![5 Best Baking Subscription Boxes for Every Type of Baker [Tested and Reviewed]](/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/6-Best-Baking-Subscription-Boxes-for-Every-Type-of-Baker_FT_OTedit.jpg?resize=72,72)
![16 Best Food of the Month Clubs in 2026 [Tested and Reviewed]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/TOHA26_16-Best-Food-of-the-Month-Clubs-in-2026_Taste-of-Home_01_YVedit.jpg?resize=72,72)
![The Best Candle Subscription Boxes [Tested and Reviewed]](/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/TOHA24_Vellabox-Candle-Subscription_Katie-Bandurski-Taste-of-Home_Vellabox-_-Box-Contents_KSedit_YVedit.jpg?resize=72,72)
Over the years, we've tried more than 50 food subscription boxes. These are the 13 you'll never catch us canceling.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Learn more.
Highlights
|
Maybe we’re biased here at Taste of Home, but ask any of our staffers, and we’ll agree that food is one of the best gifts. A food gift tailored to the recipient’s preferences or passions and regularly delivered to their doorstep is even better. That’s why food subscription boxes are our latest gift obsession.
“Each delivery is a delightful surprise, bringing with it the excitement of discovering a new flavor or delicacy. It’s the perfect way to show someone you care by giving them a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year,” says Michelle Hensley, gifting expert and founder of Nifty Package Co. Need more options? Look at these gift of the month clubs for some inspiration.
Crumble Crate
Pros:
- Challenging projects for experienced bakers
- Quality baking tool included
- Pre-portioned specialty ingredients
- Helpful instructional videos and tips
- Beautiful, impressive finished desserts
Cons:
- May be difficult for beginners
- Some additional tools are required
- Cannot choose difficulty level
Experienced bakers looking to shake up their usual routine will find plenty to like about Crumble Crate. Each monthly box includes pre-portioned dry ingredients, a recipe, at least one quality baking tool and a QR code that leads to instructional videos, shopping lists and extra tips. The recipes range in difficulty, though most offer more of a challenge than your average boxed baking kit.
Senior Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski tested the apple rose tart, which arrived with a tart pan and pastry cutter, along with specialty ingredients like almond flour. She appreciated not having to buy a full bag of an ingredient she only needed a small amount of. Some basics, including apples, butter, eggs and lemon juice, needed to be supplied separately.
Even as an experienced baker, Katie found the project challenging. Forming the apple roses took some patience, and she had to reread a few of the more involved steps. Still, the finished tart looked impressive and tasted excellent. She described the experience as equal parts baking project and art project.
Crumble Crate may be frustrating for a true beginner, especially since you can’t select a skill level. But for bakers who already know their way around the kitchen and want to learn new techniques, it makes every delivery feel like a worthwhile challenge.
Cost: $49.82-$54.95 per box | Shipping Frequency: Monthly | Shipping Cost: $0 | Gift Subscription Available: Yes | Pause: Not specified; cancel anytime
Appy Hour
Pros:
- Highly customizable monthly selections
- Curated gourmet meats and cheeses
- Includes interesting accompaniments
- Arrived cold and well packaged
- Generous amount for entertaining
- Helpful tasting and pairing guide
Cons:
- More food than couples may need
- Best suited to entertaining
If you love putting together a charcuterie board, Appy Hour makes the process especially easy. Each box is curated by cheesemongers and filled with gourmet meats, cheeses and accompaniments, with seven- and nine-item subscription options available. Before each shipment, subscribers can also review the upcoming assortment and swap out items they don’t want.
Tester Paul Rankin received a particularly generous box packed with four cured meats, three hard cheeses, sheep and goat cheese packed in oil, sweet lemon ricotta, artisan crisps, praline pecans, dried tart cherries and blackberry balsamic jam.
The cheeses were the biggest standout during testing, especially the sweet lemon ricotta, which Paul described as “absolutely stunning.” He was also impressed by how thoughtfully the entire assortment came together, with the meats, fruit, nuts, crackers and spreads feeling more curated than the basic charcuterie selections you might pick up at a grocery store.
Packaging was another strong point. Even after arriving on an 82-degree day in Florida, everything inside was still cold and in good condition. Paul served the box while hosting, adding only some fresh grapes, and there wasn’t a single crumb left afterward.
