Is It Actually Cheaper to Buy Imperfect Foods?

imperfect produce how much money am i actually saving imperfect produce coupon code
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At Love Eat Travel we are all about saving money so we can spend it on travel. I focus on inexpensive plane tickets and lodging so that I have extra funds for food. Food is a great way to experience the culture of any travel destination. One way that I save money is by eating very inexpensively at home. I signed up for the Imperfect Foods (formerly known as Imperfect Produce) program and gave it a try. I was able to secure a half off code towards my first box making my first box even cheaper than normal.

What is Imperfect Foods?

imperfect fruits and veggies food waste national geographicImperfect Foods began in 2015 and is a tech company using technology to improve nutrition and food business outcomes. Ben Simon, started Imperfect Foods after he saw staggering statistics showing how much food was going to waste on college campuses. He made it a life goal to prevent food, specifically fruits and veggies, from going to waste.

More than 20% of the fruits and vegetables grown in America never make it off the farm because they aren’t perfect enough for the grocery store’s aesthetic standards.

Grocery stores are also are one of the major contributors to food waste in America since they often reject fruits and vegetables due to small blemishes, irregular sizing or due to surplus.

That’s where Imperfect Foods steps in.

Imperfect Foods promises that subscribers will receive a box of produce for up to 50% off normal grocery store prices. I live in Seattle and produce here is not cheap. Most of what receive in grocery stores are imported from states or even countries far away, especially during the Winter season.

They currently operate in seven states which include select cities in California, (Bay Area/Los Angeles/Orange County), Seattle, Portland, Chicago, Milwaukee and Indianapolis areas. Each week they are releasing more zip codes, so expect Imperfect Foods to come to your doorstep soon!

How Does Imperfect Foods Actually Work?

When you sign-up for an Imperfect Foods box, you get to customize your box so that your imperfect box is perfect for you! Customization options include choosing your 1) Box Type, 2) Box Size and 3) Frequency. Below are ways you can customize your box.

Pick a Box Type

Choose between two boxes.

  1. Green Box – Organic Produce
  2. Regular Box – Conventional Produce

Box Size

Pick a box size depending on the number of persons in your household.

  1. Small (1-2 persons/~$12)
  2. Medium (2-3 persons/~$17)
  3. Large (3-4 persons/~$20)
  4. Extra-Large (4-5 persons/~$23)

Frequency

Choose how often you want to get your Imperfect Foods box delivered to your home.

  1. Every Week – Great option if you cook or eat at home often.
  2. Every Other Week – I chose this option because I travel often and don’t like my produce to go to waste.
  3. Imperfect Foods also allows you to skip during customization if the produce does not fit your needs for that delivery period.
  4. If you’re going on vacation you can pause or set your next delivery date to a more convenient time in the future.

I signed up for a bi-weekly MEDIUM sized subscription box. My delivery schedule is on Tuesday between 3PM-10PM. Shipping is a flat $4.99.

Imperfect Foods further adds value by allowing customization of your box content. Each Thursday prior to my Tuesday delivery date, I receive an email informing me that I have 32 hours to customize my box. My default box is a blend of conventional fruits and veggies. When logged in, I can view information about where the produce is coming from and why it is imperfect.

Reasons produce might be imperfect might be due to size (too big or small), shape/asymmetry, discoloration, scarring, or simply because it is surplus product. Once logged in, you can add to or subtract from your box. I’ve been able to choose from over 60 organic and conventional fruit and veggie options, as well as non-produce items such as coffee, rice, raisins, dates and olive oil.

The box was delivered to my home within the scheduled time frame. The produce comes loose in the box without any plastic or packaging, further committing to their mission in reducing unnecessary waste.

love eat travel what's in my imperfect produce box

inside imperfect produce box

How Much Less is it Compared to a Grocery Store?

People ask me this question ALL THE TIME. I decided to compare the cost-effectiveness of  Imperfect Foods. I compared IP’s pricing with a grocery store nearest to my home (Trader Joe’s). Even with Imperfect Food’s service and delivery fee, it was still 28.6% cheaper than regular grocery store pricing.

If you think about it, without the fee the savings are even more AND you have the convenience of getting your food delivered straight to your home or workplace. Plus you are playing a HUGE part in preventing food waste.

Below is a side by side price comparison. This is a typical two-week order for our two (2) person household. This would be considered a size Large to Extra-Large box.

Produce Trader Joe’s Imperfect
Foods
Conventional Yellow Onions 1 lb $0.69 $0.35
Conventional Potatoes 1 lb $1.47 $0.35
Conventional Grapefruit $0.99 $0.50
Conventional Corn $0.58 $0.50
Carrots 1 bunch $0.79 $0.69
Conventional Green Onions 1 bunch $1.29 $0.75
Conventional Celery 1 bunch $1.59 $0.75
Organic Sweet Potatoes 1 ct $0.89 $0.89
Conventional Navel Oranges (1 lb) $1.38 $0.89
Conventional Spinach $1.99 $1.09
Conventional Green Bellpeppers 2 ct $1.19 $1.19
Conventional Limes 5 ct $1.45 $1.19
Conventional Lemons (1 lb) $2.45 $1.19
Conventional Brussel Sprouts 1 bag $2.49 $1.39
Organic Purple Garlic (2 ct vs 4 ct) $1.39 $1.49
Conventional Fennel $2.49 $1.50
Conventional Avocados 3 ct $2.69 $1.50
Conventional Broccoli 1 bunch $2.49 $1.75
Organic Cherry Tomatoes 1 box $2.49 $1.89
Organic Avocado $4.49 $1.89
Conventional Strawberries (1 Clamshell) $5.99 $2.09
Organic Mandarins 1 lb $2.99 $2.19
Conventional Grapes $3.99 $2.19
Organic Cantaloupe 1 ct $2.79 $2.49
750ml Bottle of CA Virgin Olive Oil $10.99 $6.99
Organic Mini Watermelon 1 ct $3.49 $3.25
Gas to drive to the grocery store $3.00
Delivery Charge $4.99
Service Fee $3.00
TOTAL $68.52 $48.93

 

I recommend purchasing a medium to large-sized box every two weeks for the service to be most cost-effective. This way you get more out of the delivery and service fees. I would not recommend buying a small box each week because most of your cost would be going towards the delivery and service charge.

If you’re more concerned about convenience and having very fresh produce, the weekly delivery may benefit you. It really depends on your lifestyle and what is a priority for you (saving money or getting the freshest produce).

I personally think Imperfect Foods is worth it. In our fast-paced world, it can be challenging to eat healthily. Through the Imperfect Foods delivery service, I have been eating fruits and veggies 230% more than I did previously. I feel better and I’ve lost a significant amount of weight (15 pounds). Not to mention, I am saving the money on my grocery costs. This is a no brainer and an investment in your health and our environment.

Are you ready to give Imperfect Foods a try?

Use code RAF501 for $10 off your first Imperfect Foods box. Sign up now!

Imperfect Foods $10 off coupon code RAF501

Let me know what you think of your first box in the comments section below. I love seeing what people get. It’s always a surprise in our household.

Thanks for reading!

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