As a strength coach, dad of two, and content creator with more tabs open in life than I care to admit, I’ve tested just about every meal delivery service worth mentioning.
Some are better for performance nutrition, others make family dinners painless, and a few actually surprised me with just how good they tasted.
In this article, I’m breaking down the best Blue Apron alternatives out there. Each one is selected based on real testing, not marketing hype. Whether you’re chasing macros, saving time, cutting costs, or simply looking for better variety, I’ve got you covered.
- Best Blue Apron Alternative: Trifecta Nutrition
- Best Blue Apron Meal Kit Alternative: Gobble
- Best Blue Apron Alternative at Your Local Grocery Store: Home Chef
- Best Blue Apron Vegetarian Alternative: Thistle
- Best A La Carte Blue Apron Alternative: HelloFresh
- Best Blue Apron Alternative for Families: Dinnerly
- Best Blue Apron Grocery Alternative: Hungryroot
Best Blue Apron Alternative
Trifecta Nutrition
If you’re serious about performance and need food that fuels your training instead of just filling your plate, Trifecta is my go-to recommendation.
I’ve tested nearly every major meal service, and Trifecta continues to outshine most.
Trifecta’s meals are fully prepared and pre-portioned. They cater to fitness-focused individuals who prioritize macros, organic ingredients, and high-quality proteins.
Their Performance line averages over 50g of protein per meal and hovers around 700 calories. For someone like me, juggling strength training, grappling, kids, and work, that’s exactly the level of support I need from my meals.
They offer several plans: Clean, Paleo, Keto, Vegan, and the standout Performance line. You can pick your own meals or let their chefs take over based on your dietary preferences. Meals are vacuum-sealed, stay fresh for over a week, and only take minutes to reheat.
The best word to describe the taste is functional. Not bad, just not gourmet, think of it as athlete fuel, not five-star dining.
But the quality is top-notch: grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, no preservatives, and minimal fuss. It’s expensive at $14–$16 per meal, but for the convenience and nutritional precision, it earns its price.
It’s not for everyone. If you love cooking, this isn’t your lane. But if you want plug-and-play nutrition that supports gains, recovery, and a busy lifestyle, Trifecta is the best overall Blue Apron alternative. My Trifecta review goes into detail about my experience.
Trifecta
Trifecta Nutrition
A clean, high protein meal delivery service that doesn’t skimp on quality or portions. Get 40% OFF with code “liftbig40”
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Best Blue Apron Meal Kit Alternative
Gobble
Gobble lands as my top pick for a Blue Apron-style experience with serious time savings. If you like the idea of cooking dinner but want to skip the grocery store and half the prep, Gobble has you covered.
Most meals are ready in 15–20 minutes, thanks to pre-chopped veggies, pre-made sauces, and partially cooked proteins.
What makes Gobble great is its balance of flavor, quality, and speed. I tested both the Classic and Lean & Clean plans and was impressed by dishes like Korean Beef Bulgogi and Chimichurri Steak, delivering gourmet flavors but done in a single pan in record time.
You can swap proteins in most meals, which is a rare and welcome feature. You can swap for shrimp, double up on protein on some dishes, and make other neat customizations. This kind of customization is ideal for anyone tracking macros or simply looking for flexibility.
The tradeoff is in the price. Gobble is pricier than some kits, especially for larger households. You’re looking at $11.99–$16.99 per serving, depending on your plan and portion size.
And the menu is smaller than HelloFresh or Blue Apron but still varied enough if you don’t mind rotating cuisines.
If you want the full cooking experience without the time suck, Gobble is the best Blue Apron meal kit alternative. It brings the fun of cooking with a fraction of the effort, and the food holds up after a long day.
My Gobble review goes into detail about my experience.
Best Blue Apron Alternative at Your Local Grocery Store
Home Chef
Home Chef hits the sweet spot between convenience, cost, and control. Owned by Kroger, it’s available both as a subscription and in many local grocery stores, making it one of the most accessible Blue Apron alternatives.
What is special about Home Chef is the sheer flexibility. You can swap proteins, pick from over 30 meal options weekly, and choose between traditional kits, Oven-Ready trays, or 15-minute Express meals.
I’m a fan of the Protein Packed line—steak, pork, chicken, all pre-portioned and easy to customize.
When I tested it, I appreciated how intuitive the process was. The “Customize It” feature allowed me to upgrade to steak or even switch to plant-based proteins with ease.
