Food subscription boxes have surged in popularity. They promise fresh ingredients delivered to your door, a variety of meal options, and a convenient cooking experience. But can they save you money and time?
How food subscription boxes work
Food subscription services like HelloFresh and Gousto deliver pre-portioned ingredients and recipe cards straight to your door. You choose your meals for the week, and the box arrives with everything you need to cook them.
Can a food subscription box save you money?
The cost of a food box varies depending on the service and the number of meals you choose. An order of two meals per week for two people costs on average from £25 to £35 per week. Many subscriptions promote tempting offers on your first box, or ongoing discount options.
Whether or not a service like this could save you money depends on how you usually eat and shop.
You could save money if…
✅ You eat out a lot – A subscription box is usually cheaper than restaurant meals or frequent takeaways.
✅ You waste food – Pre-portioned ingredients mean you won’t buy full jars of spices or large packs of veggies you never finish.
✅ You’re an impulse shopper – If impulse shopping leads you to overspend then a structured meal plan can help you stay within budget.
You might not save if….
❌ You’re a bargain shopper – Buying in bulk or choosing store-brand items can be cheaper than a subscription box.
❌ You cook simple meals – If your go-to meals are budget-friendly (e.g., pasta, rice and beans, or homemade soups), a subscription box might be an unnecessary expense.
❌ You don’t eat every meal at home – If you travel or have unpredictable plans, you might waste unused meals.
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Will a meal subscription save you time?
Many fans of meal boxes are drawn by their convenience.
No meal planning – Skip the hassle of deciding what to cook.
No grocery shopping – Cut down on trips to the shops and impulse buys.
Pre-measured ingredients – No time wasted on measuring or prepping.
Less food waste – Fewer leftovers and expired ingredients to deal with.
But there are some potential drawbacks too:
Still requires cooking – Most meal kits still need 30+ minutes of prep and cooking.
Some assembly required – You still need to chop, mix, and cook ingredients.
Delivery delays – If a box arrives late or damaged, you may need a backup meal plan.
A food subscription box can save you money and time but only if it fits your lifestyle. If you value convenience, struggle with meal planning, or want to cut down on eating out, it can be a great investment. But if you’re a budget-conscious cook who enjoys the “big shop” and simple home-cooked meals, you might not see the savings.
The Hattie 