Is a Meal Prep Service Really More Expensive Than Grocery Shopping? Let’s Break It Down
When it comes to making dinner, one of the most common questions people ask is whether using a meal prep service is more expensive than cooking at home. As someone running a meal prep and delivery service, I often hear, “But isn’t it cheaper to grocery shop?” So, I decided to put this question to the test.
Let’s take one of our customer favorites, Dijon and Wine Chicken with Polenta, and break down the costs. I went to the grocery store myself to buy the ingredients and see how it compared to the price we charge for the same meal.
The Grocery Store Breakdown:
Here’s what I purchased:
- Whole Organic Chicken
- Dijon mustard
- White wine
- Polenta
- Herbs and spices
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Kale
- Carrots
- Honey
- Onion
After gathering everything, my grocery bill came out to about $5 less than what we charge for the same dish. On the surface, that seems like a win for the grocery shopper. But does it really tell the whole story? Let's look at why that $5 difference doesn’t paint the full picture.
What You’re Actually Paying For with a Meal Prep Service
1. Time is Money
Sure, grocery shopping may seem cheaper, but think about the time spent driving to the store, searching for ingredients, waiting in line, and prepping at home. For many, that time is worth more than $5. Our service eliminates all of that; your meals are ready to eat with no extra effort on your part.
2. No Food Waste
While grocery shopping might seem cheaper per meal, how many times have you had to buy a larger quantity than you need? That extra Dijon mustard or bag of polenta might sit in your pantry for months. With our service, you're paying for exact portions. No waste means you’re not throwing money away on unused ingredients.
3. Consistency in Quality
When you use a meal prep service, you’re guaranteed a delicious meal every time, cooked by professional chefs using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The same can’t always be said for home-cooked meals, especially if you’re short on time or experience.
4. Convenience of Delivery
Meal delivery is a game changer. No need to run to the store after a long day of work or spend your weekend meal prepping. You can have fresh, delicious, and healthy meals delivered to your door, ready to go.
A Deeper Dive in the Numbers (Video)
To really get into the nitty-gritty, I made a video showing a step-by-step comparison of making the Dijon and Wine Chicken with Polenta at home versus using our meal delivery service. Spoiler alert: that extra $5 buys you a lot more than just the meal!
Check out the video here where I walk you through both options and help you decide what works best for you.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Meal
While it’s true that you can save a little money by grocery shopping, the time and stress saved by not doing it far exceeds the extra cost. Plan for 1 or 2 meals each week from Local Rhoots and see what less stress feels like.
