by Joyce Slaton posted in Products & Prizes

It's one thing entirely to shop and cook when you're a non-parent, even a busy one. But once you've got a little one, or several of them, getting dinner on the table becomes entirely more fraught. It's difficult enough to get to the store; it's another thing entirely to convert raw ingredients into a meal everyone will eat.
Meal kit delivery services make it all easier -- which is exactly why they're getting so popular. These services send boxes of pre-portioned meal ingredients, with pre-printed recipes that explain how to turn the ingredients into an actual meal. No measuring, no shopping; you can open the box and have dinner on the table before that episode of Sofia the First is over.
Here are the details on 6 different services.
Blue Apron's sesame chicken with bok choy and jasmine rice
1. Blue Apron

Price: $8.49-$9.99 per meal, free shipping
Arguably the most popular meal-kit service, this Richmond, California-based company offers plans for two (3 meals weekly for a total of $59.94), and four (3-4 meals weekly for $69.92-$139.84). Customers can order meals tailored to their preferences: vegetarian, pescetarian, no red meat, no lamb, etc. Parents who like a little something extra with their meals can also sign up for the Blue Apron wine plan, 6 bottles a month selected to harmonize with Blue Apron's menus.

Plated's Seared pork chops with Brussels sprouts and pomegranate
2. Plated

Price: $12 per meal + shipping (free...