Blue Apron, one of the pioneers of the meal kit delivery market, has been a popular choice for home cooks looking to spice up their culinary routine. With its promise of convenient, chef-designed meals and high-quality ingredients, it’s no wonder that Blue Apron has attracted a loyal following. However, one question remains: how much does Blue Apron actually cost?
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Blue Apron pricing, exploring the various plans, promotions, and fees associated with this meal kit delivery service. We’ll also examine the cost of ingredients, shipping, and other expenses to give you a comprehensive understanding of what you can expect to pay.
Blue Apron Plans and Pricing
Blue Apron offers several plans to cater to different tastes, dietary preferences, and household sizes. Here’s a breakdown of their current plans and pricing:
- 2-Person Plan: This plan is ideal for couples or individuals who want to cook for two. You’ll receive three meals per week, with each meal serving two people. The cost is $9.99 per serving, which translates to $59.94 per week.
- 4-Person Plan: This plan is designed for families or households with four people. You’ll receive two or three meals per week, with each meal serving four people. The cost is $8.49 per serving, which works out to $71.92 per week for two meals or $107.88 per week for three meals.
- Vegetarian Plan: This plan is perfect for vegetarians and vegans, offering three meals per week for two people. The cost is $9.99 per serving, which is $59.94 per week.
- Low-Calorie Plan: This plan is designed for health-conscious individuals, offering three meals per week for two people. The cost is $9.99 per serving, which is $59.94 per week.
- Premium Plan: This plan offers more complex and sophisticated meals, with three meals per week for two people. The cost is $11.99 per serving, which is $71.94 per week.
Promotions and Discounts
Blue Apron often runs promotions and offers discounts to new and existing customers. These can include:
- New Customer Discount: New customers can enjoy a discount on their first order, which can range from $20 to $60 off.
- Referral Program: Existing customers can refer friends and family to Blue Apron, earning a $25 credit for each successful referral.
- Loyalty Program: Blue Apron’s loyalty program rewards customers with points for every dollar spent. These points can be redeemed for free meals, cookbooks, and other rewards.
Cost of Ingredients
One of the biggest advantages of Blue Apron is the quality of its ingredients. The company sources its ingredients from reputable suppliers, ensuring that customers receive fresh, seasonal produce and high-quality proteins. However, this comes at a cost.
According to Blue Apron’s website, the cost of ingredients can range from 50% to 70% of the total meal price. This means that for a $9.99 meal, the cost of ingredients can be anywhere from $4.99 to $6.99.
Shipping Costs
Blue Apron offers free shipping on all orders over $50. However, for orders under $50, customers will need to pay a shipping fee, which can range from $7.99 to $9.99.
Other Expenses
In addition to the cost of ingredients and shipping, there are other expenses to consider when using Blue Apron. These can include:
- Cooking Time: While Blue Apron meals are designed to be quick and easy to prepare, they still require cooking time. This can range from 20 to 40 minutes per meal, depending on the complexity of the recipe.
- Cleaning Up: After cooking, customers will need to clean up, which can add an extra 10 to 20 minutes to the overall cooking time.
- Food Waste: While Blue Apron tries to minimize food waste, there may still be some waste generated from packaging and ingredients.
Comparison to Grocery Shopping
One of the biggest advantages of Blue Apron is the convenience it offers. However, this convenience comes at a cost. According to a study by the market research firm, NPD Group, the average cost of a meal kit delivery service is around $10 per serving. In contrast, the average cost of a home-cooked meal using ingredients from a grocery store is around $4 per serving.
However, it’s worth noting that Blue Apron offers a number of benefits that grocery shopping does not. These can include:
- Convenience: Blue Apron meals are quick and easy to prepare, with minimal planning and shopping required.
- Quality of Ingredients: Blue Apron sources its ingredients from reputable suppliers, ensuring that customers receive fresh, seasonal produce and high-quality proteins.
- Variety: Blue Apron offers a wide range of recipes and ingredients, which can help to keep mealtime interesting and varied.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of Blue Apron can vary depending on the plan and pricing options chosen. While the cost of ingredients and shipping can be high, the convenience and quality of ingredients offered by Blue Apron make it a worthwhile investment for many customers.
