Meal Kit Delivery Market

Meal Kit Delivery Market Size

The global Meal Kit Delivery Market size was valued at USD 16.44 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 18.74 billion in 2024 to USD 53.67 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 16.22% during the forecast period. The growth of the market is primarily driven by rising consumer demand for convenience, time-saving solutions, and healthier eating options at home.

In the scope of work, the report includes products offered by companies such as Blue Apron, LLC, Fresh n' Lean, Gobble, Green Chef, HelloFresh, Hungryroot, MMM Consumer Brands Inc., Purple Carrot., Relish Labs LLC, Sunbasket, and others.

The expansion of the meal kit delivery market is propelled by shifting consumer lifestyles that prioritize convenience without compromising quality. Busy schedules and a growing preference for healthier eating habits lead to increased demand for pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered to doorsteps. The growing trend of home cooking, coupled with increasing awareness of food waste reduction, is boosting market growth.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated rapid adoption as consumers increasingly sought safe and convenient meal solutions during lockdowns. Companies' growing focus on customization, including dietary options such as vegetarian, keto, and gluten-free, further expand their market appeal.

The meal kit delivery service caters to individuals and families who seek convenient meal solutions, effectively reducing the time required for grocery shopping and meal planning. Providers range from established companies to niche startups, offering diverse cuisine options and flexibility in subscription models.

North America dominates the market due to early adoption and robust logistics infrastructure, while Europe and Asia-Pacific witness rapid growth. The market's evolution includes partnerships with grocery retailers and innovations in packaging to enhance freshness and sustainability.

• According to the U.S. Department of Commerce (June 2024), the global demand for infrastructure across various sectors has observed substantial growth from 2010 to 2030, and is anticipated to reach a value exceeding USD 53 trillion. The U.S. Department of Commerce, through its International Trade Administration (ITA), is working to ensure that U.S. industries are well-positioned to effectively compete for international procurement opportunities worldwide.

The market encompasses services that deliver pre-portioned ingredients and recipes to consumers, thereby facilitating the convenience of home cooking. Subscribers receive weekly shipments tailored to their chosen meal plans, which often account for dietary preferences and portion sizes. Meals are designed to be easy to prepare, requiring minimal culinary skills and a short amount of time.

This market segment targets busy professionals, families, and health-conscious individuals who seek fresh and diverse meal options without the inconvenienced of grocery shopping or meal planning. Providers ensure the quality and freshness of ingredients by often emphasizing organic and locally sourced options, thereby appealing to environmentally and health-conscious consumers.

Analyst’s Review

Manufacturers in the meal kit delivery market are focusing on enhancing product variety and quality to meet diverse consumer preferences. These efforts include the introduction of new meal plans tailored to specific dietary needs, such as vegan, keto, and low-carb options. Moreover, companies are investing in sustainable packaging solutions to address environmental concerns. To maintain competitiveness, providers are leveraging technology to offer personalized meal recommendations and streamline operations.

A key recommendation for market players is to prioritize customer feedback and continuously innovate to improve the user experience. Expanding partnerships with local farmers, suppliers and chefs helps ensure the freshness and quality of ingredients, fosters innovation in their menu, and strengthens consumer trust and loyalty in this evolving market.

• For instance, in September 2023, Home Chef collaborated with Tieghan Gerard, the well-known cookbook author of Half Baked Harvest, to offer a limited-time menu featuring Gerard's popular recipes. This partnership made Gerard's flavorful dishes accessible to home kitchens through Home Chef's meal delivery service. Customers had the opportunity to recreate Gerard's renowned recipes with pre-portioned ingredients and clear cooking instructions delivered directly to their doorsteps. This exclusive collaboration aimed to enhance convenience and introduce a variety of new flavors and ingredients to home cooks, showcasing a seamless integration of culinary creativity and accessible meal solutions.

Meal Kit Delivery Market Growth Factors

The expansion of the market is fueled by the increasing consumer demand for convenience and time-saving solutions. Busy lifestyles and hectic work schedules are prompting more individuals and families to seek meal solutions that reduce the time required for grocery shopping and meal preparation. Meal kits offer a practical alternative by providing pre-measured ingredients along with simple, easy-to-follow recipes.

This convenience appeals particularly to urban residents and young professionals who prioritize efficiency without sacrificing the quality and variety of their meals. The trend is further supported by the growing awareness regarding healthy eating and the growing demand to explore diverse cuisines without requiring extensive culinary skills.

Major challenges hampering the development of the meal kit delivery market is the high cost and environmental impact associated with packaging. The extensive use of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials for packaging individual ingredients increases environmental concerns and contributes to higher operational costs. To overcome this challenge, companies are increasingly adopting sustainable packaging solutions, such as biodegradable or recyclable materials, to minimize waste.

Additionally, implementing efficient supply chain practices and optimizing delivery routes significantly reduce both overall costs and environmental footprint. Educating consumers about the proper disposal and recycling of packaging materials further is crucial for addressing these concerns. This approach supports the sustainable growth of the market and enhances its appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Meal Kit Delivery Market Trends

The integration of technology to enhance user experience is gaining significant traction in the market. Companies are leveraging advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning to personalize meal plans and provide tailored recommendations based on customers' dietary preferences, cooking skills, and past orders. Mobile apps and online platforms are becoming more sophisticated, offering features such as real-time delivery tracking, interactive cooking tutorials, and user-friendly interfaces for managing subscriptions.

This technological integration improves customer satisfaction and engagement while also streamlining operations for providers. By adopting these innovations, meal kit companies are maintaining their competitive edge and meeting the evolving demands of tech-savvy consumers.

