How we eat today is nothing like how we ate a decade ago, when Nigella Lawson taught us about baking and the joys of comfort cooking, and it’s certainly nothing like the days when Julia Child inspired us to try to master the art of French cooking. Convenience is what defines how we eat today. We live in a fast food nation that’s gotten even faster with the rise of pre-made meal kits. Blue Apron, Purple Carrot, Sun Basket, and dozens of other subscription meal delivery services are changing how we eat. Now, time-starved parents, overworked businessmen, and those who simply don’t like to grocery shop or prepare meals can click their way to food heaven. Meal kits are one-stop shopping for the 21st century. Here are 6 essential tips for meal kit beginners.

1. Do Your Research

There are dozens of meal kits on the market, so make sure you find one that’s designed to fit your culinary needs. Are you vegan? Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint as well as eat fresh fruits and vegetables? Are you planning meals for a large family or is it just you and your significant other? How much are you looking to spend? All of these things should be considered when shopping for the right meal kit.

2. Food Safety

According to the CDC, food safety is an important part of a subscription meal kit. When the food is delivered, make sure that it’s properly packaged and hasn’t been tampered with. Kits should be in thermally secured and ice-protected boxes. It’s important to refrigerate the food quickly. Arrange a delivery time when someone is home. If you can’t be home for delivery, be sure the food is dropped off in a shaded and secure place.

3. Beware of Plastic

While ordering a meal kit is as easy as ordering a Happy Meal at McDonalds, there’s more that goes into the meal kit than just food. Make sure the box and the food containers and insulating packages are 100% eco-friendly. Look for subscription kits that use recyclable materials. The ocean doesn’t need any more plastic wrappers floating in it.

4. Amazon

In 2017, Amazon purchased Whole Foods. Since then the tech shopping giant has expanded its services into the meal kit market. “We Do the Prep. You Be the Chef” is Amazon’s trademarked phrase.

5. New Menus Every Week

With a meal kit, you’ll never get stuck in a food rut again. You’ll never have to ask: “Honey, what do you want to have for dinner tonight?” Menus are refreshed every week, and new and exciting dishes are continually added to meal kits. Taste redundancy is as outdated as the Betty Crocker cookbook on your bookshelf.

6.Meal Kits Almost Cook Themselves

In a subscription meal kit, every ingredient is carefully measured. Every dish is meticulously portioned and controlled. While you’ll have to get the pots and pans out of the cupboard and turn on the stove, you won’t have to cut anything, measure anything, or ever worry about messing up a recipe again.

Meal kits provide fresh ingredients, convenience, and distinct recipes. They’re changing the way we eat, once happy meal at a time.