Meal prepping is a top-notch way to save time and money, but only if you do it right. This article is a go-to guide for beginners, so you can start batch cooking like a pro. Check our handy tips on how to properly store prepped meals so they will last for long.
How to Store Meal Prep Food for a Week?
The food storing option depends on the type of food you're prepping. Some meal prep foods can be frozen, while others should be stored in the fridge. Our meal preps come with labels so you can see the due date for more convenience.
Read on for a guide to storing meal prep in a proper manner.
1. Types of Containers to Use
The type of food container you use to store your meal preps will depend on what type of food you're storing. For example, if you're meal prepping soup, you'll need a different type of container than if you're meal prepping chicken and rice.
Here are some general guidelines for what type of container to use for different types of meal-prepped food:
- Meal prep soups and stews: Use a freezer-safe container. Glass jars work well for this.
- Meal prep chicken and rice: Use an airtight container. A green-plastic food container with a lid works well for this.
- Meal prep salads: Use a container that has a tight-fitting lid. A mason jar works well for this.
When storing meal prep food in the fridge, it's important to use airtight containers. This will help to keep your prepped food fresh and prevent it from drying out.
Meal prep food can also be stored in the freezer. This is an ace option if you want to meal prep for a longer period of time.
2. Labeling Containers
Once you've decided what type of container to use, it's important to label your packages. This will help you keep track of what meal is in each container and when it was made.
When labeling your meal prep containers, be sure to include:
- the name of the meal prep dish;
- the date the meal prep dish was made;
- the date the meal prep dish will expire.
Write out the reheating instructions on the label. This will make it easier to reheat your meal prep food when you're ready to eat it.
3. First-In, First-Out System
When meal prepping, it's recommended to use a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) system. This means that you should always use the prepped meal that was made first before using the meal prep food that was made later.
This may be taken for granted, but it's super easy to forget about the food that's been in the back of your fridge or freezer. By using a FIFO system, you can be sure that your meals are always fresh.
4. Fridge vs Freezer Storage
When it comes to meal prep food storage, you have two options: the fridge or the freezer. Each batch food storage option has its own benefits and drawbacks.
A fridge is a nice option for meal prep food that will be eaten within four days. This includes prepped soups, stews, chicken and rice, and salads. The main drawback of storing meal prep food in the fridge is that it can dry out easily.
A freezer is an ace option for meal preps that will be eaten more than four days later. This includes pizza, pasta, meat, and veggies. The main drawbacks of storing batch meals in the freezer are that they can be hard to reheat and may lose taste over time.
Meal Prep Food Safety You Should Follow
1. Washing Your Hands
One of the most important batch cooking tips is to wash your hands. This is especially crucial if you're handling raw meat. Be sure to wash your hands conscientiously before and after you handle prepped food.
2. Cleaning Your Cutting Board
Another significant food safety tip is to clean your cutting board. Especially if you’re working with meat or fish. Be sure to wash your cutting board with hot, soapy water after each use.
3. Avoiding Cross-Contamination
One of the biggest meal prep safety concerns is cross-contamination. This is when bacteria from raw meat is transferred to other food. To avoid cross-contamination, be sure to keep raw meat and cooked meat separate.
4. Refrigerating Food Safely
It’s recommended to refrigerate prepped food within two hours of cooking it.
Frequently Asked Questions
For How Long Can I Store Meal Prep Food?
This depends on the type of meal prep food. Meal-prepped soups and stews can last up to four days in the fridge. Chicken and rice can last up to five days in the fridge. Meal prep salads can last up to three days in the fridge.
Meal prep food can also be stored in the freezer. This is an ace option if you want to meal prep for a longer period of time.
Can I Reheat My Meal Prep Food?
Yes, you can reheat your meal preps. However, it's important to reheat food safely. Don’t reheat the meal more than two times.
What Foods Are Good for Meal Prep Storage?
Most types of food are good for meal prep storage. These include prepped soups, stews, meat, side dishes, and salads.
What Containers Are Best for Freezing Meals?
Consider BPA-free containers and freezer bags. They will ensure your meals are kept safe and will keep their nutrients for long.
Should I Meal Prep If I Don’t Like Consuming the Same Food Every Day?
This is a personal preference. Some people meal prep because they enjoy having the same food every day. Other people meal prep because they want to save time and money. If you’re afraid of getting bored while eating the same food, add more variety then. This can be done by mixing up leftovers after batch cooking and cooking several food preps at the same time.
How Much Food Should I Meal Prep?
If you're meal prepping for one person, you might want to meal prep three to four days worth of food. If you're meal prepping for a big family, you might want to meal prep seven to ten days worth of food.
Conclusion
Meal prep is an excellent way to save time and money. However, it's important to meal prep safely and store the food in a proper way. When it comes to batch food storage, you have a few options. You can store meal prep food in the fridge for up to four days. Or, you can store prepped food in the freezer for a longer period of time.
