My Initial Review of Misfits Market

Here’s the concept. Grocers have standards for the produce they display in stores. The produce that doesn’t meet those standards is rejected by the grocer (or buyer, distributor, etc.). As the produce cannot be sold, it is either destroyed or goes unused or not consumed. Misfits Market combats this waste by boxing and shipping to consumers the produce that would be rejected. Some may be odd shaped, too big, too small, but all is edible.

The produce is all organic and fresh. The price is right, working out to about $1.75 per pound. The packaging is minimalistic and the contents are a surprise when it arrives at your door. I received 50% off my first order, so the weekly $22 small box was $11, plus $4.50 shipping, for a total of $15.50. The weekly cost with shipping will be $26.50 without the discount.

Included in the initial box I received were kale, celery, broccoli, grape tomatoes, summer squash, red onion, mango, three grannie smith apples, grapefruit, two navel oranges, three yams, and a Delicata squash. Everything was labeled with the organic tags or stickers.

First impressions? With the exception of the Delicata squash, everything I received would be what I would have purchased had I gone to the store. In fact, this was one of my most pleasant experiences yet incredibly disappointing. I was really looking forward to receiving some produce I had never purchased, but would now have an opportunity to try. That said, because it is food that I buy anyways, nothing went to waste.

All the produce was fresh without any sign as to why it would have been rejected. The grapefruit was really small, but other than that there were no blemishes, bruises, or odd shapes. There was nothing misfit about my order.

The mango was green and hard when received, but now six days later it is ready to be consumed.

My only complaint were the cherry tomatoes did not last four days before I noticed signs of decay / aging. I salvaged the remaining firm tomatoes and threw away the rest. Honestly, this happens all the time in our house, so had I used them one of the first three days there would not have been an issue.

The cost in relation to the amount of food received was about right. I would likely spend a similar amount at Sprouts or Kroger, but I usually do not buy organic. So I can see where there would be a decent savings for someone who ordinarily buys organic.

Conclusion? I am receiving a second box tomorrow, and like the first box, it will be a total surprise what is inside. After my second box, I will make a final decision as to whether or not to continue the service. If I am as happy with the second box as I was with the first, I’ll definitely continue.

Check out their website (www.misfitsmarket.com) and social media pages to get the full story of their company and mission. Full disclosure: I do not receive any kind of referral fee.

I’ll keep you posted!