HelloFresh Meal Kits Are Still a Solid Option to Take the Stress Out of Cooking
The first meal I ever cooked for myself was ramen. The next 12 were all, also, ramen. So were a sizable percentage of the next hundred. By age 11, as a latchkey kid, I had mastered the art of the Maruchan egg drop, the sliced green onion, the chili and soy sauce and mushroom additions. I learned, early, my love of cumin and coriander. Any ingredient, actually, seemed fair game.
And so when I say I still felt a little swell of pride last month after composing a handsome ramen bowl from a HelloFresh delivery meal kit, I speak as a man of great experience.
Photograph: Matthew Korfhage
I kid somewhat, but it's true: Packaged home ramen has long been the food of the weary, not the proud. And this was a rainy Tuesday, after hours at work. But by the time I got done drizzling chili oil over a pork-chicken shoyu ramen bowl topped with a lightly seared breast of sesame-grilled chicken, heavy laden also with freshly sautéed mushroom and wilted spinach, I felt like I'd accomplished something noteworthy. Not only did dinner look delicious, I did a thing. On a Tuesday. Without trying too hard.
This is the promise of meal kits like HelloFresh—the reason people pay more than groceries, but less than any decent delivered meal, to receive them. It is the promise of a better, but still manageable vision of domesticity—one that involves you making a well-conceived meal without actually doing the work of, well, conceiving it.
Photograph: Matthew Korfhage Light, Bright, Maybe Even Cosmopolitan
HelloFresh—which, like a lot of popular delivery meal kits, began in Germany—is arguably the most successful popularizer of the form. A box of ingredients arrives each week, individually portioned and bagged for meals whose recipes are printed on accessible one-sheets, with plucky little graphics. All you need is pots, pans, a stove, and some basic oil- and salt- and butter-type staples.
Photograph: Matthew Korfhage
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Best meal delivery services and kits, tested and approved for the whole family
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Is dinner time a daily struggle? If you have more than a few mouths to feed, it sure can feel that way. As a toddler-mom, I know the challenge all too well. If half my daughter's food doesn't end up splattered across the floor, I consider that a win. A big win. Sometimes, that simply means resorting to pizza delivery. Other days, it means digging through the pantry until I find something I purchased in 2018. Neither feels like the solution I'm looking for. Suffice it to say, family meal kits have turned into our saving grace. Everyone has their own taste, and if there are kiddos involved, half the battle is searching for a recipe that will appease those uber-picky eaters. Lucky for you and your little ones, most family-friendly meal kits offer a rotating menu curated across a variety of diets and preferences, from crowd-pleasing comfort foods to keto-friendly options for health-conscious households. There are even some gourmet plans to try for the families wishing to brush up on their chef skills. Post Wanted Picks Best Overall: HelloFresh HelloFresh Best for Picky Eaters: Little Spoon Little Spoon Best Prepared Meals : Factor : Factor Best Budget: EveryPlate EveryPlate Best Variety: Blue Apron To guide your search for easier meals (and more sanity), we've spent hours researching, ordering, cooking, and taste-tasting some of the best meal kits for families on the market. We considered top-rated delivery services, from Factor to HelloFresh, as well as dedicated kids' options like Little Spoon, too. Whether you're looking for the best made-from-scratch meals, microwave-ready options, or a subscription service that will save you time and a few bucks, this roundup has got something for you. Behold, the best meal delivery service for families, delivered right to your doorstep. Best Overall: HelloFresh Hello Fresh Pros: The meal cards are very easy to follow for beginners Accurate estimates for prep and cook time, per testing Produces 31% less carbon emissions than a traditional supermarket Easy to customize meal plan size, meal selections, and skip weeks Family-style meal kits wrapped up individually for ease of storage and cooking Cons: Many of the meals share some ingredients, which might be a con for those who like variety Requires some kitchen staples (salt, pepper, oil) A family meal kit roundup is not complete without HelloFresh. The company is one of the first brands to enter the meal-subscription service, and today, they go by the simple motto: Eat Well. Feel Good. Save Time. Our editors have tested HelloFresh many times since it opened in 2012, and this time around, we decided to look into their family-friendly meal kits. For a free high-protein item for life and 10 free meals, use code 'NYP10FMFS'. Previous 1 of 9 Next Cooking the Coconut Curry Chicken meal. Miska Salemann Some prep work. Miska Salemann Advertisement HelloFresh ingredients. Miska Salemann HelloFresh Coconut Curry Chicken meal — final product. Miska Salemann A look inside a Hello Fresh meal kit. Miska Salemann Advertisement Hello Fresh box. Miska Salemann Advertisement New York Post Review: HelloFresh has managed to maintain a stellar reputation for years, so I was curious to see just how seamless the service was. Spoiler: I was sold in the first five minutes. My daughter and I aren't afraid of some flavor (and spice), and it wasn't hard to find meals that could satisfy both cravings on its menu. We ordered the Coconut Curry Chicken, Apricot, Almond & Chickpea Tagine, Coconut Curry Tofu with Bok Choy, and Sweet Sesame Udon with Chicken & Red Peppers. My order arrived right on time for its scheduled Wednesday delivery, dropped right on my doorstep. The box was stacked with ice packs, and each meal was neatly packed into a brown paper bag with proteins stored on ice below. The recipe pages were placed on top, with images and easy step-by-step directions so even amateur home-chefs can follow along. Overall, I was very impressed. Everything was neat, aesthetic, and my favorite part, easy to get rid of. The expected preparation time for my home-cooked meals was around 25 minutes, but we clocked out in about 20. I'm an avid believer that your toddler doesn't need to eat separately from the adults, and I found that HelloFresh had options that were enjoyable for all parties. Finetuning the recipes is easy. For my daughter, I cut the serving size in half and used the spice packets a bit more sparingly. I was pleasantly surprised by how filling everything was. HelloFresh isn't pretending to be gourmet, but the meals were appetizing and on the heartier side. Some leftover can be expected. We've tested: Coconut Curry Chicken Apricot, Almond & Chickpea Tagine Coconut Curry Tofu with Bok Choy Sweet Sesame Udon with Chicken & Red Peppers. How does Hello Fresh work? HelloFresh offers a variety of plans suited to different needs. Simply select the number of meals needed per week and the number of mouths to feed (up to six people). From there, you can select preferences — meals in under 20 minutes, protein-packed varieties, and the easiest family-friendly options. HelloFresh