You know when veganism is becoming popular when an all plant-based meal delivery service enters the market. VegMeUp is a Melbourne-based meal prep delivery service that offers different plant-based meals on a weekly basis. Each meal box comes with (almost) all the ingredients and recipe cards you need so you can do the rest.
VegMeUp is all about offering vegan comfort food that people will love to cook at home, and the choices will have you creating many international favourites. Each meal box is designed to minimise waste and VegMeUp uses recyclable and/or biodegradable packaging. You can also be assured that all meals are nutritious and healthy.
So, how does VegMeUp work?
Basically, you choose and order a meal box that’s enough for either two or four people. Or, you can order a ‘party box’ if you need to arrange catering for your next gathering at home. All orders are placed online via the VegMeUp website.
VegMeUp delivers all meal boxes seamlessly to your door and you can choose to have your meal box delivered to your home or at work each early each week. VegMeUp delivers to destinations throughout metro Melbourne each Tuesday and offers six plant-based meals each week. You need to order in the week prior.
There are many meals to choose from, such as pastas, burgers, salads and soup-based dishes. All meals are marked with allergens and you can contact VegMeUp directly if you need to check for specific dietary requirements. The founder of VegMeUp, Jimmy van der Linden, is committed to helping customers with their needs and will offer suitable meals without compromising on variety or taste. He is a Dutch chef who lives in Melbourne with 17 years of experience under his belt, so he knows food.
Which meals should I choose?
VegMeUp’s meals are vegan to cut out the guesswork for you. If you have an allergy, check the ingredients on the website to see if you’re covered. Then, let your eyes and tastebuds do the choosing!
Is there a meal you haven’t tried before? Do you like a particular flavour? Are you keen to try a veganised version of a particular dish? These are good questions to ask yourself before you choose.
Meal boxes are ordered and paid for on a weekly basis so you’ll have plenty of time to choose different meals each time you order. Furthermore, all meals are seasonal and meal boxes are prepped using the freshest locally-sourced ingredients.
What happens when my VegMeUp box arrives?
Once you receive your box, it’s best to unpack it right away and follow the instructions provided. You will need to refrigerate items as marked or you can start cooking right away. All recipe cards are marked for two or four people, depending on which box you’ve ordered. All ingredients in each box have already been measured and prepared for you, so there’s minimal cutting and measuring needed. You may need to supply a couple of ingredients in small amounts, such as soy sauce and oil, plus you’ll need a few common cooking utensils that you should have already. VegMeUp provides everything else.
What do I do with the packaging?
All of VegMeUp’s packaging is either recyclable or biodegradable. So, you’ll be able to put items in your recycling bin or re-use them or pop items in your compost bin. Each package is marked accordingly.
Now for the fun part – the cooking!
Each meal is graded with its own level of difficulty and you can see this before you order. If you have limited cooking skills, then you’ll still be fine. VegMeUp’s meals are designed so that you can create a tasty and nutritious meal without the cooking being too difficult or cumbersome. Each recipe will tell you how long you need to cook, and all instructions are easy to follow. It’s best to have all your ingredients and utensils ready before you start, and you can also get a head-start by reading the method first.
Some meals may be a one-pot meal, while others may require a separate pan to prepare part of the dish. Either way, each recipe is staged so that you won’t feel overwhelmed during the cooking process. Plus, many dishes are quick to prepare so they are perfect for mid-week cooking after work. VegMeUp takes the guesswork out of meal planning for you, too.
What if I’m cooking for one?
I highly recommend ordering a two-person meal box as you’ll love eating the leftovers the next day for lunch. All meals have generous servings so you won’t go hungry!
But I don’t like a particular ingredient…
You’ve ordered your meal box based on your tastebuds, yet you might find an ingredient you may not like. It’s best to read what you want to order first before you place your order, or even talk to VegMeUp directly. This will minimise food wastage. This week, I tried the Sweet Potato & Broccoli Laksa and the Vietnamese Broth with Quinoa & Greens (both vegan and GF), and the broth dish contained one red chilli for garnishing. I don’t like chilli, so I kept that aside for my husband who loves chilli. Each meal was still booming with flavours so I wasn’t missing anything. See the pattern here? There will always be someone in your household who will love what you don’t and you’ll still experience the depth of delicious flavours each dish has to offer. Also, there’s a weekly variety to choose from so you’ll definitely find a dish you’ll want to try.
What if I’m not vegan?
You can still enjoy VegMeUp if you’re not vegan. Each recipe stays true to the traditional flavours of each dish, while providing a vegan version that anyone can enjoy. Is there one day of the week when you don’t each meat? Then a VegMeUp box would be perfect for this. VegMeUp’s meals are also suitable for those of you who want to add more veggies to your diet or if you want to reduce animal products from your weekly cooking. Ordering a meal box from VegMeUp can get you started on this journey. Plus, it’s No Meat May next month so VegMeUp is another solution for your vegan meal prep. Alternatively, you can order a VegMeUp gift card for the vegan foodie in your life.
VegMeUp meal boxes start from AUD $78.50 for a two-person meal box including three meal kits. For more information about VegMeUp, meal boxes and ingredients, visit the VegMeUp website. Gift cards are also available to purchase. It is the responsibility of the reader to read all ingredients and check any allergy concerns with VegMeUp directly before placing an order.
Disclaimer: Justine de Jonge of Fire & Tea was gifted two meals by VegMeUp as outlined above for the purpose of this review. Justine de Jonge of Fire & Tea does not take any responsibility for any misrepresentation of products, and encourages readers to conduct their own research with VegMeUp before the use of this food service. All comments above are based on Justine’s experience.
