Anyone who prepares their own meals knows how time-consuming the process can be—from grocery shopping, prepping, cooking time, to cleaning dishes afterwards. Though there is no shortage of food delivery services in Ho Chi Minh City, there is a rapidly growing niche of meal plan services that cater specifically to the health-conscious consumer.
The meal subscription service targets busy individuals and professionals who seek the convenience of freshly made meals delivered to their doorstep. The subscription service works as a meal plan, which is typically designed for people who seek healthy options, weight management, or are vegetarian/vegan. Most meals are based on western recipes with some Asian fusion, and are portion-controlled with specific calories and macro nutrient ingredients, dependent on the plan.
How does it work?
The meal plans are prepared mainly for lunch and dinner and delivered during the weekdays only. Most suppliers offer a weekly menu and some a-la-carte options as well. The weekly menus normally rotate throughout the month and are updated weekly on the supplier’s website and Facebook page. Orders can be placed one day in advance, though orders for a-la-carte meals can be made within the same day. Customers can check with individual suppliers for their ordering guidelines. Most have a Facebook page, so questions and orders can be made via Messenger for instant replies or by email. Most include free delivery and the meals are delivered on customer’s preferred scheduled date and time.
What to expect
A common feedback for first-time meal plan subscribers is the flavor and serving portion. Those who choose the weight management meal plans tend to comment on the blandness of the food, which is expected considering that the meals are designed to be low in fat, with no preservatives and no sugar. In general, opinions vary widely on what is considered tasty among the meal plans. The best advice is to try the different plans and suppliers and decide for yourself what is most suitable for you.
First-timers may also find that the serving portions are smaller than what they are accustomed to and may initially need to supplement their meals with healthy snacks. According to Kim Thai, COO of Fitfood, ‘as it is a normal body reaction to sudden calories deficit, we recommend all customers to take some snacks or supplements/fruit/juice in case they feel dizzy or hungry.’
The benefits
Since most suppliers focus on healthy eating, the meals contain no MSG, no or low sugar content, and no preservatives. Some even go as far as featuring organic and non-GMO ingredients in their meals. Most suppliers include macro nutrient and calorie information for each meal which is particularly useful for consumers who are on a weight management plan or requiring specific nutrients for their dietary needs. Most are also flexible in accommodating special dietary requirements like gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
Healthy solution for busy people
Due to Covid-19 and social distancing over the past year, food deliveries have become more common. The difference with meal plan subscription service is the convenience of not having to think about what you’re going have for your meals. Additionally, for those seeking a healthy lifestyle, most of the meals are designed with a focus on nutrition, freshness, with no MSG and preservatives. If you lead a busy life and have concern about eating healthily, subscribing to a meal plan might be the solution for your lifestyle requirements. To find which supplier is the right fit for you, read our ‘Complete Guide to Meal Plan Providers in Ho Chi Minh City’.