The rise of hybrid business models is reshaping the meal kit delivery market landscape, as companies are expanding their offerings beyond traditional subscription services to include options such as on-demand meal kits and partnerships with grocery stores. This approach provides consumers with enhanced flexibility and convenience by allowing them to purchase meal kits as needed, without committing to a subscription.

Additionally, meal kit providers are collaborating with grocery retailers to make their products available in-store, thereby increasing accessibility for consumers who prefer to shop in person. These hybrid models are broadening the market reach, attracting a wider customer base, and adapting to changing consumer shopping behaviors.

Segmentation Analysis

The global market is segmented based on meal plan, category, type, sales channel, and geography.

By Meal Plan

Based on meal plan, the market is categorized into single and multiple. The multiple segment led the meal kit delivery market in 2023, reaching a valuation of USD 10.04 billion. This considerable expansion is attributed to its appeal among families and households seeking convenient meal solutions that cater to varied dietary preferences and schedules.

Offering a variety of meals within a single plan provides flexibility and minimizes the need for frequent grocery shopping, which aligns well with the busy lifestyles of modern consumers. This segment benefits from economies of scale, as the bulk purchasing of ingredients reduces costs, allowing providers to offer more competitive pricing. The variety and convenience offered by multiple meal plans have contributed to their popularity.

By Category

Based on category, the market is classified into vegetarian and non-vegetarian. The vegetarian segment is set to witness significant growth at a CAGR of 17.93% through the forecast period (2024-2031). This expansion is propelled by the rising health consciousness and the shift in dietary preferences toward plant-based diets. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the health benefits associated with vegetarian meals, such as lower risks of chronic diseases and improved weight management.

Additionally, rising environmental concerns and the growing inclination toward sustainable food choices are prompting more people to adopt vegetarian lifestyles. Providers are responding to this shift by offering a wider variety of vegetarian meal kits, which features fresh and flavorful ingredients that meet consumer expectations.

By Type

Based on type, the market is segmented into cook & eat and heat & eat/prepared meal Kits. The cook & eat segment secured the largest meal kit delivery market share of 56.78% in 2023. These kits provide pre-measured ingredients and detailed recipes, making it easy for customers to prepare meals at home without requiring extensive planning or grocery shopping. The growing trend toward home cooking, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, has further boosted the expansion of the segment.

Cook & eat kits cater to consumers' preference for controlling both the cooking process and ingredient selection, thereby offering a balance of convenience and culinary satisfaction. This surging inclination is further strengthening the dominance of the segment.

Meal Kit Delivery Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, MEA, and Latin America.

North America meal kit delivery market share stood around 40.23% in 2023 in the global market, with a valuation of USD 6.61 billion. The region's high disposable income and busy lifestyles create a strong demand for convenient meal solutions. Additionally, a well-developed e-commerce infrastructure and advanced logistics systems support efficient delivery services.

The growing popularity of home cooking, spurred by health consciousness and the trend toward personalized meal options, supports regional market growth. The presence of major players, coupled with the adoption of innovative marketing strategies and a strong level of consumer trust, reinforces North America's leading position in the global market.

Asia-Pacific is poised to experience considerable growth at a staggering CAGR of 17.98% over the forecast period. This rapid expansion is fueled by rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes, which boost demand for convenient and healthy meal solutions. The region's large population, particularly in countries such as China and India, offers a vast customer base.

Growing health awareness and a notable shift toward home-cooked meals are further bolstering regional market expansion. Additionally, the adoption of digital technologies and the expansion of online grocery platforms facilitate market penetration. Both local startups and international companies entering the market contribute significantly to the region's dynamic growth.

Competitive Landscape

The meal kit delivery market report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the fragmented nature of the industry. Prominent players are focusing on several key business strategies such as partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, product innovations, and joint ventures to expand their product portfolio and increase their market shares across different regions.

Expansion & investments are the major strategic initiatives adopted by companies in this sector. Industry players are investing extensively in R&D activities, building new manufacturing facilities, and supply chain optimization.

List of Key Companies in Meal Kit Delivery Market

• Blue Apron, LLC
• Fresh n' Lean 
• Gobble
• Green Chef
• HelloFresh 
• Hungryroot
• MMM Consumer Brands Inc. 
• Purple Carrot.
• Relish Labs LLC
• Sunbasket 

Key Industry Developments

• December 2023 (Launch): Blue Apron expanded its ready-to-eat category with the launch of meals that are both prepared and ready to serve. This offering enabled customers to select from over 16 pre-made, nutritionist-approved, non-frozen meals, which were delivered fresh and ready to reheat. These prepared & ready meals were available through Blue Apron’s website, Wonder stores, or their mobile app.
• November 2023 (Launch): HelloFresh launched its own delivery fleet network in 19 major metropolitan areas, featuring both HelloFresh and Factor branding. This investment improved on-time delivery and quality control while promoting sustainability through plans for electrification. Operating nearly 500 vans, HelloFresh succeeded in reducing transit times, optimizing driving routes, and minimizing packaging. The fleet included electric vehicles and supported community efforts by delivering surplus food to food banks and charity organizations across the country.

The global meal kit delivery market is segmented as:

By Meal Plan

• Single
• Multiple

By Category

• Vegetarian
• Non-Vegetarian

By Type

• Cook & Eat
• Heat & Eat/Prepared Meal Kits

By Sales Channel

• Hypermarket/Supermarket
• Convenience Store
• Specialty Store
• Online Retail/E-commerce Platform

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • U.K.
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • North Africa
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America