Why Try a Meal Kit?
Meal kits are ideal for anyone who wants:
-
Less time planning and shopping
-
To cook more often without starting from scratch
-
Portion control (hello, no more leftovers for days)
-
To try new recipes with minimal risk
But not all meal kits are created equal. Some shine in flavor, others in value or diet-friendliness. Our mission? Find out which ones are actually worth it.
1. HelloFresh – Most Balanced Overall
Price: $$
Best for: Busy home cooks looking for variety and reliable results
What we liked:
-
Wide selection of recipes each week (over 30 to choose from)
-
Fresh ingredients, well-packed and labeled
-
Easy-to-follow instructions with big, colorful cards
-
Consistently tasty meals, especially the international flavors
What could be better:
-
Some meals felt familiar after a few weeks (e.g., variations on tacos or pasta)
-
Packaging can be a bit excessive
Sample meal we loved: Bulgogi Beef Bowls with pickled cucumbers and sriracha crema — full of flavor, ready in 30 minutes.
Verdict: HelloFresh is like the trusty friend who always shows up with something good. It may not be wildly inventive, but it’s solid, dependable, and hits the sweet spot for most households.
2. Blue Apron – Best for Foodies on a Budget
Price: $$
Best for: Aspiring home chefs who enjoy learning new techniques and flavors
What we liked:
-
Interesting flavor profiles and upscale ingredients (think za’atar, miso, or labneh)
-
Clear recipe cards that teach cooking techniques, not just instructions
-
Often includes wine pairing suggestions
What could be better:
-
Prep time can run longer than advertised if you’re not fast with a knife
-
Smaller weekly menu compared to others
Sample meal we loved: Seared Chicken with Calabrian chile butter and roasted vegetables — spicy, rich, and restaurant-worthy.
Verdict: Blue Apron is a good pick if you want to grow your skills in the kitchen and try flavors beyond your usual rotation—without blowing your budget.
3. Home Chef – Best for Customization
Price: $$–$$$ (depends on customizations)
Best for: Picky eaters, large households, or those who want more control over ingredients
What we liked:
-
You can swap or upgrade proteins on many meals (e.g., beef → shrimp, chicken → salmon)
-
Quick prep options and 15-minute meal kits available
-
Clear labeling on each ingredient and meal kit
What could be better:
-
Some recipes felt too simple or under-seasoned unless you adjusted them
-
Not as visually appealing as others in terms of packaging and presentation
Sample meal we loved: Garlic Herb Butter Steak with mashed potatoes and green beans — classic comfort food, easy to tweak to your taste.
Verdict: Home Chef is ideal for families or anyone who likes control over their meals. If flexibility is your top priority, this kit delivers.
4. EveryPlate – Best Budget-Friendly Option
Price: $
Best for: Budget-conscious home cooks who still want convenience
What we liked:
-
The lowest price point (meals as low as $5 per serving)
-
Simple, no-fuss recipes that require minimal tools and ingredients
-
Family-friendly flavors and filling portions
What could be better:
-
Limited menu options (mostly comfort food classics)
-
Fewer customization options and no dietary-specific plans
-
Ingredients sometimes less “premium” (e.g., smaller produce)
Sample meal we liked: Chicken Sausage Orzo Bake — cheesy, hearty, and satisfying on a cold night.
Verdict: If you’re trying to save money but still want to skip the store and get dinner on the table, EveryPlate is a strong choice. Just don’t expect gourmet.
5. Green Chef – Best for Special Diets
Price: $$$
Best for: People on keto, gluten-free, or plant-based diets
What we liked:
-
Clearly labeled plans for keto, paleo, vegan, and more
-
High-quality, organic ingredients
-
Nutrient-dense meals that don’t feel like “diet food”
What could be better:
-
Most expensive kit on this list
-
Prep can be a little more involved (lots of chopping)
Sample meal we loved: Vegan Cauliflower Tikka Masala with jasmine rice — packed with spice and texture, very satisfying.
Verdict: Green Chef is ideal if you follow a specific diet and want a hassle-free way to stick to it. It costs more, but it delivers quality and variety for those who need it.
Which Meal Kit Is Right for You?
Choosing the right kit depends on your priorities. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Meal Kit | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| HelloFresh | Variety + balanced experience | $$ |
| Blue Apron | Adventurous flavors + learning | $$ |
| Home Chef | Custom meals + family needs | $$–$$$ |
| EveryPlate | Saving money + simple meals | $ |
| Green Chef | Dietary restrictions + nutrition | $$$ |
Final Thoughts: Meal Kits That Actually Work
Meal kits aren't a one-size-fits-all solution, but they can be a game-changer for busy weeks, lazy evenings, or when you’re stuck in a recipe rut. We found that each kit had its strengths—and choosing the right one depends more on you than the brand.
Here’s your takeaway:
Want convenience and variety? Go with HelloFresh. Craving bold flavors and new skills? Try Blue Apron. Need to customize or feed a family? Home Chef’s your friend. Budget tight? EveryPlate wins. Following a strict diet? Green Chef is worth the extra dollars.
Whatever you choose, the best part is the same: you’ll have dinner on the table without the guesswork. And that’s a win any night of the week.
