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7.4

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: November 21st, 2024

Blue Apron sends you farm fresh ingredients and original recipes to cook 2-4 meals in your home each week. Here's how it works: You select the meals you want to eat for the week. Blue Apron then sends you perfectly portioned ingredients to make those meals. They also include step-by-step recipes that utilize foods that are in season. Customers can choose when the meals are delivered each week. Blue Apron was founded in 2012 in New York by Matt Salzberg, a former computer engineer. Salzberg believes that the best food is made at home, and that his company empowers people to make their own delicious meals. Today, they have grown to 501-1000 employees. Their goal is to help eliminate food waste by sending you exact ingredient amounts. At the same time, they also want to save consumers time by eliminating trips to the grocery store and meal planning.

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The Good

  • No hidden fees
  • Low-calorie meals
  • Variety

There are no hidden prices with Blue Apron. The price you see for meals includes everything - even shipping. Most companies that offer weight loss meal plans will charge consumers for their food and shipping (and they may throw in a few extra fees for a membership and consultant). But Blue Apron is different. Even though there is no guarantee of weight loss, Blue Apron's healthy meals are sure to help anyone struggling to eat healthy (and in turn, perhaps lose a few pounds). On their blog, Blue Apron shares the story of one person trying to learn to cook with healthy ingredients in order to lose weight and then keep on top of her goal weight. She used Blue Apron to do this, stating that their clean food made her food good again. Each meal from Blue Apron is around 500-700 calories. When you go to select your meals for the upcoming week, you'll be able to choose from six options (options change each week, so you aren't stuck eating the same foods). The options you get to choose from show the meal's calories, ingredients, cooking instructions, and cooking time. We like the the transparency all this information provides. You always know what you are getting yourself into. While TBC cannot provide unique commentary on the taste of Blue Apron's food, there are many positive reviews about the taste. They use traditional and unique recipes each week. Most people report the meals tasting healthy and light, but still filling. Another thing to note about Blue Apron is their variety of meals. While you may only have 6 to choose from each week (and most people buy 2-4 meals per week), the meals are always seasonal and always changing. Here is a sample menu for a week in July:

  • Vadouvan-Spiced Lamb Burgers
  • Chicken Milanese
  • Cod & Miso Soba Noodles
  • Summer Bean & Mushroom Pasta
  • Summer Corn & Vegetable Chowder
  • Crispy Eggplant Pitas
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The Bad

  • Pricing
  • Weight loss
  • Experience

It is difficult to compare the price of meal services, like Blue Apron, that only provide customers with one meal a day, with full on diet food meals. Most of the meal plans that we have reviewed on TBC are for meal plans designed to help people lose weight. Because of this design, weight loss companies provide food for every meal of the day (some may only provide for 2 meals a day, while others include multiple snacks). Because Blue Apron's focus is on providing healthy, seasonal meals, weight loss is a possible secondary benefit. The company does not say anything about weight loss on their site, nor to they make any guarantees. For those interested in losing weight with a meal plan product, Blue Apron may not have the idea meals for them, In general, Blue Apron seems more expensive than direct competitors. If you look at the price of one meal (a little under $10), it's a much more expensive meal than other meal plans. However, it just depends on what you are looking for in a meal plan. Blue Apron has only been around for 3 years (since 2012), and was founded by a computer engineer. Many of the other companies in the meal planning industry were founded by chefs, dieticians, and people in business. This might be the only one that was founded by someone with experience in a completely different industry. We wonder what credentials Blue Apron's founder has and what experience he had in meal planning, if any, before starting his business. Even though the 2-person plan has 6 options to choose 3 from, the family plan only gives you 4 options to choose from each week. If you select the 2-meals per week plan, this may leave you with some variety. However, if you select the 4-meals per week plan, there is no room to leave out meals you don't like. We wish the family meal plan came with more options.

