U.S. Meal Kit Delivery Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Offering (Heat & Eat, Cook & Eat), By Service (Single, Multiple), By Platform (Online, Offline), By Meal Type (Vegan, Vegetarian), And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The U.S. meal kit delivery services market size was estimated at USD 10.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.7% from 2024 to 2030. The hectic work schedules and busy lifestyles of consumers across the country leave them with less time for cooking at home. This is driving the preference and demand for ready-to-eat meal kits instead of takeout and other unhealthy food options.

The U.S. meal kit delivery market accounted for a share of 86.4% of the global meal kit delivery market in 2023. The number of meal kit delivery service providers has been rising as an increasing number of people are becoming aware of the adverse health effects of junk food.

A large number of consumers purchase meal kits in the country to save time and effort. Meal kits have become an inexpensive and healthier alternative to pre-cooked food items in retail stores or restaurants. Furthermore, key players, such as Sun Basket and Blue Apron, witnessed a strong product demand during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Offering Insights

The cook-and-eat segment held a market share of 61.6% in 2023. The growing popularity of gourmet-style cooking and trying new recipes at home is projected to drive the segment’s growth. As per a survey by Peapod in 2018, 43% of the participants planned to cook at home more often in 2019. This trend has even gained prominence among millennials in the country, with 59% of the millennials surveyed revealing that they were keen on cooking at home more frequently. These trends are expected to bode well for the segment’s growth.

The heat-and-eat segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.3% over the forecast period. Heat & eat is gaining popularity among the working population due to their hectic lifestyles and busy schedules with no or less time for cooking. Companies operating in this segment are trying to enhance convenience for their consumers. Some companies focus on plant-based meals, keto diets, paleo diets, and other types of diets to address the various consumer concerns. These factors are projected to drive the segment’s growth over the forecast period.

Service Insights

The single delivery segment accounted for a revenue share of 58.8% in 2023. The largest consumer group for meal kit delivery services is millennials and Generation Z. This group mainly comprises students and professionals who lead busy lives and prioritize maintaining a healthier lifestyle.

The multiple-delivery service segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.2% from 2024 to 2030. These meals are made of fresh ingredients and balanced in terms of nutrition. Thus, regular consumption of these kit meals is not harmful to health. Meal kits also reduce the time required for cooking, providing the satisfaction of cooking and families having homemade food.

Meal Type Insights

Non-vegetarian meal kit delivery services accounted for a revenue share of 61.6% in 2023. The segment’s growth is attributed to the popularity of non-vegetarian meal kits in the U.S. and the nutritional value associated with this meal type. Non-vegetarian foods are rich in amino acids that are beneficial for the body and help build immunity.

The vegan meal kits segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.9% over the forecast period. Growing acceptance of veganism among consumers, especially millennials, is boosting the market for vegan foods. The vegan population is growing significantly in the U.S. owing to the rising prevalence of lactose intolerance and various food allergies.

Platform Insights

The online platform segment accounted for a revenue share of 64.7% in 2023. Increasing demand for meal kit delivery services resulted in a rise in local small businesses providing these convenient services. These delivery services often feature popular local cuisines. The availability of service providers online helps customers find a suitable provider for themselves after comparing the menu, features, benefits, and pricing of multiple companies.

The offline segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.0% over the forecast period. In this segment, meat kits are available at Tesco, Walmart, Kroger, and other retailers. Both large- and small-scale organizations offer their meal kits via offline channels due to the large consumer base of these stores.

Key U.S. Meal Kit Delivery Services Company Insights

Companies face intense competition, mainly from the top players, as they have vast distribution networks, strong brand recognition, and a large consumer base. Companies have been implementing various expansion strategies, such as mergers & acquisitions and new product launches, to stay ahead in the game.

Recent Developments

• In June 2022, Blue Apron introduced seasonal meal kits that were available throughout the year. This move was aimed at bringing special occasions to life. The new category was launched with a Summer Lobster Box

U.S. Meal Kit Delivery Services Market Report Scope

U.S. Meal Kit Delivery Services Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at a country level and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. meal kit delivery services market report based on offering, service, platform, and meal type:

• Offering Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Heat & Eat

  • Cook & Eat

• Service Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Single

  • Multiple

• Platform Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Online

  • Offline

• Meal Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Vegan

  • Vegetarian

  • Non-Vegetarian