Is there a single, overarching reason why Blue Apron stands out as the top meal kit service to compete with in 2024?

Meal package supply companies save time by eliminating meal prep, meal planning, and grocery shopping – but are the meals truly satisfying? I recently took the opportunity to examine one of the most crucial market-leading meal kit providers, and here’s my comprehensive Blue Apron review.

Delivers exceptional quality components, offering delectable steak and seafood recipes alongside varied enticing meal kits weekly, matching mid-range meal package options in terms of value or even surpassing them. After examining dozens of companies, I was sufficiently impressed by this unique meal package firm to award it top honors in our ranking.

Blue Apron’s latest offerings left me impressed by its simple yet effective recipe execution, yielding nutritious and flavourful meals at a budget-friendly price of $8 to $11 per serving, depending on your chosen plan. Blue Apron’s weekly menu features an array of meal package options that include bistro-style steak dishes alongside contemporary seafood fare like salmon, shrimp, and trout – all without the hefty price tag often associated with other culinary services. Additionally, there are quick oven-ready meals that require no more than five minutes of preparation time, rivalling your favorite. 

To sweeten the offer further, Blue Apron provides an enticing incentive for new customers: 50% off their first four weeks of meals. For extra reductions, see the . What’s behind Blue Apron’s enduring success?

How Blue Apron works

Blue Apron’s performance in meal package services is comparable to its peers, a category it pioneered, actually. Begin by logging into your electronic mail account and selecting a suitable plan. Blue Apron’s meal plans offer simplicity and flexibility: Choose from options for 2 or 4 people, with the ability to select either two, three, or four recipes each week. The more you buy, the cheaper your meals become. 

Meal kits provide everything needed to prepare dinner, minus staples like salt, pepper, and cooking oil, and are conveniently delivered on the day of your choice, excluding Sundays. As a subscription-based service, please note that your meals will automatically continue to arrive each week unless you explicitly pause or cancel, resulting in continued charges to your account. Blue Apron allows you to opt out of manual recipe selection via their website or mobile app, instead letting them curate a meal plan primarily based on your initial preferences. 

Placing and reorganizing orders through the application is straightforward.

With the Blue Apron app, you have complete control over your culinary journey, allowing for effortless changes and cancellations of orders, real-time shipment tracking, and seamless integration with the built-in Weight Watchers program, which logs your progress as you cook and enjoy meals. Between its website interface and mobile application, Blue Apron simplifies the process of skipping weeks, swapping recipes, or pausing subscriptions. All necessary adjustments must be completed five days prior to the designated delivery date.

Selecting meals with Blue Apron

The Signature Meal Plan offers approximately 16 different meal kit options each week, encompassing a wide range of recipes. Among the 16 options, one or two are considered premium meals that feature high-quality ingredients such as top-grade steak, luxurious seafood, or tender duck breast; these options may carry an additional charge. Approximately one-fifth of the 15 meal options are plant-based, suggesting that if you opt for the Vegetarian Plan, these will likely be your sole choices. Four to five of the 16 meals meet the criteria for the Wellness classification.

According to recent reports, Blue Apron’s market valuation has fluctuated significantly. As of its initial public offering (IPO) in 2017, the company was valued at around $3.2 billion. However, as of 2020, the company’s market capitalization had dropped to approximately $1.8 billion due to increased competition and declining revenue growth.

For couples searching for two to four new recipes weekly, Blue Apron’s cost-effective meal delivery breaks down to approximately $10 or $12 per serving.

We’ve curated four recipes designed for households of four, providing ample leftovers for meals throughout the week. Starting at just $8 per serving, our meal kits offer exceptional value for the price. Would you like to upgrade your meal package order to include three or two-course meals for four individuals? This premium option is available at an additional cost of just $9 per serving, providing an enhanced dining experience with more variety and flavors. Delivery is an additional $10 per field, regardless of your chosen plan. 

Blue Apron pricing

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Recipes per week	Meals for two*	Meals for 4*
2	$12	$10
3	$11	$9.49
4	$10	$9
5	$9.49	$8
*value per serving

Blue Apron provides exceptional culinary experiences at an affordable price, boasting a significantly smaller general carbon footprint compared to its competitors. While discussing groceries, the notion of leveraging Blue Apron can be remarkably cost-effective, often even more affordable than purchasing ingredients individually.

