[Latest version] Easy and delicious! Here's a summary of how to choose meal kits without making a mistake and a list of eight popular companies!

A thorough explanation of the appeal of meal kits and recommended services

In this article, we'll take a closer look at meal kits, which have been gaining attention in recent years. Introducing meal kits significantly reduces the burden of cooking, allowing you to easily enjoy delicious meals even on busy days. In the second half of the article, we'll also summarize the recipe and historical background of pot-au-feu, a stew dish introduced from overseas. Understanding not only the recipe but also its origins and history will make your dining table even more enjoyable. Please read to the end

What is a meal kit?

A meal kit isa service that delivers all the ingredients and seasonings needed for cooking in one package. Since vegetables, meat, and fish are pre-cut and pre-prepared, and special sauces are included, it greatly reduces the traditional steps of **"planning a menu" → "going shopping for ingredients" → "preparing ingredients"**.

Meal kits are often used in the following ways:

• Regular delivery: Delivered to your home at a set time, such as once a week or daily.
• Order when you need it: Select the menu items you want to purchase in advance on the website or app.

Why more people are using meal kits

• Reduces the time it takes to go shopping
• Easy prep and quick cooking
• Low risk of cooking failure
• It's hard to have leftover ingredients

This convenience is a major reason why it is popular among busy families and people living alone

8 recommended meal kit services

Here we introduce eight noteworthy meal kit services from among the many available. We hope this information helps you choose the meal kit that's right for you by taking into account their price range, shipping costs, delivery method, and other features

Recommended selection method

• Price-conscious: Co-op Deli, Yoshikei, Pal System, Seikatsu Club
• Minimize cooking time: Wanmile, GREEN SPOON
• Prioritizing safety: Oisix, Radish Boya

Oisix: Safe and delicious meal kits

Oisix (Kit Oisix) is an attractive service for those who prioritize food safety, offering vegetables grown with minimal pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and livestock and seafood products with traceable origins. It
includes original seasonings and features collaborative menus with famous chefs and restaurants. While some preparation, such as cutting vegetables, is required, it's perfect for those who want to enjoy cooking while avoiding seasoning mistakes.

• Estimated price per meal: approximately 700 yen and up
• Shipping fee: ¥0 - ¥1,800 (varies depending on region and order amount)
• Trial set: 1,980 yen (free shipping)

Coop Deli: For those who want quick cooking and convenience with refrigerated food

Co-op Deli is popular for its meal kits, which are delivered chilled once a week (or 3-5 times a week).
Since the vegetables are already cut and the meat is pre-prepared, you don't need a knife or cutting board, and a main dish can be prepared in about 10 minutes. Because they use their own delivery service, shipping is inexpensive, with a maximum cost of 198 yen, and they also offer contactless delivery. Since you can receive your order at any time, it's convenient for busy people and families with young children.

• Estimated price per meal: approximately 400 yen and up
• Delivery fee: ¥0 - ¥198 (Our own delivery service)
• Features: You can choose from approximately 40 different menu items, including main dishes only or with side dishes.

Yoshikei: 5-day trial available for 300 yen per meal

Yoshikei is characterized by its very generous introductory trial plan.
For an incredibly low price of 300 yen per meal for five consecutive days (3,000 yen for two servings), you can experience almost the same content as a regular contract. Furthermore, since meals are delivered daily, there is no need to buy in bulk, and you only need to put in the minimum effort required for cooking. The well-balanced menus designed by nutritionists are a major attraction, making it ideal for those who want to balance cost-effectiveness and quality.

• Estimated price per meal: approximately 500 yen and up
• Shipping fee: Free (Our own delivery service)
• Trial plan: 5 days x 300 yen per meal

Pal System: A wide variety of menu items with over 500 varieties

Pal System focuses on locally sourced vegetables and domestically produced meat and fish, while also offering a wide range of cuisines.
With weekly deliveries, you can choose from over 500 different dishes, including Japanese, Western, Chinese, and ethnic cuisines. The large number of menu options makes it less likely to get boring, and it's easy to continue using the service. You can try a two-day frozen dinner set for 780 yen, so you can check the taste and portion sizes before committing to a full contract.