generates a menu that works well for you, and you won't have a hard time finding something everyone can agree on. Testing TLDR: Ease of ordering: Customers can choose from 45+ weekly recipes, with Veggie, Fit and Wholesome, and Quick and Easy dinner options, and over 100 seasonal and convenience options. Select a preferred delivery day, and if needed, you can make an adjustment up to 5 days before. Customers can choose from 45+ weekly recipes, with Veggie, Fit and Wholesome, and Quick and Easy dinner options, and over 100 seasonal and convenience options. Select a preferred delivery day, and if needed, you can make an adjustment up to 5 days before. Prep, cook, and cleanup time: To reduce prep work, all the meals are bagged separately and come with step-by-step directions for prepping and cooking. We found that the recipes were easy to follow, and the preparation time was accurate. You'll need some oil, salt, and pepper, but Hello Fresh takes care of the rest. The meals aren't too elaborate (minimal ingredients), so cleanup is pretty easy. To reduce prep work, all the meals are bagged separately and come with step-by-step directions for prepping and cooking. We found that the recipes were easy to follow, and the preparation time was accurate. You'll need some oil, salt, and pepper, but Hello Fresh takes care of the rest. The meals aren't too elaborate (minimal ingredients), so cleanup is pretty easy. Flavor and fullness: HelloFresh certainly stands out in terms of variety. If your family gets bored easily and likes to switch up what's on the dinner plate, this delivery service is probably the best fit. They're are spicier options, traditional global cuisines, and comfort classics, too. Fresh is in its name, and the ingredients we tested all arrived in great condition. HelloFresh certainly stands out in terms of variety. If your family gets bored easily and likes to switch up what's on the dinner plate, this delivery service is probably the best fit. They're are spicier options, traditional global cuisines, and comfort classics, too. Fresh is in its name, and the ingredients we tested all arrived in great condition. Sustainability: To source what's in stock, HelloFresh uses seasonal produce during the Spring and Summer months (think apples, oranges, kiwis, broccoli, green beans, and more). By cutting back on food waste and offering recyclable packaging, the company claims it creates 31% fewer carbon emissions than a typical supermarket. To source what's in stock, HelloFresh uses seasonal produce during the Spring and Summer months (think apples, oranges, kiwis, broccoli, green beans, and more). By cutting back on food waste and offering recyclable packaging, the company claims it creates 31% fewer carbon emissions than a typical supermarket. Price: HelloFresh offers flexible pricing based on your family's needs. Meal kits typically run between $8.99 and $11.49 per serving. Shipping is typically a flat fee of $10.99 per week. The brand offers a range of promotions for new customers, with up to 10 boxes free. Best for Picky Eaters: Little Spoon Little Spoon Pros: A variety of flavors, textures, and different food groups in every meal Kid-friendly packaging is easy to serve and recyclable, saves time cooking and cleaning Meals are available for special dietary restrictions, allergies, and picky eaters High-quality, clean ingredients and recipes reviewed by developmental experts and nutritionists Cons: More expensive than some store-bought snacks and pre-made meals Important to follow refrigeration and freezing directions (plates and Biteables can be stored in the fridge for 7 days or the freezer for up to two months) Little Spoon is a pioneer in the kids' meal kit space, setting a new standard with its diverse menu for picky eaters and their health-conscious parents. All recipes are certified organic, developed by experts, and packed with real ingredients that little ones love (heavy on the fruits, veggies, and whole grains). In 2024, Little Spoon became the first U.S. baby food brand to adopt EU-aligned safety standards for its Babyblends. Previous 1 of 6 Next A variety of meals from Little Spoon. Miska Salemann Miska Salemann's daughter trying a Little Spoon meal. Miska Salemann Advertisement Microwaving a Little Spoon meal. Miska Salemann Miska Salemann's daughter trying a Little Spoon smoothie. Miska Salemann Advertisement New York Post Review: To be completely candid, it's pretty slim pickings when it comes to kids' food delivery services. When I heard about Little Spoon, I knew I needed to give it a shot. These beautifully packaged kids' meals come in every shape, size, and flavor profile, so you can stock your fridge and forget about the rest. The subscription service is very straightforward. It's also easy to filter for gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free items, so families with special diets or allergies should have no problem finding what they need. I settled on a mix of their best-sellers like Turkey Kale Meatballs, Rosemary Chicken, Spinach and Cheese Ravioli, Pizzalicious Veggie Loops, the Golden Apple Pie Smoothie, and more tasty snacks. The order arrived a few days after it was placed, in a durable box with all heat-and-eat meals completely frozen. Everything was clearly labeled and vacuum-sealed in BPA, BPS, and Phthalate-free packaging. The best part about this service is easily the fact that no preparation is necessary. For the frozen meals, you can simply pop them in the microwave. Snack bags and smoothies are also resealable, so you can take them on the go. My daughter greets each Little Spoon meal with delight; the portions are just right, textures are easy, and flavors are bursting. Half the time, she's begging for more, which is quite the 180 from the finicky eater I used to know. I had to try a taste for myself to see what it was all about, and I can affirm — Little Spoon understands how to lock in freshness. I wouldn't know better if you said they came right from a restaurant. Yes, this service is made for kids, but I'd be lying if I said I haven't popped a meal in the microwave for myself, too. Sample plans: From hearty chef-curated Lunchers and Plates suited for every eating stage, to slurpable Smoothies, perfectly-portioned Biteables, and Puffs for school lunches and snacking. Little Spoon has a little bit of everything, making it a great choice for families with young children. All products are USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, and Clean Label Project certified. We've tested: Turkey Kale Meatballs Rosemary Chicken Spinach and Cheese Ravioli Pizzalicious Veggie Loops Golden Apple Pie Smoothie How does Little Spoon work? Little Spoon offers a selection of meals tailored to different age groups, each with its own price range. The subscription service is simple. Following the first order, all future deliveries are scheduled to ship every two weeks. Customers can also skip, cancel, and edit menu plans at any time. Larger bundles offer the best meal discounts. A standard shipping fee of $10 is applied to all orders. Testing TLDR: Ease of ordering: Little Spoon's website is easy to navigate, and customers can easily explore different menu options while filtering for allergies or dietary