Hungryroot is a unique meal kit delivery service that aims to make it easy to eat healthy, nutritious meals without all the shopping, prepping and cooking. With a focus on plant-based ingredients and meals that are ready in under 15 minutes, Hungryroot has generated a lot of buzz among health-conscious consumers looking to simplify their meal routines.
But with a higher price point than some other popular meal delivery services, a limited delivery area, and some concerning customer complaints, is Hungryroot really worth it? I signed up to test out this trendy service for myself. Read on for my in-depth Hungryroot review, including what I loved, what I didn‘t, and my final verdict on whether you should subscribe.
How Hungryroot Works + What‘s in a Box
The first step to getting started with Hungryroot is to complete a short quiz on their website about your food preferences, dietary needs, and household size. Based on your responses, Hungryroot will generate a personalized grocery plan and pre-fill your cart with suggested items for the week.
One thing that sets Hungryroot apart is that they are a hybrid of a meal kit service and a grocery delivery service. In addition to meal kits that include pre-portioned ingredients and recipe cards, you can also add individual grocery items to your box, like proteins, veggies, snacks and even desserts.
I really liked the flexibility to choose my own items and build meals based on what sounded good to me each week. However, I can see how the hybrid model could get a bit confusing, and it does require a bit more meal planning on your part compared to services that just send you complete, prepped dishes.
Once you sign up, Hungryroot will ship you a box of groceries and recipes each week based on your plan. Weekly plans start at $59, but the price can vary quite a bit depending on what items you have in your cart. On average, expect to pay around $70-$80 per week for 3 two-serving meals, plus some extra items.
Inside the box, ingredients are grouped together by recipe, with meats and other items separated in the packaging to avoid cross-contamination. Boxes are lined with insulation and ice packs to keep your food fresh even if you‘re not home when it arrives. While most of the packaging is curbside recyclable, Hungryroot could do better on the sustainability front by reducing single-use plastic.
Hungryroot‘s Menu + Recipe Reviews
One of the biggest selling points of Hungryroot is the huge variety of meal options available each week. With over 3000 possible recipe combos and the option to customize based on your preferences, even picky eaters should be able to find something they enjoy.
Hungryroot prioritizes healthy, whole food ingredients in their meals, with a big emphasis on plant-based options. All of their meals are free from artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and unhealthy fats. They also offer selections to suit a variety of dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free.
For the purposes of this review, I opted to try a mix of customer favorites and editor picks from Hungryroot‘s menu. Here‘s how they stacked up:
Gingery Salmon Poke Bowl
Prep time: 9 minutes
Calories: 510
Servings: 2
This Asian-inspired salmon bowl was a hit with both my partner and me. The fish was very fresh and flaked apart beautifully atop a bed of brown rice and crunchy veggies. I appreciated that Hungryroot included a side of pre-made sesame ginger dressing, which added a nice punch of flavor and saved me from having to mix up a sauce on my own.
My only complaint is that the portion size felt a little small for the calorie count – I ended up bulking it up with some extra veggies and rice from my fridge. But overall, this was a tasty, easy weeknight meal I‘d order again.
Coconut Curry Chicken Power Bowl
Prep time: 16 minutes
Calories: 510
Servings: 2
I was excited to try this flavorful chicken curry bowl, but unfortunately it didn‘t quite live up to expectations. While the coconut curry sauce was delicious, I found the chicken to be a bit overdone and chewy. The meal also took longer than the stated 16 minutes to prepare, since I had to cook the chicken and broccoli in batches on the stovetop.
That said, I did enjoy the hearty power bowl combo of lentils, quinoa and veggies mixed with the fragrant curry sauce. With some tweaks to the chicken prep, this could be a satisfying meal – I might try it with tofu next time for a vegetarian twist.
