These food boxes are replacements for your regular supermarket shops, there’s another popular food box type called recipe or meal kits which are healthy replacements for takeaways. They contain everything you need to cook a meal for 2 or 4 people including detailed instructions. We’ll be covering these in a separate report.
Food boxes are popular with caring consumers who want to buy from ethical producers:
- They want to eat ethical, sustainable high welfare products
- They want to eat fresh product and reduce food waste
- They want to reduce their C02 emissions and reduce food miles
- They want to reduce the environmental impact of plastic and pesticides
- They want more of the money they spend to stay in local communities
Here’s how subscription food boxes work
You choose your basic food box and add any other items you need to your order. Most customers start with a mixed veg box and then add some meat, fish and other grocery items.
Some companies let you to add or delete items from the box or even build your own box from scratch although this usually costs a little more.
It may also be possible for you to mark items you don’t like so they will never be included in your box
Now decide whether or not to set up a subscription order so that you get your delivery every week or every other week. You can usually change the contents of your regular order by logging in to the website a few days before the due date and making any changes you want.
Most suppliers also let you place individual orders in addition to, or instead of, your subscription orders.
Subscription orders can usually be cancelled before delivery without any penalties. You can also pause them if you need to. (For example when you are away on holiday).
How do Food Box Delivery Services Work
Some providers will deliver to you on the same day each week, especially if they are a local supplier whose driver has a fixed round.
Others, especially the larger ones that offer national delivery may also be able to provide a next day service.
Delivery charges range from free to £12.95 depending on your location, the order value and maybe the day you want it delivered (Saturday delivery or a timed delivery are expensive).
There is usually a minimum order charge as well, especially to qualify for free delivery.
Many suppliers allow you to specify a secure location to drop off your parcel if you’re out.
Most suppliers use DPD fresh for their national deliveries they are one of the leading companies for delivering fresh, ambient and chilled products direct to the home.
Fresh, Chilled and Frozen products
Although one of the benefits of food boxes is to provide fresher food by reducing the time spent in the supply chain (“fresh” supermarket food can already be 10 days old by the time you buy it).
Some items such as fish and meat may be chilled or even frozen. This shouldn’t affect the quality but may mean they need to use more, less sustainable, packaging.
This isn’t a big deal but something you may like to check for yourself.
Sustainable Packaging is really Important
Packaging is a major consideration for most ethical consumers and so it’s not surprising that the companies we’ve reviewed are working hard to make their packaging as sustainable as possible.
Products delivered through a courier service need more robust packaging than if you were just putting them in the boot of your car. It’s a tricky balance between the environmental impact of packaging against the food waste insufficient packaging would cause.
Most suppliers use as much home compostable packing as the can.
One of the benefits of a subscription service is that it makes reusable packaging a viable option.
Because the delivery driver visits you on a regular schedule, they can collect and reuse the previous deliveries boxes. A few suppliers will also collect other packaging and recycle it for you.
How these Food box suppliers reduce Food miles
Supermarkets bring a lot of food into the UK using Air freight to keep it fresh (ish). Not only does this disadvantage British producers but it’s EXTREMELY damaging to the environment.
Air freight causes 40-50 times the C02 emissions of most other transport methods.
Studies have shown that home deliveries are far more efficient than going shopping in your own car. The last few miles are the most polluting stage of food’s journey as the journeys are short with small loads.
Now take a look at our 28 favourite Food box suppliers
Furrow
This Online farmers market lets selected farmers list their available products on the website every Tuesday for you to order. The fresh produce is picked, processed and delivered to you on the Thursday. Multiple farmers deliver with a single delivery slot and a single delivery charge.
Delivery: National, but not all areas check your postcode on the website
Delivery Charges: £1.95
- Individual orders only
- Organic: Some
- Click and Collect: No
- Minimum order value: None
Website: https://www.joinfurrow.com
Email: NA
Call: NA
Riverford Organics
One of the UK’s longest established food box companies. Founded in 1986, they are employee owned, 100% organic, ethical and sustainable with a huge range of products, a very informative website and free national delivery. They also offer a wide range of meal kits including meat free options.
