Gobble vs. Blue Apron: Which Meal Kit Reigns Supreme?
Tired of the same old dinner routine? Meal kits have exploded in popularity, promising delicious, home-cooked meals without the hassle of grocery shopping and meal planning. But with so many options, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which meal kit is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
We’re pitting two industry giants against each other: Gobble and Blue Apron. Both offer pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, but they cater to different preferences and needs. This comparison will explore everything from meal variety and pricing to cooking time and dietary options. We’ll help you navigate the pros and cons of each service.
Get ready to uncover the secrets of both Gobble and Blue Apron! We’ll explore their unique strengths and weaknesses, so you can make an informed decision and start enjoying stress-free, delicious meals tonight. Let’s find out which meal kit deserves a spot on your dinner table.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Gobble | Blue Apron |
|---|---|---|
| Cuisine Variety | Diverse | Good |
| Meal Prep Time | Quick (15 minutes) | Moderate (30-45 minutes) |
| Meal Kits Offered | Dinner Kits | Dinner Kits, Extras |
| Dietary Options | Some | Some |
| Servings per Meal | 2 or 4 | 2 or 4 |
| Delivery Frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Packaging | Recyclable | Recyclable |
| Recipe Difficulty | Easy | Easy to Moderate |
| Organic Ingredients | Limited | Limited |
| Customization | Limited | Moderate |
| Shipping | Free over a certain amount | Free over a certain amount |
| Customer Support | Available | Available |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Meal Selection
- Gobble: Gobble offers a curated selection of meals, typically featuring globally-inspired recipes designed to be ready in 15 minutes. They often have fewer options per week compared to Blue Apron, focusing on convenience and speed. Pros include quick prep times; cons may be limited variety.
- Blue Apron: Blue Apron provides a wider variety of recipes each week, catering to different dietary preferences and skill levels. This includes options for various cuisines and cooking styles. Pros include extensive choices; cons might include longer prep times for some meals.
- Winner: Blue Apron
Recipe Complexity
- Gobble: Gobble prioritizes simple, quick recipes with pre-portioned ingredients and minimal chopping. This makes it ideal for busy individuals. Pros are ease of use and speed; cons are potentially less challenging for experienced cooks.
- Blue Apron: Blue Apron recipes range in complexity, offering options for beginner to intermediate cooks. Some recipes require more involved preparation, including chopping and cooking from scratch. Pros include diverse skill-level options; cons are longer prep times for some recipes.
- Winner: Tie
Dietary Options
- Gobble: Gobble offers limited dietary options, with a focus on quick and easy meals. They may have specific options for certain diets, but not as extensive as other services. Pros are ease of use; cons include limited dietary options.
- Blue Apron: Blue Apron provides a broader range of dietary options, including vegetarian, pescatarian, and sometimes options for other dietary restrictions. Pros include more dietary flexibility; cons include potential additional cost.
- Winner: Blue Apron
Ingredient Quality
- Gobble: Gobble emphasizes using fresh, high-quality ingredients, often pre-portioned to reduce food waste. They focus on providing everything needed for a quick meal. Pros include freshness and convenience; cons may include limited organic options.
- Blue Apron: Blue Apron also emphasizes fresh ingredients and sources from various suppliers. They offer some organic options. Pros include good ingredient quality; cons include the possibility of increased food waste due to over-portioning.
- Winner: Tie
Pricing
- Gobble: Gobble’s pricing is generally competitive, with meals priced per serving. The final price depends on the selected meals and serving sizes. Pros include competitive pricing; cons include potential upcharges for premium ingredients.
- Blue Apron: Blue Apron has a tiered pricing structure that varies based on the number of meals and servings per week. Prices are generally competitive, but can vary. Pros include competitive pricing; cons include higher costs for fewer meals.
- Winner: Tie
Prep Time
- Gobble: Gobble meals are designed to be ready in 15 minutes, with pre-chopped ingredients and simple instructions. This is a significant advantage for busy individuals. Pros include quick prep times; cons include less flexibility in the cooking process.
- Blue Apron: Blue Apron meals vary in prep time, with some recipes requiring up to 45 minutes or more. This allows for more complex recipes, but requires more time. Pros include diverse recipe options; cons include longer prep times for some meals.
- Winner: gobble
Shipping & Packaging
- Gobble: Gobble ships in insulated boxes with ice packs to maintain freshness. Packaging is designed to be eco-friendly, with recyclable materials. Pros include reliable shipping; cons may include the amount of packaging waste.
- Blue Apron: Blue Apron uses insulated boxes and ice packs to maintain freshness. They also focus on sustainable packaging materials and try to minimize waste. Pros include reliable shipping; cons may include the amount of packaging waste.
- Winner: Tie
Flexibility & Customization
- Gobble: Gobble allows users to skip weeks and customize their meal selections within the options available. They offer some flexibility for adapting to individual preferences. Pros include skip week option; cons may include limited customization options.
- Blue Apron: Blue Apron offers greater flexibility, allowing users to select from a wider variety of recipes and customize their meal plans. They also have a skip-a-week option. Pros include flexible meal plans; cons include less control over ingredient quantities.
- Winner: Blue Apron
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Speed of Preparation | Gobble |
| Variety of Cuisine | Gobble |
| Meal Kit Options | Blue Apron |
| Customization | Blue Apron |
| Ease of Use | Tie |
| Overall Value | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Fresh Ingredients: Both Gobble and Blue Apron deliver pre-portioned, fresh ingredients to your doorstep, making meal preparation easier.
- Convenience: Both services eliminate the need for grocery shopping, providing a convenient solution for busy individuals and families.
- Recipe Cards: Both companies provide easy-to-follow recipe cards with each meal kit, guiding users through the cooking process.
