Meal prepping is an essential part of the cooking process. Many of us like to plan, and the digital age provides us with a host of helpful suggestions for saving time and money by preparing ahead.
But not all meal prep ideas are tasty, and many can lead to unpleasant results, so it pays to be aware of the potential pitfalls and stay away from these apparent money-savers.
1. Cheaper Cuts of Meat
This is a common suggestion for those on a budget who still want to cook rather than reheat a ready meal. Cheaper cuts don’t have to taste awful, but they must be cautiously approached. A cut, such as beef shin, requires long, slow cooking and a lot of patience. The money saved could be lost by the extended cooking period, and if you don’t get the timing right, the meat could be tough and disgusting.
2. Swap Ground Beef for Turkey
Home cooks will often suggest this switch. Turkey is a cheaper and healthier option than beef, and the ground version can be used in chili, bolognese, and a host of similar dishes. Unfortunately, ground turkey can be really tasteless by comparison, requiring a ton of seasoning to make an acceptable meal.
3. Use All the Meat
Being completely frugal would mean using up all the animal without any wastage. Offal is regarded as a delicacy by many, a term that covers kidneys, liver, and all manner of unsavory things. Frugality is always commendable, but you can count me out if you’re serving up cow’s stomach or pig’s head.
4. Corned Beef Hash
Among the many suggestions for money-saving ideas, those on a budget can also find cheap recipes. Corned beef hash is a popular, inexpensive meal, and while all of its parts are appetizing, you might not like the result. A mess of beef, mashed potatoes, and onions is not necessarily a tasty dish.
5. Frozen Shrimp
Not all frozen food tastes as good as the fresh option, and shrimp is the best example. Defrosted shrimp retains some water and has a soggy texture. Fresh shrimp is plump and delicious, though it’s best when prepared so you don’t have to do the deveining yourself.
6. Pancake Mix
We all love a time saver, but pancake mix may take the concept too far. It’s easy to whisk up some eggs, flour, and milk to make the real thing. The pre-mixed option has an inferior taste and is not even that cost-effective.
7. Preserved Fruit
Preserving fruit makes it last longer, but there’s a limit on what it can be used for. Anyone who’s been served a preserved lemon in a gin and tonic can attest that the kindest thing one can say is that the taste is “interesting.”
8. Batch Cook and Freeze
This may be a debatable inclusion, and meals may be fine the second time around, but they don’t taste the same as when they’re freshly made. Those of us who are short on time often aim to batch cook, but we secretly prefer to eat every meal as soon as it’s ready.
9. Air Fried Food
Air fryers are quicker than a conventional oven, and they’re great for reheating leftover pizza. However, when using it to cook, the end products can be dry and tasteless unless you use lots of oil and seasoning.
10. Powdered Mash
This is a common kitchen shortcut; even some professional chefs have admitted to using powdered mashed potatoes. However, while the packet version is acceptable, surely everyone would acknowledge that it’s not very good compared to the real thing.
11. Bulk Tinned Fruit and Vegetables
This is a definite money saver. Canned produce is cheaper and comes with a greater shelf life. The appeal is obvious, but the taste of tinned mushrooms, peas, carrots, pineapple, and many other products is incomparable to the superior flavors of their fresh counterparts.
12. Leftovers
We all want to waste less food, but this is another idea that should come with a warning. Some meals that use leftovers are simply disgusting, and the corned beef hash dish is a perfect example. Soups and smoothies are arguably the best option, but just remember, there’s always home composting.
13. Long Life Milk
Long Life UHT milk has a much greater shelf life than fresh milk, so it is technically cheaper in the long term. The downside is that it’s not very good compared to regular milk. If you’re looking for milk alternatives, lactose-free milk and oat milk also have a longer shelf life and can easily replace cow’s milk.
14. Stuffed Squash
It’s back to recipe suggestions now. Squashes are fun to grow at home, but what can you do with them when they’re ripe? A common suggestion is to stuff them with a savory ground beef mixture. In reality, squash takes a long time to prepare properly, and the visuals can be better than the end product.
15. Tofu
Tofu is a common protein choice for vegetarians and vegans. It may be cheap, but it’s an acquired taste. The texture is also slimy, and it takes a lot of trial and error to learn how to prepare it properly. Unless you’re committed to that life, steer clear.
16. Buy Local
Products with fewer food miles are kinder to the environment and can often be cheaper. But that doesn’t mean they will always taste better than a store-bought alternative from other parts of the world. If you’re purely concerned about taste, you should shop carefully.
17. Discounted Produce
This is another idea that should be approached cautiously. If you’re a shopper who waits for the yellow sticker to go onto a product, you may be a frugal hero. However, sooner or later, you will come across something that should be thrown in the garbage.
18. Garlic Powder
Fresh garlic might be tricky to chop finely enough, but the taste doesn’t compare, and the grainy texture of powdered garlic is a big turn-off. You can also find garlic pre-minced in a jar if you’d rather cut down on prep time.
19. Replacing Burger Buns
Buying bread in bulk can lead to waste, especially if you live alone. Suggested replacements for burger buns include mushrooms and lettuce leaves, which can be cheaper and healthier. But it just won’t feel like a burger without the buns.
20. Instant Noodles
Those instant pot snacks are only acceptable after a night out at the bar or during your college years. They’re quick and easy and provide some form of much-needed solid food. However, unless you take the time to load them with vegetables and protein, they’re not very nutritious.
21. Pre-shredded Cheese
Cheese tastes much better when grated, although it needs to be fresh. Packet versions are a time saver, but they are more expensive than some home chefs believe. It’s cost-effective to shred your cheese at home, and while the process is more labor-intensive, it’s worth it.
22. Processed Cheese Slices
It might bring you back to your childhood to make a grilled cheese sandwich with these. They’re certainly cheap, but they’re not very flavorful, and the individual packaging is wasteful. Consider upgrading if you’re in a cheesy mood.
23. The Cheapest Bread
One kitchen staple you can’t really compromise on is bread. The cheapest sliced white loaf may cost just a few cents, but its soggy texture is a no-go. This doesn’t mean you should buy the most expensive loaf, but bread is an item where you get what you pay for.
24. Powdered Gravy
Like powdered mashed potatoes, gravy powder’s grainy texture can potentially spoil any dish. It’s worth preparing your own using the meat juices, while a small splash of red wine adds a new depth of richness and flavor.