Last summer, I posted my review of Blue Apron. I’ve been REALLY enjoying Blue Apron, and ordering it nearly every week!, so when my friend TM recommended HomeChef instead, I hesitated. Big time.
I had no issues with Blue Apron, but my hubby was not a big fan of all the veggies (especially the kale and collard greens that seem to come with every meal, LOL). The price is nearly identical (about $60 for 2 person servings, per week).
Then when I took a step back, I would admit that the BA recipes can sometimes be a little complicated and take awhile (not fun on week nights!) And our mutual complaint was that Blue Apron offers no choices, only vegetarian/meat/fish meals. The 3 meals they choose are the 3 meals we would receive, so sometimes we would skip a week because 1 or 2 of the 3 didn’t look very appetizing to Javi. Or I would eat triple servings when J didn’t want it, because I could usually divide the meal into 3 and still feel full (a nice perk!)
So back to HomeChef. My friend said she loves their recipes, and they are faster and easier than BA. Best of all, you have a choice from about 10 options, so you pick what looks best. She sent me the referral link, which gets her $30 off and me $30 off my first order. We tried it… and it was delish! Here are the main differences I noticed:
- Packaging. Just like Blue Apron, HomeChef delivers in a big box that’s insulated, and has ice packs. BUT the wonderful thing about HomeChef is the meals are bagged separately, whereas BA throws all the ingredients in the box, and you have to sift through them to find the right ones per recipe. It sounds trivial, but I like how HC is more organized in this respect. Plus, less chance for forgetting an ingredient or using one from another recipe.
- Ease of Recipes. HomeChef recipes are easier than Blue Apron, and typically take 30 minutes or less, whereas I think most of my BA recipes took 45 minutes or longer. BA is just a bit more complicated. Plus the recipe cards have little sections that say “Watch out! Parmesan cheese is used twice, here and here…” which is so helpful when in a hurry (for someone who usually misses things!)
- Choices. As mentioned above, HomeChef gives you some wonderful, glorious choices. So if you’ve already eaten chicken 5 times this week, then you can order fish, steak, and pork. Easy, convenient, fun.
- More choices. In addition to the meals, you can order add-ons like fruit, breakfast, or even a 4th or 5th meal. We haven’t taken advantage of these options yet, but certainly nice to know we could!
- Handy recipe book. HomeChef sent a folder where all the recipes go, on our second shipment.
Of course, I have to mention the downside too. In general, I thought the BA recipes had fresher ingredients, and more flavor. My husband disagrees, and his vote goes to HomeChef all the way (hence, why we switched!)
Both are great for their own reasons, but we will ultimately stick with HomeChef because we enjoy choosing which meals to receive.
Tonight’s Sicilian herbed chicken with a balsamic glaze was DIVINE! The garlicky green beans were good, and I really loved the tomatoes with mozzarella cheese! YUM!
If YOU would like to try HomeChef, comment below! I have 3 free trials to share 🙂
Heather Hernandez says
Great review, Vanessa! I’ve been thinking about trying one of these because we’re so busy with work we order out too much for convenience. If you still have trials, mind shooting me one?
Vanessa Vila says
Thanks Heather!! I am out of the trials, but still have the $30 off coupons. PM me your email and I’ll send it 🙂
Vanessa Vila says
Never mind, I see your email here… duh! LOL
Barb Belanger says
You know I DEFINITELY interested!! I’m interested to see the difference in the 2. Plus, I like the idea of more choices…BONUS!! LOL!! ☺☺☺
Barb Belanger says
BTW, GREAT write up and thanks for so much info plus pros and cons!! ❤❤☺☺
Vanessa Vila says
Thanks Barb! I sent you the free trial earlier 🙂
Karen says
We have been on the fence about trying. Thanks for the write up and comparison!!
Vanessa Vila says
Sure thing Karen! I know how it is to be on the fence!
I’ll email you a coupon and you can decide for yourself 🙂
Vanessa Vila says
I tried to send the coupon but it says you’re already a subscriber…?
Vladi Barraza says
I’ve been considering trying something like this. How do the kiddos like it?
Vanessa Vila says
Hi Vladi! My kids are super picky, so they will sometimes try the meat dish or sides, but rarely will they eat a whole portion. I usually let them have toast with something (butter, PB), fruit, cheese, or yogurt, if they won’t eat the main meal.
If you want a $30 off coupon for HomeChef, PM me your email 🙂
Clena A. says
I’m interested too. ???? Great write up! I’ve been looking at both and debating which to try first. Sounds like Home Chef might be first to bat. I love the idea of more choices ( esp bc I’m allergic to some food so I can skip those meals) and less meal prep/cooking time!
Vanessa Vila says
Thanks Clena! I will send you a $30 off coupon (I am all out of the free trials!) PM me your email pls 🙂
Vanessa Vila says
Never mind, I see your email *duh* haha 🙂
Shaila says
I’d love to try it!! I’ve been debating on trying something like this!
Vanessa Vila says
Great! I sent you a free trial, Shaila! Let me know what you think 🙂