Meal delivery services promise fresh meals at your door, ready to heat and eat. But when it comes to your wallet, is this a smart choice? Will you end up saving money or blowing your budget? Let’s break down the real costs, hidden savings, and everyday trade-offs of meal delivery services.
What Are Meal Delivery Services Really Selling?
Meal delivery services offer prepared meals or meal kits. These come portioned and often require little work. They sell the idea of saving time, eating healthier, and enjoying more variety without the stress of meal planning.
It sounds simple: you choose meals, they send ingredients or cooked food, you eat. But simplicity often comes with a price tag.
How Meal Delivery Costs Stack Up
Compared to buying groceries or eating out, meal delivery services sit somewhere in the middle. Here’s what you’re paying for:
- Convenience: No shopping or meal planning
- Portion Control: No wasted food
- Time Saved: Less prep, less cleanup
Yet, the average cost per meal ranges from $8 to $15, depending on the service. That adds up to $56–$105 per week for five dinners — and that’s just dinners.
Eating out for dinner can easily cost $15–$30 per person. Groceries are less, but they take time to shop, prep, and cook.
Photo by cottonbro studio
Time Is Money: How Much Do You Really Save?
Think about what your time means to you. The hour you would spend planning groceries, driving to the store, and cooking — could you use that time for paid work or something you care about?
Say your time is valued at $15 an hour. If a service saves you four hours a week, that’s $60 worth of time back. Stack this value against the extra dollars spent on meal delivery.
Some people see this as a win. For others, especially if they enjoy cooking or have unpredictable schedules, the value isn’t always as clear.
What About Hidden Savings?
It’s easy to see the cost on your receipt. Hidden savings are harder to spot but just as real.
- Reduced Food Waste: Kits send only what you need. That bag of spinach doesn’t go bad in your fridge.
- Impulse Purchases: No tempting snacks or treats grabbed during a store run.
- Fewer Takeout Orders: Ready meals at home help avoid costly last-minute takeout.
These small savings add up over time, especially for busy families or anyone prone to overbuying groceries.
Limitations and Downsides
Meal delivery isn’t the right call for everyone. Here’s where things can fall short:
- Limited Dietary Needs: Some services don’t fit unique allergies or health goals.
- Subscription Commitments: You might pay for weeks you don’t use because plans auto-renew.
- Portion Size: Meals may be too small or too large, leading to hunger or waste.
- Lack of Skills Building: You’re not learning to cook, which can pay off in the long run.
It’s also important to factor in that most services cover only a few meals a week. You still need to handle breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
When Meal Delivery Makes Financial Sense
Meal delivery shines in certain situations:
- Busy schedules: You have little time to shop or cook.
- Short-term needs: Recovering from surgery, new parents, or travel.
- Budget for eating out: You often spend more on takeout than meal kits cost.
- Desire for variety: Tired of the same recipes every week.
If you fall in these categories, meal delivery might actually save you cash compared to takeout or restaurant dining.
How To Get the Most Value
To stretch your dollars and dodge regrets, try these tips:
- Start with a trial: Most services offer introductory deals.
- Stick to fewer meals: Use kits for busy nights and cook or batch prep the rest.
- Pause or skip weeks: Don’t let the subscription auto-renew if you won’t use it.
- Portion wisely: Split larger meals for lunch leftovers.
- Compare base groceries: Keep an eye on how much you actually save on shopping.
Take advantage of customization features to avoid wasted food — and always check for referral deals and loyalty discounts.
Conclusion: Should You Try It?
Meal delivery is not always cheaper than groceries. It can, however, be smarter if you’re actively spending more time or money on takeout, throwing out food, or losing hours you wish you had back. For some, the time savings and lower stress are worth the price. For others, meal kits stay an occasional treat.
Look at your spending habits and be honest about your needs. Try a week and check how it feels. The best financial choice balances your budget, your time, and your peace of mind.
If you’ve tried meal delivery, did it help your bottom line or drain your wallet? Share your story in the comments!