How to use this calculator
Start by listing each ingredient in your recipe. For every ingredient, enter the quantity you use, select the unit of measurement, and type in the cost per unit (what you pay per ounce, pound, can, etc.). Click “Add ingredient” to add more rows as needed.
Set how many servings your recipe makes and how many meals per week you plan to replace with home-cooked food. Enter your typical eating-out cost per meal for comparison. The calculator instantly shows your cost per serving, savings per meal, and projected savings over time.
Average meal costs: home vs. restaurant
| Meal Type | Home Cost | Restaurant Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast (eggs, toast, fruit) | $1.50 to $3 | $8 to $14 | ~75% |
| Lunch (sandwich or salad) | $2 to $4 | $10 to $16 | ~70% |
| Dinner (chicken & rice) | $3 to $5 | $12 to $22 | ~65% |
| Pasta dish | $1.50 to $3 | $12 to $18 | ~80% |
| Stir-fry with protein | $3 to $5 | $11 to $16 | ~65% |
| Soup or stew | $2 to $4 | $8 to $14 | ~70% |
| Burrito bowl | $2.50 to $4 | $10 to $14 | ~70% |
Getting started with meal prep
If you're new to meal prepping, start small. Pick two or three recipes you already enjoy cooking and make enough for the whole week. Most beginners find that Sunday afternoon is the best time to cook, giving them grab-and-go meals for the workweek ahead.
Focus on recipes that reheat well: grain bowls, soups, stews, casseroles, and stir-fries are all great starting points. Avoid dishes with ingredients that get soggy (like dressed salads or crispy breaded items) unless you plan to add those components fresh each day.
Invest in a good set of glass or BPA-free containers with tight-fitting lids. Portion each meal individually so you can grab one container in the morning without any extra work. Label containers with the date so you always eat the oldest meals first.
Frequently asked questions
How much money can you save by meal prepping?
Most people save between $100 and $300 per month by meal prepping instead of eating out or ordering delivery. The exact amount depends on what you cook, your local grocery prices, and how often you would otherwise eat out. A home-cooked meal typically costs $2 to $5 per serving, compared to $10 to $20 for a restaurant meal.
What is the average cost per serving for home-cooked meals?
The average cost per serving for a home-cooked meal ranges from $2 to $5, depending on the recipe and ingredients. Simple meals like pasta, rice and beans, or stir-fry tend to fall on the lower end, while meals featuring premium proteins or specialty ingredients cost more. Even at $5 per serving, home cooking is typically 50 to 70% cheaper than eating out.
How do you calculate the cost per serving of a recipe?
Add up the cost of every ingredient used in the recipe (quantity multiplied by cost per unit for each item), then divide the total by the number of servings the recipe makes. For example, if your ingredients total $16 and the recipe makes 4 servings, each serving costs $4.
Is meal prepping actually worth the time and effort?
For most people, yes. Beyond the financial savings of $100 to $300 per month, meal prepping saves time during busy weekdays, helps with portion control and healthier eating, and reduces the stress of deciding what to eat. Most meal preppers spend 2 to 3 hours on a weekend cooking for the entire week, which is less total time than cooking individual meals each day.