January, then, feels like the perfect time to try a meal kit, whether you’re looking for something ultra-healthy or simply ultra-delicious to rustle up without too much effort (after all, there is a strong argument not to try punishing detoxes through the hardest, coldest month of the year). With individually portioned ingredients, there need be no shopping, no measuring, and no scrabbling about for inspiration. In short: heaven.
Whether you subscribe to a meal kit service or you simply buy the odd kit as you go, these are the ones we really rate.
Main image: The Cookaway
Pasta Evangelists
Most people who have sampled Pasta Evangelists’ offerings become, well, evangelists themselves – and with good reason. This is a subscription service, but it’s highly flexible. Catering for more people? Let them know and they will factor in more portions. Want to skip a week? No problem. These are proper, restaurant-standard dishes and deeply comforting to boot. There is no reinventing the wheel – think classics like cacio e peppe, beef and Chianti ragu, and, our favourite of all, hazelnut winter pesto with gnocchi. Discover more.
Dishpatch
For a restaurant-worthy dining experience at home, Dishpatch collaborates with some of the UK’s most renowned eateries to bring their signature dishes directly to your door. From the smoky indulgence of Cue Point’s barbecue brisket to the refined comforts of Angela Hartnett’s Italian classics, the options feel limitless. Each kit comes with clear instructions, ensuring a seamless transformation of your kitchen into a Michelin-starred experience zone. We have our eyes greedily trained on Rick Stein’s lobster thermidor, and Andi Oliver’s Caribbean Coconut Shrimp this month. A perfect solution for an effortless dinner party or simply elevating a weeknight meal. Discover more.
Pizza Pilgrims Pizza Kits
For pizza purists, it has to be Pizza Pilgrims whose kits that allow you to channel your inner pizzaiolo. From Neapolitan-style margheritas to gooey Nutella rings, these kits are as much about the fun of making pizza as they are about eating it. With pre-portioned dough and high-quality toppings, it’s never been easier to achieve restaurant-worthy results at home. Discover more.
The Cookaway – Night Market Experience Box
Fancy a culinary trip to the bustling night markets of Asia? The Cookaway’s Night Market Experience Box offers just that. Designed for two, this kit includes everything you need to create a sensory feast: think fragrant Thai green curry or spicy noodle soup. There’s no subscription required, making it a fabulous one-off treat to brighten up those dreary January evenings. Easy-to-follow recipes mean that even beginners can feel like seasoned street food pros. Discover more.
Lina Stores Fresh Pasta Meal Kit
There’s something magical about recreating the taste of an iconic Italian deli in your own home, and Lina Stores delivers this in spades. Their fresh pasta meal kits bring the heart of Italy via Soho to your kitchen, featuring perfectly crafted pasta and rich, authentic sauces. The kit, one of a number available via Lina Stores, is beautifully packaged and easy to assemble, making this a treat not just to eat but also to prepare. An ideal option for a romantic dinner. Discover more.
Parson’s Nose Ultimate Burger Kit
Who says January should be all about salads? Sometimes, only a burger will do. Parson’s Nose Ultimate Burger Kit is the carnivore’s dream, featuring premium beef patties, brioche buns, and all the trimmings to assemble your perfect stack. Whether you’re planning a casual weekend lunch or a movie-night treat, this kit makes sure your burger game is at its peak. Discover more.
Gymkhana Fine Foods Kits
Take a deep dive into Michelin-starred Indian cuisine with Gymkhana’s Fine Foods Kits. These offer an impressive array of spice blends and expertly marinated ingredients, ready for you to finish at home. The Lamb Shank Rogan Josh is a standout, delivering layers of flavour that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the subcontinent, while the mixed grill with lobster feast is sublime. For those looking to impress guests or just indulge in a special meal, this is the kit to try. Discover more.
Gousto
The biggest name in the recipe box subscriptions game, Gousto offers some 250 recipes to choose from each month, with huge scope to tailor the menu to your taste buds and dietary requirements (gluten-, dairy-, meat-free preferences are no match for this behemoth). It scores on an environmental basis too, with recyclable boxes and ingredients proffered in paper sachets as opposed to plastic ones. Subscriptions are flexible and, should you want a break, you can simply put it on pause. This month, we’re loving the sound of the warm, lemony, beef tabbouleh and the coconut haddock curry with green beans. Discover more.
The Cinnamon Club Feast at Home Four-Course Menu
Nothing says luxury quite like a four-course Indian feast from one of London’s most celebrated restaurants. The Cinnamon Club’s at-home kit includes everything you need to plate up exquisite dishes like smoked salmon tikka, lamb biryani, and garam masala pudding. Ideal for a special occasion or simply a way to chase away the January blues in the most delicious way possible. Discover more.
Dishoom’s Bacon Naan Roll Kit
Recreate Dishoom’s cult-classic breakfast at home with their Bacon Naan Roll Kit. This is comfort food at its finest, with pillowy naan bread, smoky streaky bacon, and a rich tomato-chilli jam that packs just the right punch. Perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or an indulgent weekday breakfast, this kit guarantees smiles all around. Discover more.
