I Tried 50+ Meal Delivery Services—These Are the Absolute Best

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Couples and families of four looking for gourmet recipes and quality ingredients.

HOW IT WORKS: Blue Apron was one of the first companies to popularize meal delivery kits, but recently made the switch to ditching the subscription model and offering an expanded menu. Now, you can enjoy the service à la carte and select from over 35 gourmet recipes each week, such as Miso Glazed Salmon or Calabrian Shrimp and Orzo, plus a selection of one-pan meals with minimal prep and fresh (never frozen) ready-made meals if you'd rather skip cleaning pots and pans. You can even tack on meal prep proteins or Splendid Spoon smoothies for added convenience. Pricing per serving is about average, and subscribing to their premium membership unlocks free shipping on every order.

WHY WE LIKE IT: I find the recipes consistently great, with creative twists and incredible flavor profiles. What stood out most during testing was Blue Apron's commitment to high-quality, fresh ingredients. The recipe kits generally offer better quality than the premade dishes, though both are solid options. As a dietitian, I appreciate their menu options, which are calorie- and carb-conscious, along with fast and easy recipes that can be whipped up in about 15 minutes, such as their Poblano Sausage Gnocchi.Testers loved the variety and creativity of the recipes. Many found the meals delicious and inventive, and praised the recipe cards for their clear, step-by-step instructions. One tester said, "Blue Apron is a solution for busy people who like to explore new recipes and ingredients. It's adventurous without being extreme. The ingredients are perfectly measured, packaged well, and fresh." Another added that the directions were easy to follow, the "ingredients were consistently fresh," and the "variety of proteins and spices used was pretty great."

TAKE NOTE: While Blue Apron offers a fantastic meal kit experience, there are a few things to keep in mind. The price per serving is average, but it can increase if you choose more premium items. The service does use a noticeable amount of plastic packaging, though many components are curbside recyclable. Also, keep in mind that you'll need to supply some pantry basics, such as salt and pepper, which aren't included in the kits.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Blue Apron Meal Delivery

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Home cooks on a budget looking for affordable, tasty recipes.

HOW IT WORKS: I like that EveryPlate offers a fixed price of $5.99 per serving, which is one of the lowest rates I’ve seen, so you don’t need to order tons of meals to get a good deal. The word I’d use to describe their kits is uncomplicated. You won't receive some of the fancier, more organized packaging that other services offer, but the food quality remains excellent.

Each week, they offer a solid variety of 32 comfort food meals, including Cheesy Southwest Beef Tacodillas and Super Smashed Burgers. Managing your subscription is easy through your account, but be sure to cancel at least five days before your next delivery. Overall, EveryPlate does a great job delivering tasty meals while keeping costs low.

WHY WE LIKE IT: I was surprised by just how tasty the meals turned out. I also appreciate that they offer vegetarian meals, quick and easy recipes, and smart and fit options, although this isn't the service for those with more specific dietary preferences. The app is useful for ordering and for following along with full recipes when you get your kit.

Our testers loved the variety of meals and the freshness of the ingredients. Many praised the helpful instructions, which included pictures, making it easy to prepare and plan ahead. One tester said, "Everything was awesome, from the ingredients to the completeness of the recipes provided." Another shared, "I am a decent cook but tend to stay in my lane when it comes to meals. I really enjoyed making these meals and learning new techniques."

TAKE NOTE: One drawback is that the ingredients aren't as carefully packaged as with other kits, so you'll have to sort through your box to figure out which ingredient goes with each recipe. You may also need to have a few more pantry staples on hand, like butter, oil, and sometimes flour. That said, the box and packaging materials are sturdy. One tester shared, "UPS was delayed one day, and the EveryPlate box sat on my porch all day in 98ºF weather. Yet everything was still cold and fresh when I opened it."

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: EveryPlate Meal Kit

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Health-conscious couples and families looking for quality organic fare.

HOW IT WORKS: What caught my attention about GreenChef is its commitment to certified organic ingredients sourced directly from sustainable farms, something I value as a dietitian. Each week, the service offers a robust menu with more than 44 chef-crafted meals, like Barramundi with White Bean Couscous or Pork Filet with Sriracha Apricot Sauce.