• Estimated price per meal: Main dish only from approximately 300 yen
• Shipping fee: ¥0 - ¥298 (varies depending on region and order amount)
• Trial set: Frozen set for 2 days' worth of dinners - 780 yen

Wanmairu: Easy to prepare, just defrost in hot water or running water

Wanmile is a frozen meal kit made with 100% domestically sourced ingredients.
Each meal is carefully prepared to meet standards of under 400 calories, under 30g of carbohydrates, and under 3.5g of salt, making it popular with those concerned about their diet. Since you only need to thaw the pouch in a hot water bath or under running water, you don't need a knife or frying pan, and washing up is minimal. No artificial preservatives are used, and the recipes are flash-frozen under the supervision of chefs, so you can fully enjoy the taste of the ingredients.

• Estimated price per meal: 1,056 yen
• Shipping fee: from 935 yen (varies by region)
• Features: 500 yen discount for first-time customers.

GREEN SPOON: Stylish menu with plenty of vegetables

GREEN SPOON delivers original recipes using colorful vegetables and superfoods in frozen form. Their
menu features a wide variety of dishes, from stews, soups, and salads to pasta dishes that are as visually appealing as those you'd find in a restaurant. Simply open the bag, transfer to a bowl, and heat in the microwave – it's perfect for anyone looking to significantly reduce the hassle of cooking. It's also convenient for office lunches or late-night snacks, and there's a first-time customer discount, making it easy to get started.

• Estimated price per meal: from 751 yen
• Shipping fee: 990 yen and up
• Delivery interval: Once every 2-4 weeks

Radish Boya: 10-minute kit, no knife needed

Radish Boya's "10-Minute Kit" is a service that delivers carefully selected vegetables and seasoned meats via refrigerated delivery.
The vegetables undergo thorough quality checks from soil preparation onwards, and are carefully cultivated to retain their crisp texture even after being cut. Regular users receive a discount of up to 10%, making it a relatively affordable option for family orders. Nationwide delivery is available, however, in some areas, delivery is handled as a courier service, and unattended delivery may not be possible if you are not home.

• Estimated price per meal: approximately 750 yen and up
• Shipping fee: ¥0 - ¥900 (depending on region and order amount)
• Features: Emphasis on the freshness and taste of vegetables

Seikatsu Club: 1 set for 2 people, frozen or refrigerated

Seikatsu Club delivers meal kits for two people once a week. The
frozen kits, in particular, have a long shelf life and a wide variety of seafood options, making them ideal for those who want to try their hand at cooking fish dishes that can be time-consuming to prepare at home. Even small households or those living alone benefit from the convenience of stocking up on frozen kits and using them only when needed. Incidentally, the refrigerated kits also offer options that can be prepared in as little as 10 minutes, with over 20 items to choose from each week.

• Estimated price per meal: approximately 400 yen and up
• Shipping fee: 110 yen to 275 yen (depending on the region)
• Features: Frozen products have a shelf life of 91 days, making them convenient for long-term storage.

How to Choose a Meal Kit Wisely

Take advantage of trial plans and first-time discounts

If you want to check the actual amount and seasoning, it's a good idea to choose a meal kit that offers a trial plan

• Oisix: Popular meal kit + seasonal vegetables set for 1,980 yen
• Yoshikei: Try it for 5 days for 300 yen per meal
• Pal System: 2 days' worth of dinner for 780 yen

If you can try it out at a trial price, you can check in advance the cooking time and whether the food suits your family's taste

Check shipping fees and delivery methods

Since meal kits are often ordered at least once a week, it's important to understand the impact that delivery fees will have on your household budget

• In-house delivery: Shipping fees tend to be free or around 200 yen
• If using a courier service: Shipping costs may be around 1,000 yen

It is also important to consider whether or not the delivery service is available if you are not at home. Co-op Deli, Yoshikei, Pal System, Seikatsu Club, and other companies offer delivery services that leave the parcel at the door, reducing the hassle of receiving the parcel

