20 Things Every Mom Needs to Food Prep Like a Pro

Food prepping is oddly satisfying to look at while scrolling on social media, but in practice, it can seem overwhelming. Even planning meals ahead of time can seem like a ton of work. But that's not a reason to quit. Plus, it's smart to see this as an investment of time and money. But, how exactly is the best way to tackle all of this? 

Meal planning consists of the right tools to cook the food, the meals themselves, and where to store them. So if moms are ready to trade the stress of getting home in the evening and feeling like there is nothing to feed the kids, take notes from this list of 20 things every mom needs to food prep like a pro.

Psst: If purchasing an item from this post, CafeMom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.

Bee's Wrap Sustainable & Reusable Food Wraps

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Looking for a natural alternative to plastic, food wrap? Bee’s Wrap was founded in 2012 by Vermonter Sarah Kaeck, a mother of three who has been, by turns, an avid gardener, milker of goats, keeper of chickens, and seamstress. These food wraps are long-lasting, handmade out of ethically sourced ingredients, and easy to clean in cold water.

Bee's Wrap Sustainable and Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps with Jojoba Oil ($18, Amazon)

Etee Organic Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps

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Say goodbye to plastic and say hello to Etee Food Wraps! Etee Wraps form a protective, breathable seal that lets food breathe so it can stay fresher, longer. They are made out of Certified Organic cotton fabric infused with USDA Certified Organic Beeswax, coniferous tree resins, organic cinnamon essential oil, and organic clove essential oil. What makes this set of wraps so handy is that it has several different sizes of wrap for different foods and containers.

Etee Organic Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps ($18, Amazon)

Lunchskins Reusable Sandwich Bag & Snack Bag Set

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These stylish, dishwasher-safe, and lightweight reusable bag sets are the perfect replacement for plastic bags. Each bag set contains a reusable sandwich bag and a reusable snack bag with a spot to write the owner's name. They are also free of BPA, phthalates, and lead.

Reusable Sandwich Bag + Snack Bag 2-Pack Bundle Navy Sea Turtle ($11Lunchskins)

Elegant Live Set of 5 Heat Resistant Microwave Cover

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Pots, pans, dishes, plates, and coffee cups are some of the objects that these BPA-free silicone lids fit. They'll handle extreme temperatures and prevent microwave oven splatters or boil overs. They're also great for reducing food waste by preserving leftovers in the refrigerator.

Elegant Live Set of 5 Heat Resistant Microwave Cover ($16, Amazon)

Wide Mouth Ball Mason Jars With Lids

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We've seen these many times for colorful smoothies and preserving recipes such as salsas, syrups, sauces, fruits, and vegetables. These BPA-free jars helps keep food sealed up to 18 months and are freezer safe.

Ball Mason Jar Pint Wide Mouth Clear Glass with lids ($17, Amazon)

Leakproof Bento Box Set With Cutlery Accessories

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Portion sizes matter. Encourage healthy eating habits with satisfying snacks or mini meals without the need for extra containers. The insulated double walls are made from eco-friendly plastic. This box includes five food picks, three silicone cups, a mini stainless steel vegetable cutter, and utensils. Make sure to hand wash lid to maintain leakproof seal integrity.

Bento Box Leakproof Container Set with Cutlery Accessories ($16, Amazon)

Cal Tiffin Stainless Steel Square Bento Lunchbox

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As Cal Tiffin says, "Plastic containers make for poor health choices." Plastic may leach chemical toxins in food and typically do not last long. With this 100% stainless steel square container is suitable for packing regular-sized sandwiches with additional room for salad, fruits, or snacks in the top tray. It provides a simple way to lead a safe, eco-friendly lifestyle because it should provide years of use.

Cal Tiffin Stainless Steel Square Bento Lunchbox ($18, Amazon)

Hamilton Beach 7-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

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Cook homemade meals for the family without having to spend the whole day in the kitchen. The removable stoneware insert and glass lid are sized to fit a 7-pound. chicken or 5-pound roast. No watching or stirring needed. When the cooking time is up, the slow cooker automatically switches to keep food warm. Now, that's smart cooking!

Hamilton Beach 7-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker ($49, Amazon)

Crock-Pot 10-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cooker

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Make healthy meals in a fraction of time! This all-in-one appliance (10-quart capacity) is perfect for feeding family and friends, and ideal for cooking large cuts of meat and meal prep. It feeds up to 13 people with settings like pressure cooker, slow cooker, sauté, boil, simmer, and steam. It even sterilizes baby bottles and utensils!

