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.
![What is Meal Planning and Why is It Important?](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/meal-plan-paper-828x414.jpg)
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![How to Store Knives: The Pros and Cons of Popular Options](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/stored-knives-447x224.jpg)
Planning & Prep
How to Store Knives: The Pros and Cons of Popular Options
A high-quality knife is an important kitchen tool. When kept sharp, your kitchen knives will make preparing meals much easier and safer. Some knives can be quite expensive, so when you invest in good ones,…...
Apr 1, 2022![Do Spices Go Bad? Guide To How Long Spices Will Last](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/spices-counter-447x224.jpg)
Planning & Prep
Do Spices Go Bad? Guide To How Long Spices Will Last
If you’re like most people, you probably have a stash of spices in your cabinet that you’ve had for what seems like forever. While having a well-stocked selection of spices can help you create some…...
Mar 30, 2022![Essential Knives and Knife Skills You Need in the Kitchen](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/knife-cutting-3-447x224.jpg)
Planning & Prep
Essential Knives and Knife Skills You Need in the Kitchen
Having a handy-dandy collection of kitchen knives is essential for any home or professional kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, here is everything you need to know about basic knife skills. Knife skill #1:…...
Mar 21, 2022![What Is an Air Fryer? A Complete Guide to Your Searing Questions](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/airfryer-1-447x224.jpg)
Planning & Prep
What Is an Air Fryer? A Complete Guide to Your Searing Questions
Move over, deep fryer: there's a new kitchen gadget in town. Air fryers are quickly becoming one of the most popular appliances, with chefs and home cooks relying on them to prepare delicious meals. But…...
Mar 17, 2022![What Is a Meal Train and How Does It Work?](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/prepped-food-447x224.jpg)
Planning & Prep
What Is a Meal Train and How Does It Work?
What is a meal train? A meal train is a system where a network of family members or friends band together to schedule, prepare, and deliver meals for somebody who needs a little extra help. They can…...
Jan 20, 2022![How to Set a Table for Dinner: Everything You Need to Know](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/table-setting-1-447x224.jpg)
Planning & Prep
How to Set a Table for Dinner: Everything You Need to Know
Whether you're hosting a lavish dinner party or a casual get-together, knowing how to set a table for dinner will give your event a touch of class. Walking into a room where the table is…...
Mar 8, 2022![Easy Road Trip Food Ideas for Your Next Travel Adventure](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/road-trip-food-447x224.jpg)
Planning & Prep
Easy Road Trip Food Ideas for Your Next Travel Adventure
No road trip is complete without packed food. You have to consider everyone’s dietary requirements and also come up with suitable food ideas that are healthy, tasty, and last for a while. You also want…...
Feb 24, 2022![Baby Food Organizer Ideas + Quick & Easy Tips](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/baby-food-cover-447x224.jpg)
Planning & Prep
Baby Food Organizer Ideas + Quick & Easy Tips
Storing and organizing baby food helps ensure that your child will get the freshest food possible. Whether you are putting the food inside a cabinet, refrigerator, or freezer, organizing the items properly can help minimize waste. Here…...
Feb 23, 2022![How to Clean Pans of Any Type Effortlessly](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/clean-pans-1-447x224.jpg)
Planning & Prep
How to Clean Pans of Any Type Effortlessly
If you've ever had a momentary distraction in the kitchen and left a pan on the stove too long, let something boil dry, or burnt your food completely, you'll know how hard it is to get…...
Feb 15, 2022