Meal Solutions For Busy Aussie Families: Australian Meal Subscription Box Comparison

Mummy Review: Life gets real busy when you are parent. Sometimes, I get a bit overwhelmed and order food to go. I know that’s not a great, healthy option, so I looked for some options that are a bit healthier (and cheaper) than constantly getting fast food when you’re in a pinch!

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As a mum of multiple children, and several commitments throughout the week, sometime life gets crazy! Occasionally, I don’t feel like doing the grocery shop for the week, or cooking for that matter! I wanted to find some services that would help with busy mums and dads (and other busy people) who still wanted to keep a bit of the freshness and healthiness without an extravagant cost.

Did you know fast food is expensive? When we’ve done it before, a trip to a common fast food restaurant can cost upwards of $50 for our small family! Not to mention, I’m sure it’s not the healthiest and freshest option out there. I’ve compiled a few options for the busy people like me who are looking for an easier, healthier way! Below you will find a few different options and a chart to compare the different features available within each option. And, don’t forget to check out my review for each individual brand. Some come with discounts! Plus, check out the table at the bottom to compare the different options available.

What is your go to when it comes to super busy times? Maybe one of these services can become your new “go to”! There are both  ready to prepare and ready to cook options!


Ready To Prepare Options

These come with all of the ingredients you need (minus pantry basics) & a recipe card

 

Marley Spoon

Marley Spoon is a delivery service which offers fresh ingredients delivered with a recipe card for 2 & 4 person options. They offer selections of 2, 3 or 4 meals per week. You choose your menu from the options available every week, and they change weekly. You can change your order(like your choices on the menu) up to 6 or 7 days before delivery. Your order will roll over into the next week until you postpone or opt out. See here for my review of Marley Spoon.

 

Hello Fresh

Hello Fresh is a ready to prepare subscription service which delivers all of the ingredients you will need besides pantry basics (such as salt, flour, etc). They offer meal boxes for 2 and 4 people for 3, 4, or 5 meals per week. Every week, they add new menu options, and you can change your order up to 11:59PM Sydney time to be delivered in the following delivery week. Their subscription service will roll over until you skip, or opt out. See here for my review of Hello Fresh.

Chef’s Palate

Chef’s Palate is a subscription service which offers ready to prepare in 20 minute meals. They offer a range of meal sizes from 1-6 adults in any number of meals from 1-5 per week. They offer around 9 choices per week and have new options each week. You can order up to 11PM on Wednesday for delivery the following Sunday or Monday, depending on your delivery options. The subscription service will roll over until you postpone or opt out. See here for my review of Chef’s Palate.

Thomas Farms Kitchen

Thomas Farms Kitchen is no longer providing meal plan style meals, but you can find meat deliveries for them on their new website of Thomas Farms.

Dinnerly

A newcomer added to my options, Dinnerly is a sister company to Marley Spoon offering more budget friendly meal kit services. Dinnerly is a subscription service which offers budget friendly meals which feed 2 or 4 people for three days a week. The more affordable meal kit has less ingredients, less packaging, and the recipe cards are emailed to you. This option offers new recipes each week which roll over until you opt-out or postpone. See here for my review of Dinnerly.

Ready to Cook Options

These come pre-prepared and just ready to put in the oven or microwave.

Dinner On The Table

Dinner On The Table is a ready-to-cook meal option for busy families. This service helps the community by providing meals for women made vulnerable by disabilities and their families. They have a variety of options each week for meals serving between 2 and 4 adults. Each meal requires no preparation on your behalf, only cooking. Order by 8am on your day of delivery for meals delivered the same weekSee my review for Dinner On The Table here.

Gourmet Dinner Service

Gourmet Dinner Service is an option offering pre-made meals that involve a little defrosting and time in the oven or stovetop, depending on the instructions indicated. They have a large variety of options that change every so often, and offer desserts, soups, meals and more for a complete meal. Order by 7am the day prior to your delivery day at the latest (or as indicated for your postcode. See my review of Gourmet Dinner Service here.

Gourmet Dinner Service, dinner, meal, food, family meals, meal delivery

Name of ServiceChef's PalateDinnerlyHello FreshMarley SpoonDinner on the TableGourmet Dinner Service
People Served1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 person serves2 & 4 portion boxes for 3 meals per week2 & 4 person serves (or 2 adult+2-3kids serve)2 & 4 person servesVaries by meal choice.
Between 1-2 and 3-4 person serves
Varies by meal choice.
Between 2 and 6 people on average.
Cost (Per 4 Person, 4 meals)$159.90/ Week$77.95 per 3 meals/ week (only option)$154.95/ Week$143.20/ WeekDependant on the meals chosenDependant on the meals chosen
Subscription? Once off or self-renewing?Subscriptions roll-over until you postpone or opt outSubscription Subscriptions rollover until you postpone or opt outSubscriptions rollover until you postpone or opt outOrder as you needOrder as you need
Alternative Diets Available?Vegetarian Menu also availableVegetarian Menu AvailableVegetarian Box also availableVegetarian Box also availableVariety of foods available (& low salt options)Variety of foods available
Available Areas?Sydney Metro, Central Coast, Newcastle through Wollongong
Check their website for further details
Most of NSW, VIC, QLD and ACTAreas in the states and territories of NSW, QLD, SA, VIC, and NTSydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Wollongong, Newcastle and NSW's Central Coast. Check website for delivery areas.Suburbs across Sydney (click for post codes)Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and surrounds.
To check your postcode, click here.
Coupon or promo code?N/ADinnerly often have deals for first time customersHello Fresh often have deals for first time customersMarley Spoon Often have deals for first time customersN/A$20 off your order of $100 or more while using the code mummyconfessions
What is provided?Ingredients (besides pantry basics) and recipe cards
All meals take 20 minutes or thereabouts
Ingredients (besides pantry basics) and digital recipe cards Ingredients (besides pantry basics) and recipe cardsIngredients (besides pantry basics) and recipe cardsPre-made, ready to cook mealPre-made, ready to cook (some after defrosting) meal
ReviewThe Chef's Palate ReviewDinnerly ReviewHello Fresh ReviewMarley Spoon ReviewDinner On The Table ReviewGourmet Dinner Service Review




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