As a toddler mother who works full time, it typically feels inconceivable to plan, store, prep and cook dinner a number of nutritious meals each day along with all the pieces else I’m juggling. To not point out, my extremely choosy toddler usually finally ends up consuming one thing “off the menu.” In different phrases, she usually asks for one thing solely completely different from what I’ve cooked, like hashbrowns after I’ve made enchiladas.
Some days (who am I kidding, most days), I’m tapped in the case of dinner, and I don’t really feel like making a number of entrees or cooking in any respect—and there’s solely a lot takeout my pockets and belt will enable. So, after I was requested to check out Tempo by Home Chef as a part of Style of House’s seek for the very best meal delivery services, I didn’t require a lot persuading.
Protein-packed, nutrient-rich meals with zero prep time delivered straight to my door? Signal me up! Even Tovala, a favourite of my colleagues for its one-minute prep time, requires some washing, slicing, lining pans and different, albeit minimal, prep work. With Tempo, there’s genuinely no prep work vital, until you depend opening and shutting the microwave. I attempted Tempo for every week, right here’s the way it went.
Mary Henn for Style of House
Tempo preps meals, so you do not have to—simply warmth and eat!
What are Tempo Meals?
Launched in 2023, Tempo is a ready-to-eat meal supply service with high-protein, chef-crafted recipes. Tempo is a part of the Home Chef household, owned by Kroger, and focuses on quick, straightforward, nutritious meals which might be prepared after only a few minutes within the microwave.
Tempo meals don’t include unfastened elements or detailed recipe playing cards like Blue Apron or HelloFresh. Tempo’s heat-and-eat meals require completely no prep. Every meal is delivered chilled (by no means frozen) and able to pop within the fridge. All you must do is reheat it. Actually!
Janelle Bober, MS, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist at Dietitian Live, says that reviewing the elements of any supply meal package to ensure they meet your dietary wants and preferences is extremely vital. “We need to make certain meals are nutrient-dense, and on observe along with your targets for protein, fiber and calorie wants,” she says.
Moreover, Bober recommends portion sizes, processed elements, sodium content material and sugar ranges. She says that ingredient transparency might be useful when contemplating whether or not a meal supply service is best for you.
Tempo lists detailed dietary info and full ingredient decks for each single meal on its menu, previous and current, and also you don’t have to create an account to see that info. You possibly can entry all the pieces it is advisable to learn about Tempo meals earlier than signing up; that method, you’re not losing time coming into your private information earlier than deciding whether or not Tempo will work in your dietary wants and private well being targets.
Our Tempo Meals Overview
MARY HENN FOR TASTE OF HOME
For this Tempo evaluate, I loved a few week’s value of fast dinners. Total, I used to be pleasantly shocked by the comfort and style of the meals. I additionally appreciated that the “greatest by” dates for every contemporary meal had been staggered, so I didn’t really feel rushed consuming them earlier than they spoiled.
I attempted six Tempo recipes: Pesto-Topped Salmon with Mushroom Orzotto, Asiago and Basil Pesto rooster with Florentine Potatoes, Spicy Korean BBQ Rooster with Rice and Chives, Purple Pepper Filet Mignon with Fancy Hash, Spicy Tuscan Turkey Meatballs with Asiago Cauliflower ‘Grits’ and Broccoli, and Rooster with Entire Wheat Rotini Alfredo and Garlicky Inexperienced Beans.
Every meal contained one serving, required three minutes within the microwave and sat across the 500-calorie mark. Moreover, every meal supplied directions for cooking in a traditional oven. Nevertheless, I didn’t go for this route because it required greater than half-hour and, I consider, defeats the aim of the model, which gives fast, ready-to-eat meals.
Menu
Just like Factor75, Tempo gives 20 rotating meals every week. Every meal is a bit formulaic, usually consisting of a protein, a vegetable and a grain. There are extras you may add on for breakfast, appetizers, snacks, desserts and drinks. Moreover, you may filter choices for fiber-rich, protein-packed, calorie-conscious and GLP-1-balanced meals.
In truth, I used to be a bit underwhelmed by the variety of menu gadgets. Nevertheless, the minimal menu may very well be partly as a result of firm’s newness or its funding in high quality over amount.
Web site and App
One factor I like in regards to the Tempo website is that you could see the weekly menu choices in full element earlier than beginning an order and even creating an account. For those who’re acquainted with meal supply companies, you understand that this stage of transparency isn’t at all times obtainable.
Higher but, the web site is simple to navigate, and the costs, dietary information and further choices are listed upfront. I additionally admire that you could search previous meals and discover different meals much like these you’ve loved earlier than.
