Let’s be honest, many of us lack the time or the money to cook unique, cost-efficient meals today. Whether you are a couple or a family, it is sometimes easiest to just eat out. Eating out on a regular basis can get very expensive. So, it’s easy to see how meal delivery services have become so popular, especially with their attractive introductory offers. I recently received a Blue Apron free trial. I was eager to try and cook my way through a new and adventurous meal, something I wouldn’t normally eat.
As this was a Blue Apron free trial, I had nothing to lose. I had three meals delivered right to my door. All of the packaging was recyclable, and it came with a couple of nice reusable freezer packs. Here is my experience:
Blue Apron Meal: Chipotle-Glazed Meatloaf
What I expected:
Blue Apron said the prep time for this meal was just 10 minutes with the cooking time of the meal being between 35-45 minutes. The card (included in the picture) came with a quick description of the meal along with all of the ingredients for the meal. Each ingredient listed even came with a picture in case you weren’t sure. The flip side of the card also came with step by step instructions on how to prepare the meal. Additionally, there were some pictures to assist you along the way. I laid out all of the ingredients on top of my counter along with the card and began.
The Good:
You have all of the ingredients you need to create a unique dish. If you tried to go to the grocery store and buy all of the necessary items to create something similar, you would spend way more than $10/meal. Also, all of the items looked fresh and appeared top notch. Everything from the beef, to the potatoes, to the garlic looked like it had been prepared just mere days before. Finally, Blue Apron also pairs each of the dishes with a wine.
The Bad:
While the meal card said the prep time was just 10 minutes, this was not the case. It took me about double that time to prepare the meal. The only way someone could have done the prep in 10 minutes is if they were highly experienced in the kitchen or if they had prepared this meal before. The meal also lacked a side of vegetables. While this might seem quite minor in the details, some healthy vegetables to go along with this meal would have made it complete. I ended up cooking some green beans to go along with the meat and potatoes. You also needed some cooking experience to help guide you through. I don’t believe these meals are for the complete rookie. For instance, you had to mince garlic, slice potatoes, and needed a few kitchen accessories to complete the meal.
Final Opinion of Blue Apron’s Free Trial
Ultimately my Blue Apron free trial was a success. I was able to create a delicious, unique meal all by myself. At just around $10/meal, it is also a great value because the same ingredients would cost much more if you purchased them at the store. Downsides would be that it requires some basic kitchen knowledge and elementary kitchen items. This meal service is great for a couple who enjoys cooking together and wants to spend some time create different dishes and bonding over the experience.
Continuing Beyond the Free Trial
If you decide to continue purchasing Blue Apron meals after the trial, you have a variety of meal options. The website is very user friendly and lets you browse through their selections easily. Furthermore, they cater to specific dietary needs as well. Pricing varies based on the serving size and the plan you choose. However, you receive a discount for your first week and free shipping. If you aren’t quite ready to commit to the program, the Blue Apron free trial is perfect for you. There’s no risk and you’ll have the chance to sample new dishes for free!
Are you interested in Blue Apron? Get $30 off your first week using this link.
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Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.