Tried and Tested: The Best Prepared Meal Delivery Services for Busy Lives

HOW IT WORKS: I like that CookUnity doesn't feel like your standard prepared meal delivery service; it feels more restaurant-quality. The meals are created by professional (and often award-winning) chefs, and everything arrives fresh, not frozen. Each dish comes with a use-by date and simple heating instructions. When I signed up, I set dietary preferences, such as gluten-free or sodium-wise, which made it easy to filter meals. You can choose from four to 16 meals per week, and menus are posted two weeks in advance, allowing you to either select your own or let CookUnity choose for you based on your preferences.

WHY WE LIKE IT: The quality of the meals stood out immediately, and everything I tried tasted freshly made. It felt like something I’d order from a nice restaurant, not something I just reheated in a few minutes. Testers had a similar experience, with all saying they would recommend the service to a family member or friend. "The meals were simple to prepare and absolutely delicious," one tester said. "I was so excited to get meals from one of my favorite chefs, Einat Admony! Balaboosta is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. The meal made me feel like I was there," another tester commented.

TAKE NOTE: Since the meals arrive fresh, not frozen, they do have a shorter shelf life (typically just a few days in the fridge). CookUnity’s delivery area is still somewhat limited, though it’s expanding. While there are plenty of lighter, health-focused options (and the brand recently brought on a staff dietitian), some meals lean more indulgent or higher in calories, so it’s worth checking the nutrition info if that’s important to you.

HOW IT WORKS: Daily Harvest started as my go-to for quick and easy smoothies (just blend and go). Since then, they've expanded their lineup to include an impressive variety of plant-based meals, such as harvest bowls, soups, pasta dishes, and snack bites. Everything is vegan, gluten-free, and largely organic, made from high-quality ingredients designed for simple, nutritious eating. You can easily manage your orders online or through their app, choosing anywhere from nine to 26 items per week. Additionally, you can now purchase Daily Harvest products at retailers such as Target, Kroger, and Costco.

WHY WE LIKE IT: The brand's balance of convenience with real flavor and freshness stands out, even though all meals arrive frozen. The savory pastas have become a favorite in my household, and testers also raved about the smoothies and snack bites. One tester noted, "Despite being frozen, the food tastes really fresh." Favorites included the mint cacao smoothie, dark chocolate protein smoothie, white bean and spinach pesto, and the broccoli "cheeze" bowl. Another tester summed it up perfectly, "I would order it for the smoothies alone. So easy to have everything together and so delicious." Bonus points to Daily Harvest for its commitment to sustainable packaging.

TAKE NOTE: Portions here tend to be lighter, with some meals feeling more like snacks or sides than full entrees. The frozen delivery offers flexibility, but you'll need enough freezer space to store your weekly order. It's also worth mentioning that following a 2022 recall involving their French Lentil & Leek Crumbles, Daily Harvest revamped its ingredient vetting process and discontinued the use of novel ingredients, such as tara flour. I tested the service post-recall and evaluated the updated safety measures.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Daily Harvest

HOW IT WORKS: I first tried Factor after a recommendation from a friend who was using it to stay on track with nutrition between workouts. Since then, it's become a reliable go-to for me when I want ready-made meals that are both calorie-conscious and satisfying. The meals arrive fresh, fully cooked, and simply need reheating. Registered dietitians and chefs design dishes, and there's an option to book a complimentary nutrition consultation, which I found surprisingly helpful. Factor offers several plans, including Keto, Low Carb, High Protein, Calorie Smart (under 550 calories), Fiber Filled, GLP-1 Support, and Flexitarian. You can choose between six and 18 meals per week, plus optional add-ons like smoothies, snacks, and desserts.

WHY WE LIKE IT: I was impressed with how much variety the menu offered, especially for low-carb and keto meals. It didn't feel repetitive, which is something I've run into with other services. Favorites of mine included the southwestern-style turkey and mac, ginger teriyaki salmon, and gluten-free shredded chicken and pesto creamed spinach tortellini. One tester noted, "Microwaving didn't compromise the texture or taste—everything heated nicely," and I had the same experience. I also appreciated the optional add-ons, such as smoothies, juices, and high-protein snacks, which helped make my week more complete.

