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Is Home Meal Delivery the Future?

Jun 27th 2016 - Guest Blog, 

Is Home Meal Delivery the Future?

Opening your door to fresh, hand delivered groceries sounds wonderful. You, or someone you know, probably already ordered and tried a meal delivery service since the recent rise in the popularity of such companies. The upsides, like skipping the list and the shopping trip, have a definite appeal, especially in our busy lives. But, will this trend ultimately replace the grocery store? Or, will it simply become a handy supplement to our weekly dining options?

How it Works

Meal delivery companies allow you to browse their menus and do your grocery shopping all online. They offer different options, usually more unique and healthier meals than what many of us will buy on our own. Most have different levels of commitment to the company for purchasing each month and varying portion amounts, so you can find what best works for your family. There is undeniable convenience in a service that is easy to use and takes the hassle out of trying and preparing new meals.

Once you select and order the meal or meals that you wish to try for the week, they will soon be delivered, in a timely manner, to your doorstep. Every ingredient generally comes packaged in individual wrapping, and they are clearly labeled to allow for smooth meal preparation. The portions are perfectly sized for 2, 4, or possibly more family members, depending on the company.

Benefits

Many of us lead full lives with very busy schedules, allowing less and less time for planning dinners and shopping each week. These meal delivery services make the experience more like choosing from a menu at a restaurant. But, you will be able to have the meals at home, made with fresh ingredients. For those who enjoy preparing and cooking homemade meals, but lack on time, this gives them the best of both worlds.

We have all bought ingredients, used a portion of them for a recipe and watched the rest sit in our fridge for days, or weeks, till they have spoiled beyond recognition. Since these meal delivery services buy in bulk and portion it out perfectly for each meal box, there is no waste. This also allows us to attempt new recipes, outside of our comfort zones, because we will not be buying large amounts of ingredients we rarely use in our day-to-day cooking.

Trying new, possibly healthier options, with ingredients that can be difficult to find at your local grocer, is another wonderful upside to home meal delivery. When you find yourself stuck in a food rut, you are just one click away from something completely different and exciting.

Negatives

The downsides of these meal services may or may not have an impact on your choice to use them frequently, depending on your lifestyle. Though the meals are not generally more expensive than dining out would be, they are typically more than you would spend eating at home. Most will run between $8-$12 per plate, depending on what you order.

Also, while it is a benefit to not have leftover food and ingredients you will throw out, the portions are set and there is no going back for seconds either. If the meal is not large enough to satisfy your appetite, you will find yourself scouring the cabinets for more options.

The Future

I believe, as is, home meal delivery will not be replacing the weekly grocery store run entirely. You will still need options for nights you have no time to prepare a meal, for snacks, and for the other meals each day, for which you do not order. However, these services are a timesaving addition to your routine, which can add family time around the table and healthier meals to your life, each week. If, however, these companies begin supplying a full week's worth of groceries to your doorstep, it could easily become a trend that could change the way we shop all together.