"Meal prep saves money!" You've heard it a thousand times. But is it actually true? And even if it is, does the time investment make sense for your situation?
Let's break down the real numbers.
The Financial Comparison
Weekly food cost for one person (lunches and dinners):
| Approach | Cost/Meal | Weekly (14 meals) | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY meal prep (budget) | £2-3 | £28-42 | £112-168 |
| DIY meal prep (quality) | £4-5 | £56-70 | £224-280 |
| Ready meal delivery | £6-9 | £84-126 | £336-504 |
| Supermarket lunches | £5-8 | £70-112 | £280-448 |
| Restaurants/takeaway | £10-20 | £140-280 | £560-1,120 |
Yes, DIY meal prep is cheapest. But the comparison isn't quite that simple.
The Hidden Costs of Meal Prep
The £2-3/meal calculation often ignores:
- Time cost - 2-3 hours weekly. At even minimum wage (£11.44/hr), that's £23-34
- Equipment - Containers, good knives, proper storage
- Food waste - Ingredients that go off, meals you don't eat
- Mental load - Planning, shopping, preparation
- Energy - Willpower and motivation to actually do it
🔢 The Real Calculation
If you value your time at £15/hour and spend 2.5 hours weekly on meal prep, that's £37.50 in time cost. Add £40 in ingredients, and your "cheap" meal prep actually costs £77.50/week - not far off ready meal delivery.
The Hidden Costs of Eating Out
Restaurant and takeaway eating also has hidden costs:
- Health costs - Restaurant portions are typically larger, higher in fat/salt
- Inconsistency - Hard to maintain dietary goals
- Delivery fees - Often £3-5 on top of food cost
- Temptation purchases - Sides, drinks, desserts you didn't plan
When Each Approach Makes Sense
DIY meal prep makes sense if:
- You genuinely enjoy cooking
- Budget is a primary concern
- You have consistent free time on weekends
- You don't mind eating similar meals repeatedly
Ready meal delivery makes sense if:
- Your time is worth more than the cost difference
- You've tried meal prep and it doesn't stick
- Convenience is a priority
- You want variety without effort
Eating out makes sense if:
- It's occasional, not default
- Social eating - meals with friends/colleagues
- You make healthy choices when you do
- Budget isn't a constraint
The Best Approach: Hybrid
Most sustainable is mixing approaches:
- Batch cook occasionally - When you have time and energy
- Ready meals for busy nights - Pre-planned easy option
- Simple assembly meals - Zero-prep options on hand
- Eating out sparingly - As a treat, not a default
💡 The Bottom Line
The cheapest option isn't always the best value when you factor in time, energy, and sustainability. The best approach is whichever one you'll actually do consistently - not the one that looks best on paper.