Whereas I didn’t use the app whereas testing Tempo, it shares the House Chef: Meal Equipment Supply app, which has a 4.8-star ranking on Apple. The app enables you to browse the weekly menu, order meals, plan your week and personalize your style profile and weight loss plan preferences, comparable to keto-friendly, wheat-free, vegetarian and extra.
Supply
Tempo sends weekly deliveries, and you may decide which day of the week your meals will arrive. Nevertheless, choices will differ relying on the place you reside, and you may’t decide a selected supply time or timeframe. You possibly can change the supply date for one particular order if you happen to’re out of city, as an example, and you may at all times change your default weekly supply day for future deliveries.
The meal kits arrive at your door in insulated liners with ice packs to maintain your meals refrigerated, not frozen. I can vouch for this, as my meals had been very chilly after I opened the supply field, though I opened the field inside an hour or so of supply. In case your bundle has sat out for hours in heat climate, you’ll need to ensure that all meals merchandise are 40 levels Fahrenheit or colder upon opening.
Tempo additionally enables you to skip a supply for any purpose and set your subscription frequency to biweekly or month-to-month. Menus are posted as much as 5 weeks prematurely, so you may look forward to set up your meal schedule. For those who resolve to skip or cancel a meal, you’ll have to take action by midday Central Time on the Wednesday earlier than the scheduled supply day.
Recipes
MARY HENN FOR TASTE OF HOME
I examined six completely different Tempo recipes, constituting a few week of straightforward dinners for me, permitting me to commit extra time to creating toddler-friendly meals and different weeknight duties. I’ll say, nonetheless, that my toddler, who tends to be much less choosy when consuming off my plate, was an enormous fan of the rooster dishes.
As talked about, I attempted the Pesto-Topped Salmon with Mushroom Orzotto, Asiago and Basil Pesto rooster with Florentine Potatoes, Spicy Korean BBQ Rooster with Rice and Chives, Purple Pepper Filet Mignon with Fancy Hash, Spicy Tuscan Turkey Meatballs with Asiago Cauliflower ‘Grits’ and Broccoli, and Rooster with Entire Wheat Rotini Alfredo and Garlicky Inexperienced Beans.
Under are my favorites, however first, listed below are just a few notes on one of many meals that didn’t land amongst my prime picks. The Purple Pepper Filet Mignon with Fancy Hash Served had me intrigued from the start. In spite of everything, how does one microwave filet mignon efficiently? Is that even attainable? The reply, briefly: Form of.
For being microwaved, the filet was tasty. To my shock, it maintained its pink middle and was fairly tender, not rubbery or chewy. Nevertheless, the feel of the steak was not one you’ll discover in your typical steakhouse. I believe the meat should have been compressed in some unspecified time in the future, maybe vacuum-sealed throughout manufacturing and/or sous vide. I’m not sure.
My accomplice and I didn’t look after the crimson pepper sauce on the filet, however we agreed it most likely helped protect the style and tenderness of the meat. The filet was paired with seasoned cauliflower and potatoes. The veggies weren’t something particular, however the cook dinner on them was good (not too delicate or limp).
Pesto-Topped Salmon with Mushroom Orzotto
This was my favourite of the bunch. The veggies had been scrumptious, and the salmon was superb. The steamed broccoli wasn’t limp after microwaving, and the coin carrots had been halved and honey-roasted, which supplied a little bit of sweetness to the dish.
The fish nonetheless had some flake, and the red-pepper pesto was easy and attractive. The mushroom orzotto (like risotto however made with pearl barley as an alternative of rice) was cooked effectively, and made the meal extra filling.
As somebody who usually has texture points in the case of proteins, I used to be so blissful to search out that Tempo’s meats had been all very “clear,” so to talk. There was no grittiness, sliminess, powerful bites or fatty pockets in any of the meat or fish I attempted.
Spicy Tuscan Turkey Meatballs with Asiago Cauliflower ‘Grits’ and Broccoli
MARY HENN FOR TASTE OF HOME
These meatballs had been delish! My accomplice tried them and couldn’t consider they had been turkey. They had been served in a yummy, easy marinara sauce and paired with steamed broccoli topped with shredded asiago cheese and cauliflower grits with Tuscan butter.
Turkey meatballs usually dry out when cooking, however these meatballs had been contemporary, moist and tender. I want I had the recipe to recreate them.
Spicy Korean BBQ Rooster with Rice and Chives
For what it’s value (to me, rather a lot), this was my toddler’s private favourite of the Tempo meals. The grilled rooster was full of taste and never too spicy for a one-year-old. I’m sure this one was sous vide earlier than it was grilled, which made it further tender. Facet word: Some cooks swear by sous vide for meal prep, and now, after making an attempt Tempo, I’m satisfied it is likely to be the key to flavorful, tender cook-ahead meats.
