You live a busy life. When you have a household to keep in order, kids or elderly family members to take care of and a demanding work schedule, it can be difficult to find a moment to relax. Cooking is an enjoyable activity for many people, but when you’re pressed for time, shopping for ingredients and preparing meals can become stressful. Luckily, there are many delivery options that can help take the pressure out of getting food on the table. They can be great for working parents, seniors with limited mobility and those who are immunocompromised and limiting social interaction outside the home.

Meal Delivery Services

As some of the first companies to deliver all the ingredients for your next meal right to your doorstep, Hello Fresh and Blue Apron revolutionized the way we cook. In the years following, meal delivery services have become increasingly popular, with dozens of options to suit dietary needs, provide high-quality ingredients and reduce waste. There are even companies like Freshly that provide full cooked meals – however, you will not have the ability to customize your dish or factor in dietary restrictions. While some providers, such as EveryPlate, attempt to keep costs low, opting for meal delivery often means you’ll be spending more money per dish than you would when shopping for individual ingredients.

Grocery Delivery Services

If you’d prefer to pick out your own ingredients or buy in bulk, there are also many home delivery services that let you check off specific items from your shopping list. Major grocery retailers like Stop & Shop, Walmart and Safeway will deliver products from their stores to your home. There are also online-only grocery stores like Thrive Market, Fresh Direct and Boxed that operate in a similar fashion without the physical storefront. Hiring personal shoppers has also become popular with apps like Instacart and Shipt, where you can select items in local stores to be delivered. When choosing a grocery delivery service, however, it’s important to note that a subscription is usually required in addition to of the cost of your items, plus a potential delivery fee.

Housekeepers and Personal Chefs

When you hire a housekeeper or personal chef from LifeWorx, you’ll be matched with an individual whose expertise and availability fits your needs. Our housekeepers can take care of your errands, including grocery shopping, and even prepare meals. If you have special dietary needs, our personal chefs can create delectable dishes that suit your taste. You’ll know about any expenses beforehand and have the flexibility to adjust their services as needed.

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The number of companies dedicated to simplifying grocery shopping and meal preparation is astounding. These services can be great for working parents, seniors with limited mobility and those who are immunocompromised and limiting social interaction outside the home. The most important factors to consider when selecting a food delivery provider are the type of delivery you’re looking for (full meals vs. ingredients), the total cost and the overall benefits it can bring you.