You have probably seen the advertisements for meal kit companies such as Hello Fresh, Blue Apron and Purple Carrot. Although there are small differences among them, the concept is the same across the range. Perhaps you are wondering if investing in one of these kits is a good idea for you.

What Are Meal Kits?

In short, they can represent a dream come true for the time-strapped person who really does want to prepare a nutritious, home-made meal for the family. These kits contain all you need to do just that, including recipes and perfectly proportioned ingredients that virtually guarantee culinary success. Who wouldn’t want to jump on the meal kit bandwagon?

The Pros

For one thing, everything you need is right there. Trudging through the supermarket for ingredients and trolling dusty cookbooks for recipes will no longer be part of your life.

Another attractive aspect of meal kits is that they inspire you to eat at home more often. That leads to more quality time with your family as well as a possible cost savings, particularly if you get takeout or dine at restaurants frequently.

Expanding your range of recipes and cooking skills is another advantage. Because everything is thoroughly explained on the recipe cards provided with the kits, you can learn new skills and experiment with ingredients you may have never heard of before. Over time, you will develop a small library of recipes that you can cook on your own even if you do not purchase the kit.

In addition, your portions will be perfectly controlled, minimizing food waste, and you will be using fresh and nutritious ingredients. If you or any other members of your family want gluten-free or vegetarian foods, Hello Fresh reviews are clear about the fact that their meal kits can meet most special needs, providing you with a variety of delicious selections.

The Cons

The upsides to meal kits are undeniable, but they are not for everyone. For starters, not all consumers can afford them. Expect to pay about $10 for each meal, a cost that is significantly higher than what you would fork out if you went to the supermarket yourself.

What’s more, not all of the kit companies use premium ingredients such as organic vegetables and grass-fed beef. While the servings sizes can be low-calorie, this is because portions tend to be small. This would not be a plus if you have a robust appetite.

Finally, you might not find meal kits to be a good fit if you are highly environmentally conscious. Your food doesn’t just come in a big box; each ingredient is individually packaged, and there are insulated cold packs as well. This generates a great deal of waste, not all of which can be recycled.

Perhaps the best way to find out if meal kits are right for you is to give them a try. Look for Hello Fresh reviews and customer opinions about some of the other leading offerings, and order one. Many furnish promotional deals to motivate you to buy a subscription. If it’s not right for you, simply cancel and return to your grocery store and recipe lifestyle. No matter what happens, you will still end up with some new experiences and an expanded recipe card library.