Eating fresh, healthy, and nutritious food need no longer be a difficult task. All you need to do is order food boxes from reputed service providers. The demand for food boxes shot up during the pandemic as customers could order delicious recipes with just a few clicks and enjoy an extraordinary home cooking experience without going out!
So, what are these food boxes, and what is it about them that makes them so popular? Read on to learn more.
What Are Food Boxes?
A food box is a synonym for a meal preparation kit that comes with ingredients and cooking instructions. It is now seen as an alternative to shopping and is conveniently delivered right to your front door. Customers can follow chef-approved recipes and enjoy well-balanced meals from high-quality ingredients.
There are various kinds of food boxes available to inspire your inner chef. And you can choose from a wide range of menu options and plan your servings and delivery day as per your needs. However, as a customer, you need to be aware of both the pros and cons of the food boxes.
Food Subscription Box Pros & Cons
Similar to mystery boxes, food boxes also come with pros and cons. If you would like to purchase one, you should consider the following.
- Pros
1. Easy preparation
The main factor that attracts people to buying food boxes is how easy they are to prepare. The boxes give you clear instructions, and prep work usually is easy.
2. Not much food wastage
Since the meals are prepared to fit your exact needs, you won’t waste them. Unless you skip a few meals, food wastage will never occur.
3. Dietary needs are covered
Meals that have specific dietary requirements like vegan, vegetarian, and Halal meals are easy to find. No need to go find ingredients that are within your dietary requirements.
4. Widen your food options
Food boxes can give you all new recipes that you have never heard of. You also get to discover new ingredients that you would have never considered using.
5. The food is fresh
You are guaranteed fresh produce and quality ingredients delivered right to your door. As the food is carefully packed in ice packs, you get extremely fresh ingredients, and they play an important role in creating a truly delicious and healthy meal.
6. Eating well is now convenient
Even if you live in a remote location or area, and carry limited options for food, as there are few or no restaurants, you certainly need not worry about getting fresh and healthy meals. All you need to do is register with one of those food boxes and get fresh recipes delivered to your door.
7. Friendly recipes for those with dietary restrictions
Another major advantage of food boxes is that you can pick from an ever-changing mix of chef-approved recipes that are diabetes-friendly or meant for weight loss or based on vegan meals. Food boxes are tailored for people with different dietary needs such as keto, vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, etc. - Cons
1. Affordability
Food subscription boxes can sometimes be seen as a quick, cheaper alternative, but they can become really expensive. Weekly or monthly plans can cost higher than buying groceries from a local supermarket.
2. You still need to do grocery
Even if you are ordering food boxes, the chances are that you’ll still need to go grocery shopping to get the rest of your essentials. While the food kits do provide nutritionally balanced meals, they certainly do not replace grocery shopping.
It is all about preparing fresh food based on your health needs and preferences. The best part is that the culinary team behind the food boxes creates recipes based on your reviews and what you like. With easy-to-follow instructions and perfectly portioned ingredients, you just cannot go wrong with those recipes.
There are plenty of options for food box service providers in USA and other countries.
American Food Boxes
Since food boxes seemingly cover all your basic needs, you should compare the value offered by different places depending on your plan. Below you’ll find boxes that are considered some of the best food subscription box eateries in the country.
- Chef Ami
Chef Ami is a well-loved food box provider that is located in Tampa Bay, Florida. They offer a wide range of different nutritionist boxes that cover anyone’s basic needs. Their menus are updated weekly and only provide seasonal food.
You can easily create your own box to suit your needs. And they cover a range of dietary requirements. Ideal if you are following a vegan or a vegetarian diet. The price per week, which includes three recipes, sits between $68 to $185 depending on the plan you would like to try out. - Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon
Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon have indeed made weeknights dinners much simpler and more delicious. Now you can enjoy one-of-a-kind recipes prepared by artisanal producers, and one can choose from tons of recipes every week.
Go ahead and select a plan that works for two or four adults, and you can be sure of receiving fresh ingredients that will last for 3-4 days at least. Explore new cuisines and authentic flavors every week, and the costs can vary based on the number of meals you order and can vary between $22 to $42.
Food boxes have been spreading throughout other countries as well, so it shouldn’t surprise you that the trend has spread to the USA’s neighbors up North
Canadian Food Boxes
Food boxes in Canada have also been developing rapidly, with hungry families opting to stay in and cook rather than eat out. Canadian food boxes are just as attractive and diverse as those in the US. And there are tons of places where you can find them online.
- The Fresh Prep
Now you can enjoy world-class recipes for as low as $10 per serving and prepare your quality meals in less than 30 minutes. Pick from chef-designed recipes and add more options for easy sides for each meal.
With Fresh Prep, you will always find top-rated dishes and something healthy for everyone in your family. - Chefs Plate
Choose and order from a weekly menu of delicious dinners at the click of a button. Meal planning has never been so easy, and with Chefs Plate, you can prepare nutritious but affordable meals within 20 minutes.
Take advantage of fresh produce and step-by-step recipe cards based on a menu of 21 easy-to-cook recipes. Enjoy meals that will cost you as low as $8.99 per serving and save both time, money, and effort.
Buying Food Boxes: Is It Worth It?
Determining whether food boxes are a worthwhile investment depends on how you thinkabout getting the proper nutrition for you and your family. It is not about whether you like grocery shopping or not, but more about preparing healthy recipes for your family, even if you do not have time or the recipes or the right ingredients.
If you consider all the pros and cons, buying food boxes is one of the best decisions you could make for your family. You not only create nutritionally balanced meals but also add a little spontaneity to your weekly meals. Plus, it frees up your time so you can focus on your other everyday tasks.