Meal kits are subscription services that deliver pre-portioned food ingredients and recipes directly to customers for home-cooked meals, a model distinct from pre-cooked meal delivery. Originating in Denmark in 2003 with Mad til Døren, the concept quickly spread to Sweden and entered the U.S. market around 2012 with companies like Blue Apron and HelloFresh. The industry has seen rapid growth, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, with the global market projected to reach $11.6 billion by 2023, though retaining subscribers beyond a few months remains a key challenge for many services.

While the median cost ranges from $9-10 per serving, the industry is diversifying, with the vegetarian segment holding a dominant revenue share and projected strong growth. Despite some environmental concerns regarding non-recyclable packaging like freezer gel packs, meal kit delivery routes can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 30% compared to individual grocery store visits, and also help minimize food waste through precise ingredient portions.