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Meal Prep vs. Meal Delivery: Which Saves You More Money?

Writer's picture: Editorial StaffEditorial Staff

Updated: 4 days ago

Meal prep vs. meal delivery are all options in the culinary world today. To be fair, both promise to make your life easier. But which one actually saves you more cash? This guide is going to lay bare what makes each and help you decide which one best fits your needs. 


Meal Prep vs. Meal Delivery: Which Saves You More Money?

Meal Prepping Vs. Meal Delivery? 


Meal prep is exactly what it sounds like. You set aside time to prepare meals in advance. Usually, this means cooking a bunch of food at once and storing it for later. Think big pots of chili, roasted veggies, or grilled chicken.  


Here’s how it works. You plan your meals for the week. You go grocery shopping and then spend a couple of hours cooking and packing everything into containers.  


Prepared meal delivery, on the other hand, is all about convenience. You pick your meals online, and the delivery drivers show up at your door, ready to eat or cook. It's a pretty popular option today, one that you can get a slice of by engaging services by Protein Chefs or any other healthy meal delivery experts you know. This is one great way to choose from a truckload of healthy choices that you can enjoy at your convenience. 


What Does Meal Prep Cost? 


Say you’re cooking for one person. A week’s worth of groceries might cost around USD$50-USD$70. That’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and maybe some snacks. If you’re feeding a family of four, you’re looking at USD$150–USD$200. 


You’ll also need containers to store your food. A set of good-quality ones might run you USD$20–USD$30 upfront. If you love precision, tools like pipette supplies and others like it can take your cooking techniques to the next level by helping you measure out dressings, oils, or liquid supplements when prepping meals. Factor them into your costs too if you so wish. 


Despite these expenses, cooking at home comes with some pros. One of them is control. Want less salt? No problem. Need extra protein? Go for it. It's also significantly budget-friendly, and you get to reduce waste. However, it also has its shortcomings. It takes effort. You might also get bored, and food can go bad, and if you don’t plan well.

 

Factors Influencing Cost-Effectiveness 


When it comes to saving money on meals, it’s not just about the numbers. Your personal situation plays a huge role.  


Household Size (Single vs. Family) 


Meal prep can feel like overkill if you’re cooking for one. You might end up with leftovers you don’t want to eat. Ready-to-eat meals, while pricier, can be more convenient and less wasteful. If you're a family, meal prep can go a long way. Cooking in bulk saves time and money. Food delivery for a family can get expensive fast. 


Dietary Preferences and Restrictions 


With meal prep, you have full control. If you’re gluten-free, vegan, or keto, you can tailor every meal to your needs. Some delivery services cater to specific dietary restrictions, but choices can be limited. You might pay extra for premium options. 


Frequency of Eating Out or Ordering Takeout 


If you eat out often, both food prep and meal delivery can save you money. Takeout can cost USD$10-USD$15 per meal, meal prep can cost on average USD$2-USD$5, while meal delivery can set you back USD$7-USD$12. 


Geographic Location 


In cities like New York or San Francisco, groceries can be expensive. Meal delivery might not seem as pricey in comparison. In rural areas, groceries are cheaper, but meal delivery might not be available. Meal prep is the clear winner here. 


Time Constraints and Lifestyle 


If you’re working 60-hour weeks, meal delivery services might be worth the extra cost for the time it saves. If you have time to cook, meal prep is the cheaper option. 


Tips to Maximize Savings 


Meal Prep vs. Meal Delivery: Which Saves You More Money?

Whether you’re team meal prep or team meal delivery, there are ways to stretch your dollars further. Here are a few ways: 


For food prep: 


  • Buy in bulk and plan meals around sales. You should then consider stocking up on non-perishables like rice, beans, and pasta when they’re on sale. 

  • Choose ingredients that you can use in multiple dishes. Think eggs, rice, frozen veggies, and ground turkey.  

  • Invest in reusable containers and tools. Good containers keep food fresh longer, reducing waste. 


For meal delivery: 


  • Look for services that let you skip weeks or cancel anytime. This avoids paying for meals you don’t need. 

  • Take advantage of introductory offers and discounts. Many services offer discounts for your first box or referrals. 

  • Order 3–4 meals per week and fill in the gaps with simple homemade meals like sandwiches or salads. 


At the end of the day, the best choice depends on you. The following factors can play into your decision: 


How Much Time You Can Dedicate to Cooking 


If you have time, meal prep is a great way to save money. Spending a few hours on Sunday can set you up for the week. If you’re short on time, meal delivery can be faster than cooking from scratch and cheaper than takeout. 


Your Cooking Skills and Enjoyment of the Process 


If you love cooking, meal prep lets you flex your culinary muscles. You can experiment with new recipes and techniques. If cooking feels like a chore, meal delivery takes the stress out of meal planning and cooking. 


Your Ability to Stick to a Meal Plan 


Food prep works well because you’ll actually eat what you make. If you’re impulsive, meal delivery might be better. It removes the temptation to order takeout or skip meals. 


Your Household Size 


If you’re single or a couple, meal delivery can be more practical. Cooking for one or two can lead to waste, and meal kits often come in smaller portions. If you have a family, meal prep is usually more cost-effective. Cooking in bulk saves time and money, and you can tailor meals to everyone’s tastes. 


Your Budget Priorities 


If saving money is your top goal: Meal prep is the clear winner. It’s significantly cheaper per meal, especially for families. If convenience is worth the extra cost: Meal delivery can be a worthwhile investment. It saves time and mental energy. 


Your Environmental Concerns 


If you’re eco-conscious, food prep is more sustainable. It generates less packaging waste compared to meal delivery. If convenience outweighs environmental concerns, meal delivery might be worth it, but be mindful of the packaging waste. 


Closing Thoughts 


Your choice between meal prep and meal delivery comes down to your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. If you love cooking and have time, meal prep is the way to go. If you’re busy or hate cooking, meal delivery might be worth the extra cost. 

 


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