Once upon a time, a single person might go home at the end of a long day, retrieve a TV dinner from the freezer, and feast on a sad and lowly microwave meal of frostbitten food. Today, however, singles, couples, families, and the like have an array of options when it comes to eating. Welcome to the era of the meal delivery service.

Meal delivery used to be synonymous with weight-loss brands that prepackaged their offerings in portion-controlled servings. For a fixed price, customers could choose from a menu of meals at a quantity of delivery that fit their budget. That same business model is still going strong, with various companies providing gourmet recipes that can be prepared at home, heated, and enjoyed. The rise in popularity of these delivery services has a lot to do with their dedication to specialty diets. Consumers can choose from low-sodium meals, gluten-free options, and vegan and vegetarian meals.

So what else is behind the interest in having already prepared foods? According to Good Housekeeping, there are several factors: “Meal delivery kits are a great way to introduce people to new ingredients and cooking techniques,” Nicole Papantoniou said. She’s the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab, which conducted a study on these delivery kits. “They take the stress out of meal prep and food shopping, and they’re also a great way to help avoid food waste,” Papantoniou added.  

There are some concerns with meal delivery services. Some people object to any promotion of processed food. Many kits come with pre-cut vegetables or seasoned proteins that are likely filled with preservatives. Another concern is that some vegan and vegetarian kits require the additional purchase of ingredients such as tofu, tempeh, and even plant milk and non-dairy cheeses. This added expense can be problematic for someone already paying for a meal kit. However, meal kits from some companies cost less per week than traditional grocery shopping. With inflation draining American budgets, finding cost-effective meal alternatives can save households hundreds of dollars per month.

Meal delivery services answered a need for convenience during the pandemic. They also provide myriad options in terms of dietary preferences. Whether it’s a kit delivered with prepackaged fruits, vegetables, and smoothies, or a service that allows for the creation of restaurant-quality organic dining for two, customers can now access fresh foods regardless of their location. Gone are the days of sad TV dinners and arbitrary pizza delivery. Healthy food is now within everyone’s reach.

Source: Good Housekeeping