nutrition

Are Meal Delivery Services Worth It? The Pros and Cons

By Daily Harvest
Updated: March 2025

Meal delivery services promise fresh ingredients, chef-designed recipes, and unmatched convenience—but do they truly deliver on value? Trying to decide between meal kits and grocery shopping? Here’s what to consider.

Whether you want to simplify mealtime, prioritize nutrition, or spend less time grocery shopping, understanding the benefits of meal delivery can help you make the right choice.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about meal prep services—from cost and convenience to health benefits and variety—so you can decide if they fit your lifestyle (and budget).

What Are Meal Delivery Services?

Meal delivery services simplify mealtime by delivering pre-measured ingredients or fully prepared meals to your door—eliminating the need for planning, shopping, and sometimes even cooking.

Types of Meal Delivery Services

Meal Kit Delivery Services - They send you fresh ingredients and recipes to cook at home. They offer more flexibility but still require some level of meal prep and cooking.
Fully Prepared Meals - Services like Daily Harvest deliver chef-crafted, plant-based dishes made from organic ingredients, ready in minutes.. These are perfect for busy weeks when you don’t have time to chop, prep, and cook.
Diet-Specific Meal Plans - Many companies cater to vegan, keto, high-protein, gluten-free, or other dietary preferences, making it easier for you to stick to a healthy meal plan.
Subscription-Based or On-Demand - Some require a weekly meal plan subscription, while others let you order as needed.

Key Considerations for “Worth It”

Cost and Value

Let’s talk price—because convenience also comes at a cost!

Meal Kits ($8–$12) - Price depends on the brand, meal type, and portion size. While they cost less than takeout, they’re often pricier than cooking from scratch.
Fully prepared meals ($6–$15) - These are more convenient but in exchange for a higher price.
Also review shipping fees, subscription costs, and servings before you commit.

Is it worth your money? Well, while these services may seem pricey upfront, they also help reduce food waste since you're getting exactly what you need. Plus, there’s the added value of time saved—no grocery store runs, no last-minute takeout orders, and no stressing over what to cook!

Time and Convenience

Meal delivery services streamline meal prep, but the level of convenience depends on the type of service you choose:

Meal kits - Saves time on planning and grocery shopping, but you still have to cook. If you enjoy cooking but not the grocery store, meal kits offer a happy medium.
Fully prepared meals - They're the definition of easy—just heat, eat, and go. Fully prepped meals are ideal for busy professionals, parents juggling multiple schedules, or anyone looking for a break from cooking.

Health and Nutrition

Meal delivery services can help you eat healthier without the hassle. Many offer balanced meals packed with high-quality ingredients, pre-portioned to keep nutrition in check. Some key benefits include:

Portion control – Meals come pre-measured to support healthy eating habits.
Cleaner ingredients – Many services avoid preservatives, artificial flavors, and processed foods.
Dietary variety – Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or protein-focused, there’s a service to fit your needs.

For those who struggle with meal planning or don’t always have time to cook healthy meals from scratch, meal delivery can be a nutritionally smart solution.

Variety and Flexibility

One of the biggest selling points of meal delivery services is menu variety. Many offer seasonal, globally inspired dishes that go beyond your typical grocery store finds. Some companies may also allow you to choose from a rotating selection of meals, while others stick to more structured meal plans.

However, subscription-based meal kits can feel limiting if you prefer more creativity in your meals. If you enjoy trying new recipes, shopping for fresh ingredients, or customizing your meals on the fly, you may find that grocery shopping gives you more control.

Where Daily Harvest Fits In

If you’re looking for max convenience, real ingredients, and zero prep, Daily Harvest is the answer. Unlike meal kits that still require cooking or takeout loaded with additives, our ready-to-eat meals fit seamlessly into your day—just blend, heat, or soak, and you’re good to go.

✔ Organic fruits + veggies picked at peak ripeness

✔ No fillers, preservatives, or added sugar

✔ Meals for every time of day—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks

✔ Eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing

Discover Our Plant-Based Meals—No Prep Required.

Plant-Based Breakfasts

Kickstart your day with our nourishing breakfast options, including smoothies and harvest bowls packed with organic fruits and vegetables. Samples of our best-sellers you must try are:

Midday meals should be both satisfying and energizing. Our lunch selections are crafted to keep you going without the afternoon slump. Here are some of the favorites:

Prepared Meals for Specific Dietary Needs

High-protein, low-sugar, gluten-free? We’ve got you covered. Designed for real life—whether you're looking for protein-rich, gluten-free, or naturally nourishing options, we've got you covered. Our selections will make sure that you can enjoy delicious meals that are in line with your nutritional goals.

Deciding If Meal Delivery Services Are Right for You

Meal delivery services can be a game-changer, but they’re not for everyone. If you value convenience, high-quality ingredients, and cutting down on meal prep time, they’re absolutely worth considering.

However, if you prefer to cook from scratch, experiment with recipes, or shop for the best grocery deals, a meal kit subscription might not be necessary.

Daily Harvest delivers the best of both worlds—chef-crafted, plant-based meals made from real ingredients, ready when you are. If you’re looking for clean, plant-based meals that fit seamlessly into your life, let us take care of the hard work.