Delivery: National
Delivery Charges: Free
- Subscriptions and Individual orders.
- Organic: Yes
- Click and Collect: No
- Minimum order value:
If you are buying any of our set boxes (fruit and veg, meat or recipe boxes), then there is no minimum spend. If you prefer to build your own box, there’s a minimum spend of just £15 (without meat). To build your own meat box, the minimum meat order is £15; once your meat order reaches £15, you can add any number of non-meat items.
Website: https://www.riverford.co.uk
Email: help@riverford.co.uk
Call: 01803 227227
Able and Cole
One of the leading food boxes companies, 100% organic with a very wide range and national delivery. A wide range of meal kits including meat free options.
Delivery: National
Delivery Charges: £1.99
- Subscription and Individual orders
- Organic: Yes
- Click and Collect: No
- Minimum order value: £12
Website: https://www.abelandcole.co.uk
Email: organics@abelandcole.co.uk
Call: 03452 62 62 62
Abel & Cole Limited, 16 Waterside Way, Plough Lane, Wimbledon, SW17 0HB
Eversfield Organic
Eversfield Organic began by delivering fresh, Soil Association organic certified meat direct to local customers homes. They supplied their own grass-fed organic beef along with organic lamb, pork, poultry, and wild game.
As their popularity grew they expanded their range to include everything you need for your weekly grocery shop including organic fruit, vegetables, dairy, charcuterie, deli, vegetarian and vegan meat alternatives, and wild fish.
Location: Okehampton, Devon
Delivery: National and Local (Devon and Cornwall)
Delivery Charges: Delivery charges range from Free to £12.95 depending on order value, location and delivery day.
- Subscriptions and Individual orders
- Organic: Yes
- Click and Collect: Yes
- Minimum order value: None
Website: https://eversfieldorganic.co.uk
Email: info@eversfieldorganic.co.uk
Call: 01837 871400
Eversfield Organic Ltd, Ellacott, Bratton Clovelly, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 4LB
Borough Market Online
Borough Market online lets you buy all your farm fresh groceries from many of the 120 vendors in this historic market with a single delivery slot and delivery charge.
Location: Central London
Delivery: National and Local
Delivery Charges: Vary by location
- Subscriptions and one off orders
- Organic: Some organic
- Click and Collect: Yes
- Minimum order: Some vendors may have minimum order charges
Website: https://www.goodsixty.co.uk/borough-market
Email: hello@goodsixty.co.uk
The Vegan Kind
Vegan supermarket and subscription boxes.
Location: Glasgow
Delivery: National
Delivery Charges: Between Free and £7.99 depending on time and contents National Free postal delivery of non frozen goods by Royal Mail if you order over £70.
Join the kind club for free shipping and extra discounts. This costs £75 a year
- Subscriptions and one of orders
- Organic: No
- Click and Collect: No
- Minimum order: £25
Website: https://thevegankind.com/
Email: info@thevegankind.com
Call: 0141 483 7551
The Vegan Kind, Herschel House, 8 Ashton Rd, Rutherglen, Glasgow G73 1UB
Greendale
Greendale farm raise their own livestock, have their own butchery and even own a fleet of fishing boats.
Location: Exeter
Delivery: National
Delivery Charges: Free Delivery on orders over £50. Otherwise £4.95 for EX postcodes. £7.95 for National Delivery.
- Individual orders only
- Organic: Some
- Click and Collect: Yes
- Minimum order value: None
Website: https://www.greendale.com/
Email: info@greendale.com
Call: 01395 232836
Greendale Farm Shop, Sidmouth Road, Nr. Farringdon, Exeter, EX5 2JU
Vegbox fresh
Veg Box Fresh is a team of like-minded people based in Saltash, Cornwall, committed to supporting local growers across Devon and Cornwall.
