It seems like there are more and more of the meal kit delivery programs advertised each and every day. These programs are very appealing in our hurried society when cooking seems to be one more thing on the to-do list after a very busy day. The basic concept of these kits is that you are provided all the ingredients and the step-by-step recipe to prepare the meals at home. Some of the most popular ones include Blue Apron, Hello Fresh, Sun Basket, Home Chef, and Chef’d. Are these worth the expense for the convenience? Here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
1. Portion control. Unlike restaurants, these meals are designed to be closer in portions to the standard size servings.
2. Chef again. It gets you in the kitchen cooking but with the help of the step-by-step recipe and all the ingredients at your fingertips. I am always a fan of people preparing meals in their own kitchen so this is a great start if your kitchen has been virtually “closed” for a while.
3. Less waste. It is very frustrating when you want to try a new recipe and have to buy a larger quantity when your recipe only calls for 3 Tbsp. With these kits, you are only mailed what you need.
4. Variety. With these meal delivery kits, it will encourage you to try new recipes and new ingredients. This is wonderful when we tend to get stuck and prepare the same foods over and over again.
5. Time. Time is always a factor when meal prep is concerned so if you can save time by reducing time in the grocery store or prepping your ingredients for the meal.
Cons:
1. Pricey. The convenience of these kits does come at a cost. From what I can see, the average cost per person for meal is $10. This is more expensive than what you can do at home but it can be less expensive than a meal out at a restaurant when you factor in tip.
2. Healthy? Some of these kits do have options for you to select lower calorie plans or various meal plans such as Weight Watchers, gluten-free, or Paleo but not all of these kits are geared toward lower-calorie options.
Overall, I think these meal kits are a deal for those struggling to get meals prepared at home. This would be a great way to engage kids and to get them involved in the kitchen. Check out some of the websites, select the recipes that include varied vegetables, and see if your family can get back to some home-cooked meals!
