Granted, between work, errands, and trying to squeeze in a social life, cooking every single day can feel impossible. That’s where the best meal prep tools come in! Prep once, eat all week. No more daily chopping, cooking, and cleaning. Sounds amazing right? Also, when meals are planned (alone or through one of the many meal prep services in Canada) you’re less likely to reach for unhealthy takeout. In this guide, I will share my favourite meal prep must-haves, the meal prep delivery services I use every week, and some amazing meal prep apps that make the entire process a whole lot easier.
Having trouble sticking to your plan? Here’s how to romanticize & enjoy your weekly meal-planning routine.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
Best Meal Prep Tools and Essentials in 2025
For me, meal prepping isn’t just about chopping veggies and stacking cute meal containers in your fridge. It’s a lifestyle hack that saves time, reduces stress, and keeps you on track with your health goals. I’ve been using these meal prep tools and tips for years, and let me tell you, it has saved me from countless “what’s for dinner?” crises. But beyond the convenience, meal prepping (and routines in general) can have a huge impact on mental health.
Science backs it up—routines help reduce stress, boost productivity, and even improve mental health. A study from Northwestern Medicine found that having a structured routine leads to better sleep, improved mood, and lower anxiety. When you know what’s coming next, your brain doesn’t have to work overtime making last-minute decisions. That means less stress and more energy to focus on what really matters—like enjoying your meal instead of scrambling to make one.
So, If you’re ready to level up your meal-prepping game, having the right meal-prep tools and meal-prep essentials is a must. Need some guidance? A meal prep planner can help organize your meals, while top-rated meal prep apps streamline grocery shopping and recipe selection. If cooking isn’t your thing, meal prep companies and meal prep delivery services take the guesswork out of healthy eating—especially if you’re looking for meal prep services in major cities like Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these meal prep must-haves and meal prep tips will help you stay consistent, save time, and reach your goals!
Best Meal Prep Containers (Durable, BPA-Free & Stackable)
I’ve already written a full guide to the safest non-toxic food storage containers in Canada, but I’ll also highlight my favourite Canadian meal prep container brands that are available on Amazon and beyond below.
- Caraway Glass Food Storage Set – Great for microwave and oven-safe meal prep, this set is free of harmful materials like PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, and BPA.
- Bentgo Prep Containers – Affordable, lightweight, and perfect for portion control, this 60-piece set of BPA-free containers is both microwave and top-shelf dishwasher safe.
- BLUE GINKGO – I swear by this food-grade silicone container set because it’s ideal for those of us who need multiple sizes for different meals.
- Bentgo Meal Prep Snack Containers – these are the perfect size for school or work lunches with individual compartments for different types of food.
- Stasher snack bags – The zero-waste company Stasher offers the safest and least toxic storage solutions out there. They use platinum food-grade silicone bags which are even more healthy than food-grade silicone and the bags come in a slew of different sizes.
- Akeeko Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps – I’ve been using food wraps for quite a while and I can’t recommend them enough. These wraps are made of GOTS organic cotton, sustainably harvested beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin. Use the warmth of your hands to soften the wrap and form over a container or piece of food. It’s that easy!
BONUS: Vacuum Sealers for Long-Term Storage
MZROT Vaccum Sealer Machine
Tired of food going bad too soon? The MZROT Vacuum Sealer Machine extends the life of your meal-prepped foods by removing air from storage bags, preventing freezer burn, and keeping your ingredients fresher for longer. It’s especially handy for storing bulk proteins, veggies, and pre-made meals.
Best Time-Saving Cutting & Chopping Tools for Meal Prep
These must-have meal prep tools will help you cut down (pun intended) on prep time, so you can spend more time enjoying your food and less time hunched over the cutting board.
Electric Food Choppers
Ninja Express Chop
If you hate dicing onions (who doesn’t?), the Ninja Express Chop is AMAZING! This compact electric chopper is perfect for quickly chopping vegetables, nuts, herbs, and even making sauces or dips. Just press down, and voilà—your ingredients are prepped in seconds.
Hamilton Beach Food Processor
For bigger batch prepping, the Hamilton Beach Food Processor is a kitchen MVP. With multiple blades and a powerful motor, it slices, dices, and purees effortlessly. Plus, it saves your fingers from endless knife work. No wonder why it has over 60,000 glowing reviews on Amazon.
