I’ve tested six meal delivery services, and even I, who has unpacked the boxes of ingredients and prepared the meals with my own two hands, can get them mixed up. The companies are similar, and, as far as I’m concerned, similarly successful at accomplishing their mission: delivering the makings for quality recipes to doors across the country and alleviating the burden of meal planning.

Because of these overlapping goals and audiences, the company names sound, well, kind of the same. There’s HelloFresh, Home Chef, Chefs Plate, Green Chef, Purple Carrot, Blue Apron. Phew! If the “H” companies have you jumbled up, we’re here to explain the differences between Home Chef vs. HelloFresh, two of the more prominent names in the biz.

What’s the Difference Between Home Chef and HelloFresh?

Similarities

Home Chef and HelloFresh have the same model as other meal delivery services for families. They allow you to select plans for different numbers of recipes and servings to receive each week. The insulated cardboard boxes that each company sends contain all the ingredients needed for the chosen recipes, sorted into bags for added convenience.

Even the cost differences are virtually nonexistent. Home Chef meals cost between $9.99 and $11.99, depending on how many you purchase. HelloFresh meals cost between $9.99 and $11.49. (Psst! Keep an eye out for sales.) Note: With Home Chef, you have the option to order six servings per meal, whereas HelloFresh only sells meals with yields of up to four servings.

The recipes are similarly categorized on the website, with labels related to carbohydrate and calorie content, cook/prep time, vegetarian-friendliness and more. Both companies offer roughly 30 recipes to choose from each week. (Need an exclusively vegetarian service? Try Mosaic Foods.)

When trying out Home Chef vs. HelloFresh recipes, each box had its highs and its lows, for a very comparable experience with both brands. For instance, I loved the Italian-Style Wedding Soup from Home Chef but was a little underwhelmed by the Salmon Cakes with Dill Hollandaise. As for HelloFresh, the Street Cart-Style Turkey Bowls wowed while the One-Pan Beef Enchiladas Verdes left a bit to be desired.

In addition to the entrees they provide, HelloFresh (through HelloFresh Market) and Home Chef also allow add-ons to their boxes. Think breakfasts, drinks, side dishes, breads, desserts and a la carte proteins, available for an additional cost.

Lastly, both companies are committed to eco-friendliness and sustainability, exhibited through their sourcing practices and packaging.

Differences

The differences between these two companies in terms of menu options, flexibility and pricing are hard to identify. There are a few additional features of Home Chef, potentially accounting for its slightly elevated price tag, that set it apart from HelloFresh. If you view these features as value-adds, then it could be the fit for you.

Home Chef, owned by Kroger, sells some of its meal kits in supermarkets. This means that to enjoy Home Chef’s offerings, you might not even need to subscribe. Also, if you have a favorite food celebrity, there’s a chance they’ve collaborated with Home Chef. Some examples of partnerships include Rachael Ray and Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest fame, who developed limited-time recipes for the service. This meal kit also offers oven-ready meals that require little prep before popping in the oven and family meals that automatically come with four servings.

All About Home Chef

Home Chef is based in Chicago, Illinois, and was founded in 2013. Since then, the company has expanded its offerings to include traditional meal kits, as well as optional add-ons like desserts, breakfasts and sides; oven-ready meals; and in-store kits.

Most of its recipes are developed by professional on-staff chefs, though some notable celebrity partnerships mean a selection of the company’s recipes were developed by the famous chef in question. Recipes are dubbed easy, intermediate or expert, and labeled with tags like Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Smart, Vegetarian, Carb-Conscious, etc.

The company boasts its products as “endlessly customizable…meal kits that fit your needs” with “fresh, pre-portioned ingredients.” This customization is made clear via the “Customize It” options, which usually entail swapping out proteins or omitting them altogether.

I thoroughly enjoyed my Home Chef meals, especially the Italian-Style Wedding Soup, and their high-quality ingredients. I found the cook times and difficulty ratings to be accurate. Plus, the comprehensive recipe cards were incredibly helpful. Although I think some of the recipes could’ve been more efficient, my experience was certainly a positive one, and I believe it could be for you, too. Home Chef offerings are suitable for all types of consumers: couples, singles and families.

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Home Chef

Home Chef, available in select Kroger stores and online, is a celebrity-endorsed, ultra-customizable meal delivery service.

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All About HelloFresh

If HelloFresh isn’t beckoning you, perhaps one of the company’s other brands will. The HelloFresh Group, based in Germany, also owns Green Chef, EveryPlate, Factor and Good Chop, among others. Green Chef focuses on healthy, organic recipes while EveryPlate is a budget brand. Factor sells fully prepared frozen meals, and Good Chop is a meat delivery service.

HelloFresh, the group’s namesake, is the most straightforward meal delivery serviceand perhaps the original, founded in 2011. You’ve surely heard of it, thanks to its omnipresent marketing, solid reviews and amazing deals.

I’ve tested HelloFresh three times now, and its meals are always tasty, easy and made with ingredients I, myself, would pick out from the supermarket. Think Daisy sour cream, Philadelphia cream cheese, Cholula hot sauce and Colavita olive oil. The comprehensive recipe card makes recipe preparation super simple.

And don’t discount HelloFresh Market, which functions as a more built-out grocery delivery service. There’s even fresh produce available!

Some negligible drawbacks include misquoted prep and cook times and substantial cleanup, but those are small complaints for an overwhelmingly pleasant, ever-consistent experience.

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Retailer Comparison

HelloFresh

HelloFresh is a fan-favorite meal delivery service celebrated for its diverse menu, customization options and affordability.

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The Bottom Line

When it comes to Home Chef vs. HelloFresh, you can’t go wrong here. I’d suggest browsing the menus of both companies and deciding which one entices you more. However, if you’re committed to your weekly supermarket runs or your favorite celebrity chef, then Home Chef might be a better call. Aside from that, the pricing, sustainability practices, recipe selections and ingredient quality are very comparable.

The post Home Chef vs. HelloFresh: I’ve Tested Both, But How Do They Compare? appeared first on Taste of Home.

I am so grateful for this opportunity and wish every food lover had it. And subscribing to a meal kit service is about as close as one can get without applying for a second job. Blue Apron is just one of the many meal kit services, and all of its recipes are developed by chefs with a combined 50-plus years of restaurant experience and with home cooks like you in mind. You feel like you have a trained professional peeking over your shoulder and offering guidance with step-by-step instructions.

I’m always craving restaurant-level meals that I can count on at home, so I gave the meal kit service a spin in my own kitchen.

What is Blue Apron?

Blue Apron is a meal kit delivery service similar to EveryPlate, Dinnerly and Gobble. It was founded 10 years ago and touts itself as the “meal kit that puts quality first.” Not only are there chef-approved recipes from which to choose each week, but there’s also the Blue Apron Market that has seasonal offerings, such as a complete Thanksgiving dinner, and multipacks of Heat & Eat meals, like Four-Cheese Enchiladas and Lemon Chicken.