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The Bottom Line

Overall, there are a lot of things to love about Blue Apron:

  • Fresh, seasonal ingredients
  • Local ingredients (you can even see some of the farms your foods come from)
  • Perfectly portioned ingredients (no waste from buying pre-packaged food at the grocery store)
  • Easy meal planning

If you are a busy person, who doesn't have time to meal plan and shop at the grocery store, but you are still someone who loves to cook, Blue Apron is a good meal service for you. They may be a little more expensive than their competitors, but their interesting recipes could be worth it. We recommend looking at them and a few of their competitors (HelloFresh and Plated) to see which meal options look more enticing to you. Either way, you can't go wrong with fresh ingredients and a home cooked meal.

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Star Rating

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4.1

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112 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

46%

4 grade

34%

3 grade

11%

2 grade

6%

1 grade

4%

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Vanessa Call Lehi, UT

I tried BlueApron first, out of all of the meal delivery services, and was not disappointed. each time there were new meals that I never would have put together on my own, but that my husband and I genuinely enjoyed. They are now part of our regular rotation! I struggled with the need to update my account each week, or I was sent items that really did not interest us - this, and the cost, were ultimately why I decided to cancel. I will say that the customer service is phenomenal. I failed to cancel in time, and rather than tell me I was out of luck, the amount was credited, my account cancelled, and still I received that week's meals. Overall a great product for those who do not enjoy meal planning, and like to try new meals!

7 years ago

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William J. Foley

We started Blue Apron because my fiancé wants to learn how to cook. As a chef myself, I could only teach him so much. On our first order had originally called for Purple Daikon Radish, when I opened the box I saw Red Radishes. My first thought was "Wow, either they ran out or no one cared enough to double check the recipe" but then I saw a little card with a note instead which apologized for not having that ingredient because they wanted only the freshest ingredient possible. My standards for customer service is extremely high and i thought that little note was extremely classy! Blue Apron is now our new "date night" and the best part is even I get to play with some really unique items such as Eureka Lemona and Lebneh. Finally, something else fun to do except sitting and watching Netflix. Keep it up Blue Apron ! As for Robin, I know he will be the next great chef ! Thank you! William and Robin.

7 years ago

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Kaila Repman

I love blue apron, I'll be a customer for a long time. Each week we get excited for our box delivery, we are practically tracking it until it's at the front door. I love that everything is packaged in little bags and the recipe cards make it easy to prepare the meals. I'm also impressed by the quality of meats. I love that everything is locally sourced. We have enjoyed every meal, some better than others, but none that have disappointed. I have even used the recipe cards to get the supplies to remake a recipe we loved!

7 years ago

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Wendy

The food is fresh when it is delivered to my house. The recipes are so easy to follow and the meals are tasty!

3 months ago

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Abby Layton, UT

Blue Apron is amazing! I've learned about so many different kinds of foods and different cooking techniques from doing their recipes. I've never had a recipe from them that I didn't like. The food is always really good, and it's fun because the ingredients are often things that I wouldn't think to try on my own. The portions are also very generous, so it feels worth the money. The only downside is that after doing it for a few months, the recipes that are offered can start to get a little bit repetitive. However, I noticed in the past year when I was ordering from them that they started to offer more variety, so that seems like something that they are changing!

4 years ago

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Jess Root Gilbert, AZ

The recipes are amazing. The directions are clear and if you want a way to have restaurant type food at home, it is perfect. It is a tad on the pricey side. But if variety is what you want and you don't want to have to plan too much and research ingredients, it is perfect.

6 years ago

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Hannah Pleasant Grove, UT

We love Blue Apron! Cooking our meals together has been a blast and we still have the recipe to one of our favorite meals on hand. It's so awesome to have the exact portions given to you. The recipes are DELICIOUS. I'd always recommend it, if you're willing to pay for it.

7 years ago

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Jenna Holt Davison, MI

I got a free week from a friend for BlueApron and I am hooked!! The food is fresh and comes so neatly packaged and easy to store once it arrives. The recipes are amazing and I consider healthy compared to a lot of other services! You can skip as many times as you want or if you are out of town. The BlueApron app is awesome too! Thanks BA❤️

7 years ago

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Jennifer Cetoute Lumberton, NC

My husband and I truly love Blue Apron. The produce and protein are always fresh. It's a different experience in every box, with a taste that is out of this world! It's a way to save on spending money in the supermarket or ordering take-out. Finally, it gives my husband and I a chance to spend some quality time together.

