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The best meal delivery will cater to a person’s unique needs and preferences. With a wide range of meal delivery services available, people with various dietary requirements have many options to choose from.
- Best overall meal delivery: HelloFresh | Skip to review
- Best for weight loss: Factor | Skip to review
- Best plant-based meal kit: Purple Carrot | Skip to review
- Best vegetarian meal delivery: Blue Apron | Skip to review
- Best organic meal delivery: Sunbasket | Skip to review
- Best meal delivery for diabetes: BistroMD | Skip to review
- Best gluten-free meal delivery: Green Chef | Skip to review
- Best paleo meal delivery: Trifecta | Skip to review
- Best customizable meal delivery: Home Chef | Skip to review
- Best for children’s meals: Nurture Life | Skip to review
Medical News Today’s methodology
Medical News Today chooses meal delivery services that fit the following criteria:
- Nutritional value: MNT chooses meal delivery services that meet the average person’s nutritional needs and promote healthy eating habits.
- Ingredient quality: MNT chooses meal delivery services that use fresh, high quality ingredients. Some also use organic produce or sustainably sourced ingredients.
- Variety: MNT chooses meal delivery services that feature a range of flavors and ingredients to suit different taste preferences and diets.
- Price: MNT chooses meal delivery services with different price points to suit a range of budgets.
- Availability: MNT chooses meal delivery services available throughout most of the United States.
- Sustainability: MNT chooses meal delivery services that reduce their environmental impact by employing recyclable packaging, carbon neutral shipping, local ingredients, and other sustainable practices.
- Reputable: MNT only chooses brands that adhere to industry best practices and have passed our medical vetting process.
Meal kits are ingredients, recipes, and cooking instructions a company sends out in regular deliveries to its customers. This can make it easier for people to prepare meals at home without needing to shop for groceries or spend too long cooking.
Companies offer a variety of customizable subscription plans. A person can request meals for the whole week or just a few days.
People with certain conditions, such as diabetes or gluten intolerance, and those following paleo or plant-based diets, for example, can often find delivery services that meet their needs.
If people would prefer to try pre-prepared meals instead, there are many options available.
Meal delivery services may be particularly beneficial for people who do not have the time to source and cook healthy meals every day. This is especially true for people who live in food deserts: receiving meal kit deliveries may be easier and cheaper than driving to the nearest grocery store.
These services may also be good for people looking to make a healthy change to their diet by reducing the amount of takeout they order. Many companies offer meals inspired by traditional takeouts, such as Chinese and Indian cuisines. However, these meals may be a healthier alternative.
Many meal delivery services offer food that is suitable for the whole family. People can choose family favorites that even pickier eaters are likelier to enjoy.
Finally, these services can teach people how to cook or make amateur chefs more comfortable in the kitchen. Most companies offer recipe cards that break down the meal into easy-to-follow steps.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best overall meal delivery: HelloFresh
- Cost: $8.99–$12.49 per serving
- Serving size: serves 2–4 people
- Number of meals: 2–6 meals per week
- Shipping: $8.99 per box
HelloFresh provides weekly deliveries of fresh ingredients and recipes and offers a multitude of meal plans, including options to suit omnivores, vegetarians, pescatarians, and families.
Other meal types include Quick and Easy and Fit and Wholesome.
Some meal options include:
- organic chicken katsu
- spinach caprese salad
- hoisin- glazed pork chops
Read our review of HelloFresh here.
Pros
- a large variety of meal plans
- low calorie meal options
- less expensive than some competitors
Cons
- shipping costs $8.99
- no allergen- or gluten-free meal options are available, but a person can choose meals based on their dietary needs
- no specific diet plans, such as keto or vegan
Best for weight loss: Factor
- Cost: $10.99–$13.49 per serving
- Serving size: one serving per meal
- Number of meals: 6–18 meals per week
- Shipping: $9.99 per box
Factor has dietitian-designed menus, including a Calorie Smart and Protein Plus option which may aid weight loss.