Crock-Pot 10-Qt. Express Crock Multi-Cooker ($170, Amazon)

Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Stack & Snap Food Processor

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Prep the freshest ingredients in a matter of seconds compared to chopping by hand! Designed to be simple, the Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap 12 Cup Food Processor requires no twisting, turning or locking during assembly. Chop, slice, shred, mix, and puree just about anything.

Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Stack & Snap Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper ($50, Amazon)

Ninja Professional Countertop Blender

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The Ninja Professional Blender with Nutri Ninja Cups is one of the best kitchen tools for a busy and on-the-go mom. It includes two 16-ounce Nutri Ninja Cups with to-go lids are perfect for creating personalized drinks like smoothies or frozen drinks.

Ninja Professional Countertop Blender ($100, Amazon)

Veggie Gripper Cutting Board

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This clever cutting board keeps smaller fruits and veggies from making a getaway. One side of this sturdy bamboo panel has a rounded cutout in the center that cradles and stabilizes produce with grooves that help achieve a clean cut all the way through that strawberry or Brussels sprout. The other side of the board is smooth, and perfect for cutting lemons or cocktail garnishes.

Veggie Gripper Cutting Board ($13, Uncommon Goods)

OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner

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Achieve clean greens at the touch of a button. With just one hand, this salad spinner with its patented pump mechanism and brake button is perfect for serving, and the basket can be used separately as a colander. Its efficiency makes salads fun and less messy.

OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner ($27, Amazon)

Ontel Veggetti Spiral Vegetable Cutter

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Just twist! This vegetable slicer instantly turns vegetables into noodles to make delicious "pasta" without the carbs. Veggetti cuts thin spaghetti size or thick fettuccine-style zucchini noodles. The secret is the 12 ultra-sharp stainless steel blades.

Ontel Veggetti Spiral Vegetable Cutter ($15, Amazon)

Instant Pot Mini Mitts

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When it comes to using an Instant Pot, it's not always easy to get an insert out while it's still hot. These genuine Instant Pot Mini mitts made out of food-grade silicone make gripping of inner pot easy and keep the hands protected from the heat.

Instant Pot Mini Mitts ($10, Amazon)

Ecopreps Glass Meal Prep Containers With Bamboo Lids

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Eat plastic-free! With airtight eco-friendly bamboo, EcoPreps containers mean it's possible to prep meals ahead of time and store them without using any type of plastic. These containers are made of crack-resistant glass with a built-in glass divider and silicone air tight seal to keep foods separated and fresh. They're completely free of plastic, BPA, PVC, and phthalate.

ECOPREPS Glass Meal Prep Containers with Bamboo Lids ($40, Amazon)

Rezip 3-Piece Stand-Up Leakproof Reusable Storage Bags

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Leakproof, durable, and lightweight, these (re)zip storage bags are designed for food, either for meal prep, storage, or to take on the go. The versatile bags are food-grade, freezer-safe, and reusable. Wash them and reuse up to 300 times.

Rezip 3-Piece Stand-Up Leakproof Reusable Storage Bag ($20, Amazon)

Colony Co. Reusable Produce Bags

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"The world needs more people like you who care enough to avoid single-use plastics." Colony Co. is an American-owned small business founded by a husband-and-wife team that place a high value sustainability and living plastic-free. These unbleached bags are free of harmful chemicals, but made with quality stitching to make them durable. They are machine washable.

Colony Co. Reusable Produce Bags (Set of 9) ($40, Amazon)

Ecozoi Plant-Based Cleaning Brush Set

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Save the planet and save the oceans, but most importantly, stay healthy. Ecozoi’s mission is to redefine lifestyle with eco-safe and healthy productsr. These brushes are made from sisal, coconut fibers, and bamboo that are naturally grown. An alternative to throwaway plastic brushes.

With every purchase made, this woman-owned business helps support reforestation, coral reef restoration, and alleviate poverty by sourcing products from local artisans.

Ecozoi Plant Based Cleaning Brush Set ($23, Amazon)

Reusable Paperless Towels (Pack of 12)

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Reusable paper towels are a simple way to reduce waste in the kitchen. Use them for drying hands, cleaning up spills, drying dishes, and other tasks like wringing juice out of fruits and veggies. The handmade towels come in 15 different colors.

 Reusable Paperless Towels (Pack of 12) ($14.75, Etsy)