Cooking for two sounds simple, but for many couples it is anything but. Different work schedules, gym sessions and low energy after long days make it hard to plan and cook meals. Add in dietary clashes, such as one partner eating vegan while the other wants high-protein, and deciding what to have for dinner quickly becomes stressful.
Rising supermarket prices and wasted ingredients make home cooking more expensive, while relying on supermarket ready meals or takeaways often means paying more for food that is less healthy.
That is why meal prep delivery services, like Frive, are becoming so popular. In the article below, we look at how they help couples by:
- - Saving time with ready-to-eat meals that cut down on shopping, prep and washing up
- - Reducing costs by eliminating wasted ingredients and keeping grocery bills predictable
- - Providing variety with rotating menus that keep mealtimes interesting
- - Supporting nutrition with balanced, whole-food meals tailored to different dietary needs
The Challenges Couples Face at Mealtimes
From what our customers tell us, cooking for two often isn’t as simple as it sounds. Even with the best intentions, busy lifestyles and rising food costs make it harder than ever to eat well at home. The same challenges come up time and again:
“Our schedules never match up.”
Different working patterns and gym commitments often mean one partner is home hungry while the other is still out. By the time both are free, energy levels are low and cooking from scratch feels unrealistic.
“I usually get back from the gym at 8.30pm and the last thing I want to do is start chopping vegetables. By then we just want something quick.” – Frive customer, Manchester
“We eat so differently.”
Balancing dietary needs is another hurdle. Couples tell us how difficult it can be to satisfy a vegan and a high-protein eater, or a calorie-counter and someone with a more relaxed approach. What should be a simple dinner choice often turns into a daily compromise.
“I’m plant-based and my partner isn’t, so we’d end up cooking two different meals most nights. It was exhausting.” – Frive customer, Newcastle
“Groceries cost more than ever, and we waste so much food.”
Cooking for two often means buying more than you need, which leads to food waste and higher bills. Many couples tell us they’re frustrated by half-used ingredients sitting in the fridge.
“We’d spend £80–90 a week on groceries but still throw things out because they went off before we used them.” – Frive customer, Coventry
Read our article “How much does meal prep delivery save you?” to find out more.
“Making dinner takes over our evenings.”
Meal planning, shopping, cooking and washing up can swallow seven or more hours a week — time many couples would rather spend elsewhere.
“By the time we’ve done the food shop, cooked, and cleared up, it feels like we’ve lost our whole evening.” – Frive customer, Bristol
“We fall back on takeaways too often.”
When energy runs low, it’s tempting to grab supermarket ready meals or order a takeaway. While quick, these options rarely deliver on nutrition and usually end up costing more.
“We’d often just order takeaway two or three times a week. It was convenient, but we knew it wasn’t sustainable — for our health or our budget.” – Frive customer, Glasgow
All of these hurdles add up, making mealtimes more stressful and less enjoyable than they should be. It is no surprise that many couples look for quicker fixes, whether that is supermarket ready meals or takeaways, but as our customers often tell us, those options rarely deliver on nutrition, variety or long-term value.
This is where Frive comes in. In the next section, we will look at how Frive is designed to solve these exact challenges, giving couples a practical, healthier and more cost-effective way to manage dinner.
Frive’s delicious Pesto Chicken Casarecce, packed full with 54 grams of protein
How Frive Solves These Challenges
Frive is designed with busy modern lifestyles in mind, giving you a way to enjoy meals together without the usual hassle.
- - Flexibility for both: Each partner can pick their own meals from Frive’s weekly rotating menu. That means no having to settle if one craves a high-protein chicken dish and the other wants a plant-based curry.
- - Time-saving: Meals are fully cooked and heated in around three minutes, so evenings aren’t wasted on chopping boards and piles of pans.
- - Nutritionally-balanced: Every balanced dish is designed by chefs and approved by nutritionists, with clear macros available, so you can align on shared health goals or follow your own individual needs.
- - Taste without compromise: Restaurant-quality flavours, ready in minutes, turn everyday dinners into something that feels like a well-deserved treat.
- - Freshness and variety: Twice-weekly deliveries on Sundays and Wednesdays keep meals fresher for longer, reducing reliance on the freezer and adding variety across the week.
Menu Variety that Works for Two
One of Frive’s biggest strengths is variety. Couples aren’t stuck with the same handful of meals each week, and both partners can find something that suits their tastes.