Location: Plymouth
Delivery: Local – Plymouth PL Postcodes
Delivery Charges: Free Delivery on orders over £20. Otherwise £3 (see below)
- Subscriptions and one off orders
- Organic: Some groceries are organic
- Click and Collect: No
- Minimum order value: no minimum order value, but we do charge a small fee of £3 for orders under £20
Website: https://vegboxfresh.co.uk/
Call: 01752 845559
Jurassic Coast Farm Shop
Jurassic Coast Farm Shop stocks their own grass-fed, free range Aberdeen Angus beef and English rose veal from the family farm as well as other free-range meats, sustainably sourced fish, local cheeses, fruit and vegetables.
Location: Dorchester, Dorset
Delivery: National and Local (in the Dorset Area)
Delivery Charges: Orders to the Dorset area always have free delivery Orders to areas outside of Dorset are charged at the flat rate of £5.95.
- Subscriptions and Individual orders
- Organic: No
- Click and Collect: Yes
- Minimum order value: £45
Website: https://jurassiccoastfarmshop.co.uk
Email: info@jurassiccoastfarmshop.co.uk
Call: 01305 853937
Fossil Farm, Winfrith Newburgh, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8DB
Marshford Organic Foods
Specialising in Vegetables, salads and herbs grown on their own nursery, they also supply eggs, dairy and meat products from local farmers. The range includes fresh fruit, chilled and frozen products, groceries, wine, beer and special diet foods.
Location: North Devon
Delivery: Local (North Devon EX codes)
Delivery Charges: Some EX postcodes are free, others cost £8.95, check the website for details
- Individual orders only
- Organic: Yes
- Click and Collect: Yes
- Minimum order value: £15
Website: https://marshford.co.uk/
Email: sales@marshford.co.uk
Call: 01237 477160
Marshford Organic foods,Churchill Way, Northam, North Devon, EX39 1NS
Fredricks Farm Boxes
Fredericks Farm Boxes deliver fresh wholesome produce from farms and artisan businesses straight to your door.
All their groceries have been produced to high ethical standards and they can tell you the origin of every item they sell. Their meat is raised sustainably, fed appropriately and will never contain anything unexpected.
Location: Bishop’s Stortford
Delivery: National and Local
Delivery Charges: National FREE delivery on all orders of £70 otherwise £7.50. Low cost deliver in CM postcodes from £3.50
- Subscriptions and Individual orders
- Organic: Some organic
- Click and Collect: Yes
- Minimum order value: £30
Website: https://www.fredericksfarmboxes.co.uk/
Email: info@fredericksfarmboxes.co.uk
Fredricks farm boxes,J3 Peek Business Centre, Dunmow Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 5RG
Ayrshire Market Fresh
A small family business which started out selling their own fresh herbs and salads at local markets then expanded to selling other Ayrshire produce.
Location: Girvan, Ayrshire
Delivery: Local deliveries to most of mainland Ayrshire.
Delivery Charges: £3.00
- Individual orders only
- Organic: Some organic products
- Click and Collect: No
- Minimum order value: £15
Website: https://www.ayrshiremarketfresh.co.uk
Email: sales@ayrshiremarketfresh.co.uk
Call: 07484 683997
Ayreshire Market Fresh,Rhone Cottage, Dailly, Girvan, KA26 9RL
Blacker Hall Farm
Award-winning fresh, seasonal and local produce from their own farm, and other great local farms and producers.
Location: Wakefiled, West Yorkshire
Delivery: Local WF Postcodes
Delivery Charges: £6
- Individual orders only
- Organic: Some Organic
- Click and Collect: Yes (7 Days)
- Minimum order value: £6
Website: https://www.blackerhallfarmshop.co.uk
Email: info@blackerhall.com
Call: 01924 267202
Blacker Hall Farm Shop, Branch Road, Calder Grove, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 3DN
Fig and Fennel
They specialise in providing the best possible local and regional, fresh fruit and vegetables, to retail and wholesale customers at very competitive prices.