Best Mandolines & Slicers
OXO Good Grips Mandoline
Perfectly sliced veggies make meal prep look gourmet. The OXO Good Grips Mandoline lets you adjust the thickness and slice everything from cucumbers to sweet potatoes with ease. Bonus: it has a safety guard to keep your fingers intact!
Smart Kitchen Scales
Etekcity Nutrition Scale
If you’re tracking macros or portioning meals, the Etekcity Nutrition Scale helps keep your meal prep on point. It comes with not one, not two but over 200,000 reviews from at-home chefs on Amazon!! It accurately measures grams and ounces and even syncs with meal prep apps for effortless tracking.
Wooden Cutting Board
Labell Canadian Maple Wood Board
I’ve already shared my favourite non-toxic cutting boards in Canada in a previous guide. And honestly, nothing has changed since then. Labell is still my favourite pick for a versatile maple wood chopping board that’s dual-sided and extremely easy to clean.
Premium Knife Set
Cuisinart 15-Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set
If you’ve read my round-up of the best kitchen knife sets in Canada, you already know that Cuisinart is my absolute top choice. It comes with a lifetime warranty and is resistant to rust, stains, and corrosion!
Cheese Grater
Kitchen Aid Grater
A simple but essential tool for shredding cheese, zesting citrus, or grating ginger and garlic. Opt for a multi-sided grater for maximum versatility, preferably with a container that fits inside the box grater to catch the grated or sliced food, This one Includes a lid, so leftovers can be stored for later.
Herb Stripper
Luxiv Stripper
Tired of picking leaves off stems one by one? A herb stripper quickly removes leaves from rosemary, thyme, and kale, making meal prep much easier. Luxiv is my favourite choice because it comes with a food-grade 430 stainless steel, and a safe PP protection cover that can tackle the leaf of the herb, but also could cut big leaves of the plant.
Citrus Juicer
Etinslant Manual Stainless Steel Juicer
Fresh citrus juice elevates any dish, but squeezing lemons and limes by hand is a hassle. A citrus juicer makes it effortless while extracting every last drop. You don’t need fancy electric options. This pointed cone with an 11-tooth reamer can extract thoroughly the juice in under a minute.
Vegetable Chopper
Fullstar Chopper and Slicer
A manual vegetable chopper can dice onions, peppers, and tomatoes in seconds. It’s perfect for meal prep essentials like salsa, salads, and stir-fries. Sadly, there aren’t any plastic-free options available in Canada, so this 6-in-1 slicer is the best possible option. And 20,000 Amazon reviewers agree!
Measuring Cups
Anchor Hocking Glass Cup
Whether you’re meal prepping for a diet plan or baking, accurate measuring is key. A good set of measuring cups helps add the perfect portions every time. Just make sure it’s made of glass and not plastic for safety.
Cut-Resistant Gloves
NoCry Premium Gloves
These are meal prep essentials! Knife slips are no joke! Cut-resistant gloves provide extra safety when using sharp knives, mandolines, or graters. And they cost less than $20 which is insane if you think that this pair is actually Level 5 and ANSI 105-2016 certified, meaning these fish gloves have passed strict tests to meet these high standards.
Garlic Twister
Nextrend Twister
Garlic lovers, rejoice! The garlic twister quickly minces garlic without the mess of a traditional press, plus it’s super easy to clean. Alternatively, you can use a garlic press.
Olive Oil Spray
Shiadarix Oil Sprayer
Ditch the heavy-handed pour—an olive oil spray lets you lightly coat pans, veggies, and salads without excess oil. I prefer to have a small bottle ready for grabs at all times, especially if I am on the go and want to add some extra oil to my salads during my lunch break.
Potato Masher
PriorityChef Large 15oz Potato Ricer with 3 Discs
For fluffy mashed potatoes, guacamole, or even homemade veggie burgers, a sturdy potato masher is one of those under-the-radar meal prep tools that always get the job done fast. With this masher, you can get everything from a smooth mash to a chunky, hearty blend.
Salad Spinner
OXO Good Grips Glass Salad Spinner
Granted, salad spinners are not an absolute must-have. However, they can save you so much time and energy – especially when you are preparing 4+ meals in one day. Again, sadly, there are no plastic-free salad spinners available online. But this one is BPA-free which is better than regular plastic.
