Haven’t you tried one?? Seems everyone is. Well I have – 3 so far and
trying them is linked to my absence in blogging. LIFE HAS BEEN BUSY. Doesn’t
that sound familiar? So when life becomes busy we are more inclined to try some
shortcuts and helpful resources. Since that’s my business, I had to conduct
some due diligence while ensuring my family ate “home cooked meals”. Cooked in
the home – yes. Meal delivery kits have altered the definition of “home cooked”.
Food is cooked in the home and you can still adjust the contents of the
additives – seasonings, oils, fats, sugars etc., however, the food is not home
sourced (do you know where it comes from) and many come with seasoning packages
in which the contents are unknown. For me, these sourcing aspects along with a few
other factors affects my evaluation of the “best/healthiest/economical” meal
delivery kit for my family. So my question to you is - when navigating this new
world, decide what’s most important to you in the meal preparation process –
wellness, tastiness, time, left overs?? I’ve evaluated three programs and
included a list of others. That list is not exhaustive. In writing my fall
newsletter I learned there were MANY more out there!
Pros: Inexpensive (comparatively
to other programs). Less waste since each meal is not individually packaged. Easy
to assemble meals that are more traditional and home style in terms of meal
types - casseroles, burgers etc. Quantities good for portion control. Easy
ordering and cancellation system.
Cons: Limited options in
that algorithm doesn’t allow you to choose some meals after picking others. I
wanted the chicken dish, but couldn’t get if I chose the burger. Two of the
three meals had seasoning packs with unlisted ingredients. Either the
seasonings were old or something in them made us feel that we had eating more
processed ingredients. They didn’t sit well with us! No leftovers unless a
pasta dish. Instructions straightforward but not as clear cut in formatting as
others. Instructions could have been separated out a little further for first
time cooks.
Pros: Cost effective for the
quality. We enjoyed all the meals. Best quality of protein and fanciful dishes
with fun elements. Unrestricted choice options without limitations. Easy to
navigate ordering system. Can skip weeks and modify meals. Instructions very
easy to follow with step by step instructions in an easy to follow format. They
seem to have improved in the last few months with their meal selections. Some repetitions
of favorite or popular dishes. Wine Pairing opportunity!
Cons: Heavy on the starch
and grains in proportion to vegetables and protein. Always more leftovers of
the potatoes or grains if the starches as a side. They repeat the sides
throughout the meals. Protein and side is the common theme. They seemed more
focused on the frills of the cooking experience than the actual meals. Need more bean recipes for the vegetarian
dishes.
Pros: Love the one pot meal recipes.
They have a variety meals and don’t rely on starches to offset the protein. All
dishes unique and tasty. Not too intensive and timing accurate. Over 6 plus
meals to choose from each week. Good red meat quality and all vegetables fresh.
Can choose your delivery day. Overall, despite some of the cons, we were more
impressed with the food quality, variety and options based on pricing.
Cons: Delivered late on the
delivery day – so don’t expect to use that evening. Shrimp looks unpalatable
and soggy although cooked up fine. Pre-portioned amounts for seasonings and
ingredients seems skimpy and once incorrectly labeled or rancid (white cooking
wine smelled like rubbing alcohol).
For us, I cook $80-$90 worth of meals which includes breakfast, leftovers
for lunch and some staples. Thus, meal kits at the $60-$70 price point isn’t as
economically feasible for us. I also make enough for dinner to serve as lunch
the next day. Unless, I added a salad or side to complement the meal, we wouldn’t
have left overs. So often my technique was to serve ½ to ¾ of the meal delivery
kit with a salad or soup. Thus, the remainder was part of my husband’s lunch
the next day. What I did appreciate was the little thought and the options to
switch out meals each night. Creativity to meal plan is lacking when a busy
life happens!
Others:
Just add Cooking – local
Boston based company focusing on locally sourced ingredients. Library of
options.
Marley & Marley Spoon – gourmet
meals inspired by Martha Stewart’s expertise.
Plated - seasonal meals with two to four meal plan options.
Veestro - select various meals based on diets, juices, gluten free, and weight loss options.
Purple Carrot - plant based meals, performance meals - for those looking for high energy supplementation.
Sun Basket - all organic focused.
Green Chef - omnivore, paleo, gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary considered plans.
DISCLAIMER: YOUR WELLNESS SCOUT received no discounts, promotions or
kickbacks for this blog. All information is based on unbiased trial.
