While 3% of the US adult population (18 and older) tried a meal kit delivery service within the last year, there are opportunities for growth, according to a NPD Group study.
Saving time is the top reason given for using meal kits, which provide all of the ingredients necessary to prepare a meal.
Consumers also cite the fact that it makes dinner easier to prepare and that they provide variety in their meals.
The freshness of ingredients and experience is particularly appealing to young adults using the kits.
Those using meal kits are generally satisfied and two out of three kit users are extremely or very satisfied, but price may be a barrier for continued use and adoption by others.
Meal kits are typically used to replace an in-home dinner, but the cost of a kit is comparable to restaurant meal rather than an in-home dinner.
The average cost per in-home dinner meal is US$4 and the average cost per person for a meal kit delivered to the home is US$10.
“The outlook for meal kits is uncertain since they’re still in their infancy stages and gaining trial among consumers. One of the main concerns about these services is the cost,” says food and beverage analyst Darren Seifer.
“That said, there are opportunities for continued growth. For meal kit providers to market around the reasons their customers are satisfied, for manufacturers to get in the kit box, and for foodservice operators to leverage their ability to provide on demand delivery and meal variety.”
