To check every meal supply service, I attempted at the very least 5 and generally as many as 10 meals from any given service. I attempted to decide on a variety of meals from the varied menu and meal plan choices. As an illustration, if a service gives plant-based meals I used to be positive to attempt at the very least one. I additionally blended up the meal varieties to incorporate rice bowls, meat dishes, plant-based choices and different varied kinds supplied by the model. Additional, I made positive to check a wide range of cuisines — Italian, Indian, Thai, Mexican — in the event that they have been supplied.
As a result of wholesome meals is subjective and other people have various diet wants and objectives, I attempted to method this checklist from all angles and decide which meal companies have been healthiest for several types of eaters. Of us maintaining to the keto food regimen, as an example, might take into account low-carb meal supply “healthiest.” And others who deem vegan and plant-based meals more healthy than meals with meat will probably be on the lookout for a service that gives extra meatless choices.
I additionally took cautious observe of every meal supply service’s web site, together with what info was offered (elements, dietary data), how clearly the menu was organized and the way easy it was to choose a wholesome meal plan and order meals. Once they arrived, I famous how properly they have been packaged and checked whether or not every meal was nonetheless chilled or frozen.
I took cautious observe of how meals arrived and whether or not it was nonetheless chilled or frozen, because it was meant.
To reheat meals, I took a twofold method. For some, I meticulously adopted the heating directions on the label. However since these are solutions, I reheated different meals the best way I’d if left to my very own units. Typically that meant warming gently in a nonstick skillet or reheating in an air fryer. Most of the meal supply companies supply a microwave heating possibility, however I nearly at all times discovered that produced worse outcomes.
Testing meal kits requires cooking and thus a distinct stand of practices and procedures for analysis. Here is extra on how we check meal kits at CNET.