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If you are anything like me, you are busy. Work, family, and life tend to all get in the way especially right around dinner time. Sometimes, the grocery store becomes the last stop on my list – meaning I never actually make it there. Instead, I stop for some sort of unhealthy, unsatisfying, and unnatural fast food meal. I have tried to schedule out the family meals. It didn’t work. I tried to buy two weeks worth of dinners ahead of time. It didn’t work. It always seemed as if I was missing something. As a result, I decided that I was going to try out as many of the home meal delivery services as possible. To say the least, I learned a great deal.

Over the past month or so, I had a different meal service delivered each week (or at least was expected to have one delivered!). In my journey, my family and I have tried Hello Fresh, Home Chef (well, we tried!), Plated, Dinnerly, and Every Plate. (Blue Apron was also a considered option – I just ran out of time. I will eventually add it to this article and revise.) Even though each meal service was centered around the same concept, I have found some major differences (okay – and similarities) between each company. However, with each service, I can say that my cooking has drastically improved. I learned a lot about flavor, how to use different spices, the need for meat to be dried before cooking and then to rest afterwards, and the importance of not over-cooking.



With each service I tried, I rated them on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = I’d definitely order again!, 5 = Thanks, but no thanks!). In addition, I focused on price, food quality and freshness, taste, and ease of preparation. Also, just in case you think my opinion may have been swayed, I ordered each service on my own with nothing free from any company. So, without further ado, I present to you my home delivery meal service findings.



For each service, I ordered two servings for either three or four nights. My husband and I were the main taste-testers with a small dabble from our 1 year old daughter – however, her opinion should not be considered – she eats anything put in front of her. Additionally, I used multiple discount codes and rebates found on RetailMeNot and Rakuten for first time customers only. I cancelled each order after my first box. If I would not have cancelled, each box would have been significantly more expensive. I did not order anything at an additional cost such as gourmet meals or desserts.



Each service included recipes for each meal – whether included in the box or I had to print. Each recipe card came with detailed descriptions and pictures for each step along the way. My biggest suggestion: READ THE ENTIRE RECIPE BEFORE GETTING STARTED! This will save you a lot of grief. Additionally, follow the recipes as presented – these chefs know what they are doing. I was actually able to present to my husband perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned, and perfectly prepared meals. If they tell you to let the meat rest – let it rest. If they tell you to cut against the grain – just do it. If they tell you a specific time – set a timer! I followed each exactly as described and each meal was delicious and much better than most things I have cooked! Additionally, do not be afraid of seasonings, spices, and the flavors they suggest. Each recipe was unbelievable. My husband and I also found that if there is something we do not prefer, we still included it, even if in a smaller amount, and realized how well the taste actually turned out. For example, my husband does not like onions. So, in most recipes, I halved the required amount. He never complained and actually enjoyed the flavor they provided.

These are in presented in the order that they were delivered – not my order of preference.

Hello Fresh – Overall Rating: 4 of 5

Serving Size: 2 Servings x 4 per week

Total Cost: $23.91

Actual Total: $71.92 + $6.99 shipping – $40.00 discount – $15.00 rebate

Number of meal choices: 17

My meal choices: Figgy Balsamic Pork with Roasted Green Beans and Rosemary Potatoes; Creamy Dreamy Mushroom Gemelli with Scallions and Parmesan; Cranberry Apple Pork Chops with Asparagus and Herbed Potatoes; and Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowl with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Salsa Fresca.

Pros: First off, the package arrived when expected. This was very important since we plan specific meals for specific nights. Everything came cold and pre-packaged per meal in brown paper bags. These bags served as an easy location to put all scraps and garbage as I cooked. Each meal was extremely flavorful and turned out exactly as expected. The meals also came with very easy to follow recipe cards with both pictures and directions. The Creamy Dreamy Mushroom Gemelli was absolutely delicious! I will definitely be making it again! The different blends of flavors and spices in each meal was wonderful. Everything was perfectly portioned and included in each package. Not much else was required other than salt, pepper, and olive oil. In this meal service, everything was truly “Fresh”.

Cons: My biggest complaint was that the portion sizes were on the smaller size – I could have definitely eaten a little more. The Cranberry Apple Pork Chops were missing something – they were very good – but something was missing. Unfortunately, the price before discounts and rebates is a little expensive.