Cooking time varies, and some meals need 30–40 minutes, while others are microwave-ready. It’s a true hybrid approach that works for people with changing schedules.
The food itself is solid. You won’t get culinary fireworks, but you will get good quality ingredients, fresh meats, and a rotating menu of comforting, protein-rich meals. It’s not super macro-specific like Trifecta, but it’s plenty customizable to keep you on track.
For families or folks who like grabbing dinner ingredients while already at the store, Home Chef is a practical and affordable alternative that delivers variety and ease. My Home Chef review goes into detail about my experience.
Best Blue Apron Vegetarian Alternative
Thistle
Thistle is one of the few services that does vegetarian right, making it fresh, well-balanced, and genuinely tasty.
While my usual diet leans heavily on meat and protein, I gave Thistle a fair shot and came away surprised.
Thistle’s meals are fully prepared and delivered fresh, never frozen. Their core offering is plant-based, but you can add responsibly sourced meats to most dishes for an extra cost.
I tried a mix of both and was impressed by the overall freshness and flavors. The Chicken Pesto Bowl and Green Grain Taco Salad with Pulled Pork stood out.
It’s not designed for heavy lifters chasing 200g of protein per day, but for a lighter, whole-food-based approach, it nails the fundamentals.
Meals range from 20–25g of protein with meat and about 15g without. You’ll need to supplement if you’re training hard, but for the average active person or someone transitioning into more plant-based eating, it works.
Thistle also includes options like wellness shots, cold-pressed juices, and snacks, making it a nice all-in-one solution.
The interface is smooth, packaging is sustainable, and meals are nutritionist-designed. My only real gripe was geographic limitations. If you’re not on the West Coast or in a delivery zone, you’re out of luck.
For a Blue Apron alternative focused on vegetarian or health-first eating, Thistle is a refreshing and elevated pick. My Thistle review goes into detail about my experience.
Best A La Carte Blue Apron Alternative
HelloFresh
If you like variety and flexibility but still want to cook, HelloFresh is a strong a la carte-style alternative to Blue Apron. It offers over 100 weekly options, which is by far one of the largest menus in the space.
As someone with high protein needs, I gravitated toward the “Meat & Veggies” and “Fit & Wholesome” plans. Meals like Garlic Butter Sirloin or Spicy Maple Chicken hit the mark, offering 30–40g of protein and a solid balance of carbs and fats.
They also have premium upgrades if you want fancier cuts of meat, like ribeye or bison.
Customization is a bit limited and allows you to pick your meals each week, but you can’t tweak individual ingredients. Still, for the price ($9.99–$11.49/serving), it’s good value.
And the kits are well-organized, with labeled bags, step-by-step recipe cards, and vacuum-sealed proteins.
The biggest tradeoff is time. You’ll need 20–40 minutes to cook most meals, so this isn’t the option for zero-prep convenience.
But if you enjoy cooking and want more control over what lands on your plate each week, HelloFresh is the best a la carte Blue Apron alternative.
My Hello Fresh review goes into detail about my experience.
Best Blue Apron Alternative for Families
Dinnerly
Dinnerly is all about keeping it simple and affordable. If you’ve got a family to feed and you’re on a budget, this is the best Blue Apron alternative that won’t break the bank. I tested Dinnerly with my wife and kid, and the value was immediately clear.
It’s the cheapest major meal kit service, with meals starting at $6.99 per serving and sometimes lower with larger plans. You won’t find fancy sauces or premium proteins here, but you will find fresh ingredients, comfort-food-style recipes, and short cooking times (most meals take about 30 minutes).
Dinnerly’s weekly menu offers over 100 dishes, which is surprisingly robust. I tried meals like Creamy Tuscan Chicken, Honey Soy Pork, and Stroganoff, and while they weren’t restaurant-level, they hit the spot after a long day. It’s kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
There’s little room for customization, and the digital-only recipe cards may annoy some folks. But for families looking for affordable, reliable meals that don’t demand much brainpower, Dinnerly delivers exactly what it promises.
You can read more in my Dinnerly review including my experience.
Best Blue Apron Grocery Alternative
Hungryroot
Hungryroot is less of a meal kit and more of a smart grocery delivery service, which makes it a great alternative for anyone tired of rigid plans and repetitive recipes.
If you like the idea of stocking your fridge with versatile ingredients and then choosing what to make on the fly, Hungryroot’s a win.