The Calorie Smart meals have around 550 calories or fewer per serving, while the Protein Plus meals include 30 grams or more of protein.
Learn about the best meal delivery services for weight loss here.
People can also choose keto and vegan meals.
Example meals include:
- queso fundido
- tomato basil chicken risotto
- braised beef and roasted red pepper mac
Read our review of Factor here.
Pros
- dietitian-approved meals
- no frozen meals
- no refined sugar
- offers high protein options
Cons
- limited number of dishes compared to other brands
- may be unsuitable for people wanting a small number of meals a week
- limited options for vegetarians
- high sodium content in some dishes
Best plant-based meal kit: Purple Carrot
- Cost: $11–$13.25 per serving
- Serving size: serves 2–4 people
- Number of meals: three or four meals per week
- Shipping: $10 for any orders under $100
Purple Carrot is a meal delivery service that provides ingredients and recipes for plant-based meals.
People following a vegan diet do not consume any animal-derived foods, including meat, eggs, and dairy.
Research shows that there are some benefits to veganism, including a
Learn about the best plant-based meal delivery services here.
The company offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and “plantry” options. Customers can choose either 2 or 4 servings, with three or four dinners per week.
Some meal options include:
- tofu peanut stir fry
- buffalo cauliflower quesadillas
- one-pot black bean enchilada pasta
Read our review of Purple Carrot here.
Pros
- meal plans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- seasonal menu options
- free shipping
Cons
- no allergen-free meal plans are available
- not all ingredients are organic
- some meal preparation is required in most cases
- more expensive per serving than other brands
Best vegetarian meal delivery: Blue Apron
- Cost: $7.99–$11.99
- Serving size: serves 2–4 people
- Number of meals: 2–5 meals per week
- Shipping: $9.99 per box
Blue Apron offers a dedicated vegetarian meal plan that includes seasonal produce. People can also buy wine, kitchen tools, and pantry staples from the Blue Apron Market. This means people can get a more complete dining experience with this service compared to others.
A person can choose 2–4 servings per week. They can also add appetizers or side dishes to their order.
Sample meal options include:
- oven baked cilantro rice and bean tacos
- couscous-stuffed poblano peppers
- paneer and vegetable curry
As for side dishes, people can find:
- pineapple and coconut oatmeal
- cheesy garlic bread
- roasted vegetable and arugula salad
Read our review of Blue Apron here.
Pros
- dedicated vegetarian menu
- allows customers to update orders whenever they want
- includes food from a range of cuisines
Cons
- the menu is more limited than other services
- does not offer gluten-free, vegan, or keto meals
Best organic meal delivery: Sunbasket
- Cost: from $10–$12 per serving
- Serving size: serves 1–4 people
- Number of meals: 2–5 meals per week
- Shipping: $9.99 per box
Sunbasket delivers organic, sustainably sourced meals weekly. It has a wide variety of meal kit options, including the Carb Conscious plan, which contains 25–35 net carbs per serving.
Learn about the best low carb meal delivery services here.
There is some
People should speak with a healthcare professional before beginning a low carb diet. If a low carb diet is suitable for them, they can consider the following options.
Sunbasket offers either 2- or 4-serving meals and either 2, 3, or 4 meals per week. Prices start from $12 per serving. Fresh & Ready meals, which are pre-prepared, start from $10.
Some meal options include:
- farro risotto with zucchini, porcini mushrooms, and basil pistou
- Balinese shrimp with coconut-garlic brown rice and pickled carrots
- seared steaks with roasted red pepper ajvar and cauliflower
Read our review of Sunbasket here.
Pros
- a wide variety of meal plans
- organic ingredients
- preprepared meals on offer
Cons
- pricier than other options
- a shipping cost of $7.99
- no allergen-free menu offered
Best meal delivery for diabetes: BistroMD
- Cost: $149.90–$219.80 per week
- Serving size: one serving per meal
- Number of meals: 10–20 meals per week
- Shipping: $19.95 per box
BistroMD specializes in custom diets, and it offers a Diabetic Friendly Program. The company claims that dietitians knowledgeable about diabetes plan these meals, and chefs prepare them. Each meal contains at most 25 grams of net carbohydrates.
