FIRST IMPRESSIONS is a series that introduces and reviews new brands to My Subscription Addiction, drawing from readers’ requests for an insider’s first look. Interested in seeing more reviews from this brand, or have another box in mind that you’d like to see reviewed? Let us know in the comments.
What is Territory Foods?
Territory Foods is a meal delivery service with a rather unique spin; its menus are designed by nutrition advisors and independent chefs who create these meals in their own fully certified, local commercial kitchens. Territory Foods' menus are composed of hand-selected, non-inflammatory ingredients that support a variety of eating styles, with minimal impact on the environment. It offers a seasonal menu of 35+ options weekly (depending on where you live).
Weekly plans are highly customizable; everything from delivery frequency, what size meals you’d like, the nutritional approach you’re following, ingredients you’d like to avoid, and much more.
Subscription Details
Territory provides you with two delivery schedules, either once or twice per week. You can select 6 meals/week, 12 meals/week, or 18 meals/week.
Territory offers two types of plans:
- Recurring order status: This automatically places your order for the following week. The benefit of this plan is that it saves you 5% on your weekly purchase.
- One-time status: This is perfect for anyone whose schedule is more touch and go and doesn’t want to be tied down to any sort of commitment.
Pricing
- Boost Size: $9.95+/meal (approx. 250-450 calories) lighter portion for "grazers"
- Standard Size: $12.95+/meal (approx. 400-650 calories)
- A La Carte options: pricing varies - allowing you to purchase additional proteins and sides individually
Important to note: You are charged per meal, with no discount for buying in bulk.
Where does Territory Foods deliver?
East Coast region (although I'm located in the South East, they were able to deliver to me), California: LA, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco & the Bay, and Texas.
Depending on where you are located, their delivery hours vary. More details on days and timing can be found here.
Why Meal Delivery Subscriptions Have Interested Me
I've shared in other posts about some health challenges I've had over the years, and one of the big ones is food intolerances. It felt at the time that there was no rhyme or reason to any of it. Snacks or meals that I had enjoyed for years started to elicit a myriad of reactions. Sometimes it was hives, but mostly it was debilitating stomach pains. The window of what I could eat became incredibly small - almost non-existent, and not sustainable. My point in sharing this is that if you've ever experienced something similar or had a loved one who has, you know how desperate you start to feel about what your choices are. I love food, and not being able to enjoy even avocado or just plain rice was really making me a very cranky human to be around.
I experimented with different meal delivery options four years ago (a lot has changed since then in terms of services!) because I found that eating mostly a Whole30 Diet was the only thing that seemed to alleviate the chronic inflammation plaguing my body. So, when I had the opportunity to review food services that could potentially help an individual or a loved one navigate something similar to what I dealt with (though I realize it can be much worse for others), I jumped at the chance.
That being said, everyone is unique, and nothing is one size fits all ever. I encourage individuals to consult with a trusted medical professional before deciding to make changes, whether it be through diet, exercise, or a new medication or treatment.
The information provided on the site is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
First Impressions
How My Meals Arrived
My Territory Foods box arrived in standard cardboard packaging. The box contained an insulated liner and gel ice packs (with instructions on how to dispose of them later). I'm fortunate that my apartment has a fridge locker for perishable items (this is still new to me), but if you'd prefer, Territory Foods offers "Pickup Spots" along with their Direct-to-You option. When you place an order, your "Pickup Spots" are commercial refrigerators at designated drop-off locations based on the schedule posted. If you choose a Pickup Spot, your order will be delivered to the location you choose during check-out, and it will be available for pick up based on the business hours of the drop-off location.
Side note: Since I was sent 6 meals, the box was fairly manageable to carry, maybe 20lbs? I was walking Wyatt at the time, so carting larger packages up to my 4th-floor apartment is always something I consider.
What I Got
I received 6 prepared "standard size" meals:
Meal Size Options:
- Standard Size (approx. 400-650 calories)
- Boost (approx. 250-450 calories) - lighter portion for "grazers"
- A la cart options - if you want added protein or sides.
