Meal Kits vs. Buying Groceries: A Complete Comparison

Meal kits or grocery shopping—which one’s actually better? For some, grocery shopping and meal prep are a form of self-care. For others, convenience is key—where meal delivery streamlines the process without sacrificing quality. So, which one aligns with your lifestyle? Let’s break it down.

Meal Kits vs. Grocery Shopping: A Quick Overview

What Are Meal Kits?

Wondering if meal prep services are worth it? Short answer: absolutely. Daily Harvest takes the guesswork out of eating well—delivering thoughtfully crafted, plant-based meals that are ready when you are. You get pre-measured ingredients, step-by-step recipes, and minimal food waste—all without setting foot in the grocery store! Like Daily Harvest, some services even offer prepared meals that require zero cooking.

Traditional Grocery Shopping

On the flip side, shopping at the grocery store gives you full control over your ingredients, budget, portion sizes, and meal variety. You’re not limited to pre-selected meal planning options and can buy in bulk for better cost savings. But it does come with planning, prep, and time spent in-store (or scrolling through a grocery delivery app).

Cost Comparison: Meal Kits vs. Buying Groceries

Now, let's talk about the price.

• Meal kits range from $8–$12 per serving—less than takeout, but often pricier than cooking from scratch.

• Grocery store meals can cost as little as $3–$5 per serving, especially if you’re buying in bulk and cooking large portions.

• Grocery shopping can lead to impulse buys, while meal kits often charge for shipping and packaging.

So, if budget-friendly meals are your goal, buying groceries wins. But if you’re paying for convenience and time savings, meal kits might be the better pick!

Convenience and Time Savings

For busy professionals, parents, or anyone with a packed schedule, meal kits can be a lifesaver. No meal planning—no extra chopping—just open the box, follow the recipe, and enjoy.

With grocery shopping, you’ll need time for weekly planning, store runs, and meal prep. If you love to cook and want the freedom to choose your own ingredients, it’s worth it. But if time is money, meal kits cut out a lot of the legwork.

Nutritional and Dietary Considerations

How do meal kits stack up nutritionally compared to home-cooked meals? It depends. Here are their pros and cons:

• Meal delivery services portion meals for balanced nutrition, often offering vegetarian, gluten-free, or low-carb options.

• Grocery shopping gives you full control over what you eat, letting you choose organic produce, fresh ingredients, and clean proteins.

• Not all prepared meals are created equal. While some rely on preservatives, Daily Harvest delivers frozen meals crafted with organic fruits+vegetables—ready in minutes, with nothing artificial.

If you have a specific dietary need, and love experimenting in the kitchen, buying your own ingredients gives you better flexibility. But if you’re looking for an easy, healthy meal without the extra effort, meal kits can keep things simple.

Sustainability and Food Waste

Let’s talk about food waste and sustainability—because meal kits have gotten some criticism for all that packaging!

• Meal kits cut down food waste by delivering perfectly portioned meals, but they use a lot of packaging (insulated boxes, plastic wraps, etc.).

• Grocery shopping allows you to buy exactly what you need, but food waste happens when leftovers and produce go bad before you use them.

• Prepared meal delivery services like Daily Harvest use eco-friendly packaging and source organic, seasonal ingredients for minimal waste.

If minimizing packaging waste is your priority, grocery shopping wins. But if food waste is your concern, meal kits help by giving you exactly what you need—no more, no less!

Where Daily Harvest Fits In

Meal kits and grocery shopping both have their perks, but what if you want maximum convenience with zero trade-offs? That’s where Daily Harvest comes in. Our meals are:

✔ Ready-to-eat or easy-to-prep—no chopping, no measuring, just real food ready in minutes.
✔ Built on organic fruits + vegetables—no fillers, preservatives, or added sugars.
✔ Perfect for any time of day—whether it’s a plant-based breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we’ve got options!
✔ Delivered straight to your door—because healthy eating should be easy.

Discover Plant-Based Meals That Fit Your Lifestyle

• Plant-Based Breakfast Delivery - Start your day with smoothies, chia bowls, and oat bowls.

• Ready-Made Lunches - No time for a sit-down lunch? Grab a Harvest Bowl or Forager Bowl for a quick, nourishing meal.

• Prepared Dinner Options - End your day with hearty, plant-based meals—Harvest Bakes, Soups, and Flatbreads.

• Prepared Meals for Specific Dietary Needs - Gluten-free? High-protein? Low-sugar? You name it! Find plant-based meals that meet your needs—without the hassle.

Finding Your Best Fit

So, what’s the verdict? If you love cooking from scratch and don’t mind spending time shopping, prepping, and planning, buying groceries gives you full control. If you want home-cooked meals with zero planning, a meal kit delivery service is a great alternative.

Want the easiest way to eat well? Daily Harvest delivers nourishing, plant-based meals—no prep, no stress, just real food, ready when you are.