There are many reasons to consider "to your front door" services. But when a company comes along and checks all the boxes in the yes column, it's time to give it a try. That's what we've decided about Green Chef.
When looking at cost effective, healthy, eco friendly, GMO-free, organic options … okay, it can get a little crazy, but as mentioned Green Chef seems to meet all those requirements and more.
As most things in life, cost is one of the more crucial categories to consider when taking on something new.
How much does Green Chef cost?
Our pricing is based on the plan you choose and how many people will be eating each dish (2, 4, or 6). Each box contains 3 recipes for 2 people (6 meals total).
Note: Above prices do not include $9 shipping and handling per box. Based on the protein preferences you set for the Omnivore or Carnivore plan, you may receive a menu that falls under a different meal plan. Don’t worry — we’ll always charge you the lower price of the two plans.
So in other words, if I wanted to try a Carnivore box, it would be $13.49 x 6 + $9 = $89.94 or $14.99 per meal. Fifteen bucks for a home cooked meal without the hassle and time of shopping, trying to pic out ingredients, no food waste, no thought waste, and it's like your birthday every week. Who doesn't like receiving packages in the mail?
Here is what Green Chef's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) has to say about costs.
What are the advantages of cooking with Green Chef over shopping at a grocery store?
In an internal test, it costs up to 70% more to shop at grocery stores for the premium ingredients necessary to make one of our recipes than cooking the same meal with Green Chef. You spend less because we send you exactly what you need —no need to buy a whole pack of eggs or an $8 bottle of caraway seeds for one meal. Our test also revealed that in most cases, no one grocer carries all of the specialty ingredients included in a Green Chef box. Replicating the same meals on your own means spending time and gas money hopping between stores. We also save you time and energy by taking care of the ingredient and recipe research, menu planning, and a whole lot of prep (including complex sauces).
I don't mind prep at all, but if someone can cut it down to minimal, I'm up for that, too. I think a little preparation is good in order to see the food is real and fresh.
I have friends that go out three to five times a week. I'm a little more frugal with my funds. Green Chef is a great option for having restaurant quality food, but without the monetary hit, but also you know what went into the food. Did this sauce come from a bucket? Was this frozen five minutes before it hit my plate? Is this vegetable supposed to look like this?
What are the advantages of cooking with Green Chef over dining at a restaurant or ordering takeout?
With Green Chef, you know exactly where your food came from and the quality of the ingredients. You know you’re getting a balanced meal — approximately 450-750 calories per meal — with a generous serving of veggies. No risk of sitting down to cold or soggy food; you cook it fresh. In the same amount of time — or less — that it would take to decide where to eat and get a table or takeout, you could be enjoying a delicious, home-cooked Green Chef dinner.
Another one of my hot buttons in ordering items is how the packaging and its materials affect the environment.
Are the packaging materials eco-friendly?
Yes! We’re constantly innovating to provide the most eco-friendly packaging available. All of our packaging is made from recyclable, reusable, and/or compostable materials. Learn more about what our packaging is made of and what to do with it once you’re done cooking here.
Recycling and composting facilities vary depending on where you live. Find your local options here
I've often stayed away from the organic aspect, mainly because of … once again, the cost. Also, is it really organic? Green Chef answers:
What does it mean to be certified organic?
Green Chef is a USDA-certified organic meal kit company. We have worked directly with the National Organic Program to be leaders in food transparency and traceability. Our certification ensures the highest standards of food safety and that we can trace every ingredient from the farm to your door. We are held accountable to the USDA organic program’s rigorous auditing for accuracy in labeling, tracking, food safety and handling. We separate items where there could be cross-contamination and limit the types of cleaning supplies we can use in production.
Are all of your ingredients certified organic?
About 95% of our ingredients are certified organic — that’s more than any leading retailer or restaurant. Our ingredients that are not organic are rare exceptions. Did you know that there's no such thing as certified organic sea salt or wild salmon? Each ingredient is clearly labeled and all of our ingredients go through extensive screening to meet the highest standards kept for all products at Green Chef.
Besides trying to eat organic options, I think I may need to try gluten free as well. They have a vegetarian, vegan, paleo box as well, but I know I need to give gluten free diet a go. I've been saying that for about 10 years now. My biggest excuse? I just don't want to spend the TIME and MONEY to eat that way, mainly the TIME. I am not a label reader and don't want to be one. Green Chef is going to do that for me.
About the only negative about Green Chef is allergies. They're looking out for you with this statement.
What if I suffer from a food allergy?
Although we follow industry-leading best practices in safe food handling, all of our ingredients are processed and packaged in the same facility. If you have a serious food allergy, we do not recommend that you order from Green Chef.
My allergy is most tree nuts and uncooked apples. The allergy is more so a pesticide allergy so even though nuts and apples may be included, the organic aspect of Green Chef will most likely nullify that allergy.
Another aspect about Green Chef that I like is that you need to be home to make it. What better way to set aside some time for a great meal with that special someone than to have great organic food delivered to your door. You can use Green Chef as your date night planner.
And if you're not seeing anyone, like myself, you now have 6 nights of meals instead of just 3 nights. Take that couples! And that's pretty cost effective. Under 90 bucks for fresh meals 6 nights a week, that's enough saving to go out on the 7th night. And if you are trying to be gluten free, or a vegetarian, vegan, or paleo, there's no guessing what restaurant you might find something at. Wins all around.
ANOTHER WIN!
It looks like, if you order your first box now, you will get 4 meals free. That brought my Gluten Free box for 2 from *89.94 down to $29.98. Not a bad price for 6 meals.
Will you give Green Chef a try?
What other questions do you have about Green Chef. Visit their FAQ page for more info.