Because the portions are geared more toward sharing, Appy Hour may be more than one or two people need for casual snacking. But for entertaining, gifting or anyone who takes their cheese boards seriously, it offers an impressive mix of quality, variety and customization.
Cost: $89-$109 per box | Shipping Frequency: Every 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks | Shipping Cost: $0 for first box; just under $7 thereafter | Gift Subscription Available: Yes | Pause: Yes
Wicked Good Cupcakes
Pros:
- Cupcakes arrived moist and fresh
- Good variety of seasonal flavors
- Multiple box sizes available
- Reusable glass jars
- Secure, damage-free packaging
- Relatively affordable subscription price
Cons:
- Only three-month subscriptions available
- Shipping adds to the cost
Traditional cupcakes aren’t exactly built for shipping, which is part of what makes Wicked Good Cupcakes so clever. Each cupcake is layered parfait-style inside a reusable glass jar, with cake, frosting and toppings visible from the outside. The result is both giftable and remarkably travel-friendly.
Our tester sampled three months of dessert deliveries, starting with carrot cake and red velvet. Both were moist without being overly sweet, and the carrot cake’s walnuts and chocolate chips added welcome texture. The following month brought coconut and a seasonally decorated chocolate cupcake, while the final delivery included mocha and the brand’s namesake Wicked Good Cupcake, made with chocolate chip peanut butter cake, peanut butter frosting and chocolate ganache.
Every jar arrived intact, and the changing flavors kept each month interesting. You can also choose between two, four or six cupcakes per delivery, which makes it easy to size the gift for a couple or a larger household.
The biggest limitation is that subscriptions are currently sold in three-month increments. Shipping also adds to the price. Still, compared with many specialty dessert subscriptions, Wicked Good Cupcakes is relatively approachable and offers enough variety that our testers genuinely looked forward to each new box.
Cost: $69.99-$175 for 3 months | Shipping Frequency: Monthly for 3 months | Shipping Cost: Varies; one-time charge at checkout | Gift Subscription Available: Yes | Pause: No
Farmer's Finds
Pros:
- Features products from small businesses
- Fun farmers-market-style assortment
- Mix of food and non-food finds
- Great way to discover new brands
Cons:
- Contents may not suit every taste
The Farmer’s Finds captures some of the fun of wandering around a farmers market without limiting the experience to one town. The box focuses on small-batch products from small businesses around the country, creating an assortment that I compared to bringing home a haul from a flea market or local festival.
The selection is primarily food-focused, but occasional non-food finds add a little variety. I particularly liked that balance, since the box still feels centered on edible treats without every inclusion being another snack.
My favorite item was the Zorro sweet and spicy pecans, which is absolutely addictive. More broadly, the appeal is the discovery factor. Rather than signing up for a box devoted entirely to one food, subscribers get an assortment of products and brands they may never have encountered otherwise.
That makes Farmer’s Finds a strong choice for the person who loves browsing farmers markets, supporting smaller businesses or simply opening a box without knowing exactly what will be inside.
Cost: $24.99 per month | Shipping Frequency: Monthly | Shipping Cost: $0 | Gift Subscription Available: Yes | Pause: Not specified; cancel anytime
Tinned Fish Club
Pros:
- Each box includes three seafood tins, plus pairings and utensils
- Comes with a brochure that details each inclusion and its best pairings
- Toppings like mayo and seasonings included
- All fish sustainably farmed
- Recipe ideas included
Cons:
- Some may find the price a bit steep
- Crackers and other pairings not included
Any self-respecting a-fish-ionado knows that not all tinned fish is created equal. That’s the theory behind the Tinned Fish Club, which pairs flavorful and uncommon tinned seafood with mouthwatering seasonings shipped directly to your door. Offerings come with a brochure detailing optimal pairings and information about the picks. The tins in my box had zero dents or dings; everything was perfectly packed.
I enjoyed learning about small companies I otherwise wouldn’t have heard of. As a big time tuna fan, it was great receiving a tin of Santa Caterina tuna in Molho Cru sauce along with a small packet of mayo, crushed red pepper and pink sea salt to enjoy alongside. The veggies in the Molho Cru sauce are all chopped by hand—something I found absolutely fascinating.