The meal plans cover a wide range of diets, including Mediterranean, Carb Smart, High Protein, Calorie Smart, Plant-Based, Quick and Easy, Gluten-Free, and Functional Nutrition, so there's something for everyone. Managing your subscription is straightforward; simply ensure that you cancel at least seven days before your next scheduled delivery if you wish to pause or stop.

WHY WE LIKE IT: I was really impressed by the quality of the ingredients and how thoughtfully everything was packaged. The kits arrive neatly organized and pre-portioned, which makes cooking way less stressful. The recipes are vibrant and flavorful, and the app is great for managing your meal choices or following the recipe steps if you lose the cards. It certainly comes at a premium, but in my opinion, it’s well worth it.

Testers echoed this, loving the substantial portions and fresh flavors. One said, "I was so impressed with all the portions and the freshness of the products. Every meal was super easy to prepare." Another added, "The food tasted fresher than other meal kits I've tried."

TAKE NOTE: Some testers did mention that a few recipes required multiple pans and bowls, which means a bit more cleanup than usual. The instructions can sometimes be a little complex, but the pictures on the recipe cards helped make everything clearer and easier to follow.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Green Chef Meal Kit

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Couples and families of four looking for simple and easy budget-friendly recipes.

HOW IT WORKS: Dinnerly offers one of the most extensive weekly menus I've seen, with over 100 recipes to choose from, including vegetarian and reduced-carb options. It's more affordable than most meal delivery services, and the price per serving actually drops the more meals you order. The brand used to offer only digital recipe cards, but now you can choose to get printed cards in your box if you prefer. Managing your subscription is straightforward as long as you cancel before the next order cutoff date. If you're after crowd-pleasing meals that won't break the bank, Dinnerly is a smart choice.

WHY WE LIKE IT: I appreciate that Dinnerly keeps costs low by using fewer ingredients per dish and simple, uncomplicated packaging. The meals are very low-effort, requiring minimal chopping and prep, and usually contain just a few ingredients to create something delicious, such as Thai-Style Ground Turkey Stir-Fry and Low-Cal Baked Feta Pasta. Testers raved about how much easier Dinnerly was to prepare compared to other meal delivery services they've used. They were also happy with the variety of recipes and gave the dishes top marks for flavor and the use of fresh ingredients.

The meals work well for beginner cooks too, with one tester adding, "I would recommend this meal subscription because of the variety of meals, portion size, easy-to-follow recipes, and most importantly, the wonderful taste." Families also enjoyed the Picky Eater Approved meals each week. Plus, you can choose recipes and schedule delivery through Dinnerly's app. Another tester said, "I loved the packaging and the freezer bags they used, which kept my food ice cold even on a hot day."

TAKE NOTE: To minimize packaging waste, some items are shipped loose in the box, which means you'll need to spend extra time sorting through the ingredients. You'll also need a few pantry staples, such as eggs, flour, garlic, and cooking oil, which Dinnerly lets you know about ahead of time, but this could be inconvenient if you're not stocked. The meals weren't as premium as those of some other services on the list, but they were still tasty and well-balanced. If you are looking for meals that are a bit more gourmet, consider Dinnerly's sister service called Marley Spoon (the Martha Stewart meal kit).

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Dinnerly Meal Kit

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Sustainably-minded eaters looking for healthier fare.

HOW IT WORKS: If you're not sure what kind of meal kit suits you best, Sunbasket is a solid, versatile option. It offers a wide variety of choices, from standard meal kits to pre-made dishes. Every recipe is crafted by chefs and registered dietitians, featuring high-quality ingredients and organic produce. While the meal selection isn't huge, you can add standalone proteins to your box, which saves a trip to the butcher or fishmonger. Managing your subscription is simple, as you can cancel directly through your account without needing to contact customer service. For anyone who values sustainability alongside quality, Sunbasket delivers on both fronts.

WHY WE LIKE IT: A favorite healthier meal delivery service of mine, I appreciate that the brand offers plans for paleo, carb-conscious, gluten-free-friendly, keto-friendly, diabetes-friendly, Mediterranean, vegetarian, and pescatarian diets. The menu features standout dishes, including Barramundi with White Bean Couscous and Pork Filet with Sriracha Apricot Sauce. During testing, I found that the pre-made meals heated best in the oven, but the microwavable option was handy when I was in a time crunch. You can also add proteins for meal prep, such as seafood, to save a trip to the grocery store.

