You tried the meal kit subscription. The boxes arrived, the recipes looked great, and for a few weeks it felt like the answer. But then reality set in: you're still cooking for 45 minutes after work, the portions don't quite fit your family, and you've had salmon with lemon three times this month.

1. The meal delivery promise vs. the reality Meal kits and pre-made delivery services sold us on convenience. And they do help - somewhat. But here's what they don't tell you: meal kits still require significant cooking time, pre-made meals are designed for the masses (not your specific tastes), and if you have dietary restrictions or a picky family member, good luck finding options.

2. What a personal chef actually provides A personal chef learns your preferences - really learns them. They know you don't like cilantro, that your daughter only eats chicken if it's crispy, that you're trying to cut carbs but not give up flavor. They plan, shop, cook, and clean. You open your fridge to find meals that were made specifically for you.

3. When meal delivery makes sense To be fair, meal kits work well if you enjoy cooking but hate planning and shopping. Pre-made delivery is great for single-meal solutions or office lunches. Both are better than fast food every night.

4. When a personal chef is the better choice If you truly want your time back, if you have specific dietary needs, if you're feeding a family with different preferences, or if you simply want food that tastes like it was made for you (because it was) - a personal chef delivers what meal kits only promise.

The real question isn't “which costs less?” It's “which actually gives me what I'm paying for?”

Ready for food that's actually made for you? Download myChef and find your chef today!