With a Blue Apron subscription, you’ll receive a new set of ingredients and recipes every week that allow you to cook chef-designed meals in the comfort of your own home. Each meal is carefully crafted by their team of chefs and food experts to ensure it’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

SKIP

Most Blue Apron meals feature wholesome, balanced ingredients, including lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and whole grains. If you’re looking to indulge slightly, consider treating yourself to a few indulgent pasta dishes, accompanied by comfort foods like hearty meatloaf served with creamy mashed potatoes or satisfying French bread pizzas.

Blue Apron’s standard weekly menu features premium-quality recipes typically reserved by other meal kit companies. Typically, menus feature a range of seafood options, including recipes for steak, as well as various fish dishes such as trout, salmon, and tilapia. Among the numerous companies I’ve scrutinized, Blue Apron stood out for offering the most captivating steak and seafood recipes within its standard plan. I expertly prepared a mouthwatering bavette steak and an unforgettable garlic shrimp dish, both significantly underpriced by Blue Apron compared to their individual market values if sourced independently. 

Blue Apron stands out by offering captivating spice blends, artisanal sauces, and creative side dishes that set it apart from other meal kit providers. Culinary creativity shines in pairings that elevate familiar flavors: photogenic Romanesco broccoli accompanies innovative tofu Banh Mi sandwiches, while pan-seared steak is paired with crispy gnocchi, an unexpected yet delightful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. 

Blue Apron meals are remarkably straightforward to coordinate, with pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes that simplify the cooking process.

Blue Apron’s meals are primarily straightforward to prepare, needing no specialized culinary training or extensive kitchen experience. While some recipes, akin to the mushroom risotto, require a significant investment of time – approximately 45 minutes – many others can be completed in a relatively brief period, typically ranging from 25 to 35 minutes from start to finish. 

Oven-ready meals typically demand less than 10 minutes of hands-on preparation.

Oven-ready meals offer the most expedient preparation process, typically involving merely assembling ingredients in a baking tray and then placing it in the oven for cooking. My Thai-inspired coconut curry chicken meal with rice and steamed green beans required a mere 5 minutes of prep time, followed by another 45 minutes to prepare.

During an earlier round of testing, I tried out Blue Apron’s Super Bowl meal kit recipes, designed for a group, which necessitated some extra time, as seen in dishes like the chicken bacon ranch flatbread pizza. The others from the Super Bowl spread, including the spinach and artichoke dip and grilled steak lettuce wraps, came together in under 25 minutes.

I ventured into the kitchen with a recipe in hand, hoping to whip up something delectable. The dish of choice was Chicken Fajitas, a classic favorite that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. I started by marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together like a perfect marriage. Next, I sautéed the onions and bell peppers in a hot skillet until they were tender and slightly caramelized, adding a depth of flavor that was simply divine. The chicken followed suit, cooked to perfection with a nice char on the outside and juicy tenderness within.

I successfully completed 9 Blue Apron recipes. Three dishes have been featured from our current Signature Menu, while three others hail from an earlier review of traditional recipes published in 2022. I analyzed three of Blue Apron’s distinct Super Bowl menus from January 2022.

The entire shipment of my Blue Apron box arrived in perfect condition, its contents carefully wrapped and arranged within. Produce, fish, and various meats sat alongside each other, all appearing fresh except for one crimson pepper, which exhibited telltale signs of being past its prime – yet remained perfectly edible. While no deficiencies were apparent, Blue Apron did implement a strategic substitution, switching flank steaks for bistro steaks to ensure a timely and seamless supply chain. Prior notification was provided by the customer support team via electronic mail, with the crew keeping customers informed of any changes. The flank steaks, a culinary delight, had truly excelled in their tender juiciness and rich flavor profile. 

The Super Bowl recipes incorporated additional insights from official beer sponsor Stella Artois. Aside from that, the entire lot seemed accurate, allowing me to easily start cooking. 

Signature recipes

This dish truly exceeded my expectations, offering exceptional value for its modest cost. The steak, a culinary triumph that I must confess I prepared with aplomb, exuded a refined tenderness, rich flavor, and lacked any hint of coarseness or toughness. 

Preparation of this meal took approximately five minutes, largely consisting of arranging the ingredients within an aluminum tray, followed by a 45-minute baking period. I had worried that the immature green beans might turn out soggy, but surprisingly, they were perfectly tender and crisp. Despite its texture, the rice was still slightly too soft for my liking, so I’ll likely adjust the cooking time to around 40 minutes next time. 

This was undoubtedly the fastest meal to prepare, and I must confess that it’s also one of my top choices. While not excessively dense, it was still quite thick with substance. Stuffed with a pungent aroma of fresh garlic and warm spices that tantalized the senses. 