- - Choice that suits both: 30–40 rotating meals each week spanning breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. One partner can start the day with a protein-rich pot while the other enjoys a lighter smoothie bowl.
- - Flavours from around the world: From Thai curries to Mediterranean pasta and British favourites, there are always fresh options to keep meals exciting.
- - Seasonal updates: Menus refresh weekly with seasonal ingredients, so couples can look forward to something new with every delivery.
- - All-day convenience: With meals covering every time of day, Frive makes it easy to enjoy variety without mixing and matching from different services.
For couples, this variety is a game-changer. Since there is always something fresh and exciting on the menu, it removes the stress of compromise and makes it easier to stay consistent with healthy eating.
To find out more about building healthy food habits, read our guide “How to Meal Prep Like a Pro”.
Health & Nutrition Benefits for Couples
Eating well as a couple sounds simple, but staying consistent is another story. Frive takes care of the nutrition side for you, making it easier to stick to healthy routines.
- - Whole-food ingredients: All meals are free from ultra-processed fillers, making them a healthier choice than supermarket ready meals and takeaways.
- - High-protein recipes: Perfect for those who train or exercise regularly, Frive meals are designed to support active lifestyles.
- - Balanced options: For those focused on general wellness, balanced meals cover all the bases (and your personal goals) without the need for calorie counting.
- - Portion control: Each meal is perfectly portioned, making it simple to track nutrition and avoid overeating.
Saving Time & Reducing Stress
One of the biggest reasons couples love Frive is the time it gives back. Cooking from scratch, with shopping, prepping and cleaning, quickly adds up. Frive estimates it saves couples around 7 hours a week, almost a full working day.
- - No more grocery lists: Meals are delivered ready-made, removing the need for supermarket trips.
- - No more endless debates: Each partner picks their meals in advance, cutting down decision fatigue and last-minute arguments about dinner.
- - Fewer chores: With meals ready in three minutes, the only washing up is your cutlery.
- - More evenings together: Instead of prepping or cleaning, you and your other half can spend that time enjoying your meal and each other’s company.
Read about more time-saving tips in our article “How to Save 7 hours a week by rethinking food habits.”
Real Couple Experiences & Social Proof
Frive’s reputation speaks for itself. With over 9,000 Trustpilot reviews and an average rating of 4.5/5, it is regularly described as one of the UK’s best meal delivery services. Customers often highlight the freshness of the food and how it simplifies their weekly routine.
Well-known names, including Rita Ora, Simon Pegg and Olympian Niamh Emerson, have also spoken publicly about their support for the brand, giving couples added confidence in its quality.
One Trustpilot reviewer summed it up perfectly:
“The meals are very tasty and always great portions. I’ve been surprised at how much I’ve enjoyed the Frive meals as microwave meals are often disappointing, but these have been delicious. I feel this is a great service for busy singles and couples.”
Frive’s incredible Smoky Tomato Basa
Is Frive Right for You and Your Partner?
What begins as a way to make dinner easier often becomes much more. Couples who choose Frive find that it quickly fits into daily life, helping them eat better, reduce stress and reclaim time lost to shopping and cooking.
Frive works especially well for:
- - Busy professionals who want chef-prepared, balanced meals ready in minutes after long days.
- - Fitness enthusiasts and gym-goers who need high-protein, nutrient-rich dishes to support performance and recovery.
- - Couples or families with different dietary needs, thanks to wide coverage across vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and halal.
- - Health-conscious eaters who want meals made with 100% natural ingredients and zero ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
- - Eco-conscious households that value recyclable, portion-controlled packaging designed to reduce food waste.
- - Anyone who wants seamless nutrition tracking, with meals barcode-scannable and compatible with MyFitnessPal.
- - Customers who like saving more over time, thanks to Frive’s Rewards Club and frequent introductory, student and Blue Light discounts.
- - Gluten-intolerant eaters, as all Frive meals are completely gluten-free.
Across the UK, couples are turning to Frive to make mealtimes simpler and more enjoyable. With fresh, whole-food ingredients, chef-prepared menus and twice-weekly deliveries, it offers a balance of nutrition, convenience and variety few services can match.
By removing the need for constant planning and washing up, Frive gives couples hours back each week, time that can be spent on what really matters. If you and your partner are ready to simplify mealtimes and enjoy fresh, balanced dishes tailored to your tastes, Frive is the smarter way to do it.
Discover how Frive can transform your mealtimes, explore our plans today.