TAKE NOTE: While the convenience and flavor are strong, some meals are high in fat and sodium (especially in the keto category), so it's worth reading the nutrition labels if you're keeping an eye on those. There are also limited meat-free and dairy-free options, so this isn't the service for those who are exclusively vegan. It's also important to note that Factor's parent company, HelloFresh, was involved in a U.S. Department of Labor investigation into child labor violations involving a third-party staffing agency at one of Factor's facilities. HelloFresh has since ended its relationship with the agency and stated that it has strict protocols against such practices.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Factor

HOW IT WORKS: Recently featured on Netflix's You Are What You Eat, Trifecta offers a prepared meal subscription designed with health and fitness enthusiasts in mind. The service features premium ingredients, including grass-fed beef and wild-caught seafood, with meal plans tailored to specific macro goals, such as keto, paleo, and GLP-1-friendly dishes. You can select your own dishes or let Trifecta's chefs choose for you, and dishes average between 350 and 550 calories. Meals arrive vacuum-sealed and are good for six to 10 days in the fridge or can be frozen for up to three months. Add-ons, such as breakfasts and meal-prep proteins, are also available.

WHY WE LIKE IT: Trifecta makes it easy to stay on track when you're trying to stick to a specific nutrition plan. I found the app surprisingly helpful for logging meals and syncing with fitness goals (it's beneficial if you're tracking macros or trying to build muscle or lose fat). The portions felt balanced and satisfying, and testers agreed. One person said, "The convenience is nice, and the meals are healthy, which is a hard combination to get." Another noted the meals were "well balanced" and appreciated the variety across keto and paleo plans. Being able to add-on proteins like grass-fed burgers, steak, and more was a game-changer for meal prep during the week.

TAKE NOTE: While the nutrition quality is solid, the meals aren't the most flavorful I've tried, and some felt bland or didn't reheat as well as I'd hoped. Add-on proteins, such as burgers and steak, held up much better after reheating, which made a significant difference for me when meal prepping. Still, if your main goal is performance or meal consistency, Trifecta delivers on that front.

RELATED: The Best Meal Delivery Services for Weight Loss, According to a Dietitian

HOW IT WORKS: BistroMD was developed by a medical doctor to provide meal plans tailored to specific health goals like weight loss, diabetes management, heart health, and menopause support. They also offer gluten-free, keto-flex, and vegan options. Meals are chef-prepared, fresh, and then frozen for delivery. All you need to do is heat them for five minutes or less and enjoy. You can view full nutrition details for every meal when ordering.

WHY WE LIKE IT: The meals are designed by dietitians to be balanced and focused on nutrition, with most dishes keeping sodium low and calories in check. The Heart Healthy program was a special standout, with meals that have good fiber, low saturated fat and added sugar, and mainly use olive oil. Testers appreciated how filling the meals were despite moderate calorie counts, with favorites like salmon and BBQ beef making healthy eating more enjoyable. The ready-to-eat format makes sticking to your diet easier, and the brand's website offers helpful nutrition and weight loss tips. "Good quality of food, interesting variety, and good taste," one tester said. "Plus, I actually lost weight." If the standard plans don't suit you, BistroMD's dietitians can create a customized program just for you.

TAKE NOTE: Some of the meals were a bit bland but provided specific macronutrients. And because meals are frozen after fresh preparation, you’ll need freezer space to store them. And there is a minimum of 10 meals per week for delivery.

RELATED: Top Low-Sodium Meal Delivery Services

HOW IT WORKS: This premium prepared meal delivery service is rooted in wellness and designed around nourishing, fresh ingredients. Every dish is plant-based and gluten-free, making it ideal for those following a vegan lifestyle or hoping to incorporate more whole foods into their diet without the hassle of preparation or planning. Sakara used to offer more variety, but now centers around two main structured programs:

• Signature Nutrition Program: offers breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner for three to five days a week.
• Level II Detox: more intensive five-day reset with a set menu, teas, supplements, and wellness guidance.

Seasonal and limited-edition programs occasionally pop up—like the Radiant Refresh Program, which I'm currently enjoying—designed to jumpstart healthy habits or reinvigorate your routine. Meals arrive fully prepared and ready to eat or heat, making it incredibly easy to stay on track with nutritious eating, even during busy weeks.

