Fresh meal delivery service put to the test

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Have you seen the ads online and on TV for fresh meal delivery services right to your doorstep?

The idea is that you make these meals at home for you or your family. You still have to prepare them, but the meals come ready to go in a box so no grocery shopping required.

Blue Apron is one of several subscription food companies. The "foodie" quality recipes have all the ingredients all pre-portioned and pre-packaged so it's easy to identify each item. The step by step instructions were all illustrated on a recipe cards so you don't have to worry about missing a step. Other companies out there that have similar services include Plated and HelloFresh.

So what about cost?

At BlueApron.com, Patricia paid $70 for two family dinners. So that breaks down to 35 dollars a meal for four adults each night. The cost per serving comes out to $8.75 a person. It's a subscription service and while there is no contract -- you do have to let the them know when you don't want to receive a box. Plus, you choose which recipes you would like to receive.