In the bustling realm of quick eats and convenient meals, the abundance of meal kit delivery services can feel overwhelming. With promised convenience and culinary delight packed in each box, how do you choose the right one? After all, not all meal kits are constructed equally!
This guide will navigate you through ten key points to look for when choosing a meal kit delivery service that really meets your unique culinary needs and lifestyle. Let’s take a look!
10 Things to Look for When Choosing a Meal Kit
Purchasing a meal kit a couple of times a week is a great way to save money, especially if you’re busy or frequently throw food out. Here’s how to choose the perfect kit for you.
1. Ensure the Meal Kit is Affordable
It’s essential to examine your monthly food expenditure and compare this with the subscription cost of the meal kit delivery service. Take note that some services may seem costly at first, but when you factor in grocery bills and eating out, you might actually save money overall.
For example, meal kit EveryPlate offers affordable meal delivery, and you can lower the cost even further if you change up your box size. Be sure to use a discount code for extra savings.
2. Review Recipe Complexity
If you are a kitchen novice, it’s best to look for services that provide straightforward recipes and step-by-step instructions with pictures. On the other hand, if you’re an experienced cook looking for a challenge, make sure the service offers gourmet options with more complex instructions.
3. Consider Dietary Restrictions or Preferences
When choosing a meal kit delivery service, it’s crucial to consider your dietary restrictions or preferences. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, keto, gluten-sensitive, on a restrictive diet, or prefer organic foods, make sure the service offers meals that cater to your needs.
Many companies pride themselves on accommodating a wide range of dietary preferences. A quick browse through their menus online should provide you with this information.
4. Try Before Committing Long-Term
It’s tempting to jump feet-first into a long-term subscription with a meal kit delivery service, but it pays to sample their offerings before making such a commitment. Many services understand this and offer risk-free trial periods or options to order meals on an ad-hoc basis.
5. Check the Quality of Ingredients
High-quality ingredients translate directly into tastier and healthier meals for you and your family. Look for companies that prioritize sustainably sourced, organic, or locally sourced produce.
Some services even provide information about the farmers or details about where the ingredients come from. This transparency assures a better product and supports ethical food practices. What goes into your body matters, so don’t compromise on ingredient quality.
6. Determine Variety
Variety is the spice of life, and this certainly extends to your meal kit delivery service. In determining the right fit for you, check whether they offer a diverse selection of meals that will keep your taste buds constantly engaged. No one enjoys eating the same thing every time!
7. Investigate Packaging
As you explore different meal kit delivery services, don’t forget to consider their packaging and delivery methods. Ensuring that a company uses eco-friendly packaging materials is particularly important for the environmentally conscious. After all, your contribution protects the earth!
In addition, check if the service employs insulated packaging (very important for meat and dairy) to keep your food fresh during transit, which also reduces food spoilage and waste.
8. Portion Sizes
The size of the portions provided by your meal kit delivery service is an important consideration. Whether you’re cooking for one or a household, the service needs to cater adequately to your needs. Too little, and you’re left hungry. Too much, and you’ll have unnecessary food wastage.
9. Look Into Customer Support
There may be mix-ups with orders or issues with deliveries, and this is where excellent customer service becomes invaluable. Look for a service that can be easily reached via phone, email, or through social media platforms. Their response should be both quick and helpful.
Cooking should be enjoyable, and having robust customer support can ensure your culinary journey remains smooth and satisfying. It can also ensure quick returns, if necessary.
10. Availability in Your Area
Not all companies deliver nationwide, and some may not cater to your area, especially if you live in a remote or rural location. Check their website or contact customer service to confirm whether they can deliver right to your doorstep. You also won’t want your food to sit at the post office!
In Conclusion…
Choosing the perfect meal kit delivery service doesn’t have to be a challenging task. With attention to the mentioned key factors, you’ll find a service that caters deliciously to your needs.
Remember, it’s your culinary journey and your taste buds on the line, so give thought to what matters most to you! With your meal kit, you can enjoy exploring different cuisines, learning new cooking techniques, and savoring tasty dishes right from the comfort of your own kitchen.
