There’s a reason meal-subscription services are a hot topic these days — Americans are busy and stressed. Between work demands and family responsibilities, meal planning and preparation, the thought of sitting down together at the family table can seem almost quaint. As one of these overscheduled, stressed people, I’ve found meal delivery services to be a welcome helper. Freshly is one of many meal-subscription services that offer families like mine a convenient, no-stress solution to getting healthy dinners on the table. Freshly delivers fresh prepared meals (they come chilled in a refrigerated box, never frozen). The service stands out from the sea of meal-delivery kits because Freshly’s meals — developed by a team of chefs and nutritionists — require absolutely no cooking. They’re fully cooked so all you have to do is heat them up, and they’re ready to eat in three minutes. For busy families, Freshly takes the chaos out of planning, shopping, prepping, and cooking fresh, nutritious dinners — or breakfast and lunch. Freshly sources high-quality ingredients and makes sure each meal is nutrient dense and packed with the good stuff. All of their meals are also gluten- and peanut-free and contain no refined sugars. If you’re looking for a convenient way to eat healthier every day, here’s why Freshly may be for you and your family. (Click here to learn more about the Everyday Health Wellness Code used for all products and services reviews.)
How It Helps Boost Your Wellness
Freshly gets two thumbs up for their commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients. Their strict ingredient standards stipulate that their meals have no artificial ingredients, no hydrogenated oils to avoid large amounts of trans fats, and no refined sugars. On their website, they even list 85 “banned” ingredients, such as high fructose corn syrup and maltodextrin. If you’re looking to meet weight-loss goals, Freshly’s meals can also help. You can choose your meals based on how many calories you prefer. Recent menu selections under 500 calories include Shrimp and Andouille Paella, Chicken and Rice Pilaf with Green Beans and Carrots, and Peach Balsamic Pork Chop. If a family member needs to follow a peanut- and gluten-free diet, or you want to enjoy 100 percent all-natural meals, Freshly’s weekly menu of 27 entrees and five breakfasts will not disappoint. Most of the meals are classic American with a healthy spin — think meatloaf with mashed cauliflower, or roasted turkey with quinoa stuffing.
How It Helps Make Wellness Possible
Do you or a family member have dietary restrictions? All of Freshly’s meals are gluten- and peanut-free. You can also go with a completely Paleo menu (recent Paleo selections include Paleo Beef Provencal with Roasted Vegetables, and Paleo Toasted Almond Chicken) if you’re following a Paleo diet. Freshly also offers vegetarian, soy-free, high-protein, low-carb, and dairy-free entrees and breakfasts. Every menu item on Freshly’s website is labeled with these dietary options, making it easy to filter and choose what goes into your delivery.
How Much Does It Cost?
Each meal is meant to serve one person, which makes it easy to decide how many meals you need to order. The more you order, the less the price per meal. Plans start at $49.99 a week for four meals ($12.50 per meal). Order six meals per week for $59.99 and the cost drops to $9.99 per meal. If you bump it up to 12 meals per week, each meal is $8.99. Shipping is free if you order four meals or more. Since Freshly meals are prepared, they have a shelf life in the refrigerator of 4 to 5 days, at which point you’ll need to freeze the meal if you want to eat it another time. Follow Freshly on Facebook, where the company regularly posts special discount offers and coupons. If you refer friends and they sign up, you can get $40.
The Bottom Line
If you want a stress-free solution to getting healthy dinners on the table for your family, Freshly stands out from the competition. Unlike other meal delivery kits, Freshly’s meals are already cooked. All you have to do is heat them up. Truly, no muss, no fuss. Freshly also makes it easy to eat healthier — there are numerous menu options for low-calorie, soy-free, low-carb, vegetarian, and dairy-free meals. Paleo dieters can also find entrees to enjoy. Learn more at Freshly.com.
The Competition
Blue Apron was one of the first meal delivery services to launch, so it’s one of the most well-known meal kits. The service puts a huge emphasis on the quality and source of its ingredients. You’ll find only sustainable seafood, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, and non-GMO foods in these boxes. HelloFresh relies on revamping a lot family dinner classics. You’ll see pasta dishes, meatloaf, burgers, tacos, stir fries, soups, pork chops, and more — with a twist. They also offer vegetarian and low-calorie options. Plated focuses on flexibility, which is great for busy families. You can add more servings if someone’s coming to dinner, swap recipes, change your delivery day at any given time, or skip weeks when you’re on vacation.