For fans of sardines, mussels and other seafood, this box is an absolute must-have. For outdoorsmen or those who often find themselves on the road, the Tinned Fish Club in an indispensable way to add a big dose of variety to an otherwise ho-hum product category.
Cost: $37 – $372 | Club Lengths: 1, 3, 6 and 12 months | Shipping Cost:$10 | Gift Subscription Available: Yes | Pause: Yes
Trade Coffee Subscription
Pros:
- Ability to try new, customized-for-you coffees from around the country
- Very fresh beans
- Easy to gift
- Free shipping on pre-paid orders
Cons:
- Bags are on the smaller side, measuring around 11 ounces
For true java junkies, a coffee subscription is such a cool way to try new roasts you’d otherwise miss thanks to geography. Trade Coffee’s classic subscription is our top pick. Apart from offering worldwide beans that are freshly roasted just days before shipping out, they also provide seriously cool customization options—a must-have for something as personal as coffee.
First, take the targeting quiz, which identifies how you take your coffee, your preferred roasts, your desired flavors and more. The coffee experts at Trade match your results to hundreds of bean options from vendors all across the country. Beans are roasted, shipped and delivered directly to your door. You can also provide feedback on what you liked (or didn’t like) to customize your coffee subscription further.
“Once you start a Trade coffee subscription, it’s hard to quit. I’ve been testing this mail-order service for six weeks, and it puts you in the driver’s seat for all your coffee needs,” says confirmed bean fiend and Senior Editor Katie Bandurski.
Plans start at $16.99 per bag for a classic Trade subscription. You can also choose from premium subscriptions for $21.99 per bag, which offers access to additional single-origin or light-roast flavors and brews.
Cost: $16.99 – $21.99 per bag | Shipping Frequency: Adjustable | Shipping Cost: $0 for prepaid subscription, or $1.95 | Gift Subscription Available: Yes | Pause: Yes
Goldbelly Subscription Box
Pros:
- Foods from famous U.S. restaurants
- Excellent sweet and savory variety
- Generous portions for sharing
- Reliable insulated packaging
- Easy storage and reheating instructions
- Fun surprise each month
Cons:
- Expensive
- Cannot customize monthly selections
- Quality varies between shipments
For sheer variety, Goldbelly is difficult to top. The service works with restaurants, bakeries and food makers around the country to ship regional favorites directly to your door. Its subscriptions span everything from pies and cookies to bacon, ice cream and barbecue, making this one of the easiest picks to tailor to a serious food lover.
We’ve tested Goldbelly subscriptions extensively over several years. The original Icons of Goldbelly subscription delivered everything from an Emporium Pies Cherry Bomb Pie and Central Grocery muffulettas to Georgia peaches with pound cake and a Jack Stack barbecue feast. More recently, our testers tried Goldbelly’s cookie, ice cream, bacon and pie clubs as well.
There were plenty of highlights. The Georgia peaches arrived ripe and undamaged, the Jack Stack barbecue reheated beautifully and several of the pies tasted impressively homemade. Our cookie tester also received selections from well-known bakeries including William Greenberg Desserts, Jacques Torres and Chip City. Across all those tests, careful packaging and straightforward storage or reheating instructions were recurring strengths.
The surprise element means every shipment won’t necessarily suit every palate. Some individual boxes also impressed us more than others, and Goldbelly is undeniably a splurge. But few subscriptions make it this easy to sample celebrated foods from around the country without booking a flight.
Cost: $79.95 per month | Shipping Frequency: Monthly | Shipping Cost: $0 | Gift Subscription Available: Yes | Pause: Yes; individual months can be skipped
Jerky Dynasty
Pros:
- Generous amount of jerky
- Wide variety of flavors
- Includes some unusual meats
- Good value for the quantity
- Multiple subscription sizes available
Cons:
- Some jerky was slightly dry
- No customization available
Jerky Dynasty Club is a particularly fun pick for anyone whose snack drawer is never short on meat sticks. The full-size subscription includes up to 24 ounces of jerky from several gourmet brands, with a mix of familiar flavors and more unusual meats. A smaller Lite Box is also available.
