The 8 Best Meal Subscription Boxes of 2026

1. HelloFresh

Image from our review.

Popular FAQs About HelloFresh

• How much does HelloFresh cost? Pricing depends on the number of meals and servings you choose, but HelloFresh typically falls in the mid-range compared to other meal kits.
• How long do HelloFresh meals take to cook? Most recipes take about 20–45 minutes from start to finish.
• Is HelloFresh good for families with kids? Yes. HelloFresh offers family-friendly recipes designed to appeal to kids while still feeling like complete meals for adults.

HelloFresh is a good fit for households that want dinner handled most nights without giving up the routine of cooking. Meals arrive with ingredients already portioned and labeled, so you’re not chopping excess produce or buying full containers of spices you’ll never use again. The recipe cards are visual and easy to follow, which makes it manageable to cook while juggling kids, homework, or end-of-day exhaustion—and still end up with delicious meals on the table.

What sets HelloFresh apart is how predictable it feels week to week. The menus rotate often, but the structure stays familiar: protein, starch, vegetable, sauce. That consistency makes it easier to plan around, especially for families or couples who don’t want dinner to feel like an experiment every night.

Portions are generous enough for adults, and the flavors tend to be mild-to-moderate unless you deliberately choose something spicier. There are also gluten-free options on the weekly menu, which helps if you’re avoiding gluten but still want meals that feel normal and family-friendly. All of that makes HelloFresh one of the easier meal kits to serve to kids or hesitant eaters without cooking a backup meal.

HelloFresh also works well as a long-term solution because it doesn’t require you to “use it perfectly.” You can skip weeks easily, adjust meal counts when schedules get busy, or scale back up during seasons when cooking at home matters more. For people who want consistent support with dinner—but still want food that feels familiar, filling, and reliable—HelloFresh delivers in a way many meal kits don’t.

What to know before signing up: HelloFresh is best for flexible eaters. If your household has very strict dietary needs or severe allergies, you may find the options limited.

HelloFresh Reviews by MSA Readers

“The meals are delicious, the ingredients are fresh, and the recipes are easy to follow. It’s taken so much stress out of figuring out dinner during busy weeks.” — Sue Johnson

"I got HelloFresh for my parents, who live in a rural area, for Christmas and they love it so much, they get it every week now! It allows them to try new and different dishes and also keeps them safe by limiting how many trips they make to the grocery store. They raved about it so much, I decided to try it for myself and I love it too! It keeps me out of the grocery store where I always tend to overbuy and the box for 2 is enough for dinners for me for the whole week! I really enjoy all the options, no-waste ingredients and it's so easy to skip weeks. My mother had to contact customer service for something and they were very helpful!" - Amy R.

2. Home Chef

Image from our review.

Popular FAQs About Home Chef

• How customizable is Home Chef? Home Chef offers one of the highest levels of customization among meal kits, including protein swaps, portion changes, and prep-style options.
• Does Home Chef offer quick meals? Yes. Many recipes are labeled as oven-ready, fast-prep, or minimal prep, and some weeks include heat-and-eat options.
• Is Home Chef good for picky eaters? Very. The ability to swap proteins and adjust meals makes it easier to accommodate different preferences.

Home Chef works best for households where everyone doesn’t want the same thing for dinner—and that’s more common than not. Instead of locking you into one version of a meal, Home Chef lets you adjust dishes to better match individual preferences, and the typical prep still feels manageable even when you customize proteins or add extras. Being able to swap proteins or change preparation styles means you don’t have to skip a meal entirely just because one detail doesn’t work for someone at the table.

The flexibility shows up week by week in a very practical way. Some nights, you might choose a traditional recipe and cook from scratch. Other nights, especially later in the week when energy is lower, you can lean on oven-ready or faster meals that require very little prep. That range makes Home Chef easier to maintain over time, because it adapts to how busy or tired you actually are instead of assuming every night looks the same.

Home Chef’s meals tend to be familiar and approachable rather than experimental. Portions are generous, flavors are crowd-pleasing, and the recipes don’t require perfect execution to turn out well. This makes it especially helpful for families with picky eaters or mixed preferences, where dinner needs to feel reliable. If you want more control over what shows up on your plate without having to plan every meal yourself, Home Chef offers that middle ground.