restrictions. You'll need to enter some basic information before you begin browsing meals suited for your child's age and eating stage. Little Spoon's website is easy to navigate, and customers can easily explore different menu options while filtering for allergies or dietary restrictions. You'll need to enter some basic information before you begin browsing meals suited for your child's age and eating stage. Prep, cook, and cleanup time: For frozen meals, microwave on high for 60 seconds and let the tray rest for 2 minutes before carefully removing the film. Oven-baking is also an option, with most meals ready in under 10 minutes at 425°F. Plates and Biteables can be stored in the fridge for 7 days or the freezer for up to two months. For frozen meals, microwave on high for 60 seconds and let the tray rest for 2 minutes before carefully removing the film. Oven-baking is also an option, with most meals ready in under 10 minutes at 425°F. Plates and Biteables can be stored in the fridge for 7 days or the freezer for up to two months. Flavor and fullness: Little Spoon incorporates a variety of ingredients, with plenty of hidden fruits, veggies, and superfoods, so your kiddo gets the nutrients they need to support their growing bodies. The menu veers on the healthier side, but the recipes we tested were still well-seasoned and fresh-tasting. Little Spoon incorporates a variety of ingredients, with plenty of hidden fruits, veggies, and superfoods, so your kiddo gets the nutrients they need to support their growing bodies. The menu veers on the healthier side, but the recipes we tested were still well-seasoned and fresh-tasting. Sustainability: Little Spoon uses BPA, BPS, and Phthalate-free packaging, and everything is recyclable. The snacks and meals are also perfectly portioned to help eliminate food waste. All products are USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, and Clean Label Project certified. Little Spoon uses BPA, BPS, and Phthalate-free packaging, and everything is recyclable. The snacks and meals are also perfectly portioned to help eliminate food waste. All products are USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, and Clean Label Project certified. Price: Babyblends start at $3.32 per blend for 42 blends per delivery. Biteables start at $6.49 per meal for 12 meals per week. Plates start at $6.49 per meal for 12 meals per week. Lunchers start at $7.92 per meal for 14 meals a week. Smoothies start at $2.82 per smoothie for 18 per week. The standard shipping fee is $10 per order. Best Prepared Meals: Factor Factor Pros: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts all come fresh, ready to heat and eat (no preparation needed) More health-conscious options designed by dietiticians: keto, paleo, plant-based, low-carb, vegetarian, pescatarian, and meat-eaters They also offer snacks as well as smoothies and protein shakes for a grab-and-go meal or pre-workout Cons: The packaging may take up a bit more space in the fridge than the homemade meals we tested from other subscription services Factor may be better for smaller families, as the price for single-serving meals can add up Factor might be the best prepared meal delivery for families, especially if you're factoring in calories while counting the clock. These meals require no prep and no cooking. The entire menu is dietitian-approved and chef-prepared, and all you'll need to do is pop your plates into the microwave for two minutes and enjoy. The protein-heavy menu spans from seafood delicacies like Salmon Piccata to Fajita-Spiced Shrimp and Filet Mignon, as well as tasty plates like Blueberry Pancakes and Kale and Mushroom Egg Bites, so you could have breakfast, lunch, and dinner covered. Get up to $130 off and free shipping on your first box with promo code 'NYP130FS'. How does Factor work? Families barely have enough time to set the table, let alone prepare homemade meals. Factor is an attractive choice for those who would prefer heat-and-eat meals that can be stored in the fridge and freezer. This entirely pre-made delivery service also offers protein shakes, snacks, and fresh juices that are perfect for families looking to meet health goals. Simply order as many as you'll need to feed the entire family. Testing TLDR: Ease of ordering: Unlike subscription services like HelloFresh or EveryPlate, you won't have to worry about meal planning. Factor meals are all single-serving sizes, and there are plenty to choose from. The menu features 50 healthy, restaurant-quality al-la-carte meals each week. Unlike subscription services like HelloFresh or EveryPlate, you won't have to worry about meal planning. Factor meals are all single-serving sizes, and there are plenty to choose from. The menu features 50 healthy, restaurant-quality al-la-carte meals each week. Prep, cook and cleanup time: The greatest draw of Factor has to be the time saved during cooking and cleaning. There is zero prep needed with these grab-and-go meals. Factor meals arrive in an insulated, recyclable box ready to heat and eat in just two minutes. The greatest draw of Factor has to be the time saved during cooking and cleaning. There is zero prep needed with these grab-and-go meals. Factor meals arrive in an insulated, recyclable box ready to heat and eat in just two minutes. Flavor and fullness: Factor meals tend to focus on the protein, and their meats and seafood have a high-quality taste. Per our testing, the portions are a bit smaller, and some meals were less filling than the home-cooked delivery services we tested. You may want to consider the add-ons, like smoothies and protein shakes, to supplement meals. Factor meals tend to focus on the protein, and their meats and seafood have a high-quality taste. Per our testing, the portions are a bit smaller, and some meals were less filling than the home-cooked delivery services we tested. You may want to consider the add-ons, like smoothies and protein shakes, to supplement meals. Sustainability: There are a couple more steps involved, but Factor is still a sustainable choice. The box and ice packs can be broken down and recycled. The packaging and cardboard sleeve can also be recycled if all the food particles are rinsed away after eating. The brand also sources 100% renewable electricity for all its production sites and offices. There are a couple more steps involved, but Factor is still a sustainable choice. The box and ice packs can be broken down and recycled. The packaging and cardboard sleeve can also be recycled if all the food particles are rinsed away after eating. The brand also sources 100% renewable electricity for all its production sites and offices. Price: Compared to other meal delivery services, Factor is on the pricier side. Eight meals per week average $13.49, but there are frequent promo codes. The more you order, the less you'll pay per serving. Shipping costs a flat rate of $10.99. Best Budget: EveryPlate EveryPlate Pros: More affordable than many other sites we tested, making it one of the best meal kits for large families Meals were filling, picky-eater-approved, and still yummy as leftovers The recipe cards are simple and easy to follow for beginners Fewer choices, but you may spend less time sorting through the menu to place your order