I’ve tried a number of meal supply providers—together with some that ship partially ready meal kits, some that present ready-made entrées, and others that double as on-line grocery shops. However there’s just one meal supply service I proceed to make use of on the common: CookUnity. The New York Metropolis–positioned meals firm focuses solely on totally ready meals which can be credited to award-winning cooks (a lot of whom we’ve featured right here at Bon Appétit, like Teranga’s Pierre Thiam, Mokbar’s Esther Choi, and FieldTrip’s J.J. Johnson). These names initially piqued my curiosity. Would I actually be capable to get an enormous field of restaurant-quality meals delivered to my door?
I used to be impressed after my first peek on the menu, which was extra sturdy than what I’d seen from different boxed meal supply providers. This one featured an enormous number of dishes throughout so many alternative cuisines, and I used to be delighted to see choices that went past the standard “meal equipment–model” grain bowls and sheet-pan hen. Don’t get me incorrect, I like ol’ grain bowl and sheet-pan dinner, however I used to be actually excited to see dishes like thieboudienne, beef birria tacos, and sluggish soy-braised pork shoulder with yu choy and soy-marinated eggs among the many choices.
I additionally appreciated that, in contrast to most different premade meal supply providers, CookUnity doesn’t place a robust emphasis on “well being meals.” When you positively can select choices that cater to particular dietary wants and preferences, the highest precedence right here is fast, satisfying, and scrumptious ready-made meals. As of this writing, I’ve been fortunately subscribed to CookUnity for a few yr. This isn’t simply my favourite premade meal supply service, it’s my favourite meals supply service interval.
The menu, ordering, and supply
To get began, you’ll enter your zip code to see in the event that they ship to your space. CookUnity doesn’t at present ship nationwide, but it surely does cowl most states (excluding Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia, and a few cities in Wyoming and Nebraska). Through the sign-up course of, you’ll be requested about your dietary preferences and consuming habits. Right here, you’ll be able to allow them to know if you wish to see choices which can be paleo, vegetarian, vegan, keto, Mediterranean, or in case you’re open to seeing every little thing. In addition they ask about your favourite kinds of protein and substances you’d prefer to keep away from (like nuts, milk, or shellfish, and so on.). Then you definately’ll choose what number of meals you wish to obtain each week: you’ll be able to select 4 meals, six meals, eight meals, 12 meals, or 16 meals. The costs enhance in case you go for extra meals. As an example, in case you go along with 4 weekly meals, you’ll pay about $14 per meal, and if you choose 16 weekly meals, you’ll pay about $8 per meal. The subscription itself is free with none recurring charges. You’ll solely pay for the meals you obtain, plus a supply price for every order. I consider this price varies relying in your location, however for me, this has been about $15 per order.
When you’re signed up, you’ll be able to browse the upcoming weekly menus and place an order. With over 100 meals to select from, CookUnity has the biggest weekly menu I’ve seen from any meal supply service. And I respect that (in contrast to with plenty of the opposite applications) all of the dishes aren’t switched out each week, so I don’t have to attend weeks or months till my favourite dishes seem on the menu once more. You may “star” your favourite meals so you’ll be able to simply discover them to reorder, and filter the choices with a view to see sandwiches, pasta, salads/bowls, tacos and burritos, pizza, or dishes you’ve tried earlier than. Moreover, I like that the menu permits you to learn rankings and opinions for each dish—I haven’t seen this function at many different different meal supply providers.
For every order, I’ve been in a position to decide on a day of the week and time window for drop-off. I’ve at all times obtained notifications when the courier is en route, so I can observe precisely how distant they’re. My CookUnity meal deliveries arrive neatly full of ice in reusable insulated luggage, that are quite a bit simpler to deal with than large cardboard packing containers most different meal deliveries arrive in. That stated, the corporate has two totally different supply strategies relying on the place you reside. In most areas, the meals will arrive with stated courier in an insulated bag—in different areas, the meals might be delivered by a nationwide service akin to UPS or FedEx and can arrive in an insulated field. Over my yr of subscribing, I’ve discovered the ordering expertise straightforward and fulfilling, and I’ve by no means obtained an incorrect order or had hassle with supply.
The meals
The reality about premade meal supply providers is that the meals normally isn’t that good—it typically ranges from dangerous to simply okay, and it’s hardly ever tasty or filling sufficient to justify the price. I believe CookUnity is an exception to this rule. Their meals are flavorful and generously portioned, and they seem like made with high-quality substances. I’d evaluate these single-serving meals to the take-out orders I obtain from my favourite eating places, which I can’t say about different premade meal providers. One of many first dishes I attempted was the brief rib with herby mashed potatoes and burst cherry tomatoes, and it rapidly turned one in all my repeat meals. The brief rib was melt-in-your mouth tender, and I might actually style the purple wine within the braise. The accompanying potatoes had been the best mixture of wealthy and creamy and lightweight and fluffy. The grilled hen yassa with jollof rice and plantains was one other on the spot fave: With deep, well-rounded flavors, it was completely candy, tangy, and spicy.