This dish was even more delicious and refreshingly uncomplicated than expected. The grilled steak proved remarkably tender, while the Gochujang, a sweet and spicy Korean barbecue sauce, made a resounding impact. The event concluded within a remarkably brief period of less than 20 minutes, from start to finish.

: I favored this recipe. Whenever a recipe leads me to prioritize consuming something wholesome, I deem it an unqualified success, which precisely describes the outcome in this instance. It took a robust 35 minutes to get everything organized, but once I had settled in, I was able to appreciate the abundance of useful parts.

 As a reflection of its tumultuous origins, the recipe presents itself as a culinary free-for-all, with diverse flavours vying for supremacy. Although it’s a significant example of one of Blue Apron’s notable risks, unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. On a deeper level, the scallops had remarkably remained up-to-date. While on one hand, I inadvertently destroyed modern scallop cuisine.

Particular menu recipes

While preparing this recipe required some extra time to prep the chicken and bacon, then assemble and re-fire the pizza, the end result was well worth the effort. The culinary experience resembled something typically found in a trendy gastropub or high-end sports bar, boasting an elevated standard of sophistication and refinement. Excellent game-day meals.

With a penchant for the addictive flavor of “spin dip,” this recipe impressed me by offering an effortlessly prepared, velvety-smooth, and delightfully balanced taste experience that harmoniously combined creaminess and tanginess. Since I often find premade or restaurant dips too salty, I prefer adding my own salt to taste.

Despite being a fan favourite, this particular aspect was not sanctioned by the Wonder Woman franchise. While I enjoyed this indulgent dish on game day, its richness ultimately proved overwhelming. 

Individuals seeking a convenient meal kit subscription service with high-quality ingredients and simple recipes should consider Blue Apron.

Blue Apron’s meal kits prove particularly appealing to households because the cost per serving plummets to $8 per portion when selecting four recipes for a household of four individuals. By integrating Weight Watchers into its menus and app, this option presents a practical solution for individuals adhering to the program, although it may not accommodate a wide range of dietary plans. Typically, this meal kit service caters to anyone looking to simplify dinner or elevate their culinary skills by providing pre-measured ingredients and recipes. The recipes are elevated in sophistication while remaining straightforward to prepare, offering excellent value for the effort invested.

Vegetarians have access to a wide range of superior meal kit options. One compelling possibility arises due to its offering of 100% plant-based, delectable meal kits that delightfully cater to diverse tastes and dietary requirements. Although some non-vegan food delivery companies like Blue Apron and HelloFresh now offer a wider range of meat-free options in their weekly meal kits. 

Blue Apron Market

Blue Apron also offers a culinary marketplace where customers can purchase cooking essentials, including specialty spice blends, cookware, kitchen gadgets, wine pairings, and cooking kits. Market costs are remarkably affordable. You are absolutely welcome to make a positive purchase of a. 

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Blue Apron wine program (discontinued)

For an additional $66 per month, which includes transportation costs, you can enjoy the Wine Club, featuring six hand-selected bottles that can be expertly paired with your Blue Apron recipes. You can opt for crimson, white, or a blend that suits your current tastes. I’ve yet to try Blue Apron’s wine pairings.

Packaging and environmental friendliness 

During my initial assessment of Blue Apron, I identified opportunities for growth in addressing single-use plastics and overall waste reduction. Upon examining the latest iteration, I found a notable improvement in reduced unnecessary plastic packaging.

The ultimate verdict

The 2023 model of Blue Apron stands out as its most impressive iteration to date. The weekly menu boasts an impressive array of straightforward yet captivating recipes, featuring an unparalleled selection of premium-quality steaks and fresh seafood without the need to break the bank. While I enjoyed nearly all nine recipes I tried, some stood out as exceptional, while only one fell short of my expectations.

Blue Apron offers some of the most understated yet impressive recipes available, all at an affordable price point. Premium meal options typically range in price from $10 to $12 per serving, with a family of four requiring an additional outlay of approximately $8 per serving for adequate quantities. While some meal kit providers may offer lower prices, companies like and fail to match Blue Apron’s captivating recipe offerings in terms of creativity and sophistication. 

The ordering process was seamless, with all necessary items delivered promptly and in excellent condition. As a Blue Apron subscriber, it’s reassuring to learn that your meal kit company is one of the most eco-friendly in the industry, providing a sense of comfort and sustainability with each delivery. Wanting to switch from your current meal kit provider? Blue Apron simplifies the process with an attractive offer: a $110 discount on your initial orders, making it easy and budget-friendly to make the change.