Meal kits have gained popularity over the past decade, with services like EveryPlate, Blue Apron, and HelloFresh claiming cost savings compared to traditional grocery shopping. While some meal kits can be as low as $5 per serving, a comparison of two EveryPlate meals versus buying the groceries showed that grocery shopping was slightly cheaper. However, when considering the time and energy saved by using meal kits, they may present a better value overall.
The cost of meal kits versus buying groceries was calculated by pricing out the ingredients for two EveryPlate recipes using a popular online grocery service. EveryPlate, one of the cheapest meal kit services, offers plans ranging from $5 to $8 per serving. When factoring in shipping costs, a two-person plan from EveryPlate comes out to $7.48 per serving, while a plan for four costs $6.50 per serving. This slight difference in cost makes meal kits a convenient and economical option for many.
When analyzing the cost of specific recipes from EveryPlate compared to buying the ingredients at the store, the meals were around $2 more per serving through the meal kit service. However, with the convenience factor and minimal price difference, choosing a budget-friendly service like EveryPlate or Dinnerly makes meal kits an attractive choice. While meal kits may use more plastic packaging, companies like EveryPlate strive to minimize waste and use recyclable materials whenever possible.
Comparing the cost of various meal kit services, EveryPlate and Dinnerly stand out as the most affordable options, with prices ranging from $5 to $8 per serving. On the other end of the spectrum, premium meal kit services like Sunbasket and Green Chef can cost closer to $13 or $14 per serving due to higher-end ingredients. Services like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, and Home Chef offer meal kits in the mid-range, priced around $9 to $10 per serving. Ultimately, the choice between meal kits and traditional grocery shopping depends on individual budget, convenience, and sustainability preferences.
