Blue Apron Review: Delicious Meals Delivered, But Is It Right For You?
By Ben Carter
8.7
Consumers Best Score
Consumers Best Verdict: Blue Apron Highlights
Blue Apron is one of the original meal kit delivery services, known for its chef-designed recipes and high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients. It aims to make home cooking more accessible and enjoyable, even for beginners.
Blue Apron excels in providing diverse, interesting recipes and fresh ingredients, making it a strong contender for those looking to expand their culinary horizons and enjoy convenient meal preparation. While it can be pricier than grocery shopping, the value comes from the pre-portioned ingredients, unique flavor combinations, and the experience of learning new cooking techniques.
In-Depth Look: Blue Apron Features & Considerations
Core Features & Consumer Benefits
Blue Apron offers a well-rounded meal kit experience by focusing on several key areas designed to enhance your home cooking.
High-Quality Ingredients
Focus on fresh, seasonal produce and sustainably sourced proteins, ensuring a delicious and wholesome meal.
Chef-Designed Recipes
Offers a rotating menu of creative and diverse recipes, introducing new flavors and cooking techniques.
Convenience
Pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipe cards save time on meal planning and grocery shopping.
Skill Building
Recipes often teach new cooking skills and methods, suitable for both novice and intermediate cooks.
Flexible Subscription
Options to skip weeks, change meal preferences, or adjust the number of servings provide good flexibility.
Important Considerations & Potential Downsides
- Price Point
Can be more expensive per serving compared to traditional grocery shopping, especially for larger families.
- Packaging Waste
While efforts are made for recyclable materials, the individual packaging for ingredients can generate significant waste.
- Preparation Time
Some recipes can be more involved and time-consuming than advertised, requiring more than 30 minutes of active cooking.
- Dietary Customization
Limited options for very specific dietary restrictions like keto, paleo, or severe allergies compared to some specialized services.
Who Is the Blue Apron Best For?
Busy Individuals or Couples
Seeking convenient, healthy meal solutions without the hassle of planning and shopping.
Aspiring Cooks
Individuals looking to learn new cooking techniques and expand their recipe repertoire.
Foodies Wanting Variety
Those who enjoy trying new cuisines and ingredients they might not typically buy.
People Prioritizing Ingredient Quality
Consumers who value fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients in their meals.
Gift Givers
Blue Apron subscriptions can make a thoughtful and practical gift for new parents, students, or anyone needing a cooking break.
Who Might Want to Explore Other Options?
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers
Those looking for the most economical way to put meals on the table might find cheaper alternatives.
- Individuals with Strict Dietary Needs
If you have multiple allergies, follow a specific diet (e.g., vegan, gluten-free with high sensitivity), or need extensive customization, other services might be a better fit.
- Advanced Home Cooks
Those who prefer to source their own unique ingredients or develop their own recipes might find meal kits restrictive.
- People Seeking Minimal Prep
If you want meals that require virtually no chopping or complex steps, some simpler meal kits or pre-made meal services could be preferable.
