POV: You’re searching for a meal subscription service that's affordable and provides you with new recipes to try each week. You've narrowed it down to Home Chef and Blue Apron. But how do you know which one is right for you? We'll break it down.
If you’re eating on the go … Home Chef
In addition to its traditional, recipe-based meals, Home Chef also offers premade meals for all meals of the day, such as Margherita Pizza, Buffalo-Style Chicken Crunch Rolls, or Sausage & Buttermilk Biscuits, that only require heating in order to enjoy. When I'm in a rush, I'll pop in one of the Home Chef meals and know I'm in for a tasty treat. Blue Apron does not offer as many options for premade meals and most of them are tailored to dinner.
If you want to subscribe to wine or purchase seasonal wine bundles… Blue Apron
Blue Apron offers a wine subscription in addition to its meal subscription where you can receive six bottles of wine per month. You can also choose to purchase seasonal wine bundles separately if you only want wine for special occasions. These wines are designed to pair with their meals, so you can re-create a wine-tasting dinner at home.
If you want the most customization options … Home Chef
Although Blue Apron allows you to swap, add, or upgrade ingredients for meals that are a part of its signature plans, it does not allow you to do the same for its Wellness or Vegetarian plans. Luckily, Home Chef allows you to customize any meal from each of its six plans; you can swap out a different cut of meat on your steak dinners or even the entire protein. Want scallops instead of shrimp? You can do that with Home Chef. Looking to eat more protein? You can double up on this as well.
If you want to add on other items … Blue Apron
If you want to step up your dinner game, then Blue Apron is the way to go. It offers 68 kitchen tools and 12 different spices and seasonings that you can purchase individually. They even have some items that are exclusive to Blue Apron, including Japanese knife sets and culinary tools. My personal favorite items are the recipe stand (makes it so easy to see the recipe while cooking) and the cheese vault (who knew that this even existed?!).
If you want to purchase a la carte protein … Home Chef
Home Chef allows you to purchase a la carte proteins as a part of your subscription. You can get anything from chicken breasts to shrimp to ground beef delivered to your doorstep. This definitely simplifies my grocery routine, as I know I can rely on fresh + delicious proteins from Home Chef.
If you need as many meals as possible … Home Chef
Blue Apron limits you to only ordering 2-4 recipes per week for up to 4 people. In contrast, Home Chef allows you to select anywhere from 2-6 recipes per week and order for 2, 4, or 6 people so you never have to worry about being empty-handed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I've prepared Home Chef meals for dinner parties, and friends have always loved the meal and walked away wanting to sign-up for the service.
Ultimate Winner: Home Chef
Whether you're eating on the go, need more options of meals to choose from, or need greater flexibility for your meal subscription, Home Chef has you covered. Despite Blue Apron offering a wine subscription along with cooking tools and spices, Home Chef serves the needs of a wider customer base and lets you order the most food possible.
Order Home Chef here. You can also read our Home Chef details and reviews.
