What To Look For
Meal planning software allows you to plan menus, make grocery lists and even manage recipes. Opt for a program that allows you to add your own recipes and offers ample room for growth over the years. When choosing meal planning software, choose one that works with your computer and operating system to make it as useful as possible for your household. Nutritional breakdowns, voice technology and specific recipe searching criteria can all make your meal planning software more useful.
Common Pitfalls
Most meal planning software is easy to use, even if you are not skilled with computers. You do need to make certain that the meal planning program you choose is compatible with your computer and operating system. Older systems may not be able to run current versions of meal planning programs, such as MasterCook. If your recipes are already entered in an older program, be certain that the new software you choose can import your recipes so your hard work doesn't go to waste.
Where To Buy
You can purchase meal planning software, such as MasterCook or Cook'n Recipe Organizer at electronics stores, discount stores or online. If you prefer to buy online, prominent retailer Amazon.com offers several meal planning programs at competitive prices. Amazon offers both older and newer versions of MasterCook, at different price points and a number of expansion options for Cook'n Recipe Organizer. Software is eligible for free shipping on purchases over $25 (as of August 2010).
Cost
Recipe and meal planning software can range in price from under $10 to as much as $80. Depending upon the program you choose, expansion options and additional cookbooks may be available, typically from $10 to $20. Basic and deluxe versions of EzyEating are available, with both versions under $20 (as of August 2010). Expansions add recipes to your collection, but do not change the overall function of your recipe and meal planning software.
Comparison Shopping
The Cook'n Recipe Organizer, Mastercook and EzyEating all allow you to generate menus and shopping lists. Both the Cook'n software and MasterCook allow you to add recipes and adjust serving sizes, as does the deluxe version of EzyEating. If nutritional breakdowns and analysis matters, select either MasterCook or the Cook'n program, as EzyEating does not allow you this option.
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