Publix and Kroger announced their own line of meal kits this week to compete with services like Blue Apron and Hello Fresh.
According to the Tampa Bay Business Journal, Publix is rolling out its meal kits at two Florida locations — Tampa and Orlando. The pre-bagged kits will include pre-measured ingredients for meals that will feed two to four people. Three tiers will be available: simplest, which just requires heating the food; simple, which could include up to four steps; and simple, a meal that takes up to six steps.
The kits are in highly visible refrigerated kiosks near the checkout lanes, targeting consumers looking for grab-and-go dinner.
Kroger is now offering is prepared meal kits — under the name Prep+Pared — in the Cincinnati area, according to news station WCPO. The kits include fresh ingredients and carry a cooking time of 20 minutes or less. Each kit feeds two adults and ranges in price from $14 to $18.
Kroger is starting with five seasonal recipes: Japanese-inspired beef bowl, chimichurri steak, Moroccan-inspired spring vegetables, creamy chicken and bacon alfredo, and chicken enchiladas rojas.