Home-cooked meals in returnable jars sold by weekly subscription
Starting costs about $4,690 in the United States and 828,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $1,560 net per month in the United States and 376,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 9 months, with 35 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 250 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4,690 | $1,560 |
| Nigeria | 828,000 NGN | 376,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £3,170 | £1,080 |
| Kenya | 203,000 KES | 50,900 KES |
| India | 106,000 INR | 37,100 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Families and working people lack time to cook healthily, and industrial ready meals are disappointing.
The solution
Cook five to eight balanced dishes each week in returnable glass jars, collected from pick-up points or delivered, with empty jars taken back.
Your customers
Working families, older people living alone, new parents and anyone wanting to eat better without cooking.
How you make money
Subscription of 45 to 70 € per week for five to eight portions, plus a 1 € deposit per jar.
Competition
Supermarket ready meals, online meal kits, caterers, delivery platforms and home cooking.
Who has an edge
A nutrition-minded cook, strict on hygiene and traceability, who can tell a convincing anti-waste story.
The risks
Strict food safety rules, short shelf life, returnable-jar logistics and subscribers leaving once the novelty fades.
The first 3 steps
- Train in food hygiene rules and rent an approved kitchen.
- Have twenty families test a five-dish menu.
- Open two pick-up points at partner shops.
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €3,900 − costs €2,800 = €1,100 net per month. Revenue: 17 subscribers × €57 a week × 4 weeks. Costs: ingredients, jars and labels, kitchen rental, delivery, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Meals in jars by subscription?
About $4,690 (United States), 828,000 NGN (Nigeria), £3,170 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 250 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $1,560 (United States), 376,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,080 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 9 months, with 35 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Strict food safety rules, short shelf life, returnable-jar logistics and subscribers leaving once the novelty fades.
Where do I start?
1. Train in food hygiene rules and rent an approved kitchen. 2. Have twenty families test a five-dish menu. 3. Open two pick-up points at partner shops.
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