When you order a meal kit, it arrives in a box with the brand name plastered on it. But what you may not realize is that a separate food distributor often stands behind the brand. For years, FreshRealm has been linked to major meal kit companies, including Blue Apron. But now, after FreshRealm filed for bankruptcy this week, the future of Blue Apron's supply chain is in limbo. 

In a press release, FreshRealm announced the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, citing "a significant ingredient supply disruption in 2025 that materially impacted the company's operations and financial performance."

Last year, FreshRealm recalled numerous ready-to-eat chicken alfredo meals due to listeria concerns, including one under the Home Chef meal kit brand. The recall later expanded after food distributor Snow Pac recalled spinach contaminated with listeria, which was potentially used in ready-to-eat meals prepared by FreshRealm, including some sold under HelloFresh. One ready-to-eat meal each from Blue Apron and Marley Spoon, also produced by FreshRealm, was later included in a public health alert from the Food Safety and Inspection Service over potentially contaminated riced cauliflower.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 28 people were sickened, and seven died due to the listeria outbreak, which has now ended.

Will Blue Apron offerings change?

In the near future, things will most likely look the same for Blue Apron, as FreshRealm awaits court approval of the bankruptcy filing. 

According to the press release from FreshRealm, the two companies have reached an agreement for FreshRealm to finish its contractual obligations before Blue Apron exits the agreement and transitions to a new fulfillment provider. 

Blue Apron is expected to transition to working with Misfits Market as its food distributor, CNET has learned.

Misfits Market said in a statement that it will provide "end-to-end fulfillment services for Blue Apron meal kits," pending bankruptcy court approval. It adds that Misfits Market's priority is "ensuring Blue Apron customers continue to receive high-quality meal kits as we build out fulfillment capabilities on Misfits Market's own platform and infrastructure."

The spokesperson confirmed that both Misfits Market and Blue Apron will remain separate brands, "with Misfits Market operating behind the scenes as a fulfillment partner."

Misfits Market is a discount grocery delivery service that focuses on providing "imperfect" produce that typically doesn't make its way to store shelves. It's unclear whether produce included in future Blue Apron meal kits will reflect Misfit Market's standards.

"We're sorry to hear the news regarding FreshRealm and wish their team the best," a Blue Apron spokesperson said. "Blue Apron prides itself on making home cooking easier with chef-crafted recipes and high-quality ingredients that customers feel proud to put on their tables. We are transitioning to a new fulfillment provider and are working closely to ensure a seamless, reliable experience for customers."

Does FreshRealm supply food for other meal kit companies?

Yes. FreshRealm acquired meal kit company Marley Spoon's US fulfillment operations in 2024. FreshRealm was also a third-party producer for HelloFresh's ready-to-eat meals. It is unclear if those companies plan to transition to a new supplier at this time. 

Correction, April 30: A previous version misidentified the potentially contaminated ingredient in ready-to-eat meals from Blue Apron and Marley Spoon. The vegetable should have been identified as cauliflower.