Is meal delivery cheaper than groceries?

In most cases, groceries are cheaper than meal delivery.

It depends on what kind of meal delivery you mean:

Restaurant delivery
This is usually the most expensive option because you’re paying for the food plus delivery fees, service fees, and tips. It often costs noticeably more than cooking the same meal at home.

Meal kits
Meal kits are usually cheaper than restaurant delivery, but they often still cost more per serving than buying and cooking groceries yourself. They can be a middle ground if you want convenience without full restaurant-delivery prices.

When delivery might be worth it
Meal kits can sometimes make sense if you waste a lot of groceries or tend to buy extras you don’t use. Pre-portioned ingredients may reduce food waste and impulse spending.

Bottom line: If your goal is the lowest cost, groceries usually win. If your goal is convenience, meal kits can be a reasonable compromise, and restaurant delivery is typically the priciest choice.

Exact costs vary a lot by location, store, restaurant, fees, and what you buy, so it’s worth checking local prices before deciding.