Image Source: Pixabay

 

You don’t have to look for to see evidence of the fact that meal kits are becoming more and more popular in Canada. Chances are good that you’ve seen ads for these kits on Facebook or Twitter, or even within the pages of a physical magazine. Meal kits offer convenience, but they also deliver a number of other important benefits. What are they and how might they affect Canadians? What should you know about the top meal kits selections?

 

What’s a Meal Kit, Anyway?

 

Let’s start with the most basic question – what is a meal kit? It’s nothing more than a prepared meal sent to you from a food company. They’re usually themed, and they are shipped refrigerated, allowing you to cook them yourself. You’ll find them in operation throughout North America (with the US outpacing Canada thus far), as well as Europe and Asia. If you follow the news and the US stock market, Blue Apron might be the most infamous of all – the company’s value has reduced by over 80% since their IPO. However, there are numerous others, particularly some well-known and well-respected companies in Canada.

 

How Are Meal Kits a Positive Trend?

 

It might seem that the meal kit is yet one more step down the road of outsourcing our cooking that has been going on since the 1950s and the birth of fast food and frozen dinners. That’s understandable, but it is important to realize it’s superficial. This is actually a positive trend for Canadians. How so?

 

One difference here is that meal kits can be found in a very wide range of cuisine types. This allows Canadians to explore the world of food options out there, from traditional options to those from farther afield, such as the Middle East and Eastern European. Of course, there are other positive trends here, as well.

One of those is that Gen Z, currently the largest generation and the one with the most spending power, are trying to reclaim some of their cooking heritage. Baby Boomers led the way in convenience foods, and Generation X largely followed suit. However, Gen Z and Gen Y have shown greater interest in cooking for themselves at home, in building their culinary skills out of simple interest (rather than forging a career in the industry) and exploring different culinary traditions and history.

Another reason that the meal kit industry has experienced such growth is that they can be tailored to a wide range of needs. Sure, convenience is probably the most important factor here, but Canadians have a significant number of goals to achieve with their eating. Many people want to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor. Others want to avoid unnecessary sugars and other unwanted ingredients. Still others focus on whole foods, while others want to indulge in gourmet cuisine. Meal kits give them all the ability to find the perfect option for their plates.

 

Meal Kit Companies Serving Halifax

When you review the kits on offer, you’ll find a very broad range of companies out there, and almost all of them serve customers in the Halifax area. HelloFresh is one of the fastest-growing companies in Canada, even though they’re actually a German firm. Chef’s Plate, Goodfood, and MissFresh are some of the other options. Note that Cook It is a Canadian meal kit company, but they do not serve Nova Scotia.

Of course, it is still important compare your options and make an informed decision that supports your eating, weight loss, or health goals. Whether you want to eat healthier, learn more about cooking, or just explore global cuisines, it’s waiting for you.