Plated vs Blue Apron: Which Meal Kit Reigns Supreme?
Tired of the same old dinner routine? Meal kits have exploded in popularity, offering a convenient way to enjoy 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 find the perfect match for your culinary needs.
We’re putting two of the biggest players in the meal kit game, Plated and Blue Apron, to the test. Both promise fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, but they have distinct differences in their offerings, pricing, and overall experience. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a complete beginner, this comparison will help you decide which meal kit is the best fit for your lifestyle.
Get ready to explore the pros and cons of each service, from menu variety and ingredient quality to the ease of cooking and the overall value. We’ll break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision and start enjoying delicious meals at home. Let’s find out which meal kit, Plated or Blue Apron, comes out on top!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Plated | Blue Apron |
|---|---|---|
| Cuisine Variety | Diverse | Moderate |
| Meal Kit Type | Pre-portioned | Pre-portioned |
| Dietary Options | Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free | Vegetarian, WW Recommended |
| Number of Recipes Per Week | Varies | 8-12 |
| Prep Time | 30-45 minutes | 25-45 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-30 minutes | 25-35 minutes |
| Shipping | Subscription | Subscription |
| Packaging | Recyclable Materials | Recyclable Materials |
| Recipe Cards | Digital & Physical | Digital & Physical |
| Customization | Limited | Limited |
| Availability | Select Regions | Nationwide |
| Add-ons | Yes, Sides & Desserts | Yes, Market items |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Meal Selection & Variety
- Plated: Offers a smaller, more curated menu with a focus on seasonal ingredients and unique recipes. Pros include a more manageable selection and potentially higher quality ingredients. Cons may include fewer options if you have specific dietary needs or preferences.
- Blue Apron: Provides a larger menu with a broader range of cuisines and dietary options, including vegetarian and occasionally vegan choices. Pros include more variety and customization. Cons could be a slightly less curated experience and potentially more reliance on common ingredients.
- Winner: Blue Apron
Pricing & Value
- Plated: Generally positions itself in a higher price range, reflecting the focus on premium ingredients and unique recipes. Pros include potentially better quality ingredients. Cons include being more expensive than competitors.
- Blue Apron: Typically offers more competitive pricing, especially when ordering larger quantities. Pros include better value for the price. Cons may reflect the lower cost of ingredients.
- Winner: Blue Apron
Ingredient Quality & Sourcing
- Plated: Often emphasizes high-quality, seasonal ingredients, potentially sourced from local farms. Pros include a focus on freshness and potentially better taste. Cons may include limited availability of certain ingredients.
- Blue Apron: Sources ingredients from a variety of suppliers, with less emphasis on local or seasonal sourcing compared to Plated. Pros include consistent availability. Cons may include less emphasis on premium ingredients.
- Winner: Plated
Recipe Complexity & Skill Level
- Plated: Recipes tend to be slightly more complex and may require a bit more cooking skill. Pros include more challenging and interesting recipes. Cons include potentially longer cook times and more complex preparation.
- Blue Apron: Recipes are generally designed for beginner to intermediate cooks, with clear instructions and straightforward techniques. Pros include ease of use. Cons may result in simpler recipes.
- Winner: Blue Apron
Dietary Options & Customization
- Plated: Offers a more limited range of dietary options. Pros include a more specific focus. Cons include fewer choices for those with dietary restrictions.
- Blue Apron: Provides a wider variety of dietary choices, including vegetarian, pescatarian, and occasionally vegan options. Pros include more choices. Cons may include less focus on specific dietary needs.
- Winner: Blue Apron
Packaging & Sustainability
- Plated: Packaging is designed to keep ingredients fresh, but may involve more individual plastic packaging. Pros include ingredient protection. Cons include increased waste.
- Blue Apron: Has made efforts to improve packaging sustainability, with a mix of recyclable and insulated materials. Pros include some sustainability efforts. Cons may include more plastic use than competitors.
- Winner: Blue Apron
Delivery & Convenience
- Plated: Offers flexible delivery options and allows you to skip weeks. Pros include convenience. Cons may include limited delivery locations.
- Blue Apron: Provides flexible delivery options with a broad delivery area. Pros include broad delivery area. Cons may include more limited options.
- Winner: Blue Apron
User Experience & Website/App
- Plated: Website and app offer a user-friendly interface with easy navigation and recipe selection. Pros include ease of use. Cons include more limited features.
- Blue Apron: Website and app are well-designed with a large selection of recipes and a good user experience. Pros include ease of use and recipe selection. Cons may include more features.
- Winner: Blue Apron
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Cuisine Variety | Plated |
| Dietary Options | Plated |
| Recipe Selection | Blue Apron |
| Nationwide Availability | Blue Apron |
What They Have in Common
- Pre-Portioned Ingredients: Both services deliver pre-portioned ingredients, minimizing food waste and simplifying the cooking process.
- Convenience: Both offer a convenient way to cook meals at home, saving time on grocery shopping and meal planning.
- Recipe Variety: Both provide a selection of recipes each week, catering to different tastes and preferences.
- Step-by-Step Instructions: Both services include detailed, step-by-step instructions with each meal kit, making it easy to follow along.
- Subscription Model: Both operate on a subscription basis, with options to skip weeks or cancel.
- Fresh Ingredients: Both services prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients for their meal kits.