The veggies on this meal had been our favourite (and possibly Tempo’s favourite) honey-roasted halved coin carrots and roasted cauliflower. (For those who’re considering that there appears to be plenty of carrots and cauliflower in these meals, you’re right.) There was additionally jasmine rice, which was plain and barely dry, which I may look previous as a result of all the pieces else was close to excellent for a ready-to-eat supply meal.
Professionals
- Simple to microwave, zero prep time required
- Chef-crafted, protein-rich, balanced meals
- Filling parts
- Add-on choices obtainable, like snacks, breakfasts, drinks and desserts
- Rotating weekly menu gives selection
Cons
- Small menu
- Noticeable inconsistencies relating to style (some meals had been nice, some weren’t)
Product Comparability: Tempo vs. Factor75
Tempo and Factor75 are each meal supply companies that supply contemporary heat-and-eat meals. Which means no prep is required for both. Every model delivers meals straight to your door, prepared for the fridge. Moreover, each Factor75 and Tempo supply weekly rotating menus, in order that subscribers have selection week after week.
Factor75 has a bigger rotating menu, providing 35 new menu choices weekly as an alternative of Tempo’s 20 new weekly meals. Whereas every model gives a spread of add-ons like breakfast gadgets, snacks and desserts, Factor75 has many extra add-on gadgets to select from. That mentioned, our tester skilled just a few supply hiccups with Factor75 and didn’t just like the design of the Factor75 web site. I discovered Tempo’s web site straightforward to navigate and clear.
Last Verdict
You possibly can’t beat the comfort of a heat-and-eat meal supply package like Tempo. For working mothers who want a more healthy different to takeout and quick meals, Tempo is value trying into. Even if you happen to go for a biweekly or month-to-month supply, that’s nonetheless just a few meals you gained’t need to plan, store and prep for.
My largest problem is that whereas some meals had been scrumptious, others fell quick. I would definitely order the salmon and meatball entrees once more, and I might possible keep away from steak and pasta dishes. So, I want there had been extra consistency relating to tastiness, though I suppose that’s subjective.
The place to Purchase Tempo Meals
Mary Henn for Style of House
Tempo meals are dietitian-approved, chef-designed and able to eat in minutes.
Wish to attempt the meal supply service with completely zero prep time? Go to Tempo’s website to see this week’s menu. Meals begin at $11 per serving, however the last value relies on the variety of meals chosen and any add-ons.
Tempo by Home Chef may be your key to extra free time throughout weeknights.
FAQ
How a lot are Tempo meals?
Tempo meals begin at $11 per serving, however the complete value varies primarily based on the variety of meals chosen and whether or not you add extra meals gadgets like snacks, desserts and breakfasts.
Are Tempo meals good?
I discovered all of the Tempo meals I attempted to be cooked effectively. The proteins had been tender and attractive, whereas the veggies had been seasoned and never limp or dry. Nevertheless, I did discover some dryness within the pasta and rice sides. When it comes to flavors and pairings, a few of the meals had been superb, whereas others had been underwhelming.
Are Tempo meals wholesome?
Tempo meals are dietitian-approved, lower than 600 energy, and protein-rich. Every well-balanced meal usually comprises protein, greens and grains. They do, nonetheless, are inclined to comprise excessive quantities of sodium. If in case you have hypertension or in any other case have to handle your sodium consumption, this may very well be a dealbreaker.
Are you able to freeze Tempo meals?
No, Tempo meals will not be made to be frozen. They need to be refrigerated and ready by the use-by date.
Why You Ought to Belief Us
At Style of House, we again each meal supply service evaluate with hands-on testing, together with this Tempo evaluate. Our testers’ wants, needs and budgets mirror these of the typical shopper. Along with ordering and testing over a dozen meal kits, our group has reviewed meat and chicken delivery companies like ButcherBox, Snake River Farms and Good Chop. Our testing extends to grocery companies, like Misfits Market and Thrive Market, too.
Buying Editor Mary Henn has years of expertise writing about meals and testing merchandise. She’s additionally a working mother of a toddler who is consistently looking for methods to avoid wasting time within the kitchen. That’s why we requested her to check Tempo, identified for its comfort and fast, chef-created meals. Understanding that we personally take a look at each meal supply service we evaluate, readers can really feel assured in our suggestions.
We additionally chatted with Janelle Bober, MS, RDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Dietitian Live, about what to search for when choosing a meal supply service that’s best for you.
