CookUnity Delivery: Tasty Meals by Top Award-Winning Chefs

CookUnity at a Glance

From their inception, CookUnity has been dedicated to delivering fresh, locally sourced ingredients crafted into gourmet dishes by a roster of over 70 talented chefs. Their lineup of acclaimed chefs includes James Beard award winners, Food Network stars, and up-and-coming chefs, who all contribute to their varied and unique menu offerings. As a growing meal delivery service, CookUnity now serves thousands of clients across various states, from the West Coast to the East Coast. The company’s mission is to bring restaurant-quality menu items to your home, offering a personalized culinary experience that caters to diverse tastes and dietary needs.

CookUnity stands out by offering a rotating menu of chef-curated recipes that cater to a wide range of dietary preferences, from vegan and gluten-free to keto and low-carb options. Their service is designed for busy individuals and families who desire the convenience of having delicious, nutrition packed meals delivered to their door without compromising on quality or variety. CookUnity’s model allows chefs to experiment with new recipes and directly interact with their customers, fostering a unique connection that is not typically found in traditional meal delivery or meal kit services. The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of eco-friendly packaging and their support of local farms and suppliers.

In terms of recognition, CookUnity has garnered praise for their innovative approach. However, the company is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Features & Services of CookUnity

CookUnity makes eating easy and flexible with a platform that is simple to use and a wide variety to choose from. The company also cares about sustainability, aiming to give users a smooth and enjoyable dining experience. Their dishes are prepared fresh, and customers just have to follow the chef's instructions on reheating to enjoy their meals with very little legwork to be done.

Menu options

Cuisine prepared by renowned culinary experts: Meals are crafted by a selection of top chefs, including Esther Choi and Pat LaFrieda, each bringing their unique style and expertise to the menu. Customers can choose meals based on the chef’s profile, ensuring a personalized dining experience.

Diverse cuisine selection: CookUnity offers a wide variety of dishes inspired by global cuisines, including options like Thai, Yemeni, Creole, Moroccan, South American, Indian, Mexican, Italian, and more. This diversity allows customers to explore different flavors and culinary traditions, providing options for every palate.

Diet-specific meals: They provide meal plans tailored to various dietary needs, including vegan, keto, Mediterranean, low-calorie, pescatarian, gluten-free, paleo, and low-carb options. Each meal is clearly tagged on the menu for easy identification, and users can set their dietary preferences in their Taste Profile to receive meals that match their requirements.

Ethically sourced, local ingredients: CookUnity strives to be as environmentally friendly as possible, seeking out local, seasonal, and ethically sourced ingredients for their dishes

Customization options: While individual meal customization is limited, the extensive menu selection allows customers to choose meals that best fit their tastes and dietary needs. The platform also allows users to filter meals based on specific dietary requirements, making it easier to find suitable options.

Rotating weekly menu: The menu changes weekly, offering new and seasonal dishes with 200+ options to choose from. This keeps the meal options fresh and prevents monotony, providing customers with an ever-evolving selection of options.

Chef specials: These meals are featured weekly and use premium ingredients, although they do cost extra.

Generous portions: Their meals are known to be of a good size and quite filling, with some people even splitting one meal into two.

Add-ons and juices: Depending on your location, CookUnity offers additional items like sides, breakfasts, juices, and desserts to complement your meals, providing a complete dining experience.

Delivery features

Nationwide delivery: CookUnity delivers their meals to many states in the US, although you will have to check with their website or customer service to see if they deliver to your area.

Eco-friendly packaging: Meals are delivered in reusable insulated bags or recyclable boxes lined with ice to keep them fresh throughout delivery. Some cities also have a returnable packaging program to ensure little waste.

Biodegradable paper packaging: The individual meals come in a compostable paper sleeve and a thin plastic film that you will have to throw out. Any other plastic or trays used are recyclable or reusable.

Fresh, not frozen: Meals are delivered fresh and ready to heat, with clear instructions provided on each meal package. If meals need to be stored for later, they can be stored in the freezer, thawed in the fridge, and reheated as needed, although the company does not recommend freezing them.

Other features

Mobile App: CookUnity offers a user-friendly mobile app for Android and iOS that allows customers to manage their meal plans, track deliveries, and explore the weekly menu.

Gift cards and discounts: Customers can purchase gift cards to share the CookUnity experience with friends and family, making it a great option for gifts. They also offer discounts for first-time subscribers, military personnel, and teachers.