Plated Vs Blue Apron Buying Guide
Meal Selection
Plated offers a diverse menu with a focus on chef-crafted recipes and globally-inspired dishes. They typically have around 20-30 options per week, catering to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegetarian and occasionally vegan choices. Blue Apron also provides a wide selection, but their focus leans towards classic American cuisine with international influences. They generally have a slightly larger menu, often featuring around 25-35 options weekly, also including vegetarian choices, though vegan options may be less frequent. Consider your taste preferences and desired level of culinary adventure when choosing.
Pricing and Value
Plated’s pricing structure is often slightly higher than Blue Apron’s, reflecting the premium ingredients and more elaborate recipes. The price per serving can fluctuate based on the meal chosen and the number of servings ordered. Blue Apron generally offers a more budget-friendly option, with a lower price per serving. They sometimes have promotional offers and discounts for new subscribers. Compare the cost per meal and shipping fees to determine the best value for your budget. Factor in the quality of ingredients and portion sizes when evaluating the overall value.
Ingredient Quality and Sourcing
Both Plated and Blue Apron emphasize the use of fresh ingredients. Plated often highlights the use of high-quality, seasonal ingredients and partnerships with specific farms and suppliers. They tend to showcase more premium cuts of meat and seafood. Blue Apron also prioritizes fresh ingredients, and while they don’t always specify the source as extensively as Plated, they maintain high standards for quality and freshness. Consider your priorities regarding ingredient origin and sourcing when selecting a meal kit service. Both services aim for minimal food waste.
Cooking Process and Recipes
Plated’s recipes tend to be more complex and chef-driven, requiring a moderate to advanced level of cooking skill and time commitment. The instructions are detailed, with step-by-step photos to guide you. Blue Apron’s recipes are generally easier to follow, with a focus on simplicity and quick cooking times, making them suitable for beginner cooks. The recipes are well-written, and the cooking process typically takes less time. Consider your cooking experience and time constraints when making your decision. Both options provide clear instructions.
Dietary Options and Customization
Plated provides options for various dietary needs, including vegetarian, pescatarian, and sometimes vegan meals. They offer detailed nutritional information for each meal, allowing users to make informed choices. Blue Apron also caters to vegetarians and offers options for those with dietary restrictions. They provide nutritional information for each meal, but the selection of specific dietary-focused meals may be slightly smaller than Plated. Both services are constantly expanding their dietary offerings. Review the weekly menus to ensure they meet your specific needs.
Shipping and Packaging
Both Plated and Blue Apron use insulated packaging and ice packs to ensure the freshness of ingredients during shipping. The packaging is designed to minimize food spoilage. Both services offer convenient delivery options, allowing you to choose your delivery day and time frame. Consider the environmental impact of the packaging, as both companies are working towards more sustainable practices. Check for any shipping fees or minimum order requirements before subscribing. Both services provide reliable and efficient delivery.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Plated If…
- You value a diverse range of cuisines and recipe options.
- You’re looking for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
- You want the option to add sides and desserts.
- You are located in an area with Plated delivery.
Buy Blue Apron If…
- You’re looking for a wider selection of recipes each week.
- You want nationwide delivery.
- You prefer recipes that are quick to cook.
- You are interested in WW recommended meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between Plated and Blue Apron?
The main difference lies in the recipes and overall experience. Plated often presents more complex, chef-driven recipes with premium ingredients, while Blue Apron focuses on simpler, family-friendly meals. Plated tends to have a slightly higher price point, reflecting the quality and complexity of their dishes. Blue Apron aims for a more approachable experience for busy individuals. This difference is key for your decision.
Which service is better for beginner cooks?
Blue Apron is generally considered better for beginner cooks. Their recipes are designed to be easier to follow, with simpler instructions and quicker cooking times. They focus on providing a straightforward cooking experience. Plated’s recipes can be more involved, requiring a slightly higher skill level. Both services provide detailed instructions.
How do I cancel my subscription with either company?
Both Plated and Blue Apron offer online cancellation options. You can usually manage your subscription through your account settings on their websites or apps. Be sure to cancel before the cutoff date for your next delivery to avoid being charged. Always check the terms and conditions for cancellation policies and potential fees. Both services offer cancellation options.
Can I skip a week of deliveries?
Yes, both Plated and Blue Apron allow you to skip weeks. This flexibility is convenient if you are traveling or don’t need a delivery for a particular week. You can usually skip weeks through your online account. The process is usually straightforward. Always check the skip-week deadlines to avoid charges. This feature is common.
Do they offer any dietary options?
Both companies provide vegetarian options. Plated often has vegan and pescatarian choices. Blue Apron also offers vegetarian meals, and they are increasingly adding options to accommodate other dietary needs. Always check the weekly menus to see what options are available. Both focus on dietary options. Check the menus.
How fresh are the ingredients?
Both Plated and Blue Apron prioritize fresh ingredients. They use insulated packaging and ice packs to keep the ingredients fresh during shipping. They partner with suppliers to ensure ingredients arrive in good condition. You can expect fresh ingredients from both services. Both services maintain a high standard for freshness.
How much time does it take to cook a meal?
Blue Apron meals generally take less time to cook, often around 30-45 minutes. Plated’s meals might take a bit longer, sometimes up to an hour or more, due to the more complex recipes. Cooking times are usually listed on the recipe cards. Both services provide estimated cooking times. Consider your time constraints.
Final Verdict
Both Plated and Blue Apron offer convenient meal kit services. Plated excels with its chef-inspired recipes and premium ingredients, appealing to those seeking a more elevated culinary experience and are willing to pay a premium. Blue Apron provides a more accessible and budget-friendly option with simpler recipes, making it ideal for beginner cooks and busy families. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities.
Winner: Blue Apron