Swapping just one takeaway a month for a frozen meal ready in ten minutes or less could save around £275 a year, according to experts. A survey for Kitchen Joy found that 67% of people order a takeaway even when they have ingredients at home to make a meal.
Cost of takeaways vs frozen meals
With the average takeaway costing £19.07, keeping a quick, convenient meal in the freezer could be a simple way to cut costs without sacrificing convenience. The numbers show people spend an estimated £516 a year on takeaways, so replacing one order a week with a frozen meal could save around £275 a year.
Younger adults spend considerably more on takeaways than the national average. Those aged 25–34 spend an estimated £742 a year, followed by £717 among 35–44-year-olds and £707 among 18–24-year-olds.
Why people order takeaways
For many, the problem isn't a lack of food in the fridge but the time, energy or inspiration to turn it into dinner. A quarter say they order a takeaway because they're too tired to cook, while 14% struggle to decide what to have for dinner. A further 13% say they don't have time to prepare a meal, with the same proportion admitting they simply haven't planned what to eat.
Almost one in five admit their most recent takeaway was convenient, but poor value for money and many wished they had eaten something at home instead. Research by Nesta found that one in three takeaway meals contained at least 1,200 calories – double the Government's 600-calorie benchmark for an individual lunch or dinner.
Expert advice on freezer meals
Hayley Rossiter, Marketing Manager at Kitchen Joy, said: "We know that after a long day, the temptation to order a takeaway can be hard to resist – especially when you're tired, short on time or stuck for dinner inspiration. But takeaways aren't cheap, and it's a habit that can quickly become expensive."
"We want to show people that a quick meal at home doesn't have to mean compromising on flavour or settling for the same old options. Having something tasty in the freezer that's ready in minutes can make it easier to skip the takeaway app and enjoy something different instead," she added.
