Ever grabbed a quick takeaway lunch only to be shocked at the total? You’re not alone. Aussies spend an average of $50 per week on bought lunches—that’s over $2,500 a year just on midday meals! And it’s not just adults—parents are spending big on school lunches too.
In Victoria, students spend an average of $8.77 per tuckshop order, while in New South Wales, the average is $7.02 per order. That adds up to $350 to $450 per student per year—just on tuckshop lunches!
The good news? Meal prepping can cut your lunch costs in half, while also reducing waste and ensuring healthier, more satisfying meals. With school kicking back off there’s never been a better time to start! Here’s how to make meal prep work for you - without breaking the bank.
1. Plan Ahead & Save More
The key to saving money is planning your meals in advance. Not only does this cut down impulse buys, but it also ensures you use up ingredients before they go bad.
💡 Tip: Use a Weekly Meal Planner to map out your lunches and create a smart shopping list.
2. Prep in Batches for Grab-&-Go Lunches
Cooking in bulk is one of the easiest ways to save money. Make a big batch of grain bowls, pasta salads, or soups and store them in portion-sized containers for the week ahead.
🌱 Essentials for easy batch cooking meal prep:
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- Lunchware Snack Containers – Perfect for portioning meals & snacks
- Stainless Steel Lunch Box – Your ultimate plastic-free meal prep companion
- Silicone Food Pouches & Glass Food Storage Containers – Store leftovers & keep food fresher for longer
- Wood Fibre Chopping Boards - Beat nano plastics getting into your food
3. Pack Your Lunch & Skip the Takeaway Temptation
When lunch is prepped and ready to go in the fridge the night before, you’re less likely to splurge on a $15 sandwich or $20 sushi roll. Instead, pack your meal in a reliable, leakproof container and enjoy a budget-friendly, homemade feast.
4. Go Plant-Based to Cut Costs & Waste
Did you know plant-based meals can be up to 40% cheaper than meat-heavy diets? Swapping just a few meals a week for veggie-packed lunches can save you money and lower your environmental impact.
🌱 Budget-friendly lunch ideas:
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- Chickpea & quinoa salad with tahini dressing
- Veggie-packed stir-fry with tofu & brown rice
- Lentil soup with crusty sourdough
- Homemade wraps with hummus, avocado & roasted veggies
For more inspiration, check out our FREE Ultimate Back to School Guide.
5. Invest in Reusable Lunchware & Save Long-Term
Ditching disposable packaging and single-use plastics isn’t just good for the planet - it’s good for your wallet, too! Buy Once, Buy Well is a saying you will hear around the Seed & Sprout office when designing our products! Investing in high-quality, reusable lunchware means you’ll spend less on plastic wrap, takeaway packaging, and paper bags & products that constantly break.
🌱 Our best-selling meal prep must-haves:
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- Stainless Steel Lunch Box – Your ultimate plastic-free meal prep companion
- Insulated Cooler Bags - Making your lunch easy to carry & maintain a healthy temperature
- Silicone Food Pouches & Glass Food Storage Containers – Store leftovers & keep food fresher for longer
- Reusable Glass Coffee Cup - Keeping your drinks hot or cold.
- Reusable Cutlery Set – Say goodbye to plastic utensils
Ready to Meal Prep & Save?
With a few simple swaps, you can save hundreds on lunches while still enjoying delicious, nutritious meals. Plus, with our eco-friendly Lunchware Range there’s never been a better time to start saving!
