I tried Blue Apron's new Baked by Melissa meals (and cupcakes) — here's what I thought
Protein-packed, quick dinners for busy families — plus cupcakes that live up to the hype. Get 35% off your first order with our exclusive Yahoo code.
Bright colors, bold flavors, impressive nutrition stats and bite-sized cupcakes — yes, please. If you haven’t checked out Blue Apron’s website in a while, there have been some major revamps, including a recent partnership with Baked by Melissa.
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As a registered dietitian and busy working mom of two who’s been professionally testing meal delivery services for more than seven years, I’m a big fan of Blue Apron’s new look — clearly, as I’ve dubbed it the best healthy meal delivery service and the best overall meal kit of 2026. Not only is it now one of the most flexible meal kits, thanks to both subscription and one-time order options, but its expanded line of Assemble & Bake meals means I can whip up a flavorful, home-cooked dinner without a massive pile of dishes afterward. (You can also currently save 35% on your first order with our exclusive coupon code, YAHOO35.)
But if you’re in the mood for lighter, spring-ready meals packed with protein and fiber (without sacrificing flavor), you don’t have to scroll far. Conveniently located at the top of the menu, I’ve been eyeing the Baked by Melissa recipes — and, let’s be honest, the cupcakes most of all.
I recently put the recipes to the ultimate test: tired after work, trying to cook dinner while two young kids competed for my attention. So how did the meals hold up from both a dietitian’s perspective and a busy (and very tired) mom’s?
Kelli McGrane, MS, RD
Cost per serving: $5.99 to $13.29 | Shipping: $9.99, or free with Blue Apron+ membership | Number of servings: 2 or 4 | Delivery area: 48 contiguous U.S. states
Tl;dr on Baked by Melissa at Blue Apron
Who is Baked by Melissa?
Baked by Melissa is a cupcake delivery service founded in 2008 by Melissa Ben-Ishay. Originally based in New York City, the company now ships its colorful, bite-sized cupcakes nationwide. In addition to being a cupcake guru, Ben-Ishay has built a large social media following thanks to her vegetable-forward recipes that are easy to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients. In other words: healthy recipes you’ll actually make — not just double-tap on Instagram.
What’s special about the meals?
In line with Ben-Ishay’s realistic approach to healthy eating, Baked by Melissa entrées at Blue Apron are designed to be ready in 30 minutes or less and include plenty of protein and fresh vegetables. The bite-sized cupcakes feature six of the brand’s most popular flavors for a satisfying treat.
How much do they cost?
Baked by Melissa entrées at Blue Apron range from $9.19 to $13.29 per serving. The Rainbow Crunch Salad costs $5.99 per serving, with the option to add chicken or salmon for an additional $2 or $4.50 per serving. And last — but certainly not least — each package of mini cupcakes costs $7.49.
How long will they be available through Blue Apron?
You’ve got until April 26 to try one of the Baked by Melissa meals. And remember: If you’re new to Blue Apron, you can save 35% on your first order with our exclusive coupon code, YAHOO35.
How did they taste?
Ingredients were A+
My box arrived on time and — thanks to insulation and ice packs — everything was still cold when I got home from work. Impressively, all the ingredients were in great condition, even the garlic, which I’ve found is often the first thing to spoil when testing meal kits. The tomatoes were red and juicy, not the pale, flavorless ones you sometimes get. Even after a few days in the fridge, the chicken and kale for the Garlic-Panko Chicken & Kale Salad were still in tip-top shape.
Recipes were easy to follow — even while multitasking
One of the things I appreciate about Blue Apron is how easy its recipe cards are to follow. Ingredients are bolded so you don’t accidentally forget something like vinegar or a spice blend, and easy-to-miss steps — like reserving pasta water — are clearly highlighted.
That said, the only hiccup with this order was that the recipe cards weren’t included in my box. I’ve used Blue Apron many times over the past decade, and this was a first. Luckily, all recipes are available online and in the Blue Apron app, so I was able to follow along on my laptop without issue.
That miss aside, the recipes were still straightforward and beginner-friendly. I had no trouble keeping up, despite frequent kid-related interruptions. Prep and cook times were accurate, and I didn’t need any specialty equipment or ingredients beyond olive oil, salt and pepper.
Meals passed the taste-test, with just a few notes
If you’re looking for family-friendly meals that are healthy and ready in under 30 minutes, the Baked by Melissa dishes deliver.
I tried the Miso-Glazed Tofu & Brown Rice Bowls, Garlic-Panko Chicken & Kale Salad and Crispy Chicken & Creamy Fresh Tomato Sauce. While the Crispy Chicken dish was the clear standout — the fresh tomato sauce was truly finger-licking good — my overall impression was consistent: solid flavors with a good mix of ingredients and textures.
That said, I found myself wishing there was more sauce across the board. Don’t get me wrong — I love a good crispy chicken filet, and the vegetables were fresh and flavorful — but the sauces were what really elevated the dishes. The ratio of sauce to protein and other ingredients just felt slightly off.
These aren’t your box-mix cupcakes
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise was the cupcakes. Despite being shipped, they looked and tasted like something you’d pick up from a trendy, social media–worthy bakery.
As a cookie dough fan, I’ll admit I hid the Cookie Dough cupcake so my kids wouldn’t get to it first — and it was absolutely the right call. I’m typically not a chocolate cake person, but the moist texture of the Triple Chocolate Fudge won me over.
I can’t speak to the remaining flavors — Tie-Dye, Cookies & Cream, Red Velvet and Chocolate Chip Pancakes — because my kids devoured them before I had the chance to take a bite. I will say: these cupcakes are sweet. Like, really sweet. But because they’re bite-sized, they strike just the right balance for satisfying a craving without going overboard.
What about nutrition?
Protein is having a moment, and the Baked by Melissa entrées don’t skimp. Each meal provides at least 25 grams of protein per serving, with three topping 50 grams. The fiber content also impressed me, ranging from 5 grams to a whopping 19 grams per serving — about 76% of your daily needs.
Sodium and calorie counts vary widely by recipe. However, the main reason I wouldn’t call these meals fully “balanced” is that they’re on the higher side in saturated fat. It’s not a deal breaker, but it’s worth keeping an eye on your intake throughout the rest of the day.
As for the cupcakes, each one contains 4.5 grams of added sugar — very reasonable. Even if you have two, that’s just 9 grams of added sugar, which is far less than what you’ll find in many desserts.
Psst: You no longer need a subscription to order Blue Apron — yes, really
Kelli McGrane, MS, RD
One of the biggest upgrades to Blue Apron is how flexible it’s become. Whether you want total control or a more hands-off approach, there are now three ways to order:
1. One-time orders (no subscription required)
The standout change: You can order whenever you want — no commitment. It’s ideal for busy weeks, trying out the service or sending meals as a gift (new parents, anyone?).
2. Autoship (the classic subscription)
Prefer a set-it-and-forget-it option? Autoship works like the original Blue Apron model. Meals are delivered on a recurring schedule, with selections made for you (though you can swap them out before the cutoff). You’ll also get 5% off each order, but you’ll still pay for shipping.
3. Blue Apron+ (membership perks)
For $9.99 per month, Blue Apron+ gives you free shipping on every order — whether it’s a one-time purchase or Autoship delivery — plus additional member perks and access to Tastemade+. If you order regularly, the free shipping alone can make it worth it.
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