You also might have heard of the Blue Apron wine subscription service, which allowed customers to purchase wines that paired well with Blue Apron meals. However, Blue Apron discontinued it in October 2023. They’re sticking to food for right now! This includes dinners in a number of categories, yes, but also breakfasts and desserts, too.

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Blue Apron

Blue Apron makes every mealtime feel special with its craft recipes that focus equally on nutrition, ease and flavor.

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Blue Apron Features

Blue Apron offers various plans that allow you to select your preferences (i.e., Chef Favorites, Wellness, Family Friendly, Fast & Easy) and then choose how many meals and servings per meal to receive each week. You can receive as few as two meals for two people or as many as five meals for four people.

Then, on the menu, you’ll find 70-plus items from which to pick, including recipes that are carb-conscious, highlight fall produce, contain a certain number of calories and more. Easily find the prep time and other recipe details as you scroll the page.

In the Add-Ons tab, you’ll find rotating extra items. For example, there are brunch items, like breakfast casseroles and crepes, desserts, standalone proteins and the aforementioned Heat & Eat meals.

Once your box has been handpicked by you, it’ll arrive on your doorstep midway through the given week. Some of the ingredients, like the produce and proteins, are placed in the insulated box loose, whereas smaller items are divided into Knick Knack bags by recipe. For example, in the Ramen Knick Knacks bag, I found items like furikake, sauces, vinegar, broth and more.

Additionally, the box contains recipe cards. These are a bit sparser than other recipe cards I’ve encountered. They list the included ingredients, prep and cook time, yield and step-by-step instructions with photographs. However, they exclude nutritional facts and lists of needed tools and at-home ingredients.

How We Tested It

The box arrived on Thursday, and I stored the two meal kits in my refrigerator until I cooked them on Monday. I chose one of the service’s Ready to Cook mealsMiso-Maple Chicken Thighs & Rice with Mushrooms & Spinachas well as a Craft recipeHoisin Pork Belly & Miso Ramen with Bok Choy & Soft-Boiled Eggs. Below are my Blue Apron reviews for two meals.

Miso-Maple Chicken Thighs & Rice

I’ll admit: I was wary of this recipe as soon as I unwrapped the ingredients. First off, I was sent chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs, which, frankly, makes a big difference. I’m not sure I would’ve ordered the recipe had I known I would receive chicken breasts. Also, I always get a bit nervous about cooking rice entirely in the oven.

But, for the most part, I was pleasantly surprised. This ready-to-cook recipe was as advertised. It took less than 15 minutes to get into the oven, where it baked for 40 minutes. All I had to do beforehand was rinse the rice, add the base ingredients to the provided aluminum tray, season the chicken and place it on top of the base, then bake. While the dish was in the oven, I prepared the glaze that went on top of the chicken partway through cooking. And voila!

When I pulled the pan from the oven, I was still a little dubious about the rice. There was a fair amount of liquid in the pan, but after resting for about 15 minutes, the excess water was absorbed and the meal was ready to enjoy. And enjoy it we did.

My boyfriend said it was his favorite meal-kit recipe he’d tried. The maple and miso, a somewhat unexpected duo, complemented each other nicely, and I cooked the spinach and mushrooms to perfection. Although I thought the rice was slightly underdone and the chicken was a bit dry, cooking everything all at once in the oven made things so breezy, this didn’t matter. In all, this recipe felt quite elevated, especially for how easy it was to make.

Hoisin Pork Belly & Miso Ramen

This recipe was significantly more tedious than the Miso-Maple Chicken, but that’s to be expected if you want homemade, decked-out ramen like I do. Preparation entailed soft-boiling the eggs, roasting the pre-cooked pork belly, chopping the vegetables, quick-pickling the radish, stirring together the sauce, cooking the noodles, sauteeing the vegetables and making the base.

This sounds like a lot, and it was, but the recipe developers designed this recipe to be as streamlined as possible. It took me 44 minutes to makejust barely within the quoted time of 35-45 minutes. I was able to pull this off because the eggs, noodles and base were all cooked in the same saucepan at different times. Plus, the pork belly baked concurrently. The two-ingredient sauce took seconds to combine, and I could set and forget the radishes.

I was pleased with the quality of all the produce, the ramen noodles and the pork belly, especially considering they sat in the fridge for four days. Unfortunately, one of my eggs was cracked upon arrival, so I opted to use one already in my refrigerator. Furthermore, there was an unidentified leak within the Knick Knacks bag that soaked through the furikake packaging. Because I wanted some garnish, I used my own sea moss seasoning and sesame seeds.

This is the fanciest ramen I’ve ever made at home, and I felt like I could find it on a restaurant menu. The miso lent a richness and sweetness, and it made the dish that much more interesting. The perfectly soft-boiled egg that peeled easily, the acidic pickled radishes, and the glazed pork bellyalbeit slightly overcookedreally took things over the top. I was thrilled to have leftovers for lunch the next day.

Pros

• Ready to Cook recipes are truly ready to cook in minutes
• Elevated-feeling meals with low-effort
• Quality produce
• Virtually no food waste
• Mostly accurate cook/prep times

Cons

• Ingredients I received and ingredients listed didn’t always match up
• Leakage in the packaging, which affected some ingredients
• Recipe cards don’t include a list of tools or required at-home ingredients

FAQ

Does Blue Apron have good meals?

Blue Apron reviews can attest that the company not only has good meals but, more importantly, has a good variety of meals. There is something for virtually everyone on the website, including vegetarians, pescatarians and health-conscious folks.

Although this possibly wouldn’t be the best meal kit service for families because of its more elevated menu, the meals are ultra-delicious and palatable for the gourmets out there. My mouth is just watering while perusing the upcoming menu of Egg & Cucumber Sandwiches with Smoked Gouda Spread & Persimmon Salad and Sweet & Spicy Cod with Rice & Bok Choy.

Product Comparison

I’ve tried six meal kit delivery services at this point, and I’m always on a mission to figure out the differentiating factors of each. Blue Apron reviews will admit that this meal kit is on the pricier sideup there with Green Chef ($12/meal)and Home Chef ($10/meal). However, I would say the balance between the simplicity of the preparation methods and the sophistication and success of the recipes justifies the cost. Blue Apron meals feel more elevated than most competitors’ meals, so there’s going to be an elevated price tag to match. The creativity and thoughtfulness of each recipe wowed me.

I also appreciate that there is a Blue Apron Market and the option for add-ons, such as proteins, desserts and more. Although the market isn’t as robust as HelloFresh’s market, which is essentially a grocery delivery service, I think this feature from Blue Apron can still be considered a pro. Plus, its Heat & Eat and Ready to Cook meals further set it apart from others.

Final Verdict

Believe the Blue Apron reviews! This meal kit has offerings for everyone. Whether you’re a health-focused young professional without much experience in the kitchen or a small family of adventurous eaters and soon-to-be foodies, there’s something for you. The Heat & Eat and Ready to Cook meals are perfect for those in the former category, and the rest of the recipes are a great match for those in the second group.

The unannounced ingredient swaps and packaging issues were a little disappointing, but the complex flavor profiles and great taste of both my recipes impressed me. And I was even more impressed by how little work it took to get them on my table. I would certainly recommend this meal kit service to anyone with a busy schedule and/or some extra money to spend on food.