Territory Foods is made without gluten, dairy, or refined sugars, so I opted for the "Mixitarian" option. This means I can incorporate some unprocessed and whole grains like quinoa and legumes like chickpeas and natural sweeteners.
I like that the Territory Foods website is intuitive, and when you select your meals, you can choose from 5 specific drops down menus:
- Meal Preference: Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian, Plant-Based, Mixitarian
- Nutrition Info: You can adjust this by grams and can get pretty granular, calories, fat, carbs, sodium
- Meal Style: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or a la Carte (I opted for Dinner)
- Chef: If there's a specific chef in their rotation you've always wanted to try, you can select them
- Ingredients: This is SUPER granular (i.e. animal proteins - dark meat, nuts, legumes) - it gets very specific, which is important if you have a life-threatening allergy
My Territory Foods Meal Review
This was a common theme while I ate my Territory Foods meals: Wyatt watching intently over my shoulder.
Ginger-Peanut Chickpeas with Braised Sesame Cabbage and Garlic Broccoli
1 of 3 | I liked that the containers detail calories, when best to eat by, and where the meal was made. I used to live not too far from Chantilly, VA. Kinda cool.
Chef: Rachelle
Price: $12.95 (standard portion)
How it tasted: I honestly wasn't sure how filling this meal would be since it was mainly chickpeas. Most Territory Foods meals take just 2-3 minutes to heat up, and I liked that all meals look like actual food even before the wrapping comes off. Not trying to shade my TV dinners of the '80s/'90s (Hungry Man, anyone?), but this is not that. The chickpeas were really tasty, especially with the peanut flavor. The broccoli was spicy (for me, I'm a bit of a baby, mild is as adventurous as I go). This meal ended up being very filling. I also realized that I am not entirely over my issues with some legumes. The chickpeas upset my stomach (which is not a reflection on Territory Foods or how it was prepared). I just thought I was ready to incorporate them back in, but alas, I was wrong.
Grilled Steak Over Sauteed Kale with Bacon and Roasted Sweet Potatoes
1 of 2 | This was before I heated it in the microwave. I liked that Territory Foods' meals didn't look "odd" or unlike food before they are heated up.
Territory Foods' beautiful plated version. Though their's is clearly arranged better, I like that the food looks pretty similar!
How it tasted: I was worried about the consistency of the steak being reheated, but it tasted like it had just been prepared (not super chewy or bland); the kale reheated well too, not soggy. Overall it tasted very fresh; my only regret was the apple cider vinaigrette. That's what I get for getting excited about the sauce and not reading.
Quinoa-Crusted Chicken Tenders with BBQ Sauce and Roasted Potatoes
How it tasted: My palate has often been described as that of a toddler (if I could eat mac and cheese and dinosaur nuggets daily, I probably would). So when I saw chicken tenders, I was excited. Sadly, the quinoa-crusted breading was not the tasty treat I longed for. The breading was heavy and lacked much flavor (in my opinion). Even when I removed the breading and ate just the tenders with the BBQ sauce, it wasn't for me. The potatoes were fresh, but this was the only meal that I didn't completely finish.
Chicken Enchiladas with Salsa Verde and Zucchini-Corn Relish
As you can see, Wyatt is allowed on the couch (feel free to judge, trust me, I get it from many people haha), and although he's never technically "begged" for food, he does this thing where he nestles himself behind me and just watches over my shoulder while I eat. Like an Elf on the Shelf, if you will.
How it tasted: This was mine and Wyatt's favorite. The pulled seasoned chicken in the enchilada was tender and juicy. The non-dairy cheese blend tasted just like cheese, with no strange aftertaste. Although this was a standard portion, I wish there was another enchilada or maybe an additional side? This probably would defeat the purpose of being a "healthy" option (ha).
