Convenience is key, but is it worth the cost? Weekly meal subscription boxes, like Blue Apron and HelloFresh have become increasingly popular over the past few years. These food services allow users to choose up to four meals per week from a variety of vegetarian and classic meal options – and all of them are delivered in a refrigerated box at your doorstep. This type of service is designed to save people time and money. Each meal contains the ingredients needed for the recipes in exact measurements. This saves people time in the kitchen, proving that each meal can be made in approximately 30-40 minutes with minimal preparation. Recipes change each week, but some examples are Swedish Meatloaves, Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto, Blackened Tilapia Tacos and Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Lemon Tomato Linguine. So is a meal service worth the cost? Let’s break it down.
Do I have time to go grocery shopping?
Grocery shopping takes more time than we think. By the time you drive to the store, browse the aisles, fill up your cart and check out, an hour or more have passed – and let’s not even talk about how time consuming food superstores like Costco and Sam’s Club are. If you have a full schedule, you may want to consider a meal subscription service.
Do I throw away a lot of leftovers?
Food subscription services aim to reduce waste by providing exact amounts and measurements. That means you don’t have leftover parsley or spices that you may never use again. If you’ve been throwing away groceries that rot quickly, a meal subscription box may be a perfect way for you to decrease waste, while still enjoying delicious, home cooked meals.
What’s the cost?
Grocery shopping can result in a small bill or a big one – depending on how many times you stray from your list. Like, the Cheetos you pass on Aisle 10 that aren’t on your list, but look cheesy and delicious. A meal subscription box can cost anywhere from $60-120 per week, depending on how many people you’re feeding and how many times per week you are cooking. Essentially, a subscription will cost approximately $10 per meal, which could save you big bucks if you’re an impulse shopper.
Fast vs. Fresh
While you may be tempted to pick up fast food every night, remember: meal subscriptions are designed to provide fresh and interesting meals, while also giving you an opportunity to try a new recipe. If you’re a dollar menu diner, you may want to try a healthier alternative with a food service. So, to answer our question…yes, food subscriptions are worth the cost if you are also looking to save time in your busy schedule. However, if you have time to grocery shop and make a strategic plan for your ingredients, a subscription box may not make financial sense for you. Whatever you choose, make sure you enjoy the meal. Happy eating!