Precision Meal Prep Kit with Compostable Portion Packaging
We set out to create a smarter, sustainable meal prep solution that makes home cooking easier, reduces waste, and keeps ingredients organized and portioned perfectly. Leveraging AI-assisted research and consumer insights, we explored how to design a system that combines convenience, clarity, and environmental responsibility. The resulting concept addresses the frustrations of busy households while supporting sustainable habits in everyday cooking.
The Challenge
How might we design a smarter, waste-reducing packaging system that simplifies home cooking, ensures portion control, and eliminates unnecessary plastic?
The Insight
Modern consumers crave convenience but are increasingly aware of food waste and sustainability. Meal kits help, but they’re bulky, over-packaged, and often not designed for long-term habits or small-living lifestyles.
The Problem
Traditional meal kits are often bulky, over-packaged, and generate significant plastic and food waste. Prepping ingredients at home can be time-consuming, confusing, and messy, especially for small households or those living in apartments. Consumers increasingly demand systems that simplify cooking, prevent food spoilage, and reduce environmental impact, yet existing solutions rarely deliver on all these fronts.
Concept Development
Through iterative ideation, sketching, and prototyping, we explored modular, flat-packed meal kit formats with individual, compostable ingredient pods. We evaluated different materials—such as molded fiber and seaweed film—for biodegradability, ease of use, and freshness preservation. Designs integrated visual recipe cues, QR-based step-by-step videos, and functional packaging that transforms into a prep workspace with sorting trays and cutting surfaces. Each iteration was tested for portion accuracy, user experience, and waste reduction, ensuring the final kit was practical, engaging, and fully aligned with sustainable living principles.
Solution & Outcome
A flat-packed, modular meal prep system that includes pre-sliced, vacuum-sealed ingredients in biodegradable, compostable pods, each labeled with prep steps and cooking times. The outer package folds open into a cutting mat and includes a pop-up sorting tray for mise en place. Once you’re done, the entire kit (minus the food) goes into compost. Ideal for smaller households, apartment living, or cooking on the go (Airbnbs, vanlife, etc.).
Elegant flat format for easy shipping/storage
100% compostable inner pods made of molded fiber or seaweed film
Built-in visual recipe cues + QR video guides
Designed to reduce food waste and prep stress
