Meal kit

Meal kit is a subscription service that sends customers pre-portioned food ingredients and recipes to prepare home-cooked meals. Customers can choose different dishes each week based on their dietary preferences and the number of people they are cooking for.

History

The concept of the meal kit service was first introduced in Sweden by Kicki Theander in 2007. The idea quickly spread to other parts of Europe and eventually reached the United States in 2012 with the launch of companies like Blue Apron and HelloFresh.

Business Model

Meal kit companies operate on a subscription business model. Customers sign up for a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly delivery of meal kits. Each kit contains all the necessary ingredients for a specific recipe, including meat, vegetables, spices, and sauces, all in the exact quantities required. The kits also come with detailed cooking instructions.

Market

The meal kit market has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly in urban areas where consumers value convenience and are willing to pay for it. The global meal kit delivery service market was valued at USD 8.94 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 19.92 billion by 2027.

Criticism

Despite their popularity, meal kits have been criticized for their environmental impact. The packaging required for individual ingredients can lead to a significant amount of waste. However, some companies have made efforts to reduce their environmental footprint by using recyclable or compostable packaging.

See Also

• Food delivery
• Subscription box
• Online food ordering