Location: Orpington, Kent
Delivery: Local delivery within a 10-mile radius of our base at Norsted Manor Farm, Pratts Bottom, Orpington
Delivery Charges: Free delivery
- Subscription and Individual orders only
- Organic: No
- Click and Collect: No
- Minimum order value: £22.50
Website: https://figandfennel.co.uk
Email: enquiries@figandfennel.co.uk
Call: 07709 092919
Fig and Fennel, Norsted Lane, Pratts Bottom, Orpington, Kent, BR6 7PB
Hogans Fine Food
Their mission is to “inspire a fresh approach to everyday eating”. They offer a range of fresh, local and seasonal produce, Mostly sourced from around Scotland, mainly from the Central Belt.
Location: Larbert, Falkirk
Delivery: Local delivery in Falkirk, Stirling and the surrounding areas
Delivery Charges: £1.00
- Individual orders only
- Organic: No
- Click and Collect: Yes
- Minimum order value: Not known
Website: http://hogansfinefoodcompany.co.uk
Email: info@hogansfinefoodcompany.co.uk
Call: 01324 555844
Hogans Fine Food, 342 Main Street, Stenhousemuir, Larbert, Falkirk, FK5 3JR
The Cornish Food Box Company
Cornish food and drink delivered direct to your door from over 100 farmers and producers.
Location: Redruth, Cornwall
Delivery: National and Local (Cornwall)
Delivery Charges: Depending on your delivery postcode and delivery day charges vary between £3.96 and £7.50.
- Subscription and Individual orders
- Organic: Some organic
- Click and Collect: Yes
- Minimum order value: £25
Website: https://www.thecornishfoodboxcompany.co.uk
Email: sales@thecornishfoodboxcompany.co.uk
Call: 01872 211533
The Cornish Food Box Company Ltd., Unit 33, Cardrew Trade Park, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 1SS
Eat Your Greens
A wide range of locally sourced produce, delivered locally by bike.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Delivery: National and Local in Leeds
Delivery Charges: Local Leeds Delivery (bike courier 2 mile radius only): £5.00, National Delivery (UPS UK): £7.50
- Individual orders only
- Organic: Yes
- Click and Collect: Yes
- Minimum order value: Not known
Website: https://eatyourgreensleeds.co.uk/
Email: hello@eatyourgreensleeds.co.uk
Call: 0113 244 6896
Eat Your Greens, 42 New York Street, Leeds, LS2 7DY
Localfarmbox
Local Farm Box’s mission is to act as a sales window for the areas farmers, growers and producers, and to offer the general public the best quality and best value for money fresh produce. Buying your fresh vegetables, fruits, salads, meats, and dairy products from Local Farm Box means that you will be directly contributing to the local economy – helping to put your £ back into the local community.
Location: Ilfracombe, Devon
Delivery: North Devon + the coast from Bude to Minehead, Tiverton – Exeter – Holsworthy
Delivery Charges: Not known
- Subscriptions and Individual orders
- Organic: No
- Click and Collect: No
- Minimum order value: £10
Website: https://localfarmbox.co.uk/
Email: sales@localfarmbox.co.uk
Call: 01271 869191
Local Farm Box C/O, Edd’s Greengrocers Ltd, Mullacott Industrial Estate, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 8PL
The Heritage 5 a Day Box Company
With over 40 years in the fruit and vegetable industry, The Heritage Fine Food Company are a BRC certified business based in the heart of Wiltshire. Their meat is sourced directly from Lowerfields farm in Coate where they are based.