What to know before signing up: Customizations often cost extra, so pricing can increase depending on how much you modify each meal.

Home Chef Reviews by MSA Readers

"We have been ordering from them for a couple of months now and so far everything has been delicious and really easy to make!!! My favorite part about the whole thing is that it takes the stress out of having to plan dinner and I'm learning how to cook the right way. Even my husband loves cooking these meals. The portions are very generous! They are restaurant-size portions. I would say that you get about 1.5 meals out of one serving. The meals are very well packaged, have always delivered cold, no missing ingredients and always on time." - Bridgette

"Our family subscribes to Home Chef as well as 4 other food subscription services. Home Chef is the best deal for your $$$ in my opinion. Plus.... the meals are the most kid-friendly I am discovering." - Maggie Goebel

3. Green Chef

Image from our review.

Popular FAQs About Green Chef

• Is Green Chef fully organic? Green Chef is CCOF-certified organic. All produce and eggs are organic, and proteins are responsibly sourced when possible.
• What diets does Green Chef support? Plans include keto, paleo, plant-based, gluten-free, Mediterranean, and calorie-smart options.
• Are the meals complicated? Most recipes take about 30 minutes and feel elevated but still manageable for weeknights.

Green Chef is a strong choice for people who care deeply about what they’re eating but don’t want that to mean more planning, label-reading, or recipe tweaking. Everything arrives pre-measured and clearly organized, which means you’re not doing extra work to stay aligned with a specific diet—including certified gluten-free options. If you’ve ever felt like eating “healthier” added complexity to your evenings, Green Chef removes much of that friction.

What truly sets Green Chef apart is how intentional the menus are. Instead of offering generic meals that can be adapted to different diets, each plan is designed around a specific way of eating. That makes it easier to trust what’s in the box, especially if you’re managing food sensitivities, nutritional goals, or lifestyle-driven diets like keto or plant-based. Over time, many subscribers settle into a favorite meal or two that fits their diet and still feels satisfying week after week.

The meals themselves feel thoughtful and well balanced. Flavors are layered, sauces and spice blends are pre-made, and the dishes often introduce new ingredients or combinations without feeling impractical. It’s the kind of service that works well when you want dinner to feel nourishing and intentional—but still doable on a weeknight.

What to Know Before Signing Up: Green Chef costs more than standard meal kits due to organic sourcing and specialty diet plans.

Green Chef Reviews by MSA Readers

"I get the Green Chef vegan box and it is by far THE BEST FOOD BOX ever! Everything is organic. It’s is soooo delicious even my husband who makes fun of me being vegan looks forward to the delivery and scarfs it down with a big smile on his face." - RedHeadMama

"Their meals are absolutely delicious. Totally creative recipes. Ingredients I'd never think of combining. Whoever designs their menu is a genius." - Lisa

"I have subscriptions to Green Chef, Home Chef, Blue Apron, Hello Fresh, Territory Foods, and Daily Harvest. Green Chef is consistently the MOST DELICIOUS foods of all the services!!! I love that it's always 100% organic and the efforts they put into smart packaging. I have never made a meal that didn't taste good." - Jerri Lyn

4. Tovala

Image via Tovala.

Popular FAQs About Tovala

• Do you need to buy the Tovala oven? Yes. A Tovala smart oven is required to use the meal subscription.
• How much cooking is involved? Very little. You scan the meal’s QR code, place it in the oven, and it cooks automatically.
• Can you use the oven for non-Tovala food? Yes. The oven works for everyday cooking and non-Tovala meals.

Tovala is built around its smart countertop oven, which is designed to cook meals automatically with almost no input from you. When you subscribe, you receive chef-prepared meals that are specifically designed for the oven’s multi-cook system, which uses a combination of steam, convection, broiling, and reheating. Each meal comes with a QR code that tells the oven exactly how to cook it—setting the temperature, timing, and cooking method without you needing to make any adjustments.

The meals arrive fully prepped and ready to cook, not frozen or partially assembled. You’re not chopping ingredients or assembling components; instead, you place the tray in the oven, scan the code, and walk away. Because the oven is calibrated for each recipe, the results are consistent, which makes it easy to reorder a favorite meal knowing it will turn out the same way every time.

