“This is a typical Midwestern meal,” remarked one individual’s father as he sampled a dish prepared from the Martha Stewart-endorsed Dinnerly meal kit. The meal consisted of meat, potatoes, and green beans. For him, this was a high compliment, reminiscent of the hearty, balanced meals from his Nebraska childhood, which typically included meat and something green.
During a week-long visit while his mother spent time with the grandchildren, the meals were prepared using Dinnerly. This meal kit is the lower-cost alternative to the higher-end Marley Spoon meal kit, also endorsed by Stewart. The father was surprised by how some of these meals aligned with traditional American home-cooked meals.
The “Greek Lemon-Oregano Chicken” served that evening included a hint of citrus but was dominated by the savory flavor of chicken broth enhanced by browned chicken bits. The oregano did not feel exotic to anyone at the table, suggesting it could easily be served in Nebraska. The dish included Yukon gold potatoes that were hand-cut, boiled, buttered, garlic-seasoned, and mashed, accompanied by fresh, simple green beans.
Dinnerly’s chicken breast was notably of better quality than what one might expect from a mid-tier supermarket, being plump, pink, and free of excess fat. The portions were sufficiently generous, with each person questioning if they could finish their meal—though they did.
The best Dinnerly meals, notably those with a classic appeal, do not appear as budget offerings. Comparable to Marley Spoon, they evoke the essence of good home cooking while costing around 30 percent less. This translates to approximately $6 to $9 per serving, including shipping, subject to the quantity ordered in a week. Meal options include preferences such as “gluten-free-friendly,” low calorie, low carb, picky-eater approved, quick and easy, and vegetarian. The service allows for meals to be paused or canceled as needed.
While some recipes might reveal shortcuts in their development, the noteworthy aspect of Dinnerly’s reduced cost lies in its simplicity.
In comparing Dinnerly with Marley Spoon, it is evident they originate from the same company, initially founded in Germany with Martha Stewart’s brand and cooking expertise incorporated. Both meal kits are delivered in a box with the ingredients for all recipes mixed together: fresh produce and unrefrigerated items on top, with meat, dairy, and other perishable items well-packed at the bottom. Customers must have basic pantry items like flour, butter, sugar, and oil on hand, as these are not included.
