Food subscription boxes can simplify meal planning and expand your palate, whether through new dishes, snacks, or drinks — and those are just the most obvious benefits. Over the last few years, we’ve found plenty of other reasons to switch to meal kits:
- Food subscriptions are ecologically friendly. Meal kits have a smaller carbon footprint than a trip to the grocery store, and most brands now offer recyclable or compostable packaging.
- Meal kits can save you money. Many kits offer a lower per-ingredient price than retail, and by taking advantage of coupons and promotional offers, you can reduce your monthly costs.
- Meal kits cut out food waste. When you’re cooking with pre-portioned ingredients, you’re not wasting food — and given that the United States alone generates over 81 billion pounds of food waste per year, that’s a major consideration.
- A meal subscription can help you embrace a new lifestyle. If you’re ready to start eating less meat — or you’re going full keto or paleo — a meal kit helps you avoid spending hours reading through ingredient lists.
Of course, there are now hundreds of food subscription boxes on the market, and they vary greatly in quality and value. That’s where we come in.
We’ve collected a list of food subscription boxes that cater to a variety of dietary preferences (vegan, keto, organic, quick pre-prepared, gourmet, and more). At My Subscription Addiction, we realize that everyone is different — especially when they’re deciding what to eat — so we’ve highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
In addition to food delivery boxes, we’ve included one awesome alcohol delivery option and several snack kits. We’ve also included promo links and coupons wherever possible to keep costs as low as possible. To put it simply: We’ve done the hard work for you.
Below, you’ll find our picks for the best food subscription services in 2021. If we missed your favorite box, be sure to let us know — and if you’ve tried one of these services, head over to its brand page to leave a quick review.
1. HelloFresh - Best Food Subscription Box Overall
Image from our review.
The Cost: Plans start at $7.49 per serving. Pricing varies depending on the number of meals and serving sizes. Sign up here!
ACTIVE DEAL: Limited Time Only! 16 Free Meal + Three Surprise Gifts + Free Shipping. No coupon needed - just use this link.
ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: HelloFresh is currently the most popular food subscription box in the United States.
Meals generally take 25-30 minutes to whip up, which is on the faster end for food delivery boxes. In our experience, HelloFresh recipes were significantly easier than other premium services; we never found ourselves rushing back and forth between hot pans and the prep table, which made for a less stressful cooking experience.
We also love how HelloFresh meals use easy-to-find ingredients. If you want to recreate a recipe, you won’t need to head to a specialty grocery store. It’s a great feature for people who like to try food subscriptions for a bit, then pause (and by the way, HelloFresh offers easy options for skipping weeks or cancelling).
The ingredients are dependably high quality, and the recipes are delicious and versatile. A large number of the recipes tend to feature Southwestern flavors, but by logging in online, you can suit the menu to your taste preferences. Helpful tags help you find meals with quick prep times, limited calories, and other features.
Depending on your plan, you’ll have a choice of up to 19 different recipes from their Meat & Veggies, Veggie, Family Friendly, and Low Calorie plans. Plans are fairly affordable, and the company’s streamlined supply chain ensures that on average, each meal has a 25% smaller carbon footprint than meals made from store-bought groceries.
HelloFresh is simple, sustainable, high-quality food, and you’ll gradually learn techniques and flavor combinations to improve your home cooking — if you’ve never tried a food subscription box, this is the perfect place to start.
Learn more on our HelloFresh reviews page. Ships to the contiguous US for $7.99.
2. Green Chef - Best Food Subscription Box for Low-Carb Eating
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The Cost: Plans start at $11.99 per serving. Pricing varies depending on the number of meals and serving sizes. Choose the plan that’s right for your diet and sign up here.
ACTIVE DEAL: Limited Time Only! $130 Off Plus Free Shipping. No coupon needed - just use this link.
ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: The Green Chef subscription box focuses on providing gourmet meals with fresh, organic ingredients. They also offer paleo- and keto-friendly meals, so if you’re cutting carbs, they’re certainly worth a look.