7 years ago

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Shameka Johnson Washington, DC

I received a family kit free from my aunt. I was very skeptical at first because I bake but don't cook, lol. This was so easy and I was able to follow the directions and video well. It was a hit in my household. I had the Crispy Cod sandwich & Salsa Verde with Roasted potatoes and Piquillo Pepper Aioli!

7 years ago

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Brandie Rudy West Jordan, UT

Blue Apron is a life saver. We love everything about it. The meals are amazing they are easy to prepare, the 20-30 minute meals are our favorite. We can prepare them as a family and then eat together. Having all the needed ingredients is definitely my favorite part. We order 3-4 meals per week and save so much money over regular meal planning or eating out. The website is user friendly and has so many helpful tips as well.

6 years ago

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Xena Zeit-Geist Houston, TX

Blue Apron is awesome! It's made my and my partner's life much easier. The meals are delicious and have made us feel like pro chefs when before we didn't know how to cook at all.

7 years ago

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Jaci Rhoades Irving, TX

I am in love with this company! All I had to do was give them some information about my food preferences. No longer do I have to think about what's for dinner. It's delivered with step by step instructions, very little prep time, and it tastes wonderful.

4 years ago

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Luis Diaz Norcross, GA

Order process isn’t hard and you don’t waste any food because it’s portioned out perfectly. What’s super cool about it is if you don’t want any of the meal options for that week you can just choose to not get something that week.

5 years ago

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Alyssa Hansel Tallahassee, FL

Super great and yummy food selections. I used this product while living in my college dorm and it was so worth it! The meals are easy to follow and everything is measured out for you! I impressed all my freshman friends with my "expert" cooking skills!

5 years ago

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Katie Salt Lake City, UT

When I was a nanny, the family I worked for ordered Blue Apron and it was such a wonderful service that helped me make dinner each night for this wonderful family. The instructions of making the meal are clear and concise. The food is delicious and healthy. Plus I felt all the items were very fresh each time the box arrived.

5 years ago

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Kristin G Pleasant Grove, UT

We tried blue apron through a Groupon and loved the food. It is a little expensive but I feel I eat more healthy with blue apron than quickly trying to find a fast food to feed my family. It is very convenient to have it mailed to you.

6 years ago

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Erica

Fast delivery and the food tastes delicious! Not sure why I have heard all the negative feedback about nutrisystem. I just got my boyfriend interested as well!

7 years ago

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Rhona Leffler Olney, MD

Blue Apron delivers everything you need to make a delicious, healthy meal right to your door step. It's so convenient! They also send a recipe card that you can keep to replicate any meals that you particularly enjoyed.

3 years ago

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Jakob barre Norcross, GA

I have had a subscription to Blue Apron for almost a year now. I find it's easy to skip weeks and months when I need to. Haven’t had any issues with missing ingredients or freshness.

5 years ago

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Seth Boudoin Baton Rouge, LA

Blue apron has provided me with great food recipes and they’re absolutely delicious. It’s hard to believe how healthy they can be as well. A company I plan on staying with for a long time.

5 years ago

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Janice Genes Hurricane, UT

When I lived in NC I ordered blue apron . Loved the food and recipes they gave. The food was always good and was chilled even on the hardest days in the summer when I receive the box.

5 years ago

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Connor Farmington, UT

Blue Apron is easy to order, follow recipes, and especially eat!! They had great food options, but I just wish they had more specialized allergen options. The recipes were so fun and yummy to cook!

5 years ago

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Lauren Jorgensen Salt Lake City, UT

I have tried a different food delivery service. This on was my favorite. The meals are so good and easy recipes. I am not a good cook and Blue Apron makes me feel like a gourmet chef.

