Getting high quality, fresh produce delivered right to your door is easier than ever. Produce delivery services across the country offer subscription boxes with a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and other grocery items.
While grocery stores may turn away perfectly good produce that is misshapen or slightly blemished, many of these delivery services specialize in this "ugly" produce that would otherwise go to waste. The produce is still just as delicious and nutritious!
Below we cover the types of services available, benefits and features to look for, pricing models, and our top picks for the best produce delivery companies.
Types of Produce Delivery Services
Organic Produce Delivery
Several services like Farmbox Direct and Misfits Market provide certified organic fruits and vegetables grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Going organic is a great option if it fits your budget.
Budget-Friendly Produce Delivery
For more affordable produce delivery, companies like Imperfect Foods and Hungry Harvest offer boxes of ugly or surplus produce at discount prices compared to grocery stores. Just because an apple looks funny doesn't make it any less sweet!
Specialty Produce Delivery
Looking for unique finds? Tropical Fruit Box offers rare tropical produce you would normally only find when traveling internationally, while The FruitGuys delivers harder-to-find regional items.
Subscription-Based Services
Many produce delivery companies like Misfits Market operate on a subscription model where you sign up for weekly or monthly deliveries. This approach saves money and ensures you always have fresh fruits and veggies on hand!
Benefits of Produce Delivery
Convenience and Time Savings
Skip weekly trips to the grocery store by having fresh produce conveniently delivered to your home. Some services even offer same-day delivery!
Variety and Unique Selections
Discover new flavors and seasonal items not always stocked at your local store. Certain services provide rare specialty produce from around the world.
Cost Savings vs. Grocery Stores
Produce delivery services can help you save money in multiple ways:
- Deep discounts on surplus and ugly produce
- Lower overall grocery bills by reducing impulse buys
- Bulk order discounts and subscription pricing
Sustainability
Many produce delivery companies align with sustainability values by using minimal, reusable, or eco-friendly packaging. Buying direct from small farms also helps local agriculture.
Our Top Picks for Produce Delivery
Our Top Picks for Produce Delivery |
FAQ
What produce can be shipped?
Most firmer fruits and vegetables ship well, including apples, citrus, carrots, potatoes, onions, squash, and melons. More delicate berries, lettuces, herbs, and ripe stone fruit require faster shipping.
Is delivery more expensive than the grocery store?
Delivery services specializing in surplus ugly produce often beat grocery store prices. Organic produce delivery tends to cost more but saves the hassle of shopping. Smart strategies like bulk orders, subscriptions, and price comparing can yield savings.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery times range from 1-5 business days for national services. Regional companies and premium shipping options can deliver as fast as same-day for an extra fee.
The Bottom Line
Produce delivery services make eating fresh, healthy fruits and veggies convenient and affordable. Companies like Imperfect Foods reduce food waste by rescuing surplus and funny-looking produce, while services like The FruitGuys deliver farm-fresh picks at peak ripeness. Take advantage of cost savings, subscriptions, and unique selections not found at the grocery store.
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