Red Sauce Ravioli + Brussels Sprouts
Prep time: 14 minutes
Calories: 440
Servings: 2
Pasta is always a good idea in my book, so I had high hopes for this classic ravioli and red sauce combo. Hungryroot‘s spinach ricotta ravioli had a nice cheesy filling and the perfect al dente texture. Paired with the bright, tangy tomato sauce and some tender shaved brussels sprouts, it made for a comforting vegetarian meal.
While not the most creative or surprising dish, I appreciated having an easy pasta night option on hand, without having to boil water or mix up sauce from scratch. This one will definitely be going in my regular rotation.
In addition to the meal kits, I also sampled a variety of Hungryroot‘s grocery add-ons. Some of my favorites were the Cashew Cheddar Crackers, which were great for snacking, and the Garlic Parm Chicken Sausage, which worked well as a simple protein paired with veggies and rice.
I also enjoyed being able to stock up on staples like spinach, black beans and sweet potatoes without making an extra trip to the store. Just be aware that many of Hungryroot‘s grocery items are on the pricier side compared to what you‘d pay at a normal supermarket.
Can Hungryroot Help You Lose Weight?
If you‘re looking to shed some pounds, Hungryroot may be able to help, thanks to their emphasis on whole, unprocessed ingredients and reasonable calorie counts. Meals clock in between 400-800 calories per serving on average, with plenty of options under 500 calories if you‘re keeping a close eye on your daily intake.
Hungryroot also makes it easy to eat more nutrient-dense foods like veggies, lean proteins and complex carbs, which can aid weight loss when incorporated into a balanced diet. Plus, having healthy meals on hand and ready to eat in minutes can help curb cravings for less nutritious convenience foods.
That said, Hungryroot doesn‘t provide in-depth nutritional coaching or guidelines for weight loss. You‘ll still need to pay attention to your overall calorie intake and exercise routine to see results. And of course, everyone‘s weight loss journey is different, so be sure to talk to your doctor or a registered dietician before starting any new diet plan.
Negative Hungryroot Reviews: Problems You Should Know About
While there are many positives to Hungryroot, a quick Google search turns up a concerning number of negative customer reviews. Some of the most common complaints include:
Difficult/Impossible to Cancel Subscription
By far the biggest red flag I encountered in my research were multiple reports of customers being unable to cancel their Hungryroot subscriptions. Many said they reached out to customer service multiple times to cancel, but continued to be charged and receive unwanted boxes.
Hungryroot‘s terms state that you can cancel anytime before your weekly cutoff, which is Thursday at 9 am PT. However, the only way to actually cancel is through their online contact form or by emailing customer service – there‘s no option to do it yourself in your account settings.
To me, this feels like an intentional obstacle to canceling, and is pretty unacceptable for a subscription service. If I‘m going to trust a company with my credit card info for recurring charges, I need to know I can easily cancel when I want to.
Poor Packaging and Spoiled Items
Another common issue I saw was with Hungryroot‘s packaging and delivery, with some customers reporting receiving spoiled meat and produce due to boxes not being properly insulated. Others said that ingredients were missing, incorrect, or had leaked during transit, making a mess and wasting food.
While some amount of wear and tear is expected with shipped groceries, it‘s concerning that this seems to be a consistent problem for Hungryroot. The company does say it will provide refunds or credits for damaged/spoiled items, but the process isn‘t always smooth or satisfactory based on reviews.
Lack of Customization and Repetitive Meals
A more minor complaint, but one that came up frequently, was the feeling that Hungryroot‘s meals all tend to rely on the same basic formula and ingredients. Many customers said they grew bored of the repetitive combos and limited customization options after a few weeks.
While the core system of veggie + protein + sauce keeps things simple, it can start to feel monotonous if you‘re someone who craves a lot of variety. And since you‘re still responsible for some of the prep, it‘s not quite as easy as just popping a pre-made meal in the microwave.
This seems like an area where Hungryroot could stand to expand its offerings and allow for more personalization. Letting customers exclude certain ingredients or build their own recipes from a larger bank of options could go a long way in keeping things fresh week after week.
