ACTIVATE FOODS, Erina
Healthy, homemade, ready-prepared meals – aka the Holy Grail for the time-poor. These meals are dietician- and nutritionist-approved, all created in the big open kitchen at their store in Erina. There is a frozen range and a ready-to-eat fresh range from a menu that includes hearty meals such as beef lasagna, Thai chicken curry and a Mexican burrito bowl, as well as family meals such as butter chicken and a classic beef stew. Some meals can be eaten straight from the box, others should be warmed up in the microwave or on the stove. The best bit, you can order when you need – there is no lock-in subscription. Pick-up any time, or order online for home delivery on a Monday.
activatefoods.com.au
‘I don’t have to plan meals. I just go to my freezer and pick whatever Activate Foods meal I feel like eating that night. Two to three minutes in the microwave, and it’s done.’
MEALS FOR MUMMAS, West Gosford
Meals for Mummas was designed specifically for mums at all stages, from postpartum and beyond. The menu is based on whole foods principles (as well as Ayurvedic or TCM – traditional Chinese medicine) and caters to all dietary requirements including allergens. Meals are made with organic ingredients, are nutritionist-approved and arrive fresh. Meals may include chickpea coconut curry, Tuscan beef stew with rice or an apple and a delicious wild blueberry crumble with coconut caramel custard for breakfast. The 30-day postpartum package includes 30 days of meals, one-handed snacks (a necessity!) and drinks delivered straight to your door. There is also a new pregnancy menu in the works. Delivery is on Thursdays.
meals4mummas.com.au
“Meals for mummas not only kept me nourished, but really made my postpartum experience and transition to motherhood so much easier.”
TERRIGAL WHOLE FOOD, Erina
Saving your precious time is the mantra for Terrigal Whole Food, which offers fresh-made meals created with whole foods, as well as a low-carb menu and plant-based menu. Choose from dishes such as eight-hour braised beef brisket, coconut-poached chicken salad and vegan nasi goreng, with small and large portion sizes. There’s also a kid’s menu – mac and cheese, crumbed chicken and mash, and pasta and meatballs. You can order for fresh delivery twice a week or freeze the meals to enjoy later or pick it up from their café at the Impact Centre, Erina.
terrigalwholefood.com.au
THYMELY MEAL CO., West Gosford
Convenience is the key at Thymely Meal Co. Mouth-watering meals that can be reheated in the oven in a sous vide bag. The menu changes on a regular basis but you can expect heart-warming dishes such as spinach and ricotta ravioli, classic favourites such as bangers and mash, and light and wholesome options such as sesame chilli chicken salad. Servings are generally for two. Delivery is Tuesdays or you can pick up in store.
thymelyfoodco.com.au
THE GOOD FARM, online
Proud supporters of regenerative farming, The Good Farm’s pre-made meals are free of preservatives, additives and gluten-free. They’re serious about keeping it natural, with food that is wholesome and filled with goodness. The menu may include the likes of Moroccan lamb; steak and ale pie; organic chicken cacciatore; and a range of curry pastes and sauces.
thegoodfarmshop.com
THE WHOLE BOWL CO., online
This meal service was created for new mums, designed to support postpartum, recovery, grief and every stressful situation in between. Food is delivered frozen and is mostly based on wholefoods, locally sourced and organic. The menu may include dishes such as organic beef lasagne; slow cooked vegetable ragu; free-range chicken and veggie pie; vegetable and red lentil soup; and apple and berry crumble.
thewholebowlco.com.au
FEEST, online
This plant-based meal service has a strong focus on ethical and sustainable foods. The menu is packed full of wholesome and delicious meals for vegetarians and vegans. From the weekly changing menu, you may find Spanish paella, a spiced tray bake, mushroom stroganoff, vegan sausage rolls, and sweet treats such as cinnamon donut bliss balls and peanut butter fudge brownies. Main meals can be ordered in different sizes to suit your needs. Deliveries are fulfilled on Fridays and you can make a one-off order or join the subscription service.
feest.com.au
CHEFS ON WHEELS, online
As close as you can get to a private chef, this meal service offers restaurant quality meals in a wide range of cuisines. You can order gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free and choose between one and four portions. The menu might include Sicilian meatballs in tomato and basil sugo; shepherd’s pie with root vegetable mash; French butter croissants; chicken tortellini boscaiola with mushroom and bacon; or pork and fennel sausage rolls. And there’s a special junior chef on wheels menu featuring simple and nutritious dishes such as butter chicken and rice, pumpkin mac and cheese, and loaded veggie spag col. Delivery to Central Coast is made Monday, Tuesday and Saturday.
chefsonwheels.com.au
Ready to cook
HARRIS FARM
Did you know that Harris Farm has a Ready to Cook meal service? Browse the weekly menu on their website, which features a range of meals across different cuisines that feed four to six people.
Think easy and flavoursome meals such as teriyaki chicken, Mexican beef enchiladas, garlic and chilli prawn linguine, and haloumi and roasted vegetable salad. The staff at Harris Farm will hand-pick all the ingredients and deliver it to you with a digital step-by-step recipe. Voila! Dinner is sorted.
MARLEY SPOON
Marley Spoon is a subscription service that delivers meal kits that feed two to four people. Choose from more than 70 recipes from different categories – for example, family favourites, low calorie and vegetarian – and the ingredients are delivered to you on Fridays. This is a cook-it-yourself option but it’s made easy because all the ingredients come in the right portions. Choose from two to six meals per week.
HELLO FRESH
Hello Fresh is another meal-kit subscription service with a range of recipes from classic to vegetarian to carb smart and protein rich that feed two to six people. Choose whether you’d like three, four or five recipes per week and the ingredient boxes are delivered to you, all ready for cooking.
NB All menus and delivery days are subject to change.
WORDS MEGAN ARKINSTALL
