How to Launch a Meal Kit Delivery Service in 7 Easy Steps

You are a chef or a great cook, and everyone praises your recipes when they try them. But they don’t have access to all the ingredients or don’t have time to buy them.

And you want to solve this problem and make a business out of it. But you don’t know how to launch a meal kit delivery service.

So we are here to make this dream come true for you. 

As in this blog, we will tell you everything about starting a meal kit delivery business. So without wasting your time as this business is on the rise in the U.S.

So let’s get started.

According to the data, 17% of the adults who are between the ages of 25 and 45 are ordering fresh meal kits in the United States. 

What is a Meal Kit Delivery Service?

A meal kit food delivery service or business is a business model in which you have to deliver fresh ingredients to the customers so that they can cook fresh food at home. 

In this kind of business or service, the customers order the ingredients and recipes from the apps or online store. And then the business owner or delivery service providers deliver those ingredients and recipes to the customers. 

According to data, 17% of the adults between 25 and 44 are currently ordering these meal kits in the U.S., and this number is increasing day by day. 

But why? Because people are becoming health-conscious, they want to eat fresh foods. So instead of ordering from the restaurants or hotels, they prefer cooking at home. 

Are meal kit delivery companies profitable?

Yes, meal kit delivery service providers are in profit; that’s why we recommend it. If you don’t believe, just look at the following statistics:

• The global meal kit delivery market was valued at $22.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $67.4 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 14.5%.
• Other studies and reports predict that it will hit $50.3 billion by 2023 with a CAGR of 13.6%.
• The “ready-to-eat” segment dominated in 2024, generating $13 billion, and is expected to maintain strong growth (CAGR of 14.3% through 2034).
• Both “cook & eat” and “heat & eat” offerings are growing, with “cook & eat” services contributing $13.5 billion and “heat & eat” $8.49 billion to 2024 revenue.
• Subscription-based models are expected to account for over 70% of the market by 2025, with increased flexibility for occasional and one-time purchases.

If you still think starting a food kit delivery business is a foolish game, then you should not read the blog further. These facts and figures are enough to satisfy you to start a meal kit delivery service. 

Also read: Best POS Systems For Small Food Businesses – Complete Guide

How to Launch a Meal Kit Delivery Service in 7 Easy Steps

You can start your dream meal kit delivery business by following the below easy steps: 

1. Do Market Research

Before starting any business, you must know your target audience and market. You should also know your competitors to understand how things work. 

This will let you know the demand for your niche as well as the profit margin. But always aim for high-demand recipes and meals. 

2. Legalise Your Business

You must legalise your business to save it from any future damage. So you must obtain a business licence and a food handler permit. 

Ensure your kitchen meets health department standards (commercial kitchen required for most regions)

3. Build Supplier Partnerships

To keep your brand memorable and genuine, you must use fresh and seasonal ingredients. For this, you must build a partnership with farms for fresh recipe ingredients. 

Along with this, you must use eco-friendly packaging so that you can attract eco-conscious buyers

4. Develop Menus & Recipes

This is the main part of your meal kit delivery business. You must create customizable options like keto or plant-based recipes. 

5. Partner with Delivery Service Providers

This is the most important part. As you will be operating online, try to partner with a local delivery service. But make sure they deliver goods on time to ensure customer satisfaction. 

6. Branding & Marketing

Try to promote your unique selling point through social media and paid ads. Emphasise convenience, health benefits, or chef-curated meals.

7. Scale & Optimize

Use different retention techniques and offers to retain customers. Also use apps for online booking or a website so that customers can find you with ease. 

Also read: Farm-to-Table Restaurant Concepts – Everything You Need to Know

Legal Requirements of Meat Kit Delivery Service/Business.

We know you are still confused about how to launch a meal kit delivery service or business. As you are worried about the legal requirements of starting a meal kit delivery business.

But don’t worry! After thorough research, we have compiled the following information that will help you understand the legal requirements of a food delivery business:

1. Get a Business Licence

Obtain a general business license from your state/city. Costs range from $50 to $7,000, depending on location and revenue projections.

2. Food Handling Permits

Secure a food handler’s license (varies by state) and pass health inspections for your kitchen/packaging facility. Most states mandate compliance with FDA/local food safety standards.

3. Health & Safety Compliance

You must ensure your facility meets sanitation, storage, and preparation guidelines (e.g., refrigeration, pest control).

In addition, implement Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points to manage cross-contamination, allergens, and temperature risks.

4. Zoning Permits

Verify local zoning laws if operating from home. Some areas restrict commercial food prep in residential zones.

5. Packaging & Labeling

Clearly label ingredients and allergens (e.g., nuts, gluten). Also, use insulated packaging to keep perishables (especially meat) below 40°F during transit.

6. Liability Insurance

Obtain product liability coverage to protect against foodborne illness claims.

Pro Tip

Consult a local business attorney to tell you state-specific rules. This will save your business from any future penalties. 

Also read: What is Cross-Promotional Marketing for Food Businesses?

Conclusion

We hope that after reading this guide, you have understood how to launch a meal kit delivery service. But make sure you follow the above steps carefully. 

Also, you should follow state-specific rules and regulations to safeguard your business. Don’t rush at your business; try to be consistent and always deliver quality. This will build trust for your brand; as a result, more and more people will buy from you. 

However, if you want further knowledge and expert advice about starting any business. Then you must explore our other business ideas as well. 

FAQs

How much does it cost to start a meal kit business?

Startup costs range from $2,000 (home-based) to $150,000+, depending on scale. Includes permits, kitchen setup, ingredient sourcing, and tech development.

What is the most affordable meal kit delivery service?

Blue Apron and HelloFresh offer plans from $5 per serving. EveryPlate and Mosaic Foods provide budget options at $6 per serving.

What is the healthiest meal kit delivery service?

Green Chef leads with organic, diet-specific meals (paleo, keto). Sunbasket offers chef-crafted, nutrient-rich kits. Mosaic Foods excels in plant-based, ready-to-eat meals.