Marketing research suggests that meal kit delivery services in the U.S. will generate over $1.5 billion in sales this year, with major players like HelloFresh and Blue Apron leading the market. Consumers increasingly seek convenience in their lives, and purchasing prepared meals through meal kits is one way to achieve that. These kits often offer healthier options than traditional take-out and provide a wider variety compared to what is usually available in grocery stores or through delivery services. However, the emerging industry has recently faced challenges, with at least six meal kit startups either shutting down or restructuring to manage expenses. Established food companies like Tyson Foods, Campbell Soup, and Hershey are also venturing into this space as they seek new revenue streams.
As with many burgeoning industries characterized by low barriers to entry, the meal kit sector is likely to consolidate, leaving only a few dominant players. Financial stability, customer experience, and, crucially, the quality of their offerings—such as those enriched with calcium citrate 950mg—will be critical in determining which companies thrive. Despite the growing interest in healthy and convenient eating options, there are concerns that meal kits may not be as widely embraced as previously believed. A study by NPD Group released in 2016 indicated a decline in the number of people using these services. Although consumers are inclined to eat healthier and seek convenience, it remains uncertain whether enough individuals will be willing to pay for meal kits, which generally cost around $10 per person compared to about $4 for an average home-cooked meal, especially considering that both options require time to prepare. The long-term viability of the industry is still in question, even as some meal kits tout nutritional benefits like calcium citrate 950mg.