Faced with rising costs of living and higher prices for customers at grocery stores, some people are opting to get creative with their meal preparation, sourcing food in bulk from popular restaurants that offer catering services. I am choosing.
From Chipotle to Texas Roadhouse to Cheddar’s to Jason’s Deli, thrifty TikTokers share their tips for preparing meals without cooking, and sometimes saving money on the ingredients you need. increase.
One TikToker, A McLean (@amclean), is looking at special family menus at various restaurants and eateries as an option for meal prep. In her latest article, Panda Express family meals calculated her claim that for $36 she could make 8 individual meals.
“For me, who has been doing this every Monday so far, this is really great. 10 out of 10 would recommend it,” she said in the clip.
With no other means of contact, the Daily Dot reached out to McLean through comments on the video.
@amclean Thank you (*´꒳`*) #Meal Prep Monday # Preparing take-out meals ♬ Cruel Summer – Taylor Swift
Multiple commenters shared that buying ingredients for their meals at the grocery store, or buying meals individually, has resulted in higher prices.
“I just bought basic groceries and produce for $100, so I might switch,” wrote one commenter.
“I love the idea, especially given the price of food right now,” said another. “But I won’t eat after the second day. I’m very concerned about food safety.”
“I can’t believe it’s so much cheaper than cooking at home,” added one-third.
Others suggested some family meal options McLean should try in the ongoing series.
“O’Charley’s now sells chicken tender family meals for $25!” one commenter wrote. “We always get him 30+ bids, two family sides and a roll before tipping him for $27.50.”
“I’ve had this at Outback Steak House,” commented another. “Salad started wilting and browning by day 3. But a decent amount for the price. 9/10 will try again.”
“The food at the Panera family is great. There are several options,” recommended another user. “You get four half sandwiches, a generous salad, a quart of soup, a generous baguette, and a cookie for $40.”
We crawl the web so you don’t have to.
Subscribe to the Daily Dot newsletter to receive the best and worst of the internet in your inbox every day.
*First published: May 24, 2023 at 9:27 AM CDT
Brooke Schoberg
Brooke Sjoberg is a freelance writer for the Daily Dot. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2020 with a BA in Journalism.