High-Tech Cooking Gadgets for Faster Meal Prep
Best Air Fryers
Ninja Foodi
An air fryer is a meal prep must-have if you love crispy, golden textures without drowning your food in oil. The Ninja Foodi stands out because it’s a 5-in-1 appliance—an air fryer, roast, bake, and dehydrate indoor electric grill—so you can crisp up chicken, roast veggies, or even dehydrate snacks with ease.
Philips XXL
For those who meal prep in large batches, the Philips XXL is a powerhouse. It has a high-capacity basket that can cook multiple servings at once, making it perfect for families or meal preppers who love efficiency.
For more amazing options, check out my non-toxic air fryers in canada without teflon post.
Best Instant Pots & Multi-Cookers
Instant Pot Pro
An Instant Pot is a great choice for quick and easy meal prep. The Instant Pot Pro offers multiple cooking functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and steaming. It’s ideal for batch-cooking soups, stews, grains, and proteins in record time.
Ninja Speedi
If you love variety but hate using multiple appliances, the Ninja Speedi is a dream come true. It combines air frying, steaming, and baking in one, letting you cook entire meals in under 15 minutes.
Best Blenders for Smoothies & Meal Prep
Vitamix 5200
A high-speed blender is a meal prep essential, especially for smoothies, soups, and sauces. The Vitamix 5200 is powerful enough to blend anything, from frozen fruit to nut butters, ensuring smooth and creamy results every time.
NutriBullet Pro
For a more compact and budget-friendly option, the NutriBullet Pro is perfect. It’s fast, easy to clean, and great for single-serving smoothies, making it an excellent choice for busy mornings.
Must-Have Cooking & Baking Tools for Meal Prep
Versatile Baking Sheets
Our Place Ceramic Nonstick Bakeware
A high-quality baking sheet is a must-have for roasting veggies, baking proteins, and making sheet-pan meals. The Our Place Ceramic Nonstick Bakeware is durable, warp-resistant, and distributes heat evenly, making it ideal for meal prep recipes.
All-Clad Pro Aluminumized Steel Nonstick Bakeware
For nonstick ease, the All-Clad set is a great choice. It has a perfectly fitted nonstick cooling & baking rack, a cookie sheet, the muffin pan, two round cake pans, a rectangular baking pan, a square baking pan, a quarter sheet pan, and a loaf pan so that all your meals come out perfect every time.
Not a fan? I’ve included more options in my non-toxic bakeware & safest baking sheets in the guide.
Versatile Cookware
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
A cast iron skillet is a meal prep must-have because it goes from stovetop to oven effortlessly. The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is perfect for searing meats, roasting vegetables, or even baking cornbread—plus, it lasts a lifetime with proper care.
All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Sauté Pan
For a multi-purpose pan, the All-Clad D3 Sauté Pan is unbeatable. Its large cooking surface and high sides make it great for stir-fries, pasta dishes, and one-pan meals, helping you cook big batches with ease.
If you also need a trusted frying pan, have a look at these non-toxic frying pans.
Best Free & Paid Meal Planning Apps
Believe me when I say that the right meal prep apps can help you streamline your routine, organize recipes, create grocery lists, and stick to your budget. Whether you need custom meal plans, AI-powered recipe suggestions, or grocery deal finders, these apps will make your meal prep easier and more efficient.
Mealime – Easy Meal Planning
For a user-friendly meal prep planner, Mealime is a top choice. This app offers customized meal plans, step-by-step recipes, and grocery list integration, making meal prep stress-free. Plus, it features Canadian-friendly grocery options, ensuring you can find all ingredients easily.
PlateJoy – Highly Customizable for Special Diets
If you follow a special diet or have specific health goals, PlateJoy is worth checking out. It tailors meal plans based on dietary needs, allergies, and preferences. It also syncs with grocery delivery services, saving you time on shopping.
Paprika Recipe Manager – Organize & Save Recipes Effortlessly
For those who love collecting recipes, Paprika Recipe Manager is a must-have. This app lets you save and organize recipes, create grocery lists, and even scale ingredients based on serving sizes. It’s ideal for meal prep enthusiasts who love trying new dishes.
Forks Over Knives – Plant-Based Meal Planning Made Easy
If you’re focused on plant-based meal prep, Forks Over Knives has you covered. The app provides whole-food, plant-based recipes with step-by-step instructions, making healthy eating easier than ever.
