Ive tested all the top meal delivery services. Heres how to get the most out of your subscription and ensure its worth the money.
If youre considering a meal kit, youre also likely wondering if services such as Blue Apron and HelloFresh are worth it. In recent years, meal kit subscriptions have become much cheaper, comparatively and popular brands such as Home Chef and HelloFresh are exponentially cheaper than they were upon launching a decade or so ago. Many meal kits now carry a price per serving thats equal to or even cheaper than buying all the groceries yourself.
Speaking of progress, meal kit sustainability has also improved. Most services have more eco-friendly packaging with less plastic waste than when the category launched and nearly all of them offer more plant-based recipes to choose from.
Ive personally tested dozens of meal kits and premade meal delivery services. In doing so, Ive uncovered tips and tricks that can help you get even more out of a subscription. Whether its fine-tuning recipes for optimal results or stretching your meal kit delivery plan to squeeze every last drop of value out of the service, here are the best meal kit hints and hacks for getting the most out of your next (or first) box of recipes.
Cook seafood first to avoid spoiling
Seafood recipes are always best to cook first since theyll also spoil first. The same goes for other recipes with ingredients that may turn when left uneaten or uncooked, including vegetables, leafy greens, cheese and fresh dairy.
Potatoes and other dense vegetables are typically good between four or five days to a full week. Steak and chicken are also pretty hearty and can last several days in the fridge without having their quality compromised.
Don’t always trust the recipe, especially for salt and spice
Recipes are not one size fits all, so trust your instincts. If it seems the recipe calls for what seems like too much salt going into the sauce, it probably is. You can always add more, but you cant take any out, so err on the side of caution. The same goes for heat and spice: If you cant handle big hits of habanero or spicy curries, pull back on those elements until youve tasted the finished dish.
Are Meal Prep Delivery Companies Actually Worth It?! Factor vs Megafit vs Homemade!
FAQ
Is online meal prep worth it?
Do meal kits actually save money?
Is meal prepping actually cheaper?
Is it worth buying pre made meals?
Are all prepared meal delivery services created equal?
However, not all prepared meal delivery services are created equal. Healthline writers and editors tried more than 20 of the most popular prepared meal delivery services to find out which ones are worth paying for. Menus: Chef’s Choice, Keto, Calorie Smart, Vegan & Veggie, Protein Plus, Flexitarian
Are meal kits worth the cost?
And with most meal kit subscriptions covering just four to six meals a week, customers still need to grocery shop for their other two daily meals. Whether the meal kits are worth the cost depends on what’s important to you and what you would be spending otherwise on food.
What are the pros and cons of meal preparation & delivery services?
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of meal preparation and delivery services. These kits are a lifesaver for many busy families or for those who are, shall we say, culinarily challenged, but their biggest selling point is that they give you back that most precious of commodities, time. They allow you to maximize your downtime.
Are meal delivery services a good idea?
Meal delivery services can be an easy way to add more variety to your diet while saving time on meal prep. Prepared meal delivery services are especially convenient, with many offering meals that can be simply reheated and enjoyed — no cooking, cutting, or cleaning required. However, not all prepared meal delivery services are created equal.