Committing to a set number of meals can feel like an expensive monthly bill tacked on to other expenses.
That’s how nearly half (46%) of US adults feel about meal kit subscriptions, according to CNET’s newest survey. But CNET’s resident meal kit expert’s favorite service has ended its monthly subscription requirement. And I’m excited to finally give meal kits a try without adding another fixed bill to my budget.
Blue Apron revamped its menu, pricing and subscription model this month, along with more recipes that I’m actually interested in — like the Pesto Gnocchi Bake and Curry-Coconut Roasted Salmon. Now that I’m not locked into a monthly payment for meals, I may actually give these meals a shot.
Here’s the latest on Blue Apron’s changes and what our meal kit experts think.
Read more: Make Cooking Simpler With CNET’s Exclusive 25% Off Blue Apron Code
All about Blue Apron’s big revamp
There are now more than 100 meals per week, more than twice the previous amount. Most of those meals can be customized, like choosing beef, chicken or pork for enchiladas. There are also vegetarian options.
Blue Apron also offers two revamped meal categories along with its traditional meal kits: Dish and Assemble and Bake. Dish is Blue Apron’s selection of 40 rotating pre-made meals with nutritional promises, like a minimum of 20 grams of protein and fiber, and the meal is ready in five minutes.
Blue Apron’s other new option is Assemble and Bake. It offers 15 rotating options and 10 always-available meal options. It comes with pre-chopped and prepared ingredients to make the meal in five minutes or less. Most of these are also one-pan recipes, making them easy to make and clean up after. Blue Apron still offers meal kits.
Other changes include meals delivered to most ZIP codes in three days, meals are now available on the Wonder app and big changes to its subscription model.
Blue Apron no longer requires a subscription
Blue Apron won’t require a monthly subscription anymore. Instead, there are two service options.
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Autoship & Save: A service for recurring Blue Apron deliveries. You’ll save 5% on every order and can cancel at any time. You won’t be charged if you cancel before your order’s cutoff time. There’s no monthly charge or commitment.
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Blue Apron+: Blue Apron’s membership service that offers unlimited shipping, a Tastemade+ subscription and other deals for $10 a month.
CNET’s meal kit expert, David Watsky, thinks Blue Apron’s subscription-free model is a smart move.
“Consumers have clear hesitation about subscriptions,” says Watsky. “Blue Apron’s new model positions the brand to reach those averse to subscriptions but open to trying meal kits, even in a short-term or trial capacity. More options and freedom for the consumer are always a good thing.”
How I’m fitting Blue Apron into my weekly meals
CNET found that the average US adult spends close to $3,000 on takeout a year and $1,500 on groceries not cooked or eaten. Blue Apron’s meals average around $11 per serving.
To be honest, having Blue Apron every lunch and dinner exceeds my family’s weekly food budget. Instead, here’s how I’m considering making it work to spend less on DoorDash and grocery runs.
Blue Apron may be my new lunch option
I usually need lunch for five days of the week, which adds up to $2,640 a year if I choose Blue Apron’s Assemble and Bake option. It’s not the most cost-effective, but I’ll have nutritious meals that cost less than the average $25 I would pay for one DoorDash meal. And I won’t spend forever in the kitchen.
Or it may be a part of my weekly dinner rotation
Because my dinners are already pretty easy for my soon-to-be family of four, it would be nice to have an easy night. For example, we’ll pay for three servings of one meal once a week. That’s $33 for my husband, toddler and I. When doing the math, that’s $1,584 a year — which is cheaper than the average $60 each time we eat out on nights we don’t cook. And that’s $2,880 a year.
Do the math before choosing a meal kit
It’s all about balancing convenience and cost when planning your meals. Do the math first. If you find that you’re spending too much on food delivery or groceries are becoming expensive, this could be a way to save time and money.
I wouldn’t recommend a meal delivery service for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day because the cost can easily exceed the average family’s budget. But because Blue Apron no longer requires a subscription, I’m planning to try the meals commitment-free without breaking the bank.