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Sunday, February 9th
Green Chef, started in 2014 in Boulder, Colorado, is known for being the first meal kit company to be certified both organic and gluten-free. They offer different kinds of meal kits for various diets, including vegan, all using organic ingredients that support a healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Some prep necessary
Green Chef's meal kits are designed to make cooking straightforward and enjoyable. The box arrives with many ingredients already prepped, saving you the time and hassle of wrestling with a whole pumpkin or figuring out how to zest a lemon. While some basic cooking skills like dicing, chopping, peeling, and grating are still needed, Green Chef makes these tasks more manageable with recipe cards. Detailed, with step-by-step instructions, they come with timing and visual cues to guide even the most culinary-challenged among us. Most Green Chef meals are ready in about 30 minutes.
Free consultation with nutritionist
For those who get a kick out of discussing quinoa's protein content, Green Chef's dietitians are just a phone call away. They offer free 20-minute nutrition coaching sessions, perfect for tailoring your meals to your dietary needs.
Customize your plan and set goals
Starting out at Green Chef begins with selecting the plant-based plan. (Their lineup also includes Mediterranean, Gut & Brain Health, Calorie Smart, Quick & Easy, Protein Packed, Plant Based, Keto, and Gluten Free plans.) Then you'll navigate through a series of choices, selecting your dietary needs like high protein or low added sugar. After that, you set your goals, like eating healthier, saving money, or adding some zest to your cooking repertoire.
Flexible serving amounts
Green Chef offers plans for 2, 4, or 6 servings, with varying meal frequencies: for a duo, you can opt for 3 or 4 meals per week. If you're feeding a family or group of four, choose from 2, 3, or 4 meals weekly. And for larger groups or families of six, there's the option of 3 or 4 meals per week. For solo diners, the Dinner for 2 Plan could be a nifty next-day lunch solution with the leftovers.
They won't tell you how much a meal costs
When it comes to understanding costs, Green Chef plays a bit hard to get. You'll need to enter your real email and billing information to see the meal prices and total cost in your cart. While they're coy about their official per-serving costs, third-party reviews suggest prices range from $11.49 to $13.49 per serving. This places Green Chef in the mid-to-high range compared to other vegan meal delivery services. We did spot a discount offer: get 60% off, your first box ships free, and enjoy 20% off for the first two months.
Premium meal option
Green Chef also offers a special premium meal each week, providing an upgrade with premium proteins and ingredients - although they don't make it easy to tell what this means for vegans. For an extra $6.99 to $9.99 per serving, you can treat yourself to this luxurious dining experience.
See what's on offer this week
Curious about what's cooking at Green Chef? You can sneak a peek at their weekly menu online. However, this preview is limited to the current week's offerings.
Hard to find the vegan recipes (without signing up)
Green Chef claims over 80 weekly menu items on one page, but on the actual menu page, you find only 47 recipes, and there's no easy way to filter for vegan dishes. You end up clicking through pictures to spot the "Vegan" label, which can be frustrating. It's a bit like trying to find a four-leaf clover in a field of standard greens. Another page on their site says the actual number of unique vegan recipes available per week is only four.
Delicious dishes
Despite the navigation challenge, the vegan options are hidden gems. Take the Green Goddess Sandwiches - a hefty 910 calories with 18 grams of protein. It's a reminder that vegan doesn't automatically mean low-cal, but boy, does it sound scrumptious. Then there's the Braised Chickpeas with Tomatoes & Kale (690 calories, 21g protein) and Maple Cauliflower Power Bowls (740 calories, 16g protein).
Adjectives so good you can taste them
One thing's for sure, Green Chef knows how to dress up a description. Take those veggie-packed ciabattas from earlier - they're not just sandwiches, they're "architectural” marvels of squash and bell pepper, smothered in an herb miso-tahini sauce that's an apparent cheeky wink at the classic green goddess dressing. And those fries? "Elevated” with a sprinkle of applewood-smoked sea salt for an extra dash of fancy.
USDA-certified organic
If you like to know exactly where your food comes from, Green Chef might not be the ultimate gossip in the organic produce world, but they're not secretive either. While Green Chef doesn't name-drop their farms like some of their competitors, they do assure us that their sources are sustainable. They're a USDA certified organic company, so you can trust that their ingredients aren't just tasty, but they're also on good terms with Mother Nature.
Recyclable materials
Your box will arrive between 8 am and 8 pm on your chosen delivery day, from Monday to Saturday. If you're a 9-to-5er, they'll try to get your box to a commercial address before the 5 o'clock whistle. No need for a signature - your box will be chillin' at your doorstep, waiting for you to come home. Every bit of packaging is made from recyclable materials like corrugated cardboard, plant-based insulators, and various types of plastics - even the ice packs can be drained and recycled.
Shipping costs $9.99 per box
Green Chef has a straightforward approach to shipping costs: they charge a flat fee of $9.99 per box for all shipping and handling. It's important to note that this fee is per box, not per delivery. So, if you're someone who orders in bulk or likes to stock up with multiple boxes in a week, keep in mind that each box will carry its own shipping charge. This is different from some other services that might charge per delivery regardless of the number of boxes. If you're a heavy user of their service, just be sure to factor this into your budgeting - nobody likes a surprise when it comes to bills.
