All the makings for dinner are not the only thing you can get delivered to your door or office.
You also can get hand-picked boxes of gourmet goodies in the mail each month, through snack subscription boxes. They’re exactly what they sound like — curated boxes of good-for-you, sample-sized snacks. The goal is to provide snackers with variety.
Depending on your preferences, many of these boxes can be tailored to specific diets, such as gluten-free, vegan/vegetarian and Paleo-friendly. Most offer a discount on your first order. As with meal delivery boxes, you can cancel or make changes to your box at any time so long as you meet the cut-off time, usually seven days in advance.
Here’s a sampling of what’s out there:
STRIDE BOX (STRIDEBOX.COM)
This monthly plan is geared toward runners and other athletes. Each box contains five to seven curated samples of performance products — think nutritional bars, gels, energy drinks and chews, along with hygiene and skincare products such as wipes and lotions. $15/month with a $15 sign-up fee.
GRAZE (GRAZE.COM)
Graze launched in London in 2008 and came to the U.S. in 2013. There’s more than 100 snacks to choose from across nine categories — seeds, pretzels, bars, etc. While the boxes are curated in-house based on subscribers’ preferences (you rate what you love, like, want to try, or would trash), an algorithm assures a good variety (and not too many similar snacks) as well minimal repeats. Boxes cost $6.99 (four snacks) or $11.99 (eight snacks), or $25 for a shared box containing five sharing bags (about 20 servings).
NATURE BOX (NATUREBOX.COM)
Looking for healthy? You won’t find any artificial colors or flavors, high fructose corn syrup or MSG in these snacks, and all are less than 200 calories per serving. Choose from baked goods, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, granolas and popcorn. Plans starts at $19.95 for five snacks, which you can hand-select; there’s also a “surprise me” option for snack risk-takers.
TRY THE WORLD (TRYTHEWORLD.COM)
This plan allows you to “explore the world through food.” Every two months, subscribers receive a box filled with seven to eight authentic gourmet eats from a different country — think marinades, sauces, cookies. The artisnal products are curated by celebrity chefs, who also provide recipes. The box also includes a “culture guide” that includes the story behind each product. Boxes are $39 (pay every two months), $105 (pay every six months) or $198 (pay once a year).
LOVE WITH FOOD (LOVEWITHFOOD.COM)
The focus here is on all-natural, organic snacks. Themed boxes include eight to 10 sample-sized snacks, but you don’t get to choose — they’re curated in house. Last month’s Mardi Gras box featured baked mac ‘n cheese puffs, lemon wafer bites, creole seasoning and a protein-and-honey energy bar. For every box LWF sends out, a meal is donated to a U.S. food bank. Plans start at $9.99/month for a month-to-month plan and go as low as $7.99/month for a yearly plan. Gluten-free options cost extra.
HEALTHY SURPRISE (HEALTHYSURPRISE.COM)
This plant-friendly plan has three boxes to choose from. The Classic (15 snacks) and Big (21) boxes are 100 percent vegan, and there’s also a paleo option (17 snacks) that eschews refined sugars, grains, dairy or legumes. Company “snackologists” put together a new menu each month to ensure constant variety; boxes typically include bars, drinks, sweets, fruits, veggies, exotics, chips, nuts and proteins. All items made in the U.S. Prices start at $42.92 for a Classic box.
URTHBOX (URTHBOX.COM)
This plan claims to make health a priority by cutting through the “noise of the same-old unhealthy foods.” The monthly boxes, chosen by expert buyers, includes a variety of natural and organic foods, beverages, meal bars, snacks and personal care items. Subscribers also get coupons and a summary of each product so you know why it’s good for you. Plans start at $14.99 for six snacks. There also are Gluten-Free, Vegan or Diet box options.
MANTRY (MANTRY.COM)
Men eat/snack differently than women, or at least that’s the thought behind this bi-monthly plan geared toward the guys. Subscribers get six full-sized “manly” food products from top American artisan food makers, delivered in a handmade wooden crate. A recent “Tailgate Tour” included chorizo, black bean dip and seasoned pecans; a “Bourbon BBQ” had bacon spread, chipotle jerky and popcorn, and Bittermilk bourbon old-fashioned mix. Each Mantry also includes “The Manual” detailing every food product, how to use it and the maker’s story. Plans start at $75 ($49 with discount). Let the games begin.
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