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When my father sat down to dinner with a plate of food I had prepared from a Dinnerly meal kit, he remarked that it was a true Midwestern meal. To him, this was the highest compliment, reminiscent of the hearty, no-nonsense dishes he grew up with in Nebraska. During a week-long visit, I cooked him meals using Dinnerly, the more budget-friendly alternative to the upscale Marley Spoon meal kit, also endorsed by Martha Stewart.

One pleasant surprise for my father was how these meals aligned with traditional American home cooking. The “Greek Lemon-Oregano Chicken” we enjoyed featured citrus notes but was dominated by the rich, savory flavor of deglazed chicken broth and caramelized chicken bits. The familiar taste of oregano felt right at home to all of us. The Yukon gold potatoes were mashed by hand with butter and garlic, and the green beans were served simply, highlighting their freshness.

Despite being more affordable, Dinnerly’s chicken breasts were of high quality, plump, pink, and well-trimmed. The portions were generous, leaving us pleasantly full by the end of the meal. On its best dishes, Dinnerly evokes the comfort of classic home cooking, much like Marley Spoon, but at a 30% lower cost. The price ranges from $6 to $9 per serving, including shipping, depending on the number of meals ordered each week. The menu caters to various preferences including gluten-free, low calorie, low carb, picky-eater approved, quick and easy, and vegetarian options. Customers have the flexibility to pause or cancel their subscriptions at any time.

Although some of Dinnerly’s recipes may reveal shortcuts in their development, the true value of the meal kit lies in its simplicity.

### Simplifying Savings

It’s inevitable to draw comparisons between Dinnerly and Marley Spoon, considering they come from the same parent company and share Martha Stewart’s culinary influence. Both meal kits arrive in a box containing ingredients for all recipes, with fresh produce and shelf-stable items separated from perishables like meat and dairy by cool packs. Basic pantry staples like flour and oil are expected to be on hand as they are not included in the kit.

By streamlining the recipes and minimizing ingredients, Dinnerly achieves its cost-effectiveness without sacrificing taste or quality. The emphasis on simplicity allows customers to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, Dinnerly offers a practical and affordable solution for those seeking convenient, home-cooked meals without the hassle of meal planning and grocery shopping. While it may not have the gourmet flair of its pricier counterparts, Dinnerly provides a satisfying dining experience that resonates with the essence of traditional American cooking.