Customer Reviews (69)

Chara Peterson • 2025-07-23T02:41:29.402Z

Love how convenient this application is makes meal planning a breeze.

Karen Gilbert • 2025-07-22T23:11:37.833Z

I didn't like the recipes and tried to back out of it. I didn't realize they had already got my card from the walmart app. I missed the first charge in March, but found the one in June. I got it canceled now I had to download the app again and cancel it. I emailed support to try to get a refund. They don't do any refund. So I have been billed twice $47.49 for a service I have never use.

Linda Anderson • 2025-07-22T11:19:35.251Z

doesn’t open

Summary of Key Insights

eMeals - Meal Planning Recipes aims to simplify meal planning and grocery shopping. The app receives mixed reviews. While many users appreciate the convenience, variety of recipes, and integration with grocery delivery services, a significant number of users report issues with app functionality, customer service, and billing practices. The overall sentiment is neutral to slightly positive, but the high number of 1-star reviews raises concerns.

Key Strengths: Convenient meal planning, recipe variety, integration with grocery services. Key Weaknesses: App glitches (not updating recipes, slow loading, login issues), poor customer service (refund issues, cancellation difficulties), billing problems (unwanted charges, lack of renewal notifications).

Overall Rating (estimated): Based on the score distribution, the average rating is likely between 2.5 and 3.5 stars. Score Distribution: 1-star (38%), 2-star (13%), 3-star (12%), 4-star (10%), 5-star (27%)

Data & Methodology Overview

Data Sample Size: 69 reviews Time Frame: Not specified, but reviews appear to be recent (based on the mentions of May, June, and August 2024). Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (manual assessment based on review content), keyword extraction (identifying frequently used words and phrases).

Key User Pain Points

  • App Not Updating Recipes: Numerous users report that the app fails to update with new weekly meal plans, requiring them to uninstall and reinstall the app repeatedly. This is a major source of frustration.
  • Poor Customer Service: Many reviewers complain about unhelpful customer service, particularly regarding refunds for unwanted subscription renewals or charges during free trials.
  • Billing Issues: Users report being charged without notice for renewals, difficulty canceling subscriptions, and unauthorized charges. Some claim to have been charged even after cancelling during the free trial.
  • App Glitches/Performance Issues: Several users experience slow loading times, login problems, freezing, and crashes.
  • Inconsistent Shopping List: Some users find the shopping list glitchy, with repeated or omitted ingredients. The automatic addition of alcohol to the shopping list is also a point of annoyance.
  • Login Issues: Difficulty logging in, often requiring password resets.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Desktop/Web Interface: A significant number of users requested a desktop/web version of the app for easier recipe viewing and meal planning, particularly for those with visual impairments.
  • Improved Syncing Across Devices: Users want better synchronization of meal plans and shopping lists across multiple devices.
  • More Granular Control over Shopping List: Users want more control over the shopping list, including the ability to disable automatic addition of items like alcohol.
  • Easier Recipe Discovery: Users want better search and filtering options, especially for finding previously enjoyed recipes.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Convenience: Users appreciate the convenience of having meal plans and shopping lists generated automatically.
  • Variety of Recipes: The app offers a wide variety of meal plans and recipes to suit different dietary needs and preferences.
  • Grocery Delivery Integration: The ability to send shopping lists directly to grocery delivery services like Walmart, Instacart, and Shipt is a major selling point.
  • Time Savings: Users report saving time on meal planning and grocery shopping.
  • Helps with Dietary Goals: Users appreciate the app's ability to support specific dietary needs, such as low-carb, keto, and heart-healthy diets.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix App Update Issues: Address the core issue of the app failing to update weekly meal plans. This is the most frequently reported problem and significantly impacts user experience. (Engineering)
  • Improve Customer Service: Implement a more responsive and helpful customer service system, especially regarding billing and refund requests. (Customer Support)
  • Address Billing Issues: Implement clear renewal notifications, simplify the cancellation process, and ensure accurate billing practices. (Product/Engineering)
  • Improve App Performance: Optimize the app for faster loading times and reduced crashes. (Engineering)

Medium Priority:

  • Enhance Shopping List Functionality: Provide more control over the shopping list, including the ability to disable automatic additions and fix ingredient inconsistencies. (Product/Engineering)
  • Implement Device Syncing: Enable seamless syncing of meal plans and shopping lists across multiple devices. (Engineering)
  • Improve Recipe Discovery: Enhance search and filtering options to make it easier for users to find recipes. (Product/Design)

Low Priority:

  • Develop Desktop/Web Interface: While a frequently requested feature, it may require significant development effort. Consider prioritizing based on resource availability. (Product/Engineering)

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Meal Planning App with Focus on Customer Service Transparency: A meal planning app that prioritizes customer service and clear billing practices.
  • AI-Powered Customizable Recipe Generator: A service that generates meal plans based on user preferences, dietary restrictions, and available ingredients, learning from user feedback.
  • Grocery Delivery Service with Recipe Integration: A grocery delivery service that seamlessly integrates with meal planning apps, offering pre-portioned ingredients and easy recipe access.
  • Meal Planning App with Social Sharing: A meal planning app that allows users to share their meal plans and recipes with friends and family.

Trends and Observations

  • Negative Sentiment Concentrated on Customer Service and Billing: A significant portion of negative reviews focus on issues related to customer service and billing, suggesting a systemic problem in these areas.
  • Recurring "App Not Updating" Issue: This issue has persisted for several months, indicating a lack of effective resolution.
  • Walmart+ Integration as Both a Benefit and a Source of Confusion: The integration with Walmart+ can be a positive for users, but it also seems to be a source of confusion regarding subscriptions and billing.

Conclusion

eMeals - Meal Planning Recipes has the potential to be a valuable tool for busy families, but it is currently plagued by technical issues and customer service problems. Addressing these issues should be the top priority. Improving app stability, enhancing customer support, and ensuring transparent billing practices are crucial for retaining existing users and attracting new ones. The app should focus on fixing its core functionality before adding new features.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize fixing existing issues and improving customer service before focusing on new features. Failure to address these problems will likely lead to continued negative reviews and user churn.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/work/apps/details?id=com.emeals