Frequently Asked Questions

About Parsley Box

What is Parsley Box and how does it work?

Parsley Box is an Edinburgh based provider of ambient ready meals, puddings, drinks and snacks. We specialise in great tasting, convenient ready meals that can be stored in a cupboard and prepared in minutes. Our meals don’t require a fridge or freezer, making them ideal if space is limited or you want reliable food available at home.

Who are Parsley Box meals designed for?

Our meals are thoughtfully designed with older adults in mind, supporting ease, confidence and independence at mealtimes. They are also ideal for anyone looking for convenient, dependable ambient ready meals that are simple to store and quick to prepare.

They are particularly useful for those with limited fridge or freezer space, or for anyone who values the reassurance of having meals that are good to eat for longer, whether for themselves or a loved one.

Many of our customers find that storing meals in a cupboard means they can keep them somewhere that requires no bending to reach them.

Why do people choose Parsley Box meals?

Our customers choose Parsley Box for the simple reassurance it brings. Our meals are tasty, convenient and made using recipes people know and love, with familiar food you can rely on.

They’re easy to store in the cupboard and quick to prepare, so there’s always something dependable to hand, whether for yourself or a loved one.

Are Parsley Box suitable for older adults living independently?

Yes, they are designed with older adults in mind, helping make mealtimes simple, safe and reassuring. Our meals are easy to store, quick to prepare and clearly labelled, supporting confidence and independence at home.

They’re not exclusively for older adults though. Parsley Box meals can be enjoyed by anyone looking for convenient, reliable food. They are also a popular choice for family members, offering peace of mind that a safe, nourishing and tasty meal is always within reach for someone they care about.

Are Parsley Box meals helpful for carers?

Yes, they are a popular choice for carers and family members supporting others. Parsley Box meals are straightforward to store, quick to prepare and require very little handling, helping make every day mealtimes simpler and more manageable.

They also offer added reassurance, giving carers confidence that a safe, convenient and tasty meal is always available, even when they’re not there in person.

Are Parsley Box meals suitable for people with busy routines or limited space?

Yes. Parsley Box meals are a convenient option for anyone with a busy lifestyle or limited kitchen space. Because our meals can be stored in a cupboard and are ready in minutes, they’re ideal for students, medical professionals who are working shifts, people living in smaller homes or flats, and even for camper van or holiday use. They’re designed to make mealtimes simple and reliable, without the need for a fridge or freezer.

Ordering

How does ordering from Parsley Box work?

Ordering is simple. You can shop online by browsing our menu, adding meals to your basket and checking out. If you’d prefer to order by phone, our friendly UK‑based customer care team is available on 0131 326 0131, Monday to Friday 9am–6pm, Saturdays 9am–5pm and Sundays 10am–4pm.


There’s no subscription - you can order what you want, when you need it.

Is there a minimum order value with Parsley Box?

Yes. There’s a minimum order value of £20, which helps us deliver your meals securely and efficiently. This is clearly shown during checkout.

Meals & Range

What kind of meals does Parsley Box offer?

Parsley Box offers a wide range of tasty, ready meals, from British classics like Shepherd’s Pie to European favourites such as Pasta Bolognese, along with takeaway‑style dishes like our popular Sweet and Sour Chicken. We also introduce limited‑edition seasonal dishes throughout the year.

Alongside our meals, you’ll find a selection of soups, sides, desserts, puddings and a small range of drinks.

Do Parsley Box meals come in different sizes?

Yes, they do, some Parsley Box meals are available in 2 portion sizes, providing more choice and flexibility depending on appetite and occasion:

You will find 2 size options – 1. “For the lighter appetite” and 2. “Regular”. Many of our meals are available in both sizes, so you can choose what feels right for you.

Our meal sizes explained:

  • For the lighter appetite - includes meals between 200g and 300g, designed for smaller appetites or when you’re looking for something lighter yet still satisfying. “For the lighter appetite” is clearly displayed on the pack, in the catalogue and on our website, making them easy to spot.
  • Regular – larger meals between 350g and 400g, including larger portions of selected dishes or twin‑tray meals that include a side.

We know that appetites and preferences vary, which is why we continue to expand and evolve our range over time.

Why have I received a mix of new and old packaging in my order?

We’re introducing our new packaging gradually to avoid waste and keep deliveries running smoothly. During this transition, you may receive a mix of old and new packaging in the same order.

The food inside hasn’t changed. The recipes, ingredients, portion size and preparation remain the same, only the design on the outside looks different.

