Prior to discovering Grubby, I first attempted to master plant-based eating and found it was an unsustainable venture. My enthusiasm for a healthier, eco-friendlier lifestyle was quickly tempered by the hassle of eating out every day, the struggle of ingredient hunting, and the creeping monotony of my meal options. Fast-forward to today, and my experience with Grubby, one of the UK’s first 100% plant-based meal kit, has reignited my interest in plant-based living — this time, with sustainability and ease on my side.
Grubby’s mission is simple: making plant-based eating easy, exciting, and accessible. Their vibrant meal kits are perfectly portioned with everything you need to create restaurant-quality dishes at home. From the fresh, thoughtfully sourced ingredients to Spotify playlists curated to pair with each recipe, Grubby brings a joyful approach to sustainable eating. Their commitment to reducing food waste, supporting local produce, and championing plant-based innovations like BOSH! and LEON collaborations make them stand out in a crowded meal kit market.
How Grubby’s Plant-Based Meal Kit Transformed One Sceptic’s Relationship with Vegan Cooking?
Plant-based eating has a reputation problem that has nothing to do with the food itself. It is the logistics that defeat most people: the specialist ingredient hunts, the monotony that creeps in after the initial enthusiasm fades, the mental load of starting from scratch every evening. Grubby, one of the UK’s first 100% plant-based meal kits, has built its entire proposition around dismantling precisely those barriers. After two weeks cooking from their boxes, writer Gina Buckney found herself converted, not because the idea of plant-based living changed, but because the experience of it finally did.
What Makes Grubby Stand Out in an Increasingly Crowded Meal Kit Market?
The answer begins before anything reaches the hob. Every delivery arrives with pre-measured ingredients, a recipe card complete with nutritional information and a QR code linking to a Spotify playlist curated for that specific meal. It is a considered detail that signals something broader: this is a brand that understands cooking is not just fuel, it is mood. The collaborations with BOSH! and LEON deepen that sense of ambition, bringing restaurant-calibre flavour profiles into a home kitchen format that requires no specialist skill or supermarket odyssey.
But what’s it like to dive into their world? Over the course of two weeks, I explored several of their recipes, and here’s the verdict.
Unwrapping the Experience
The first thing you notice about a Grubby delivery is how meticulously curated it is. Everything arrives beautifully packaged, labelled, and ready to go. As someone who juggles a packed schedule, the thoughtfulness of pre-measured ingredients is a lifesaver. No need to guess how much cumin or flour you need — it’s all sorted.
The accompanying recipe cards are a delight, complete with stunning visuals, nutritional details, and even QR codes for a tailored Spotify playlist. These cards made cooking feel less like a chore and more like a creative adventure.
Cooking Up a Storm
Among the eight recipes I tried, five stood out for their flavour, creativity, and ease of preparation:
Zesty Green Enchiladas with Avocado
This vibrant dish was a refreshing take on comfort food. Packed with smoky black beans, a creamy avocado topping, and fresh herbs, these enchiladas were both satisfying and full of zing. The homemade green sauce was a star, tying the dish together with a tangy, slightly spicy punch.
Miso Roasted Squash with Dill & Tahini Yoghurt
A perfect winter warmer, this recipe showcased Grubby’s knack for transforming simple ingredients into elevated dishes. The caramelised roasted squash paired beautifully with the creamy dill and tahini yoghurt drizzle. The dish felt hearty yet light, with each bite bursting with umami flavours.
Mushroom Stroganoff with Roasted Roots 5*+
My 5 star+ favourite: This dish struck a comforting, nostalgic chord. The creamy mushroom stroganoff was rich and satisfying, while the roasted root vegetables added a rustic touch. A hint of smoked paprika in the sauce elevated the flavours, making it a standout meal for cosy evenings and the perfect date recipe! You can’t help but be impressed with this one.
Chipotle Meaty Mushroom Tacos with Citrus Mayo
Think smoky, spicy, and indulgent. This dish redefines what plant-based eating can be. The mushroom mix was perfectly seasoned, providing a satisfying, meaty, fulfilling texture and the tangy citrus dressing (I left out the vegan mayo as I am not a fan of it and don’t enjoy mustard), but instead made a vinegarette with the rest of the ingredients that added a refreshing zing. Served in soft tortillas and paired with a playlist that hit the right vibe, the tacos were a highlight of my week.
Dal Makhani with Garlic Coriander Rotis
As a comfort food lover, this dish ticked all the boxes. The creamy dal, infused with spices, felt like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The rotis were a fun addition — warming them up and using them to scoop up the delicious filling gave a hands-on touch to the meal. It’s a dish that makes you appreciate the depth and richness of plant-based cuisine.
BOSH! & LEON Collaborations
Grubby doesn’t just deliver great meals; it champions innovation. Their collaboration with BOSH!, a plant-based pioneer, brings bold, exciting flavours to the table, like zingy greens and avocado wraps. Meanwhile, their partnership with LEON ensures you get a taste of restaurant-inspired plant-based meals in your own kitchen. These collaborations keep the menus fresh and dynamic, ensuring you never get stuck in a culinary rut.
Behind the Scenes: Sustainability Matters
What truly sets Grubby apart is its commitment to sustainability. From recyclable packaging to locally sourced ingredients, every aspect of their service is designed to minimise environmental impact. By eliminating the need for supermarket trips and reducing food waste through portion control, Grubby walks the talk when it comes to eco-conscious living.
They’re also forward-thinking in their use of innovative plant-based products. For example, their boxes often include ingredient brands that champion the same values — a small but impactful way to support the broader plant-based movement.
A Form of Therapy for Me
Over the two weeks I spent trying Grubby’s meal kits, I found solace in the kitchen. Each meal turned into an opportunity to unwind, free from the stress of deciding what to cook after a long day at work. There was no need to measure ingredients or second-guess recipes — everything was laid out with care.
Cooking with Grubby also felt guilt-free. I knew that every meal was packed with goodness and aligned with my health goals. It was exciting to try new cuisines I wouldn’t typically make at home, broadening my culinary horizons in ways that felt fun and approachable. Most importantly, the process was therapeutic — a way to disconnect from the day’s chaos and reconnect with the joy of creating something nourishing and delicious.
A New Chapter in My Kitchen
Grubby has won me over. The ease and fun of creating these meals have transformed my evenings. No more staring blankly into the fridge or wasting time wandering supermarket aisles. Every ingredient arrives perfectly portioned, minimising waste and taking the guesswork out of meal prep. Plus, knowing I’m supporting sustainable practices and contributing to food equity makes every meal feel even more meaningful.
For anyone curious about plant-based living or simply looking to add variety to their diet, Grubby is a game-changer. Their mission to make plant-based everyone’s business is not just inspiring—it’s delicious. I’m converted, and I can’t wait to see what’s next on their ever-rotating menu.
Gina Buckney is one of our wellness and travel writers. Check out her other posts here.