Subscribers choose between the Balanced Living, Plant Powered, or Paleo + Keto plans. However, if you have special dietary needs, you can contact customer service for additional customizations. All ingredients are free from GMOs, pesticides, and antibiotics.
The recipes are quick and easy, with an average cooking time of around 30 minutes. Meals change weekly, and all recipes have detailed nutrition information — including easy-to-read macros, essential if you’re trying to meet specific fitness goals.
Green Paleo was the first food delivery box to offer certified gluten-free meals, and they’re dedicated to addressing subscribers’ unique needs. While their food subscription boxes are slightly expensive compared to “budget" options elsewhere on this list, they’re still affordable, and the high degree of customization makes Green Chef an exceptional choice for sticking with your diet while still exploring new foods.
Learn more on our Green Chef reviews page. Ships to the continental US for $7.99 per box.
3. Home Chef - Best Food Subscription Box for Customization
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The Cost: Plans start at $8.99 per serving, with a $49.95 minimum order required. Pricing varies depending on the number of meals and serving sizes. Sign up here.
ACTIVE DEAL: 50% Off First BoxCODE: LD50
ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: Home Chef is a food delivery box that provides delicious, crowd-pleasing meals for 2, 4, 6, or 8 people.
Recipes can typically be made in around 30 minutes, and the menu includes vegetarian, low-carb, calorie-conscious, and premium “culinary collection” options. When you sign up, you can also select foods to avoid, including nuts, pork, beef, shellfish, and other ingredients (note that Home Chef’s facility is not certified allergen-free).
Home Chef offers a customization option for most plates. Add proteins, swap ingredients, or make other changes — you’ll pay more when customizing, but we appreciate the option. They also offer low- or no-prep meals (their Fresh & Easy food subscription service) and dietitian-approved plans (Fresh Start). Subscribers can easily add meals, pause deliveries, or make other changes as needed.
Given the price, Home Chef offers an excellent value. The customizable menu is definitely the selling point, but be prepared to pay extra if you’re adding additional items to your order.
Learn more at our Home Chef reviews page. Ships to most of the US.
4. Purple Carrot - Best Vegan Food Subscription Box
Image from our review.
The Cost: Plans start at $9.99 per serving. Pricing varies depending on the number of meals and serving sizes. Choose the plan you want and sign up here.
ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: Purple Carrot is a vegan food subscription box aimed at bringing plant-based eating into the mainstream. They deliver weekly boxes of fresh produce and easy-to-follow recipes for some tasty veggie meals. Subscribers can also add on plant-based breakfasts, lunches, and packaged snacks.
Going veggie helps to lower your environmental impact; on average, each Purple Carrot meal has a 72% lower carbon footprint than the standard American meal, per the company’s site. Of course, switching to a plant-based diet is easier if you’re eating delicious food, and that’s where Purple Carrot’s recipes shine. You’ll explore a range of healthy vegetables and fruits, and by browsing the menu, you can find soy-free and high-protein options. Purple Carrot is one of the best food subscription boxes for anyone looking to add more plant-based dishes to their diet, and while it’s geared towards plant-only eaters, we think anyone will appreciate their gourmet-level recipes.
Learn more at our Purple Carrot reviews page. Ships to most of the US.
5. Winc - Best Wine Subscription for Upgrading Your Meals
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The Cost: Bottles start at $12.99 each with a membership. (Shipping is free on orders of 4 or more bottles.) Sign up here.
ACTIVE DEAL: Use code SANTA6 for $30 off Santa’s Secret 6-Pack wine bundle thank you!
CODE: SANTA6
ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: Okay, Winc isn’t a food subscription box, but it offers a great way to upgrade your meals.
After a quick introductory quiz, Winc will gather your preferences and use your results to match you with unique, affordable wines. Before shipping, Winc will send you their picks for approval. You can give them the thumbs up to receive their recommendations, make changes to customize your box, or skip the month altogether.