Where to Buy Blue Apron

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Blue Apron

With a couple clicks, you and the whole crew can enjoy handpicked, chef-approved recipes week after week.

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Purchase your first box on the Blue Apron website for between $61 and $171, depending on the number of meals and servings selected. Chances are, it won’t be your last!

The post Blue Apron Review: This One’s For You, Lazy Gourmets appeared first on Taste of Home.

Meal kits take the effort out of meal planning but none of the variety and quality. EveryPlate is the latest of many that I’ve tried. Owned by the HelloFresh Group and touted as the company’s most affordable service, this kit did not disappoint. Let’s dig into my EveryPlate reviews of each recipe in the box.

What is EveryPlate?

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EveryPlate Meal Kit

EveryPlate meal kits are an affordable way to have delicious recipes and all their ingredients delivered straight to your door.

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EveryPlate follows the same formula as most other meal kit delivery services on the market, especially those also owned by the HelloFresh Group, such as Green Chef and, of course, HelloFresh. Offering an exceptional user experience, the service allows customers to select up to six recipes with yields of two, four or six servings on a weekly basis.

The well-insulated box of ingredients for the preselected recipes then arrives on your doorstep typically by Wednesday of the given week. The family-friendly meals are as low as $4.99 per serving based on how many meals and servings you purchase, and you’ll have 26 signature, semi-customizable recipes from which to choose each week.

EveryPlate Features

EveryPlate reviews set this meal kit apart from competitors, such as Mosaic, Marley Spoon and Home Chef, mainly for its low pricea price the company is able to offer because of packaging adjustments and condensed menu options. That being said, there are still 26 meals from which to choose each week. When you sign up, you’ll have the option to select preferences such as “Quick & Easy” or “Veggie” to signal to EveryPlate which recipes to display first.

Then comes the fun part, at least for me: sifting through all the delicious-looking recipes and picking which ones I want on my plate ASAP. For my box, I chose Chicken Scallopini, Sticky Soy Pork Burgers and Creamy Corn & Bacon Chowder. I opted out of any add-ons, but you can bulk up your box with items like garlic bread, egg bites or cheesecake for a small price if you like.

The recipes are conveniently labeled with signifiers such as “Customer Fave,” “Easy Cleanup” or “30 Min or Less,” so you know exactly what you’re signing up for. And if you’re not feelin’ any of the offerings, you can skip weeks or cancel altogether at any time.

How We Tested It

My EveryPlate box arrived on a Wednesday afternoon. I immediately unpacked it and tossed all the ingredients in the fridge. The non-meat ingredients, such as sauces, veggies and grains, are compiled in a cardboard box. Then, check underneath the ice packs for your proteinsI’ve made that mistake before! Despite the packaging adjustments that partially account for the low cost of the box, the items arrived cold and in great shape. I cooked them all the very next day.

Chicken Scallopini

For those who don’t know (read: me before ordering this box), Chicken Scallopini is thinly sliced chicken that’s dredged in flour, pan-fried and served with a sauce, in this case, a lemon-garlic cream sauce. The full meal also included roasted broccoli and cubed potatoes. So, in addition to the aforementioned steps of dredging, pan-frying and whisking together a cream sauce, I also had to chop, season and bake the potatoes and broccoli.

The instructions included some helpful pointers that I might not have considered, such as adjusting the oven racks so the potatoes would bake right at the top of the oven and the broccoli would go in the middle. This lent itself to a perfect cook on both. However, I would’ve preferred the instructions had me add the broccoli halfway through the potatoes’ cook time rather than pulling them out halfway through the potatoes’ cook time so that both would’ve been hot when eating.

The dredging process was super easyI appreciated that the instructions had me sprinkle the flour over the chicken, then pat until it adhered, rather than having me add the flour to a bowl, toss the chicken in there and dirty extra pans. After the chicken was cooked, I was able to stir together the sauce in the same skillet. Achieving that smooth, lemony sauce was so straightforward.

Although one piece of chicken was on the slightly dry side, in all, it was a nourishing, filling meal that those sitting around my table really enjoyed. The potatoes were crisped to perfection, and the lemon cream sauce added a welcome brightness to this comfort-food dish. I will note, though, that it took me nearly an hour to prepare, rather than the quoted 40 minutes.

Sticky Soy Pork Burgers

When eagerly awaiting the arrival of my EveryPlate box, this is the meal about which I was most excited. And after taste-testing them all, it was certainly the most unique, in a largely positive way. The recipe entails chopping, seasoning and baking the potato wedges; making a cilantro slaw; and forming and cooking the pork patties on the stovetop (there’s also a ground beef version).

Despite feeling like something you’d find on a restaurant menu, this recipe was super easy to put together. Although I’d make some tiny tweaks were I to make it again, such as julienning the potatoes so they cooked better, seasoning the patties slightly more, or adding less mayo to the slaw, I found it to be a juicy, delicious burger that stands out from many of the tired, go-to recipes in my repertoire.

The glaze on the Sticky Soy Pork Burgers, made of soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, lime, ginger and a couple of other ingredients, really took things up a notch, and the potato buns were a fluffy, tender complement to the equally tender pork. Although this recipe took me 42 instead of 35 minutes to make, I could certainly see myself revisiting this recipe.

Creamy Corn & Bacon Chowder

I’ve had some really incredible salads from meal kit delivery services, so it was time to try a soup. With a few favorite ingredients of mine such as bacon, cream cheese, jalapeno and potatoes, the Creamy Corn & Bacon Chowder was a slam-dunk for me. In fact, I’d say the bacon was the highest-quality ingredient in the whole box.

First, I chopped the potatoes, onion and jalapeno. Then I sauteed the aromatics and seasonings in butter before adding flour, then milk. Next, I added milk, water, chicken stock and potatoes, and cooked until the potatoes were tender. Meanwhile, I crisped up the bacon to just my liking. Lastly, I stirred in cream cheese, some of the bacon and corn, then topped it with jalapeno, more bacon and sour cream. Easy, peasy!

Although this was my favorite recipe of the bunch flavor-wise, there were some minor drawbacks. First, the recipe required milk but did not provide it. Luckily, I keep dairy milk on hand, but at this point in time, I know many households do not. Furthermore, unlike the other meals, there were no side dishes, so I needed to make my own; this wasn’t an all-in-one kit. Lastly, it took me 45 minutes to make instead of the quoted 35.

To end on a bright note, it tasted dang good. The cream cheese added a tanginess where other corn chowders sometimes fall flat. The combination of textures with the crispy bacon, tender corn, semi-mashed potatoes and raw jalapeno was delightful. And the recipe made way more than two servings, in my opinion. Leftovers I can get behind!

Pros

• Affordable
• High-quality ingredients (especially bacon and broccoli!)
• Helpful recipe cards
• Only easy techniques and straightforward tools required
• Plentiful portions
• Flexible cancellation or pausing

Cons

• Quoted times are inaccurat

FAQ

How much is EveryPlate for one person?

