Grubby

How ethical is Grubby?

Grubby is a plant-based recipe kit delivery company which has achieved an acceptable score on The GOOD Shopping Guide’sEthical Recipe Boxes Ratings Table but Ethical Accreditation has not yet been achieved. This is important because it provides additional approval on the company’s wider ethical, sustainable, and social policies and records.

Read more about the issues facing the Ethical Recipe Boxes sector and find out which companies have achieved accreditation for their commitment to being ethical and sustainable.

What does Grubby do?

Grubby is a UK-based plant-based recipe kit company founded by Martin Holden-White in 2020. The company describes itself as the UK’s first 100% plant-based recipe box subscription service, on a mission to make plant-based cooking more accessible without costing the earth. Starting from office deliveries before pivoting to direct-to-consumer during the pandemic, Grubby has grown to serve over 56,000 customers and has delivered more than 2 million meals. The company achieved B Corp certification, recognising its commitment to meeting high standards of social and environmental performance.

In which areas does Grubby perform well?

Grubby performs well in several environmental and sustainability categories. The company holds B Corp certification and has implemented comprehensive sustainable practices. More than 90% of Grubby’s packaging is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable, with most packaging produced in the UK. The company has committed to electric or bicycle deliveries within the M25, with all nationwide deliveries made carbon-neutral through partnership with DPD.

Grubby demonstrates strong social commitment through its partnership with charity 1morechild, donating one meal to a child in poverty for every box sold. The company has donated over 500,000 meals to children in Uganda. Each recipe includes carbon tracking, allowing customers to see the environmental impact compared to meat-based equivalents. The company champions British produce, partnering with family-run farms for seasonal ingredients, with most fresh produce grown in the South East on organic land.

The above benchmark score that Grubby is awarded on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Ethical Recipe Boxes Ratings Table is the result of an evaluation of multiple ethical criteria. Find out more about how we rate.

What can Grubby do to improve its ethical score?

While Grubby demonstrates strong environmental and social credentials, there is scope for improvement in detailed supply chain transparency and comprehensive worker welfare reporting throughout its operations. The UK household food waste sector faces significant challenges, with recipe box companies playing an important role in addressing food waste through pre-portioned ingredients. Enhanced transparency around supplier relationships and working conditions would strengthen Grubby’s ethical standing.

If it applies for Ethical Accreditation, The GOOD Shopping Guide would be able to offer some guidance on this to enable Grubby to improve its score. If successful in its application, Grubby would join the certified ethical brands leading the way in progressive and sustainable practices and be permitted to display The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Ethical Mark in its communications.

If you’re interested in learning more about achieving Ethical Accreditation for your brand, please contact us or complete a Free Initial Assessment form.