WHY WE LIKE IT: The meals genuinely feel like something you'd be served at a luxury wellness retreat. It's heavy on fresh salads, but also includes innovative stews, noodle bowls, chili, and even creative takes on comfort food classics, such as gluten-free focaccia, donuts, waffles, and enchiladas. What surprised me most was not just how flavorful everything was, but how filling the meals were, even without meat. Testers agreed, with one saying, "The food was delicious and I felt full the entire day with the three meals. They were vegan and flavorful, and I didn't miss any meat at all." Everything is very carefully packaged, too, with greens kept separate from salad toppings, for instance, so nothing gets soggy. "The packaging was done right; I could tell a lot of thought went into packaging each item," another tester noted.

TAKE NOTE: Sakara is one of the most expensive options, designed for those seeking a high-end, structured meal plan. You'll be committing to a set weekly menu with limited flexibility, making it less ideal for customization. That said, testers and I never found the meals repetitive, but one or two dishes included ingredients I'm not a fan of (looking at you, olives), and with no way to swap them out, that felt like a bit of a miss given the price point. Still, if you're looking for a premium, no-effort way to eat well and feel great, Sakara does deliver and feels like an investment in your health.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Sakara

HOW IT WORKS: If you're looking for a low-effort way to eat more plant-based meals during the week, Splendid Spoon is one of the easiest places to start. Everything on the menu is 100% vegan, gluten-free, and made without artificial sweeteners. The meals arrive fully prepared and frozen—just heat and eat. You can choose six, 12, or 18 meals per order, and there's a wide menu to pick from, including smoothies, soups, grain bowls, and noodle dishes. I appreciated being able to filter by goals, such as high-protein or low-sugar.

WHY WE LIKE IT: I started with the premade smoothies (cacao almond is still my favorite), but the savory meals surprised me with how flavorful and filling they are. As a dietitian, I like that they’re nutritionally balanced and entirely plant-based. Testers also loved the variety and convenience—one said it was a relief to open the freezer and instantly have something healthy ready to go. Favorites included the kimchi fried quinoa and “meatball” marinara noodles. Packaging got high marks too: "Food was packaged very well, and everything arrived cold if not frozen despite the Florida heat," one person noted.

TAKE NOTE: Meals arrive frozen but still taste fresh once heated. Just know that portions are on the smaller side (some dishes marked as two servings didn’t quite feel like it). If you have a bigger appetite, you might need to add a snack or side. Although the fare is on the lighter side, the flavor profiles are great. And while we love the offerings, this isn't the choice for fresh lunchtime salads or sandwiches.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Splendid Spoon

HOW IT WORKS: New parents don't have time to sleep, let alone meal prep. But Chiyo is a meal delivery service designed specifically to support postpartum recovery, nourishment, and hormonal balance during this physically and emotionally demanding phase. The meals are freshly prepared and focus on nutritional density, using ingredients selected to promote healing and replenish key nutrients new moms need. However, there are also programs available for fertility and prenatal care needs. Meals arrive fresh and are easy to heat in the microwave or oven, making them a convenient option for busy new parents.

WHY WE LIKE IT: I tried Chiyo after having my son a year ago and loved that the meals were not only convenient but also thoughtfully designed with postpartum needs in mind, combining gourmet flavors with functional nutrition. Parents who tried Chiyo appreciated that the food was delicious, filling, and contributed to their recovery journey. One new mom shared, “Everything tasted gourmet, and the health benefits related to my postpartum recovery were denoted on each package.” The focus on nourishment and healing helped many feel more energized and cared for during a delicate time when self-care can be tough to prioritize.

TAKE NOTE: Chiyo’s specialized focus makes it an excellent choice for the prenatal and postpartum periods, but may not suit those without these specific needs. The menus are largely preset, but the service can accommodate major allergens like gluten, dairy, and peanuts. And while the Fertility Enhance and Postpartum programs offer vegetarian options, the Hormone Balance and Cycle Support programs contain meat or fish since those macronutrient demands are more intense.