Tester Paul Rankin received three large bags of jerky plus several smaller meat sticks and sausages in his Jerky Dynasty review. Most selections featured beef or pork, but his shipment also worked in venison, elk and duck. Flavors ranged from peppered brisket to dill pickle, giving the box far more variety than grabbing a couple of bags at the grocery store.
“I loved how much variety there was in the box, definitely plenty of jerky to get me through an entire month (or more),” Paul says. He even hosted a jerky tasting with friends and still had plenty left afterward.
Not every selection was a personal favorite, and a few pieces ran a little dry. There’s also no customization. Still, the sheer quantity and variety make this one of the better-value savory boxes we’ve tested, especially for adventurous meat lovers, hikers and anyone constantly looking for high-protein snacks.
Cost: $39.99-$49.99 per month | Shipping Frequency: Monthly | Shipping Cost: Calculated at checkout | Gift Subscription Available: Yes | Pause: Yes
Shaker and Spoon
Pros:
- Comes with everything (minus the alcohol)
- Ability to repurchase past boxes and ingredients until they sell out
- Easy-to-send gifting options
- Ability to swap out upcoming boxes that don't appeal to you
Cons:
- No alcohol included
What’s better than a cocktail kit? A cocktail kit that delivers monthly, of course! Similar to a beer club, Shaker and Spoon offers a new adult-friendly beverage experience each month. Choose from over 50 different cocktail kits that fit that special someone’s tastes. Or, gift a new surprise each month with their monthly subscription. It takes the guesswork out of the equation—the only thing you have to do is fill out your friend’s shipping information.
Each box comes with a whole host of unexpected inclusions, from garnishes to mixers and even the occasional piece of barware. While the boxes don’t include alcohol, you can head over to Curiada and snag the Shaker and Spoon recommended selections for each box. Or, use your favorite brands instead. We’ve tested several of the brand’s bespoke kits, and each offered a truly unique experience.
“As a budding mixologist, I was truly blown away by the attention to detail included inside this Ginspirations cocktail kit from Shaker and Spoon,” says Shopping Editor Madi Koetting. “Gin typically isn’t my spirit of choice, so I chose this kit to better understand what ingredients pair well with the liquor and sharpen my gin-based cocktail chops,” she adds.
Cost: $66.33 – $719 | Club Lengths: 3, 6 and 12 month | Shipping Cost: $0 | Gift Subscription Available: Yes | Pause: Yes
Universal Yums
Pros:
- Wide variety of international snacks
- Features a different country monthly
- Includes maps, trivia and games
- Allergens and ingredients clearly labeled
- Fun option for families
Cons:
- Some flavors can feel repetitive
- Value varies between boxes
- Occasional shipping damage reported
Part snack box, part geography lesson, Universal Yums makes trying foods from another country into a full-blown activity. Each month focuses on a different destination and includes six to 20 sweet and savory snacks depending on the box size. You’ll also find trivia, games, an illustrated map, tasting activities and information about the foods and culture.
Product tester Annamarie Higley tried a Belgium box containing 10 snacks and was impressed by how authentic the experience felt. Nearly everything in her shipment was made in Belgium, and the accompanying materials gave plenty of context about what she was tasting.
That extra layer is what makes Universal Yums particularly fun for families. Rather than simply opening a box of snacks, you can taste everything together, rank favorites and learn a little about the featured country along the way. Ingredients and allergens are also clearly identified.
Not every month will be an equal hit, and some boxes can lean toward similar flavor profiles. Still, there’s enough variety and personality here to make opening the next destination genuinely exciting.
Cost: From $19 per box | Shipping Frequency: Monthly | Shipping Cost: $0 in the contiguous U.S. | Gift Subscription Available: Yes | Pause: Yes, up to 3 months
The Fruit Company
Pros:
- Beautiful packaging – would make a great gift
- Strong assortment of fruit
- Tons of gifting options for every occasion
- Reasonable price point for gifting
- Fruit packaged carefully to prevent bruising
- Organic options available
Cons:
- Quality around the same as what you’d find in a gourmet grocery store
- Pricey
When it comes to fruit subscriptions (or fruit delivery in general), the quality of the produce is only one consideration. Bruise-free delivery is another important aspect, and nobody does it better than The Fruit Company. Despite not being super fancy, the gourmet grocery quality make these fruits a perfect pick for the average fruit eater.
