Meal kits are making your own food. What you are paying for is, well, the "kit" part: not having to shop with potentially inconvenient sizes, and getting everything pre-measured for the meal.
I just do my grocery shopping online. The company I use charges $9.99 for delivery and you have to order more than $45, but otherwise it's basically just a regular grocery store (they're owned by one). You have to do some planning since you won't get it until at least the following day, though. I order once a month.
I disagree entirely. I cannot get the ingredients for most of Plated meals for what they charge. I end up with lots of spoiled food, unless I make huge batches and eat the same thing all week.