Save time by using pre-cut or pre-processed ingredients

If you want to reduce cooking time and washing up, it's convenient to choose a meal kit with pre-cut vegetables and meat

• Refrigerated type: Simply heat in a frying pan or pot
• Frozen type: Simply heat in a hot water bath or microwave

This kit doesn't require knives or cutting boards, so it reduces food waste and makes cleanup quicker

Food safety and quality standards

There are also services that focus on safety and quality standards, such as using domestically produced and organic ingredients and no artificial seasonings

• Oisix: Vegetables that are grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers as much as possible
• Pal System: Direct from the farm products where you can see the faces of the producers
• Wanmairu: 100% domestically produced and free of synthetic preservatives
• Radish Boya: Commitment to soil cultivation

If you check not only the price but also the standards used to source ingredients, you will feel more satisfied and it will be easier to continue

Variations and specializations

When choosing a meal kit, it's important to consider the variety of flavors and types available

• Oisix: Collaborative menus with famous restaurants and culinary experts
• Coop Deli: Over 40 standard menu items every week
• Pal System: Over 500 different genres
• Wanmairu: Healthy meals that can be enjoyed by thawing in hot water
• GREEN SPOON: Stylish vegetable-focused menu

If there are many menu items that suit your and your family's tastes, you won't get bored and will be able to continue eating them

The benefits of meal kits

1. Save time on shopping and meal planning

Meal kits deliver all the necessary ingredients in one package, eliminating the hassle of going to the supermarket and wondering, "What should I cook tonight?"
Reducing the time spent planning meals will significantly lessen the stress of daily life, which can be overwhelming due to work and household chores.

2. Food is less likely to go to waste

Since the products arrive in single-serving sizes, there's less risk of wasting fresh food. This is
especially helpful for people living alone, as it prevents waste such as buying a whole head of cabbage or a large quantity of meat that can't be used up before the expiration date and having to throw it away.

3. No need to buy seasonings

Meal kits often come with pre-made sauces and dips, reducing the hassle of seasoning the food yourself. You
don't need to buy seasonings you don't usually use, such as those for Korean or other ethnic cuisines.

4. Easily achieve a balanced diet

All meal kitsfeature menus with carefully calculated proportions of meat, fish, and vegetables. When cooking at home, it's easy to end up with too many carbohydrates if you're not careful, but with meal kits, it's easy to naturally get a main dish and side dishes and maintain a balanced diet.

Disadvantages and points to note about meal kits

1. It may be more expensive than cooking at home

For people who can buy ingredients cheaply in bulk or who can use up an entire head of vegetables, meal kits can seem expensive.
However, many people believe they are worth the price when considering the time saved on shopping, meal planning, cooking, and cleanup, as well as the reduced risk of cooking failures.

2. Delivery services may result in bulky trash

the increased amount of packaging materials, such as cardboard boxes and pouches. With in-house delivery, you can expect some degree of container collection and minimal packaging, but if you use nationwide refrigerated delivery, redelivery is more likely if you are not home, and a lot of waste is generated.

3. It may not be enough for people who like to season their food themselves

Meal kits are less likely to fail because they come with seasonings, but those who want to enjoy customizing their meals may find them restrictive.
If you want to fine-tune the flavor to your liking, you'll need to choose a kit that is not seasoned.

Summary: Save time and enjoy a variety of dishes with meal kits

Meal kits are extremely convenient for busy modern people. By choosing the right service for you, you can enjoy the following benefits:

• Save time on shopping and planning meals
• Reduce food waste and save money
• You can easily try out cuisine from various countries and regions
• It's simple but hard to fail

In particular,meal kits that deliver pre-prepared ingredients and seasoning sauces all at oncemakes it quick and easy to prepare stews like "pot-au-feu." Why not reflect on the history of this dish, which was introduced from overseas, while enjoying a freshly made, warm meal with family and friends?

If you want to try a new meal kit, the best way to do so is to take advantage of trial plans and first-time discounts to experience the feel, taste, and quantity for yourself. Find a meal kit that suits your lifestyle and taste preferences and enrich your daily meals