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![13 Simple Sour Cream Substitutes for Any Recipe](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/sour-cream-sub-hero-447x224.jpg)
Planning & Prep
13 Simple Sour Cream Substitutes for Any Recipe
Ever find yourself in the middle of cooking to find you don’t have a key ingredient on hand? Instead of having to run to the store, knowing what substitutes will work in its place can…...
Feb 24, 2023![Recipe Converter Calculator: How To Scale Your Recipes](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/recipe-converter-hero-447x224.jpg)
Planning & Prep
Recipe Converter Calculator: How To Scale Your Recipes
Found a great recipe but the portions are way too large? While leftovers are never a bad thing (cold pizza for breakfast, anyone?), we understand if you want to scale down your recipe. Our recipe…...
Apr 24, 2024![Steak Cooking Chart: Your Guide to the Perfect Sear](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/steak-cooking-chart-hero-447x224.webp)
Planning & Prep
Steak Cooking Chart: Your Guide to the Perfect Sear
Nailing that ideal steak finish at home can be a real guessing game, especially if you’re new to the grill or experimenting with different cuts and cooking methods. This article will break down everything you…...
May 7, 2024![Dry to Cooked Pasta Calculator: How To Convert Pasta](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/dry-pasta-cooking-hero-447x224.webp)
Planning & Prep
Dry to Cooked Pasta Calculator: How To Convert Pasta
There’s something so comforting about indulging in a large bowl of pasta — the al dente texture paired with your favorite sauce brings warmth with every bite. But do you feel like you’re making too…...
Apr 24, 2024![15+ Best Butter Substitutes for Baking and Cooking](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/butter-substitutes-hero-447x224.jpg)
Planning & Prep
15+ Best Butter Substitutes for Baking and Cooking
Butter, the golden ambassador of richness and flakiness, is a mainstay in the world of baking. From decadent cookies to fluffy cakes, its magic touch elevates countless recipes. But what happens when you reach for…...
Jun 21, 2024![Pounds to Cups Converter [Cooking Calculator + Charts]](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pounds-cups-calculator-hero-447x224.webp)
Planning & Prep
Pounds to Cups Converter [Cooking Calculator + Charts]
Quick Answer How many pounds are in a cup? 1 pound generally equals 2 cups, but you’ll need the ingredient density for a more accurate measurement. Measuring ingredients for a recipe should be straightforward, but…...
May 23, 2024![Grams to Cups Converter [Cooking Calculator + Charts]](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/hero-1-447x224.jpg)
Planning & Prep
Grams to Cups Converter [Cooking Calculator + Charts]
Quick Answer How many grams are in a cup? There are 250 grams in 1 cup according to the metric system. Measuring cup? Check! Baking dish? Check! Dry and liquid ingredients? Check! It’s time to…...
Jan 24, 2023![Guide to Grocery Delivery for Seniors](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/grocery-delivery-for-seniors-hero-447x224.jpg)
Planning & Prep
Guide to Grocery Delivery for Seniors
Hot and cold food products, ready-to-eat meals and personal care and health products should be available to everyone — including those who can’t make it to the store themselves. As you enter your golden years,…...
Apr 10, 2024![What Is Sous Vide? Guide to Sous Vide Cooking](https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/what-is-sous-vide-hero-447x224.webp)
Planning & Prep
What Is Sous Vide? Guide to Sous Vide Cooking
Lately, it seems like you can’t turn on a cooking show or browse through Pinterest without coming across the term “sous vide.” This cooking trend, which was once reserved for professionals, has become popular thanks…...
Apr 27, 2022