Personal Chef vs Meal Kits: Which Is Better for Busy Families?

Weeknight dinner can feel like a second shift — starting right when everyone’s already tired. Two popular options families turn to are meal kits and a personal chef, and both can be genuinely helpful, depending on what your household needs.

Meal Kits: Helpful, But Still Hands-On

Meal kits are a great fit for families who enjoy cooking and simply want fewer steps. They can add variety to the week and remove the “what should we make?” decision.

They do still require hands-on cooking time, though. Someone has to chop, sauté, boil, and clean — and for many households, that’s totally doable on some nights and a stretch on others. Meal kits can absolutely make life easier, especially when cooking every night is something you enjoy.

Personal Chefs: A Different Kind of Support

A personal chef is a different level of support. Instead of giving you a recipe and ingredients, a chef cooks in your home, stocks your fridge, and leaves you with meals that are ready when you need them.

For busy families, that difference is huge. Dinner doesn’t just become “more organized.” It becomes something you don’t have to figure out daily.

It also tends to work better when you’re trying to eat healthier consistently — because the plan doesn’t fall apart the moment your day runs long.

What About Picky Eaters and Preferences?

Meal kits can be tricky for families with picky eaters or food allergies. Even the “kid-friendly” options can be hit or miss, and customization is limited.

With a personal chef, meals can be built around how your family actually eats — familiar flavors, veggies mixed in more gently, sauces on the side, or a rotation of meals that you already know will go over well.  

The Real Question: Are You Trying to Cook More… or Do Less?

Meal kits are best if you want to cook, but want less planning.

A personal chef is best if you want the result of home-cooked food without needing to do the work on a Tuesday night.

Both can help families eat well. The difference is what your evenings look like once the day is over.

If you’re curious what a personal chef could look like for your household, join the Easyfeast newsletter — or set up a trial week and see how it feels to have dinner handled.