5 Meal Services That Make Cooking Easier Than Ever
We tried some of those dinner services you've been hearing about — here's how they cooked up.
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We tried out five popular dinner kit services that deliver the precise amounts of raw ingredients for creating gourmet meals. And here's how they cooked up.
Blue Apron
BEST FOR: Busy couples who want to learn to cook
PLAN: $70 for two meals for a family of four
PROS: The site offers help via videos. "My girlfriend and I never make new dishes—it's so much work! With this, we had lots of handholding," said a tester.
CONS: Doesn't offer full nutritional info. One couple complained, "We were still hungry."
SAMPLE DISH: Salmon with Fava Beans
Plated
BEST FOR: Foodies
PLAN: $48 for two meals for two people
PROS: Cooks learn to use new ingredients (e.g., banana leaves, exotic spices). A novice chef raved, "Tasted like a five-star restaurant meal." Has the most recipe options.
CONS: Lots of techniques, steps and tools required; meals could use more greens for nutritional value.
SAMPLE DISH: Za'atar Beef Koftas
The Purple Carrot
BEST FOR: Vegans; those who are gluten-free; health nuts
PLAN: $59 for three dinners for two people or two dinners for four people
PROS: Offers vegans a great-tasting culinary experience without compromising their dietary preferences.
CONS: Some produce came wilted. All cooks found prep lengthy. "It took a long time for pasta," said a working parent. Not enough protein.
SAMPLE DISH: Black Bean Enchiladas
Hello Fresh
BEST FOR: Families who put a premium on nutrition
PLAN: $109 to $129 for three meals for a family of four
PROS: It rated highest overall and was deemed most nutritious. Directions were clear; prep was simple; testers of all ages liked the meals.
CONS: The only service from which a highly perishable item (chicken) arrived at an unsafe temp (over 40 degrees F).
SAMPLE DISH: Shrimp Orecchiette with Zucchini and Mint
PeachDish
BEST FOR: Big families or those who are entertaining
PLAN: $57 for one meal for four (order regularly to get $7 off). Pick up to 12 servings of any dish.
PROS: Simple instructions. "My 9-year-old followed them easily," bragged one mom. The only company that lets you order for as many as 12 people.
CONS: Not particularly Southern, though it claims to be.
SAMPLE DISH: Chicken Breast, Walnut, and Snow Pea Salad
