The online meal kit delivery industry is expected to exceed $20 million in the US alone by 2026.
Meal delivery is the ultimate convenience. A few clicks get you a temperature-controlled box of pre-measured ingredients and beautifully designed recipe cards delivered to your doorstep.
But is it right for you?
If you end up ordering takeout most nights, a meal delivery service will save you money. The food in these kits is healthier than eating out, and most services have gluten-free, paleo, keto, and vegetarian options. A meal delivery subscription is also a great way of learning how to cook and discover new ingredients and flavors.
Experienced cooks and people who cook most meals at home probably don’t need this service. The kits are often double (usually $8 to $10 per serving) what you would spend if you planned the meal and purchased the ingredients on your own. Also, if you’re the type of cook who likes to improvise, you might feel hemmed in by the packaged ingredients and recipe cards. Finally, these kits include extensive packaging, so they are not the most environmentally-friendly choice.
Meal kits are a wonderful option for people who want a break from meal planning and shopping for a week or two, or if you’re unable to go shopping because of work or health issues. After using the meal service for a few months, you might decide you’re ready to try some of the meals on your own!
If you’ve used a meal kit, which one is your favorite?
