To check every meal supply service, I attempted not less than 5 and generally as many as 10 meals from any given service. I attempted to decide on a spread of meals from the varied menu and meal plan choices. As an example, if a service affords plant-based meals I used to be certain to attempt not less than one. I additionally blended up the meal varieties to incorporate rice bowls, meat dishes, plant-based choices and different numerous kinds provided by the model. Additional, I made certain to check quite a lot of cuisines — Italian, Indian, Thai, Mexican — in the event that they had been provided.
As a result of wholesome meals is subjective and other people have various diet wants and targets, I attempted to strategy this listing from all angles and decide which meal providers had been healthiest for several types of eaters. Of us retaining to the keto weight loss plan, as an example, could think about low-carb meal supply “healthiest.” And others who deem vegan and plant-based meals more healthy than meals with meat might be in search of a service that gives extra meatless choices.
I additionally took cautious notice of every meal supply service’s web site, together with what info was supplied (elements, dietary information), how clearly the menu was organized and the way easy it was to choose a wholesome meal plan and order meals. After they arrived, I famous how nicely they had been packaged and checked whether or not every meal was nonetheless chilled or frozen.
I took cautious notice of how meals arrived and whether or not it was nonetheless chilled or frozen, because it was supposed.
To reheat meals, I took a twofold strategy. For some, I meticulously adopted the heating directions on the label. However since these are recommendations, I reheated different meals the best way I might if left to my very own units. Typically that meant warming gently in a nonstick skillet or reheating in an air fryer. Lots of the meal supply providers supply a microwave heating choice, however I virtually at all times discovered that produced worse outcomes.
Testing meal kits requires cooking and thus a unique stand of practices and procedures for analysis. Here is extra on how we check meal kits at CNET.