A person can choose to receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 5 or 7 days.
Some of the meals include:
- turkey breast with herbed brown gravy
- hickory smoked BBQ pork with broccoli
- chicken, rice and cheddar casserole
Read our review of BistroMD here.
Pros
- a wide variety of meals on offer
- meals tailored to specific needs, such as heart health
- possibility to speak with dietitians
Cons
- no a la carte options
- pricier than other services
Best gluten-free meal delivery: Green Chef
- Cost: $11.99–$13.49 per serving
- Serving size: serves 2–6 people
- Number of meals: 2–4 meals per week
- Shipping: $8.99 per box
According to Green Chef, it is the first meal delivery service to have received certification from the Gluten Intolerance Group’s Gluten-Free Food Service program.
Learn about the best gluten-free meal delivery services here.
Green Chef has also received certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and CCOF for its organic ingredients.
Most meals take 25–30 minutes to prepare, and some examples include:
- spicy sesame shrimp
- pork chops with tomato caper sauce
- southwest turkey stuffed peppers
Read our review of Green Chef here.
Pros
- meals per serving less pricy than other options
- Gluten Intolerance Group-certified gluten-free options
Cons
- no free shipping
- meals are more expensive per serving than other brands
Best paleo meal delivery: Trifecta
- Cost: $110.99–$310.99 per week
- Serving size: one serving per meal
- Number of meals: 7–21 meals per week
- Shipping: $9.99 per box
Trifecta offers a range of organic meals, including paleo options.
Learn about the best paleo meal delivery services here.
Like other meal kit companies, Trifecta aims to take the stress and guesswork out of meal planning. A person can opt for 5–7 days’ worth of meals, including one to four meals daily.
Trifecta says its produce is seasonal, ethical, sustainable, and organic.
Some examples of its meals include:
- sausage and egg scramble with sweet potatoes
- roasted chicken breast with asparagus
- Korean beef bulgogi
All the meals are organic, and menu options depend on the meal plan a person chooses.
Read our review of Trifecta here.
Pros
- prepared, organic meals
- seasonal menus
- people can use the Trifecta app to plan their diet
Cons
- more expensive than competitors
Best customizable meal delivery: Home Chef
- Cost: from $9.99 per serving
- Serving size: serves 2–8 people
- Number of meals: 2–6 meals per week
- Shipping: calculated at checkout
Home Chef offers customizable meals. People can choose to swap, double up, or upgrade the protein in each meal. This can include swapping chicken for fish, or changing meat to vegan alternatives.
In addition, individuals can opt for recipes with pre-portioned ingredients or meals that require little to no preparation.
To use Home Chef, people must first choose their food preferences and items they would like to avoid, such as shellfish, poultry, or beef. The company then asks customers to select their serving size and provide delivery information.
Home Chef’s menu includes:
- sweet chili pork lettuce wraps
- BBQ brisket
- mustard pretzel crusted chicken
Home Chef has a minimum weekly order value of $50.95 for Home Chef and $89.21 for Family Plan.
Read our review for Home Chef here.
Pros
- customizable protein options
- minimal preparation
- meals are also available in some stores
Cons
- minimum order value of around $50
- limited vegetarian options
Best for children’s meals: Nurture Life
- Cost: from $7.49 per item
- Serving size: one serving size
- Number of meals: 6–15 items per week
- Shipping: $8.99 per delivery
Some meal delivery companies offer menus for families, while some companies are dedicated to offering meals only for children.
Nurture Life offers meals and snacks for children and toddlers. The company claims that dieticians and chefs create its dishes.
Learn about the best meal delivery services for kids here.
People can choose between 6–15 items per week, and meals can be ready in around 1 minute.
