Meal Prep vs. Eating Out: A Cost Comparison

When it comes to meal planning, one of the biggest decisions people face is whether to prepare their own meals or to eat out. While eating out offers convenience, it often comes at a premium. Meal prep, on the other hand, can save you money while providing more control over your nutrition. In this post, we’ll explore the cost comparison between meal prep and eating out, highlighting the potential savings of preparing your meals in advance.

1. The Costs of Eating Out

Eating out can be an enjoyable experience, but the costs can quickly add up. Depending on where you choose to dine, you may pay anywhere from $10 to $50 per meal, including tips and taxes. If you eat out multiple times a week, your weekly food expenses can become significant. The average cost of dining out per meal, including drinks and a tip, often exceeds the price of preparing the same meal at home.

2. Meal Prep Costs

When you meal prep, you’re buying ingredients in bulk, which reduces the cost per serving. For example, a simple chicken and vegetable meal might cost $2–$3 per serving when bought in bulk and cooked at home. Not only does meal prepping lower the cost of each meal, but it also helps minimize food waste by allowing you to use the ingredients efficiently. Meal prep typically costs significantly less than eating out, especially when you account for the cost of dining in restaurants regularly.

3. Calculating the Weekly Savings

Let’s break down the costs for a typical week of eating out versus meal prepping:

• Eating Out: If you eat out for lunch and dinner every day at an average cost of $20 per meal, you would spend approximately $280 per week ($20 x 14 meals).
• Meal Prepping: If you prepare meals at home at an average cost of $3 per serving, and you have 14 meals for the week, you would spend approximately $42 per week ($3 x 14 meals).

This shows a weekly savings of $238 by choosing meal prep over eating out. Over the course of a month, this adds up to a savings of over $900!

4. The Hidden Costs of Eating Out

Aside from the direct cost of meals, eating out can have hidden costs such as transportation and tips. If you rely on delivery or eating out at restaurants frequently, you may also incur delivery fees, fuel costs, and the temptation to order additional items like desserts or drinks that are not part of your meal. These extra charges can quickly inflate the cost of eating out.

5. The Benefits of Meal Prep Beyond Cost

While meal prep offers substantial savings, it also provides several other benefits:

• Healthier Meals: You have full control over the ingredients in your meals, which allows you to make healthier choices.
• Time Savings: Meal prep saves you time throughout the week, as you can prepare meals in advance and have them ready to eat.
• Customization: Meal prepping allows you to cater meals to your exact preferences, whether that means adjusting portion sizes or making dietary substitutions.

6. Real-Life Example: How Meal Prep Can Save You Money

Take John, a busy professional who used to eat out for lunch and dinner every day. After switching to meal prepping, John noticed a significant reduction in his weekly food expenses, and he was able to save over $200 per month. By planning his meals, shopping smart, and preparing meals in bulk, John was able to eat healthy, save time, and keep his budget intact.

7. Conclusion

When comparing meal prep to eating out, the financial benefits of meal prepping are clear. Not only can you save hundreds of dollars a month, but you can also enjoy healthier, more personalized meals. By dedicating some time each week to preparing your meals, you can significantly reduce your food costs while maintaining a high quality of life. If you’re looking to save money without sacrificing quality, meal prep is the way to go.