During the summer, it can be tempting to order takeout or delivery to avoid spending time in a hot kitchen. However, this can get expensive. To compare the cost of takeout to meal kits and prepared meal services, an analysis was done in 2024. The average cost of a restaurant takeout meal was found to be around $13, while delivery can cost significantly more due to additional fees. Meal kits like EveryPlate and Blue Apron offer an average cost per serving of $7, making them a more affordable option compared to takeout.
When comparing the cost of meal kits to takeout, it was found that budget-friendly options like EveryPlate and Dinnerly cost roughly half as much as a typical takeout meal. Even with added fees, delivery can cost three times as much as the cheapest meal kit service. Choosing the cheapest plan from meal kit services can lead to even greater savings, with the cheapest plans being about one-third the cost of takeout on average.
Prepared meal services, such as Fresh N Lean and CookUnity, offer a closer match to takeout and delivery in terms of convenience. These services are generally cheaper than takeout, with prices ranging from $6 to $14 per serving depending on the company. By choosing a service like Mosaic Foods, which offers larger family-size meals at $6 per portion, significant savings can be achieved over traditional takeout options.
When it comes to healthiness, meal delivery and meal kits provide more control over the ingredients and nutritional information of your meals compared to takeout. With meal kits, you have the opportunity to make more informed decisions about your diet by seeing the ingredients and nutritional information upfront. While meal kits require some cooking, they often come with pre-measured ingredients and prepped components to simplify the process.
In conclusion, meal kits and prepared meal delivery services can be a cost-effective and healthier alternative to traditional takeout options. By choosing the right service, you can save money, control your diet, and potentially improve your eating habits. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly meal kit or a convenient prepared meal service, there are plenty of options available to make mealtime easier and more enjoyable during the summer months.
