The main difference between Gobble and Blue Apron is that Gobble focuses on providing pre-prepped ingredients that can be cooked in just 15 minutes, whereas Blue Apron offers a broader selection of gourmet recipes that require more in-depth cooking skills and time to prepare.
Gobble is a meal kit subscription service designed to simplify home cooking by delivering pre-prepped ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. Founded in 2010, Gobble aims to reduce the time and effort required to cook meals by ensuring that all ingredients are chopped, marinated, and pre-cooked where necessary. This allows busy individuals and families to prepare gourmet-quality meals in about 15 minutes. Gobble offers a variety of meal options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs and preferences.
Blue Apron is a well-known meal kit delivery service launched in 2012 that offers a diverse range of high-quality, chef-designed recipes to home cooks. While Blue Apron’s meals generally take longer to prepare than Gobble’s, they focus on delivering a culinary experience that teaches users cooking techniques and introduces them to new ingredients. Blue Apron’s menu includes options for various dietary restrictions and preferences, such as vegetarian, low-carb, and wellness-focused meals, ensuring that customers have a broad selection of recipes to choose from each week.
Preparation Time: Gobble meals are designed to be ready in just 15 minutes, whereas Blue Apron meals typically take around 30-50 minutes to prepare.
Ingredient Prep: Gobble provides pre-chopped and pre-measured ingredients to minimize prep work, while Blue Apron requires more hands-on preparation.
Recipe Complexity: Blue Apron offers more complex and gourmet-style recipes that may appeal to those interested in expanding their cooking skills, while Gobble focuses on simplicity and convenience.
Portion Size: Gobble often provides slightly larger portion sizes compared to Blue Apron, which can be beneficial for those with heartier appetites.
Dietary Options: Both services offer various dietary options, but Gobble is well-known for its specific catering to quick and easy-to-prep meals, whereas Blue Apron offers a broader range of health-focused and gourmet options.
Subscription Flexibility: Blue Apron offers more customization within its meal plans, allowing for a wider selection of weekly recipes, while Gobble provides a more streamlined, fixed menu.
Cooking Experience: Gobble caters to individuals with limited time and cooking experience, whereas Blue Apron targets cooking enthusiasts who enjoy spending more time in the kitchen.
Sourcing Practices: Both services emphasize quality ingredients, but Blue Apron places a higher emphasis on sustainable sourcing and frequently partners with local farmers and sustainable fisheries.
Subscription Model: Both Gobble and Blue Apron operate on a subscription-based model, providing weekly deliveries of meal kits.
Home Delivery: Each service delivers fresh ingredients and recipe cards directly to your home, ensuring convenience for busy individuals and families.
Menu Variety: Both provide a rotating menu with a variety of meals each week, including options for different dietary needs and preferences.
Quality Ingredients: Both services prioritize using high-quality, fresh ingredients to prepare their meals.
Nutritional Information: Gobble and Blue Apron both include nutritional information with their meal kits, helping customers make informed dietary choices.
Customer Support: Each company offers robust customer support to assist with any issues related to meal kits, deliveries, or subscriptions.
Delivery Areas: Both Gobble and Blue Apron deliver to a wide range of locations across the United States, making their services accessible to many customers.
15-Minute Meals: Gobble offers meals that can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Pre-Prepped Ingredients: Ingredients arrive pre-chopped, marinated, and ready to cook, minimizing prep time and effort.
Variety of Meal Options: Gobble provides a range of meal options including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices to accommodate different dietary needs.
Family-Friendly Portions: Portions are often larger, catering to families and those with heartier appetites.
User-Friendly Recipes: The straightforward, easy-to-follow recipes cater to cooks of all skill levels.
Subscription Flexibility: Gobble offers flexible subscription plans that can be easily managed and adjusted to fit your lifestyle.
Quick Clean-Up: With fewer steps and pre-prepped ingredients, Gobble typically results in a faster clean-up process.
Chef-Designed Recipes: Blue Apron provides diverse, gourmet-style recipes designed by professional chefs.
Focus on Cooking Skills: Recipes often incorporate advanced cooking techniques, helping users improve their culinary skills.
Meal Customization: Offers greater flexibility in meal selection with customizable plans to suit various tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredient Transparency: Emphasizes sustainable sourcing and partnerships with local farmers and fisheries for high-quality ingredients.
