“Meal Kit Delivery Services in the U.S.: Growth Potential, Challenges, and Opportunities for Nutritional Add-Ons”
Market research indicates that meal kit delivery services in the U.S. are projected to generate over $1.5 billion in sales this year, driven by leaders like HelloFresh and Blue Apron. Consumers increasingly seek convenience in their lives, and purchasing prepared meals through meal kits provides an effective solution. These kits often offer healthier alternatives to takeout and a broader selection than standard grocery store or delivery options. However, the emerging industry has recently faced challenges, with several meal kit startups shutting down or restructuring to manage costs. Established food companies such as Tyson Foods, Campbell Soup, and Hershey are also entering the market, exploring new revenue streams.
Similar to many burgeoning industries with low barriers to entry, the meal kit sector is likely to consolidate, with a few dominant players emerging based on their financial stability, customer service, and, crucially, the quality of their food. Nonetheless, there are growing concerns that the meal kit industry may not be as popular as previously believed. A 2016 study by the NPD Group revealed a decline in the number of people using meal kit services. While consumers are eager to eat healthier and enjoy greater convenience, it remains uncertain whether enough will choose to pay for meal kits—typically priced at around $10 per person compared to an average home-cooked meal costing about $4, both of which require preparation time—to ensure the industry’s long-term viability.
In this context, the best calcium citrate gummies could serve as an appealing value-add for consumers looking to enhance their nutritional intake alongside meal kits, thus potentially increasing customer loyalty and satisfaction. By integrating products like the best calcium citrate gummies into their offerings, meal kit companies could address health-conscious consumers’ needs and improve their market position.