I’m excited to partner with Farmer’s Fridge, the Chicago-based food startup I first discovered nearly four years ago. Their concept is simple and brilliant: every day they hand-make salads, bowls, snacks, and meals, then stock them in refrigerated vending units placed throughout the city. Whether my schedule is packed or I’m out late, I can usually find a Farmer’s Fridge and grab a fresh, satisfying meal. When I worked in an office, I was eating their food two to three times a week.
Farmer’s Fridge focuses on sourcing high-quality ingredients to create reliable favorites like the Southwest and Crunchy Thai with Chicken, as well as seasonal dishes that highlight the best produce of winter, spring, summer, and fall. Their rotating menu keeps things interesting while leaning on tried-and-true combinations.
These are not just lettuce-and-topping salads; they are fully composed meals. For example, the Southwest includes romaine, black beans, grape tomatoes, fire-roasted corn, avocado, pickled onion, feta, and pepitas with an avocado-lime dressing. The North Napa combines napa cabbage and mixed greens with grapes, cucumbers, chickpeas, avocado, feta, pistachios, and dried cherries tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette. Both are more impressive than many homemade salads I’ve made.
One feature I appreciate is the option to add protein—hard-boiled eggs, chicken, or tofu—so I can tailor the meal to my appetite. The portions are generous and keep me full from lunchtime through the end of the workday, which is impressive given how often I normally reach for an afternoon snack.
Beyond salads, Farmer’s Fridge offers smart meal and snack options for any time of day. The Peanut Soba Noodles are a standout—the peanut sauce is rich and flavorful, and edamame plus shredded carrot add a satisfying vegetable component. These bowls make great alternatives when I need a heartier meal without sacrificing freshness.
Farmer’s Fridge has been a game changer for busy people who still want a real meal. It streamlines lunch and upgrades the boring, soggy desk meals I used to pack. The quality and convenience make it easy to choose something nourishing over convenience-store fare.
Even though I no longer work in a building with a Farmer’s Fridge, I still find locations around the city—my favorite is probably the O’Hare location. On a recent trip I picked up a Crunchy Thai with Chicken for dinner and an Almond Butter Oatmeal for breakfast before my flight to London. I tucked the jars into my carry-on and had fresh, flavorful food throughout the journey—far better than typical airplane options.
If you’re in Chicago, the Farmer’s Fridge mobile app makes it easy to locate nearby fridges and pick up favorites like salads and Peanut Soba Noodles. In the Loop, they operate a location at Revival Food Hall where they test new recipes before rolling them out to fridges across the city.
Have you tried Farmer’s Fridge? I’d love to know your favorite menu item. If you’ve enjoyed a particular salad, bowl, or snack, share what you liked most—I always enjoy hearing recommendations.
This post was sponsored by Farmer’s Fridge; the opinions expressed are my own.
