Let me start by saying, as a dad, the war between meal delivery services and good old-fashioned grocery runs is very real in my house. On one hand, meal delivery services promise convenience and time-saving solutions that sound like a dream for a busy dad juggling work, school drop-offs, and weekend soccer games. On the other hand, grocery runs are a ritual—a chance to connect with my family, stock up on essentials, and make sure I’m not paying $15 for a salad wrapped in plastic.
After years of experimenting with both, I’ve got a lot to share. Let’s break it down, dad-style, in a way that tackles the good, the bad, and the downright funny of each option.
The Case for Meal Delivery Services
Meal delivery kits are like a dad’s best shortcut. Think of them as the cheat code for dinner time. Here’s what I’ve noticed after trying a few of the big players like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, and even some local ones:
- Convenience Is King
- After a long day, there’s nothing better than having all the ingredients for a meal delivered straight to your front door. No last-minute “Honey, we forgot the onions!” moments. Everything is pre-portioned and ready to go. It’s a lifesaver when you’ve got a hungry family staring at you while you try to figure out what’s for dinner.
- Portioned to Perfection
- This one’s important: no leftovers. As much as I love cooking, I also hate wasting food. Meal kits give you exactlywhat you need, and that's it. No extra ingredients sitting in the back of the fridge for three weeks until you reluctantly throw them out.
- Bonding Time in the Kitchen
- This was unexpected, but my kids actually enjoy helping out with meal kits. Since the recipes are straightforward and come with step-by-step instructions, even my seven-year-old can help chop (with supervision, of course) or stir a pot. It’s become a fun activity for us, which feels like a win.
- Trying New Foods
- Meal kits have introduced my family to dishes we never would’ve tried otherwise. I’m talking about things like Thai peanut noodles and Moroccan-spiced chicken. It’s a great way to expand your palate without committing to full-blown grocery shopping for exotic ingredients you’ve never heard of.
But (and it’s a big “but”)… meal kits aren’t perfect.
The Downsides of Meal Delivery
- The Cost
- Look, I’m a dad—I care about budgets. Meal kits aren’t cheap, especially for a family of four. Sure, they save time, but I can’t ignore the fact that I can whip up a similar dish for half the price if I buy the ingredients myself. When you're feeding growing kids, every dollar counts.
- Excessive Packaging
- As convenient as meal kits are, the amount of packaging they come with is borderline criminal. There’s nothing like opening a box to find a single sprig of thyme wrapped in three layers of plastic. Dads who care about sustainability (like me) feel a little guilty every time the recycling bin overflows.
- Limited Flexibility
- While meal kits are great for trying new recipes, they don’t always align with picky eaters or last-minute cravings. Sometimes my kids just want spaghetti, and the Korean BBQ tacos I was excited about don’t quite hit the mark.
The Case for Grocery Runs
Now let’s talk about the old-school way of getting meals on the table: grocery shopping. This is where I feel like a dad in his natural habitat. There’s something satisfying about walking into a store with a list and walking out with bags of food and a sense of accomplishment.
- Cost-Effective
- Grocery shopping is easily the cheaper option. I can stretch my dollars further by buying in bulk, choosing store brands, and taking advantage of sales. Meal kits can’t compete with the value of a family-sized pack of chicken thighs that’ll last several meals.
- Total Control
- When I shop for groceries, I decide what goes into the cart. This means I can stock up on the staples my family actually eats without relying on someone else to curate my meals. Plus, I can adjust portion sizes based on how big my kids’ appetites are that week.
- Teachable Moments
- Grocery runs are a family affair in my house. I’ll take my kids along, and it becomes a mini life lesson. They help pick out fruits and veggies, learn about budgeting, and even decide which snacks to get (with a little guidance from me, of course). It’s a great way to instill good habits early on.
- Spontaneity
- One thing grocery shopping allows that meal kits don’t is spontaneity. Sometimes, I’ll spot a seasonal item or a special deal and think, “Yeah, I can work this into a meal.” That kind of flexibility makes cooking feel less rigid and more fun.
The Downsides of Grocery Runs
- Time-Consuming
- Let’s be honest: grocery shopping can be a slog. Between navigating crowded aisles and waiting in line, an hour-long trip can feel like an eternity when you’re short on time.
- Impulse Buys
- I’d love to say I stick strictly to my shopping list, but that’s a lie. Somehow I always end up with a bag of chips, some random kitchen gadget from the clearance aisle, and a six-pack of craft beer I didn’t need. It’s all part of the experience, but it can wreak havoc on the budget.
- Unplanned Chaos
- Shopping with kids can be… an adventure. You think it’s going well, and then your toddler decides to have a meltdown in the cereal aisle. Meal kits definitely win when it comes to keeping things calm and controlled.
What’s the Verdict?
So, what’s the better choice: meal delivery or grocery runs? The truth is, it depends. Here’s how I approach it:
- Busy Weeks = Meal Kits
- When my schedule is packed, and I know I won’t have time to plan meals, meal kits are the way to go. They save me from the stress of figuring out dinner after a long day, and my family still gets a balanced, home-cooked meal.
- Leisurely Weekends = Grocery Runs
- On weekends, I actually enjoy grocery shopping. It’s a chance to slow down, involve the kids, and stock up for the week ahead. Plus, I can save money and prepare dishes I know my whole family loves.
A Dad’s Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, both options have their pros and cons. What works for one family might not work for another, and that’s okay. Whether you’re a meal kit loyalist or a grocery store purist, the goal is the same: feeding your family in a way that fits your lifestyle.
For me, it’s all about balance. I’ll use meal delivery services when I need to, but nothing beats the satisfaction of a good old-fashioned grocery run—meltdowns and all. So, dads, I ask you: where do you stand in the great debate? Are you team meal delivery or team grocery run?
