Which Home Delivery Meal Subscription is Right For You?
It seems like a new meal subscription pops up every day. With similar price points, how do you know which one fits your lifestyle best? We’ve made a list of the most popular meal-kit subscription services, what they offer, dietary factors and what may set each apart from other subscription boxes.
Generally, all of the kits listed below follow a similar format: the food is delivered to your door with pre-portioned ingredients for recipes you’ve selected. Rotating menus provide variety and minimize the amount you need to shop. Read on to find out which one works best for you!
If you… want to learn more about food.
Blue Apron
Cost: $9.99/serving
What you get: 3 meals, 2 servings each per box
The name that most people associate with meal-kit delivery service, Blue Apron was one of the boxes that started it all. Your meals will usually include many things that are familiar plus one or two ingredients that you may not encounter on an average grocery store trip, letting you have a whole new culinary experience.
Similar box: Plated, cost: $12/serving. What you get: 3 meals, 2 servings each.
If you… prefer to eat organic.
Sun Basket
Cost: $11.49/serving
What you get: 3 meals, 2 servings each per box
Sun Basket is very similar to Blue Apron in variety and menu choices, but with a special focus on organic and non-GMO produce, as well as humanely raised, antibiotic- and hormone-free meat. You’re also able to filter your menu choices by dietary preferences, including omnivore, vegetarian, paleo and gluten free.
Similar box: Green Chef, cost: Starting at $10.40/serving. What you get: 3 meals, 2 servings each.
If you… want a quick meal.
Home Chef
Cost: $9.95/serving
What you get: 3 meals, 2 servings each per box
Home Chef delivers everything you need to create basic meals in 30 minutes or less. Meals tend to be a bit simpler than other subscription services, so they are faster to cook but just as flavorful.
Similar box: Hello Fresh, cost: $9.99/serving. What you get: 3 meals, 2 servings each.
If you… you hate prep work.
Terra’s Kitchen
Cost: $9.99 – $18.99/serving
What you get: As many meals as you want, but orders must be a minimum of $62.99 per box.
Taking meal kits to a whole new level of ease, Terra’s kitchen sends you the ingredients washed, peeled, chopped and ready to go for your meal of choice. You’ll get a chance to fill your sustainable vessel — their unique method of boxing the food — with full meals, as you’d expect, as well as salads, smoothies, snacks, proteins a la cart and sides.
Similar box: FreshRealm, cost: $10.50 – $20.75. What you get: As many meals as you want, but orders must meet a minimum.
If you… want to learn how to cook like Martha Stewart.
Marley Spoon
Cost: $10.25/serving
What you get: 3 meals, 2 servings each per box
Expect for your meal choices to look like the product of a Martha Stewart cooking show — this domestic expert recently partnered with the European-based subscription box company to curate many of their recipes. Even though Martha is calling the shots, these recipes aren’t too complex and are attainable even for novice chefs.
If you… love a little southern comfort food.
PeachDish
Cost: $12.50/serving
What you get: Two servings per meal
On the surface, PeachDish seems similar to most meal-kit subscriptions, but on closer inspection, you’ll see that southern influences touch every dish. PeachDish employs many southern-style chefs, so be prepared to see a lot of flavors that originate south of the Mason-Dixon. However, they like to keep their recipes fresh with a lot fun fusions, so you don’t have to be afraid of the selection getting stale.
If you… are vegan (or want to eat like Tom Brady).
Purple Carrot
Cost: $11.33/serving
What you get: 3 meals, 2 servings each per box
If you like to eat a plant-based diet or are interested in what the hype is all about, Purple Carrot is the best choice. Decidedly vegan, the recipes include things like Thai tofu salads and miso chili “meat” balls. Don’t let the vegan aspect deter you — the variety of flavor profiles and range of cooking methods are a great demonstration of the diversity of your typical vegetables. Purple Carrot has similar plans to other meal-kit subscriptions, as well as supporting TB12 Performance Meals — high in protein, gluten-free and vegan, they’re the main choice of football star Tom Brady.
If you… want to incorporate more smoothies into your diet.
GreenBlender
Cost: $4.90/serving
What you get: 5 smoothies, 2 servings each per box
Packed with flavor as well as nutrients, GreenBlender smoothies are a great choice for someone looking to work more plant-based foods and vitamins into their diet. Smoothies are formulated to provide many benefits, including clearer skin, heightened mental clarity, increased energy, weight loss and disease prevention. That’s a lot in a little glass!
Similar box: Daily Harvest, cost: Starting at $7.99/serving. What you get: 6 smoothies or soups per week.
Prices for each meal kit service is accurate as of publish date. For most up to date pricing, visit the website.