There are four different monthly fruit clubs that include a range of fruits such as pears and apples to more exotic choices like star fruit and champagne mangos. A card with ripening tips comes with each shipment—a nice touch, according to Katie, who tested the brand’s fruit basket gift.
Katie notes that despite evidence of a rocky shipping trip, the fruit inside was carefully packaged in a generous straw bed with extra protection like mesh sleeves and tissue paper. While there was a little bruising along the top of the pineapple, the majority of the fruit inside was unharmed.
Cost: $119 – $159 per month | Club Lengths: 3, 6 and 12 | Shipping Cost: $0 | Gift Subscription Available: Not specifically | Pause: No
Murray’s Cheese Explorer's Club
Pros:
- Expertly curated
- Monger lessons included
- Brand offers a variety of other cheese clubs
- 3-, 6- and 12-month subscriptions available
- One club-exclusive pick per box
Cons:
- Relatively small amount of cheese
- Some boxes offer less variety
The Cheese Explorer’s Club from Murray’s is one of the brand’s many monthly subscriptions, and it’s also our favorite cheese club. Each month’s box arrives with three different cheeses, including a club exclusive pick that you can’t find anywhere else.
“The cheese was sent in an insulated cardboard box with reusable ice packs. I did not have any issues with the cheese being damaged during delivery,” says former Senior Editor Caroline Lubinsky of her three-month subscription. Despite delivery in sweltering weather, the cheese arrived thoroughly cool.
While the club doesn’t rely on bells and whistles—the cheese speaks for itself—each month’s offerings arrive with fun facts and serving tips. It’s a fun experience to learn from the expert cheesemongers that curate each assortment while you nibble.
Cost: $210 – $800 | Club Lengths: 3, 6 and 12 months | Shipping Cost: $10 | Gift Subscription Available: Not specifically | Pause: No
Tea Runners Club
Pros:
- High quality tea with unique flavors
- Four box options: Black, Pure, Herbal or Original
- Loose leaf, with tea bags for steeping
- Each box includes four different flavors
- Origins, steeping notes and ingredients included
- Sleek, highly giftable packaging
- Provides up to 50 cups of tea
- Affordably priced
Cons:
- Box only comes with 10 tea bags
Tea Runners is equally appealing to both beginners and seasoned tea drinkers, making it our top pick for tea subscriptions. Each box includes four sampler pouches of tea, 10 tea bags and a postcard with some basic info about the club, tea origins and steeping instructions.
The Original Box is a great way to start experimenting and figuring out what flavors/types of tea you like. Those that already know what they like can choose from four box options: Black, Pure, Herbal or Original.
Inside Katie’s box, each tea impressed with its freshness and flavor. She likens Moonlight Jasmine to “a warm summer night,” whereas Floral Nectar Black wowed with its subtle finishing florals. Even the Majestic Earl Grey impressed Katie, who isn’t a big fan of Earl Grey. “It was so delicious—much fresher than any Earl Grey I’ve had before,” she raves.
While the tea is loose leaf, each box comes with 10 tea bags for steeping, which Katie notes is not quite enough to get through all the tea. “You’ll need to supplement with another pack or a reusable option. I like baby Nessie, but you could use plain ol’ stainless steel, too,” she says.
Cost: $26 – $264.96 | Club Lengths: 1, 3, 6 and 12 months | Shipping Cost: $0 | Gift Subscription Available:Yes | Pause: Yes
What To Look for When Shopping for Food Subscription Boxes
The beauty of shopping for a food subscription box is the sheer number of options available. However, that also introduces a bit of choice paralysis. In general, it’s important to keep the recipient at the top of your mind when shopping. This goes for inclusions, the feel and the packaging.
“Consider the recipient’s tastes, allergies and preferences. This is important because someone might be deathly allergic to nuts, so make sure you know this ahead of time and let that recipient know you thought about it,” says Michelle. “Look for a club that offers high-quality, artisanal products and flexibility in subscription options. It’s also important to consider the shipping schedule and ensure that the products will be delivered fresh and in optimal condition.”
