How Meal-Kits Like HelloFresh Are Impacting The Future Of Grocery Shopping

Meal kit delivery services like HelloFresh are everywhere. With millions of consumers in the US having tried them, it's only a matter of time before you do too, and find out what all the fuss is about. Well, let me help you out: I've got statistics, pros and cons and a HelloFresh Box at home in my fridge, so I'd consider myself a pretty good judge. If this is your first time on the internet, a meal kit delivery service is a box full of the exact ingredients to cook 3 meals per week for a family or single person in 30 minutes or less. They come with easy-to-follow recipe cards and take the hassle out of cooking a nice dinner during the week.

Okay, now that that's out of the way, it's time to get down to it. According to a poll by 'Harris' last December, one in four American adults have tried a meal kit in the past year, and a whopping 70% of them continue to buy after the trial period ends. From empty nesters to young professionals and busy families in between, you can't argue with the convenience factor associated with meal kits. I cooked Sizzling Hoisin Shrimp with Ginger Scallion Rice and Crispy Green Beans last night and it was like working in a professional kitchen where all the ingredients are laid out in front of you. Besides crushing some garlic and slicing some green beans, the hardest part was already done for me. Now this depends on who you are (if you prefer to shop rather than cook then these may not be for you), however my most hated chore is researching a recipe, scouring the store for ingredients, getting through the checkout, then trekking home with overstuffed bags only to get home too tired to cook and end up ordering Pad Thai, again.

Technological advancements over the past decades have been all about making our lives easier, and in my opinion, this is one. Entrepreneurs and inventors sit in a room somewhere and figure what us ordinary folk hate doing, and then work to find an easier solution. They discovered that if we're going to work until 8 o'clock, or lack inspiration for dinner, or spend our evenings being a mom taxi, then we need something to streamline dinner that doesn't involve pizza or Seamless. It's a welcome change in my house and long may it continue. HelloFresh has delicious meals to suite everyone's lifestyles, from family plans to vegetarian options.

Don't get me wrong, I still eat out, I still get pizza delivered, and I definitely still get takeout, a lot. But every week or two I get myself a HelloFresh box, pat myself on the back for creating a masterpiece meal and wake up the next day feeling good about eating a tasty, hearty and home-cooked meal. They won't be for everyone, just those of us that may need to streamline dinnertime without compromising on quality. If you're one of the few that have yet to try a meal kit, or if you tried one and didn't think it was for you, then I strongly suggest you give HelloFresh a shot. They know their stuff, they don't try too hard, and it's always good dinners with good quality ingredients. It's a great way to make your life easier.

Update: The folks at HelloFresh are extending a special offer to our readers. Get $30 off including FREE shipping on your first box!