Batch cooking to save time and money

Batch cooking means making larger amounts of food and saving portions for later. It can help you cut costs, reduce waste and make healthy eating easier on busy days.

Choose simple recipes

Meals such as soups, stews, chilli, pasta sauces and curries are often well suited to batch cooking. They are usually made from affordable ingredients and can be easy to freeze.

Why batch cooking can help

• You buy ingredients more efficiently
• You spend less time cooking each day
• You are less likely to rely on takeaways or ready meals
• You can control ingredients and portion sizes

Store food safely

Cool cooked food as quickly as possible, then store it in the fridge or freezer in clearly labelled containers. Reheat food thoroughly before eating.

Keep portions practical

Freezing meals in single portions can make them easier to use. This is helpful for lunches or evenings when you do not feel like cooking.

Build confidence gradually

You do not need to batch cook everything at once. Start with one extra meal each week and build from there if it works for you.