Although one-serving recipes are not available, a single person could easily order from EveryPlate, so long as they’re OK with leftovers. If one person were to purchase a box of two-serving recipes, they would spend around $45 for three meals (or six total servings), $55 for four (eight total servings), $65 for five (10 total servings) and $72 for six (12 total servings). Keep an eye on meal kit sales for even better deals!

Is EveryPlate owned by HelloFresh?

Yes, EveryPlate, along with Green Chef, Factor and HelloFresh, is owned by the HelloFresh Group. Among the group’s brands, it is marketed as a valuemeal kit service.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

This meal kit has been feeding and pleasing people all over the U.S. and Australia for long enough to accrue more than 11,000 five-star EveryPlate reviews on Trustpilot.

Joel Riecker, a five-star reviewer, loves the simplicity of the recipes. “As a longtime picky eater, I’ve been pleasantly surprised from all angles,” he says. “The value is there, especially for a family. For a single person (as in my case), it’s cheaper than eating out but tends to be a bit more than buying my own groceries. But the tradeoff of having it delivered to my door and getting out of my food rut has been worth it. I’m into my fifth box and plan to continue my orders.”

For some others, EveryPlate even offers a bonding and learning opportunity. “I have been using EveryPlate to teach my two boys to cook,” DeAnna Squires says. “They are so excited when our box arrives. We have to ‘rock, paper, scissors’ to see who gets to cook first each week. This is genius at teaching kiddos to cook. They are always so proud of the outcome.”

Cathy is a new customer and is especially impressed by the customer service, which is key for a meal kit delivery service in the event of a delayed shipment, missing ingredients, etc. “I just marvel at their customer service and the attention to every little detail, which creates an overall exceptional experience,” she says. “Great delivery; good quality/quantity of foods; perfect and easy recipes; fun perks and rewards. Did I forget to mention delicious meals? Thanks, EveryPlate!”

Product Comparison

You’ll most often find EveryPlate compared to Dinnerly, which is another meal kit service that claims to have meals for as low as $4.99 per serving. Although I admittedly did prefer my meals and the customization options from Dinnerly, they cost more money.

How is that so? Well, servings don’t cost $4.99 from either meal kit service unless you buy the maximum amount of meals and servings. So, when I ordered the smallest Dinnerly box (two 2-serving recipes), I was charged $32, or roughly $8 per serving. However, when I ordered the smallest EveryPlate box (three 2-serving recipes), I was charged $44, or roughly $7 per serving. This means that EveryPlate really has the cheapest offerings of any meal kit delivery service, especially if you’re ordering for just one or two people.

Final Verdict

You might assume EveryPlate cut corners to cut costs, but I didn’t find that to be the case. The food arrived cold and freshwith no noticeable dip in quality from other HelloFresh Group brands, such as Green Chef. The meals were easy to make, with the aid of recipe cards with comprehensive written instructions and step-by-step photos.

Although I found the recipes to be a tad bit elementary for my taste, they were still yummy and filled me up for hours. EveryPlate would be the no-brainer option for families with young kids, picky eaters, kitchen novices or anyone looking to save a buck. Just keep in mind that they might take you a little longer than the quoted time.

Where to Buy an EveryPlate Meal Kit

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EveryPlate Meal Kit

EveryPlate meal kits are available exclusively on the brand's website. Choose from 26 delicious options today for tasty dinners next week!

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Head to the EveryPlate website for your very own box of budget-friendly, taste-bud-wowing recipes. The smallest box, with three 2-serving recipes, costs around $45, and the largest box, with six 6-serving recipes, costs $180. You’ll be so glad you stepped up to the EveryPlate!

The post EveryPlate Review: I Tried This Meal Kit and the Quality Stays High While the Cost Stays Low appeared first on Taste of Home.

With inflation contributing to record high food costs, wasting groceries each week hurts both the environment and consumers wallets, said Jeffrey Yorzyk, senior director of sustainability at HelloFresh. Families cook with the best intention of using their leftovers, but our research shows that they are generally not consuming all of those leftovers. Getting creative with the food in your fridge can help families feel like theyre eating something new and exciting!

Why Do People Waste Food?

For the most part, people hate throwing food away. According to the survey, more than 70% of consumers say theyre riddled with guilt when they waste food. Often, the problem starts in the grocery store. Nearly 20% of respondents say they overestimate how much food theyll use when shopping. Package size is another problem. A quarter of people say they end up buying at least five food items they wish they could buy in smaller quantities.

Still, some people are simply wasteful and without remorse. Nearly 40% admitted that theyve thrown food away just because they didnt feel like eating it after purchasing it.

What Are the Most Wasted Food Items?

Survey responders were pretty adamant about the foods they buy that are the hardest to use up. Below are the top 10 most wasted, hardest-to-use-up foods that survey respondents noted:

1. Lettuce
2. Bananas
3. Milk
4. Apples
5. Bread
6. Avocado
7. Deli items (meat, cheese, prepared foods, etc.)
8. Eggs
9. Meat
10. Carrots

How Can You Cut Down on Food Waste?

Once you’ve bought food at the grocery store, there are a number of strategies to ensure you don’t waste it. The most important is finding creative ways to turn leftover food into new meals. Foremost among these strategies is meal planning. Besides cutting down on waste, simple meal planning can make your life easier.

You can also upcycle food scraps, such as orange peels, cucumber peels and watermelon rinds. Finally, you can start composting at home, turning smelly food scraps into organic nutrient-rich soil.

The post These Are the Top 10 Most Wasted Foods appeared first on Taste of Home.

How to Do “Hero Meal Prep”

I’ve been doing hero meal prep on my own at home for some time, and it’s essentially making a large meal and freezing the leftovers. You then freeze it in portions, until you’re ready to defrost and enjoy it. This may be something like roasting a chicken or making a slow cooker brisket. There are all sorts of healthy meal prep recipes with which this tactic would work.

The hack comes courtesy of fitness influencer Kevin Curry (@fitmencook) on Instagram, who calls it the “hero meal.” He’s not even the only influencer who does this! It makes perfect senseafter all, you can basically freeze food forever, though the quality may begin to decline after a while depending on the type of food.

More Meal Prep Tips

Make a plan: Some of the best ways I’ve discovered to meal prep is to schedule the meals out in advance for the week. Perhaps you’ll make that chicken on Sunday and plan out that the leftovers will be a stir-fry on Monday and enchiladas on Tuesday. Then, all the planning is done for you. Just grab that chicken from your meal prep containers and make the assigned version of the meal on the day it is planned.

Stay organized: Part of making meal prep work for you is staying organized. So you’ll want to load up on meal prep products, like the right containers and labels. Meals in the freezer mean nothing if you don’t know what those frozen containers are.

Cycle your meals: The idea is to never get bored, so don’t just look at it as heating up leftovers each night. Find a way to enjoy those hero meal prep dishes in a variety of ways.

