Today it is easier than ever to get items delivered right to the doorstep. Subscription boxes show up weekly, packed with everything from dog treats and toys to fancy wines. Food boxes are by far one of the most popular subscriptions. It is now so easy to have complete meals, ready to be prepped and cooked, sent directly to the kitchen. These food boxes offer a plethora of options, too. Get specific boxes for dietary requirements. Boxes for those who can't cook as well as gourmands are available. Organic, gluten-free, vegetarian, locally sourced, the options are endless. Lots of people also send these subscriptions to loved ones as gifts. Others want to make sure elderly parents and grandparents are getting properly nutritious, easy-to-fix meals. So, what is actually in these boxes? Let's take a look.
1 - Blue Apron
The weekly boxes sent out from Blue Apron can include meals for 2 or 4 people. Choose from meat, fish, plant-based 'meat', or vegetarian options. There are 600-calorie or less options for those watching their weight. Every week the options change. Subscribers go online and view the options for a specific week, choosing what sounds good. Cooks can choose how many recipes they would like per week - up to 4. Customers are charged a 'per serving' price, meaning that a meal costing $4.00 per serving would be $8.00 for two people. Four recipes per week would equal $32.00. All of the meals are portion-controlled. This means there is little food waste, which saves consumers money. Added perks include not having to plan meals, no shopping, and delicious new recipe ideas for the family. Some of the recipes include Sheet Pan Miso Ginger Salmon, Spicy Beef and Sesame Noodles, and Greek-Style Veggie Pitas. Each recipe is listed online with a cooking time and symbols to indicate vegan, WW friendly, or healthy options. Blue Apron subscribers can choose to skip a week or cancel at any time.
2 - Home Chef
Home Chef subscriptions can be ordered for 2,4, or 6 servings. Customers can choose from 2 to 6 recipes per week. There are 30 new meal choices each week. Choose from meal kits with pre-portioned foods, 15-minute meal kits with all of the prep work completed, oven-ready kits that come in a pan, ready to pop in the oven or meals designed to be placed in the microwave and enjoyed. Convenience and ease of meal preparations are key with Home Chef. These meals are designed with busy families in mind. The prices per serving start at $6.99. Home Chef also offers calorie-conscious, vegan, and carb-conscious options. Meals like Shrimp Bruschetta Pasta with Cream Sauce and Sirloin and Mushroom with Demi Glaze Sauce can be ready to eat in less than 30-minutes. Extras like Blueberry Butter Cake or Salted Caramel Truffle Cheesecake can be added onto the orders for dessert. Recipe cards with step-by-step instructions are included with each order. Subscribers can skip a week or cancel without penalties. There are no contracts required for Home Chef subscribers.
3 - Hello Fresh
Hello Fresh plans come in 2 or 4 serving sizes. Meal plan options include vegetarian, pescatarian, calorie-smart, family-friendly, quick and easy, and meat and vegetable options. Customers can select up to six recipes per week. Meals start at $7.49 per serving. Menu options change weekly. Garden Spinach Ricotta Ravioli can be ready in as little as 15-minutes for busy families. Those who enjoy adventurous new flavors can savor meals like Chicken Ramen in Shoyu-Style Broth. Eat like a gourmet with Peppercorn Crusted Beef Tenderloin. Comfort foods include meals like Homestyle Chicken and Biscuit Pot Pie. Subscribers can choose from over 25 new meals each week. Each box comes with step-by-step instructions and pre-measured ingredients. There are no contracts. Meals can be changed before a pre-set deadline. Customers can choose to skip a week or cancel at any time.
