Discovering Hungryroot: The Ultimate Grocery Shopping and Meal Planning Solution
Looking for the ideal way to take the stress out of your weekly grocery shopping and meal-planning routine? I found it. Hungryroot meal delivery occupies an interesting place in the world of meal kits and online grocery delivery services because it straddles the line between both worlds. The company, which started in 2015, markets itself as a meal kit service, but it’s actually closer to an online grocery store than a place that sends you half an onion wrapped in plastic and a tiny baggy of cumin to make some so-so black bean tacos or a random stir fry. Hungryroot does offer prepared meals and ingredient kits with recipe cards—but like a regular supermarket, it also provides basic grocery items. It’s a service that would work for anyone who hates going to the grocery store, as well as anyone who wants to experiment with a highly customizable weekly meal plan.
While it’s not as simple as clicking subscribe and letting your weekly meals plan themselves (although, as you’ll read below, it can be that simple if receiving a box full of surprise food sounds good to you!), there are numerous benefits to the fact that Hungryroot isn’t easily definable. It’s flexible, can accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences, and is the best choice for a long-term commitment.
What’s the Hungryroot Ordering Experience?
Before you pick a single Hungryroot meal, you have to take a quiz that gathers information about your household’s eating habits. This quiz includes questions about your household size, dietary preferences (the brand can accommodate keto, dairy-free, plant-based, gluten-free, pescatarian, and many others), and your goals. For instance, I chose “grocery shop less,” “try new things,” and “simplify cooking,” but options like “lose weight” and “waste less food” are also available.
Next, Hungryroot assesses what kind of home cook you are. How much prep do you feel like handling? What kinds of appliances do you have in your kitchen? Do you have preferences regarding flavors, cuisines, and ingredients? Finally, you specify how many days a week you’d like your plan to cover each meal, plus any add-ons like desserts and snacks you want included in your Hungryroot delivery.
Once you’ve completed the quiz, Hungryroot makes a recommendation for a weekly meal plan. For my omnivore household of two, covering breakfast most days, lunch every day, a few dinners, and a few snacks and sweets, the site recommended a $140/week plan. From there, you can adjust up or down based on your preferences: The cheapest option is $70 for around three two-serving meals a week, while the most expensive meal plan option clocks in at around $240/week.
The Joy of Grocery Shopping with Hungryroot
After you set up your first Hungryroot delivery, you can start the rather enjoyable process of grocery shopping. The more expensive your plan, the more credits you receive, which you can redeem for everything from meal kits to snacks and grocery items. Spending points on Hungryroot is a lot more fun than spending dollars at the grocery store, much like how spending tickets on a cheap toy at the arcade felt more rewarding than spending your parents’ money on something at the toy store.
Meal kits for things like Rainbow Ground Bison Tacos and Seared Lamb Chop Dal go for around 11 credits, while most snack add-ons run anywhere from one to three credits. You can choose to go all-in on their suggested recipes, stick to prepared meals (which include a variety of microwave-friendly bowls, soups, and sandwiches), or use the service to grocery shop a la carte. I decided to try a little bit of everything.
What to Expect in a Hungryroot Box
Hungryroot uses different carriers depending on where you live, and shipments typically arrive 3-5 days after the deadline to edit your order. When my first order showed up, it looked like a lot of food. I opted for eight Hungryroot recipes in addition to a handful of add-ons, prepared meals, and grocery items, and felt like I had enough in my fridge to last way more than a week (spoiler alert: that was true).
The packaging was well-organized, and everything arrived fresh. Each meal kit came with clear instructions, making it easy to whip up delicious dishes without feeling overwhelmed. The variety of options allowed me to explore new flavors and cuisines, which kept my meals exciting throughout the week.
Flexibility and Customization
One of the standout features of Hungryroot is its flexibility. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple schedules, or someone who simply wants to eat healthier without the hassle of meal prep, Hungryroot adapts to your lifestyle. You can easily modify your meal plan each week based on what you enjoyed or what you want to try next.
Additionally, the service accommodates various dietary restrictions and preferences. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just trying to cut down on carbs, Hungryroot has options that cater to your needs. This level of customization is a significant advantage over traditional meal kits, which often have limited choices.
Conclusion
Hungryroot offers a unique blend of meal delivery and grocery shopping that can simplify your weekly routine. With its customizable meal plans, flexible options, and a wide range of dietary accommodations, it stands out in the crowded meal kit market. Whether you’re looking to save time, reduce stress, or simply enjoy delicious meals, Hungryroot might just be the solution you’ve been searching for.