Meal Prep Recipes for the Week Ahead

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Tropical Chicken Cauliflower Rice Bowls

This tropical favorite is a delicious and healthy dinner with tons of flavor! You can substitute regular rice for the cauliflower rice if desired. Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania

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Coconut-Ginger Chickpeas & TomatoesThis is my go-to quick dish. When you add tomatoes, you can also toss in some chopped green peppers (jalapenos, if you like heat) to make it even more colorful. Mala Udayamurthy, San Jose, California

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Korean Beef and RiceA friend raved about Korean bulgogi, which is beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger, so I tried it. It's delicious! You'll dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota

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Egg Roll Noodle BowlWe love Asian egg rolls, but they can be challenging to make. Simplify everything with this deconstructed egg roll made on the stovetop and served in a bowl. Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

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Simple Sesame Chicken with CouscousI created this dish after my three kids tried Chinese takeout and asked for more. To make things easy for myself, I typically use a rotisserie chicken from the deli. Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida

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Chicken Florentine MeatballsServed over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan

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Beef & Spinach Lo MeinIf you like a good stir-fry, this beef and spinach lo mein will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio

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Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cucumber Melon RelishWe all need a quick meal that's deliciously healthy. I marinate the chicken before I leave for work, and when I get home, I grill the chicken and make the relish. My husband loves the spicy flavor. To amp up the heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida

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Chicken Pesto MeatballsThese tender, pesto-stuffed meatballs get gobbled up in our house. They're short on ingredients, but packed with flavor. I always make a double batch, freezing the other half for a busy night. Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa

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Chicken Quinoa Bowls with Balsamic DressingI love this recipe because its simplicity allows me to spend time with my family while not sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus the fresh spring flavors really shine through! Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina

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Italian Turkey SkilletIt's a challenge to find imaginative ways to use leftovers, especially for turkey after Thanksgiving. Here's a favorite of mine that you can easily make ahead for another dinner option. Prepare the recipe as directed, then transfer to a casserole dish and freeze up to three months. Patricia Kile, Nokomis, Florida

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Honey-Glazed Chicken KabobsThis is one of my husbands favorite meals. I serve it with rice pilaf, salad and grilled garlic bread. Tracey Miller, Aiken, South Carolina

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Asian Veggie Glass NoodlesMy mom immigrated from the Philippines, so we would often eat Filipino pancit, a well-known glass noodles dish. I took her version and added my own touches to make it easier and a little healthier. Jasmin Baron, Livonia, New York

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Freezer BurritosI love burritos, but the frozen ones are high in salt and chemicals. So I created these. They're wonderful to have on hand for quick dinners or late-night snacksI've even had them for breakfast! Laura Winemiller, Delta, Pennsylvania

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Arrabbiata Sauce with Zucchini NoodlesThis popular Italian dish is flavorful and spicy. We decided to re-create one of our favorite jarred sauces and serve over zucchini pasta for a lighter, healthier meal that's naturally gluten-free. The results were amazing! Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

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Mini Shepherd's PiesIm as confident serving these little pies to company as to family. If I have enough time, Ill use homemade biscuits and mashed potatoes. Ellen Osborne, Clarksville, Tennessee

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Turkey Sausage and Lentil SoupThis recipe was given to me by my son, Chris, and we have it several times during the winter months. Kathy Mazur, Sarasota, Florida

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Make-Ahead LasagnaThis is an old standby when time's limited and guests are expected for dinner. It's a combination of several easy lasagna recipes I have tried over the years. Mary Grimm, Williamsburg, Iowa

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Mini Pork PiesAs a child, I discovered my love of pork pies. I used to help my father deliver oil on Saturdays, and we would stop at a local place to have the meaty pastries for lunch. Renee Murby, Johnston, Rhode Island

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Louisiana JambalayaMy husband helped add a little spice to my life. He grew up on Cajun cooking, such as Louisiana jambalaya, while I ate mostly meat-and-potato meals. Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee

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Mini Meat LoavesMy family and I can't get enough of these little meat loaf muffins topped with a sweet ketchup sauce. They are the perfect portion size. This recipe requires no chopping, so it's quick and easy to make a double batch and have extras for another day. I've given them to new moms, too. Joyce Wegmann, Burlington, Iowa

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Italian Sausage Rigatoni BakeThis casserole combines all of our favorite Italian flavors, but the fresh mozzarella really sets it apart! Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia

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BLT Quinoa BowlsI absolutely love a BLT with sliced avocado and an egg. Recently, I've been trying out grain bowls, and I thought the flavors of my favorite sandwich would work really well. My family agreed! Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

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Honey BBQ ChickenI grill everythingveggies, oxtail, tofu. This chicken is our favorite. I keep a ready supply of sauce and rub, so prep couldn't be easier. Jerry Rosiek, Eugene, Oregon

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Italian Veggie Beef SoupMy sweet father-in-law, Pop Pop, would bring this chunky soup to our house when we were under the weather. We like it so much, we take it to our own friends who need comfort. It always does the trick. Sue Webb, Reisterstown, Maryland

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Slow-Cooker Char Siu PorkThe Asian influence here in the Hawaiian islands inspired my char siu recipe. Its tasty as is, in a bun or over rice. We make it often so we have leftovers to add to fried rice, ramen and salads. Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii

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Roasted Cauliflower & Red Pepper SoupWhen cooler weather comes, soup is one of our favorite meals. I developed this recipe for my husband and me. I wanted it to be a healthier version of all the cream-based soups out there. After a bit of trial and error, this is the keeper. Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington

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Double-Duty Layered Enchilada CasseroleHere's a heap of cozy comfort. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen took my recipe for chili without beans and turned it into a scrumptious enchilada casserole. Molly Butt, Granville, Ohio

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Lisa's All-Day Sugar & Salt Pork RoastMy family loves this tender and juicy roast, so we eat it a lot. The sweet and salty crust is so delicious mixed into the pulled pork. Lisa Allen, Joppa, Alabama

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Santa Maria Roast BeefA simple dry rub is enough to turn roast beef into a real crowd-pleaser. The slightly spicy meat is scrumptious piled on top of fresh crusty bread. Allison Ector, Ardmore, Pennsylvania

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The Ultimate Fish TacosThis recipe is my favorite meal to prepare. Adding my own personal touch to the marinade makes my fish tacos pop with flavor. I warm corn tortillas on the grill and add salsa, cilantro, purple cabbage and fresh squeezed lime. Yvonne Molina, Moreno Valley, California

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Thai Coconut BeefMy husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious! Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

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Miniature Meat PiesI make these handheld pies in advance, keep them in the freezer, then bake them the day of the party. They are always a hit at tailgate and potlucks. Gayle Lewis, Yucaipa, California

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Shredded Beef Burrito FillingMake your next office party a taco bar or burrito bar! Set out the beef in the slow cooker on warm, along with tortillas, bowls of shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, and chopped lettuce, jalapenos, onions and tomatoes. For a variation, I make Beef & Bean burritos by mixing a can of refried beans into 3 or 4 cups of cooked beef filling. Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio

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Hearty Chicken GyrosI love reinventing classic recipes to fit our taste and healthy lifestyle. This recipe is quick to prepare and can be served with oven fries or on its own. You can add Greek olives, omit the onion, or even use cubed pork tenderloin for a new taste. Kayla Douthitt, Elizabethtown, Kentucky