We love that Winc offers some vegan wines, as well as the occasional cider to switch things up. Paired with one of the other options on this list, Winc helps you create a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.
Do you have to sign?: Yes, someone age 21+ has to be present to sign for your order upon delivery.
Learn more at our Winc reviews page.
6. Splendid Spoon - Best Food Subscription Box for Plant-Based, Ready-to-Eat Meals
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The Cost: Plans start at $9 per serving. Pricing varies depending on the number of meals and serving sizes. Choose the plan that works for you and sign up here.
ACTIVE DEAL: Limited Time Only! Save $35 off your first box. No coupon needed - just use this link.ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: Splendid Spoon is a plant-based food delivery box specializing in nutrient-rich smoothies, soups, and grain bowls. All of their products are vegan, gluten-free, and made with GMO-free ingredients.
Many of their products are made to be enjoyed cold — including some soups — so you can enjoy a wholesome meal on-the-go.
Splendid Spoon is one of the more affordable ready-to-eat food subscription boxes on the market. Their menu changes regularly, and you’ll find satisfying options regardless of your preferences; if you don’t have time to cook, but you’re ready to improve your diet, here’s a great service to get you on the right track.
Learn more at our Splendid Spoon reviews page. Ships free to the US.
7. Butcher Box - Best Food Subscription Box for High Quality Meats
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The Cost: $129 per month for one of their curated boxes — All Beef, Beef & Chicken, Beef & Pork, The Mixed Box (a little of everything) — or customize your own for $149. Sign up here!
ACTIVE DEAL: Get free ground beef for life/free 2lbs of ground beef each shipment. No coupon needed - just use this link.ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: The Butcher Box is a food subscription box that sends you a preferred mix of grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, and heritage-breed pork. It’s a convenient way to ensure you’re getting healthy, high-quality meats sourced from animals that have been raised humanely.
For carnivores and omnivores, Butcher Box offers a more ethical (and eco-friendly) way to eat. The real draw is the quality — for about $6 per meal, you’ll have a freezer full of the best meats available. If you love meat, this is one of the best food subscription boxes available. We’d recommend trying the mixed protein boxes — while the quality of their beef is incredible, the chicken is just as good, and the company has recently added wild-caught seafood to their selection.
Learn more at our Butcher Box reviews page. Ships free to the continental US.
8. Dinnerly - Most Affordable Food Subscription Box
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The Cost: Plans start at $4.69 per serving. Pricing varies depending on the number of meals and serving sizes. Choose a plan that works for you and sign up here.
ACTIVE DEAL: $60 Off For Your First 4 Boxes (15/15/15/15). No coupon needed - just use this link.ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: Dinnerly is fast, simple, and affordable, with servings starting at $4.69/each. This food subscription box sends you six-ingredient dishes that only take about 30 minutes to make.
You’ll get ingredients by mail, but Dinnerly provides digital recipe cards for each dish to help cut down on both cost and clutter. By cutting out unnecessary marketing campaigns and simplifying packaging, Dinnerly is able to maintain an incredibly low cost per meal.
That doesn’t mean that they sacrifice quality; their menus feature gourmet options, and helpful tags (such as “kid-friendly” and “under 30 minutes”) let you customize each food delivery box to fit your lifestyle.
Learn more at our Dinnerly reviews page. Ships to most of the contiguous US for $8.99.
9. Gobble - Best Food Subscription Box for Quick Cooking
Image from our review.
The Cost: Plans start at $11.99 per serving. Pricing varies depending on the number of meals and serving sizes. Choose a plan that works for you and sign up here.
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 6 meals for $36. No coupon needed - just use this link.ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: Hate cooking? Gobble is a food subscription box with recipes that can be completed in 15 minutes or less. Their chefs handle all of the prep work, so you can skip the cutting board and get right to work.
Given the time you’ll save peeling, chopping, and marinating, Gobble is remarkably affordable. Its per-meal prices are on par with some of the other full-meal subscriptions on this list, and the recipes are delicious. The service also accommodates some dietary preferences, with dairy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free options.
