Home Chef meal kits hold up as solid family option in growing market

Home Chef's meal-kit service remains a practical option for families seeking comforting, home-cooked dinners, according to a hands-on review conducted ahead of a 2025 meal-kit roundup.

The service operates on a weekly menu with a delivery date chosen by the customer. Meals arrive in their own packaging with pre-portioned ingredients; proteins are stored on ice packs. The platform offers options for meat eaters, vegetarians, and those with dietary restrictions including carb-conscious, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, peanut-free, and other allergies.

In addition to standard kits, Home Chef offers a family plan for four, express meals ready in 15 minutes or less, oven-ready meals with a bake tray, ready-made microwave meals, and a range of add-ons for snacks, breakfast, and desserts. The reviewer notes the ability to mix and match items to tailor a weekly box.

Pricing is straightforward: standard meals start at $9.99 per serving, with prices shown on the weekly menu to avoid surprises. Extras vary; for example, the breakfast tamales were $4.49 for two, and the skillet cookie was $8.48. Shipping runs $10.99 to $13.99 per box depending on size.

The menu leans toward comfort classics—mac and cheese, casseroles, soups, and sandwiches—making it suitable for families and those seeking familiar flavors. Ingredients arrive fresh and pre-packaged, with produce in its own plastic bags and other ingredients in plastic or small jars. This packaging-heavy approach simplifies measuring but increases waste. Dishes tested included Acapulco Steak Quesadillas, Creamy Shrimp Diavolo Penne Bake, Pork Banh Mi Bowl, Sesame-Crusted Chicken Rice Bowl, One-Pot Zesty Chicken Chowder, Peach BBQ Pork Meatloaf, Sunday Sauce Meatballs.

Pros highlighted include a wide range of options for different schedules, easy-to-use zipper-bag packaging, and straightforward recipe cards with cook time, expiration date, difficulty, and spice level. The ability to substitute meat with vegan options from Impossible Foods, plus a broad array of add-ons, was noted. Meals are filling and familiar, making them a reliable choice for families. Cons noted: salt, pepper, and oil are not included; the price can creep up with add-ons; the heavy packaging is a sustainability concern.

Testing assessed ease of ordering, time to prep, cook, and cleanup, flavor and fullness, sustainability, and price. Home Chef's times ranged from 15 to 50 minutes per meal, with the reviewer tracking the full unpacking-to-dining process and cleanup. The service's packaging and supplies were evaluated for recyclability and waste.

Final verdict: Home Chef remains a solid option for households of two or four that want filling, comforting meals and value straightforward cooking. It works best for cooks with at least 15 minutes to spare and who want options like 15-minute express meals or oven-ready trays. It may not suit the on-the-go consumer seeking microwavable meals only, and prices can add up with extras, so shoppers should monitor the menu's price tracker.

The meal-kit sector has expanded in recent years, and Home Chef sits in a mid-range segment where customers weigh time, cost and packaging.