How We Found the Best Food Subscription Boxes
To find the best food subscription boxes, we considered our own experience with gift clubs, noting any that particularly stood out. From there, we researched other popular and under-the-radar options that looked like a great fit and boasted excellent reviews. Over the course of testing for other pieces, we also ran into a number of picks that fit perfectly within this piece. Our expert team of editors and product testers thoroughly tested and evaluated each option in our own homes, and we took notes on the following aspects:
- Cost compared to quality
- Freshness
- Shipping and packaging
- Variety
- Presentation
- Taste
Runner-Up Food Subscriptions
- Bokksu: This Japanese snack subscription pairs sweet and savory treats with a cultural guide, making it a fun way to explore regional flavors and hard-to-find snacks from across Japan.
- Goldbelly Cookies: Each delivery features cookies from well-known bakeries around the country, with generous portions, reliable packaging and plenty of variety for serious dessert fans.
- Porter Road Butcher’s Choice: This meat subscription delivers flavorful, responsibly raised cuts from small American farms, including steaks, pork, chicken and breakfast meats.
- Atlas Coffee Club: Atlas Coffee Club takes you on a monthly journey to the world’s most popular coffee destinations, with roasts hailing from Costa Rica, Ethiopia, India and more.
- David’s Cookies: Orders from this cookie club contain either a singular flavor or an assortment, with beloved varieties such as oatmeal raisin, butterscotch pecan and double chocolate chunk.
- HealthyMe: The HealthyMe Snack Subscription Box takes the guesswork out of healthy snack selection with 10 healthy goodies included each month.
- Harry & David Fruit and Cheese: This epicurean club combines fresh, juicy fruit with expertly paired cheeses for a flavorful treat.
FAQ
Are food subscription boxes worth it?
Yes, food subscriptions are absolutely worth it for foodies. Along with providing the joy that comes from unboxing food every month, food subscriptions also save the recipients time by shipping straight to their door.
How much are food subscription boxes?
Food subscription boxes vary in price, depending on the contents. Some cost as little as $10 per month, though some luxury options that can cost upwards of $100 per month.
Can I customize my food subscription box?
Many snack and specialty food boxes offer customization. Some let you choose flavor profiles (like sweet, salty, or spicy), exclude allergens, or pick specific items. Others are more of a surprise each month, which is part of the fun!
Which food subscription boxes are best for picky eaters?
Boxes with broad variety and simple flavors are great for picky eaters. Try options like Universal Yums (with snack previews) or SnackNation high-quality snacks that aren’t too adventurous.
How do food subscription boxes stay fresh during shipping?
Snack and pantry food boxes usually contain shelf-stable items that don’t need refrigeration. For perishables like cheese or charcuterie, boxes are packed with insulation and ice packs to make sure they arrive fresh.
Can I skip or pause a week with most food subscriptions?
Yes, most snack and food box subscriptions let you skip a delivery, pause or cancel anytime through your account dashboard. Just check the cutoff dates so you’re not charged for a box you don’t want.
What’s the difference between meal kits and prepared meal subscriptions?
Meal kits and prepared meals are focused on dinners or lunches you heat or cook. Snack and specialty food boxes are curated collections of ready-to-eat treats—perfect for gifting, trying new flavors or keeping your pantry stocked.
Why You Should Trust Us
I’ve tested dozens of foods and drinks for Taste of Home, informing pieces like the best coffee concentrates and the best gift of the month clubs. Not only am I Taste of Home’s resident food and drinks expert, but I’m also a big fan of food subscription boxes. For this piece, I personally tested upwards of 10 different food clubs. I also enlisted the assistance of my fellow editors and product testers on the Taste of Home team. Overall, we tried more than 100 different gift of the month clubs!
For this piece, I also spoke to Michelle Hensley for insight into what makes a great food gift. Michelle is the founder and creative force behind Nifty Package Co., a luxury gift basket business specializing in curated, high-end collections for discerning clients. With an eye for detail and a passion for quality, Michelle has built a reputation for creating stunning, personalized gift baskets that make every occasion memorable.
