A Dietitian’s Farmbox Direct Review (2020)

Hello, hello, friends!  Today I’m popping in to share with you a new way to effortlessly stock your kitchen with fruits and vegetables every single week!

When Farmbox Direct reached out, I had honestly never heard of them before, so they graciously offered to send me a box to try.  I wasn’t sure what to expect, but look at what showed up on my doorstep!  

Honestly, the last few weeks have been so busy, and even I, the healthy food blogger, has failed at meal planning, grocery shopping, etc.  So, when that box showed up on our doorstep, it was the biggest lifesaver. I didn’t have to think about what to get.  Instead, I just thought about how I could use what was there, which was so awesome.  I never thought I’d like something like that.  

Heads up, before we go any further, this is NOT a sponsored review.  Farmbox Direct did send me a box to try out, and because I liked it, I did sign up as an affiliate, so if you use one of my links and discounts to sign up, I may earn a small commission.   You can also get a discount by using the code HUNGRYHOBBY when you sign up!

Also, I know that some of my readers LOVE these reviews, and some of you don’t care for them.  If you are in the latter group, feel free to skip this one!  And I’ll see you back tomorrow!

So what is Farmbox Direct?

Simply put, Farmbox Direct is a produce delivery service shipping organic, non-GMO, and all-natural boxes of fruits and vegetables across the United States.  The service’s goal is to save you time and money by bringing the Farmer’s Market directly to you (genius!)

This year I’m serving as a Fruit and Vegetable Ambassador in Action for the Produce for Better Health, the organization responsible for the Five A Day movement, and, more recently, Have A Plant.  In our meetings, we talk a lot about how to increase produce consumption accross America practically.  Time, convenience, and cost are major factors that Farmbox Direct really tackles head-on. 

How does it Farmbox Direct Work?

1. Enter your zip code to see if there is delivery to your area.
2. Create an account to set up your delivery. 
3. Pick out what size of our 3 Farmbox’s you would like.
4. Customize your Farmbox to your liking with up to 5 substitutions.

At the beginning of each week, they send out an email to let you know what is being harvested by the farmers for the current week’s Farmbox. 

What are the Box Options?

There are three types:

1.  All Organic (small, medium, or large)
2. All Natural (small, medium, or large) – Best Value
3.  Green, Red, or Orange Juice Boxes

As I mentioned, I got my first box for free, but I am planning on signing up for either the green juicing box or the organic medium box.  We love our green juice, especially in the winter.  It would be nice to have those produce items shipped directly to us! 

Who is Farmbox Direct For?

•  Anyone trying to increase their produce consumption
• Those who like to shop in their jammies
• Those who like the convenience of subscription services
• Busy professionals balancing work-life with family-life
• Consumers who lack the mobility to access markets with fresh fruits and vegetables
• College students looking to add healthy options to dorm life
• Those following special diets including but not limited too paleo, nightshade, and weight-watchers. 

Is it Farmbox Direct Worth It?

They don’t list a pounds per box, so you can’t break down the cost by pounds per dollar. Instead, I looked at the menu for the medium boxes for all-natural and organic. Which to be honest, is not as fair of a way to look at the cost.  For instance, a 2lb bunch of grapes is counted as one unit in this method.  But, at least it gives us some reference point. 

For the organic box, this week’s menu lists 25 items for $57.95, that’s about $2.30 per item.  For organic produce, that’s a pretty good deal.  Plus, you have the convenience of shopping in your jammies and having fresh produce to eat every week that you don’t have to think about. 

For the natural box, this week’s menu lists 19 items for $48.95, which is $2.57 per item. Keep in mind items vary widely so this could change from week to week. Depending on what part of the country you live in, this may or may not be a great deal for you.  On the East coast or big cities where the cost of living is higher, it might be great.  In Phoenix, where I live, I’m not sure that’s a great deal, EXCEPT, you know that all the food is grown in the US.  And of course, you still get the convenience of shopping in your jam jams while sipping merlot. 

So, yes, I think the organic box is definitely worth it.  The natural box might be worth it depending on where you live in the country and how much you value convenience. 

GET 10% off your first Farmbox using the code HUNGRYHOBBY!

CSA vs. Farmbox Direct

If you’ve never heard of a CSA box it’s Community Supported Agriculture.  I’ve belonged to several different CSA boxes over the years.  The basics of it are you commit to a weekly supply for a specific farm in your area or a co-op of farms in your area. 

Typically whatever they harvest goes into your box. There is very little flexibility.  So if you don’t like eggplant (I don’t), tough tootles, find a way to like it, or give it to a family member/neighbor/raccoons, whatever. Some CSA options allow you to come to pick out what you want from that week’s bounty, but there is a disadvantage here with first-come, first-serve, and of course, contact in the middle of a pandemic. 

Either way, I’ve never seen a CSA shipped directly to your door.  It’s usually at designated pick up locations. 

So, the advantage of a CSA over Farmbox Direct would be:

1. local produce to your area (it looks like Farmbox Direct is based in New York)
2. potentially lower prices* this varies wildly from state to state, region to region
3. no shipping fee

The advantage of Farmbox Direct over a CSA would be:

1. US grown produce (100% local if you live in the Northeast)
2. Ability to swap out items – potentially reducing food waste
3. Contactless delivery
4. Delivery to your doorstep
5. Recipes provided in your weekly box for inspiration

When you look at the list, it’s pretty clear to me that Farmbox Direct is the clear winner over a CSA as far as convenience and time.  Cost varies per region, so it’s hard to compare!

Want to try it out?  Click here to get FREE shipping anywhere in the continental US and use the code HUNGRYHOBBY to get 10% off!

Have you tried Farmbox Direct or a local CSA?  If so, I’d love to hear about your experience!