New Seasons Debuts Meal Kits Created by Michelin Star Chef

New Seasons Market has entered the meal kit scene with restaurant-quality offerings in partnership with chef and double Michelin star holder Matt Lightner. 

The Portland, Ore.-based retailer's move to meal kits comes at a time when retailers have an opportunity to seize the moment following the recent Chef'd shutdown and when more and more retailers are teaming up with meal kit companies such as Blue Apron, which expressed its intent to move into physical stores by the end of the year. Additionally, Hello Fresh Meal Kits will soon be coming to Stop & Shop and Giant, while Kroger merged with Home Chef and Plated meal kits will reach 650 Albertsons stores this year.

Even fast-casual restaurants are jumping aboard the meal kits bandwagon, with Chik-fil-A set to launch Mealtime kits at 150 Atlanta locations in August. The kits will be available in Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Enchiladas, Dijon Chicken, Pan Roasted Chicken and Chicken Flatbread and will serve two people at a price of $15.89.

New Seasons, which first rolled out the meal kits in the spring to its newest store location in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle and has now moved them into all 21 locations, is differentiating itself from the pack with its "restaurant quality" promise and the nostalgia of local flavors and ingredients combined with global inspirations. 

Co-creator Lightner says the meal kits are unlike anything on the market, and "rather than simply trying a new recipe, you’re discovering the vegetable or protein flavor profile so you can take what you learned from the meal kit and experiment with your own recipes."

New Seasons meal kits come with premeasured ingredients in minimal packaging and can be prepared in 20 to 45 minutes, serving two to four people.

The five seasonal recipes feature fresh ingredients and come in varieties such as Columbia River Steelhead with New Potatoes, Broccolini and Bonito Butter, and Miso Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato and Kale; they are both priced at about $25. Vegetarian options include Cauliflower Pilaf with Fresh Turmeric and Fennel; Spice Roasted Carrots with Tahini Dressing; and Turnip Curry with Lemongrass and Dates.