I listen to a few podcasts whenever I can and after listening to so many I start to hear the same ads over and over. Many of them are the food delivery services, as in the ones that deliver ingredients to your doorstep and you whip up something fancy and fresh at home. Out of curiosity I researched several of these services and compared them for you. Mind you, I haven’t tried any of them yet and I’m not positive I will, but I am intrigued.
Blue Apron
Price: For a meal for two people, $59.94 will get you 3 meals ($9.99/serving). To feed a family of four it’ll cost you $71.92 for 2 meals ($8.99/serving).
Recipe examples: Spicy Lemongrass Salmon, Heirloom Tomato Lamb and Beef Burgers, Bucatini Pasta and Heritage Tomato Sauce
Hello Fresh
Price: The “Classic” and “Veggie” plans say they serve 2 for $59.94 for 3 meals a week ($9.99/serving). They also have a “Family” plan aimed at pleasing adults and kids at $69.92 for 2 meals a week ($8.74/serving).
Recipe examples: Honey Mustard Chicken, Blackened Fish Tacos, Lobster Ravioli and Shrimp
Plated
Price: For two servings, $55.75 a week for two recipes ($11.95/serving). Increase it to four servings per meal and it’ll cost you $79.60 for two meals ($9.95/serving).
Recipe examples: Greek Lamb Lettuce Wraps, Peanut Chicken Curry, Zucchini Tomato Pizza
Purple Carrot (this is a plant-based meal service)
Price: For two servings and three recipes, $68.00 for the week ($11.33/serving), to serve 3-4 people it’s $74.00 for 2 recipes ($9.25/serving).
Recipe examples: Hanoi-Style Tofu with Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Rainbow Slaw, Malai Chickpea Dumplings with Almond and Golden Raisin Pilaf
Ok, let me just say this is in NO WAY all the options out there for meal delivery services, there are dozens online, these were just the ones I hear about most often and they deliver to Wisconsin (some services currently only deliver to the coasts or larger cities). Now, after looking over these four what are my thoughts? Well, it’s more than I spend per serving on any meal I make at home right now…however, they are comparable to prices if I go out to eat. When I talked to my husband about these services he shook his head and said “I buy my own groceries”, so he’s not quite sold on them... What I do think this service could help with is getting out of our recipe ruts. We make a lot of the same things over and over so this could help broaden our tastes. But with our grocery budget as is, we wouldn’t be utilizing it often. I could see buying a week of meals as a gift to my husband who does enjoy cooking. Has anyone tried any of these services? What are your thoughts?