Ask Our Chef: Behind the Scenes of Tangelo’s Delicious, Healthy Meals

Ever wondered what goes into making Tangelo’s meals both nutritious and crave-worthy? We sat down with our Culinary Director and Executive Chef to talk about his journey, ingredient picks, and what’s next in the kitchen!

Meet Chef Justin

Chef Justin’s love for cooking started early, inspired by his chef father and restaurant-savvy mother. He honed his skills in top New York restaurants like the legendary 21 Club before moving into high-end catering, crafting gourmet, health-conscious meals for elite clients—including the Rockefeller family.

Passionate about fresh ingredients and bold flavors, he has collaborated with renowned chefs and even competed on a TV show for Chef Gordon Ramsay. With a deep respect for tradition and a modern approach to nutrition, Justin creates meals that are as delicious as they are nourishing.

Ever wondered what makes Tangelo’s meals both nutritious and crave-worthy? We sat down with Chef Justin to talk about his journey, ingredient picks, and what’s next in the kitchen!

How did you get into creating healthy, tailored meals?

I’ve been surrounded by food my whole life! My dad was a chef, my mom managed restaurants—so the kitchen was basically my playground. But my focus on healthy eating became personal when I had to navigate my own food intolerances. That’s when I really started diving into ingredients and learning how food fuels our bodies.

How do you make sure every meal is both nutritious and delicious?

For me, it’s all about balance—fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring both flavor and nourishment. I love working with vibrant produce, lean proteins, and healthy fats to create meals that taste amazing and give your body what it needs. Good food should be both satisfying and good for you!

When designing meals for specific health conditions (like heart disease or diabetes), what’s top of mind?

It’s a team effort! I take everything I’ve learned about ingredients and work with our amazing dietitians to create meals that support specific health needs—without sacrificing flavor. Because let’s be real, eating well should never feel like a chore!

What are some go-to ingredients in Tangelo meals, and why are they great for health?

Olive oil is a big one! It’s packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that help fight inflammation. We’re also incorporating more avocado oil—it’s rich in vitamin E and supports brain and heart health. Basically, we’re all about those good-for-you fats!

How do you keep meals fresh and packed with nutrients, especially for frozen or meal kits?

Freezing is our secret weapon! It locks in nutrients and flavor naturally—no weird preservatives needed. We get it—frozen meals have a bad reputation because of overly processed, high-sodium options. But trust me, ours are a whole different game!

For meal kits, we keep things extra fresh by sourcing from California, where a huge chunk of the country’s veggies and fruits are grown. That means you’re getting top-tier ingredients straight from the source!

Any simple tips for eating healthier every day?

Absolutely! Here are my top three:
🥦 Stick to Whole Foods – Fresh veggies, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats should be your go-tos.
🥑 Choose Healthy Fats – Olive oil, avocado oil, nuts, and seeds are great for your heart and brain.
🍽 Eat Mindfully – Slow down, savor your food, and listen to your body’s hunger cues.

What new meals are you working on for Tangelo?

So many exciting flavors are in the works! Right now, we’re playing with bold South American and Mexican-inspired dishes. Think vibrant tacos packed with fresh, nutritious ingredients—because healthy eating should be as exciting as it is good for you!

What’s the biggest thing you want people to know about food and health?

Food is powerful. It fuels your body, helps you heal, and impacts how you feel every single day. At Tangelo, we believe eating well should be easy, delicious, and accessible to everyone. That’s why we put so much care into every meal—so you can spend less time worrying about what’s on your plate and more time enjoying life!