If you’re looking to save time in the kitchen but still enjoy delicious meals this summer, there are a variety of modern mealtime shortcuts available. Takeout and delivery may seem convenient, but the costs can add up quickly. Alternatively, meal kits and prepared meal services offer a convenient alternative, but are they cost-effective? To determine the answer, a comparison was made between the average cost of popular takeout meals in Brooklyn and the per-serving cost of meal kits and prepared meal services like EveryPlate, Blue Apron, Daily Harvest, and Factor. The results revealed how much cheaper a prepared meal or meal kit subscription can be compared to takeout or delivery in 2024.
Takeout meal costs vary depending on location, but on average, a meal costs around $13. By pricing out popular dishes in Brooklyn, the average cost per serving for restaurant takeout was found to be $12.90. This cost includes considerations for tipping the counter person, which can bring the cost up to $15. Additionally, delivery is significantly more expensive due to added service fees and charges, with the average cost per meal reaching $21.80. Despite the convenience of takeout, it can impact both your budget and diet negatively in the long run.
Meal kits offer a cost-effective alternative to takeout, with budget-friendly options like EveryPlate and Dinnerly costing roughly half the price of a typical takeout meal. Even when considering the added fees for delivery, meal kits are still significantly cheaper. By opting for the cheapest plans available through various services, savings can be even greater, with meal kits costing one-third the average price of takeout. Prepared meal services like Fresh N Lean and Factor are also more affordable than most orders of takeout and delivery, offering a convenient yet cost-effective option for busy individuals.
When comparing the healthiness of meal delivery services with takeout, meal kits and prepared meal services provide more opportunities for making healthier food choices. By selecting meals in advance and having access to detailed nutritional information, individuals are more likely to choose healthy, well-balanced options. Meal kits offer the convenience of pre-measured ingredients and simple cooking instructions, while prepared meal delivery services require minimal effort, similar to traditional takeout. By choosing the right meal delivery service, individuals can save money, time, and promote healthier eating habits.
In conclusion, meal kits and prepared meal delivery services can offer a more affordable and healthier alternative to traditional takeout. By comparing the cost per serving of meals from popular services like EveryPlate, Blue Apron, Daily Harvest, and Factor with the average cost of takeout and delivery, it becomes clear that meal kits and prepared meals are a cost-effective option. Additionally, these services provide opportunities to make healthier food choices through access to nutritional information and pre-portioned ingredients. Ultimately, choosing the right meal delivery service can help individuals save money, time, and support their overall well-being.