I also appreciated that the brand's dietitians ensure that meals are typically under 800 calories and 800 milligrams of sodium but high in protein and fiber. Sunbasket's sustainable packaging and delivery efforts are a major commitment for the brand, and they really stood out to me compared to other services I have tried. Overall, our testers loved the creative and unique recipes, with 100% of testers saying the service encouraged them to try something new. The breakfast options were also a big hit.

TAKE NOTE: Be aware that Sunbasket occasionally substitutes ingredients in your box due to seasonal produce availability. Additionally, while the variety is good, the overall meal selection isn't as expansive as that of some other services.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Sunbasket Meal Delivery

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Couples and families interested in an entry-level meal delivery kit with approachable dishes.

HOW IT WORKS: HelloFresh was one of the first meal delivery services I ever tried. After regularly testing it over the years, I can assure you that it consistently delivers a reliable experience. Meals are good, packaging is solid, and recipe cards are well done. Ingredients are all pre-portioned for each recipe, and they have a vast selection of dishes that rotate weekly. HelloFresh now also offers new ready-made meals that simply need to be quickly heated, as well as prep-and-bake dishes that require quick preparation and then cooking in the oven. Your subscription is easy to cancel directly from your account, with no need to speak with a representative.

WHY WE LIKE IT: It's apparent that HelloFresh has been at this for a while—the instruction cards are easy to follow, and the packaging proves superior to other services I tested in terms of both performance and sustainability. I also appreciate that you can add grocery items as needed. They offer some quick and impressive meals, such as Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein, which can be prepared in 15 minutes. Additionally, they provide pescatarian and vegetarian options, including Zucchini Pomodoro Penne Bake. Their app is surprisingly easy to navigate when selecting meals each week.

Testers gave this service top overall scores for quality, saying that the food tasted great. “My partner and I liked the taste and flavor," said one tester. "Every dish had something extra beyond what we would normally make. I thought the food tasted better than what we would get from takeout at a restaurant!” Another tester noted that they'd gladly use this service again because "it was easy to use and motivated me to cook rather than just order something in," and that they "loved not having to think about what meals I wanted to make and then have to buy all the ingredients."

TAKE NOTE: Some meals can feel a bit basic or repetitive if you’re looking for more gourmet or adventurous fare. Plus, I noticed that occasional ingredient substitutions occur without prior notice. The service used to only offer smaller meal plans, but now you can order kits to serve up to six people, making it a great choice for most families.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: HelloFresh Meal Kit

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Couples and families looking for easy, fresh meals with plenty of flexibility.

HOW IT WORKS: If you’re curious about trying a meal delivery service, Home Chef is a flexible choice that adapts to your schedule and cooking style. You can opt for traditional meal kits if you enjoy hands-on cooking, or go for faster solutions like express kits (ready in under 30 minutes), oven-ready meals, and even fully prepared dishes that require minimal effort. There are also larger, family-sized portions available at an affordable price.

The menu rotates weekly and offers a surprising range of dishes, from quick five-minute favorites like Enchilada Beef Bake to more elevated recipes, such as Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Risotto with Pecans. And if you prefer shopping in-store, you can find Home Chef recipes at Kroger locations, so it’s easy to grab what you need on your own time.

WHY WE LIKE IT: As a registered dietitian, I appreciate that Home Chef goes beyond the basics, offering a robust selection of meals including calorie-conscious, carb-conscious, and vegetarian options. One standout feature is the ability to customize your protein choices, which adds an extra layer of flexibility that’s especially helpful for families with diverse preferences. Subscription management is also easy, with the option to skip weeks or cancel directly from your account.

Our testers had high praise for Home Chef, noting generous portion sizes, fresh ingredients, and consistently satisfying meals. The recipes are easy to follow, and many agreed that the ingredient quality surpassed other services they’ve tried. The family-friendly meal section was a particular highlight. Best of all, 100% of testers said the service encouraged them to try new meals or ingredients they wouldn’t usually choose, a clear win for anyone stuck in a dinner rut.

