Meal delivery services are booming in popularity. They offer a convenient way for busy people and families to save time on meal planning and cooking. With a meal delivery service, you can enjoy healthy and delicious meals without the hassle of grocery shopping or spending hours in the kitchen.
Tempo is a pre-prepared meal delivery service that sends ready-to-eat meals directly to your door. You can heat them up in the microwave or oven. They offer a variety of options, from portion-controlled meals to keto-friendly choices, so you can find the perfect plan to fit your needs and dietary goals.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Tempo meal delivery. We’ll explore the different meal plans available, discuss pricing and delivery options, and delve into the taste and nutritional value of the meals. We’ll also compare Tempo to other popular meal delivery services.
Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive and unbiased review of the Tempo meals menu so you can decide if this service is right for you.
Signing Up for Tempo and Choosing Your Meals
Want to give Tempo meals a try? Here’s what you can expect.
Creating an Account and Selecting a Meal Plan
To get started, you’ll need to create an account on the Tempo website or app. The signup process is pretty straightforward. You’ll provide some basic information, like your name, email address, and delivery address. This way, Tempo knows where to send your delicious, ready-to-eat meals!
Once you’ve created your account, you’ll choose a meal plan. Tempo offers a range of options, from 6 to 20 meals per week. The more meals you order, the lower the price per meal. Think about how often you want to rely on Tempo for your meals and choose a plan that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Customizing Your Meal Selections
One of the great things about Tempo is the ability to customize your meal selections. You’re not stuck with whatever they pre-select for you. You can swap out meals you’re not interested in for others that catch your eye. It’s a great way to try new things and ensure you’re getting meals you’ll truly enjoy.
Tempo offers a wide variety of cuisines. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Asian, or something else entirely, you’ll likely find several tempting options on the menu each week.
It is worth noting that Tempo meals may not be ideal for everyone. While they offer a variety of options, they may not fully accommodate certain dietary restrictions, like vegetarian or vegan diets. Be sure to check the ingredients and descriptions carefully before making your selections to ensure they align with your dietary needs.
Tempo Meal Plans and Pricing
Tempo offers a variety of meal plans to fit different needs and appetites. You can choose to receive anywhere from 6 to 20 meals per week, depending on how many meals you want to cover.
The price per meal ranges from $10.98 to $13.48, depending on the number of meals you order each week. The more meals you order, the lower the price per meal.
In addition to the cost of the meals, there’s a $10.99 shipping fee that’s charged weekly. So, keep that in mind when you’re calculating the overall cost.
Tempo occasionally offers discounts or promotions, so it’s worth checking their website or signing up for their email list to see if you can snag a deal. They also sometimes offer introductory discounts for new customers, so keep an eye out for those!
Delivery and Packaging
Tempo meals arrive on your doorstep via refrigerated trucks, packed in insulated packaging to ensure they stay fresh and ready to heat and eat.
The company is also committed to sustainability, using packaging materials that are recyclable and environmentally friendly. You can feel good about enjoying convenient meals without harming the planet.
Once your meals arrive, pop them in the refrigerator. Tempo meals are designed to last, with a shelf life of several days when stored properly. You’ll find a “use by” date on each meal, so you know exactly how long you can enjoy your delicious, chef-prepared food.
Preparing and cooking Tempo meals
One of the best things about Tempo meals is how easy they are to prepare.
Because they’re designed with your busy life in mind, Tempo meals come to you pre-prepared, so all you have to do is heat them up. You can use either a microwave or a conventional oven.
Microwave: Puncture the film in several places and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Remove the meal from its plastic container and place it on an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Tempo meals are an excellent way to save time on meal preparation without sacrificing nutrition or taste. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or anyone who wants a healthy, delicious meal without the hassle of cooking from scratch.
How do Tempo meals taste?
Ultimately, the most important aspect of any meal delivery service is the food. So, how do Tempo meals stack up?
Flavor and taste
Overall, Tempo meals are flavorful, though some are better than others. The chefs seem to have a good understanding of how to combine flavors and spices to create satisfying dishes.
For example, the chicken and broccoli alfredo is creamy and rich, with a generous amount of cheese and a hint of garlic. The steak with roasted vegetables is cooked well, and the veggies still have a nice bite to them.
Variety of options
Tempo offers a diverse menu with a good mix of cuisines and meal types. You’ll find classic comfort foods alongside dishes with a more international flair.
Some of the more unique offerings include the Mediterranean chicken bowl and the Peruvian-style salmon.
Portion sizes
The portion sizes for Tempo meals are generally adequate. Most meals are filling enough to satisfy an average appetite. However, if you have a larger appetite or are very active, you might find yourself needing a small snack between meals.
Tempo’s portion sizes are also appropriate for different dietary needs. You can select smaller meals if you want to cut calories or larger meals if you need more protein and carbs.
How nutritious are Tempo meals?
Tempo meals can be a convenient option, but what about their nutritional value?
Macronutrient breakdown
A healthy diet includes a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Because Tempo meals contain meat, they tend to be relatively high in protein. The carbohydrate content varies depending on the dish. Many meals also contain a fair amount of fat.