By understanding the true cost of Blue Apron, customers can make informed decisions about their meal kit delivery service. Whether you’re a busy professional or a home cook looking to spice up your culinary routine, Blue Apron offers a convenient and delicious solution.
| Plan | Number of Meals | Servings per Meal | Cost per Serving | Total Cost per Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Person Plan | 3 | 2 | $9.99 | $59.94 |
| 4-Person Plan | 2 or 3 | 4 | $8.49 | $71.92 (2 meals) or $107.88 (3 meals) |
| Vegetarian Plan | 3 | 2 | $9.99 | $59.94 |
| Low-Calorie Plan | 3 | 2 | $9.99 | $59.94 |
| Premium Plan | 3 | 2 | $11.99 | $71.94 |
What is the average cost of a Blue Apron meal?
The average cost of a Blue Apron meal varies depending on the plan and the number of servings. For a 2-person plan, the cost per serving is around $9.99-$11.99. For a 4-person plan, the cost per serving is around $7.49-$9.49. However, these prices do not include shipping, which can range from $7.99 to $11.99 per week.
It’s worth noting that Blue Apron often offers promotions and discounts for new customers, which can reduce the cost of the first few weeks of meals. Additionally, the company occasionally offers special deals and discounts for loyal customers. However, these promotions are subject to change, and the prices mentioned above are the standard rates.
How does Blue Apron’s pricing compare to other meal kit services?
Blue Apron’s pricing is generally in line with other meal kit services. For example, HelloFresh and Plated offer similar pricing plans, with costs ranging from $9.99 to $11.99 per serving. However, some services, such as Home Chef and Sun Basket, offer more affordable options, with prices starting at around $6.95 per serving.
It’s worth noting that while Blue Apron’s pricing may be similar to other services, the company’s focus on high-quality ingredients and chef-designed recipes may justify the cost for some customers. Additionally, Blue Apron’s commitment to sustainability and reducing food waste may also be a factor in the company’s pricing.
What are the additional costs associated with Blue Apron?
In addition to the cost of the meals themselves, Blue Apron charges a shipping fee, which can range from $7.99 to $11.99 per week. The company also offers a wine pairing service, which costs an additional $10 per bottle. Additionally, some meals may require additional ingredients or cooking supplies, which can add to the overall cost.
It’s worth noting that Blue Apron occasionally offers premium meals or special ingredients, which can increase the cost of the meal. However, these options are typically clearly labeled, and customers can choose to opt out if they prefer. Additionally, Blue Apron’s customer service team is available to answer any questions about additional costs or fees.
Can I cancel or pause my Blue Apron subscription at any time?
Yes, Blue Apron allows customers to cancel or pause their subscription at any time. To cancel, customers can log in to their account and click on the “Account” tab, then select “Cancel Subscription.” To pause, customers can select the “Pause” option and choose the number of weeks they would like to pause their subscription.
It’s worth noting that Blue Apron requires a minimum of 5 days’ notice to cancel or pause a subscription. If a customer cancels or pauses their subscription with less than 5 days’ notice, they may still be charged for the next week’s meals. However, the company’s customer service team is available to answer any questions or concerns about canceling or pausing a subscription.
Does Blue Apron offer any discounts or promotions for loyal customers?
Yes, Blue Apron occasionally offers discounts and promotions for loyal customers. The company has a rewards program, which offers points for every dollar spent on meals. Customers can redeem these points for free meals, cooking supplies, or other rewards.
Additionally, Blue Apron often sends exclusive offers and discounts to loyal customers via email. These offers may include discounts on meals, free shipping, or other perks. However, these promotions are subject to change, and the company may not always offer discounts or rewards to loyal customers.
Is Blue Apron worth the cost?
Whether or not Blue Apron is worth the cost depends on individual preferences and priorities. For some customers, the convenience and quality of the meals may justify the cost. Others may find that the cost is too high, especially if they are on a tight budget.
It’s worth noting that Blue Apron offers a unique service that combines high-quality ingredients, chef-designed recipes, and convenient delivery. While the cost may be higher than cooking at home, the company’s focus on sustainability and reducing food waste may also be a factor in the cost. Ultimately, whether or not Blue Apron is worth the cost depends on individual circumstances and priorities.