Less packaging means reduced waste Cons: Less variety on the menu, and simpler ingredients are used in the recipes All of the items (besides protein) are placed in a single bag, which requires some sorting Feeding the whole family gets pricey. EveryPlate has positioned itself as a more budget-friendly meal delivery service, and they've made good on that promise. Meals start at around $5.99 per serving, making it more affordable than strong competitors like Blue Apron and even HelloFresh. The recipes are a bit simpler, as is the packaging, which helps keep prices lower for customers. To pay just $1.99 per meal on your first box, use code 'NYP199EP'. Previous 1 of 9 Next EveryPlate Black Bean Burrito Bowl. Miska Salemann The EveryPlate box, delivered and ready to open. EveryPlate Advertisement Miska Salemann's daughter trying an EveryPlate bowl. Miska Salemann Cooking an EveryPlate meal. Miska Salemann EveryPlate ingredients, cooked and tested by Miska Salemann and her daughter. EveryPlate Advertisement EveryPlate ingredients in a brown paper bag. EveryPlate Advertisement New York Post Review: EveryPlate's menu may have been absent of filets and fancy recipes I can't pronounce, but I was still pleasantly surprised with the options. I ordered a sampling of the Hawaiian-Style Loco Moco, Saucy Black Bean Fajita Burrito Bowls, and Soy-Marinated Steak Fried Rice. Everything was delivered in a brightly-colored cardboard box that arrived ahead of schedule. Upon breaking it open, I noticed the ingredients were all placed together in one bag, with meat and fish placed below. This is a bit different than HelloFresh, which wraps meals separately, but it's no bother as long as you save some time to sort through the ingredients. It took some time to find what I needed for the different recipes, but once that was out of the way, the rest of the preparation process was seamless. The meal cards have large photographs for those who are more visually oriented. I probably could have figured out how to make the black bean bowl from pictures alone, and for busy parents, that type of intuitive cooking is greatly appreciated. It saves time, energy, and takes out the guesswork. Another big draw: The recipes are simple, so simple in fact that my toddler was able to assist in stirring up some sauces. Sure, EveryPlate cuisine might not look like it came out of a Michelin-star restaurant (frankly, kids don't care about that), but the meals were still tasty and just as good as leftovers the next day. My daughter devoured the Saucy Black Bean Fajita Burrito Bowls (pictured above) within minutes, and it's typically a battle just to get her to try any type of veggie, let alone peppers, onions, and tomatoes in one dish. Since EveryPlate has a smaller menu to choose from, you may notice some repetition. However, families who value affordability, consistency, and practicality might appreciate having fewer choices — we sure did. We've tested: Hawaiian-Style Loco Moco Saucy Black Bean Fajita Burrito Bowls Soy-Marinated Steak Fried Rice How does EveryPlate work? EveryPlate caters to a more value-driven crowd, ideal for college students, first-time meal kit users, and families with young children. Meal plans range from two to six people, with three to five meals per week. The menu rotates with about 20 choices, and most meals are ready in 20 minutes or less. Customers can filter for family faves, quick and easy recipes, healthier options, and more suited for different diets. Testing TLDR: Ease of ordering: With roughly 25 menu options every week, EveryPlate may have fewer options than some other sites. For families that don't want to spend time sorting through countless options, this may be a positive factor. It's still possible to filter for different health needs and family-friendly recipes. Select a preferred delivery day, and if needed, you can adjust up to 5 days before. With roughly 25 menu options every week, EveryPlate may have fewer options than some other sites. For families that don't want to spend time sorting through countless options, this may be a positive factor. It's still possible to filter for different health needs and family-friendly recipes. Select a preferred delivery day, and if needed, you can adjust up to 5 days before. Prep, cook, and cleanup time: EveryPlate requires a little more prep work out of the gate. The ingredients are placed in one paper bag, so you'll need to sort through to find what you need. From there, the recipe cards are extremely straightforward, and the meals we tested were ready ahead of schedule. Having fewer ingredients proved to save some time cooking and cleaning. EveryPlate requires a little more prep work out of the gate. The ingredients are placed in one paper bag, so you'll need to sort through to find what you need. From there, the recipe cards are extremely straightforward, and the meals we tested were ready ahead of schedule. Having fewer ingredients proved to save some time cooking and cleaning. Flavor and fullness: While EveryPlate's meals were a little less extravagant than some of the other meal kits we have tested, they still are well-seasoned and filling. My daughter was particularly impressed with the fried rice and bean bowls, confirming to me that this brand understands how to appease picky eaters. The recipes are simple, balanced, and still nourishing. While EveryPlate's meals were a little less extravagant than some of the other meal kits we have tested, they still are well-seasoned and filling. My daughter was particularly impressed with the fried rice and bean bowls, confirming to me that this brand understands how to appease picky eaters. The recipes are simple, balanced, and still nourishing. Sustainability: Thanks to its pre-portioned ingredients, EveryPlate eliminates a substantial amount of food waste. The company also limits plastic and individual wrapping wherever possible, and the box is also 100% recyclable. Thanks to its pre-portioned ingredients, EveryPlate eliminates a substantial amount of food waste. The company also limits plastic and individual wrapping wherever possible, and the box is also 100% recyclable. Price: EveryPlate offers competitive pricing for large families. Servings start at just $5.99 with premium add-ons priced around $2.99 per serving. There is a flat shipping fee of $8.99 per week. First-time customers can score up to $180 off their first 5 boxes. Best Variety: Blue Apron Blue Apron Pros: Very fresh produce, large portions, and full-sized ingredients (restaurant-quality) You may learn some new culinary skills in the process of cooking these recipes Ideal for families who want to spend time cooking together Delivery service also offers pre-made meals, grocery items, and add-ons for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dessert Cons: A bit less sustainable, as each meal and many ingredients are individually wrapped in plastic Some recipes are a bit more complicated, so they might be better suited for people with cooking skills If you're all about options, Blue Apron is hard to beat. The rotating menu features over 100 meals every week, which makes it easy for foodies to find something fresh and exciting every time they put in their order. It's easy to filter for carb-conscious