Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Whys
Why are you called Monster Meals?
Monster Meals keep the hangry monster within us away by feeding it! A hangry monster exists in all of us and grumbles in our tummies when we don't feed it.
Why did you start Monster Meals?
I couldn't find any prepared meals on the market that I wanted to feed my son when he started eating solids so I started Monster Meals to help like minded parents out there feed their children real food before they become hangry and chaos ensues. However, selling at farmers markets made me realize that many adults (especially seniors) want Monster Meals too because there aren’t many easy and clean meal options out there and our lives are increasingly busy.
Why should I buy Monster Meals over other reheatable meals out there?
There's nothing like them out there. Our meals not only reheat quickly but they're also free from added refined sugars, and preservatives. Many are also free from added salt, giving you control over the amount. From stainless steel cookware to glass packaging, we do everything we can to reduce your family's exposure to chemicals like BPA, PFAS, and phthalates because we truly care about your family. Read more about why we do things the way we do below.
Why are some Monster Meal sizes in glass jars?
Glass doesn't leach chemicals into the food it's touching. The inside of many glass jars used in the food industry are coated in plastic or chemical endocrine disruptors like BPA, PFAS, and phthalates. Ours are not coated. Glass is also infinitely recyclable if you don't want to reuse your glass jars. All stickers are removable (easiest when jar has warmed back up to room temperature).
Are the ingredients certified organic?
We have organic and non-organic options. Some of our options are sourced from local farmers who aren't certified organic but are completely chemical-free, which is even better than certified organic practices.
We use organic versions of any herbs and spices that Consumer Reports was concerned about due to heavy metals in conventional (non-organic) versions in their 2021 study.
Sign up for our email list at the bottom of this page to be notified as new meals become available!
Why don't you add salt or refined sugars to your meals?
We don't add refined sugars to any of our meals. Many of our meals also don't have added salt. This gives you control over the amount and works well for those with dietary restrictions related to salt and sugar. There's an increasing amount of research that supports cutting out refined sugars for better metabolic health. If you're interested in learning more, I highly recommend checking out Dr. Casey Means, MD's work.
Are your meals sodium free?
No, some of our ingredients (including some fresh vegetables) contain sodium.
I like to cook my meals, why would I need a Monster Meal?
It's great that you cook! As someone who also does, there are definitely days when I don't have time, energy, or ingredients to cook. That's when Monster Meals are a great substitute for home cooking on those "oh crap, there's no dinner" days!
The Who
Who/What are Monster Meals good for?
- Busy parents with hungry kids
- Busy working professionals
- Seniors, it can be hard to get a variety of meats and vegetables economically and without wasting when cooking for 1 or 2, especially if they have a small appetite. Monster Meals are also especially good for those with low sodium or sugar diet.
- Going out to a restaurant - no more hangry kids while waiting!
- Babysitter without the need for you to cook a meal before going out!
- Traveling with kids
Are there any Monster Meals good for picky eaters?
Our Chicken Pasta is your best bet. It looks like tomato sauce with chicken and pasta but the sauce is actually packed with carrots and bell peppers in addition to tomatoes! The pasta is also 100% whole grain for added nutrients.
Children who are picky eaters require a lot of patience. Research finds that it can take at least 10 exposures before preferences for a food increases in 2 year olds. That's a lot of times to cook and serve something only to be rejected. With Monster Meals, you can divide a single jar into 10 servings over 6 days to reach the tipping point sooner and with less heartache!
Can I take a Monster Meal with me to a restaurant for my kids?
Yes! We love doing this. Simply reheat before leaving the house in a microwave safe container or thermos and take it with you to the restaurant! We've never had anyone push back on us bringing our own kid's meal. It's usually unlike anything on their kids' menu anyway.
Can I travel with Monster Meals?
Yes! We love doing this for our son. Here's what we bring:
- Enough Monster Meals to last the trip
- Hard shell cooler with ice packs and fridge thermometer
- Microwave safe container (we like glass)
- Dish soap
- Sponge
- Spoon
This way, we don't have to worry about finding appropriate kids' food. We travel with the Monster Meals in the cooler. When we get to the hotel, we put the jars in the freezer. If the freezer doesn't work or is too small, we leave them in the cooler, fill it with ice, and replace the ice when it melts. If the jars start defrosting, be sure to consume within 6 days. Make sure you reheat to 165F for food safety.
Who makes these meals?
Adrienne, our founder/CEO/mom, does. She's also the one who sells them at farmers' markets. If you have any questions, feel free to ask her!
The Logistics
How many people does each size serve?
A small jar (6oz) serves 1 child or adult with small appetite (e.g. seniors).
A medium jar (14oz) serves 1 adult with normal appetite.
A large 8x8 box (40oz, formerly called family meal) serves 2 adults and 2 young children.
Do you make these meals at home?
No, they're made in a commercial kitchen inside the Flint Farmers' Market.
Are you certified or licensed?
Our chef (Adrienne aka founder/CEO/mom) is a certified ServSafe Manager.
Monster Meals LLC is licensed through MDARD (Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development).
How do I reheat my Monster Meal?
You'll have a meal in minutes!
First, defrost:
- Overnight in fridge
- Remove lid and use defrost function on microwave. It just needs to defrost enough to slide out of jar.
Then, reheat in 1 of 2 ways:
- Microwave: Transfer meal from jar to microwave-safe bowl. Optionally cover with paper towel. Do not reheat in jar, you'll have a mess! Mix after every 30 seconds, until hot. Small jar takes 60-90 secs, medium jar takes 120-180 seconds. Large box takes ~5 minutes.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium to medium-low, stirring occasionally, and add water if needed to prevent burning. About 5-10 mins.
In both cases, check that the meal is 165F in multiple spots for food safety. Let it cool to desired temperature and enjoy!
Is the food safe to eat if the button on my lid pops up?
Yes, it's safe! We use a process that leaves the button popped up on the lid, approved by MDARD (MI Department of Agriculture and Rural Development).
Do you offer pickup/delivery?
We currently have 2 options for delivery:
Option 1 - order on this website
FREE COMPLIMENTARY DELIVERY for orders $50 or more. $10 delivery fee applies to all other orders. We will deliver Monster Meals right to your door (within 55 miles of the Flint Farmers' Market in Michigan)! Orders will be delivered within 2 weeks of ordering. The extra time allows us to cook anything that's out of stock. You'll receive an email from Hello@EatMonsterMeals.com with a delivery window within 2 days of ordering. We try to deliver meals as soon as possible.
Option 2
Order by 1am on Mondays (aka Sunday night) through Market Wagon for Tuesday deliveries. They're an online farmers market that charges $8.95/order. They're able to deliver to a much larger region, including some of Ohio. Please use our link above for Market Wagon as it lowers our commission to them for your orders for referring customers like you.
Thank you for considering our small business!
What's the difference between subscription and one-off orders?
Our subscribers are like insiders. As a subscriber, you will receive a bonus item after every 5th delivery. The bonus item may be something exclusive to subscribers like a meal that's in development that nobody else can try.
What are Monster Meals made of?
Real, hand-picked ingredients: Meat, vegetables, and spices. We use mostly whole foods processed ingredients (like Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste). We pick the ones that only contain real ingredients.
Do you have allergen-free options?
We hope to have such options in the future as we grow. Unfortunately, we currently operate out of a shared commercial kitchen so we can't guarantee that our meals are allergen-free due to cross contact from other users of the kitchen. That said, we thoroughly clean and sanitize all surfaces before starting even if they look clean.