6 years ago

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Jorden Laird Front Royal, VA

I got 3 months as a gift for christmas, and I was skeptical at first, but this has taught me so much about food and cooking and I've tried things and combinations I would have never tried before and it has all been amazing.

6 years ago

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Mia Hernandez Tempe, AZ

recvd my blue apron package and it was delightful it had everything i needed and the helpful cooking tips were great saved me a trip to the store and it was nice trying something new

6 years ago

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George Hopson IV Knoxville, TN

Meals ready to go makes it easy for the busy person to come home and make something quick instead of standing on your feet for a long period of time.

1 year ago

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Anita pea Dallas, TX

Blue apron was a good choice to help with me diet plan. The food was amazing, it was easy the step by step guides were very thorough.

5 years ago

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Jeannie Virginia Beach, VA

I had cancelled service but there was a mix up..Amanda straightened it out ☺I Hope to resume in the fall...meals are awesome !

7 years ago

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Asia Bui Gulfport, MS

I cooked a meal with my cousin using Blue Apron and we thought it was so good and such a fun thing to do together! I would definitely want to use blue apron more

5 years ago

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Noelle Pleasant Grove, UT

I love the blue apron!! It's so easy to understand the instructions they have! And they are always on time with their delivery! Very reliable company!

6 years ago

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Jessica Schiermeister Monroeville, PA

Part of our first order were missing and Blue Apron gave us a $20 credit for the next order. Very pleased!

7 years ago

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Mary Hardy Annapolis, MD

The delivered food exceeded my expectations. The vegetables were fresh and the spices just smelled amazing. We haven't stopped ordering.

3 years ago

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Kristen Dorsey Sun City, AZ

I love Blue Apron! The food is very high quality and the recipes are delicious! Blue Apron is everything you want from a meal delivery service!

4 years ago

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Maria West Valley City, UT

Blue apron is awesome. A little expensive but the food is great would recommend to family and Friends who don’t have time for cooking

4 years ago

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Rocio Diaz Tallahassee, FL

The best meal plan kit money can buy. The quality of the food is better than all of the competitors and the variety is endless.

5 years ago

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Josh Harold Dallas, TX

Before I had this I couldn't find anything good to eat. I’m so glad that I found this bc now I can enjoy a good mean at a good price.

5 years ago

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Janie Dennis Tallahassee, FL

BLUE APRON IS AMAZING! I had this service for sometime and I was so pleased with it! Their food was easy to make and fresh!

5 years ago

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Michelle W Coraopolis, PA

Blue Apron's meal prepping is an awesome experience. It makes preparing my meals easy and helps me stay on track when I'm eating healthy.

5 years ago

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Rasmussen Pleasant Grove, UT

They make delicious meals that are extremely easy to make. They help with dietary restrictions and differences, and are extremely healthy.

6 years ago

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Haley Houtz Herriman, UT

My husband and I love the food from Blue Apron! And I love that I don't have to take the time to go to the grocery store/plan meals!

6 years ago

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Erin Glendening Livingston, LA

Blue apron has a vast selection of meal choices and I haven’t had a problem with one of them, my family loves them.

5 years ago

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DeeDee G. Dallas, TX

I love the foods that show up at my door step! Easy to follow recipes and healthy meals are always prepared!

5 years ago

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Jeremy Summa Inverness, FL

I love how easy it is to follow there recipes and the food is delicious.

1 year ago

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Debbie Fish Biloxi, MS

Really enjoyed our meals from Blue Apron, just wish we had more time together to make the prep fun

5 years ago

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Keilah Phillips Lehi, UT

Blue Apron is awesome. It always delivers fresh and delicious food. Defiantly five stars.

6 years ago

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Bella Houtz South Jordan, UT

One of the best meal planners ever!Their recipes are simple and easy to make and tastes so good!

6 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Don Thigpen Kansas City, MO

Great quality for the money albeit very expensive.

2 years ago

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Hannah Barth Tallahassee, FL

The meals available to choose from are great with easy to follow instructions.

3 years ago

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Alea Husaw Buena Vista, VA

The packaging is my favorite it’s so cute 10/10

3 years ago