Meal prep mania: how busy Americans are saving time and money one container at a time
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jun 26, 2025, 21:06 IST
( Image credit : TIL Creatives, TOIGLOBAL )
Meal prepping has exploded in popularity, transforming from a fitness fad into a mainstream lifestyle hack driven by social media and economic pressures. Individuals and businesses alike are embracing this trend to save time, manage budgets, and promote healthier eating habits.
Why Everyone’s Obsessed With Meal Prep
From college students to corporate moms, meal prepping has gone mainstream in America. What started as a fitness trend is now a time-saving, budget-smart lifestyle hack. With grocery prices still high in many U.S. cities, people are planning and packing their meals with military-level precision.
TikTok, Pinterest, and the Prep Revolution
Social media has fueled the craze. On TikTok alone, #MealPrep has over 6.3 billion views, with creators turning leftovers into gourmet-style bento boxes and fridge-friendly meals. Pinterest boards overflow with color-coded containers and weekly plans that promise fewer drive-thru trips and more balanced eating.
From Kitchen Chaos to Organized Zen
Meal prepping doesn’t just help your waistline—it clears mental clutter. “When I meal prep, I don’t stress about what to cook after work,” says Amanda White, a Chicago-based nurse. “It’s a lifesaver during night shifts.”
Businesses Jumping In
Meal prep delivery startups like Trifecta, Freshly, and Factor are thriving. Even grocery giants like Kroger and Whole Foods now offer pre-portioned meal prep kits. It’s a booming industry that blends convenience with health-conscious living.
How to Start Your Own Prep Routine
Meal prep isn't just a Sunday ritual anymore—it's a lifestyle shift rooted in control, comfort, and care. As Americans juggle work, wellness, and rising costs, the power of a packed lunch is being rediscovered—one meal at a time.
From college students to corporate moms, meal prepping has gone mainstream in America. What started as a fitness trend is now a time-saving, budget-smart lifestyle hack. With grocery prices still high in many U.S. cities, people are planning and packing their meals with military-level precision.
TikTok, Pinterest, and the Prep Revolution
Social media has fueled the craze. On TikTok alone, #MealPrep has over 6.3 billion views, with creators turning leftovers into gourmet-style bento boxes and fridge-friendly meals. Pinterest boards overflow with color-coded containers and weekly plans that promise fewer drive-thru trips and more balanced eating.
From Kitchen Chaos to Organized Zen
Meal prepping doesn’t just help your waistline—it clears mental clutter. “When I meal prep, I don’t stress about what to cook after work,” says Amanda White, a Chicago-based nurse. “It’s a lifesaver during night shifts.”
Businesses Jumping In
Meal prep delivery startups like Trifecta, Freshly, and Factor are thriving. Even grocery giants like Kroger and Whole Foods now offer pre-portioned meal prep kits. It’s a booming industry that blends convenience with health-conscious living.
How to Start Your Own Prep Routine
- Plan meals for 3–4 days max to keep things fresh
- Invest in reusable glass containers
- Batch cook proteins, grains, and veggies
- Don’t forget sauces—they make repeat meals exciting
Meal prep isn't just a Sunday ritual anymore—it's a lifestyle shift rooted in control, comfort, and care. As Americans juggle work, wellness, and rising costs, the power of a packed lunch is being rediscovered—one meal at a time.