to be aesthetic, perfectly portioned, or take up your entire Sunday.

Most of the time, what actually makes it easier is having a few tools that remove friction—so you’re not constantly washing dishes, digging through cluttered cabinets, or avoiding cooking altogether.

These are the exact types of tools I use (and recommend to clients) to make meal prep feel more manageable and flexible.

1. Containers That Work With You, Not Against You

This is where I tell most people to start.

If your containers are annoying, everything else becomes harder—food goes bad faster, leftovers don’t get eaten, and meal prep feels like more effort than it’s worth.

For cooked ingredients (like proteins, roasted veggies, rice, etc.), I love using:

Medium glass containers for everyday prep
Larger containers when batch cooking

PrepNaturals 5 Pack (30 Oz) Glass Meal Prep Containers

$27.99

Glass is my go-to because it doesn’t hold smells, it reheats well, and it holds up over time. Airtight options also help keep food fresh longer, which makes a difference when you’re prepping multiple days ahead. (Bentgo)

How I personally use these:

I rarely prep full meals. I’ll usually prep ingredients and mix and match throughout the week depending on what I’m craving.

2. Storage for Dry Ingredients (Underrated but So Helpful)

60 Sets (120-Piece) Deli Containers with Lids

$25.99

This is one of those things people don’t think about—but it makes a huge difference.

Having things like oats, flour, granola, or snacks in clear, airtight containers:

Makes your kitchen feel less chaotic
Helps you actually see what you have
Makes quick meals (like oatmeal) way easier

This is especially helpful if you’re trying to eat more consistently and not rely on takeout.

3. Small Containers for “Extras” (That Make Meals Better)

Things like:

Chia pudding
Yogurt bowls
Sauces or dressings
Compotes or jams

Having smaller containers ready to go makes meals feel more complete without extra effort.

Overnight Oats Containers

$25.99

Jams or Sauce Jars - Set of 6

$29.99

Dietitian tip:
Sometimes adding something small (like a sauce or topping) is what makes a meal actually satisfying—not just healthy.

4. A Good Knife (This Is Non-Negotiable)

If meal prep feels slow or frustrating… it might just be your knife.

A dull knife:

Slows you down
Makes prep feel like a chore
Can actually be less safe

Complete Knife Set

$99.97

Pairing a sharp knife with a solid cutting board makes chopping vegetables, prepping proteins, and cooking in general feel way smoother.

5. Big Batch Cooking Tools (For Real-Life Schedules)

Not everyone has time to cook every day—and that’s okay.

These are the tools I recommend if you want to cook once and eat multiple times:

Larger containers or soup freezer cubes for soups, chili, or beans
Stackable containers for grains and proteins
Versatile kitchen tools that speed things up

If you’re someone who likes to batch cook, glass containers are especially helpful since they can go from fridge to microwave (and sometimes oven) without extra dishes. (Pyrex Home)

6. One “Convenience” Tool That Saves Time

If you eat eggs regularly, this is one of those small upgrades that makes a difference.

Evoloop Rapid Egg Cooker

$26.99

You can prep multiple eggs at once without watching the stove, which makes it easier to:

Add protein to meals
Have quick snacks ready
Stay consistent during busy weeks

7. Mixing & Prep Tools That Keep Things Simple

Meal prep doesn’t need to be complicated—but having a few go-to tools helps:

A large mixing bowl for tossing ingredients
Containers for prepped toppings (like tortilla strips, grains, proteins)
Bottles or jars for sauces and dressings

These are the little things that make putting meals together during the week feel easy instead of overwhelming.

How I Keep Meal Prep Realistic

I don’t prep a full week of meals. Most weeks look like:

1–2 proteins
1 carb (rice, potatoes, pasta)
A couple veggies
Maybe a sauce or topping

That’s it. Then I mix and match based on what I’m in the mood for. If you’re interested in my weekly meal preps, check out my meal prep guide here.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a perfect system, you just need one that works for your life.

Start small:

Get containers you actually like
Prep a few ingredients instead of full meals
Keep things flexible

That’s usually what helps people stay consistent long-term.

Shop My Full Meal Prep Setup

If you want to see everything I use and recommend, you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/krystalgeorgerd/list/5OZW0Y3P8IDN

Dietitian’s Favorite Meal Prep Tools on Amazon (That Actually Make Life Easier)