Meal kits have revolutionized home cooking, offering a convenient way to prepare delicious meals without the hassle of grocery shopping and meal planning. For beginners, navigating the world of meal kits can be overwhelming. This guide compares some of the top meal kit services, focusing on what makes them beginner-friendly and highlighting their pros and cons based on expert reviews from Epicurious.
HelloFresh: The Classic Choice for Learning to Cook
HelloFresh stands out as the largest meal kit provider, capturing a significant market share. They offer a range of plans including Classic, Vegetarian, and Family-Friendly options, all designed to enhance cooking skills, especially for novices. HelloFresh excels at adding “flourishes” to simple recipes, such as scallion-infused oil for rice or apricot glaze for chicken, making everyday meals feel special. Vacuum-sealed ingredients ensure freshness and provide flexibility in meal scheduling. While vegetarian options are available, they are less extensive compared to the omnivore choices.
Pros:
- Delicious and Balanced Recipes: HelloFresh delivers consistently tasty recipes with pre-portioned ingredients. Dishes like pork tenderloin with honey butter are wholesome and satisfying family meals.
- Satisfying Vegetarian Meals: Vegetarian options are easy to prepare and enjoyable.
- Excellent Instructions for Beginners: Clear, step-by-step instructions are incredibly helpful for new cooks, teaching basic techniques effectively.
Cons:
- Prep Work Required: The meal preparation process is not significantly easier than cooking from scratch using online recipes, as you still need to chop vegetables and handle all prep tasks.
- Limited Vegetarian Choice: Vegetarians have fewer choices compared to meat-eaters.
HelloFresh Menu Highlights:
- Szechuan pork noodle stir-fry
- Caramelized onion meatloaf sandwiches
- Sweet ginger pork chops
- Saucy pork burrito bowls
Best For: Individuals at any cooking skill level who are interested in learning and improving their culinary abilities.
Price: Starting at $8.99 per serving.
Availability: Nationwide and internationally.
Green Chef: Organic and Diet-Specific Meal Kits for Health-Conscious Beginners
Green Chef, owned by HelloFresh, distinguishes itself by focusing on certified organic produce and ingredients, making it the first USDA-certified organic meal kit company. They cater to various dietary needs, including keto, gluten-free, pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan. Recipes are generally simple, with prep times under 30 minutes, yet incorporate interesting flavor combinations like orange and fennel with roasted vegetables or Parmesan frico in salads. While more expensive due to organic ingredients, Green Chef is a strong option for those prioritizing organic and specialized diets.
Pros:
- Appealing Organic Ingredients: Green Chef excels at making even less favored vegetables palatable through creative recipes.
- Picture-Based Instructions: Step-by-step instructions with pictures are exceptionally helpful for visual learners and beginners, effectively teaching cooking techniques.
- Perfect Portion Sizes: “Meals for two” provide ideal leftovers for a single person’s lunch.
Cons:
- Repetitive Ingredients: Ingredient repetition can occur, making it best for occasional use (two to three times a week).
- Higher Price Point: Organic focus leads to a higher cost compared to non-organic meal kits.
Green Chef Menu Highlights:
- Cantina chicken and white bean soup
- Harissa barramundi and kale grain bowls
- Almond-crusted salmon in tomato cream sauce
- Parmesan linguine with shrimp and bacon
Best For: Beginner cooks who prioritize organic ingredients and specific dietary plans.
Price: Starting at $11.99 per serving.
Availability: Nationwide, excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and parts of Louisiana.
Blue Apron: Elevating Beginner Cooking with Skill-Building Recipes and Quality Proteins
Blue Apron distinguishes itself with detailed recipe instructions that emphasize prep-first cooking, a valuable skill for any home cook. They are praised for high-quality proteins, including salmon and cod fillets, and even premium options like scallops. Blue Apron introduces more globally-inspired and novel recipes compared to other services, such as honey chipotle hot chicken or hoisin duck, yet remains beginner-friendly with picture-guided instructions. Calorie counts are provided for each recipe, and they offer add-ons like wine delivery and a kitchenware marketplace.
Pros:
- Detailed Prep-Focused Instructions: Blue Apron’s instructions are exceptionally detailed, teaching effective preparation techniques before cooking.
- High-Quality Proteins: Excellent quality proteins, such as salmon and cod, and premium options like scallops are a highlight.
- Special yet Simple Options: Recipes are simple to follow but result in dishes that feel special and not mundane.
Cons:
- Upcharges for Premium Meals: Some of the most interesting meals involve extra charges and may only be available for two servings.
- Longer Recipe Times: Recipes can take longer to prepare compared to more basic meal kit offerings.
Blue Apron Menu Highlights:
- Seared chicken and sherry-maple pan sauce
- Chimichurri salmon
- Potato hash and eggs
- Baked tofu and creamy tomato curry
Best For: Individuals who want to develop foundational cooking skills, learn repeatable recipes, and appreciate high-quality ingredients.
Price: Starting at $7.99 per serving, plus $9.99 shipping.
Availability: Nationwide.
Purple Carrot: The Premier Vegan Meal Kit for Plant-Based Beginners (and Beyond)
Purple Carrot is a dedicated vegan meal kit delivery service, highly recommended even for those not strictly vegan. It introduces a wide variety of new vegan recipes, incorporating less common vegetables like romesco and impressive flavor and texture combinations. Recipes showcase techniques that may be new to even experienced vegan cooks, such as caramelizing tempeh with sugar. Purple Carrot offers different plans: Quick and Easy for basic skill development, Performance Meals with high plant protein, and Chef’s Choice for the most diverse menu.
Pros:
- Innovative Vegan Recipes: Purple Carrot introduces exciting and easily incorporated vegetarian/vegan recipes.
- Minimal and Clear Packaging: Packaging is minimal and includes clear disposal instructions, addressing a common frustration with meal kits.
- Reliably Delicious Results: Meals are consistently flavorful and satisfying.
Cons:
- Produce Ripeness Variability: Fresh produce may not always be perfectly ripe, which can be a factor in mass delivery services.
- Prep Time Can Be Lengthy: While marketed as convenient, some testers found prep time still considerable.
Purple Carrot Menu Highlights:
- Crispy brussels sprout tacos
- One-pot mafaldine with tomato cream and winter greens
- Minted spinach soup
- Almond butter tofu
Best For: Vegans, vegetarians, or anyone interested in exploring plant-based cooking and new vegan recipes.
Price: Starting at approximately $81 for the first box (price may vary).
Availability: Nationwide.
Conclusion:
Choosing the “best” meal kit depends on individual needs and preferences. For absolute beginners seeking classic recipes and skill development, HelloFresh is an excellent starting point. Green Chef is ideal for those prioritizing organic ingredients and specific diets. Blue Apron elevates the cooking experience with skill-building techniques and higher-quality ingredients. Lastly, Purple Carrot stands out as the top choice for vegans and those eager to explore plant-based cuisine. By comparing these meal kit services, beginners can confidently select the option that best fits their culinary journey.
