The fast facts
- Meal kits don’t always save you money, but they make up for it with convenience.
- HelloFresh and Blue Apron impressed our testers, with a few caveats.
- If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, Green Chef is the only meal delivery service that’s certified gluten-free.
Medical News Today has tested some of the services below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.
The table below compares each of the meal delivery services in this article on key points:
| Cost | Serving size | Number of meals | Shipping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelloFresh | varies | serves 2–4 people | 1–6 meals per week | $10.99 per box |
| Blue Apron | $7.99–$11.99 | serves 2–4 people | 2–5 meals per week | $9.99 per box |
| Green Chef | $11.99–$13.49 per serving | serves 2–6 people | 3–4 meals per week | $11.99 per box |
| Purple Carrot | $11–$13.25 per serving | serves 2–4 people | 3, 4, 6, 8 or 10 meals per week | $10 for any orders under $100 |
| Sunbasket | from $10–$12 per serving | serves 2–4 people | 2, 4, or 5 meals per week | $10.99 per box |
| Home Chef | from $9 per serving | serves 2–8 people | 2–6 meals per week | $9.99 to $11.99 per box |
| EveryPlate | $4.99–$7.49 per serving | serves 2–6 people | 3–5 meals per week | $10.99 per box |
| Dinnerly | $45.95–$131.75 per week | serves 2–4 people | 2–6 meals per week | $11.99 per box |
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.
- Reputation: MNT only chooses brands that adhere to industry best practices and have passed our medical vetting process.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.
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.
HelloFresh, Blue Apron, and Green Chef are three of our top picks for the best meal kits when considering price and taste of the cooked meals.
One of the main differences between Daily Harvest and HelloFresh is that Daily Harvest offers prepared meals, while HelloFresh offers meal kits. People with limited time to cook may prefer Daily Harvest. However, HelloFresh can help people learn cooking skills.
Daily Harvest only offers meals suitable for vegans and free from gluten. People following these diets may find a range of meals for their diet using this service. HelloFresh may be best for those following meat-based diets. Plus, the meals are also suitable for families.
People may consider their dietary needs, time constraints, and budget when choosing between these two meal delivery services.
HelloFresh offer low calorie menus that may help a person lose weight. The company also offers various meals for both meat eaters and vegetarians. It can help to speak with a doctor about the eating habits that may suit you best before changing your diet.
Meal delivery may cut time spent planning and grocery shopping. The best meal delivery service depends on a person’s needs and preferences.
Several companies offer specialized kits for individuals with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, and specific diets, such as vegan diets.
People should speak with a doctor before changing their diet, especially if they have existing health conditions.