The signup process feels like building your own nutrition profile. You take a quiz about your diet, preferences, and health goals, and it builds a grocery cart that aligns with your needs. You can customize for high-protein, gluten-free, vegan or other preferences.
The meals are simple and fast, and most take about 10–15 minutes. You get full-size grocery items (like chicken breast, veggie stir-fry kits, and sauces), not just meal kits. I found the stir-fries and bowls especially convenient and satisfying, though portion sizes might be small for heavy eaters or athletes.
Hungryroot leans clean and minimally processed, which I respect. It’s a little pricier than straight grocery shopping (plans usually run $100–$150/week), but the personalization and quality help justify the cost.
If you want the flexibility of grocery shopping with the ease of suggested meals and tailored nutrition, Hungryroot is the smartest Blue Apron grocery alternative. My Hungryroot review goes into detail about my experience.
How To Pick The Best Blue Apron Alternative
Customization
Home Chef easily takes the crown here thanks to its “Customize It” option. You can swap proteins in a ton of meals, even upgrading to premium cuts like sirloin or shrimp.
That kind of flexibility means you can tailor meals around your macro goals or simply change it up when you’re feeling bored. Gobble also lets you change proteins on many of their dishes, and some even allow you to double up, which is clutch for active eaters.
Trifecta, while less customizable in the meal-building sense, does let you exclude ingredients and pick meal types that align with specific dietary goals like Paleo, Keto, or Vegan. HelloFresh is solid but more limited, letting you choose meals from a big menu, but what’s inside the dish stays the same.
Dinnerly and Thistle offer the least customization. They’re more set-it-and-forget-it, which might work for some, but not ideal if you need tighter control over ingredients or macros.
Meal Variety, Kits and Recipes
If you’re someone who gets bored eating the same meal twice or lives with picky eaters, meal variety is a must. HelloFresh wins here with over 100 meal options each week, covering everything from comfort food to global cuisine. You can sort through Fit & Wholesome, Quick & Easy, or Family Friendly options depending on your vibe for the week.
Hungryroot takes a different but equally interesting approach, being a cross between a smart grocery list and a meal kit service. You get a wide range of groceries and meal suggestions, but you’re free to mix and match them however you want.
Gobble doesn’t have the most expansive menu, with only around 10 to 15 options, but their meals are quick and come together in 15 minutes or less, which is a big win after a long day. Trifecta’s variety is solid within each plan, especially Performance and Clean, but you might see repeats if you niche down.
Home Chef holds the middle ground with 30+ weekly meals and a good mix of prep levels. Thistle leans hard into bowls and salads, while Dinnerly sticks to simple, home-style recipes.
Catering To Allergies
If you’ve got food allergies or intolerances, choosing the right meal service isn’t just about preference, it’s about safety. Thistle is probably the most allergy-conscious of the bunch, offering meals that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based by default. Plus, their signup lets you flag ingredients you need to avoid, which is great for anyone with sensitivities.
Hungryroot also does a solid job here. The initial quiz you take lets you set allergy restrictions, and your grocery selections are curated accordingly. Home Chef and Gobble clearly label allergens on their meal cards, and in most cases, you can swap proteins or ingredients. That said, their kitchens aren’t allergen-free, so those with severe allergies should proceed with caution.
Trifecta lets you exclude a few ingredients when setting up your plan, but again, it’s not designed for strict allergen control. Dinnerly is the weakest in this department. There’s basic filtering for things like “no dairy” or “kid-friendly,” but you don’t get much control beyond that. If you have mild sensitivities, several of these services can work. But if your allergies are serious, Thistle and Hungryroot are your safest bets.
Packaging
Most services have packaging dialed in, but a few go above and beyond.
Thistle, for example, scores major points for sustainability. Their meals arrive in reusable bags, and they’ll even pick them up on your next delivery. Containers are recyclable and sturdy enough to avoid spills.
Trifecta does a great job too, vacuum-sealing everything and using eco-friendly insulation to keep meals fresh for days. HelloFresh and Home Chef stick to the basics but do it well. Meal ingredients are sorted into paper or plastic bags, and proteins are safely sealed underneath ice packs.
Gobble’s packaging is efficient and keeps everything cold, but they rely a bit more on plastic wraps and bags, which may not be ideal if you’re trying to reduce waste.
