Blue Apron vs Freshly

Blue Apron is a meal kit service company based in New York City that delivers over 500 million meals throughout the contiguous United States. Since 2012, they have provided fresh, seasonal ingredients pre-portioned to your door, along with detailed recipe cards for easy cooking. As you will read in our full review of Blue Apron, they prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and local options whenever possible. They champion ethical animal treatment, sustainable seafood practices, and support organic farming. Blue Apron offers vegetarian options and detailed allergen information on all recipes. They offer a flexible subscription service with no rigid commitment and a gifting option. They are a well-respected meal kit delivery company and have won awards for ethical and sustainable practices, as well as for being the best meal kit service. They have a generally positive reputation among customers, but are not BBB accredited and have a D- rating from them.

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in New York City, Freshly quickly became a notable player in the meal delivery service industry before its shutdown in 2023. Known for offering convenient, ready-to-eat meals that emphasized both nutrition and taste, Freshly catered to health-conscious consumers seeking a hassle-free dining experience. Their meals were fully cooked by chefs, providing a simple solution for those with busy lifestyles who still wanted to enjoy delicious, home-style meals without the prep work. With a diverse rotating menu that included options like gluten-free and low-calorie dishes, Freshly appealed to a wide range of dietary preferences. Freshly’s commitment to using fresh ingredients and eco-friendly packaging was well-received, although some customers noted concerns about portion sizes and packaging volume. As a Nestlé-acquired company, Freshly had the backing of a major food conglomerate, which contributed to its credibility and innovation in the meal delivery space. However, despite these strengths, the company faced challenges in a competitive market and ultimately ceased operations. This review invites readers to explore the specifics of Freshly’s offerings and to consider what made it both a standout choice and a cautionary tale in the dynamic meal kit industry.