As the cost of living continues to rise, many Australians are feeling the pinch, particularly when it comes to the weekly grocery shop. With prices soaring and budgets tightening, it’s no wonder that savvy shoppers are looking for alternative ways to save money without compromising on quality or convenience. One such shopper is Valerie Congreve, a mum-of-two from Queensland, who has discovered a secret that has allowed her to slash her annual grocery bills by a whopping $2,500 – and it doesn’t involve setting foot in Coles or Woolworths.
Valerie’s secret? She’s turned to a meal kit delivery service, EveryPlate, and since making the switch in 2020, she’s found that not only has she saved a significant amount of money, but she’s also saved precious time. In an era where every minute counts, Valerie’s story is a testament to the power of innovative solutions to everyday problems.
Before her switch, Valerie was spending between $300 to $350 weekly at the supermarket, a figure that’s all too familiar for many Australian families. ‘Everything has gone up in price so much and it really adds up, especially when nutritious, healthy foods are a priority in our diets,’ Valerie told Yahoo Finance. But with EveryPlate, she now gets six meals for her family of four each week for just $140, supplementing with visits to other supermarkets and her local fruit market for additional items.
The benefits of meal kit services like EveryPlate are manifold. For starters, they offer the convenience of having all the ingredients you need for a week’s worth of meals delivered right to your door. This eliminates the guesswork and time spent planning meals and shopping for groceries. Valerie appreciates the certainty of pricing, knowing exactly what she’ll be paying each week without any surprises. This level of predictability is a boon for budgeting, especially when supermarket prices can fluctuate unpredictably.
Moreover, meal kits can reduce food waste significantly. With pre-measured ingredients tailored for each recipe, there’s no excess to throw away. This not only saves money but also aligns with a more sustainable lifestyle, a concern that’s increasingly important to consumers.
Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, echoes the sentiment that meal kits are all about convenience. ‘You get everything pre-packed in a box with recipe kits to follow,’ he explains. For busy families, this can be a game-changer, ensuring a fresh meal with a guaranteed percentage of vegetables, tailored to your preferences.
However, Cooke also notes that whether a meal kit service will be more cost-effective than traditional grocery shopping depends on individual circumstances, such as shopping habits and the value one places on their time. While it’s possible to buy ingredients cheaper if you have the time to plan and utilise them efficiently, the convenience offered by meal kits can outweigh the potential savings for those with hectic schedules.
For those interested in exploring meal kit services, Cooke advises trying out different ones to take advantage of new customer discounts. Loyalty doesn’t always pay off in this market, so rotating between services can maximise savings. Plus, if you cancel a subscription, companies often offer discounts to lure you back.
Valerie’s experience is a powerful example of how thinking outside the supermarket aisles can lead to significant savings. With her rent and other living expenses on the rise, finding a way to cut down on grocery costs has been invaluable. As a working mum, she’s not only managed to save money but also ensured her family enjoys meals made with fresh ingredients.
Have you ever tried a meal kit service like EveryPlate, or do you have other strategies for slashing your grocery bills? Share your tips and stories with us in the comments below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Also read: Affordable meal kits for $6.99: A growing trend in Australia