Would I order again?: Yes

Ingredients in shipping box

Separated ingredients for each meal

Figgy Balsamic Pork

Figgy Balsamic Pork

Chipotle Chicken & Rice Bowl

Chipotle Chicken & Rice Bowl

Cranberry Apple Pork Chops

Cranberry Apple Pork Chops

Home Chef – Overall Rating: 5 of 5

Serving Size: 2 servings x 4 nights per week

Total Cost: $35.82

Actual Cost: $79.60 + $0.00 shipping – $39.80 discount – $3.98 rebate

Number of meal choices: The website claims there are 26 meal choices – I beg to differ. Some of the choices include “5 minute lunches” or “smoothies”. I was looking for true dinner choices.

My meal choices: Pulled Pork Ragout & Fettuccine with Asiago Cheese; Japanese Steak Bento Bowl; Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Hot Honey; Chicken Cordon Bleu

Pros: I was particularly interested in some of the actual dinner choices. I was extremely looking forward to the Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Hot Honey. That’s it…. That’s all I can come up with.

Cons: Order was supposed to arrive on Thursday. It did not show up until Monday. Everything smelled awful. I had my husband take the box from the front porch directly to the garbage can. Everything was Pennsylvania-June temperature. I contacted customer service and was given a very systematic apology and told to wait until the next day. Nothing arrived. I attempted to contact customer service on Saturday. I received no reply until Monday morning. I tracked my package multiple times. Each day it was supposed to arrive by 8:00 pm. It finally arrived Monday evening with everything melted and very warm. After multiple discussions with customer service, I was refunded my money. No true apology, no mention of a refund until I requested it, and no offer of a free box – I really thought they would. Nothing except a recommendation to check the temperature of the items in the box. All in all, we ordered pizza.

Would I order again?: Not right now



Plated – Overall Rating: 3 of 5

Serving Size: 2 servings x 4 nights per week

Total Cost: $18.24

Actual Cost: $95.60 + $0.00 shipping – $57.36 discount – $20.00 rebate

Number of meal choices: 20 new recipes including optional desserts

My meal choices: Meatball Sandwiches with Tomato-Cream, Mozzarella, and Pesto; Balsamic-Glazed Steak with Nectarine, Basil, and Festa; Chicken Burrito Bowls with Black Beans, Pico de Gallo, and Lime Crema; and Persian Chicken with Carrots and Jeweled Rice

Pros: The box arrived a day early – which was actually a pleasant surprise. Every recipe was so flavorful and extremely delicious. The Tomato-Cream Sauce on the Meatball Sandwiches will definitely be made again – it was unbelievable! I am also still craving another Balsamic-Glazed Steak Salad. I cannot cook steak to save my life! The directions that were included in the provided recipe cards left us with one of the best steaks I have ever had. Also, it seems as if each service always offers some sort of burrito bowl – I have discovered a new love for lime in my sour cream. WOW! Additionally, the portion sizes were huge. I found that I could not actually eat the entire meal and always had a small amount left over. I also found that there were left-over ingredients and “tips” on the side of the recipe card that gave me an idea as to how to use them for something else.

Cons: One of my biggest issues with this service was that not all of the staples for the meal were actually included. For example, I need to provide an egg for the meatballs and needed balsamic vinegar for the steak salad. In the other services, there were included, even if in a small bag or bottle. Also, everything was pre-packaged in plastic bags. In my opinion, I preferred the use of a paper bag for each meal. Another thing that I found unfavorable was that not everything was fresh – some items came canned. Not that this was a huge deal – I cook with canned items at home – I just didn’t necessarily expect it at this cost.

