Blue Apron vs Marley Spoon: Which Meal Delivery Kit is Best?

Blue Apron vs Marley Spoon

I have tried many meal kit services over the years, but two of my favorites are Blue Apron and Marley Spoon. Both send fresh ingredients and recipes to my door, but they are different in a few key ways. In this page, I want to compare them so you can see which one might fit your lifestyle and tastes the best. I will explain how much they cost, what kinds of meals they offer, how easy the recipes are to follow, and how much time they save in the kitchen. I will also talk about the variety of meals each service offers, how flexible they are with diet choices, and how convenient the deliveries feel. My goal is to make this comparison easy to understand, so you can quickly see the strengths and weaknesses of each service. By the end, you should feel confident knowing which one might make your weeknight dinners easier, more enjoyable, and maybe even more exciting.

Quick Comparison

Price Comparison

I always look at price first because I want to make sure I get good value. Both Blue Apron and Marley Spoon cost more than buying groceries on your own, but they save time and make cooking easier.

Blue Apron’s price usually falls between about $7.99 and $12.49 per serving, and you pay about $10.99 for shipping per box.

Marley Spoon costs about $8.69 to $12.99 per serving, and the shipping fee is usually around $11.99 per box.

That means some weeks Blue Apron might be a little cheaper, but the total cost depends on the meals you pick and how many servings you order. I have seen boxes that cost around $70 to $80 per week for two people with Blue Apron and about $75 to $85 per week with Marley Spoon.

Menu Variety

I love having choices when I order meal kits. Marley Spoon usually has many more recipes on its menu each week. You might see more than 45 different recipes to choose from, and this can make it fun because there are new meals and ideas.

Blue Apron has fewer options each week, often around 12. But I noticed that the meals tend to be more creative with flavors and techniques that help me learn new cooking skills.

In my experience, Marley Spoon’s menu feels bigger and more varied, while Blue Apron feels more focused on well‑tested, interesting meals that maybe take a little more time to cook.

Dietary and Recipe Types

Both services try to cover a range of diets, but they do it in different ways.

Marley Spoon has recipes tagged for vegetarian, vegan, dairy‑free, and low‑calorie meals. This gives me more flexibility when I need meals that fit special diets or preferences.

Blue Apron also offers vegetarian and meat options, and it can be easier to find meals that are balanced and rich in flavor. It sometimes offers fully prepared meals that only require heating, which is a bonus if I don’t want a lot of prep work.

I found that Marley Spoon felt like it had more diet filters on the menu when I picked meals, but Blue Apron’s options were still strong for everyday cooking.

Cooking Experience

When I cook with Blue Apron, I notice that the recipes sometimes ask for more steps. That can be fun if I want to learn something new, but it takes a bit longer than a simple weeknight meal. Other cooks online have also said the step‑by‑step cards are easy to follow, which makes the process less stressful.

With Marley Spoon, the instructions are clear, and most meals are ready in about 30 minutes. The ingredient quality seems fresh, and the boxes are well packed. Some people online say Marley Spoon meals can be a little more work, but the results are worth it.

For beginners, I think Blue Apron feels like a good teacher because the steps are detailed. For people who want variety and fast cooking, Marley Spoon feels easier to use most weeks.

Pros and Cons

My Personal Verdict

I have used both Blue Apron and Marley Spoon several times. Blue Apron taught me new ways to cook and had creative recipes that were fun to try. Marley Spoon gave me more choices every week and meals that were easier to cook on busy nights.

If you want large menu choices and fast cooking, Marley Spoon might be best for you. If you like slightly more creative meals and you enjoy learning new techniques, Blue Apron could be a great fit.

Neither is perfect for everyone, but both are worth trying at least once to see what works best for your kitchen and your taste. I often order from both and choose the one with the recipes I like for that week.

Tips Before You Choose

• Check the weekly menu early so you can pick your favorite meals.
• Look for first time discounts (Marley spoon often offers coupons) to save money on your first boxes.
• Consider how much time you have each week for cooking.
• Think about dietary needs before you pick meals.

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