Planning & Prep
Refine your routine with tips to get you through the week. Learn about the connection between grocery lists and budgeting, find lunchtime inspo, understand food labels & more.
Planning & Prep
What is Meal Planning and Why is It Important?
Meal planning sounds like a simple habit to get into, and for people who have always done it, it's something that probably comes pretty naturally. Indeed, for habitual meal planners, the idea of not planning out what they and their families are going to eat before visiting the grocery store is probably unnerving. But if you were a habitual meal planner, you wouldn't be reading…...
Oct 8, 2021
Planning & Prep
How To Read Food Labels: Guide to Nutrition Labels
Sooner or later, most of us will reach a stage in our lives when we start paying closer attention to what we’re putting in our bodies. Moderation is key, but eating a well-balanced diet isn’t…...
Sep 22, 2021
Planning & Prep
21 Toddler Lunch Box Ideas for Quick, Healthy Meals
Making these healthy, delicious meals with your child doesn’t have to be stressful. These 21 toddler lunch box ideas will get you inspired and excited about meal prep so you can stop worrying about that…...
Sep 16, 2021![Grams to mL Converter [Cooking Calculator + Charts]](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/grams-to-ml-hero-447x224.jpg)
Planning & Prep
Grams to mL Converter [Cooking Calculator + Charts]
Quick Answer How many mL are in a gram? 1 mL equals 1 g when measuring pure water. Every ingredient has a different density, which results in various conversion amounts. Baking and cooking should be…...
Sep 28, 2023
Planning & Prep
64 Best Salad Toppings for a Delicious Meal
Tired of eating the same old salad? It's time to mix up your salad toppings for some textural and flavor variety! Toppings like tortilla strips, croutons and nuts offer a pleasant crunch, while creamy, salty…...
Dec 2, 2023
Planning & Prep
How To Use an Air Fryer for Perfectly Crispy Results
An air fryer is a wonderful addition to any kitchen and a healthy substitute for deep frying. Also great for roasted vegetables and cooking quick appetizers, an air fryer works like a convection oven without…...
Jun 22, 2022
Planning & Prep
How To Ripen Avocados: Quick & Easy Tips
Avocados have a creamy texture and rich flavor, making them one of the most delicious fruits to eat by themselves or in classic dishes. From guacamole for game day to avocado BLTs for lunch on…...
Jan 23, 2024
Planning & Prep
Ingredient Weight Chart: Common Food Conversions
It’s no surprise that baking and cooking involve multiple steps — you have to measure each ingredient accurately to ensure the recipe turns out right. While a few extra chocolate chips or a sprinkle of…...
Jan 9, 2024
Planning & Prep
Turkey Cooking Time Calculator: Thawing, Stuffing & Roasting Explained
Turkey…check! Stuffing…check! Roasting pan…check! It’s time to make the tastiest feast for your loved ones to enjoy. But, wait! How long should you cook your turkey? How do you thaw your meat? Thankfully, we have…...
Nov 21, 2022
Planning & Prep
Oil-to-Butter Conversion: Guide to Butter Substitutes
Pausing your cooking to convert ingredients is never fun. Perhaps your recipe calls for oil, but you only have butter in your fridge. What happens if you’re making pancakes and you only have oil? Thankfully,…...
Nov 10, 2023