The main disadvantage of ready-to-eat meal kits is the pricing: Gobble is significantly more expensive than options like HelloFresh, but you’re paying for the convenience. We love that Gobble is still less expensive than takeout (and much, much more nutritious than fast food). Still, if you’re on a budget and you don’t mind cooking, some of the other options on this list make more sense.
Learn more at our Gobble reviews page. Ships to the continental US for $6.99.
10. Hungryroot - Best Food Subscription Box for Groceries
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The Cost: Plans are completely customizable and prices vary based on diet, servings needed, and more. Plans start at $59 per shipment. Pricing varies depending on the number of meals and serving sizes. Sign up here.
ACTIVE DEAL: 30% Off First Order of $99+, Plus Free Gift in Every Delivery. No coupon needed - just use this link.ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: Hungryroot is a fresh food subscription box that aims to “make healthy eating easy.” To that end, they give you more control over ingredients than other services; think of Hungryroot as a trip to the grocery store (without the lines).
Mix and match ingredients from their catalog of prepped veggies, sauces, proteins, and more to create quick meals in a matter of minutes. You can hand-pick every item in your shipment each week, or you can have Hungryroot provide recipes and matching ingredients.
By combining high-quality groceries with a typical food delivery box model, Hungryroot provides versatility for aspiring home chefs. Other options make more sense if you’d rather not fuss about each meal — but if you’d like to expand your abilities while still getting guidance, this is an exceptional service.
Learn more at our Hungryroot reviews page. Ships free to the US with ground shipping; $10 with air shipping, determined by zip code.
11. EveryPlate - Best Food Subscription Box for Simplicity
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The Cost: Plans start at $4.99 per serving. Pricing varies depending on the number of meals and serving sizes. Choose the plan that works for you and sign up here.
ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: EveryPlate is a wallet-friendly food subscription box with crowd-pleasing meals — but the company doesn’t emphasize hard-to-find gourmet ingredients. Their recipes feature high-quality produce and proteins, but the recipes are simple and easy to follow.
EveryPlate cuts out unnecessary expenses to keep their per-meal price low. It’s one of the cheapest food delivery box options on this list, but currently, the service doesn’t offer options for special dietary needs.
Learn more at our EveryPlate reviews page. Ships to the majority of the continental US.
12. Sun Basket - Best Gourmet Food Subscription Box
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The Cost: Plans start at $10.99 per serving. Pricing varies depending on the number of meals and serving sizes. Choose the plan that’s right for you and sign up here.
ACTIVE DEAL: Get $90 off and 4 free gifts on first-time order of $65 or more. No coupon needed - just use this link.ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: Sun Basket makes planning easy with options for meal kits and ready-to-eat meals. Created by the former head chef of a James-Beard-Award-winning restaurant, this food subscription box emphasizes clean, healthy eating.
Plan options address special dietary considerations (you can pick paleo-friendly, vegetarian, vegan, or Mediterranean diet options, among others), and all food boxes include organic produce and responsibly sourced meats & seafood.
If you’re interested in culinary exploration — and you don’t mind paying slightly more for adventurous recipes — Sun Basket is one of the best food subscription boxes to try.
Learn more at our Sunbasket reviews page. Ships to most zip codes in the contiguous US.
13. Martha & Marley Spoon - Best Food Subscription Box for Learning Cooking
Image from our review.
The Cost: Plans start at $6.99 per serving. Pricing varies depending on the number of meals and serving sizes. Choose the plan that works for you and sign up here.
ACTIVE DEAL: $100 Off For Your First 4 Boxes (40/20/20/20). No coupon needed - just use this link.ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: Martha & Marley Spoon is a gourmet food delivery box with recipes and inspiration from Martha Stewart. The high-quality ingredients are already pre-portioned, and the recipes are easy to follow.
Given the name on the label, it’s no surprise that this food subscription box focuses on teaching new techniques. It’s surprisingly simple, affordable, and fun — in other words, it’s right in line with the Martha Stewart brand.
