Home Meal Delivery – Is It for Your Family?
Home meal kits have become incredibly popular, with more than 150 companies offering some version of a meal delivery service in the United States. What started as a convenience for busy couples has grown into a major solution for families looking to save time, simplify dinner, and introduce new foods at home. But are these kits truly a good fit for families with kids?
Below, we explore the biggest benefits, challenges, and kid-friendly considerations to help you decide if home meal delivery is right for your household.
Why Families Are Turning to Meal Delivery Kits
1. Variety Without the Meal Planning Stress
Meal kit companies rotate recipes weekly, offering far more variety than the usual routine of pizza, tacos, and chicken nuggets. With one click, you can introduce new flavors and expand your family’s palate.
2. Healthier Options Made Easy
Many kits include low-calorie, gluten-free, vegetarian, or clean-ingredient options. Since meals arrive pre-portioned, kids can also learn proper portion sizes naturally.
3. Flexible Plans That Fit Your Schedule
You can pause, skip weeks, switch companies, or mix and match depending on your needs. Most brands offer discounted introductory boxes, making it easy to try several options.
4. Time Savings for Busy Families
With no shopping required and many meals ready in under 30 minutes, kits can be a lifesaver on busy nights filled with practices, recitals, and homework.
5. Easy Ways to Involve Kids in Cooking
Meal kits are great for teaching children kitchen skills. Younger kids can help prep ingredients, while older kids may even handle cooking a full meal on their own.
Things to Consider Before You Subscribe
Budget
Some meals can be pricey—especially those with specialty ingredients. Compare the per-person cost to what you’d pay at the grocery store, keeping in mind that store-bought ingredients often lead to waste.
You’ll Still Need to Shop
Meal kits don’t handle every meal of the week. You’ll still need to pick up snacks, breakfast items, and beverages.
Picky Eaters
If one family member is hesitant to try new foods, you may need to keep backup meals on hand while the rest of the family explores the kit options.
Top Meal Kit Options for Families
- One Potato – Highly family-friendly recipes; includes slice-and-bake cookie dough in every box.
- Sun Basket – Organic ingredients, special-diet plans, and kid-friendly options like Taco Night.
- HelloFresh – Chef-designed recipes that make home cooking fun and flavorful.
- Blue Apron – Customizable boxes ideal for picky eaters.
- Purple Carrot – A great option for vegan families or those wanting more plant-based meals.
- Green Chef – Paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian, and organic meals with quick prep times.
- Martha & Marley Spoon – Wide weekly variety, international dishes, and simple recipes with six steps or fewer.
- Terra’s Kitchen – Super fast prep thanks to pre-chopped ingredients; reusable delivery containers.
- Red Velvet – A dessert-only kit perfect for celebrations or fun family baking nights.
Whether you’re looking to simplify weeknight dinners, introduce new foods, or save time, meal delivery kits can be a great option for many families. Explore a few different companies to find the one that best suits your lifestyle and taste preferences.
Looking for more home and lifestyle tips? Explore the Ernest Homes Blog for ideas that make everyday living easier.
