If you’re tired of deciding what to make for dinner or getting rid of food waste, consider subscribing to a meal delivery service. These services offer pre-portioned ingredients to take the guesswork out of planning and cooking meals.
Some meals are designed to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. For example, Purple Carrot offers plant-based meals and Epicured delivers low-FODMAP dishes for those with gastrointestinal disorders.
How it works
A meal delivery service delivers food to customers. These services can be as simple as delivering groceries from a grocery store, or as complex as providing fully prepared meals delivered to the home. Customers can make their orders through a website or smartphone app. They can choose from a variety of meals, including those made by top chefs and those catering to specific diets. Most of these services offer a subscription model.
Meal delivery service are a great way to get fresh, healthy meals without having to go out. They are a convenient solution for those who don’t have time to cook or are struggling with the COVID-19 lockdown. In addition, they can save money and provide the convenience of ordering through a digital platform.
These services typically use a grocery-store style delivery model, allowing you to select from a variety of meals for two or four people. They also have a wide range of add-ons, including snacks and desserts. You can also order meal kits that include all the ingredients you need to prepare the meals yourself, and most come with a detailed recipe card. They are usually packaged with ice packs and are delivered in refrigerated trucks.
Other companies deliver prepared meals directly to homes, office buildings and health care facilities. They are generally delivered by drivers who are trained to handle a variety of situations. They can also take advantage of route management software, which optimizes their delivery routes. This helps to reduce delivery times and improve customer satisfaction.
Ingredients
The ingredients in meal delivery services are usually shipped fresh, often packaged separately for each recipe and accompanied by dry ice to keep perishables cool. Some meal delivery services also offer organic, non-GMO, or locally-sourced ingredients. These options can add a premium to the price tag but can be more cost-effective than seeking out specialty grocery stores. Diverse Menus
Some meal delivery services focus on sourcing gourmet or exotic ingredients and recipes that can be expensive to replicate cost-effectively with grocery shopping. This can provide a culinary journey that’s difficult to experience with traditional grocery shopping. Less Frequent Grocery Trips
Meal options
Meal delivery services offer an alternative to grocery shopping and cooking at home. They can be useful for people with limited time, and they also make it easy to try new foods. They also help save money on take-out and reduce waste. The best meal delivery service for you depends on your preferences, budget and lifestyle. There are many options to choose from, so it’s important to find one that meets your needs.
Most meal delivery services offer a wide range of meals, including traditional meal kits, semi-prepared options and fully prepared ready-to-eat dinners. You can also select from a variety of recipes, which change weekly. Many services use chefs and dieticians to curate their offerings. They may have different menus for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets and can accommodate food allergies.
Depending on the service, you can also choose between organic, non-GMO and natural ingredients. Some meal delivery services will have a specific focus on sourcing ingredients, such as Hungryroot, which prioritizes sustainable and ethical sourcing. Others, such as Purple Carrot, have a focus on plant-based meals and avoid processed foods.
Most meal delivery services will allow you to change or cancel your subscription at any time. However, you should be aware that some companies will require an upfront payment or a commitment to a minimum order.
Pricing
If you’re looking for convenience, meal delivery services can save you a lot of time. Grocery delivery companies will pick up your order from a local grocery store or warehouse and ship it to your home, typically using common mail services for non-perishable items and sometimes dry ice for perishables. You can choose to have your groceries delivered either weekly or monthly, and you can pause or cancel your subscription at any time.
Some meal delivery services offer fully-prepared meals. These meals are prepared and shipped in small tupperware containers to your home. They may be refrigerated or frozen, and many of these services offer options for dietary restrictions like vegan and vegetarian. Some even offer a variety of menu options and add-ons.
Most meal delivery services price their food by the meal or serving. While this can seem expensive at first glance, keep in mind that you’re paying a premium for chef-designed recipes and premium ingredients. Some services also offer family-sized meals for a lower cost per person.
The best meal delivery service offers a wide selection of menu items, healthy choices, recyclable packaging, and a focus on organic ingredients. It is also easy to order and track your deliveries. It’s important to find a meal delivery service that aligns with your eating habits, lifestyle, and budget.
