Mealtime is supposed to be simple. But any parent knows that’s rarely the case.
One child wants a snack five minutes after lunch. Another turns their nose up at anything green. And after a long day of juggling work, errands, and activities, figuring out dinner can feel like one task too many.
This story is sponsored by Nurture Life. The experiences shared are all from real moms who tried the meals with their families.
Simplify mealtime With Nurture Life — use code MACARONIKID for 50% Off + free shipping off your first order.*
That’s why some parents are looking for new ways to make feeding their kids easier and healthier. Nurture Life, a meal subscription service designed specifically for babies, toddlers, and kids, aims to help by offering balanced meals and snacks with real ingredients, built-in vegetables, and zero preparation required.
To find out how it holds up in real life, three Macaroni KID publishers — all moms — gave Nurture Life a try. From first impressions to favorite meals, here’s what they experienced.
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One week of meals! Curious if Nurture Life is right for your family? Learn more and get 50% off + free shipping off your first order with code MACARONIKID.*
Essy
Mom of 2: Ages 3 & 6
Publisher: Macaroni KID Chino Hills, CA
Essy's challenge: “Mealtimes usually fall somewhere between ‘whatever’s fast’ and ‘please just eat something.'"
With evenings packed full of ballet, basketball, and endless to-dos, meals in Essy’s house are all about speed. But Nurture Life delivered more than convenience — it also delivered clean plates and big smiles.
Top picks in her household included the chicken dumplings with edamame, along with Oaties and pudding, which her daughter lovingly nicknamed “breakfast dessert.”
Essy’s children even took pride in microwaving their meals on their own, building independence with each bite. Her youngest, a typically hesitant eater, surprised everyone by trying every meal in the box.
"I’ve always tried to feed my kids wholesome, real ingredients, so Nurture Life really aligned with what I value when it comes to food," Essy said. "No added sugar, no junk, just real food."
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Essy's takeaway: "What I really love is how simple it is. No prep, no mess — just real food with wholesome ingredients that I can grab and go."
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Kelly
Mom of 4: Ages 4 to 18
Publisher: Macaroni KID Scottsboro, AL
Kelly's challenge: "Prepping, cooking, and cleaning up dinner after a long day is the LAST thing I want to do."
In a family of six, dinnertime is often chaotic and repetitive. But Nurture Life brought variety and ease to the table, and made a lasting impression with Kelly's family.
Her kids’ favorites included the Curly Carbonara, Beef Taco Pockets, Chicken Biryani with Mini Naan, and Pancake Puffs with Cheesy Omelet. The Superfood Smoothies and Mighty Bites were a hit for grab-and-go moments.
Even Kelly’s 9-year-old was able to heat up meals himself, and happily ate them, veggies and all.
"My son felt proud being a helper and eating healthy," Kelly said. "As a mom, that makes me incredibly happy."
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Nurture Life meals are easy enough kids can take charge of making them. Find out more.
Kelly's takeaway: I hate to admit, but Nurture Life's delicious, full-balanced meals are probably better than the meals that I prepare for my kids. And they're delicious — I did not hear one complaint!"
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Natasha
Mom of 2: Ages 1 & 4
Publisher: Macaroni KID District Heights, MD
Natasha's challenge: "Life with two little ones is full of energy, joy, and a little chaos ... especially around mealtime.”
With a preschooler who’s skeptical of almost everything and a toddler ready to try anything, mealtime in Natasha’s home is often a juggling act. But this time the results were surprising.
The biggest surprise? The Mac & Cheese. Natasha's four-year-old typically rejects mac and cheese, but the Nurture Life version made with hidden butternut squash? She gobbled it up. Natasha was shocked.
“I’ve made mac and cheese for our 4-year-old countless times, and she never touches it. But when it came in our Nurture Life box, she was actually excited to try it and she loved it.”
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🤫 Don't tell this picky eater, but Nurture Life macaroni and cheese is made with hidden butternut squash.
Her 1-year-old, meanwhile, explored Nurture Life’s finger foods with enthusiasm. Natasha appreciated the break from overthinking every snack and meal.
"As a busy mom, coming up with new, nutritious meals for my girls can feel overwhelming, so I was really impressed by the variety of options inside," she said. "It felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders."
Natasha's takeaway: "It gave me peace of mind to know they were eating real, nutritious food without the daily stress of what to make. It's a total game changer."
💚 Why More Parents Are Turning to Nurture Life
Across different households, ages, and schedules, one theme stood out: Nurture Life helped take the stress out of mealtime, and gave kids something to actually look forward to eating.
Instead of mystery nuggets or questionable microwave dinners, parents got:
- Kid-friendly meals made with whole, real ingredients
- Built-in veggies and balanced nutrition (without sneaky tricks)
- Easy prep (or no prep at all!)
- Variety beyond the usual three meals on repeat
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Is Nurture Life Worth Trying?
Our publishers were unanimous: Yes! For busy parents who want to feed their kids better without adding more to their plate, Nurture Life checked all their boxes.
The meals are fast, fresh, and built with real nutrition, and their kids actually enjoy them.
Whether dealing with a picky eater, a packed calendar, or just another night of not knowing what to make, this is the kind of support that makes a difference.
Because when kids eat well, everything else gets just a little easier.
Wondering if Nurture Life is right for your family?
👉 Get 50% off + free shipping off your first order with promo code MACARONIKID — explore Nurture Life now!*
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*Deal includes 50% off (up to $35) + free shipping for one week. Offer valid for new Nurture Life customers only. May not be added in combination with other offers. Taxes not included. Offer expires at 11:59 pm CT on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