Dinnerly takes a budget-friendly approach here, with minimal packaging and no printed recipe cards (they’re digital-only). While it saves on materials, it does mean ingredients are loosely packed, which can get chaotic if you’re not organized.
If you’re sustainability-focused, Thistle leads. For simplicity and function, HelloFresh and Trifecta are both solid picks.
Price
Price is often the deciding factor, especially if you’re feeding a family or trying to stay on budget. Dinnerly is the clear winner for affordability, with meals starting at just $6.99 per serving. It’s the most no-frills of the bunch, but for weeknight dinners that don’t break the bank, it gets the job done.
HelloFresh and Home Chef sit in the middle of the pack, typically charging between $9.99 and $11.49 per serving. For the quality, recipe variety, and convenience, they offer solid value.
Gobble skews a bit higher, with servings ranging from $11.99 to $16.99 depending on your plan and whether you upgrade proteins. It’s pricier, but you’re also saving time thanks to the 15-minute meals.
Trifecta is the premium pick at $14 to $16 per meal plus shipping, which makes sense given its organic ingredients, performance focus, and fully prepped meals. Hungryroot is harder to pin down since it works off a credit system.
On average, users spend $100 to $150 per week for a mix of groceries and ready-to-assemble meals. If you want the best bang for your buck, Dinnerly is king. But if you’re paying for precision, Trifecta justifies its higher price.
User Reviews
When it comes to user feedback, the stories line up with my own experience pretty well. Trifecta earns praise from athletes and fitness-minded users who want clean, macro-balanced meals without cooking. People love the convenience, though some wish the flavors were bolder.
HelloFresh gets rave reviews for taste and variety. Gobble is a favorite for busy parents and professionals because it cuts down prep without cutting corners on flavor. However, a few folks find portions small or the menu a bit repetitive over time.
Home Chef gets points for consistency and flexibility. Users like the protein swap feature and say it fits nicely into a busy lifestyle. Dinnerly shines in the value category, with users saying it’s perfect for families or budget eaters, though expectations need to stay realistic, it’s not gourmet.
Thistle appeals to clean-eating fans, vegans, and those looking to eat lighter, though athletes often say the meals feel small. Hungryroot gets strong feedback from people who like building their own meals and skipping the rigid recipe format.
Cancelation Process
No one wants to jump through hoops just to cancel a subscription. Thankfully, most services today make it easy to pause or cancel online, though a couple still feel stuck in the past. HelloFresh, Gobble, Home Chef, and Hungryroot all have simple, user-friendly dashboards.
Just log in, click cancel or skip, and you’re good. I’ve paused HelloFresh during vacations and skipped Gobble weeks without a single hiccup. Dinnerly also gets it right allowsing you to cancel or modify your plan with a few clicks.
Thistle’s process depends on whether you’re getting local delivery or shipped meals. Local customers often get a reusable bag and can cancel with a few days’ notice; shipped users might have a tighter deadline.
The only outlier here is Trifecta. They require email or phone cancellation, which feels like a relic from five years ago. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s definitely a friction point in an otherwise streamlined service. If you’re testing a service for the first time and unsure about commitment, pick one that lets you cancel fast and easy.
Summary
Blue Apron was one of the first names to popularize meal kits, but in 2025, it’s far from the only game in town. Whether you’re training hard or just looking to eat a little healthier, there’s a service better tailored to your needs.
Trifecta wins for performance-focused, pre-made meals that take the guesswork out of eating clean. Gobble is the best pick if you want gourmet meals on the table in 15 minutes flat. Home Chef offers unmatched customization, especially for families who want more control over what they eat.
Thistle is great if you’re leaning vegetarian or want sustainable, nutritionist-designed meals. HelloFresh brings the most variety and crowd-pleasing recipes.
Dinnerly is perfect if affordability is key and you still want to enjoy fresh, home-cooked meals. And Hungryroot offers a grocery-meets-meal-kit hybrid for those who want control and flexibility.
Your “best” Blue Apron alternative depends entirely on what matters most to you. Want convenience with macros in mind? Go Trifecta.
Want flavor and fun without a time sink? Try Gobble. Need variety for the whole family? HelloFresh or Home Chef will do the trick. It’s a crowded market, but there’s a perfect fit in there if you know what to look for.
Trifecta
Trifecta Nutrition
A clean, high protein meal delivery service that doesn’t skimp on quality or portions. Get 40% OFF with code “liftbig40”
CHECK CURRENT DEALS