Eating out or cooking at home: what's better for your budget?

In everyday life, deciding between eating out or cooking at home is a common dilemma, especially when the goal is to save money.

Financial costs: how much do you save by cooking at home?

The most direct factor when comparing eating out or cooking at home is financial cost. A 2023 Forbes survey indicated that cooking can reduce food costs by up to 60% compared to restaurants.

According to the survey, a home-cooked meal costs, on average, between $4 and $5, while a dish in a restaurant costs between $15 and $20.

Meal Type	Average Cost (per person)	Middle Economy (%)
Cooking at home	$4 – $5	60%
Eating in a restaurant	$15 – $20	0%
Request delivery	$20 – $25	–

Plus, when you cook at home, you can save money in other ways. Buying larger quantities of ingredients and taking advantage of local promotions or offers can further reduce the cost of each meal.

On the other hand, when eating out, the price of each dish includes indirect costs, such as service and venue rental, which impact the final price.

For those looking to save money, the difference between eating out and cooking at home becomes clear: home-cooked meals are a more viable option for keeping your budget under control.

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Nutrition and health: quality of ingredients and impact on diet

Another important factor is the nutritional value of meals, as cooking at home allows complete control over the ingredients, which makes it easier to adapt your diet to health goals, such as reducing sodium, sugar, and saturated fats.

Studies conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health show that home-cooked meals have, on average, 30% less sodium and 25% less fat compared to restaurant meals.

This is because, in restaurants, dishes are designed to please the palate, which often leads to excessive use of salt, fat, and sugar. This is especially evident in fast-food chains, where calorie and additive levels are significantly high.

On the other hand, when cooking at home, you can include more vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, increasing the nutritional value of your meals.

According to renowned chef and author Michael Pollan, “Cooking is one of the few activities that allows you to completely control what you put into your body.”

So, for those who prioritize a healthy diet, cooking at home is a way to reduce the consumption of processed foods and improve nutritional quality.

Time and Convenience: The Value of Time at Mealtime

Many people turn to restaurants or delivery services to save time, especially when they're busy. Cooking at home, on the other hand, requires planning, preparation, and cleanup.

Studies by Time magazine show that preparing a home-cooked meal takes between 30 and 45 minutes, while a restaurant meal takes an average of 10 to 30 minutes to prepare.

Therefore, the convenience of delivery services is tempting, but it also comes at a high cost.

Statista's study reveals that fees and tips on delivery orders can increase the cost by up to 40%.

Therefore, the convenience of eating out or ordering food can weigh on the budget and sometimes become an impractical solution for those looking to save money.

On the other hand, cooking at home can be optimized with techniques such as “meal prep,” in which meals are prepared in batches and stored for consumption throughout the week.

This practice reduces your daily kitchen time and ensures you have healthy meals ready to eat, without compromising convenience.

Environmental impact: how does each choice affect the planet?

In a world that is increasingly concerned about the environment, the environmental impact of meals is another relevant factor when deciding between eating out or cooking at home.

After all, cooking at home allows you to use reusable packaging, make full use of food, and reduce waste, since you control portions and can reuse leftovers.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), about one-third of the world's food is wasted, with a significant portion of this waste occurring in restaurants and food services.

On the other hand, cooking at home offers more control over portions and avoids excessive food waste.

It's worth noting that restaurants, especially delivery services, often use disposable packaging and have a higher waste rate.

Additionally, transporting food for delivery contributes to the carbon footprint.

So, for those concerned about sustainability, opting for home-cooked meals is a way to reduce environmental impact and promote a more sustainable diet.

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Social and psychological aspects: the emotional value of each choice

Beyond practical considerations, eating out or cooking at home has emotional and social implications.

That's because going to a restaurant can be a social experience, a time to relax and try new flavors.

Furthermore, it is an opportunity to share moments in different environments, away from household chores.

However, cooking at home also has emotional value: for many families, preparing meals together strengthens bonds and provides a sense of accomplishment.

Furthermore, children who participate in meal preparation tend to have a more balanced diet and develop a stronger bond with food.

This is because a study from the University of California found that young people who grow up in families that cook together have a lower risk of developing eating problems.

Balancing the pros and cons: what's the best choice for your budget?

Ultimately, the decision between eating out or cooking at home depends on your lifestyle, budget, and personal priorities.

For those looking to save money, reduce their environmental impact, and have greater control over their diet, cooking at home is the most advantageous option.

However, balancing these choices is ideal for a more satisfying life, because while home-cooked meals offer financial and health benefits, time away from home also provides valuable and relaxing experiences.

Therefore, the secret is to define a frequency for each option and make the most of both.

So, before deciding between eating out or cooking at home, think about your financial and health goals.

Finally, planning your meals and organizing your food budget is a powerful strategy for achieving a balanced, economical, and enjoyable life.

Roberta 8 de November de 2024