Sodium, fat, and cholesterol content
It’s important to note that many Tempo meals are relatively high in sodium, fat, and cholesterol. According to registered dietician Maria Emerick, this “raises concerns about long-term health, particularly regarding heart disease and high blood pressure.”
Emerick points out that “high saturated fat can elevate LDL cholesterol, while excessive sodium may lead to hypertension.”
If you’re watching your sodium or cholesterol intake, you’ll want to check the nutritional information for each dish before ordering.
Ingredient quality and sourcing
Tempo emphasizes convenience and affordability. While the company doesn’t specifically highlight the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, it’s worth noting that this isn’t necessarily the company’s focus.
Addressing dietary needs and restrictions
Because Tempo meals contain meat, they aren’t suitable for vegetarians or vegans. However, Tempo does offer some keto-friendly options. If you’re following a keto diet, be sure to check the nutrition information to confirm that the meal aligns with your specific macronutrient goals.
Tempo Meals: Juices, Breakfast, and Snacks
Tempo offers a variety of extras to make your meal plan complete.
Juices
Tempo’s cold-pressed juices feature fresh produce and pack a nutritional punch. You can choose from green juices, fruit blends, and more. Juices cost $5.75 per bottle, although some of the specialty blends can run a little more ($5.75 – $6.75).
Breakfast
Start your day off right with Tempo’s healthy breakfast options. Choose from items like overnight oats, breakfast burritos, and protein pancakes. Breakfast entrees range from $4 to $11.
Snacks
Need a little something between meals? Tempo has you covered with a selection of healthy snacks. Options include protein bars, trail mix, and energy bites. Snacks range in price from $5 to $8.
Customer service experience
Tempo offers customer support through phone, email, and a chat feature on their website. While I didn’t need to use it myself, online reviews often praise the responsiveness and helpfulness of the Tempo customer service team, with many users specifically mentioning quick and efficient problem resolution.
It’s worth noting that Tempo has a clear cancellation policy, allowing you to pause or cancel your subscription with advance notice. They also offer refund options under certain circumstances, which are detailed in their terms of service. I’d recommend reviewing these policies carefully before subscribing to understand the process and any potential fees involved.
How does Tempo compare to other meal delivery services?
The meal delivery market is pretty crowded these days. So how does Tempo stack up against the competition? Here are a few things to consider.
Price comparison
First, let’s talk money. Tempo’s pricing is comparable to other services offering prepared meals with an emphasis on healthy ingredients. You’ll want to compare the per-meal cost with services like Freshly, Factor, or CookUnity to see which fits your budget best. Keep an eye out for introductory offers, too, as many services offer discounts for new customers.
Meal variety and customization
Tempo offers a rotating menu of meals, but it might not be as extensive as some other services. If you have very specific dietary needs or preferences, you’ll want to check if Tempo offers enough variety. Some competitors, like Trifecta Nutrition, offer more specialized meal plans tailored to keto, paleo, or vegan diets. Others, like Daily Harvest, allow more customization.
Nutritional focus
Tempo emphasizes healthy, balanced meals with a focus on whole ingredients. If you’re looking for meals with specific macronutrient ratios or calorie counts, you’ll want to compare Tempo’s nutritional information with other services. Some competitors provide more detailed nutritional breakdowns and cater to specific dietary goals, like weight loss or muscle gain.
Target audience
Tempo seems well-suited for busy individuals who want healthy, convenient meals without having to cook. It’s a good option if you’re looking for balanced nutrition and portion control. However, if you have very specific dietary needs or preferences, or if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you might want to explore other meal delivery services.
Is Tempo meal delivery right for you? The pros and cons
Tempo offers a convenient way to get chef-prepared meals delivered right to your door. But is it the right option for you and your household?
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you weigh the pros and cons.
Pros
- Convenience. With Tempo, you don’t have to plan meals, shop for ingredients, or spend time cooking.
- Time savings. Tempo meals can be ready in minutes, saving you time and energy.
- Variety. Tempo offers a range of cuisines and flavors to choose from.
- Customization. You can select the meals you want each week.
Cons
- Cost. Tempo meals can be more expensive than cooking at home.
- Nutrition. Some Tempo meals can be high in sodium, fat, and cholesterol.
- Limited options. Tempo may not offer enough choices for people who follow vegetarian or vegan diets.
Key Takeaways
Tempo meals definitely offer convenience, which is a huge plus for busy people and families. You can get a decent variety of heat-and-eat meals delivered right to your door, saving you time and effort on grocery shopping and cooking. However, it’s important to remember that convenience doesn’t always equal optimal health, and the nutritional profiles of some Tempo meals could be better.
If you’re considering Tempo, a good strategy might be to limit yourself to a few meals per week. Supplementing those meals with fresh fruits and vegetables, along with other healthy snacks, can help you round out your diet. Be sure to take a close look at the nutrition facts for each meal to make sure it aligns with your personal dietary goals.
Tempo meals are probably best suited for people who are short on time but still want reasonably healthy options. They’re not necessarily intended for dedicated bodybuilders or those with very specific dietary needs. In the end, meal delivery services like Tempo can be a helpful tool, but they should be part of a balanced lifestyle that includes mindful eating and a variety of whole foods.