Blue Apron has revamped its business model. The meal kit service no longer requires a subscription. You can order á la carte or set up recurring deliveries. Standard meal kits cost between 9 and 13 USD per serving. The price drops to 8 USD per serving when ordering four servings for four people. Prepared meals cost between 9 and 14 USD per serving. Shipping is 10 USD per box, or free with Blue Apron Plus (a subscription plan). CNET editors tested 12 recipes, including Signature meals, vegetarian options, oven ready meals and prepared meals. The service earned a score of 9 out of 10. This review covers pricing, recipe variety, cooking difficulty, vegetarian options, health considerations, packaging and final verdict.
Blue Apron Pricing And Shipping
| Plan Type | Price Per Serving | Shipping | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal kits (á la carte) | 9‑13 USD | 10 USD | No subscription required |
| Meal kits (2 servings for 4 people) | 8 USD | 10 USD | Best value |
| Prepared meals (á la carte) | 9‑14 USD | 10 USD | Microwave or oven ready |
| Blue Apron Plus (subscription) | 5% discount | Free | Includes other perks |
Sample á la carte prices:
- Italian chicken and tomato sauce with farro and zucchini: 9.99 USD per serving
- Miso glazed salmon with veggie fried rice: 12.89 USD per serving
- Calabrian shrimp and orzo with tomatoes and parmesan: 11.49 USD per serving
You can order as few or as many meals as you like. Changes must be made six days before the next delivery date.
What Blue Apron Meals Are Like
Blue Apron offers a balance of comfort food and healthy recipes. The standard weekly menu includes steak recipes, fresh fish (trout, salmon, tilapia) and vegetarian options. There are also pasta dishes, meatloaf, French bread pizza and other comfort foods.
Sample menu from testing
- Bavette steak with caper aioli, potatoes and kale
- Chicken thighs in Thai peanut curry with rice and green beans (oven ready)
- Garlic shrimp over Spanish style potatoes
- Gochujang steak lettuce cups
- Shawarma cauliflower grain bowls
- Pan seared scallops with capers, pickled peppers and orange salsa (premium)
- Sesame hoisin chicken and rice bowl with bok choy
Oven ready meals
These require less than 10 minutes of prep. Combine ingredients into the included aluminum tray, bake for 30‑45 minutes. The Thai coconut curry chicken meal took 5 minutes of labor and 45 minutes to cook.
Cooking Difficulty And Time
| Cook Level | Experience | Average Cook Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experienced chef | 30‑35 minutes | Most meals | Steak and seafood recipes |
| Novice cook | 45‑60 minutes | Requires prep | Chopping and multitasking takes longer |
| Oven ready meals | 5 minutes prep | 30‑45 minutes bake | Easiest option |
Novice cooks may take closer to an hour including preparation. However, the recipes are simple enough for first time seafood cooks. One editor cooked salmon for the first time using the internal temperature guide provided.
Blue Apron For Vegetarians
A vegetarian of 20 years tested four vegetarian meals. Key findings:
- Impressed with variety and veggie friendly flexibility.
- Fresh produce tasted excellent.
- Sauces were incredible (red pepper pesto, tahini yogurt sauce).
- Adjustable spice levels (Calabrian chile paste).
- Dishes were filling and provided good nutrition (27g protein, 57% daily fiber in cauliflower farro salad).
Vegetarian meals tested
- White bean and veggie grain bowls (15‑20 minutes)
- Roasted cauliflower and farro salad (40 minutes)
- Loaded veggie burritos (40 minutes)
- Thai style curry noodles (35 minutes, vegetarian version with egg)
Note: Blue Apron does not have vegan options. Vegetarian meals often include dairy (cheese, sour cream, yogurt).
Health And Nutrition
Blue Apron offers nutritionist approved recipes and Weight Watchers recommended options. The service provides nutrition labels online.
Health considerations
- Watch sodium: Some recipes are 62‑97% of daily value per serving (white bean grain bowl: 62% DV; Thai curry noodles: 97% DV cholesterol from egg).
- Adjust salt: Add salt to taste rather than following recipe amounts.
- Fiber and protein: Many vegetarian dishes have 25‑30g protein and 50‑80% daily fiber.
- Prepared meals: Range from 500‑600 calories, 43‑46% daily sodium.
Wellness editor recommends checking nutrition labels online before cooking to ensure the meal fits your dietary needs.
Prepared And Ready Meals
Blue Apron offers microwaveable prepared meals. Tested options included:
| Meal | Calories | Sodium | Protein | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Curry Noodle Bowl | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Tender beef, slight kick, 80% daily saturated fat |
| Creamy mushroom chicken with orzo and peas | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Good cheese mushroom balance, not freezer friendly |
| Four Cheese Enchiladas with Rice | 570 | 980mg (43% DV) | 27g | Very filling, wish less cheese |
| Sweet and spicy tofu udon noodles | 510 | 1060mg (46% DV) | 11g | Tofu well cooked, not too spicy |
Prepared meals are not freezer friendly. They should be eaten within a few days of delivery.
Blue Apron Vs HelloFresh
| Aspect | Blue Apron | HelloFresh |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription Required | No | Yes |
| Price Per Serving | 8‑13 USD | 9‑12 USD |
| Steak And Seafood | Included in standard plan | Often premium upcharge |
| Shipping | 10 USD (free with Plus) | 10 USD |
| Vegetarian Options | Good (no vegan) | Good |
| Best For | Sophisticated recipes, no commitment | Familiar comfort food, larger menu |
Blue Apron offers more interesting steak and seafood recipes in the standard plan without upcharges. HelloFresh has a larger weekly menu but charges extra for premium proteins.
Blue Apron Market And Environmental Impact
Blue Apron has a gourmet market selling spice mixes, cookware, gadgets, wine bundles and gear. Prices are reasonable.
Packaging and waste
- Improved from previous years (less single use plastic).
- QR code on box leads to recycling information.
- Produces less food waste than grocery shopping (only buy what you need).
- Partners with Feeding America to send 32% of surplus food to local food banks.
Areas for improvement:
- No reusable ice pack program (wishes for return or donation partnerships).
- Plastic produce packaging could be replaced with compostable alternatives.
Pros And Cons Of Blue Apron
Pros
- No subscription required (order á la carte).
- Good balance of comfort food and healthy recipes.
- Standard plan includes steak and seafood without premium upcharge.
- Good value when ordering 4 servings for 4 people (8 USD per serving).
- Oven ready meals require less than 10 minutes of prep.
- Eco friendly packaging (improved from previous years).
- Interesting spice mixes, sauces and side dishes.
- Works with Weight Watchers program.
- Produce Origin List shows where fruits and vegetables come from.
- Prepared meals are filling and tasty.
Cons
- Does not allow for much customization (you get what is in the box).
- Expensive if ordering only 2 meals per week (plus 10 USD shipping).
- Shipping is 11.49 USD unless you subscribe to Blue Apron Plus.
- No vegan options (vegetarian only).
- Some packages may be left with neighbour if not home (track carefully).
- Vegetarian meals often high in sodium (check labels).
- Prepared meals are not freezer friendly.
- Novice cooks may take closer to 1 hour per meal (not 30‑35 minutes).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Blue Apron require a subscription?
No. You can order á la carte without a subscription. You can also set up recurring deliveries for a 5% discount and free shipping (Blue Apron Plus).
How much does Blue Apron cost per serving?
Meal kits cost 9‑13 USD per serving. The price drops to 8 USD per serving when ordering 4 servings for 4 people. Prepared meals cost 9‑14 USD per serving.
