What’s in a commercial meal kit? Structured review of Australian meal kits

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this project is to review the produce and recipes contained within popular subscription meal kits to determine if they are suitable for wider use among people who are food insecure. Design: Across the 6-week period, weekly meal kits from both HelloFresh and Markey Spoon were purchased, resulting in 36 individual meals that were prepared and assessed. Meals were assessed based on the content included in the meal kit compared to the recipe card and the nutrition panel, the costs of the individual foods if purchased at one of two major supermarkets, and the ease of preparation. Setting: Australia Results: The findings of this research suggest that while the meal kits are convenient and, in general, the recipes are easy to follow and the meals would be made again, the high levels of salt and fat may preclude these kits from regular inclusion in a healthy diet. The meal kits were also found to be more costly than the same ingredients if purchased from a major supermarket. However, the convenience of having most of the foods needed to prepare a full meal with little to no wastage may counterbalance this cost. Conclusions: Meal kits may be a useful component of a healthy diet, that can increase meals prepared and consumed in the home, and thanks to the clear instructions and pre-portioned ingredients, may reduce stress related to food preparation.

Could commercial meal kits be part of the solution to food insecurity during pregnancy? An Australian exploratory study

“…A summary of the results is presented in Table 1, the full details of the analysis for each meal can be found elsewhere. 41 As shown here, on average meals (per serve) from Provider 1 were significantly higher in energy (7462KJ [6680,8414]…”

“…The analysis presented here also assumes that the kits are prepared as described. While research with these kits explores the ease and desirability of meals cooked according to the recipes, 41 it is possible that in a home environment, preparation may not follow the recipe or use all ingredients provided. 15 However, the length of the meal subscription trial is consistent with other similar research and serves the purpose to which this research was designed, namely, to review the nutritional value of meal kits that a typical family might purchase.…”

“…This current study does not consider the cooking skill or facilities required to make these meals, however previous research has explored this, finding that in general, meal kits are easy to prepare and are comprised of meals that are generally acceptable. 41,85,86 Future research may also consider the economic costs and benefits experienced by food insecure pregnant women who are provided meal kits compared with normal care.…”

“…A recent pilot study exploring the possibility of using commercial meal kits in response to food insecurity has demonstrated the feasibility of weekly food provision as a way to increase nutrient intake for a general population. 41 These findings suggest that interventions that include meal kits may be a useful strategy for people who are vulnerable or who experience hunger and/or food insecurity.…”

Optimizing Fertility Treatment With Nutrition Guidance: Exploring Barriers and Facilitators to Healthful Nutrition Among Female Cancer Survivors With Fertility Challenges

“…This could include the provision of convenient food delivery services, meal kits, and meal plans that can seamlessly fit into their demanding work schedules. [38][39][40]…”