options, family favorites, seasonal veggie varieties, and more categories customized to your liking. There's even a section dedicated just to desserts, so sweet-tooths are satisfied too. Blue Apron has also positioned itself as a more sustainable choice, as far as subscription services go. Their team partners with experts to create better standards for growing food and raising animals, committing to antibiotic and hormone-free meats and selecting seafood recommended by Seafood Watch, so customers know they're meals are sustainably sourced and safe to eat. How does Blue Apron work? Blue Apron isn't just a meal kit subscription, it's designed to teach you how to cook new recipes you may have never tried before. This service is a great way to introduce kids to new flavors and spend quality time with each other in the kitchen. As far as meal plans go, customers can choose from over 20 weekly options of never frozen, microwave-ready meals in 1, 2, 3, or 4 serving sizes. You can stop or skip at any time and shop single-serve options from the Marketplace, no subscription required. Testing TLDR: Ease of ordering: Blue Apron's site is easy to navigate, and the subscription service is only a few steps away. First, you'll need to choose between prepared meals and homemade options. Then, you can refine for dietary preferences and select the number of servings (two or four) and meals (up to five) you'll need every week. Blue Apron's site is easy to navigate, and the subscription service is only a few steps away. First, you'll need to choose between prepared meals and homemade options. Then, you can refine for dietary preferences and select the number of servings (two or four) and meals (up to five) you'll need every week. Prep, cook and cleanup time: Since Blue Apron meals are a bit more in-depth, customers should expect a slightly longer cooking and cleanup time. Some recipes require using more than one appliance at a time, and more refined chopping skills, grating, and mixing ingredients. Since Blue Apron meals are a bit more in-depth, customers should expect a slightly longer cooking and cleanup time. Some recipes require using more than one appliance at a time, and more refined chopping skills, grating, and mixing ingredients. Flavor and fullness: Per our testing, Blue Apron offers some of the most decadent and filling meals. The ingredients taste fresh, and the recipes are well-seasoned and balance different food groups, so you're receiving the nutritional benefits, too. The extra time for cooking is worth it — and it's a good way to introduce kids to new flavors and textures. Per our testing, Blue Apron offers some of the most decadent and filling meals. The ingredients taste fresh, and the recipes are well-seasoned and balance different food groups, so you're receiving the nutritional benefits, too. The extra time for cooking is worth it — and it's a good way to introduce kids to new flavors and textures. Sustainability: Blue Apron works hand-in-hand with sustainability experts and sources approximately 80% of what goes into their meal kits directly from producers and farms. Over 85% of its packaging is recyclable by weight, and the company is also carbon neutral, making it a very sustainable choice. Blue Apron works hand-in-hand with sustainability experts and sources approximately 80% of what goes into their meal kits directly from producers and farms. Over 85% of its packaging is recyclable by weight, and the company is also carbon neutral, making it a very sustainable choice. Price: Blue Apron is comparable to most meal delivery services. Customers can get started for as little as $7.99 per serving, with better deals for larger meal plans. Shipping is free for orders over $50, and $5.99 for orders under $50. What is the most cost-effective meal kit? Based on our testing and research, EveryPlate was the most cost-effective meal kit for large families. Meals average at roughly $5.99 per serving, with a shipping fee of $9.99 per order. However, the overall price-per-meal decreases with orders of larger quantities. For five meals that cater to six people a week, the total cost comes to just $1.99 per serving. First-time customers can also score a discount of up to 66% off the total cost of their order. How We Tested Miska Salemann To review the best family meal kits, we evaluated the meal delivery services on a few factors: taste, nutrition, convenience, variety, and overall value. Each factor played a key role in determining whether the service was worth the cost for parents. Taste: The ultimate test we put these meal kits through was the taste test. I sat down with my picky toddler to share these meals. We considered freshness, seasoning, and presentation, as well as how many leftovers we had over and how full everyone was by the end of the meal. The ultimate test we put these meal kits through was the taste test. I sat down with my picky toddler to share these meals. We considered freshness, seasoning, and presentation, as well as how many leftovers we had over and how full everyone was by the end of the meal. Nutrition: All meal kit services have their own approach to nutrition. Some offer more comfort foods, while others have a range of meals for dietary restrictions and health-conscious families. We evaluated ingredients and considered the nutritional balance in every recipe, as well as the absence of unwanted artificial additives. All meal kit services have their own approach to nutrition. Some offer more comfort foods, while others have a range of meals for dietary restrictions and health-conscious families. We evaluated ingredients and considered the nutritional balance in every recipe, as well as the absence of unwanted artificial additives. Convenience: Convenience was a major factor in our review of the best family meal kits, so we made notes about the ordering and delivery process, tested to see just how 'ready-to-eat' each meal was, timed how long it took to prepare, and whether any additional clean-up was necessary. Convenience was a major factor in our review of the best family meal kits, so we made notes about the ordering and delivery process, tested to see just how 'ready-to-eat' each meal was, timed how long it took to prepare, and whether any additional clean-up was necessary. Variety: Kids and adults are hard to please, and providing a variety is essential. We reviewed the diversity of these meal kits' menu offerings and made note of the different dietary restriction-friendly foods. We also noted whether any brands used seasonal produce in their recipes. Kids and adults are hard to please, and providing a variety is essential. We reviewed the diversity of these meal kits' menu offerings and made note of the different dietary restriction-friendly foods. We also noted whether any brands used seasonal produce in their recipes. Overall value: The overall value always depends on an individual's budget, nutritional needs, and daily routines. For this review, we considered the ease of ordering and delivery, cost versus food quality, and the amount of time saved by using the service as the main factors for helping parents make an informed choice. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted. This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.