TAKE NOTE: While Home Chef covers a wide range of needs, keep in mind that some recipes might require more prep time than ultra-quick kits, so it may not be ideal for those seeking only very fast meals every night. And while its sister service, Tempo, provides fully prepared meals, we found the quality to be only so-so.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Home Chef Meal Delivery

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Busy foodies who want prepared meals with restaurant-quality flavor, without the time or clean-up.

HOW IT WORKS: CookUnity teams up with award-winning chefs from across the U.S. to deliver fresh (never frozen) meals straight to your door, ready to heat and enjoy. The menu rotates regularly and features creative dishes, such as Jose Garces' Mission-Style Chicken Burrito and Akhtar Nawab's Chicken in Korma-Style Curry. You can filter meals by dietary preferences such as gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto. Just note that using multiple filters simultaneously can narrow your options. While the service is still expanding, it already serves a growing list of delivery zones.

WHY WE LIKE IT: When I want a simple, no-mess dinner, I turn to prepared meal services like CookUnity. As a dietitian, I appreciate that each meal comes with a full nutrition facts panel, and you can view the nutrition information for each dish on the website after logging into your account. The meals lean toward gourmet comfort food, but there are also several health-conscious options. Cancelling your subscription is straightforward after your first delivery, making it flexible for busy lifestyles.

Testers were equally impressed, giving high marks for flavor, portion size, and quality. One tester said, “The meals were simple to prepare and absolutely delicious,” while another raved, “There is so much creativity that went into each meal that you can see and taste!" It's ideal for busy foodies who want restaurant-quality meals at home without having to splurge every night on takeout and hefty delivery fees.

TAKE NOTE: While CookUnity's meal quality is excellent, the delivery area is currently limited and does not serve some states in the Midwest at this time. Pricing is also on the higher end compared to other prepared meal services. Since the menu changes frequently, your favorite dishes may not always be available, so it's best to check the weekly offerings.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: CookUnity Prepared Meals

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: People who like the idea of cooking, but don't have the time or energy for the whole process.

HOW IT WORKS: Tovala has solved a major dinnertime dilemma for me: cooking proteins that turn out juicy and tender, never over- or underdone. The service delivers neatly packaged ingredients that require just a bit of preparation, such as adding a pre-made marinade to chicken or tossing vegetables with spices in a small, provided aluminum tray. Then, everything goes into Tovala's signature smart oven, which cooks your meal automatically after scanning a QR code. Favorites of mine included the Chicken and Red Pepper Pesto Pasta and the Red Wine-Glazed Prime Rib.

WHY WE LIKE IT: While testing this service in the Lab, I was genuinely impressed by how consistently each meal turned out–flavorful, moist, and cooked just right. It's because the smart oven oscillates between different cooking methods without you having to do a thing, achieving the perfect cooking balance. At-home testers echoed that experience, praising the high-quality ingredients and the ease of cleanup. "The salmon meals were very filling," one tester shared. "The oven made it seamless to cook, and it came out perfectly cooked." Canceling your membership is also easy, since you can do it directly through your account settings.

TAKE NOTE: The biggest upfront cost is the Tovala oven itself. That said, I love that it can also scan and cook thousands of store-bought items, so I use it to toast bagels or warm up leftovers as well. Meals are perfectly portioned for one, which is ideal for people living alone, but may not be the best fit for families or larger households.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Tovala Oven and Meal Delivery

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: People who don't have time to cook but still want healthier meals.

HOW IT WORKS: As part of the HelloFresh family, think of Factor as the more convenient, health-conscious cousin. All meals are developed by chefs and registered dietitians, and your subscription includes a complimentary nutrition consultation to help tailor meal plans to your needs. Factor offers flexible weekly plans, letting you choose how many premade meals you want (up to 18 per week) and easily skip weeks or pause your subscription. The menu is extensive and rotates weekly, featuring a wide variety of dishes designed to cater to special diets like keto, high-protein, low-carb, vegetarian, and more. Meals arrive fresh (never frozen) in insulated packaging and typically require just a few minutes to heat in the microwave or oven.

WHY WE LIKE IT:Both testers and I appreciated the plethora of meals Factor offers, along with generous portion sizes and how easy it was to heat everything up. Deliveries arrived in excellent condition, and the meals surprisingly reheated well even in the microwave. For those following low-carb or keto diets, the number of compliant options was a welcome change compared to other services with more limited choices.

