"Millennials spend more on food outside the home than any other generation, averaging $50.75 a week." That's... actually way lower than I expected, though that's average across the US I suppose.
Gonna provide a contrarian view since people seem to be surprised at eating out: some times you just want to outsource the thinking and execution of food to others while you focus on winding down, hanging out with friends, connecting, or what not.
Let's use the example of an SF techie: makes around 100k ($50/hr-ish, or let's say $40 take-home pay). Would you rather work 1hr and explore good foodie options around the City or cook for an hour ($40 for 3 meals)? And what if you enjoyed your work?
Now let's use 50k income, the value prop becomes a little more compelling for cooking, and the lower that income goes the more interesting cooking becomes. But food not just a necessity but a recurring entertainment expense...
PS -- I love cooking for fun, but I only want to cook when I'm inspired and when I can share with friends. Sous viding some steak or salmon, 36-hour prep some pork belly, or making pasta noodles and spicy meatballs from raw ingredients. Eating alone... I'll just grab a to-go box, thanks.
Food variability is a large factor. I eat the same food, in differing quantities, every day. Total prep time per week is around 2 hours on Sunday, plus .5-1 hour per each other day. The health and financial benefits I get make it well worth my time.
For others it might not be worth the effort.
Gonna provide a contrarian view since people seem to be surprised at eating out: some times you just want to outsource the thinking and execution of food to others while you focus on winding down, hanging out with friends, connecting, or what not.
Let's use the example of an SF techie: makes around 100k ($50/hr-ish, or let's say $40 take-home pay). Would you rather work 1hr and explore good foodie options around the City or cook for an hour ($40 for 3 meals)? And what if you enjoyed your work?
Now let's use 50k income, the value prop becomes a little more compelling for cooking, and the lower that income goes the more interesting cooking becomes. But food not just a necessity but a recurring entertainment expense...
PS -- I love cooking for fun, but I only want to cook when I'm inspired and when I can share with friends. Sous viding some steak or salmon, 36-hour prep some pork belly, or making pasta noodles and spicy meatballs from raw ingredients. Eating alone... I'll just grab a to-go box, thanks.