Dollar Tree sells enough meal prep tools to build a full starter kit for under $10, with most items running around $1.25 each.

Meal prepping helps you save money on food, but the tools to start can add up fast. This site exists to explain money news like this in plain terms, because you shouldn't need a dictionary just to understand how to save a few bucks. Here are seven cheap finds that make meal prep easier without breaking your budget.

1. Storage containers. A two-pack of Rubbermaid Take Alongs square plastic containers is great for portioning lunches, storing chopped food, and keeping leftovers neat.
2. Kitchen shears. Cooking Concepts stainless steel shears have 7.5-inch blades. They're dishwasher-safe and good for trimming meat, chopping herbs, or opening tough packaging.
3. Measuring cup and spoon set. This white plastic set from Cooking Concepts helps you measure ingredients the right way every time.
4. Large measuring cup. A 4-cup clear plastic measuring cup is handy for mixing sauces, dressings, or bigger batches of food.
5. Glass canning jars. These work for canning fruits, vegetables, sauces, jams, soups, and stews. You can also use them to store homemade dressings in the fridge.
6. Mesh strainer. A small Cooking Concepts strainer costs just over a dollar and works well for rinsing berries, draining beans, or washing rice.
7. Mini mixing bowls. This three-pack of stainless-steel bowls comes in three sizes, from 5.5 inches to 6.875 inches. They're good for beating eggs, mixing dips, or prepping small batches of sauce.

What this means for you

You do not need to spend a lot to start meal prepping. With a handful of cheap tools, you can portion food, measure ingredients, and store leftovers without wasting money on fancy kitchen gear.

1. Make a list of the meal prep tools you actually need before you shop.
2. Stick to a budget, like $10, so you don't overspend on extras.
3. Check prices in store since Dollar Tree notes that costs and stock can change.

If you're ready to start saving on groceries, head to your nearest Dollar Tree and pick up these seven items to build your own meal prep kit for less than $10.

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