Nurture Life menus include Kids Meals, Finger Foods, Smoothies, and Snacks.
Pricing ranges from $6.49–7.49 per item. Shipping is free.
Sample meals include:
- chicken taco pockets
- mini veggie frittata
- oatmeal raisin mighty bites
Read our review of Nurture Life here.
Pros
- organic ingredients
- free shipping
- allergen-free options
Cons
- only offers meals made from solid food
The table below compares each of the meal delivery services in this article on key points:
| Cost | Serving size | Number of meals | Shipping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelloFresh | $8.99–$12.49 per serving | serves 2–4 people | 2–6 meals per week | $8.99 per box |
| Factor | $10.99–$13.49 per serving | one serving per meal | 6–18 meals per week | $9.99 per box |
| Purple Carrot | $11–$13.25 per serving | serves 2–4 people | three or four meals per week | $10 for any orders under $100 |
| Blue Apron | $7.99–$11.99 | serves 2–4 people | 2–5 meals per week | $9.99 per box |
| Sunbasket | from $10–$12 per serving | serves 1–4 people | 2–5 meals per week | $9.99 per box |
| BistroMD | $149.90–$219.80 per week | one serving per meal | 10–20 meals per week | $19.95 per box |
| Green Chef | $11.99–$13.49 per serving | serves 2–6 people | 2–4 meals per week | $8.99 per box |
| Trifecta | $110.99–$310.99 per week | one serving per meal | 7–21 meals per week | $9.99 per box |
| Home Chef | from $9 per serving | serves 2–8 people | 2–6 meals per week | calculated at checkout |
| Nurture Life | from $7.49 per item | one serving size | 6–15 items per week | $8.99 per delivery |
People should consider the following factors when choosing a meal delivery service:
- Diets: Some individuals may prefer choosing a meal delivery service that caters for different diets, especially if they have children and are ordering different meals for family members. People should check if a service caters to their diet. Many brands offer dedicated vegan, gluten-free, or keto diets, and some brands offer menus for those with diabetes or IBS.
- Shipping: Many brands do not ship to certain states. People should check where the company delivers to before making an order.
- Price: Prices depend on the amount of food a person orders per week. Typically, prices per serving start at around $6. A person should work out how many meals they would like each week and whether their budget suits their chosen brand.
- Packaging: People may wish to prioritize companies that use recyclable packaging to reduce their impact on the enviroment.
- Convenience: Individuals who have a busy schedule and do not have time to shop for or prepare complicated meals may consider choosing a company that provides easy-to-follow instructions and fresh ingredients.
Below, we answer some of the common questions about meal delivery services:
What is the top-rated home meal delivery service?
HelloFresh is one of the most popular meal delivery services. However, people should choose a meal delivery service that caters to their diet and fits their budget.
What is the cheapest premade meal delivery service?
Veestro and Mosaic offer some of the cheapest pre-made meals, with some servings costing less than $6.
What is the best pre-packaged food delivery service?
Different companies provide pre-packaged meals, such as Factor, BistroMD, and Mosaic. Individuals can compare the services they offer before committing, such as the number of servings, pricing, and shipping.
Which meal delivery service is best for diet and weight loss?
Factor and HelloFresh offer low calorie menus that may help a person lose weight. A person should always speak with a doctor before changing their diet.
What is the difference between meal kits and meal delivery?
Meal kits provide a person with ingredients, recipes, and cooking instructions for a range of meals each week. Meal deliveries include pre-prepared meals that people can heat and eat in minutes.
Having meal delivery may cut time spent planning and grocery shopping. The best mealy delivery depends on a person’s needs and preferences.
Several companies offer specialized kits for individuals with some health conditions, such as diabetes, and specific diets, such as a vegan diet.
People should speak with a doctor before changing their diet, especially if they have existing health conditions.
Desrosiers, T. A., et al. (2018). Low carbohydrate diets may increase risk of neural tube defects [Abstract].