Diet-Specific Plans: Includes options like Weight Watchers and wellness-focused meals for health-conscious customers.
Culinary Variety: A wide array of recipes introduces users to new cuisines and ingredients for a rich culinary experience.
Detailed Nutritional Information: Provides comprehensive nutritional information for each meal, aiding informed dietary choices.
Preparation Time: Gobble’s meals can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for those with busy schedules.
Minimal Prep Work: With pre-chopped and pre-measured ingredients, Gobble requires less hands-on time and effort in the kitchen.
Family-Friendly Portions: Gobble often offers larger portion sizes, which can be more suitable for families or individuals with bigger appetites.
Ease of Use: The simplicity of Gobble’s recipes makes it accessible for novice cooks who may be intimidated by more complex meal kits.
Focus on Convenience: Gobble’s user-friendly approach makes it an attractive option for those who need quick and easy meal solutions without sacrificing quality.
Speedy Clean-Up: With fewer steps and less prep work, Gobble generally results in a quicker clean-up process.
Dietary Needs: Gobble offers a range of options including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals, accommodating various dietary preferences and restrictions.
Recipe Variety: Gobble’s menu may be less varied compared to Blue Apron’s expansive and diverse range of recipes.
Culinary Skill Building: Gobble’s simplified recipes offer fewer opportunities for users to develop and hone their cooking skills.
Gourmet Options: Blue Apron is known for offering more complex and gourmet-style meals, which may be lacking in Gobble’s more straightforward offerings.
Customization: Blue Apron provides more meal customization options within its plans, whereas Gobble has a more fixed menu.
Ingredient Transparency: Blue Apron often highlights its sourcing practices and partnerships with local farmers, which may be more detailed compared to Gobble.
Advanced Techniques: Blue Apron incorporates more advanced cooking techniques and ingredients, catering to those who enjoy a culinary challenge.
Gourmet Recipes: Blue Apron offers a wide array of gourmet-style recipes that can help users expand their culinary repertoire.
Cooking Skills: The more complex recipes provided by Blue Apron enable customers to learn and practice advanced cooking techniques.
Customization: Blue Apron offers greater flexibility in choosing and customizing meals, catering to varied tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredient Sourcing: Blue Apron emphasizes sustainable sourcing and partnerships with local farmers and fisheries, providing transparency about ingredient origins.
Diet Focused Plans: Blue Apron offers specific plans like Weight Watchers and Wellness that cater to health-conscious customers.
Culinary Experience: Blue Apron is designed to provide a more immersive culinary experience, appealing to those who enjoy spending time in the kitchen.
Recipe Innovation: Blue Apron frequently updates its menu with innovative dishes, keeping the meal selection fresh and exciting.
Preparation Time: Blue Apron’s meals typically require 30-50 minutes to prepare, which can be less convenient for those with limited time.
Prep Work: Blue Apron’s recipes often require more extensive prep work, including chopping and measuring ingredients.
Larger Time Commitment: The cooking and preparation process for Blue Apron meals can be a longer time commitment compared to Gobble’s quick meal options.
User Complexity: The complexity of Blue Apron’s recipes may be intimidating for novice cooks or those seeking simplicity.
Portion Sizes: Some users may find Blue Apron’s portion sizes to be smaller compared to Gobble, potentially leaving hearty eaters less satisfied.
Kitchen Clean-Up: The more intricate recipes and additional prep work of Blue Apron can lead to a messier kitchen and longer clean-up time.
Limited Instant Meals: Blue Apron does not offer the same level of pre-prepped, ready-to-cook meals that Gobble provides, which can be a drawback for those seeking ultra-convenient options.
Tight Schedule: If you have a busy lifestyle and need meals that can be prepared in just 15 minutes, Gobble is the better choice.
Minimal Cooking Skills: If you’re not confident in your cooking abilities and prefer recipes that require minimal skill and effort, Gobble’s pre-prepped ingredients will be ideal.
Quick Dinner Solutions: For those who often need quick dinner solutions without sacrificing meal quality, Gobble’s convenience is unmatched.
Family-Friendly Portions: If you need larger portion sizes to feed a family or friends, Gobble often provides more substantial servings compared to Blue Apron.
Simplified Meal Prep: If you prefer less complex recipes and want to avoid extensive chopping and measuring, Gobble’s pre-prepped kits offer a hassle-free cooking experience.