Would I order again?: Yes – if discounts and rebates are included



Ingredients in shipping box

Ingredients separated in plastic bags

Meatball Sandwiches

Chicken Burrito Bowl

Persian Chicken

Balsamic-Glazed Steak

Meatball Sandwich

Persian Chicken

Chicken Burrito Bowl

Cold items in shipping box

Dinnerly – Overall Rating: 2 of 5

Serving Size: 2 servings x 4 nights per week

Total Cost: $39.12

Actual Cost: $38.93 + $8.99 shipping + free shipping

Number of meal choices: 14 dinner choices per week

My meal choices: Pork Carnitas with Corn and Red Onion Salsa; Garlicky Caprese Ravioli with Tomatoes, Basil, & Parm; Roasted Broccoli Calzone with Chopped Salad; and Philly Cheesesteak Burger with Oven Fries

Pros: First off, the Broccoli Calzone and Chopped Salad and the Philly Cheesesteak Burger were absolutely amazing. The cheeseburger was the juiciest burger I have ever eaten. I will definitely be replicating those recipes soon! The portion sizes were perfect – not too small and not too great. I also found that there were left-over ingredients that could be used with provided suggestions. In all honesty, I was looking forward to the pork carnitas the least. I was wrong! They were so easy and so delicious. I did add a touch of lime sour cream (sour cream, lime, salt & pepper – add all to taste) for a little more flavor. They would have been just as tasty without it. The cheese ravioli were amazing. They truly reminded me of something I would pay way too much for in an Italian restaurant. The flavor was a collection that I never, on my own, would have put together.

Cons: I was very surprised when I opened the box and found a box full of ingredients – not separated-into-each-meal ingredients – just a box of ingredients. I found that I had to read each recipe in detail before I could even make one to determine what was needed for each. For example, they sent me two small containers of roasted red peppers. Thank goodness I read the other cards or I would have used them both in my first meal. Nothing in the box was at all organized. Additionally, there were no recipe cards!!! I had to look each one up in my email or online and print them. This was very disappointing. Other services offer them in color and on card stock for later use. I also found that not everything in this meal service was included either. I had to provide my own dressing for the chopped salad – the recipe card I printed told me what to use, but it had to come from my own pantry.

Would I order again?: Yes – the price was very inexpensive in comparison to the others.



Dinnerly Meal Ingredients in box

Philly Cheesesteak Burger Ingredients

Philly Cheesesteak Burger with Oven Fries

Pork Carnitas with Corn and Red Onion Salsa and an added touch of Sour Cream

Cheese Ravioli

Every Plate – Overall Rating: 1 of 5

Serving Size: 2 servings x 3 nights per week

Total Cost: $19.46

Actual Cost: $29.94 + $8.99 shipping – $19.47 discount

Number of meal choices: 8 dinner choices

My meal choices: Cranberry-glazed Pork Chops with Crispy Potatoes And Green Beans; Teriyaki-glazed Chicken with Zucchini And Ginger-lime Rice; Cherry-glazed Pork Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes And Roasted Carrots

Pros: First off, the cost is extremely affordable – even without the discounts. The package arrived on time with no issues. The inside of the packaging material may have actually been packs of insulation. I could probably put it into my walls for extra protection from the winter weather! All of the ingredients appeared to be very fresh and in a good quantity. After a small hiccup with some of the items (see below), I spoke with customer service. Without me asking or even suggesting, the representative immediately credited my account with a free box. I was actually very surprised by this and applaud their customer service.

As for the meals, they were delicious. The roasted vegetables were amazing and the sauces on the meatballs were unbelievable. Portions sizes were pretty good for the meats – not as much for the vegetables. All in all, the food was fantastic.

Cons: Three ingredients were leaking – chicken, soy sauce, and the cherry jam. The soy sauce truly covered every dry ingredient to the point where I had to rinse everything off in the sink. The chicken was only leaking on to the other meat in the bottom of the box. The cherry jam was leaking due to the glass container being cracked and broken.

Would I order again?: Yes



How the box arrived – hard to believe what a packet of soy sauce can do!

Cranberry-glazed Porkchops

Teriyaki Glazed Chicken

Fresh vegetables provided in the kit

Every Plate Packaging

Cherry-glazed Meatballs

Conclusion

I can honestly say that my own cooking has drastically improved. Additionally, my portions that I prepare for my husband and I has changed. I typically make way too much and we tend to then overeat – these recipes have taught me that I don’t need to make as much to be completely satisfied. Finally, the spices and herbs (and lime! I now love lime!) that I add to my food has made a huge difference in the taste.

My final thought: If you are looking for some new recipes and want to try them out – order a boxed meal – but do not forget to use a coupon code and find a rebate. If anyone needs either – contact me and I will see how I can help!

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