In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can feel like a constant uphill battle. Between work, family, and social commitments, finding the time to cook nutritious meals often falls by the wayside. That’s where healthy meal delivery services come in, promising to take the stress out of eating well. I recently embarked on a week-long journey with PRESS, a company specializing in plant-based meals and cold-pressed juices, to see if their service could truly live up to the hype. Here’s my honest review of the experience.
What is PRESS?
PRESS is a UK-based health food company focused on providing 100% plant-based nutrition. Founded in 2014, they offer a range of products, including cold-pressed juices, cleanses, and ready meals, all designed to promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle. PRESS emphasizes using high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. Their meals are designed by nutritionists and prepared by chefs. They cater to busy individuals seeking convenient, nutritious options without compromising on taste or quality.
Why I Tried PRESS
As someone who juggles a demanding career with personal health goals, the idea of having pre-prepared, healthy meals delivered to my doorstep was incredibly appealing. I was particularly drawn to PRESS’s focus on plant-based eating, as I’ve been trying to incorporate more vegan and vegetarian options into my diet. My main objectives were to:
- Save Time: Reduce the amount of time spent on grocery shopping and meal preparation.
- Eat Healthier: Ensure I was consuming balanced, nutritious meals regularly.
- Discover New Flavors: Explore a variety of plant-based dishes and ingredients.
- Boost Energy Levels: Experience the potential benefits of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods.
First Impressions: Ordering and Delivery
Navigating the PRESS website was straightforward. They offer a variety of meal plans and individual items. I opted for a week’s worth of their ready meals, selecting a range of options that appealed to my palate. The ordering process was simple, and I appreciated the clear nutritional information provided for each meal.
The delivery arrived promptly on the scheduled day, packaged in an insulated box with ice packs to ensure freshness. Everything was well-organized and clearly labeled, making it easy to identify and store the meals.
The Meals: Taste, Variety, and Quality
Over the course of the week, I sampled a diverse selection of PRESS’s ready meals. Here are some of my highlights:
- Fiery Coconut Curry: This was a standout dish, packed with flavor and a satisfying level of spice. The combination of coconut milk, vegetables, and spices was both comforting and energizing.
- Lentil Shepherd’s Pie: A plant-based twist on a classic comfort food, this meal featured a rich lentil base topped with a creamy sweet potato mash. It was hearty, filling, and surprisingly delicious.
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: This salad was a refreshing and light option, perfect for lunch. The quinoa was perfectly cooked, and the combination of vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing was delightful.
- Spiced Black Bean Stew: Another flavorful and satisfying dish, this stew was packed with protein and fiber. It was a great option for a cold evening.
Overall, I was impressed with the taste and quality of the meals. The ingredients tasted fresh, and the dishes were well-seasoned and flavorful. I appreciated the variety of options available, which prevented me from feeling bored or restricted. I found the meals filling and appropriately portioned.
The Juices: A Refreshing Boost
In addition to the meals, I also sampled some of PRESS’s cold-pressed juices. I’m generally not a huge juice person, but I must admit I was pleasantly surprised.
- Lean Green Juice: This green juice, made with kale, spinach, romaine, parsley, cucumber, celery, apple, and lemon, was surprisingly palatable. It had a fresh, clean taste and provided a noticeable energy boost.
- Berry Boost Juice: A sweeter option, this juice was packed with berries and had a delicious, fruity flavor. It was a great way to satisfy my sweet cravings without resorting to unhealthy snacks.
- Clean Carrot Juice: This juice had a naturally sweet and earthy flavour.
The juices were a convenient way to get an extra dose of vitamins and nutrients. While I wouldn’t replace whole fruits and vegetables with juices entirely, I appreciated having them as a quick and easy way to supplement my diet.
The Convenience Factor: A Major Win
One of the biggest advantages of PRESS is the convenience it offers. With pre-prepared meals delivered to my door, I saved a significant amount of time on grocery shopping, meal planning, and cooking. This was particularly helpful on busy weekdays when I simply didn’t have the time or energy to prepare a healthy meal from scratch.
The meals were easy to heat up in the microwave or oven, making them a quick and hassle-free option. I also appreciated that the packaging was recyclable, which aligned with my commitment to sustainability.
Potential Downsides
While my experience with PRESS was overwhelmingly positive, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
- Price: Healthy meal delivery services can be more expensive than preparing meals at home. PRESS is no exception. However, it’s important to weigh the cost against the value of the time saved and the benefits of eating healthier.
- Packaging: While the packaging is recyclable, it still generates waste. If you’re particularly concerned about reducing your environmental impact, this may be a consideration.
- Taste Preferences: While I enjoyed the majority of the meals, taste is subjective. Some people may not find all of the options appealing. It’s important to carefully review the menu and select meals that align with your personal preferences.
Cost and Value
PRESS offers various meal plans and options, so the cost will vary depending on your specific choices. Generally, you can expect to pay around £8 or more per meal when ordering ready meals. While this is more expensive than cooking from scratch, it’s comparable to the cost of eating out or ordering takeout.
In my opinion, the value of PRESS lies in the convenience, health benefits, and time savings it provides. If you’re a busy individual who struggles to find time to cook healthy meals, PRESS can be a worthwhile investment.
Similar Meal Delivery Options
Several other meal delivery services operate in the UK, each with its own unique offerings and price points. Some popular alternatives to PRESS include:
- Mindful Chef: Specializes in healthy recipe boxes with a focus on reducing food waste.
- HelloFresh: Offers a wide variety of recipe boxes with options for different dietary preferences.
- Green Chef: Focuses on providing organic and sustainable meal kits.
- Detox Kitchen: Offers healthy meal delivery with innovative recipes.
- Balance Box: Provides ready-made meal plans designed for weight loss and healthy eating.
- Frive: Delivers chef-prepared meal preps and focuses on natural, healthy food.
- The Good Prep: Offers premium meal prep delivery with options for customization.
- COOK: A ready-meal delivery service with a wide range of options, from healthy meals to comfort food.
Final Verdict: Would I Do It Again?
After a week of PRESS healthy meal and juice deliveries, I can confidently say that I was impressed with the experience. The meals were delicious, nutritious, and incredibly convenient. I saved a significant amount of time and effort, and I felt good about nourishing my body with wholesome, plant-based foods.
While the cost may be a barrier for some, I believe that PRESS offers excellent value for those seeking a convenient and healthy way to eat. I would definitely consider using their service again in the future, particularly during busy periods when I need a little extra help staying on track with my health goals.