Limited Kitchen Equipment: If you don’t have an extensive array of kitchen tools and equipment, Gobble’s straightforward recipes can be prepared with basic utensils.
Beginner Cooks: If you’re new to cooking and looking for an easy introduction, Gobble’s straightforward recipes are less intimidating and more user-friendly.
Expanding Culinary Skills: If you’re interested in learning new cooking techniques and improving your culinary skills, Blue Apron’s diverse and complex recipes offer a valuable learning experience.
Gourmet Meals at Home: If you enjoy preparing gourmet-style dishes at home, Blue Apron’s recipes provide a restaurant-quality dining experience.
Healthy Eating Plans: If you’re following specific dietary plans like Weight Watchers or have wellness-focused goals, Blue Apron’s tailored meal options can help you stay on track.
Ingredient Variety: For those who enjoy trying new and unique ingredients, Blue Apron’s innovative recipes introduce a wide range of food items.
Meal Customization: If you prefer more flexibility in meal selection and customization, Blue Apron’s extensive menu and dietary options offer greater variety.
Culinary Exploration: If you love to spend time in the kitchen experimenting with different cuisines, Blue Apron’s recipes are perfect for culinary exploration and adventure.
Sustainability: If sustainable and responsibly sourced ingredients are a priority, Blue Apron’s partnerships with local farmers and fisheries provide greater transparency and eco-friendly practices.
For many home cooks, the experience in the kitchen is just as important as the final meal. Before continuing, it’s worth noting how the two services differ in this regard.
Gobble is designed for those looking to streamline their cooking. Ingredients are pre-chopped and pre-measured, which significantly reduces prep time. This approach is perfect for individuals who are pressed for time or feel overwhelmed by complex recipes. Additionally, Gobble’s straightforward instructions make it easy for anyone to follow along. There’s a clear focus on quick and efficient meal prep, making it less of a chore. This makes Gobble appealing for weeknight dinners when time is short.
Furthermore, Gobble’s meals usually require fewer cooking utensils and equipment. This cuts down on after-dinner clean-up, an appealing feature for families or busy professionals. The ease of preparation and clean-up are definite advantages, enhancing the overall user experience. It’s an ideal choice for those who want fast, tasty meals without too much fuss.
Blue Apron, on the other hand, provides a more immersive cooking experience. Recipes are designed to be educational as well as delicious. Home chefs can expect to hone their skills through a variety of techniques and ingredients. Blue Apron encourages users to take their time and enjoy the cooking process. There’s a sense of achievement that comes with completing one of their more complex recipes.
Each meal kit from Blue Apron includes detailed instructions that guide users step-by-step. This can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy cooking and want to expand their culinary knowledge. The use of unique ingredients also adds an element of excitement. Whether you’re learning to sear a perfect steak or making a gourmet sauce, Blue Apron offers valuable cooking lessons in each box.
In conclusion, Gobble’s strength lies in its efficiency and ease, making it perfect for quick, everyday meals. Blue Apron excels in providing a rich cooking experience, ideal for those who view meal preparation as a hobby. Depending on what you value more—speed and convenience or culinary exploration—one service may suit you better than the other.
Price is a significant factor for many when deciding on a meal kit service. Before continuing, let’s compare the value that Gobble and Blue Apron offer for their price.
Gobble’s pricing is reasonably competitive for the level of convenience it offers. Each meal kit includes pre-prepped ingredients, which saves time and effort. The cost per serving is generally higher than buying groceries outright. However, the trade-off is in the time saved on meal prep and clean-up. For busy individuals, the added cost is often justified by the convenience.
Gobble also offers promotional deals for new customers, making it an affordable option to try. Additionally, the ease of preparation means you’re less likely to waste ingredients. Everything is portioned accurately, reducing food waste and making the expense more palatable. For those who value time over money, Gobble presents a compelling proposition.
Blue Apron positions itself slightly higher in terms of cost. The service aims to deliver a premium cooking experience with a focus on quality ingredients and innovative recipes. Each meal kit tends to be a bit more expensive, reflecting the quality and complexity of the dishes provided. This makes Blue Apron a great option for those who are willing to pay a bit more for the culinary experience it offers.
While the cost per meal may be higher, the value comes from the educational aspect of the recipes. You’re not just paying for the food, but also for the cooking lessons that come with it. For people who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and learning new skills, Blue Apron offers excellent value.
