Meal kit services like Blue Apron have changed the way many people cook, making it easy to whip up creative dishes without extensive planning or grocery shopping. But is Blue Apron worth it for at-home meals, and does it live up to the hype? We tried Blue Apron for the last year and here are our honest thoughts.

Convenience and time

One of the biggest draws of Blue Apron is the convenience it offers. Meal kits are delivered straight to your door with pre-measured ingredients, saving you the hassle of grocery shopping and planning. Note that with Blue Apron, you still cook everything. These meals are not pre-cooked packages that you heat up. For the most part, you’ll be doing all the chopping, sauteeing, searing, etc.

What You Get: Each box comes with fresh ingredients and step-by-step recipes, designed to simplify the cooking process while still making meals from scratch. You can use the print-out recipes included in the box or use the app. Personally, we love using the Blue Apron app on our iPad.
Time Efficiency: Blue Apron’s meals allegedly take between 15 to 45 minutes to prepare, but we find that it usually takes us around 45 minutes and most of that time is hands-on. The big time savings are on meal planning and ingredient prep and that’s definitely where we’d rather spend the time.

Verdict: If you have some time to cook but are not here for the extra investment of meal planning, Blue Apron scores high on convenience.

Cost

Blue Apron’s pricing depends on your meal plan and serving preferences. Most meals are around $10 per serving, with options for two or four servings per meal.

Weekly Cost: For a couple with four meals per week, expect to pay around $100 per week and more for families.
Comparison to Grocery Shopping: Grocery shopping for the same meals might cost a bit less, but you may end up buying more than you need, leading to potential waste. With Blue Apron, you’re paying for portioned ingredients and recipe convenience, which can be a fair trade-off depending on your habits.

Verdict: Blue Apron is pricier than shopping on your own, but it could be worth it if you value convenience and tend to overspend or waste ingredients when shopping.

Taste and variety

Blue Apron is known for its variety of chef-designed recipes and fresh ingredients. Each week, you can choose from more than 15 meals that feature a range of cuisines, like Mediterranean, Italian or Asian fusion dishes.

Recipe Quality: Blue Apron prioritizes high-quality, seasonal ingredients, which often results in meals that are rich in flavor.
Variety of Options: The menus rotate weekly, so you’re not stuck eating the same things over and over. Each week you’ll definitely see some ingredient themes (e.g. some weeks bok choy is heavily featured, other weeks it’s delicata squash, etc) but these rotate frequently enough that we don’t mind.

Verdict: Blue Apron keeps it fresh - we’ve eaten Blue Apron four times a week for the last year and we still enjoy it every time.

A few of our favorite meals have included:

Seared Duck & Balsamic-Grape Pan Sauce with Arugula, Artichoke & Farro Salad*
Salmon & Avocado Rice Bowl with Marinated Vegetables & Sesame Yuzu Sauce
Tenderloin Steaks & Cherry Pan Sauce with Roasted Asparagus & Fingerling Potatoes

*Note that these meals were Premium upgrades that are a bit more expensive than the usual dish.

Health and nutrition

With more people focused on eating healthier, Blue Apron has adjusted its menu to include options that cater to specific dietary goals, such as lower-calorie or carb-conscious meals.

Nutritional Balance: Each recipe comes with a detailed nutritional breakdown, so you know what you’re getting. The meals typically include a balanced mix of proteins, healthy fats, and carbs. But most importantly, you get to control how much oil, salt, etc you use in your preparation. Meals are easily modifiable to meet your needs.
Dietary Preferences: Blue Apron offers vegetarian, pescatarian, and wellness-focused meal options, making it relatively flexible for those with dietary restrictions.

Verdict: If your goal is to eat healthier without having to micromanage each meal, Blue Apron’s meals are fairly balanced and can help support various dietary goals.

Who is Blue Apron best for?

Blue Apron isn’t for everyone, but it’s particularly suited to:

Busy Professionals: Those who want a home-cooked meal without the fuss of meal planning and grocery shopping
Aspiring Home Chefs: Those looking to build their culinary skills by trying new recipes and practicing cooking techniques
Health-Conscious Individuals: Those who want a balanced diet but struggle with planning and portion control

So, is Blue Apron worth it?

Blue Apron is a solid option if you value convenience, variety, and learning new recipes. It might not be the cheapest way to cook at home, but the time saved on meal planning, portioning, and shopping can make it worth the price. The taste and variety also make it a great choice for those who want to expand their cooking repertoire without committing to elaborate recipes or exotic ingredients.

For those who enjoy cooking but are short on time or motivation, Blue Apron offers a bridge between convenience and culinary creativity—delivering fresh, quality meals straight to your doorstep.

After a year with Blue Apron, we’re still going strong.

If you’re considering Blue Apron, make sure you have the right tools in your kitchen. Check out some of our everyday home favorites and more luxe options.

We tried Blue Apron for a year. Is it worth it for at-home meals?