“What’s for dinner?” The dreaded question that may keep you up at night is one that we all face daily. Now that summer is here, our days are longer, and our kids are hungrier. For many of us, the schedules of school days are long gone, and although dinner times get later, everyone still has to eat. Here at Innova Primary Care, we want to see all of our patients thrive. We know that the stresses of daily life can pile up, and we want to offer our families helpful solutions to help manage the everyday necessities of life. Today, we would like to discuss meal subscription plans. Are they healthy? Are they worth the expense? Let’s find out.

Same Old Recipes?

How many times have you poured over internet searches for new recipes? In 2020 some of the top Google searches included recipes which makes sense because we are all at home more than ever before. From sourdough bread and whipped coffee to egg salad sandwiches and healthy banana bread, people worldwide were on a quest for recipes to keep hunger at bay.

We are all looking for something new to add to the weekly meal rotation. Does the thought of taco Tuesday AGAIN make you want to avoid rice and beans for the rest of your life? Are you just plain sick of spaghetti? Unfortunately, finding something new to cook can be a hassle. If it doesn’t strike a chord with everyone around the table, it can be a waste of time and money. Enter meal subscription services.

Planning Meals or Meal Plans?

Are you tired of trying to meal plan? Maybe a meal subscription service will work for you. Meal delivery kits are revolutionizing the grocery industry. While traditional grocers still reign supreme, meal kits are steadily carving a path forward as an alternative to meal planning. Recent data shows that the meal subscription industry takes in around $5 billion a year. Americans are on the train, with 17% of us taking advantage of a subscription at least once, and 90% of these people pass along recommendations to others.

Consumers love the convenience of meal subscription kits.

Meal kits are popular for many reasons. One such reason is that they take the guesswork out of meal prep. You sign up, select your dietary preferences, and wait for the proportioned and packaged meal to arrive. You also have tons of options. Some kits come fully premade and only need to be heated up. Other subscriptions offer recipes and fresh ingredients for you to prepare for yourself. The only legwork you have to do is ensure you have the necessary pantry staples to complete the meal.

If you are not a guru in the kitchen or simply do not have the time to cook, a meal subscription may be right for you.

Meal delivery kits can be a great way to introduce new recipes into your current staples and save time, but are they budget-friendly? The quick answer is: It depends. If you are eating out several times a week, a meal kit may save you money. On the other hand, if you have a large family to feed, meal delivery kits may not be your best option. For those of you still on the fence about giving one a go, here are some things to consider:

What is your budget?

Meal kits range in price from around 5 dollars per serving to more than 12 dollars per serving. There are exceptions. The good news is that these services want customers and offer excellent incentives to customers. Look for codes online or find someone you know who uses a service with a referral/

What is your eating style?

Not every meal subscription service is created equal, and neither is every diet. If you have a preferred eating style, such as vegan or Paleo, you will want to do your research and find services that have meals catering to your style.

Before you subscribe, decide how often you want your meal subscription kit delivered.

How many times a week do you want a kit?

Because there are so many options out there, you can choose how often and when you want your deliveries to come. The culinary world is your oyster when it comes to kits.

How much space do you have?

Meal kits generally come packaged in cooling tubs, plastic bags, small containers, and the like. Do you have space in your fridge to handle all the fresh ingredients? Can your recycle bin accommodate all the cardboard and trash that will result from your kit?

Can you prep your meal promptly?

Ingredients in meal kits come in a variety of ways, depending on your selection. Some come prepared and ready to eat, others come with whole ingredients that you chop and dice yourself, while some kits arrive frozen and can be pulled out and heated up for your convenience. If you don’t think you will have the time to prepare your meals, subscriptions may not suit you. Food arrives fresh with an expiration date. Make sure you can accommodate that time window so that the ingredients do not go to waste.

Subscription for Every Budget

It feels like there is a kit for every budget out there, but only you will know if taking the plunge is right for your needs. So next up, let’s consider the healthy options available with kit subscriptions.

You can think of all the meal delivery choices like a buffet; there is something for everyone. You do not have to skimp on flavor in exchange for healthy options either. The search for the best kit for you can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of options to choose from, so you can narrow your search by including your specific wants and needs.

Healthy eating does not have to be tasteless nor boring. Meal kits like Hello Fresh and Purple Carrot prove this to be true.

We could spend hours upon hours detailing the differences in healthy meal kits, but Healthline has a great article outlining the top 11 best meal delivery subscriptions. For those who want to incorporate healthier eating habits, meal kits can be of service to you by taking all of the guesswork out. Just remember to include whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy carbohydrates. Sounds simple, right? Healthy meal kits do all of this for you.

Sometimes we all need a little assistance feeding ourselves and our family’s healthy options on a budget, so for us, meal subscription services are a YES. There are so many healthy options available for most dietary needs giving you flexibility. The great news is that for most services, you are not bound forever. You can choose to try one out and see if it is right for you.