HOW IT WORKS: With Thistle, I love that every meal is fresh and ready to eat. The focus is on veggie-forward, nutritious dishes that are both gluten- and dairy-free. Start by choosing how many meals you want each week and selecting your preferred protein type: plant-based, meat-only, or a combination. You can also list any ingredients you want to avoid, which helps personalize the meals. Thistle assigns meals based on your choices, but you’re free to swap or change anything you don’t want. The service has a minimum order of three meals per delivery.

WHY WE LIKE IT: What stood out to me was how balanced the meals are, especially with solid macronutrient profiles and plenty of fiber and protein to keep you feeling full. I appreciated that the meals leaned heavily on fresh vegetables but still included high-quality animal proteins when I wanted them. One tester put it well: “I loved that everything was already gluten-free and dairy-free, and the meals tasted really fresh. The vegetables were top-notch.”

TAKE NOTE: One significant limitation is the delivery area, which is currently limited to select areas on the East and West Coasts. Additionally, since the meals arrive fresh and not frozen, you’ll want to consume them within a few days and plan accordingly. That freshness is a huge plus, but it does mean less flexibility in terms of storage.

HOW IT WORKS: This health-conscious prepared meal delivery service focuses on meals free from gluten, dairy, and refined sugar, featuring sustainably sourced, high-quality proteins. The program options include a calorie-controlled Signature Plan with 30 to 50 grams of protein per meal, an eight-week weight loss coaching group called Transformation Tribe, and Haute Mom for postpartum nutrition. Meals come ready to eat and can be reheated in under five minutes using a microwave or stovetop. You can select standard or large portion sizes and order meals for one to four days per week. There’s flexibility to subscribe weekly or place a one-time order, with options to include or skip breakfasts.

WHY WE LIKE IT: I found the meals fresh, flavorful, and filling, made with quality ingredients cooked in avocado or olive oil. Testers appreciated the satisfying portions and enjoyed the presentation in reusable containers. "I loved the presentation. The meals were fresh and even filled up my husband," one tester said. "Even though the food was on the healthier side, everything was beyond delicious." Additionally, this service was utilized by researchers at Stanford Medicine in a clinical study examining the Mediterranean and keto diets.

TAKE NOTE: The cost is significantly higher than that of many other meal delivery services, reflecting the premium ingredients and presentation. Menus are primarily preset with limited customization options. Nutritional information is detailed except for sodium levels, which are not disclosed—important for anyone watching their salt intake. However, Methodology is a solid choice if you prioritize ingredient quality and targeted nutrition, but it may not be suitable for all budgets.

HOW IT WORKS: Epicured is a fully prepared meal delivery service created specifically for individuals with gastrointestinal conditions such as IBS, Crohn’s, colitis, SIBO, and celiac. It was the first service of its kind to offer a low-FODMAP menu designed in collaboration with physicians, registered dietitians, and Michelin-starred chefs. You can subscribe to a recurring meal plan, ideal for maintaining a low-FODMAP regimen over two to eight weeks, or place one-time orders. The rotating menu features over 150 items, including entrees, soups, bowls, smoothies, snacks, and desserts. All meals are gluten-free, and organic ingredients are used when possible.

WHY WE LIKE IT: I appreciate that Epicured fills a gap in the meal delivery space by offering food options tailored to people with dietary sensitivities, without compromising on taste or quality. Meals are clearly labeled and designed to support a range of digestive conditions. Testers were surprised by how flavorful the meals were, considering their dietary restrictions, and by just how fresh the ingredients were, as evident in the Sesame Crusted Salmon dish. One tester noted, “Learning that it was gluten-free and low-FODMAP had me prepared not to like the texture or flavor. But, surprisingly, it was all very good.” Generous portion sizes and well-balanced ingredients also stood out during testing.

TAKE NOTE: The meals are fresh, not frozen, so they come with a shorter shelf life and require some planning to enjoy them while they’re still at their best. Pricing is also higher than average, which reflects the specialized nature of the offerings and the collaboration with medical professionals. As with any medically tailored meal plan, it’s worth consulting a healthcare provider to determine if a low-FODMAP approach is appropriate long term.

RELATED: The Best Gluten-Free Meal Delivery Services