If you enjoy fine foods, but don't have the time or energy to prepare high-quality meals each night, or the funds to go out to your favorite restaurants, you can skip the fast food and opt for ready-made meals delivered right to your door instead. Not only are ready-made meals a healthier and more delicious alternative to fast food without all the regret afterwards, but all of the busywork has been done for you ahead of time, so all you have to do is heat and serve in order to enjoy high-quality meals at affordable prices. The top ready-made meals delivered come Blue Apron, ZEN Foods and Williams-Sonoma. If you think ready-made meal delivery is right for you, keep reading to learn the most frequently asked questions about ready-made meals.
Meals from ZEN foods can be prepared nearly instantly. They come frozen and once thawed can be heated in a matter of minutes using a toaster oven or microwave. Williams-Sonoma meals also come frozen and will need 24 hours to thaw in the fridge. Afterward, you heat them in the oven for a little over a half hour. Blue Apron works a little differently in that you’ll need to combine the fresh ingredients sent to your door and cook them as directed.
With meal plans, shipping is usually included with the price. However, if you are purchasing meals individually, you will need to cover the cost of shipping. At Blue Apron, you can choose the day of shipping so that it is more convenient for you.
The best ready-made meals for those looking to lose weight come from ZEN foods. This is because each meal has been designed to provide you with the necessary nutrients you need and with weight loss in mind. Best of all meal plans don’t just cover dinner, they cover up to five meals per day.
Though not a free trial per se, Blue Apron offers your first three meals for free with your first order of meals. This will help reduce the cost of purchasing meals so as a first-time buyer you can feel more comfortable purchasing meal plans.
The typical cost per meal is around $10 which is typical for a fast food meal, but with ready-made meals you are getting higher quality ingredients and more delicious, healthier meals. At ZEN foods, meals must be purchased by plan, where you’ll have the choice between a 31, 20 or 7-day plan. At Williams-Sonoma you can purchase up to five days of meals for a little over $150. Three days of meals will cost you about $100, but these entrees will feed the whole family rather than one or two people.
The best option for families would also have to be ZEN Foods as they offer two-person and family meals. If you only need a limited number of meals, and you are looking for something a little richer, then Williams-Sonoma’s ready-made meals are an excellent choice and your family will be sure to love them.
At ZEN foods, you can choose your own meals. You’ll have your choice of 50 popular dishes and plan meals ahead of time. Otherwise, you will not be able to select your own specific meals when it comes to Williams-Sonoma or Blue Apron. You can pick preferences though, such as a vegetarian or gluten-free, as examples.
The best thing about ready-made meals are that quality ingredients are always used. At Blue Apron for instance, farm-raised food without antibiotics or growth hormones are used. Animals are raised on a 100% vegetarian diet. Meals have been designed by real chefs for the best quality flavor possible.