Vendor Meal Kit Guide
We understand that one of the downsides of meal kits is packaging, and it’s hard to avoid. However here are some tips to reduce not only waste, but cost and provide a stress-free and enjoyable cooking experience.
MENU
Think of your BEST Menu items:
- Can it be broken down easily?
- What can be prepped?
- Can it be done in 3-4 steps?
- What travels well and can last 1-2 days until its cooked*?
Provide variety in options
- People have dietary restrictions, provide a meal kits that is specific to particular diets (vegan, gluten free).
- Make meal kits so that primary ingredients (proteins) are interchangeableIsolate
- Sensitive ingredients to make them easily avoidable when customer cooks. (nuts)
Cooking
- Assume customer has limited equipment (pans, pots and oven)
- Assume customer has limited Ingredients (salt)
- Avoid complex cooking methods (deep frying, grilling)
Support your cooking customers
- Make recipes easy and clear with few steps
- Create a video showing how to make it (at your restaurant)
- Create a checklist for both your staff and customers -
- Consider all the details and take this seriously, with our “new normals” and if done right, this will be an important revenue stream for your business.
QUANTITIES
Because these are meal kits, the idea is to create greater efficiency for you by selling in larger quantities. This can be a turn-off for couples or singles not wanting to spend additional money for larger amounts of food.
- Offering meal kits at reduced quantities (for 1 or 2 people) is your decision and can be nicely added to the ordering platform.
- You may wish to standardize meal kits for 4 people with the option to add “extra portions” for larger families.
PACKAGING
We understand that one of the downsides of meal kits is packaging, and it’s hard to avoid. However here are some tips to reduce not only waste, but cost and provide a stress-free and enjoyable cooking experience.
- Include a check list of all the items that are included in the box. A checklist is required and restaurants must provide one wtih every meal kit.
- Get creative when packing ingredients and food, are you able to use one container for one or more ingredients?
- Make sure to label each ingredient clearly.
- Make sure packaging is easy to transport and leak proof. (Don't use carton or paper containers for ingredients that have a lot of liquid.
- Get creative when packing ingredients and food, are you able to use one container for one or more ingredients?
PRICING
There is much to consider when determining pricing. The SimpleMeals meal kits experience falls in between an Ingredient Delivery Service and Traditional Take Out / Delivery. Pricing for kits should fall in between these products.
Customer Perspective - What drives the customer to order your meal kit
- Convenience - Has this restaurant really made it that easy for me to make?
- Quantity - Has everyone eaten well and feels satisfied?
- Quality - Am I getting junk or quality for what I’m paying?
- Value - Am I going to go broke eating this or am I better off making it myself?
- Foodie - Wow, I have missed this meal so much!
Restaurant Perspective - How do costs shift with Meal Kits
- Marketing - SimpleMeal will be promoting and selling. This will help us reach new customers.
- Preparation - Can our prep cook put these together or do we need our chef involved?
- Efficiency - Can light kitchen staff make these kits when restaurant is not busy?
- Ingredients - what ingredients can be used to create quality meal kits with improved food costs?
Finding the right price for meal kits could take time. Create a menu that lets you experiment and discover what people want and what works for you!
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