Location: Devizes, Wiltshire
Delivery: Local We delivery to BA,BS,PO,RG,SN,SO and SP postcodes
Delivery Charges: Not known
- Subscriptions and Individual orders
- Organic: No
- Click and Collect: No
- Minimum order value: Not known
Website: https://5adaybox.co.uk
Email: kenmortimer@5adaybox.co.uk
Call: 01380 860968
Email address: kenmortimer@5adaybox.co.uk
5adaybox, Lower Fields Farm, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 3LQ
Your Local Green Grocer
Established in 1975, supplying Yorkshire households with quality produce at the best prices from their Leeds based shops and market stalls.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Delivery: Local delivery to LS, BD, WF, and HG postcodes
Delivery Charges: Orders over £20 qualify for Free Delivery. Orders below £20 have a delivery charge of £2.50.
- Subscriptions and Individual orders
- Organic: No
- Click and Collect: Yes
- Minimum order value: None
Website: https://yourlocalgreengrocer.co.uk
Email: orders@yourlocalgreengrocer.co.uk
Call: 0113 2458785
Unit 1 Taverners Walk, Sheepscar Grove, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 1AH
Cooks Larder
When you shop with Cook’s Larder, you’re not just buying the finest, award-winning Yorkshire grown produce or locally sourced Food and drink. You’re supporting local producers and putting emerging artisans on the map.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Delivery: National and Local
Delivery Charges: Local Free delivery: Harrogate & Ripon, Thirsk & Helmsley, Malton & Scarborough, York. National delivery prices on request.
- Subscriptions and Individual orders
- Organic: Some organic
- Click and Collect: Yes
- Minimum order value: None
Website: https://cookslarder.co.uk
Email: hello@cookslarder.co.uk
Call: 01751 200533
Cooks Larder, Unit 3D Dove Court, Dove Way, Kirkbymoorside. York, North Yorkshire, YO62 6QR
MacLeod Organics
For over 20 years, MacLeod Organics have been dedicated to 100% organic food production on their farm based in the Scottish Highlands.
Location: Ardersier, Inverness-shire
Delivery: Delivery all over Scotland, including the Islands
Delivery Charges: Between Free and £7.50 depending on location and order value
- Subscriptions and Individual orders
- Organic: Yes
- Click and Collect: No
- Minimum order value: None
Website: https://macleodorganics.scot
Email: farm@macleodorganics.co.uk
Call: 01667 462555
MacLeod Organics, Kylerona Farm, Ardersier, Inverness-shire, IV2 7QZ
Scarecrows Pantry
Founded in 2020, Scarecrows Pantry partners with organic growing co-operatives, local farmers, bakeries, craft breweries, independent coffee blenders, organic whole food suppliers. They and work closely with their farmers to reduce the use of pesticides and enhance soil quality.
Location: Brighton, East Sussex
Delivery: Local areas: Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Eastbourne, Heathfield, Haywards Heath, Horsham & Burgess Hill
Delivery Charges: Free
- Subscriptions and Individual orders
- Organic: lots of organics
- Click and Collect: Yes
- Minimum order value: £16.95
Website: https://www.scarecrowspantry.com
Email: info@scarecrowspantry.com
Call: 01273 805 052
Scarecrow’s Pantry, Bevendean Farm. Warren Avenue, Woodingdean, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 6AF
Graig Farm Organics
The Graig Farm Organics online shop allows the Rees family to provide their award winning produce to the public. Their range includes: Organic meat, organic vegetables, organic wine and spirits from their own farm and from other fully traceable organic sources.
Location: Newtown, Powys
Delivery: National
Delivery Charges: Orders over £80 are delivered free of charge, Orders between £30.00-£79.99 will incur a charge of £7.50, Orders between £0.00 -£29.99 will incur a £15.00 charge.
- Individual orders only
- Organic: Yes
- Click and Collect: Yes
- Minimum order value: None
Website: https://www.graigfarm.co.uk
Email: sales@graigfarm.co.uk
Call: 01686 627979
Graig Farm Organics,Tyn Y Fron Mochdre, Newtown, Powys, SY16 4JW
Kellys Fresh
A 5th Generation family business delivering Fruit and Vegetables, Meat, Bakery and much more since 1885.
