Deciding what to eat can significantly impact your mood, energy, and overall satisfaction. Meal kit delivery services offer a convenient way to maintain healthy eating habits, even for those with busy schedules. Blue Apron and Home Chef are two of the most popular options, but which one is right for you? This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed choice.
Quick Facts Comparison
Here’s a quick overview of the two services:
Blue Apron
- Meals per week: Up to 4
- Cost per meal: From $8 per serving
- Delivery fee: Free shipping on the first order, then $10
- Dietary considerations: Vegetarian, Low-carb
- Organic ingredients: Some produce
Home Chef
- Meals per week: Up to 6
- Cost per meal: From $10 per serving
- Delivery fee: $11
- Dietary considerations: Vegetarian, Carb-conscious, Calorie-conscious
- Organic ingredients: Not guaranteed
Who Should Try Each Service?
- Blue Apron: Ideal for those seeking a bit more culinary adventure and flavorful recipes. It’s a good choice if you’re on a budget and appreciate the convenience of having ingredients and instructions delivered.
- Home Chef: A solid option for families or individuals who prioritize customization and a wider range of choices. It’s particularly appealing if you’re looking for specific dietary options or require more flexibility in your meal selection.
Cost Comparison: Blue Apron Takes the Lead
Blue Apron generally wins on cost, especially for average-sized plans offering three meals for two servings. While both offer discounts for new customers, Blue Apron’s introductory offer stands out significantly.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Blue Apron: 3 meals for 2 servings: $60, $240 per month; 5 meals for 4 servings: $160, $640 per month. Shipping is $10 after the initial free order.
- Home Chef: 3 recipes for 2 servings: $60 per box; 5 recipes for 4 servings: $200 per box. Shipping is $10.99.
Dietary Considerations: Home Chef Offers More Flexibility
While neither service caters to highly specialized diets, Home Chef offers slightly more flexibility. It allows you to select from a small list of allergens and provides protein upgrade and swap options. Blue Apron’s customization is more limited.
Both offer vegetarian options and clearly mark common allergens, but be aware that cross-contamination is possible.
Recipe Creativity and Taste: Blue Apron’s Flavor Advantage
Reviews consistently point to Blue Apron having more flavorful and unique recipes compared to Home Chef. Blue Apron’s meals are often described as more complex and have become staples for many cooks, while Home Chef’s recipes sometimes require extra seasoning.
Sustainability: Blue Apron’s Commitment to the Environment
Blue Apron is the clear winner in terms of sustainability, boasting 100% carbon neutrality and utilizing 50% recyclable packaging. Home Chef’s packaging is only 19% recyclable. Blue Apron also prioritizes high-quality animal welfare standards in its sourcing practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Blue Apron have an app? Yes, Blue Apron has apps for Apple and Android devices, allowing you to manage deliveries and rate recipes.
- Is Home Chef better than Hello Fresh? Home Chef offers low-carb and low-calorie options, but lacks the extensive plant-based and other specialized dietary choices available with HelloFresh.
- Are Blue Apron and Home Chef the same? No, they are separate services with differing focuses on cost, customization, and sustainability.
- Do you lose weight from Blue Apron? It depends on the meals you choose. Blue Apron’s low-calorie and carb-conscious options can support weight loss efforts.
The Takeaway
Blue Apron and Home Chef offer valuable solutions for busy individuals and families looking to simplify meal planning and expand their culinary horizons. If budget is a primary concern and you enjoy more adventurous recipes, Blue Apron is a good choice. If customization and dietary flexibility are more important, Home Chef is a solid option.
Meet The Expert
Kelsea Samson is a writer, content manager, certified yoga instructor, and founder of The Mindfulness Program for Kids and Yoga for the Blind in Tampa, Florida