AI-Powered Meal Planning Apps
Whisk – Grocery List & Meal Planner
Whisk takes meal planning to the next level with AI-driven recipe suggestions and grocery list integration. Simply select meals, and the app will generate a smart grocery list, making meal prep effortless.
Yummly – Smart Recipes Tailored to Your Preferences
Yummly uses AI technology to recommend recipes based on your taste preferences, diet, and cooking habits. The app also features meal planning tools, grocery list syncing, and cooking tutorials for easy meal prep.
Grocery List & Budgeting Apps
Flipp – Find Grocery Deals in Canada
Want to save money on meal prep essentials? Flipp helps you find the best grocery deals in Canada by scanning digital flyers and offering discounts on meal prep must-haves. It’s a great tool for budget-conscious meal preppers.
AnyList – Sync Meal Plans & Shopping Lists Across Devices
For seamless meal planning and grocery shopping, AnyList allows you to create and sync shopping lists across multiple devices. It’s perfect for families or meal preppers who like to plan meals together.
Best Meal Prep Delivery Services in Canada
It goes without saying that meal prepping doesn’t always mean cooking everything from scratch. Whether you want ready-made meals, semi-prepped meal kits, or grocery delivery services, these options will help you eat healthy without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of the best meal prep delivery services available across Canada in 2025.
Ethey – Sustainable, Plant-Based Canadian Meals
If you’re looking for plant-based, eco-friendly meals, Ethey delivers chef-crafted dishes made from sustainable ingredients. Their meals arrive fully cooked and ready to heat, making healthy eating effortless.
Fresh Prep – Pre-Chopped, Easy-to-Cook Meal Kits
For those in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Greater Vancouver, Greater Victoria, Nanaimo, and the Okanagan, Fresh Prep offers locally sourced, pre-chopped ingredients that help you cook delicious meals in under 30 minutes. Their packaging is reusable and eco-friendly, making it a sustainable meal prep option.
GoodFood – Canada’s Most Popular Meal Delivery Service
GoodFood is one of the most well-known meal prep delivery services in Canada, offering keto, vegetarian, and family-friendly options. They deliver all throughout Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and the Maritimes. Their meal kits come with pre-portioned ingredients, helping you save time and reduce food waste.
WeCook – Fully Cooked, Chef-Designed Meals
If you want fresh, high-protein meals without the hassle of cooking, WeCook delivers chef-designed dishes straight to your door. Their rotating menu features wholesome, nutrient-dense options, perfect for busy Canadians. WeCook delivers to Quebec, Ontario and the Maritimes.
Best Meal Kit Subscription Services in Canada
HelloFresh – Variety & Affordability
For a customizable meal prep planner, HelloFresh is a great option. They offer a wide variety of meal choices, including vegetarian, quick meals, and calorie-smart options. Their easy-to-follow recipes make home cooking enjoyable and stress-free.
Chef’s Plate – Budget-Friendly & Family-Friendly
If you’re looking for affordable, family-friendly meals in Toronto, Chef’s Plate delivers budget-conscious meal kits with simple, delicious recipes. Their meals are ready in 15 to 30 minutes, making them a great choice for busy families. Chef’s Plate delivers to most locations in Canadian provinces.
Cook It – Locally Sourced Ingredients for Ontario & Quebec
For those in Quebec and Ontario, Cook It offers locally sourced, high-quality ingredients in their meal kits. Their recipes are designed by chefs and nutritionists, ensuring a balanced, delicious meal every time. Delivery may also be available elsewhere in Canada as their delivery locations are currently expanding – you can learn more on their website.
Best Grocery Delivery Services for Meal Prep Ingredients
Instacart – Same-Day Grocery Delivery from Major Stores
For ultimate convenience, Instacart lets you shop from multiple major grocery stores and get same-day delivery straight to your door. It’s a great way to stock up on meal prep essentials without making a trip to the store.
Voila by Sobeys – Fresh Produce & Meal Kit Options
Voila by Sobeys is perfect for those who want fresh ingredients and meal kits delivered directly to their homes. Their service is efficient, high-quality, and great for meal preppers looking for fresh produce and pantry staples.
