Subscription meal services promise convenience, variety, and high-quality ingredients, but not all of them live up to expectations. While some offer delicious meals at reasonable prices, others leave customers disappointed with bland flavors, poor portion sizes, and steep costs. Many consumers sign up expecting restaurant-quality meals only to receive overpriced, uninspiring dishes. If you’re considering a meal delivery service, these five options may not be worth the money.
Image Source: Pexels
1. Blue Apron
Once a leader in the meal kit industry, Blue Apron has fallen behind in quality and value. While the brand advertises gourmet-inspired dishes, many customers report that the meals lack flavor and creativity. The portion sizes are often smaller than expected, leaving some unsatisfied after eating. The cost adds up quickly at around $10 per serving, making it a pricey alternative to home-cooked meals. Considering the additional prep and cooking time required, Blue Apron fails to justify its high price tag.
2. Freshly
Freshly offers fully prepared meals designed for quick heating, but convenience comes at a cost. The texture of many meals suffers from being pre-cooked and reheated, often resulting in mushy vegetables and dry meats. While advertised as fresh and flavorful, many customers find the dishes bland and lacking in seasoning. With prices ranging from $9 to $12 per meal, the cost is comparable to takeout, yet the quality doesn’t match. For those seeking a quick meal, grocery store frozen options can offer a better taste for a lower price.
3. HelloFresh
HelloFresh is one of the most well-known meal kit services, but its reputation doesn’t always match reality. While the company offers a variety of meal choices, the recipes are often repetitive and overly simple for the price. Some users have also reported receiving low-quality produce that spoils quickly. The cost per meal hovers around $9 to $11, which can be expensive considering the extra time needed for chopping and cooking. For budget-conscious families, meal planning with grocery store ingredients is often a better option.
4. Factor
Factor specializes in ready-to-eat, health-focused meals, but it struggles to balance taste and nutrition. While the meals are high in protein and designed for specific diets, many customers complain they are overly salty or bland. The portion sizes can also be inconsistent, leaving some feeling like they didn’t get enough for the price. With prices averaging $11 to $15 per meal, Factor can quickly become an expensive habit. Considering the quality, many find the price too high for what they receive.
5. EveryPlate
Marketed as a budget-friendly meal kit, EveryPlate cuts costs by using fewer ingredients and offering simpler recipes. While the lower price of around $5 per serving is appealing, the quality suffers as a result. Customers frequently report missing ingredients, poor produce quality, and meals that are too basic for a subscription service. The lack of variety also makes it easy to get bored with the meal options. I will say at that price point, this is one of the better meal services on our list.
While meal delivery services can offer convenience, they don’t always provide the best taste or value for the price. Many of these services struggle with portion sizes, ingredient quality, and flavor while charging premium prices. Before subscribing, it’s important to consider whether the cost justifies the experience. In many cases, home-cooked meals remain the best and most budget-friendly option.
Read More
How Meal Planning and Cooking Can Be Improved With a Better Kitchen
The Real Cost of Grocery Delivery: Is It Saving You Money or Draining Your Wallet?
