Are Meal Kits Worth It?

Are Meal Kits Worth It?

For busy families, young professionals, or just the home cook who wants to mimic a Pawleys Island restaurant style dinner, meal kits are becoming a popular kitchen go-to.  The kits are designed to make cooking at home easier, especially for those who don’t have time to spend strolling the aisles of the grocery store.

The value of the meal kits, however, is what’s up for debate. Would you be better off getting your ingredients the traditional way or even enjoying a dinner out at a local Pawleys Island seafood restaurant? Let’s dive into the story behind meal kits and determine when they’re worth the cost.

What Is A Meal Kit?

Meal kits are prepackaged, uncooked ingredients shipped to your home to allow you to create a portioned dinner without spending time in the grocery store. The kits allow shoppers to cook from home using the recipe cards sent in each box.

Different meal kits are available to fit your desired style. Whether you want to test fine dining recipes or something simpler for your large family, there are different brands that cater to your needs. Some meal kit companies offer vegan, organic, or Southern-style food menus.

Cost Of Meal Kits

The cost of a meal kit varies depending on the company you choose, number of portions, and particular recipe. In general, the meals typically range from $9 to $14 each. When you think about feeding a family of four or more, the cost compares to a Pawleys Island restaurant dinner. For people who live alone or just want to explore new recipes, meal kits are ideal.

Shoppers can use meal kits to explore foods and flavors they wouldn’t otherwise try if shopping in a grocery store. Similar to trying a new dish at your favorite Pawleys Island restaurant, the meals are proportioned, so you don’t waste remaining ingredients if it’s not something you’d cook again.

Are Meal Kits Healthy?

Meal kits are created with fresh ingredients. Fruits and vegetables are included in each recipe that some people may not otherwise try. While the fresh produce is a benefit to the meal kits, some of the meals don’t include enough to be considered a whole serving. So, even while eating healthy foods, you may not be consuming the recommended amount of vegetables and fruits.

There’s generally very little food waste from the packages as everything comes proportioned. However, the ingredients themselves are often wrapped in individual packages, creating more paper waste than you would produce if shopping at the grocery store.

While meal kits are a good way to delve into cooking as the step-by-step instructions make the process easier than many cookbooks. But with the availability of grocery pickup or delivery, cooking a Pawleys Island dinner can be less expensive by doing your grocery shopping online.

For large families who want to explore new dishes, trying a Pawleys Island restaurant may be just as budget-friendly and healthy as a meal kit order.