Restaurant Takeout vs. Meal Prep Services: Which One Is Better?

In today’s world, you can eat out, eat-in, purchase boxes of pre-portioned ingredients, hire a personal chef, or order freshly prepared meals.

However, when comparing restaurant takeout and meal prep services, the question of cost will always arise. Which one is affordable? Which one gives you better and healthy options at a relatively pocket-friendly price? Let us find out.

Restaurant Takeout

For most people, eating out is part of their daily lives. Eating out- including restaurant takeout and delivery options- is not only convenient but saves them a lot of time. While some people believe that eating out is unhealthy, the truth is that it all depends on your food selection and the ingredients used.

As long as you have access to good restaurants that are mindful of your health, there is nothing to worry about.

Fortunately, the convenience offered by restaurants is relatively affordable, depending on your preferences and budget. Unless you are ordering very special meals, restaurant takeouts won’t take a significant toll on your finances. The secret is to know when you can and cannot eat out at a restaurant.

Meal Prep Services

Meal prep services have become a relatively common thing for busy people who don’t want to eat out in restaurants. In fact, there is an increasing number of companies that deliver pre-prepared and pre-measured ingredients for your breakfast, lunch, and supper.

Once you receive your ingredients, all you have to do is follow the simple recipe provided for cooking and serving directions. With meal prep services, you can have a delicious meal within minutes!

However, some people are reluctant to embrace the idea of meal prep services due to health and cost concerns. Most of them believe that the ingredients are unhealthy and the service is relatively expensive.

Affordability

This is probably the stickiest point when it comes to choosing between restaurant takeout and meal prep services. Some people believe that meal kits are expensive while others think that restaurant takeout is expensive.

However, the truth is that the cost of restaurant takeout and meal kits is pretty much the same. The difference between the two, if any, is negligible.

The ingredients used to prepare meals in restaurants are the same that will be delivered to you if you choose to use meal kits. The only difference is the cost of labor, which is minimal.

Which One Is Better?

Is one option better than the other? The answer is no. These two options compare relatively well, and your choice will most likely be determined by what you prefer. If you prefer cooking at home but don’t have time to mix and measure ingredients, meal prep services will be your best option.

However, if you prefer ordering a pre-prepared meal ready for consumption, restaurant takeout is the better option. With a restaurant takeout, you don’t waste time preparing the meal after receiving the ingredients.