Are meal kit subscriptions really worth the hype?
Kevin Hall
Sep 25th, 2024
·4min read
Sep 25th, 2024
·4min read
Meal kit subscriptions like Blue Apron, HelloFresh, and EveryPlate have become household names over the past few years. The allure is undeniable—curated recipes, fresh ingredients, and the promise of saving time in the kitchen. These services cater to those looking to simplify mealtime, eat healthier, or just try something new. But like all subscription-based services, the big question remains: Are meal kit subscriptions really worth the hype?
Let’s break down the benefits, potential downsides, and how to manage your meal kit subscriptions effectively to decide if they are worth the investment.
One of the most appealing aspects of meal kit subscriptions is the convenience factor. Busy professionals, parents, or those simply short on time can benefit greatly from having ingredients delivered to their doorstep. With no need to plan meals, make grocery lists, or hunt for specific ingredients, the convenience alone can justify the cost for many.
Moreover, the time saved by skipping trips to the grocery store is valuable. Meal kits allow you to get home-cooked meals on the table faster, which can be a lifesaver for those with hectic schedules.
Food waste is a growing issue, with households throwing away significant portions of the groceries they buy. Meal kit subscriptions often help combat this problem by delivering perfectly portioned ingredients, reducing the likelihood of excess food being discarded. This is particularly beneficial for people who find themselves tossing out half-used ingredients like herbs, sauces, or specialty items that spoil quickly.
If you’re stuck in a cooking rut or hesitant to try new recipes, meal kits can be an excellent way to improve your culinary skills. Many subscribers rave about how meal kits expose them to new flavors, techniques, and ingredients they wouldn’t typically buy or cook with.
By following the provided recipes, even novice chefs can prepare gourmet-style meals at home, and the variety of dishes ensures you don’t fall into the habit of cooking the same meals over and over.
Many meal kit companies offer healthy, balanced meal plans that cater to various dietary preferences—vegan, vegetarian, low-carb, and gluten-free, to name a few. This can make it easier for individuals to maintain healthy eating habits without the stress of planning meals or counting calories. For those aiming to eat clean or follow a specific diet, meal kits can simplify the process of sticking to your goals.
While meal kits can help reduce food waste and save time, they typically cost more than traditional grocery shopping. Depending on the service and meal selection, subscribers can expect to pay between $8 and $12 per serving. For comparison, cooking at home with groceries can average around $4-$5 per meal.
If you’re someone who regularly prepares meals from scratch, the cost of a subscription may feel high. However, for those who frequently dine out or order takeout, meal kits can be a more affordable alternative while still offering convenience.
Another common complaint is the environmental impact of the packaging. While most services are committed to using recyclable materials, the volume of packaging required to keep ingredients fresh (like ice packs, insulated liners, and individual ingredient wrappers) can add up quickly. For eco-conscious consumers, this waste can be a significant drawback.
Meal kit subscriptions can lack flexibility in terms of dietary restrictions or specific preferences. While many companies offer options for certain diets, they may not accommodate all dietary needs, and customizing meals can sometimes be challenging.
Additionally, subscribers need to stay vigilant about skipping or canceling deliveries if they’ll be away or simply don’t need a box for the week. Failing to manage your subscription effectively can result in unwanted deliveries and charges.
The decision to subscribe to a meal kit service largely depends on your lifestyle, budget, and cooking habits. If you’re someone who values convenience, enjoys trying new recipes, and is willing to spend a bit more for pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, then meal kits can be a fantastic option. They take the guesswork out of meal planning and can be a more economical and healthier alternative to takeout.
However, if you’re a savvy grocery shopper who enjoys finding deals and doesn’t mind putting in the time to plan meals, meal kits might feel overpriced and unnecessary.
Like any subscription, meal kits require careful management to ensure you’re not paying for services you don’t need. SubTracked helps users stay on top of their subscriptions, offering tools to avoid unwanted charges. With SubTracked’s subscription renewal calendar and notifications, you can easily pause or cancel deliveries when needed. Additionally, you can track your spending on subscriptions like meal kits to ensure they’re aligning with your budget.
For anyone exploring meal kit services, tools like SubTracked can be a game-changer, ensuring you only pay for what you need and avoid costly surprises.
Meal kit subscriptions offer a blend of convenience, variety, and healthier eating options, but they also come with a higher price tag and potential environmental drawbacks. Whether they’re worth the hype depends on your individual needs and lifestyle. For those ready to streamline their meal planning, manage their subscriptions effectively with a service like SubTracked, and experiment in the kitchen, meal kits can be a valuable investment.
Ready to try out a meal kit but unsure of the commitment? Start tracking your subscription with SubTracked today to stay in control of your spending and ensure you’re making the most of your meal kit experience.