In our always-on world, who isn’t looking for ways to save time? Six Colorado companies cater to our collective need for ease by curating food-related packages that arrive by mail and fit most any lifestyle. You want to surprise a friend with a care package, or cook dinner on Wednesday night, but don’t want to waste precious minutes shopping? Whatever the challenge, there’s a box for that.

For the Produce Nut

> Door To Door Organics
Intrigued by the idea of a farm box but can’t be bothered to pick it up? Door To Door delivers fresh organic goods to your front porch. Set your preferences (love kiwis, hate zucchini) and await delivery. Local fruits and veggies are available in season, and add-ons, including bread and Colorado favorites such as Ozuké’s pickles and Pressery’s green juices, mean you might never have to hit the grocery store again.
$25.99 to $59.99 per month, doortodoororganics.com

5280 May 2015
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For the Recipe-Driven

> Green Chef
There are those who like to cook but dislike the recipe-hunting, shopping, and prepping that a good meal requires. Green Chef—a service that mails three recipes and all the pre-measured ingredients needed—solves that dilemma. Most of the items are certified organic; orders can be customized by size and preference (carnivore, vegetarian, omnivore, gluten-free); and dishes require an average of 30 minutes to make. Suddenly, pan-seared salmon with lemon-herb butter and black lentils is within reach—even on a Monday. $71.94 and up, greenchef.com

For the Athlete

> The Feed
It’s 2015, people—there’s more to fueling your body than guzzling sports drinks. The Feed, a nutrition service founded by two members of Boulder’s Cannondale-Garmin Pro Cycling Team, is dedicated to keeping athletes of all levels at peak performance. Monthly boxes are jammed with top-of-the-line, energy-efficient foods—plus tips on how and when to use them. Even better: The Feed’s blog is loaded with training, hydration, and fueling advice, and active customers can call in to receive one-on-one nutrition coaching. Prices vary as items can be purchased individually or on a monthly basis, thefeed.com

For the Mindful Eater

> Fit Snack
Fit Snack is not unlike the Feed but focuses less on fuel for athletes and more on nourishment for healthy lifestyles. Monthly boxes include seven to 10 goodies, such as raw nut mixes, veggie chips, protein cookies, and nut butters—all to help you make better snack choices. Packages also each contain a “surprise of the month” (a recipe, a workout challenge, or a bonus item). All this nibbling makes a difference, too: For every box sold, Fit Snack donates one meal to hunger-nonprofit Feeding America. $15 to $19 per month, fitsnack.com

For the Gift-Giver

> Colorado Crafted
The idea of sending a care package is lovely, but the energy involved in actually getting one in the mail is enough to dissuade all but the most motivated of people. Enter Colorado Crafted, a gift-box service with access to the state’s very best products, including Helliemae’s salt caramels, Black Squirrel granola, and RedCamper jams. Select a box, hit send, and wait for the thank-you note. Boxes start at $35, coloradocraftedbox.com

For the Nerd

> Geek Fuel
If you consider Pez candies food, well, then even the Geek Fuel box offers sustenance. Other baubles—all curated for the dork in your life—include T-shirts, collectibles (like a first edition of Valiant’s Armor Hunters), digital games, figurines, and newsletters. $13.90 to $17.90 per month, geekfuel.com

This article was originally published in 5280 May 2015.
Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.