Storage & Shelf Life

Do Parsley Box meals need to be refrigerated or frozen?

No, they don’t, that’s one of the things that makes Parsley Box so convenient. Our meals can be safely stored in a cupboard at room temperature, without taking up valuable fridge or freezer space.

They’re carefully cooked and sealed to give them a longer shelf life, so you can always have a tasty, dependable meal on hand without worrying about it going off quickly.

Do Parsley Box meals have anything added to make them last longer?

No, we don’t add anything to extend the life of our meals. Instead, our meals are carefully cooked and sealed using a process that keeps them safe in the cupboard.

We use simple, familiar ingredients and recipes you’d recognise at home, so you can feel confident in what you’re eating.

How long do Parsley Box meals last?

Parsley Box meals typically last up to 6 months, please see individual packs for details. They can be safely stored in a cupboard, with no need for refrigeration or freezing.

Each meal has a clear best‑before date printed on the packaging and, like all food, we recommend enjoying them sooner to experience them at their best.

Do Parsley Box meals contain added preservatives?

No, we don’t add any unnecessary preservatives to extend the shelf life of our meals. Instead, the longer shelf life comes from the way they’re carefully cooked and sealed, using a process similar to pressure cooking that keeps them safe to store in the cupboard.

We use simple, familiar ingredients wherever possible, so you can feel confident in what you’re eating.

Preparation & Ease

How do you heat Parsley Box meals?

All Parsley Box meals can be easily heated in a few minutes in the microwave, oven or on the hob. You will find full heating instructions are clearly printed on each sleeve and on our website.

How can I safely open my Parsley Box meals after heating?

Our meals are securely sealed to you intact; this means that the film lid can sometimes be firm to remove, this is normal.

For safe and easy opening:

  • After heating, leave to stand for 1 minute
  • Peel back the film carefully
  • If it’s tricky, use the tip of a small knife to cut and tear the film around the inner edge of the tray

Caution:

Hot steam may escape. Product will be hot following heating.

How long do Parsley Box meals take to prepare?

Most Parsley Box meals are ready in just a few minutes in the microwave, making them ideal for quick and easy mealtimes. Some of our meals can be heated in the oven, in an oven-proof dish, or in a pot on the hob. All heating instructions for these can be found on pack or online.

Dietary Information

Do you offer meals for different dietary needs?

Yes. We offer a range of meals including vegetarian, gluten‑free and higher‑protein options. Meals are clearly labelled online, in our catalogue and on pack. We also offer pre‑selected bundles designed to support different dietary preferences.

Where can I find allergen information?

All allergen information is clearly listed on both our packaging and our product pages, so you can check what’s in each meal before you choose. If you’re ever unsure, our Customer Care team is always happy to help.

Can I eat Parsley Box meals if I have a medical condition?

If you have a medical condition or specific dietary requirement, we recommend checking the ingredients and nutritional information for each meal carefully.

All allergen and nutritional details are clearly listed on our packaging and product pages to help you make informed choices. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to speak with a healthcare professional.

Payment & Flexibility

Do I need a subscription to order from Parsley Box?

No, there’s no subscription. You can order whenever it suits you, with no ongoing commitment.

This gives you the flexibility to stock up when you need to, whether for yourself or a loved one, and always have meals on hand without feeling tied in.

What payment methods does Parsley Box accept?

We accept a range of secure payment methods, all of which are displayed clearly at checkout. Unfortunately we cannot accept cash or cheques.

Gifting & Support

Can I order Parsley Box meals for someone else?

Yes, many of our customers order Parsley Box meals for parents, relatives or loved ones.

Having meals that are easy to store and simple to prepare can offer real peace of mind, helping you feel confident that there’s always something enjoyable, safe, and reliable on hand, even when you can’t be there in person.

Can Parsley Box meals be sent as a gift?

Yes, Parsley Box meals can be sent directly to someone as a gift.

They’re a thoughtful, practical way to show you care, with delicious meals that are easy to prepare and can be stored in the cupboard until needed. Many customers choose them to support family members or friends, knowing a safe, tasty meal is always close at hand.

Website

Which devices does the Parsley Box website support?

The website supports devices running:

  • Windows computers running Windows 11 or newer
  • macOS 14 Sonoma, macOS 15 Sequoia, macOS 26 Tahoe or newer
  • iPads running iPadOS 17 or newer
  • iPhones running iOS 18 or newer
  • Android smartphones running Android 15 or newer

If you are using an older operating system then not all of the functionality of the website may work as expected.

We recommend using the latest versions of one of the following web browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge or Safari.