To sum up, Gobble offers great value for those seeking quick, hassle-free meals with minimal prep. Blue Apron, on the other hand, provides a richer cooking experience at a slightly higher cost. Your choice will depend on what you value more—efficiency or culinary adventure.
Nutrition is another critical factor when choosing a meal subscription service. Before continuing, let’s examine how Gobble and Blue Apron address nutritional needs.
Gobble offers a variety of meals that cater to different dietary preferences. Their menu includes options that are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. Each meal kit comes with detailed nutritional information, making it easy to track your intake. This feature is useful for those looking to maintain or achieve specific health goals.
The focus is on balanced meals with correct portion sizes. Gobble aims to provide nutritious options without compromising on taste or convenience. For those who have dietary restrictions or are health-conscious, Gobble provides reliable options. The meals are designed to be both satisfying and nutritionally sound, ensuring a balanced diet.
Blue Apron also offers a wide range of healthy meal options. They have specific plans like Weight Watchers that align with popular diet programs. This level of customization helps users maintain their health goals more effectively. Each recipe card includes comprehensive nutritional details to assist with meal planning.
In addition to offering balanced meals, Blue Apron focuses on sourcing high-quality ingredients. They often highlight their partnerships with local farms, ensuring that customers receive fresh, wholesome produce. For those who prioritize both nutrition and ingredient quality, Blue Apron is an excellent choice.
To conclude, both Gobble and Blue Apron provide nutritious meal options, but in different ways. Gobble excels in offering quick, healthy meals with clear nutritional information. Blue Apron stands out for its detailed nutritional plans and high-quality ingredients. Depending on your dietary needs and health goals, either service could be a good fit for you.
Both Gobble and Blue Apron offer some degree of customization. Gobble allows you to choose meals from their weekly menu, but the options are generally fixed. Blue Apron provides more extensive customization, letting you select from a broader range of recipes and even tailor your plan to specific dietary needs like low-carb or Weight Watchers.
Yes, both Gobble and Blue Apron offer the flexibility to skip weeks or pause your subscription without penalty. You can manage your deliveries via their respective websites or mobile apps, giving you the freedom to take a break whenever you need it.
Both services prioritize high-quality ingredients. Gobble focuses on pre-prepped ingredients to save time, often including items that are pre-chopped or marinated. Blue Apron emphasizes fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients and sometimes features unique or specialty items that you might not find easily in local stores.
Absolutely. Gobble offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to cater to various dietary needs. Blue Apron also provides a range of meal options that include vegetarian, low-carb, and wellness-focused dishes, along with plans that align with programs like Weight Watchers.
Both Gobble and Blue Apron use insulated packaging to ensure that ingredients stay fresh during transit. Gobble often uses vacuum-sealed bags for pre-prepped ingredients, while Blue Apron tends to use a combination of recyclable materials and ice packs to maintain freshness.
No, both services operate on a flexible, no-commitment basis. You can cancel at any time without incurring additional fees. This makes it easy for customers to try out the services without long-term obligations.
Gobble primarily focuses on dinner meals and occasionally features lunch options. Blue Apron offers a more comprehensive selection, including breakfast, lunch, and dessert options in some of their plans. This makes it convenient for those looking to have all meals covered by one service.
Gobble’s pricing is generally competitive for the convenience it offers, typically ranging around $11.99 per serving. Blue Apron tends to position itself slightly higher, with meals costing around $9.99 to $12.99 per serving, depending on the plan. The slight price difference often reflects the complexity and quality of Blue Apron’s gourmet recipes.
Both Gobble and Blue Apron may charge additional shipping fees, depending on your location and the size of your order. It’s essential to check the total cost at checkout to understand any extra charges that might apply.
Both Gobble and Blue Apron provide ingredient lists and nutritional information with their meal kits, helping customers identify potential allergens. If you have severe allergies, it’s important to review these details carefully before ordering, as cross-contamination in kitchens cannot always be fully avoided.
Choosing between Gobble and Blue Apron depends largely on your cooking preferences and lifestyle. Gobble excels in providing quick, hassle-free meals with pre-prepped ingredients that minimize preparation time. It’s ideal for busy individuals and families looking for convenience without compromising on taste. On the other hand, Blue Apron offers a more comprehensive culinary experience. With diverse, gourmet recipes and the opportunity to develop cooking skills, it caters to those who enjoy spending time in the kitchen.