Location: Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire
Delivery: National and Local
Delivery Charges: National courier £6.95. Local delivery by Kerrys Fresh: £5.00 NT postcodes
- Subscriptions and Individual orders.
- Organic: Yes
- Click and Collect: Yes
- Minimum order value: £12
Website: https://www.kerrysfresh.co.uk
Email: enquiries@kerrysfresh.co.uk
Call: 0115 9860929
Kerrys Fresh, Unit 13 and 14, Colliers Business Park, Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire, NG12 3HA
The Organic Pantry
Organic certified since 1999. Locally sourced organic produce delivered locally.
Location: Tadcaster, North Yorkshire
Delivery: Local North of England; Northumberland, Yorkshire, and Derbyshire.
Delivery Charges: Free
- Subscriptions and Individual orders
- Organic: Yes
- Click and Collect: No
- Minimum order value: £12.50
Website: https://www.theorganicpantry.co.uk
Email: office@theorganicpantry.co.uk
Call: 01937 531693
The Organic Pantry Ltd., St Helen’s Farm, Rudgate, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, LS24 9LY
Kilnford
Jock Rome’s family has been farming on the land around Kilnford in Southern Scotland for well over 300 years. They raise Galloway beef, Blackface lamb and Duroc X pork to the highest welfare standards and source other products from the local area.
Location: Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway
Delivery: Local DG Postcodes
Delivery Charges: Free delivery on orders over £50
- Individual orders only
- Organic: No
- Click and Collect: Yes
- Minimum order value: £30
Website: https://www.kilnford.co.uk
Email: orders@kilnford.co.uk
Call: 01387 253087
Kilnford Barns, The Glen, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, DG2 8PT
Dart Fresh
Dart Fresh is the premium food service provider in the South West. Having been a family run business since 1957 they focus on Quality of produce and great customer service.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Delivery: Local delivery across Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Bath and parts of Dorset. List of postcodes on site
Delivery Charges: Delivery is FREE for orders over £60.
- Individual orders only
- Organic: No
- Click and Collect: No
- Minimum order value: £60
Website: https://dartfresh.co.uk
Email: george@dartfreshproduce.co.uk
Call: 01392 873036
Dart Fresh Produce Ltd, Marsh Barton Farm, Clyst St George, Exeter, Devon, EX3 0QH
Veg in a Box
A local specialist supplier of farm fresh food boxes founded on 2015. As well as supplying regular grocery items they specialize in boxes for special occasions with everything from Mother’s Day to Halloween; Steak Night to Vegan delights.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Delivery: Local Devon and Cornwall
Delivery Charges: Check website for details, some areas are eligible for free delivery with orders over £40, under £40 is the standard delivery charge of £4.95. Other areas have a standard delivery charge of £4.95.
- Individual orders only
- Organic: some organic
- Click and Collect: No
- Minimum order value: £25
Website: https://veg-inabox.com
Email: NA
Call: 01392 877189
Veg in a Box, The Old Seed Barn, Court Way Farm, Bishops Court Lane, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DH
Furrow
Riverford Organics
Able and Cole
Eversfield Organic
Borough Market Online
The Vegan Kind
Greendale
Vegbox fresh
Jurassic Coast Farm Shop
Marshford Organic foods
Fredricks farm boxes
Blacker Hall Farm
Fig and Fennel
Hogans Fine Food
The Cornish Food Box Company
Eat Your Greens
Localfarmbox
The Heritage 5 a Day box Company
Your Local Green Grocer
Cooks Larder
MacLeod Organics
Scarecrows Pantry
Graig Farm Organics
Kellys Fresh
The Organic Pantry
Kilnford
Dart Fresh
Veg in a Box