The meals themselves were flavorful, satisfying, and creative–standouts included the Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey and Mac, and the Stroganoff-Style Beef Burger. "I've always been overwhelmed by which meal delivery service to choose, but I definitely will be ordering Factor for my husband and myself," one tester shared. "I really appreciate the quality of the meals and how well-balanced they were." Testers also appreciated that Factor offers a variety of add-ons, including shakes, smoothies, juices, snacks, extra protein, and desserts, for even greater convenience.

TAKE NOTE: While Factor offers many keto-friendly meals, it's important to know that a significant number of these are high in fat and saturated fat, which may not align with everyone's dietary goals or preferences. Since these meals are designed as single servings, you will need to order multiple portions if you're feeding more than one person.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Factor Meals

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Plant-based eaters looking for inventive recipes.

HOW IT WORKS: Most meal delivery services offer only a handful of vegetarian meals, but I was impressed to find that everything on Purple Carrot's menu is vegan. The recipes are anything but boring–think Thai Peanut Lentil Bowls, Gnocchi Al Pesto, or Bibimbap with kimchi. You can filter for additional dietary preferences on top of plant-based, too, like high-protein, gluten-free, or lighter choices under 600 calories.

Each week’s box comes with printed recipe booklets, which I loved saving to recreate my favorites later. Everything in the kits is pre-portioned, and the instructions are straightforward to follow. However, if you don't feel like cooking, you can opt for the fully prepared meal option for maximum convenience. If you don't want to opt for a subscription, try their 4-week programs or check out the brand's frozen meals in grocers like Target and Kroger.

Testers found the meals inventive and flavorful, appreciating that all the offerings were plant-based and didn’t take very long to prepare. "I love how Purple Carrot meals are delicious and nutritious without involving complicated cooking," one tester said. "The meals feel much fancier and more complicated when eating than when cooking. It encouraged me to try new flavors and food combinations I wouldn't have thought of myself." I like that you can pause your subscription for up to 10 weeks or easily cancel it under account settings.

TAKE NOTE: It’s definitely on the pricier side, especially for a kit that doesn’t include meat or specialty proteins. I’ve also noticed that the meals tend to lean a little carb-heavy, which might not work for those following low-carb or keto diets. Still, the overall quality, creativity, and plant-based convenience are a game-changer, and the meals don't have you missing meat or other animal products.

RELATED: Best Vegan Meal Delivery Services

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: People with IBS and those in need of gluten-free meals.

HOW IT WORKS: Epicured is the first fully prepared meal delivery service that's both low-FODMAP and gluten-free, a game-changer for people with GI conditions like IBS, Crohn’s, colitis, SIBO, or celiac disease. What I really appreciate is that the meals are designed in collaboration with physicians, dietitians, and even Michelin-star chefs, so they manage to be both medically appropriate and delicious. The meals arrive fresh, and the robust weekly menu includes everything from hearty mains to soups and snacks. They also use organic ingredients whenever possible.

WHY WE LIKE IT: I originally came across Epicured while working as a private practice dietitian, helping patients manage GI issues. Back then, it was one of the only options I trusted to meet strict dietary needs without sacrificing taste. I still recommend it because the meals are thoughtfully crafted, not just from a nutritional standpoint, but also from a flavor perspective. Favorites of mine include the Sesame Crusted Grilled Salmon and the Lasagna Alessandra, both of which are super satisfying and restaurant-quality.

It’s clear that registered dietitians are involved in every step of the process, making it easier for people to stay compliant without feeling deprived. The meals don’t taste like “diet food” either, but real, fresh, nourishing meals. Testers were also surprised by the flavor and texture, especially given the dietary limitations. “I was ready for it to taste bland,” said one tester, “but it was actually rich, satisfying, and filling."

TAKE NOTE: Epicured is definitely on the pricier side, especially compared to more mainstream services. And unlike most other meal kits, there’s no app, so you’ll need to manage orders through the website. Still, if you're navigating a low-FODMAP or gluten-free lifestyle, especially for medical reasons, the quality and ease of Epicured make it well worth the investment.

RELATED: Best Gluten-Free Meal Delivery Services