WIRED
18-05-2025
- WIRED
Are Meal Kits Cheaper than Groceries in 2025? We Break It Down
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Despite all appearances, meal kit companies don't really sell food. What meal kits offer, instead, is logistics. Photograph: Getty Images A single meal kit box at your doorstep from HelloFresh (7/10, WIRED Recommends) or Marley Spoon (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a convergence of growers and purveyors and saucemakers from all over the country and globe, with each ingredient portioned individually and kitted out to suit your weekly culinary whims. The one-sheet recipes that arrive with each box, detailing how to make scratch ramen or mushroom Dijon chicken, are far less complicated than the process that got those ingredients to your door. A meal kit is a wonder of modern technology, convenience, and maybe global capitalism. Spalding Gray might pray over it. This, as much as anything, is why WIRED devotes so much coverage to meal kits—and why I keep reviewing so many of them. Photograph: Matthew Korfhage The standard knock, of course, is that meal kits are expensive: anywhere from $7 to $14 a portion, less than a restaurant meal but more than most food budgets. So I set an experiment for myself. Armed only with meal kit recipe cards, I went to my local grocery store to see if I could make the meals for less. Reader, it wasn't easy. In fact, I mostly failed. For the sake of science, I bought everything at the store that the meal kit provided in the box, including rice or 'Italian herb seasoning,' even if I otherwise already had it at home—but tried to buy it in as small a portion as I could. Where quality was credibly equivalent to the meal kit, I bought the lowest-cost option. Portions were for two, not for a family. And I only went to one store for each meal, meaning if I had to improvise substitutes to make the meal happen, that's what I did. No one's going to three stores for a Tuesday dinner, and so I did what people do when they're shopping for themselves on a weeknight: I bought what was there. My conclusion, not to spoil the ending, is that the real bonus offered by a meal kit is sauces, spices, and flavors, doled out in small portions rather than large jars. You can maybe buy a steak for less, even at an all-organic butcher, but you won't get your cream-cheese sauce with roasted red peppers, the Parmesan cheese for your rice, and the herbs you rub your meat with. Aside from time savings, it turns out that what a meal kit does best is serve up single- or double-serve flavor at relatively low cost compared with procuring it yourself. When trying to replicate meal kit sauces and spices at a grocery store, I ended up spending a lot more—though of course I then also had multitudinous condiments left over for future meals. Which is to say: You can, of course, eat much more cheaply than a $12 kit meal. But you can't easily eat these exact things this cheaply, unless you already own the right spices and bulk ingredients. Here's my experience trying. Seared Salmon & Cumin Sichuan Glaze (Blue Apron) Photograph: Matthew Korfhage Ingredients: 2 boneless, center-cut pork chops or 2 skin-on salmon fillets; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 4 cloves garlic; 2 tbsp vegetarian ponzu sauce, 4 tbsp soy glaze, 6 tbsp cumin-Sichuan peppercorn sauce, 12 oz carrots, 4 scallions, 2 tsp black and white sesame seeds Blue Apron price: $25 for two servings, including shipping Grocery store price: $39, mostly condiments and spices Buying for an Asian-influenced recipe at a chain supermarket in my mostly blue-collar neighborhood is perhaps a difficult test. But the nearest Asian-owned supermarket is a half-hour away from home, and it's already late on a weekday. Life prevails. Alas, the supermarket's diminutive Asian foods section contains nothing that answers to the description of soy glaze, nor Sichuan peppercorn sauce, with no black sesame seeds to boot. Photograph: Matthew Korfhage It'll be an improvised day. I bought sweet soy sauce and rice vinegar separately to make my own glaze, combined with sugar and corn starch from home. The Sichuan peppercorn sauce will be concocted at home from a mix of Lao Gan Ma chili crisp ($14) and a citric Olokoi sauce from Palau ($13), previously unknown to me, plus my own cumin. It'll be an experiment, to say the least. But just to get here, I've already shot most of my budget: I'm down more than $20 in condiments alone. And sesame seeds add $4 more to the total. Ponzu sauce for the carrots is another $5. Even worse, the only salmon for sale with the butcher counter closed is a $50 whole side of salmon—leaving me to sub in some pretty inexpensive pork chops instead, five chops for a mere $5. In the end, I spent a mere $10 on meat and vegetables and rice. The other $30 or so is sauces and spices. Mixing the sauce at home, I realize that the Olokoi is a lovely and tangy sauce well suited to meats, but it actually has serrano pepper, not Sichuan pepper. And so I also throw in a spoonful of my own mushroom-umami Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp ($15). My self-mixed soy glaze and Sichuan sauce turn out delicious, by the time I'm done tasting and blending. But lord, is it $25 worth of delicious? Maybe if I make it five more times. I've got half a condiment aisle in my fridge as leftovers, alongside three bonus pork chops. I might actually like my sauce better. But on the cost front, victory belongs to Blue Apron. Just for fun, I also shopped online through Instacart and Amazon: Whatever way I sliced it, buying salmon this time, I couldn't get the ingredients for much below $40. Ranch Steaks With Creamy Red Pepper Sauce (Green Chef) Photograph: Matthew Korfhage : Half-cup jasmine rice, umami stock concentrate, 6 oz broccoli, garlic bulb, 1 scallion, two 5-oz bavette steaks, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, two oz roasted red peppers, 1 oz cream cheese, 2 oz peas, ¾ oz Parmesan cheese Green Chef price: $27.66 for two Grocery store price: $43 with a lot of extra red peppers, cheese, and peas Green Chef is the organic-focused imprint of German-founded meal kit giant HelloFresh, and so most items are organic unless stated otherwise. I figured the equivalent would be the local organic-focused supermarket, and so off I went to the nice butcher counter, the one with grass-fed steaks. It's funny, though: Again, the meat was a mere fraction of the meal cost. Bavette steaks were nowhere to be found in the butcher case, but I pulled a 12-ounce grass-fed top sirloin, ready to be butterflied into two fillets, for less than $14. I spent nearly as much, a little more than $10, on the cream cheese and roasted red peppers and garlic I'd eventually use as a sauce. A small container of Jasmine rice was another $5, and so were some frozen peas, and here we were already over budget before I even got to the shredded Parmesan cheese. (I was a bit early in the season to buy shelling peas by the pound.) Even if I'd bought cheaper steaks and produce at a different store, I would have had a hard time getting below $14 a serving. Victory to the meal kit, yet again. Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops (EveryPlate) Photograph: Matthew Korfhage Ingredients: 9 oz carrots, ¼ oz rosemary, 2 cloves garlic, 1 zucchini, 1 red onion, two 5-oz pork chops, 1 packet chicken stock concentrate EveryPlate price: $14 for two, including shipping Grocery store price: $16 (but doable for $13 on a better day) Here's the paradox of the meal kit world: The budget meal kits are actually easier to beat on cost. Why? Because budget meal kits tend to be built on simpler flavors—a single herb or sauce or spice. And sauces and spices are usually what make the recipes expensive, if you're trying to buy from scratch at a grocery store. EveryPlate, the budget plan from HelloFresh, is fairly friendly on the budget: a mere $6 or $7 a serving, including shipping. This is true even though the garlic rosemary pork chop, with a carrot and zucchini and onion side, remains a hearty meal—one I enjoyed while testing the meal kit. But it's simple. The pork chops are $5 total, for five chops. The veggies and garlic added less than $4 more. Chicken broth, used for making pan sauce, was a buck and some change. What's left is rosemary, a spice that many, many people already have in their kitchen, or maybe even growing like an angry weed in their backyard. (My rosemary plant, quite frankly, could feed an Italian army.) But by weird chance, fresh $2 rosemary sprigs were out of stock at the store, so I had to buy a full shaker of dried rosemary for $5 to prep the recipe. On a better day, Kroger would have edged out EveryPlate by a buck, with three pork chops to spare. We'll call it a tie, but advantage on normal days would go to the grocery store. Martha's Best Creamy Mushroom Chicken (Marley Spoon) Photograph: Matthew Korfhage Ingredients: 2 potatoes; 5 oz baby spinach; 4 oz mushrooms; 1 lemon; 12-oz pkg boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ¼ oz paprika; 1 packet chicken broth concentrate; 1 oz cream cheese; one bulb garlic; ¼ oz Dijon mustard. Marley Spoon price: $27.60 for two Grocery store price: $29.57 This Hungarian-influenced recipe was one of my favorites from the Martha Stewart–endorsed Marley Spoon meal kit, a rich mix of cream and Dijon and mushroom over paprika-rubbed chicken breast that recalled the simple, middle-European food I'd grown up with as a child. It's a complex plate, with layers of savor and acid balance. But most of the flavor comes from the macro-ingredients themselves: chicken, mushroom, lemon, spinach, potato. And so again, we came out pretty close to a dead heat on price. About half the cost of the meal came from buying paprika (a spice I always keep in abundance at home), cream cheese, and a jar of Dijon mustard. Also, fresh chicken is unusually expensive per pound, in these days of avian flu. But for the most part, we're close enough to consider Marley Spoon and the grocery store pretty much tied on price. The difference is, I had to go to the grocery store. Lessons Learned The lesson to be drawn here is not, of course, that meal kits are cheaper than home cooking. They clearly aren't, when I cook the way most people cook at home. On a regular grocery week, I might buy a few items with a specific recipe in mind. But what I more often do is get attracted by the ingredients themselves, pulled along also by the dull undertow of routine. Again and again, here I am with this same old chicken breast, those perennial noodles, the onions and cabbage and carrots and peppers. The spark, or fun, each week usually comes from whatever seasonal thing the farmers market has on offer. Mealtime is an all-too-familiar improvisation, based on whatever's in the fridge. The game is to use all of it. What a meal kit offers, especially when ordered just a few meals a week, is an easy break from my own tired rituals without resorting to more expensive, often less satisfying takeout or a more time-consuming cookbook recipe. And as everyone with a fancy cookbook knows, a complicated recipe—with ingredients and spices and sauces not otherwise in your larder—can sometimes cost as much as a night out on the town. Photograph: Matthew Korfhage The main takeaway from this meal kit grocery comparison, I guess, is that meal kits are better than expected at keeping costs down—whether through economies of scale or carefully managed logistics. Most of the large meal kit companies seem able to portion out a two-person meal for the same price, or even significantly less, than you'd pay trying to DIY a new recipe at the grocery store. This is a surprising, maybe even impressive result—though it doesn't take into account all the leftovers I had from my grocery excursions, and the new cornucopia of condiments now in my fridge and shelves after buying too much cream cheese or chili crisp. (As if too much chili crisp were ever possible.) But if you want to get your money's worth from a meal kit, the lesson goes, order the meals you're least likely to make for yourself. What a meal kit offers is the ability to try out a new recipe, a new set of spices, a new set of ingredients, at the same price or sometimes less than it would have cost to experiment in the aisles of a Trader Joe's. The more complex or spice-filled the recipe, and the more sauce packets they send—really, the more ingredients on the list overall—the more likely it is you're actually saving money versus your own hypothetical attempts. Adventure, it turns out, is cheap at twice the price.
WIRED
30-04-2025
- WIRED
What Are the Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew?
Cold brew demands different beans than drip or espresso to come out right. Here's a guide to finding the right ones. Photograph: Matthew Korfhage; Getty Images All products featured on Wired are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Cold-brew coffee is the gentlest of coffee: pleasant and sweet, made for warm days and chill thoughts. And so the best coffee beans for cold brew are not necessarily the same ones that make the most interesting drip or pour-over or espresso. It's a different animal entirely from the volatile intensity of hot brew. Rather, it's extracted gently over 12 or 24 hours to release the bean's natural sweetness. I have my own thoughts, of course. I've tested more than a dozen cold-brew coffee makers in the past year for WIRED's guide to the best cold-brew coffee makers. But few have wrestled with this question more intensely than Maciej Kasperowicz, director of coffee at Trade Coffee, one of WIRED's favorite coffee subscription companies. With his team, Kasperowicz spent months putting together 90 coffees best suited for cold brew, to be included in Trade's new cold-brew coffee subscription. Meanwhile, Brent Wolczynski, director of product development and cold brew at Portland's Stumptown Coffee, has built one of the most distinguished café and packaged cold-brew programs in the country. We consulted Kasperowicz and Wolczynski to ask about which beans make for great cold-brew coffee, which ones don't, how you know, and the myths surrounding what makes for a good cold-brew cup. What Is Cold Brew, and What Isn't It? First off, when I'm referring to cold brew, I don't necessarily mean all cold coffee. Cold brew is a process: the act of gently extracting coffee at room temperature or lower, over the course of hours instead of minutes. Most 'instant' cold-brew makers are actually making something called iced coffee: hot coffee that's quickly chilled to avoid the bad flavors that come from letting coffee cool slowly. It's good but different, and it leads to different results: more aromatics but less smoothness and sweetness. On a traditional cold-brew maker, the process is remarkably simple: Grind beans coarsely, put them in