Inconsistent Portions and Quality
Finally, portion sizes and overall food quality appear to be hit or miss based on the reviews I read. Some customers raved about the taste and freshness of their meals, while others complained that servings were measly, meat was gristly, or veggies arrived limp and past their prime.
Of course, some inconsistency is normal for a meal delivery service, as quality can vary based on seasonality, suppliers, and other factors. But for the premium price that Hungryroot charges, I would expect them to have better quality control measures in place to ensure a reliably delicious experience.
The portion issues are especially problematic given that Hungryroot meals aren‘t always the cheapest or most filling. If you‘re left hungry after shelling out $12 for a single serving, it‘s understandable to feel cheated.
Is Hungryroot Right for You? My Verdict
So where does this leave us on Hungryroot? While I enjoyed testing out the service and was impressed by the menu variety and creativity, I‘m hesitant to give it a glowing recommendation.
The negative reviews around difficult cancellations and subpar quality give me pause, and make me question whether it‘s worth gambling your money (and appetite) on a subscription. Frankly, it feels like Hungryroot is a bit overhyped and overpriced for what you get.
If you‘re someone who absolutely hates grocery shopping and has a flexible food budget, then Hungryroot might be worth a try for a few weeks to see if you jive with their system. The convenience factor is certainly appealing, and there are enough tasty meal options to keep you satisfied for a while.
But if you‘re on a tighter budget or have very specific dietary needs/preferences, I‘d suggest looking into other meal delivery services that offer better customization and portion sizes for the price. And be sure to read the fine print on the cancellation policy before signing up.
Another option? Consider building your own "Hungryroot-style" meals by shopping for pre-prepped ingredients and healthy convenience foods at your local grocery store. With a little planning, you can put together nutritious grain bowls and veggie-packed meals without the commitment or cost of a subscription.
At the end of the day, only you can decide if Hungryroot makes sense for your lifestyle and needs. But I hope this honest review has given you a clearer picture of the pros and cons to help inform your choice.
Happy eating!
Have you tried Hungryroot? Share your experience in the comments below!
Hungryroot FAQ
Still have questions? I‘ve rounded up answers to some of the most common queries about Hungryroot below:
Q: How much does Hungryroot cost?
A: Hungryroot plans start at $59 per week, but the total cost will vary based on the specific items in your cart. On average, expect to pay around $70-$80/week for 3 two-serving meals and some add-on grocery items. Shipping is free for orders over $70.
Q: Is Hungryroot organic?
A: Some, but not all of Hungryroot‘s products are certified organic. The company prioritizes sourcing from trusted farmers and suppliers, and avoids using pesticides and GMOs in their ingredients. You can look for the organic label on specific grocery items.
Q: How long does Hungryroot food last?
A: According to Hungryroot, most meal kits and grocery items can last 5-7 days after delivery when stored properly in the fridge. The company recommends eating seafood dishes within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Q: Are Hungryroot meals good for weight loss?
A: While Hungryroot doesn‘t specifically market itself as a weight loss program, their meals tend to be well-balanced and calorie-controlled, which can certainly support healthy weight management. As with any diet, the key is to pay attention to your overall daily intake and make sure you‘re getting a mix of nutrients.
Q: How do I cancel Hungryroot?
A: You can cancel your subscription at any time by emailing Hungryroot‘s customer service team at [email protected] You must cancel by Thursday at 9 am PT the week before your next scheduled delivery to avoid being charged. Note that Hungryroot does not offer prorated refunds for partial weeks.
Hungryroot Promo Code
Ready to give Hungryroot a try? You‘re in luck – I‘ve got an exclusive promo code for my readers. Use code ROOTFAN40 at checkout to get 40% off your first order of $99 or more.
You‘ll also get to choose a free gift with your first delivery, like cookie dough or a rotating selection of veggies and proteins. Just sign up through this link to claim the offer.
Have more questions about Hungryroot? Feel free to DM me on Instagram @hungry4health or email me at [email protected] I‘m always happy to chat food and swap recipe ideas.
Happy cooking!
