10 Meal Kits vs Grocery Shopping Tips to Save Money and Eat Better
Meal kits offer convenience with pre-portioned ingredients but come at a higher price compared to grocery shopping, which can be more economical if planned wisely.
Feeding a family of four is rewarding yet tough, with varied preferences, dietary needs, and a craving for diversity. Hence, the rise in meal kit popularity. Yet, with U.S. monthly food expenses reaching $779 in 2022, up from previous years, cost-effectiveness is a concern. We’ll explore if meal kits or grocery shopping offers better value.
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Unpacking the Costs of Meal Kits
With the convenience of meal kit services like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, and Home Chef, comes a higher price tag. On average, you’ll find yourself shelling out about $5 to $10 per serving. If you’re thinking this seems steep compared to a home-cooked meal made from groceries, you’re not alone. However, when we unpack these costs, they may not seem as daunting.
Have you ever bought a new spice or unique ingredient for a recipe only to use it once and leave it untouched in the pantry? This is where meal kits can often save you money. They provide just the right amount of each ingredient needed for your meals, preventing unnecessary spending on items that might go to waste. When you factor in the cost of buying ingredients in larger quantities at the grocery store, meal kits can sometimes prove to be more cost-effective.
In the video, KSDK News explains –
KSDK News
- Meal kits are a hot new trend for busy people and families. They provide pre-portioned ingredients and recipes delivered to your door.
- Companies like Blue Apron boast about reducing food waste since ingredients come in exact amounts needed.
- Meal kits may not always save money compared to grocery shopping yourself. Prices range from $50-60 for 4-6 meals.
- Blue Apron saved one couple $15 compared to their normal $75 grocery bill. HelloFresh only saved $2 over a $62 grocery total.
- Beyond cost, meal kits save time otherwise spent meal planning, grocery shopping, and prepping ingredients.
- Kits encourage people to cook more varied and nutrient-rich meals versus convenient fast food.
- They eliminate waste from spoilage by only delivering what’s needed for recipes.
- The convenience factor appeals to busy professionals and parents lacking time to grocery shop.
- Many kits allow you to pause or cancel subscriptions if you want flexibility.
- Grocery stores and restaurants now offer similar meal kit delivery services.
The Art of Grocery Shopping for a Family of Four
Making the most out of your grocery budget requires a bit of strategy. Planning meals ahead of time, making a detailed shopping list, and sticking to it is key. Bulk buying, sales, discounts, and loyalty programs can also significantly cut costs. However, this method demands time and effort, something not all families have in abundance.
Despite the effort, grocery shopping can indeed be more economical than meal kits. This is particularly true if you’re able to plan and prepare meals that make use of similar ingredients throughout the week or can use leftovers creatively. Moreover, the flexibility to substitute pricier items with less expensive alternatives is another advantage of grocery shopping.
Convenience is King: Meal Kits on the Throne
It’s no secret that time is money, and for many busy families, the convenience factor of meal kits is priceless. The hours you’d spend planning meals, grocery shopping, and prepping ingredients are condensed into a simple box delivered to your doorstep. For those juggling jobs, school runs, and extracurricular activities, this convenience may justify the extra cost of meal kits.
When it comes down to it, whether meal kits are worth it boils down to your valuation of time versus money. If your schedule is packed and you value the time saved by avoiding the grocery store and menu planning, meal kits could be a worthwhile investment. But if you have more time to spare and enjoy the process of shopping and cooking, then grocery shopping could be the more budget-friendly option.
Portion Perfection and Food Waste Face-Off
One significant advantage of meal kits is their portion control. Each box comes with just the right amount of ingredients needed for each recipe. This not only eliminates the guesswork in portioning but also significantly reduces food waste. After all, there are no leftovers if everything gets eaten!
When shopping at the grocery store, it can be tempting to buy in bulk or get swayed by promotions leading to excess food. Managing leftovers can also be a challenge. Unless properly planned, grocery shopping can lead to higher levels of food waste compared to meal kits.
Health and Nutrition in the Mix
For families concerned about nutrition, meal kits often offer well-balanced meals designed by dietitians. Some even offer organic and special dietary options. However, these health benefits come at a cost, often making these meal kits more expensive than their regular counterparts.
On the other hand, grocery shopping provides the flexibility to choose your ingredients and cater to your family’s specific nutritional needs. However, this requires knowledge and time to plan and prepare balanced meals. In comparison, meal kits might offer an easier route to healthy eating, albeit at a higher price point.
Catering to the Kids: Family-Friendly Food Fights
Kids can be picky eaters, and finding meals that please everyone can be a challenge. Meal kits often offer kid-friendly options that have been tested and approved by other families. On the flip side, grocery shopping allows for more flexibility and control over ingredients, which is useful when dealing with food allergies or particularly selective eaters.
One fun aspect of meal kits is the ability to try out new recipes and cuisines, which can be an exciting adventure for kids. Grocery shopping also offers versatility, but it might require more creativity and time to plan and prepare varied and exciting meals.
Delivery or Drive: The Value of Time
Having a box of deliciousness delivered right to your doorstep has its perks. Besides saving you from navigating crowded supermarket aisles, it provides you with everything you need to prepare a meal. However, delivery times can be unpredictable and you’ll need to be home to receive the box.
While a trip to the grocery store might seem straightforward, there are hidden costs. Think about the gas for your car, wear and tear, and not to mention the time it takes. These indirect costs add up over time and should be considered when comparing the total cost of meal kits versus grocery shopping.