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Ham, Potato and Pepper ChowderI have been serving this chowder for years now. When Im feeding family members who dont eat dairy products, I substitute oil for the butter and use coconut milk or soy creamer instead of heavy cream. It still turns out wonderful! Eileen Stefanski, Wales, Wisconsin

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Sausage & Chicken GumboThis recipe for classic southern comfort food was the first thing I ever cooked for my girlfriend. It was simple to make but tasted gourmetdefinitely love at first bite. Kael Harvey, Brooklyn, NY

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Pan-Roasted Pork Chops & PotatoesAn easy marinade gives these chops lots of flavor, the crumb coating packs on crunch and Brussels sprouts add nutrition! Char Ouellette, Colton, Oregon

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Whiskey Pineapple ChickenEveryone in my family loves this recipe and its sweet marinade made with ginger, pineapple and a splash of whiskey. Want even more intense flavor? Let the chicken marinate for two full days. Wow! Jodi Taffel, Altadena, California

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Chocolate-Chipotle Sirloin SteakLooking to do something a little different with grilled sirloin? Add smoky heat and chocolaty rich color with this easy five-ingredient rub. Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak TacosMy grandparents came from Mexico, and I grew up watching my grandmother and mother in the kitchen. This steak marinated in beer and lime juice honors their passion for cooking. Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Cuban Ropa ViejaI love having this as a go-to recipe for a weeknight meal. Its great authentic Cuban taste puts it at the top of my list.Melissa Pelkey-Hass, Waleska, Georgia

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Game-Stopper ChiliThis hearty chili with sausage, beef, beans and barley is perfect for the halftime food rush. People actually cheer when they see me coming with my slow cooker! Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania

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Low & Slow Pork VerdeMy family loves this versatile pork dish. We like to have it over a serving of cheesy grits, but it also goes well with rice or potatoes. Leftovers make an excellent starter for white chili. Val Ruble, Ava, Missouri

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Greek Tomato Soup with OrzoMy recipe for manestra, which means orzo in Greek, is effortless and very easy to make. You need only a few steps to transform simple ingredients into a creamy one-pot wonder. Kiki Vagianos, Melrose, Massachusetts

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Make-Ahead Cabbage RollsI've relied on this recipe for years, and my cabbage rolls never fail to impress. As the host of a number of holiday parties, my guests have come to expect this main entree. Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Missouri

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Grilled Dijon Pork RoastI created this recipe one day when I was scrambling to find ingredients for dinner. My husband absolutely loved it. Now it's the only way I make pork!Cyndi Lacy-Andersen, Woodinville, Washington

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Pizza Pasta CasseroleKids will line up for this zippy pizza-flavored dish. The recipe makes two casseroles, so you can serve one to your family right away and keep the other in the freezer for another night. Nancy Scarlett, Graham, North Carolina

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Chicken BurritosThis mouthwatering chicken burrito recipe makes enough for two casseroles, so you can enjoy one today and freeze the other for a busy weeknight. They're super to have on hand for quick meals or to take to potlucks. Sonya Nightingale, Burley, Idaho.

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Slow-Cooker Stuffed Pepper SoupI tweaked a recipe I got from one of my best friends, and I couldn't believe how much this soup really does taste like stuffed green peppers! With beef and brown rice, slow-cooker stuffed pepper soup makes a hearty meal on a cold day. Gina Baxter, Plainfield, IL

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Up Next: I Tried a Meal Prep Service for a WeekHeres What I Thought

The post What Is “Hero Meal Prep”? appeared first on Taste of Home.

We all know meal prepping is the best way to plan out your weekat least foodwise. However, finding the right container for all your brilliant meal prep ideas can be tricky. That’s why we found a meal prep cutting board that has everything you need to make those Sunday Scaries less, well, scary.

What is a meal prep cutting board?

You might see the name and think, “How can a cutting board be used to meal prep?” This particular meal prep cutting board is more than a place to chop your fruit, veggies and meat. Its unique design creates a space where you can chop everything on the bamboo top, then push your prepped food into one of three stackable containers underneath.

The three containers each have 1.5 liters of spacea bit over six cupsgiving you plenty of room for packing away prepped ingredients. Thanks to the airtight seal on each container, your food will stay fresh in the fridge, and because the containers are stackable, they’re easy to store.

This specialty cutting board has a built-in grater, which is perfect for zesting lemons and shredding cheese. It also has a slot to hold your phone or tablet, so you can reference up meal prep recipes while you prep. (Or place a new order with your favorite meal delivery service if all that prepping leaves you too tired to cook!)

How to Use a Meal Prep Cutting Board

Typically with meal prepping, you have to worry about buying the right sized meal prep containers, along with all the other utensils you need. One of the best things about this meal prep cutting board is that it’s perfect for someone just starting off in their meal prep journey. You’ll already have the space and storage you need to meal prep your week!

You can cut everything from chicken to cucumbers on the bamboo cutting board top. The handles on the side make it easy to hold the board in place or shift around to make the perfect chop.

We also love the cutout where you can push all your food into one of the containers. Instead of lifting your cutting board to dump everything into your plastic or glass containers, you simply move your food across the bamboo board until it drops into place. The “drop zone” also fits the included slicer, garlic mince, julienne and other attachments so you can effortlessly prep nearly any ingredient.

The lid also comes with a handle, which means you can easily tote your prepped meal or ingredients to work or school. All in all, the multi-purpose features of this gadget make it a must-have meal prep product for your kitchen.

The Best Amazon User Reviews

We’re not the only ones who think this functional meal prep cutting board is a great addition to your kitchen! Here’s what 5-star Amazon reviewers have to say.

Verified Amazon user K. Rietmann wrote, “Bought this item for my daughter to give her along with a meal kit membership. It has everything she needs… Excited that it’s an all-in-one solution that will help her stay organized with her limited room.”

Alexa noted the cutting board and meal prep containers together were a big improvement to meal prepping. Alexa wrote, “…makes meal prepping far more efficient and fun! I really like to be able to slide all the waste into one container to be tossed later. The bamboo board also looks great and we leave it out as a permanent kitchen counter item.”

Where to Buy a Meal Prep Cutting Board

You can find the meal prep cutting board on Amazon for $64. While you’re waiting for it to arrivewhich shouldn’t be long thanks to Amazon’s speedy shippingstart developing your meal plan.

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The post This Multi-Purpose Cutting Board Makes Meal Prep a Breeze appeared first on Taste of Home.

Martha Stewart is known for her delicious recipes for everything from impressive desserts to everyday meals. But what if all of the ingredients and step-by-step instructions for those dishes could be shipped right to your door? Well, they can!

With the same convenience as other meal kits, Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon is a meal prep service with more than 45 recipes to choose from each week. And, as a big fan of Martha’s, I knew I had to put this service to the test. If you’re curious about Marley Spoon reviews, I cooked through several recipes to see what this meal delivery service was all about.

What is Marley Spoon?