Easily skip, pause, or cancel your upcoming delivery: If you need a break or want to stop your subscription for any reason, you can skip, pause, or cancel your weekly delivery without any hassle. This ensures that you’re only getting meals when you need them. Just be sure to do so before your specific cut-off time so you don't get charged for something you don't want.

Nutritional information is easily available: You can find this information on their website through their menu in addition to the paper sleeve that the meals arrive to you in. Additionally, the meal packaging comes with a QR code that will take you to their website, where you can view additional information about the specific meal, including macronutrients, allergens, and a profile of the chef who crafted this specific dish along with fast instructions for preparation. Their websites also feature customer reviews of the meals to help you get a feel of how people like specific dishes.

CookUnity Meal Plans & Pricing

CookUnity offers flexible meal plans designed to cater to a variety of needs and preferences. The pricing is tiered based on the number of meals ordered per week, with the cost per meal decreasing as the quantity increases. While prices may vary slightly depending on location and menu options, the following is a general overview of the available plans:

• 4 meals per week: Approximately $13.59 per meal, suitable for individuals who want to try the service with a smaller commitment
• 6 meals per week: Approximately $12.99 per meal, offering a balance between variety and cost-effectiveness
• 8 meals per week: Approximately $11.69 per meal, providing more options for those who prefer to have multiple ready-to-eat meals on hand
• 12 meals per week: Approximately $11.49 per meal, ideal for couples or small families looking for convenience without the high cost
• 16 meals per week: Approximately $11.09 per meal, the most cost-effective option for larger households or those who rely on meal delivery for most of their meals

Based on research from various reviews, CookUnity does not allow direct customization of individual meal components (e.g., swapping sides or altering ingredients). However, the wide variety of meals available and the diets they accommodate typically ensure that there is something for everyone, even if specific alterations cannot be made.

In terms of delivery, you will have to pay a $9.99 fee for each box, in addition to a service fee that will depend on your location, plan, delivery date, and carrier.

Benefits of Choosing CookUnity

• Gourmet, restaurant-quality meals: CookUnity offers a diverse selection of meals created by top chefs, bringing high-quality, gourmet dining directly to your home. This service ensures you receive freshly prepared dishes with high-quality ingredients, saving you time and effort in meal preparation while enjoying restaurant-style meals at home
• Customizable meal plans to suit your dietary needs: With a range of meal plans tailored to various dietary preferences and restrictions, CookUnity provides flexibility for individual needs. Whether you follow a vegan, keto, or gluten-free or are watching your calories, you can easily find options that fit your lifestyle, ensuring that you enjoy meals that align with your nutritional goals
• Convenient and flexible subscription options: CookUnity’s subscription service offers the convenience of skipping weeks or pausing deliveries when needed. This flexibility allows you to adapt your meal plan based on your schedule, making it easy to manage your food delivery according to your personal and family needs
• Sustainable packaging and ingredients: CookUnity is committed to eco-friendly practices, using sustainable packaging and responsibly sourced ingredients. By choosing CookUnity, you support a service that prioritizes environmental impact, ensuring that your meals are not only good for you but also better for the planet
• Variety of meal options: CookUnity provides a rotating menu of diverse meal options crafted by professional chefs. This variety ensures that you can enjoy different cuisines and flavors each week, keeping your dining experience exciting and preventing mealtime monotony
• Easy-to-use mobile app for seamless management: The CookUnity mobile app allows you to easily manage your meal selections, schedule deliveries, and make adjustments to your plan. This user-friendly app enhances your experience by providing control and convenience at your fingertips

Why You Might Not Choose CookUnity

• Limited availability in certain areas: CookUnity’s delivery service may not be available in all geographic locations. If you live outside their delivery zones, you may not be able to access their meal plans, which can be frustrating for potential customers who are interested in the service but cannot receive deliveries
• Price can be high compared to other meal delivery services: Compared to other meal delivery services, CookUnity can be relatively expensive. The cost per meal can add up, especially if you’re ordering multiple meals per week

User Experience at CookUnity

CookUnity has received mixed reviews across various platforms. On Trustpilot, they hold a solid rating of 4.0/5.0, while Google Reviews shows a slightly higher rating of 4.1/5.0. On the BBB, on the other hand, they have an F rating with 1.18 out of 5 stars from over 100 reviews.

