Meal Delivery vs Grocery Calculator
Compare the cost of meal delivery services vs grocery shopping.
Find out which option saves you more money per meal.
Cost Comparison
Meal cost comparison:
Delivery Cost per Meal = Weekly Subscription / Meals per Week
Grocery Cost per Meal = Weekly Grocery Spend / Meals Cooked per Week
Annual Difference = (Delivery Cost - Grocery Cost) × Meals per Week × 52
Average costs (2025):
- Meal kit services (HelloFresh, Blue Apron): $8–$12/meal
- Prepared meal delivery (Factor, Trifecta): $10–$15/meal
- Restaurant delivery (DoorDash, UberEats): $15–$25/meal
- Home cooking from groceries: $3–$6/meal
Hidden costs to consider:
- Delivery: tips, service fees, surge pricing
- Grocery: food waste (average household wastes 30% of groceries)
- Time value: cooking takes 30–60 min/meal