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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think meal prep box costs are hard to justify

107 replies

Dimsexy · 12/08/2024 20:44

I finally decided to try one of those meal prep boxes. Always resisted due to cost but wanted to at least give them a try.

It was easy my to prepare, tasted nice etc but doing the sums just don't see how cost can be justified long term.

If I bought the ingredients in the supermarket individually it would be at least 50% less.

I know the whole point is paying for the convenience and not having to spend time shopping and meal prepping but the premium just seems sky high! We could afford it now if we wanted to but when I compare costs of 4-5 boxed meals for two vs what we'd get for same money in supermarket it seems insane!

I feel like I must be missing something as I know these boxes are really popular and I'm constantly bombarded by marketing messages for them - is it all just hype??

OP posts:
Lentilweaver · 12/08/2024 20:58

They are not cost-effective for me, because I already have a fully stocked spice cupboard. I find them really fiddly and full of plastic waste. But I have time to cook and I don't have small DC.

I can see that they might be useful for people who work long hours and with small children.

NuffSaidSam · 12/08/2024 20:54

I don't think people really use them long-term for every meal.

They're used either occasionally or for a period of a few weeks/months when people are busy/have a discount code/need some inspiration for new recipes.

mitogoshi · 12/08/2024 20:54

For us they are cost effective, I choose recipes which are more expensive to construct for just 2 because of the ingredients proportions and never pasta

BridasShieldWall · 12/08/2024 20:52

Really interested to see the responses on this as I think they are really expensive. I’ve never used them as we are a family of five including teenagers, who I usually increase the portion size for, so the boxes don’t work for us.

modgepodge · 12/08/2024 20:52

I use them regularly but as above always on a discount - my husband and I both have HF and gousto and between those 4 accounts someone is alway offering at least 20% off, sometimes as much as 50 or 60%. Yes, we could do it cheaper ourselves but it’s convenient, we eat a better variety of meals, and for now we can afford it.

HelloMyNameIsElderSmurf · 12/08/2024 20:50

As pp says, codes. We used them for a while as an alternative to eating out/takeaways and they were certainly cheaper than that..

Investinmyself · 12/08/2024 20:47

There’s always codes though. So you order at 60% off. Then cancel. Then after a few weeks they send another discount. Husband can sign up too. I’ve tried hello fresh and gousto but only 50% off.