Sage Beef Bolognese with Cavatappi
Chef: Demeter's Pantry
Price: $11.95 (standard portion)
Territory Foods description: Ground beef and sage bolognese in a homemade marinara over cavatappi pasta
How it tasted: I love bolognese and a hearty pasta dish like this; I think is perfect during the chillier months. The ground beef, pasta, and marinara were delicious. Sometimes red sauces can be a bit too tart for me, but this combined with the bolognese had a nice consistency with flavorful spice that was not overpowering. Again, I cleaned my plate and could've had seconds.
Spanish-Style Paella with RightRice, Peppers, and Mushrooms
Chef: Damian
Price: $11.95 (standard portion)
Territory Food's description: Protein-packed RightRice is featured in a colorful paella. Served with mushrooms, peas, and bell peppers. Garnished with scallions and a fresh lemon wedge.
How it tasted: I love Paella. I had a good friend who used to prepare this, and I know how time-intensive it can be. When I read that it was prepared with RightRice (which I hadn't heard of), I learned that it is a vegetable-based grain alternative. It's supposed to taste and have the same consistency as traditional white rice (I can attest it does - I would never have been able to tell the difference). I was, however, slightly concerned when I read that it is made from lentils, chickpeas, and peas (just because of the recent chickpea incident). I ate this one very slow, which was hard because it was really delicious. I ended up not having issues, so it may be because of the portion of chickpeas from the previous meal.
Is Territory Foods Worth It?
The Cost: Territory Foods notes that pricing ranges based on meal size and varies on some select menu items. You can reference additional pricing information here.
Value Breakdown - 6 meals as standard portions:
- Ginger Peanut Chickpeas: $12.95
- Steak, Kale, Sweet Potatoes: $13.95
- Quinoa Chicken Tenders, Potatoes: $10.95
- Chicken Enchiladas: $10.95
- Sage Beef Bolognese: $11.95
- Paella: $11.95
$72.70 + 7.95 (standard delivery fee) = $80.65
Or to put it simply, approximately $13.44 per meal, including delivery.
For 6 meals, $80.00+ is, in my opinion, rather expensive. There is no debating for me that Territory Foods are not only prepared incredibly well, but are delicious to boot. Suppose you accomplish specific health goals or are on a specific diet, or experiencing severe dietary restrictions. In that case, I think Territory Foods can be incredibly helpful with that, but is it sustainable at this price point? I think that's something you'd have to determine for individual circumstances. If it was me five years ago, and I had this option, I would have had to sacrifice other things in my life to be able to afford this.
Final Thoughts on Territory Foods
Things I Liked
- Convenience. I am not talented in the kitchen (I can basically make three things), so the idea of having fresh food delivered that just needs to be heated up, is a time saver - no question.
- The meals were fresh and well prepared. Territory Foods has definitely set a new bar for me in delivering meal quality. Everything tasted fresh, and except the one meal above, everything was rather delicious, which honestly surprised me.
- Supports varied diets. Territory Foods supports virtually every diet or eating style. Even if you are embarking on your Whole30 journey, or maybe doing an elimination diet (I did a couple rounds of this, and Territory Foods would be a great addition to meal planning).
Things I Didn't Love
- Limited Delivery Locations. For now. Perhaps they will expand their territory reached?
- Pricing. I do believe that old adage "you get what you pay for," and although Territory Foods provides high-quality ingredients and curated meals that are worth its value, it is still at a price point where right now, it would not be sustainable for me.
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Final Thoughts
I know I threw a lot of information at you to consider. Ultimately, if you can afford a subscription like Territory Foods, it is an investment in your health. Although it is on the higher end of subscriptions, many justify eating well as preventative medicine.
For me, more likely I would use Territory Foods in a limited capacity occasional meal delivery) to augment similar dishes I prepared at home, or if I was experiencing a flare-up of symptoms and needed to be incredibly careful about what I was eating.
Now I want to hear from you! Would you consider a meal delivery subscription like Territory Foods for yourself? If so, tell me if there are subscriptions you've enjoyed; I'd love to hear about your experience!
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