VIA MERCHANT

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We Tried It

Marley Spoon Meal Delivery

Marley Spoon meal delivery service, which offers dozens of meals per week, is a fresh, convenient way to keep your household fed.

Shop on Marley Spoon

Marley Spoon is a meal delivery service much like HelloFresh, Dinnerly and Green Chef. Each box includes the ingredients needed to make your chosen meals, along with an instruction card to follow. The options on the menu each week are recipes from Martha Stewart, with a focus on full meals with great flavor. Choose from 45 different rotating options and the categories include vegetarian, vegan and family-friendly meals.

Each week, go online to choose your menu. From there, pre-packaged ingredients and instruction cards are delivered to your home. I knew the exact day my box would be delivered, but the perishable ingredients were still packaged in a separate cold bag in case they needed to sit for a while. It was simple to unbox and put ingredients away either in the fridge or pantry until I was ready to dive in and start cooking.

Marley Spoon Features

When you choose your meals on the Marley Spoon website, you can select a plan for two or four people. You can also choose from two to six meals per week. My box arrived well-packaged, causing no concern for the foods that needed to be kept cold. The insulated bag and ice packs kept things fresh, and everything nonperishable was wrapped and stored in a paper bag.

Ingredients such as eggplant, red peppers, onion and sweet potato, as well as the packaged meat, came very fresh. Other ingredients, such as small squares of Parmesan cheese or a mini container of ricotta, were portioned individually, making measuring simple and eliminating extra food waste.

The three dishes I tried were far more flavorful and interesting than I anticipated, which makes me want to try more of what’s on the menu. I love that the recipes aren’t the same each week. At first glance, the pictures of the final product and even some of the methods seemed intimidating. However, each recipe was divided into six steps, with helpful photos of each step that made it easy to follow along. Plus, with the recipe and instruction cards, I now have the option to make the meal again on my own time.

How We Tested Marley Spoon

Just like we did in our Dinnerly review, to truly see what Marley Spoon was all about, I tried different meals. Each meal came with the main ingredients needed to pull it off. However, the recipe cards noted other required pantry staples, such as olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic and vinegar.

Skillet Beef Moussaka

The first dish I made was the Skillet Beef Moussaka. In the box, I found eggplant, onion, canned tomatoes, fresh parsley, mascarpone cheese, Parmesan cheese and a specialty spice blend. The process of cooking this meal took a bit longer (and required more dishes!) than I expected, but the results were certainly worth it. The final dish was hearty comfort food full of flavor. I loved the combination of ground beef, eggplant and other veggies, and the seasoning was well-balanced. Another major bonus: I ended up with plenty of leftovers to enjoy the next day.

Italian Sausage Ragu Pasta

Next up was the Italian Sausage Ragu Pasta. This kit was quick and easy, with red bell pepper, pork sausage, fennel seeds, cherry tomatoes, linguine pasta, fresh parsley, ricotta and Parmesan cheese included. The prep for this recipe was super simple, as well as the cooking method. I was shocked by how flavorful this dish was with so few ingredients. It easily stacked up to a restaurant-quality bowl of pastaa fantastic weeknight meal.

Sheet Pan Piri Piri Chicken

Last but certainly not least was the easy-prep Sheet Pan Piri Piri Chicken. After first reading the recipe card, I didn’t have high hopes for this dish. The method of broiling chicken seemed a bit odd to me, and I imagined such a simple dish might be bland. But it pleasantly surprised me. The box included shallot, sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, chicken breast, honey and a delicious piri piri spice blend. It required a bit of prep to chop the veggies and roast them in separate steps, but the results were amazing. The flavor of the seasoned vegetables and chicken, paired with the drizzle of piri piri vinaigrette, was incredible. I ended up eating every single piece of the roasted veggies in one servingthey were that good.

Pros

• Wide variety of recipes to choose from
• Flavorful, wholesome meals
• Generous portions with leftovers
• Ability to choose your delivery day based on your schedule
• Option to skip a week if needed
• Fresh, quality ingredients included

Cons

• Required quite a few other kitchen staples on hand such as olive oil, eggs and vinegar
• Some meals required more time and resulted in more dirty dishes than expected
• Higher cost per meal than other services

FAQ

What are the plan options?

Marley Spoon plans offer meals for two or four people, including anywhere from two to six meals per week, depending on your needs.

Are there any dietary restrictions?

With more than 45 meal prep kits to choose from, there are plenty of options to fit dietary restrictions. Choose to make your box entirely vegetarian, or select the meal options to fit low-carb, vegan, low-calorie and dairy-free needs as well.

While there are several options to fit dietary needs, specific meal kits dedicated to restrictions such as keto, gluten-free, and diabetic-friendly aren’t available.

Product Comparison

Having tried HelloFresh in the past, I found the quality of ingredients and recipes from Marley Spoon to be better. The meals were far more flavorful. Of the meals I tried, they were fairly simple. However, some of the steps did take me out of my comfort zone, requiring additional kitchen skills. But with that, I was thrilled to have the chance to learn something new along the way.

The shipping and delivery options are incredibly convenient, with the ability to choose your delivery day depending on your location. Nationwide shipping isn’t available, but the service is available in most states.

For more tasty eats, check out our reviews of Gobble, Wildgrain and Misfit Market.

Final Verdict

If you’re someone looking for a meal kit service to try new and interesting recipes in the kitchen, I’d definitely recommend Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon. The service is great for foodies who want to expand their recipe repertoire, learn new skills and try gourmet meals with a convenient twist. The meal prep required a few more steps and dishes than I anticipated, but the results were well worth it. And I was pleased with just how fresh and high quality the ingredients were, without as much individual packaging and plastic waste as I’ve seen with other kits.

Where to Buy Marley Spoon

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Marley Spoon

We Tried It

Marley Spoon Meal Delivery

Do dinner the Martha way with Marley Spoon meal delivery service! Meals cost as little as $8.69 per serving.

Shop on Marley Spoon

Sign up for a subscription and purchase meal prep kits on the Marley Spoon website. Pricing ranges from $62 to $124 per week for meals for two people. Meals for four people range from $94 to $219 per week. There is an additional charge of $9.99 per box for shipping. Keep an eye out for deals and new customer specials, though. You can frequently snag a box for less.Weeknight dinner is about to get a whole lot more interesting!

The post Marley Spoon Review: I Tried Martha Stewart’s Meal Delivery Service appeared first on Taste of Home.

Read on for how to select what dishes to make and what items and tasks to add to your checklist.

Pick Your Recipes

We’ve found the most effective way to meal prep is by selecting recipes that fall into one of two categories: those that can be eaten ASAP and those that will keep for the long term. This way, you can reap the rewards of your hard work for weeks (or even months) to come.

The former category can include those favorite recipes and ingredients that don’t freeze well, such as salads, dairy-based sauces and cheese- or crumb-topped casseroles. And for the latter, lean toward recipes that succeed in the freezer, such as meatloaf, pasta bakes, savory pies and brothy soups.

We picked some of our go-tos to inspire your recipe selection.

Eat This Week

Assemble these recipes, store them in the fridge, then dig in the week following your prep day.

