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These days, you can get pretty much anything delivered to wherever you’re at on a moment’s notice—including groceries, take out, and now, a box filled with fresh ingredients and a new recipe. Meal service subscriptions are the most convenient way to cook. You get all the ingredients shipped directly to your home, thus skipping the grocery store while still scoring everything you need for an adventurous recipe you may not otherwise think to try. Proponents argue it cuts down on food waste and is actually cheaper than doing your own grocery shopping, so it’s a win-win. Read on for eight meal services that ship across the country.
blue apron
ships:
Nationwide.
cost:
$59.94 – $139.84, depending on number of recipes and servings
their “thing”:
Getting you the freshest ingredients, developing a more sustainable food system, and helping novice chefs gain confidence in the kitchen.
sakara life
ships:
Nationwide.
cost:
$69 – $82 per day for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
their “thing”:
organic (and gluten-free, almost vegan) meals that contain plant-based and nutrient-dense whole foods—for all three meals of the day.
hello fresh
ships:
Continental US.
cost:
Ranges from $69 per week for three meals that each serve two people to $99 per week for five meals that each serve two people.
their “thing”:
Healthy, fresh, and affordable dinners.
plated
ships:
Continental US.
cost:
Ranges from $48 per week for two dinners for two people to $168 for seven dinners for two people.
their “thing”:
Quality ingredients (think animals raised without antibiotics, domestically and sustainably sourced seafood) and cool recipes. Oh yeah, and they have dessert, too.
naturebox
ships:
US (states, protectorates, and territories) and Canada.
cost:
$9.97 for 5 snacks and $16.47 for 10 snacks. You can choose to have more snacks delivered every week, every two weeks, or just once a month.
their “thing”:
Snacks! This isn’t a meal service (though snacks are totally important if you ask us), it’s a service devoted to sending you healthy (and sometimes indulgent) snacks. None of their snacks include high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
the purple carrot
ships:
To a variety of locations along the east and west coasts.
cost:
$68 feeds two people three times a week, $74 feeds four people twice a week.
their “thing”:
Vegan meals that are most times organic and gluten-free, always non-GMO, and ethically sourced.
munchery
ships:
To the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York City.
cost:
A few dollars ($2-5 for a side or drink) to $15 for a dinner.
their “thing”:
A lot. Chefs prepare your food daily, but instead of delivering it to you like true takeout, it’s chilled. That means all you have to do is reheat and plate your food. You can order on demand or in advance. The menu changes daily… And they all look delicious.
marley spoon
ships:
To a variety of locations along the east coast (including Washington, D.C.), some Mid-West states like Illinois and Michigan, and the West Coast (starting March 14!).
cost:
Ranges from $48 for a two-person box with two dinners to $139.20 for a family box (dinners for 2 adults and 2 young children) with four dinners.
their “thing”:
Seasonal and easy-to-make recipes for dinners you’ll love.