Finance

Meal Prep vs Eating Out Cost Calculator

Built by Kevin Glover · @gloverbuilds · Verified formula

The annual cost of eating out vs cooking at home — the real number.

📅 Updated April 2026 ✅ Formula verified 📖 4 min read 🆓 Free · No sign-up

In this article

The real cost of eating out
Meal prep time investment

Restaurante self-service em SP: R$25-50/almoço. Marmita caseira: R$8-15. Economia mensal: R$500-1.500. Compre no atacarejo (Assaí, Atacadão), prepare grãos em panela de pressão, e use marmitas de vidro.

Refrigerada: 4-5 dias. Congelada: até 3 meses.

⚡ CalcWolf Insight

Americans spend an average of $3,639/year eating out (2026 BLS data). Households that meal prep 3+ days/week report saving $2,400–4,000/year.

Frequently asked questions

Quanto economizo?▾

R$23 por almoço × 22 dias = R$506/mês. Em um ano: R$6.072.

Quantos dias dura?▾

Refrigerada: 4-5 dias. Congelada: até 3 meses. Prepare dois blocos por semana.

Proteína barata para meal prep?▾

Ovo (mais barata por grama), frango sobrecoxa, sardinha em lata, feijão + arroz (proteína completa juntos).

Apps brasileiros de planejamento?▾

TudoGostoso, Tastemade e apps de supermercados (Carrefour, Extra) para acompanhar promoções.

✓ Math logic verified against primary sources → See our verification process

Kevin Glover · @gloverbuilds

Founder, CalcWolf · GLVTS · Blickr

All formulas sourced from primary references — IRS publications, peer-reviewed research, and official standards. Results are tested against independent reference calculators before publishing. Rates and brackets updated when official sources change. Editorial policy →