- Online Platforms: Both Gobble and Blue Apron offer user-friendly websites and/or apps for meal selection, account management, and delivery scheduling.
- Weekly Deliveries: Both services operate on a weekly delivery schedule, allowing users to choose the frequency that best suits their needs.
Gobble vs Blue Apron Buying Guide
Meal Options and Variety
Gobble focuses on quick, 15-minute meal kits, offering a streamlined menu with globally-inspired dishes. They specialize in fresh ingredients and pre-portioned components, minimizing prep time. Their menu typically features around 15-20 options weekly, catering to diverse tastes. Blue Apron, on the other hand, provides a broader selection with classic American and international cuisines, including vegetarian and family-friendly choices. They offer around 20-30 recipes weekly, with options for different dietary needs, though their cooking times are generally longer.
Pricing and Value
Gobble’s pricing is often slightly higher per serving due to its emphasis on convenience and speed. The cost reflects the pre-prepped ingredients and faster cook times, making it a good choice for busy individuals. Blue Apron generally offers a more budget-friendly approach, especially when ordering larger quantities. However, the price difference can vary depending on the specific meal selections and any promotional offers available from either service. Consider the value you place on your time and the level of prep work you’re willing to do.
Ingredient Quality and Freshness
Both Gobble and Blue Apron prioritize fresh ingredients, sourced from trusted suppliers. Gobble emphasizes its use of high-quality proteins and pre-chopped vegetables, ready to cook. They focus on delivering meals with minimal prep needed. Blue Apron also sources fresh ingredients, often partnering with farms and producers. They provide detailed information about their ingredient sourcing, catering to those who appreciate knowing where their food comes from. Both services ensure ingredients are carefully packaged to maintain freshness during shipping.
Cooking Process and Ease of Use
Gobble’s selling point is its 15-minute meal promise, simplifying the cooking process with pre-prepped ingredients and clear instructions. This makes it ideal for those with limited time or cooking skills. Blue Apron offers slightly more involved recipes, with cooking times generally ranging from 30-45 minutes. They still provide easy-to-follow instructions, but require more chopping and preparation. Consider your comfort level in the kitchen and how much time you want to spend cooking when choosing between the two.
Dietary Options and Customization
Blue Apron provides a wider range of dietary options, including vegetarian, pescatarian, and wellness-focused meals. They also offer options to customize your meal plan based on your preferences and restrictions. Gobble provides fewer specific dietary choices, but they often include options that can be adapted to vegetarian or other needs. They are less flexible overall. Both services allow you to skip weeks and manage your subscriptions, making it easy to accommodate your changing needs.
Shipping and Delivery
Both Gobble and Blue Apron offer nationwide shipping, with meals delivered in insulated boxes to maintain freshness. The shipping frequency can be customized based on your preferences. Gobble typically ships meals weekly. Blue Apron also offers weekly delivery, with options for specific delivery days. Both services provide tracking information and allow you to manage your delivery schedule. Shipping costs are often included in the per-serving price, but it’s essential to check for any additional fees.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Gobble If…
- You prioritize quick and easy meal preparation, with meals ready in 15 minutes.
- You prefer a focus on dinner kits.
- You want a streamlined experience with fewer options.
- You want a service that caters to a wider variety of cuisines.
Buy Blue Apron If…
- You enjoy a wider selection of meal options, including extras.
- You are looking for more customization options for your meals.
- You don’t mind spending a bit more time in the kitchen.
- You are interested in learning new cooking techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Gobble and Blue Apron?
The primary distinction lies in their approach to convenience. Gobble offers 15-minute meal kits with pre-prepped ingredients, perfect for quick cooking. Blue Apron provides a broader range of recipes with slightly longer cooking times, but often at a lower price point. Blue Apron also has more dietary choices and a greater selection of meals overall.
Which service is better for beginners?
Gobble is generally more beginner-friendly due to its simplified cooking process and minimal prep work. The 15-minute meals are designed to be easy to follow, allowing even novice cooks to create delicious meals quickly. Blue Apron also provides easy-to-follow instructions, but requires a bit more cooking skill.
How do the prices compare?
Gobble tends to be slightly more expensive per serving, reflecting the convenience of pre-prepped ingredients and faster cooking times. Blue Apron often offers more budget-friendly options, especially when ordering larger quantities. The pricing can vary depending on the chosen meals and any current promotions.
What about dietary restrictions?
Blue Apron provides a wider variety of options for dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, pescatarian, and other preferences. Gobble offers fewer specific dietary choices, but they often include options that can be adapted. It’s always best to check each week’s menu for suitable options.
How often can I receive deliveries?
Both Gobble and Blue Apron typically deliver weekly, but you can usually adjust the frequency to suit your needs. You can often skip weeks or pause your subscription. Both services provide flexibility to manage your delivery schedule and accommodate your changing schedule.
Are the ingredients fresh?
Both Gobble and Blue Apron prioritize fresh ingredients, sourcing from trusted suppliers. They carefully package the ingredients to maintain freshness during shipping. They offer high-quality proteins and produce. Both provide detailed information about their ingredient sourcing, catering to those who appreciate knowing where their food comes from.
Can I customize my meals?
Blue Apron allows for more customization, with options to select meals based on your preferences and dietary needs. Gobble offers less customization, but provides flexibility to make substitutions. Both services let you skip weeks and manage your subscription easily, allowing for adjustments.
Final Verdict
Both Gobble and Blue Apron offer convenient meal kit services. Gobble excels in speed and ease of preparation, ideal for busy individuals, while Blue Apron provides more variety and budget-friendly options. The best choice depends on your priorities: quick meals or broader culinary exploration.
Winner: [It depends on your priorities, but based on the requirements, it’s impossible to pick a winner without more information.]