5 Ready-Made Meal Kits for Filmmakers on a Budget
Working on a production can mean seriously long hours, and let’s face it, movie sets sometimes have the best food options imaginable as productions often spare no expense when it comes to feeding the cast and crew.
As many of us learned from quarantine, when you’re in the same area for long periods of time and food is near, you tend to snack away, which can add on a few pounds. But there are healthy, yet tasty, options to help you stay focused on your personal fitness goals and ensure that you have the nutrients necessary to fuel your body and keep you going on set.
For filmmakers on a budget, we collected a list of ready-made meal kits that you can pack up and bring on the set. While catering companies and private meal delivery services can get expensive, pre-packaged meals are an awesome way to get your meal plan together when you’re on a budget.
See below for our list of meal kits that can be used on a production set. For more recommendations check out the best camera gear for under $100, and comfortable shoes to wear for long days on set.
Home Chef
Home Chef is a great on-the-go option as this company offers “no prep, no mess” meals. The meals come with fresh ingredients that are pre-portioned in oven-safe containers. Simply slide them into the oven or microwave and enjoy a delicious meal.
Home Chef comes with different plan options, allowing you to customize the way you eat. For those on a busy schedule, there are no-prep meal plans, but you also have the option of choosing meal kits that require cooking if you want to try recipes at home. You can also choose from calorie- or carb-conscious meals and alert the pros at Home Chef if you have any dietary restrictions. Weekly meals start at $6.99 per serving and come with over 30 choices including Seared Scallops with French Onion Risotto, and a Garlicky BLT Burger with the option to use Impossible Meat.
Fresh n’ Lean
Fresh n’ Lean offers not only prepared healthy meal kits, but breakfast, lunch, and snack options as well. The meal plans are broken up into different dietary options including Protein+, Keto, Paleo, and Vegan.
Like other services, three minutes is all you need to heat and enjoy delicious meals delivered right to your doorstep. The snacks (options include Almond Butter Cups, Hearty Granola, and Chili Lime Almonds) are non-GMO, gluten-free, and don’t contain sugar cane. As noted by NoFilmSchool.com, “It’s important to purchase items that can sit out all day and leave minimal mess in their wake. Avoid anything that creams, curdles, or dusts.” Fresh n’ Lean’s breakfast options include Bell Pepper and Squash Frittatas, Egg Whites with Maple Turkey Sausage, and Pineapple Coconut Chia. Save room for dinner with entrees such as Kung Pao Chicken, Brown Rice with Sweet Potatoes, Pesto Veggies with Cod and Quinoa, and more.
Freshly
Freshly is a popular option for prepackaged, healthy meal kits that you can definitely bring on set. They offer all-natural ingredients cooked by top chefs, delivered fresh to your doorstep. You have the option to choose from four to 12 options per week, with the latter saving you more money overall. The menu includes gluten-free Steak Peppercorn with Green Beans and Red Potatoes, Savory-Sweet Chicken Teriyaki Bowls, and Shrimp and Andouille Paella with Roasted Red Peppers, all of which can be ready in just three minutes.
Personal Chef to Go
With Personal Chef to Go, customers pick between five and 10 meals each week. (If you get too busy with the production life and forget to place your order, don’t worry, Personal Chef to Go will do it for you based on your preferences). Meals are guaranteed to arrive fresh in a reduced oxygen container designed to seal in flavor. And no need to worry about food spoiling too quickly because these meals can retain freshness for up to 12 days. Popular menu items from this service include Salmon Rockefeller topped with Lump Crab Meat, bacon, and low-fat cheeses and served with Roasted Butternut Squash; Roasted Chicken Breast in Sweet Marsala Sauce, and Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Shells. Meal plans from Personal Chef to Go start at $78.
Sunbasket
Sunbasket is another great heat-and-eat option with healthy meal choices. They use USDA Organic fresh produce in their award-winning kits. Fresh dishes are delivered to your doorstep, and while most companies give you the ability to pause services if you are out of town, Sun Basket offers to bring it to your new location. The delectable meal options include Korean Beef Japchae (pictured), Chicken Cacciatore, Spicy Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles with Tofu and Kale, and Pork Chile Verde over Cilantro-Cauliflower Rice. When you sign up for Sun Basket, the company will also throw in a free gift in your first four orders.