Cancel from your account
Green Chef's subscription boasts flexibility, but user experiences indicate the cancellation process might be less straightforward than advertised. Where it should be as simple as clicking a button in your account settings and stating your reason (”it's not you, it's me”) to be single and ready to mingle with other meal services, some customers have complained about navigating through "10 menus and then chatting with someone”. If you're just looking for a short break, you can skip up to four weeks by hitting the "Skip Week” button under "My Menu,” but make sure you do it 5 days before your delivery at the latest, or you'll be dining on an unexpected meal kit.
Sustainability is a priority
Green Chef stands out in the meal delivery service industry with its strong commitment to sustainability. They power their operations entirely with renewable electricity and impressively offset 100% of their carbon emissions, covering everything from shipment to doorstep delivery. By opting for Green Chef, you're not just getting a meal kit; you're contributing to a greener planet. They claim that choosing their service can reduce your food waste by at least 23% compared to traditional grocery shopping. They boldly label themselves as "the most sustainable meal kit," highlighting their dedication to eco-conscious practices in an industry where packaging and waste are significant concerns.
Acquired by HelloFresh
Green Chef, a subsidiary of HelloFresh since its 2018 acquisition, maintains a commendable "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, the parent company, HelloFresh, has had its share of issues, and that casts a shadow of uncertainty over Green Chef's operations. Will the organic apple fall far from the tree? That remains to be seen. Green Chef's performance in the public eye, however, is a mixed bag. The U.S. version of Green Chef boasts a decent 3.8 rating on Trustpilot, based on nearly 3000 reviews. Across the pond, the UK version lags slightly with a 3.4 rating.
Complaints about lack of variety for vegan and gluten-free diets
Customer reviews offer a real taste of what Green Chef serves up. One vegan and gluten-free customer appreciates the convenience but laments the limited selection fitting their dietary needs. "Variety is the spice of life," they might say, "so where's the spice?" Another reviewer applauds the healthy options and the impeccable freshness of ingredients - no rubber-like carrots here, folks. However, they point out a significant downside for single diners or those with differing diets: the two-meal minimum per selected meal could turn dinner time into a negotiation table.
Mixed experiences with ingredient freshness
HelloFresh loyalists trying out Green Chef have mixed feelings. One customer, transitioning to veganism, found the produce sometimes lacking in freshness, a stark contrast to their HelloFresh experience. Refunds will be provided, but if the issue persists, the customer will be left hanging between hope and disappointment. On the other hand, a long-time subscriber praised Green Chef's reliable delivery and fresh produce but notes a lack of variety in meal options. For them, familiarity breeds contempt, at least when it comes to weekly recipes.
Some think it's too expensive
Lastly, a critique on value for money raises a red flag. One customer felt that Green Chef's offerings are overpriced, especially considering the effort still required in meal preparation. We wish we could weigh in more on value for money, but Green Chef isn't forthcoming with their entire vegan menu, so we can't say much about the variety or sources of protein in their meals. Are they relying on budget-friendly proteins like beans, or are they opting for pricier vegan options like seitan? This information could significantly influence the perceived value, especially for those closely monitoring their protein intake or seeking more gourmet vegan ingredients.
Decent overall
On the positive side, it's great that Green Chef focuses on being eco-friendly, with organic ingredients and packaging that's good for the planet. They also make cooking easier with pre-prepped ingredients and clear recipe cards, plus they offer free advice from nutritionists. But, there are some downsides. Their vegan dishes are limited to four each week, and it's not always clear how much you'll be paying until you're pretty far into the signup process. While the premium meals and variety of plans sound good, the hassle of canceling your subscription and the extra shipping costs might be a turn-off for some. All in all, Green Chef offers tasty, eco-friendly meals, but whether it's worth it depends on your budget and how much you value convenience and sustainability.
As the vegan lifestyle continues to gain popularity, the online market is brimming with a cornucopia of vegan meal delivery options. Picture a new lifestyle where the delectable, plant-based cuisine you typically only get when you go out to eat meets the convenience of home delivery. Whether you crave globally-inspired vegan dishes or simple, hearty vegan meals, there's something to satisfy every palate, delivered right to your kitchen.
For those seeking a premium dining experience, there are gourmet options that mimic fine dining quality. On the other hand, budget-friendly meal kits and prepared meals are available too, offering diversity and nutritional value without breaking the bank. Plus, there are specific options available for people with gluten-free, organic, or low-calorie preferences, so that everyone's dietary needs are taken care of.
As you explore, you'll be greeted by an extensive selection of meal types spanning various cuisines - think Mexican, Indian, or classic American, just to name a few. You may stumble upon a creation that resonates perfectly with your vegan lifestyle, blending unique flavors and ingredients that are both satisfying and health-conscious.
The ease of online shopping includes efficient search tools. Looking for a high-protein vegan dish? A few clicks allow you to sort meals by dietary preference, calorie content, or preparation time. And if you're undecided about your next meal, many services provide personalized recommendations or expertly curated collections based on your previous selections - like having a personal vegan chef at your fingertips.
For those in need of extra guidance, some services offer nutritional consultations or customizable meal plans. If supporting local enterprises and farmers is important to you, consider options that source ingredients locally.
Before settling on a vegan meal delivery service, consider the following aspects:
To assist you in your quest for the ideal vegan meal delivery service, Top Consumer Reviews has thoroughly evaluated and ranked the top choices available. Our guide is designed to help you find a service that not only tantalizes your taste buds and fits your budget but also adds ease and excitement to your vegan dining experience. Enjoy your culinary journey!
Select any 2 Vegan Meal Delivery to compare them head to head