We’ve all received those mailings from the big “dinner in a box” companies that will ship ingredients to your door in pre-measured quantities. While we completely understand the attraction of meal delivery kits, we believe there is a much better solution: buying groceries online from your local store.
An increasing number of grocery chains, and just about all of the major ones, now have online ordering, so chances are there are numerous stores around you with this option.
Imagine pulling into the grocery store parking lot, but instead of going inside, going up and down the aisles, and then waiting in the checkout line, you simply pop your trunk, get your groceries loaded, and head home. Or you could never have to leave your home and just answer the door when your grocery delivery arrives.
If you use a meal kit service but are wondering if there is a better solution, here are five reasons why you should consider buying groceries online from your local store.
5 Reasons why Buying Groceries Online is better
Buying online from your local store is fresher and greener.
Local. Local. Local.
There is less time between the food being picked and delivered, so perishables stay fresher. Also, your local store is more likely to source produce from local farms. In other words, your groceries have a lower carbon footprint than a heavy box getting shipped across the country. And you are supporting the local economy.
Get everything you need.
If you buy groceries online from your local store, you can get everything you need, not just your dinner ingredients. With a meal delivery service, you still need food for breakfast, lunch, and household goods, so you have to get those anyway—why not combine them into one shipment?
WAY less packaging.
When we order from our local stores, our groceries arrive in plastic bags and larger containers, much like if we went to the store. It’s really not more convenient to get a tablespoon of olive oil in a single-use plastic container, the way you do with a boxed meal kit service. And you won’t have a ton of gel packs left over (and who knows how to dispose of those anyway?).
Pickup may be better for you than delivery.
There’s only one way to get a dinner-in-a-box service, and that’s delivered. But that means being home when it is delivered, and often, delivery times are windows that can be several hours long.
Many people are finding that store pickup is a better option. The groceries are ready at the store when they get there, so there is no wasted time waiting around. And since they are stored in a refrigerated area for you, they are as fresh as if you shopped yourself. Pickup is also often several dollars less.
MUCH less expensive.
When buying groceries online from your local store, typically the store’s weekly sales apply, and the underlying cost of the food is much less. A typical dinner-in-a-box meal costs around $10 per person. Using a menu planning service like The Dinner Daily and buying the ingredients locally means your meal cost per person is less than half that, and many times, as little as a third of that. You can read more tips for ordering groceries online in this recent article.
Think about it – a grocery solution that has all the convenience and more of a dinner-in-a-box service, that is more environmentally friendly, supports your local economy, AND can save you 50% or more on your weekly grocery bill? Maybe its time to Think Outside the Box.
Make Every Aspect of Dinnertime Less Work
The Dinner Daily is a nationwide service that partners with grocery stores nationwide. We base your meals on the weekly sales, and you can also save time by trying the delivery services that many now offer.
Give it a try. Take a look at our partner grocery stores and sign up for a FREE two-week trial of The Dinner Daily. You’ll get full access to our menus, recipes and a weekly shopping list, making dinner time easy and delicious!