Ease of preparation and taste

CookUnity generally receives positive reviews for the ease of preparation and taste of their meals. Customers appreciate the convenience of having chef-prepared takeout dishes delivered, requiring minimal effort in terms of heating. The meals are praised for being fresh, flavorful, and on par with restaurant quality, making them a favorite for those seeking gourmet experiences at home. 

However, not all feedback is glowing—some users have noted inconsistencies in meal quality and flavor, with occasional reports of dishes being less seasoned or flavorful than expected. While the variety and creativity of the menu are strong points, there are instances where certain meals do not meet expectations. Some customers have mentioned that the portions can vary, and a few have found the reheating process slightly tricky, leading to less-than-optimal results.

Packaging and environmental sustainability

While the company uses insulated packaging and modified atmosphere packaging technology to keep meals fresh, some customers appreciate the use of recyclable materials, noting that it aligns with their environmental values. However, there are concerns about the overall amount of packaging waste generated. For some users, the convenience of receiving ready-to-eat meals is somewhat offset by the environmental impact of the packaging.

Delivery services

Many CookUnity users appreciate the convenience of prompt and reliable delivery, often highlighting the ease of having meals arrive on time and ready to enjoy. This aspect of the service is particularly valued by busy customers who depend on consistent delivery schedules. However, there are occasional reports of delivery delays or missed deliveries, which can be frustrating for those affected. These issues can disrupt meal plans and diminish the overall convenience that the service aims to provide.

Additionally, delivery availability can vary by zip code, leading to inconsistent experiences for customers depending on where they live. While some areas may benefit from more reliable service, others might experience more frequent issues, which can impact the overall satisfaction with CookUnity’s service. This variability highlights the importance of checking delivery options and potential limitations in your area before subscribing.

Customer service and overall satisfaction

On the positive side, many users praise the responsive and helpful customer support team, noting that issues such as meal adjustments or delivery concerns are often resolved quickly and efficiently. This level of service contributes to overall satisfaction for those who value prompt assistance when problems arise. However, not all reviews are favorable; some customers report difficulties in reaching customer service or encountering delays in resolving their issues, which can be frustrating and negatively impact their experience with the service.

These differing experiences suggest that while CookUnity has strengths in many areas, consistency in customer service remains a key factor in achieving higher overall satisfaction among their users.

CookUnity appears to take customer feedback seriously, often responding directly to reviews and addressing concerns raised by their customers. The company has shown a commitment to resolving issues by offering solutions such as meal replacements, refunds, or account adjustments when customers report dissatisfaction. 

CookUnity Customer Service

CookUnity offers a range of support options to ensure a smooth and satisfying customer experience. They offer a live chat option from 7 AM to 11 PM EST. You can email them at support@cookunity.com and text them at (347) 835-5020, but they do not offer live phone support at this time. 

Their FAQ page provides quick answers to any common and pressing questions you might have. They also offer an extensive blog for all things CookUnity, recipes, and food. You can also find the company on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Conclusion

CookUnity stands out in the meal delivery service market with their unique features designed to cater to diverse customer needs. One of their standout attributes is their partnership with renowned chefs to offer a diverse menu of gourmet meals, which provides customers with high-quality, chef-prepared options that are both convenient and delicious. This flexibility allows consumers to enjoy a variety of meals without the hassle of preparation, making it ideal for busy individuals and families alike. Additionally, CookUnity’s ability to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions ensures that each customer receives meals tailored to their specific needs.

Among the notable advantages of CookUnity are their diverse menu options and the convenience of their meal delivery service. Customers appreciate the ability to choose from a wide range of meal plans and flavors, ensuring that there is something for everyone. The service’s emphasis on fresh ingredients and chef-quality meals sets them apart from competitors, providing a premium experience that enhances overall satisfaction. For example, CookUnity’s focus on using locally-sourced, organic ingredients helps ensure that meals are both nutritious and flavorful.

However, customers have noted some drawbacks. Common complaints include issues with delivery timing and occasional inconsistencies in meal quality. Some users have reported delays in receiving their orders, which can be inconvenient, while others have experienced variations in the freshness or taste of the meals. These issues highlight areas where CookUnity could improve their service to better meet customer expectations.

For a more comprehensive overview of your options, visit our reviews page on the best meal delivery services. Use our comparison tool to evaluate different companies and make an informed choice. If you need further information or assistance, our blog page offers a wealth of helpful articles to help you understand how these services work.