Learn more at our Martha and Marley Spoon reviews page. Ships to most of the contiguous US for $8.99.
14. Freshly - Best Pre-prepared Food Subscription Box
Image from our review.
The Cost: Plans start at $8.49 per serving. Pricing varies depending on the number of meals and serving sizes. Choose the plan that works for you and sign up here.
ACTIVE DEAL: Use code LAUNCH15 to get $60 off your first four mealsCODE: LAUNCH15
ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: Freshly is an incredibly consistent food subscription box, which should earn them a spot on any best-of list. Their meals are prepared in advance — you simply heat them up — so there’s no prep work to speak of (and fewer dirty dishes). Each plate is gourmet quality, which is incredible given the affordable cost-per-meal.
Options are available for people with different dietary preferences, and unlike many other services, Freshly offers options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The one downside: There are limited plant-based options, so if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you’ll probably want to check out other food delivery boxes like Splendid Spoon (detailed earlier in this list) for a pre-made meal option.
Learn more at our Freshly reviews page. Shipping costs vary by order size and location.
15. Blue Apron - Best Food Subscription Box for Building Cooking Skills
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The Cost: Plans start at $7.49 per serving. Pricing varies depending on the number of meals and serving sizes. Choose the plan that works for you and sign up here.
ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: Blue Apron is a leading food subscription box, and if you haven’t heard of them by now, you’re not paying attention. This is the food delivery box that perfected many of the standards of the industry — high-quality ingredients, gourmet recipes, and pre-portioned ingredients, with extensive online and offline resources for refining your cooking techniques.
With a low cost per plate, Blue Apron offers a mix of quality and value, and they’ve taken steps to make their packaging more eco-friendly. We wouldn’t recommend this service for absolute beginners; you’ll need some basic cooking skills (and we do mean basic) to get started. The service also has limited options for special diets — apart from the seafood and vegetarian options — though you can accommodate most diets with careful meal selection.
With that said, if you’re looking for innovative dishes without a hefty price tag, Blue Apron is still one of the best food subscription boxes around.
Learn more at our Blue Apron reviews page. Ships to the contiguous US.
16. Umai Crate - Best Subscription Box for Ramen
Image from our review.
The Cost: $45.79 per month. Save with longer subscriptions. Subscribe here.
ACTIVE DEAL: Save $3 off your first boxCODE: MSADD3
ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: Umai Crate is a ramen subscription service that sends you 7-8 instant ramen noodle varieties each month. In addition to adventurous new flavors, you’ll get a booklet of tips about ways to upgrade your ramen with yummy add-ins. You won’t find most of these products at your grocer — or even specialty stores — but they’re all delicious.
Ramen is one of the world’s most popular comfort foods, and this food subscription box allows you to fully explore ramen culture. It’s one of the most food-specific crates we’re covering, but if you love slurping up new noodles (slurping is accepted in Japan, FYI), don’t miss it.
Learn more at our Umai Crate reviews page. Ships worldwide.
17. Daily Harvest - Best Food Subscription Box for Healthy, Ready-to-Eat Meals
Image from our review.
The Cost: Items range from $5.99 to $8.99. Save with 9, 14, and 24-item boxes. Sign up here!
ACTIVE DEAL: Use code ADDICTION40 for up to $40 off your first boxCODE: ADDICTION40
ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: Daily Harvest is a food subscription box that offers pre-portioned smoothies, soups, bowls, and snacks. Most of the nutrient-packed items arrive in frozen cups (with the exception of the flatbreads). That makes them excellent for healthy on-the-go eating, and they’re seriously delicious — and surprisingly filling.
Subscribe for a weekly or monthly plan, then customize your own box (if you don’t feel choosy, you can also receive the best-sellers). With minimal sugars and mostly organic ingredients, this is a hassle-free, vegan-friendly option at a great price.
Check out Megan's month-long review of Daily Harvest and our Daily Harvest reviews page to learn more!
18. Vegancuts Snack Box - Best Vegan Snack Box
Image from our review.