Walmart Grocery Delivery – Affordable Meal Prep Staples
If you’re meal-prepping on a budget, Walmart Grocery Delivery is an excellent option. They offer affordable pantry staples, fresh ingredients, and bulk options to help you save time and money on meal prep.
Smart Storage & Organization Hacks for Meal Prep Success
Meal prep is only as effective as your ability to store and organize food properly. With the right storage tools and techniques, you can extend the shelf life of your meals, reduce waste, and keep your kitchen clutter-free. Here’s how to optimize your fridge, freezer, and pantry for maximum efficiency.
Fridge & Pantry Organization Tools
Fridge Storage Bins for Easy Access
Using clear fridge storage bins helps you group similar foods, making it easy to grab prepped meals and ingredients. These bins also prevent items from getting lost in the back of the fridge, reducing waste.
Lazy Susans & Stackable Organizers for Pantries
A Lazy Susan is a game-changer for pantry organization, allowing you to easily access condiments, spices, and canned goods. Stackable organizers maximize vertical space, helping you store dry goods efficiently.
Label Makers for Meal Prep Date Tracking
A label maker is an essential meal prep tool for tracking when meals are prepped and stored. Clearly labeled containers help you avoid spoilage and stick to your meal prep planner with ease.
The Importance of FIFO (First In, First Out) for Reducing Waste
The FIFO (First In, First Out) method ensures you use older food before newer purchases. Store new groceries behind older items in the fridge and pantry to minimize waste and keep ingredients fresh. This simple habit helps save money and reduces food spoilage.
How to Meal Prep Like a Pro (Step-by-Step Guide)
Batch Cooking Basics
Batch cooking is the secret weapon of meal preppers. Instead of cooking every day, set aside a couple of hours to prep multiple meals at once. Cook large portions of grains, proteins, and veggies so you can mix and match meals throughout the week.
How to Maximize Efficiency with a Sunday Prep Session
Sunday meal prep is a classic for a reason—it sets you up for a smooth week ahead. Start with a meal prep planner (apps like Mealime or Paprika can help). Then, chop veggies, marinate proteins, and pre-portion snacks so you can grab and go all week long.
Quick Protein Prepping: Chicken, Tofu, Lentils & Fish
Protein is the backbone of a balanced meal. Prep it in bulk:
- Chicken: Bake, grill, or slow-cook with different seasonings to keep it interesting.
- Tofu: Press and marinate for at least 30 minutes before baking or pan-frying.
- Lentils: Cook a big batch and use them in soups, salads, or as a protein-packed side.
- Fish: Keep it simple with lemon, herbs, and a quick pan-sear or oven-bake.
Meal Prep for Special Diets (Keto, Vegan, Gluten-Free, High-Protein)
Best Meal Prep Tools for Each Diet
- Keto: A spiralizer for low-carb noodles, a food scale for tracking macros.
- Vegan: A high-speed blender for smoothies, soups, and sauces.
- Gluten-Free: Glass meal prep containers to avoid cross-contamination.
- High-Protein: A good air fryer for quick protein prep, vacuum sealers to keep meats fresh.
Recommended Recipes & Ingredient Swaps
- Keto: Cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, avocado-based sauces.
- Vegan: Chickpea “tuna” salad, cashew cheese, quinoa bowls.
- Gluten-Free: Brown rice pasta, almond flour pancakes, oat-based snacks.
- High-Protein: Greek yogurt bowls, protein-packed muffins, egg muffins.
How to Maintain Meal Prep Motivation
Gamify the Process (Tracking Apps, Progress Journals)
Turn meal prepping into a fun challenge! Use apps like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer to track your meals. Keep a meal prep journal where you note what worked, what didn’t, and your favourite go-to recipes.
Create a Meal Prep Challenge with Friends or Family
Accountability makes meal prep easier! Challenge a friend to prep five days’ worth of meals and swap recipes. If you have kids, get them involved—let them pick a meal and help prep.
These Were the Best Meal Prep Tools and Must-Haves
Take it from someone who has been consistently preparing meals for over 5 years, investing in the right meal prep tools makes a world of difference. From electric food choppers to cut-resistant gloves, each tool on this list helps you prep faster, safer, and more efficiently. Whether you’re following meal prep apps, using meal prep delivery services, or just looking for meal prep tips to streamline your routine, these meal prep tools will change your life. Of course, there are more meal prep essentials out there, but these are my absolute favorite options.
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