All recipes are rated using a rating system based around trying to accurately assess the potential usefulness of each recipe for someone interested in using them for meal prep. Below are concise explanations for how every rating standard works:

 

Price Rating:

• What it Measures: Total ingredient cost, based on Safeway pricing.

• Goal: Stay under a $40 budget cap.

• Scoring: Higher ratings go to meals that are significantly below the cap or use budget-friendly ingredients efficiently.

Ease of Cooking Rating:

• What it Measures: Time, tools, and complexity required to prepare the meal.

• Goal: Minimize cooking time, steps, and need for appliances.

• Scoring: Higher ratings go to recipes with simple, clear prep that avoid complex techniques or equipment.

Meal Prep Usefulness Rating:

• What it Measures: How well the meal holds up over several days and its convenience for repeat servings.

• Goal: Stay fresh, portable, and enjoyable for 3–5 days.

• Scoring: Higher ratings go to meals that require no reheating, have good texture longevity, and are easy to portion.

Macronutrient Rating:

• What it Measures: Nutritional balance, especially protein, healthy fats, carbs, and sugar per 250-calorie serving.

• Goal: Provide a solid nutritional base per serving for various goals (e.g. energy, satiety, or leanness).

• Scoring: Higher ratings go to meals with a well-rounded macro profile; points off for high sugar or low protein unless otherwise justified.