• Pancake & Waffle Mix: Meal prep for mornings, too! This mix is so simple to stow in your pantry. Just add the wet ingredients and cook until golden on the griddle or iron.
• Veggie Fajitas: Slice and store the veggies for this meatless masterpiece beforehand, then saute them in the coming days. Once cooked through, add them to a tortilla and top however you like.
• Light-But-Hearty Tuna Casserole: Build this lightened-up entree in its entirety, then store, covered, in the fridge. All that’s left to do is bake until it’s bubbly.

Freeze & Enjoy Later

Make these easy meals ahead, then pop them in the freezer to thaw and reheat when the time is right.

• Freezer French Toast: Frozen pre-soaked slices bake or air-fry into a delightful breakfast. As they cook, cut up some berries and ready the confectioners’ sugar.
• Zucchini Lasagna: Layer up the beef, sauce, cheese and squash in this twist on a classic, then stick it in the freezer. From there, it’ll go straight in the oven whenever you’re craving Italian.
• Mexican Meatloaf: To prep for the freezer, wrap the shaped loaf, loaded with potatoes, salsa, taco seasoning and cheese, in aluminum foil. Then bake for a Tex-Mex treat.

Prep for Meal Prepping

It might seem redundant, but there are a few to-dos to address before the prepping begins, including gathering the goods and finding some prep partners.

Secure the Supplies

Chances are, you already have a number of the ingredients and most of the tools you’ll need for these recipes, especially if you stick to simple ones. If not, you’ll want to know sooner rather than halfway through sauteing. Trust us: The forethought is well worth it.

Ingredients

Glance at the ingredients for your chosen recipes and take note of what you already have on hand, such as spices, convenience items, canned goods, etc., before hitting the grocery store. Then, make a list of the items you still need to pick up.

Here’s how to stock your pantry, according to an expert.

Tools

Pull out the kitchen tools and gadgets your chosen recipes require, such as knives, measuring spoons and cups, mixing bowls and more, before you begin prepping so everything is on deck. For example, if you opt to prep our aforementioned menu, grab the following:

• Cutting board
• Aluminum foil
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Chef’s knife
• Paring knife
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk & spatula
• Two 13×9-in. baking dishes
• 8-in. square baking dish
• Four to five 28-oz. airtight containers

Keep these meal-prep must-havesin your kitchen, too.

Gather Your Group

Make it a family (or friend) affair! Kids can help pull out tools and mix ingredients while your spouse stays safely stationed by the stovetop and oven.

Make Labels

To eliminate guesswork later, write the recipe name, prepped-on date and reheat instructions on bright masking tape. Place a label on each prepped recipe’s container. Then, indulge in each of your prepped dishes at your leisure.

These products make for easy, breezy freezing.

More Meal-Prepping Tips

• Think seasonally. Plan meals around the fresh produce of the season. This way, the ingredients will be higher qualityand more affordable, too.
• Repeat ingredients.As youre refining your meal plan, prioritize dishes that call for some of the same ingredients. This will simplify your shopping list as well as save you time and money.
• Chop once. Eliminate rework by cutting up or prepping any overlapping ingredients at the same time. For example, if you need chopped onions in three recipes, slice them all together, then divvy up as needed. This meal prep cutting board might come in handy for this. (Here’s how to hold a knife the correct way.)
• Spell it out. Write your meal plan on a chalkboard, whiteboard or even just a sticky note, then place it in your kitchen or on your fridge as a daily reminder of whats on the menu that night.

Discover even more meal-prep ideas!

The post How to Plan a Meal-Prep Sunday appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: Steakhouse Baked Potatoes

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Sunday: Quinoa Unstuffed Peppers

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Sunday: Smothered Burritos

The post A 7-Day Meal Plan of Southwestern Dinners appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: Favorite Barbecued Chicken

Is there a place better than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? Thats where this one is fromits my father-in-laws own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think its the best! Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia

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The post A 7-Day Meal Plan for the Week of Memorial Day appeared first on Taste of Home.

We’ve made sure you wont feel deprived with these hearty lower-calorie breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Our meal plan comes in below 1200 calories, leaving you 300-400 calories for sides, snacks and drinks to balance out your day.

Continuing your weight-loss journey? Don’t miss these tasty and healthy dinner recipes.

The post 7-Day 1200-Calorie Meal Plan appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: Easy Seafood Salad

The post A 7-Day 15-Minute Prep Meal Plan appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: Pressure-Cooker Lentil Stew

The post A 7-Day Meal Plan Using Your Instant Pot appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: Chicken Ranch Mac & Cheese

The post A 7-Day Meal Plan of Kid-Friendly Dinners appeared first on Taste of Home.

Best Overall

Green Chef

We love Green Chef keto meal kits because they teach you step-by-step how to cook for healthier eating habits. And nothing is complicatedmost of the organic-certified recipes are prepared in about 30 minutes with pre-measured supplies. Sourcing keto ingredients can be tough (um, which aisle has the hazelnuts?) but Green Chef supplies everything you need in color-coded packages.

Some fave dishes include smoky pork and kale salad and Parmesan-crusted chicken with marinated tomatoes. Yum! And if you’re worrying about all the extra packaging, Green Chef uses recyclable, reusable and compostable materials. We could go on and on about this meal service, but you’ll have to read our Green Chef review for the full scoop.

Pros

• Makes it fun and easy to confidently cook keto meals
• Pre-measured ingredients
• Organic-certified recipes that come together in about 30 minutes
• New recipes every week
• Eco-friendly packaging

Cons

• Doesn’t deliver to Alaska and Hawaii
• Not ideal for those who don’t want to cook their own meals

Shop Now

The post 10 Keto Meal Kits That Fit Your New Lifestyle—and Taste Good appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: Gnocchi with Spinach and Chicken Sausage

The post A 7-Day Meal Plan of Winter Dinners When Your Fridge Is Bare appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: After-Christmas Empanadas

The post A 7-Day Meal Plan Between Christmas and New Year’s appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: Zippy Chicken Enchiladas

The post A 7-Day Meal Plan of Freezer Meals appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: Hearty Skillet Supper

The post A 7-Day Meal Plan with 5-Minute Meals appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: Bavarian Pot Roast

The post A 7-Day German Meal Plan appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Thighs

The post A 7-Day Meal Plan Using Your Favorite Kitchen Appliances appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: Southwestern Pork and Squash Soup

Learn how to prep and freeze this slow cooker meal.

The post A 7-Day Meal Plan with Prepped Slow Cooker Meals appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: Slow-Cooked Meatball Soup

The post A 7-Day Italian Meal Plan appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: Mexican Street Corn Chowder

The post 7-Day Meal Plan: Shop Once, Eat All Week appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: Dinner with Extended Family

The post A 7-Day Meal Plan Around Summer Activities appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: Meat n Potato Kabobs

The post A 7-Day 30-Minute Summer Meal Plan appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pot Roast

The post A 7-Day Meal Plan Repeating Favorite Dinners appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sunday: Barbecued Strawberry Chicken

The post A 7-Day Meal Plan Using Summer Produce appeared first on Taste of Home.