water, leave the mixture out on the counter or in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours, and wait. To make cold-brew concentrate that can then be diluted with water or milk, roll with a ratio of 4 or 5 to 1 by weight. (Ideally, use a kitchen or coffee scale. But 4 ounces of coffee to each pint of water will do.) My favorite home cold-brew coffee maker, combining ease and convenience with excellent extraction and flavor, is the Oxo Compact cold-brew maker. For larger batches, use what restaurants and cafés use: a big ol' Toddy cold-brew maker ($49). For even more ease and ready-to-drink cold brew at lower concentration, you can try a basket-style brewer like the Hario Mizudashi ($18). Which Beans Make the Best Cold Brew? Cold brew is a process of extracting flavor over a long time, at low intensity, and so the results differ from hot brew. Gentle extraction means less volatility, less bitterness, and a focus on sweetness and fullness and big, round flavors. Here's the best advice from Kasperowicz and Wolczynski on the best coffee beans for the best cold-brew coffee. Medium-roast beans have the best balance: The Goldilocks roast level for cold brew is generally a medium-roast level, Kasperowicz says, and that's where you'll find the majority of the coffee bags among Trade's cold-brew collection. While light roasts offer bright flavors loved in craft coffee, they'll extract a little slower and less easily than a medium roast. 'Darker roasts are slightly more soluble, is the theory,' Kasperowicz says, 'and so it'll be a little easier for medium and darker roasts.' That said, lighter and medium roasts get more interesting aromatics, so it's a balancing game. 'A nicely developed medium roast is the sweet spot for cold brew,' Wolczynski agreed. Neither argues for very dark roasts in cold brew, with Wolczynski in particular saying dark roasts tend to 'fall flat.' Photograph: Matthew Korfhage But lighter roasts can surprise you: 'I've definitely had cold brew with high floral notes and fruit-forward acidity in African coffees that I've absolutely loved,' Wolczynski says. 'If you want floral notes and sparkling acidity, Ethiopia Mordecofe ($23) is an African coffee that I'd highly recommend for cold brew … It will be a quenching, juicy cup and best enjoyed black." One of the reasons I consulted Wolczynski about cold brew was, in fact, an occasional Stumptown Ethiopian Guji cold brew he first made long ago, which has topped many taste tests over the years. Medium or darker for milk drinkers. Light roast only if you like it black: This is just a rule of thumb, but light roasts will be pretty subtle in cold-brew form, and you'll lose them to a blast of milk. Fuller-flavored medium-roast cold brew will be able to hold up better. 'If you like a cup that stands up to milk, I'd go with a medium roast from Latin America,' Wolczynski says. 'If you drink it black and prefer a brighter, more fruit-forward cup, lighter-roasted African coffees are great.' Candy-bar flavors do really well in cold brews: 'I think the cold-brew method is particularly good at highlighting sweetness, and high-quality medium-roast coffees tend to lend themselves to tasting notes like chocolate, caramel, etc.,' according to Wolczynski. 'Those are also just super well-rounded profiles that can be enjoyed straight or with milk.' Kasperowicz says much the same. Cold brew doesn't always capture delicate aromatics, he says, but can really accentuate big and bold flavors like chocolate and caramel and nuts that are familiar from candy bars. 'Coffees that just inherently have those flavors of chocolate—big kind of round bodies, big smooth flavors, lots of sweetness—those kinds of coffees with more kinds of caramelized flavors tend to do better.' Look on the bag of beans, he says, or the description on the roaster's website, for the flavor descriptions of the coffee. Origins can also be a clue to finding these flavors. As a rule of thumb, Latin American coffees tend more toward chocolate, especially, so if you see 'Brazil' on the bag it's a good sign. Kasperowicz calls out in particular a Brazilian bag from Atlanta's Portrait called Toni ($38 for 2 pounds)—a great example of a big, full-bodied, nutty, sweet, chocolate roast that does well in cold-brew form. East African roasts tend more often toward fruit and berry notes. Photograph: Matthew Korfhage Balanced blends can offer the best of both worlds: Those big, fruity, bright flavors from single-origin Ethiopian coffees can come out strongly when roasted to medium or paired with chocolatey beans, Kasperowicz says. For Trade's cold-brew program, Kasperowicz selected a Cherry Picker blend ($38 for 2 pounds) of South American and East African beans from Colorado's Boxcar Roasting that tastes like chocolate-covered cherries. A PT's Coffee Roasting Cold Front blend ($38 for 2 pounds) likewise mixes Guatemalan and Ethiopian medium-roast beans to make coffee that tastes like rich, smooth blackberries and caramel. Stumptown offers a seasonal cold-brew blend, but the company's year-round Homestead ($15) offers a balanced brew as well. Look on coffee bags for the words 'full-bodied' or 'rich': This is a clue to full-flavored cold brew, Kasperowicz says. When coffee roasters describe their coffee as big, full-bodied, or round, this is a sign of a bean that's desperate to give up its secrets and so is more likely to extract fully and richly. Photograph: Matthew Korfhage Think twice before using your most expensive beans: This is more advice for self-preservation. Cold brew requires more coffee beans per cup than drip or pour-over or espresso. Quite simply, you need a lot of course-ground coffee to make a serving size. Depending on how strong you make your cold brew, it may take about 50 percent more than you use for drip coffee. But cold brew is less likely to bring out the delicacy and complexity of that high-altitude, single-origin roast, says Kasperowicz. The resulting cold brew won't be bad. It might be terrific! But you'll get less out of those expensive beans than if you brew them hot. So if you value your pocketbook, look toward blends that have the big flavors that'll come through on a megaphone. Fresh beans are still and always best: A weird myth going around is that old or stale beans are good for cold brew—perhaps because cold brew might be a little more forgiving of stale beans than hot brew. But fresh beans are best, Kasperowicz says without hesitation. Even though cold brew oxidizes more slowly, because it's cold, it does still take on those stale, cardboardy, sad flavors that come from exposure to oxygen. If you use stale beans, you'll get those flavors faster, and your cold brew will keep for less time in the fridge. How about high altitudes? Are high-altitude beans better for cold brew? Despite claims by some companies, neither Kasperowicz nor Wolczynski think beans grown at high altitude have much to say about what's good for cold brew. Altitude is a sign of quality in general, or of more subtle flavors. But subtlety is not what cold brew is best at accentuating. What about the best beans for iced coffee? Use whatever coffee you like for drip or espresso, pour it over ice, chill it fast, and you're there. No new considerations needed, Kasperowicz says. Wolczynski notes that iced coffee has a 'tannic' structure that will let it hold up well against milk and ice but finds cold brew more 'quenching when drunk black.'