The Cost: $24.95/month. Save with longer subscriptions. Sign up here!
ACTIVE DEAL: $40 off. No coupon needed - just use this link.ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: Vegancuts Snack Box is a monthly food subscription box that provides an outstanding selection of vegan snacks (the name sort of gave it away, didn’t it?).
Many of the items are gluten-free, but this is not a dedicated gluten-free food box. Each delivery contains 7-10 vegan snacks, pantry items, and supplements. Whether you’re a strict vegan or you’re just looking for healthier options, Vegancuts is a fun way to upgrade your snacking.
Learn more at our Vegancuts reviews page.
19. Love With Food - Best Healthy Snack Subscription Box
Image from our review.
The Cost: Plans start at $8.50 per box. Sign up here!
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 40% off your first box! No coupon needed - just use this link.ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: Love With Food food delivery boxes include snacks that are either organic or all-natural. All items are free from artificial flavoring & coloring, high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, and hydrogenated oils. For a small fee, you’ll get plenty of healthy ways to indulge those mid-afternoon munchies.
Love With Food donates to food banks with every food subscription box sold. You’ll feel great about your snacking in more ways than one!
Learn more at our Love With Food reviews page. Ships worldwide.
20. SnackCrate - Best Snack Food Subscription Box for Variety
Image from our review.
The Cost: Prices start at $14.99/month. Sign up here!
ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: Each month, the SnackCrate food subscription sends a bright-blue box full of hand-picked treats from around the globe. A new country is featured with every delivery. They guarantee you’ll never receive the same snack twice — we love the element of surprise.
Plans vary in pricing, and if you’re a true culinary explorer, you’ll find plenty to love with this food delivery box. You’ll learn while you’re eating, and the selection balances savory and sweet flavors; while you might not love every snack you try, you’ll look forward to every box.
Learn more at our SnackCrate reviews page. Ships worldwide for free.
21. SnackSack - Best Snack Subscription Box for Savory Snacking
Image from our review.
The Cost: Choose from the Classic box, the Vegan box, and the Gluten-Free box all for $24.95/month. Sign up here
ACTIVE DEAL: 20% offCODE: MSA20
ABOUT THE FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOX: SnackSack is another monthly food subscription box that focuses on natural, healthy snacks.
Their snacks tend to be organic, all-natural, non-GMO, vegan, or fair trade — and options are available for people on vegan or gluten-free diets. With free shipping, this is a great way to keep a steady supply of additive-free snacks. It makes a great gift, and the seasonal themes add to the excitement of every unboxing.
Learn more at our SnackSack reviews page.
Factors We Considered When Reviewing These Food Subscription Boxes
Finding healthy, affordable, and convenient food delivery options isn’t easy. While our research led us to some of the best food subscription boxes on the market, we had specific requirements to determine which ones made the cut — and which ones were left on the shelf.
Some of the key factors we considered when making this list:
- CONVENIENCE – Ease of use is important to us — and our readers. We wanted to find the food subscription boxes that offered the most convenience in ordering, plan flexibility, and necessary ability level (for meal prep boxes). We included boxes covering all skill levels and time requirements, so anyone should be able to find a food box that fits their needs.
- QUALITY AND VARIETY – Food subscription boxes only work for as long as users find value in them. We chose food subscription boxes that had detailed information about ingredient sourcing. We also prioritized variety: You’ll find boxes covering special diets, along with snacks, drinks, and other add-ons to help you live the subscription lifestyle.
- PRICE AND VALUE – Price point is an incredibly important factor when it comes to choosing a food subscription box. We included prepare-at-home plans that offer meals at the same price or lower than what you’d pay at the grocery store. We also found the most reasonably priced (but still high-quality) prepared meal options for those who prefer to skip cooking entirely.
If you didn’t find a meal delivery kit that works for you, check out our targeted lists of the best meal subscription boxes, the best snack subscription boxes, and the best wine subscription boxes. You can also leave a comment below to help us refine this list.
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