Meaning of Meal Kit

Meaning of Meal Kit, Full Guide

1. What is a Meal Kit?

“Meal Kit” is a combined word: Meal + Kit.

It means a set of ingredients and recipes prepared for cooking one complete meal.

For example, if you buy a bulgogi meal kit, it includes meat, sauce, vegetables, and a recipe. You just follow the recipe, and the dish is ready.

2. Key Features of Meal Kits

Convenience

All ingredients are included in the right amount.

Most ingredients are already washed and cut.

Time-Saving

No need to plan menus or shop for groceries.

Most dishes are ready in 10–20 minutes.

Quality

Recipes are designed by chefs or food experts.

Fresh ingredients are packed in small portions.

3. Pros and Cons

Advantages

Easy to cook even for beginners.

Good for single households.

Cheaper than eating out, and healthier than delivery food.

Disadvantages

More expensive than buying raw groceries.

Short shelf life (must be consumed quickly).

Limited variety compared to full cooking.

4. History and Origin

Meal kits started in Europe and the U.S. in the early 2010s.

In Sweden, “Linas Matkasse” was one of the first.

In the U.S., “Blue Apron” made the concept popular.

In Korea, meal kits became popular around 2017.

Market Kurly,

CJ CheilJedang’s “COOKIT”,

E-Mart’s “Peacock Meal Kit”

led the growth of the industry.

5. Why Meal Kits Became Popular

Increase in single households → Easy to cook just one portion.

Busy working couples → Save time, simple dinner solution.

COVID-19 pandemic → More home-cooked meals, less dining out.

Because of these changes, meal kits are now seen as a new food culture.

6. Types of Meal Kits

Korean dishes: Bulgogi, Kimchi stew, Spicy pork, etc.

Western dishes: Pasta, Steak, Risotto.

Asian dishes: Pho, Pad Thai.

Dessert kits: Cake mix, Cookie dough.

There are also premium meal kits (restaurant-level) and simple meal kits (ready in 3 minutes).

7. The Future of Meal Kits

Experts expect continuous growth.

Personalized kits: Diet, high-protein, low-salt, etc.

Eco-friendly packaging: Less plastic, more recyclable materials.

Smart kits: Linked with apps or smart devices for cooking guidance.

So, meal kits may evolve into health-focused and lifestyle-based food solutions.

8. Daily Use Examples

Quick pasta after work (15 minutes).

BBQ meal kit at a camping site.

A special home dinner on an anniversary.

Meal kits can be used from a simple meal to a special event dish.

9. Summary

Meaning: Meal + Kit, a cooking set.

Features: Ready ingredients + recipe, fast and easy.

Pros: Time-saving, easy, diverse.

Cons: Pricey, short shelf life.

Value: A new lifestyle in modern society.

10. Conclusion

A meal kit is not only food.

It is a time-saving solution and a small restaurant at home.

If you want a simple but special dinner tonight,

👉 Try a meal kit! 🍳✨