Tovala works especially well for people who want freshly cooked food but don’t want to manage the details of cooking. Once the oven becomes part of your routine, dinner feels predictable and low-effort, even on busy nights. It’s a system that rewards repeat use, especially when you find a favorite meal you can rely on without thinking twice.

What to Know Before Signing Up: Using Tovala requires purchasing the smart oven, so it makes the most sense if you plan to rely on the meals regularly.

Tovala Reviews by MSA Readers/Reviewers

"I LOVE everything about the Tovala oven and meals. I’ve had it for four weeks now and am very impressed. I’m a picky eater but I haven’t found a bad meal yet. I’ve even tried some things I had never eaten before and loved those, too. I rave about Tovala to my friends and am so happy with the food choices, quality, and restaurant-worthy taste." - Donna Zee

"I live alone (with my 4 dogs) and waste so much food when I do traditional grocery shopping. I also HATE to cook. I don't get home from work until around 6 and have no energy left for preparing meals and then waiting for them to bake/cook, etc. I LOVE Tovala. The meals are just the right size for me -- I'm never hungry and it's helped to control overeating for me. I highly recommend." - Cindy

5. Eat Clean

Image via Eat Clean.

Popular FAQs About Eat Clean

• Are Eat Clean meals fully prepared? Yes. All meals arrive fully cooked, never frozen, and are ready to heat and eat.
• How quickly can Eat Clean meals be ready? Most meals heat in about two to three minutes.
• Does Eat Clean support specific diets? Yes. Eat Clean offers menus that support keto, paleo, plant-based, and balanced eating styles.

Eat Clean is best suited for people who want their meals to feel structured, balanced, and predictable. Rather than offering endless variety or highly customizable menus, Eat Clean focuses on well-portioned, health-forward meals that are easy to rely on day after day. The menu also includes gluten-free options, which fits well with the service’s overall emphasis on simplicity and consistency. The focus here is less on novelty and more on routine, which makes it appealing if your goal is to eat better without constantly re-evaluating what’s for dinner.

The meals themselves are straightforward and intentionally composed. You’ll typically see a clear protein, vegetable, and carb component arranged to feel filling without being heavy. This approach works especially well for people who want to maintain healthier habits but don’t want to track macros, count calories, or follow a strict program. It’s food that feels planned and thoughtful, without requiring you to do the planning.

Eat Clean also works well beyond dinner. With breakfast options and occasional treats available, it can cover multiple meals throughout the day, which reduces grocery shopping and decision fatigue. If you’re looking for a prepared meal service that supports routine and consistency—rather than variety for variety’s sake—Eat Clean offers a more disciplined, everyday approach.

What to Know Before Signing Up: Eat Clean is designed around set menus, so it’s best for people who value consistency over frequent customization.

Eat Clean Reviews by MSA Readers

"Although I was a little skeptical at first, Eat Clean’s healthy and easy-to-prepare meals definitely proved me wrong. Their meal service would be perfect for anyone who really prioritizes their health and well-being but lacks the time needed to prepare those high-quality, nutritious meals they crave." - Ella Y.

"The 12 Hour BBQ Pulled Pork with Plantain Mash tasted like it literally slow-cooked for 12 hours, and the Garlic Butter Sea Bass with Organic Jasmine Rice was so flaky and herby. From yummy Italian meals to indulgent breakfasts, Eat Clean’s meals pack a flavorful punch." - Laura L.

6. EveryPlate

Image via our review.

Popular FAQs About EveryPlate

• Is EveryPlate good for families with kids? Yes. EveryPlate focuses on familiar, comfort-style meals that tend to work well for both kids and adults.
• How affordable is EveryPlate compared to other meal kits? EveryPlate is one of the most budget-friendly meal kits available, often costing significantly less per serving than premium services.
• How long do EveryPlate meals take to cook? Most meals are designed to be ready in about 30 minutes.

EveryPlate works best when you need dinner to feel familiar, filling, and low-stress—especially on nights when everyone’s tired and patience is thin. The recipes lean into recognizable flavors and straightforward combinations, which makes them easier to serve to kids while still delivering delicious meals adults are happy to eat too. You’re not trying to sell anyone on a new cuisine or bold twist; you’re just getting a meal on the table that people will actually eat.

The simplicity is intentional. Ingredients are basic, instructions are clear, and the typical prep stays manageable, which helps take the guesswork out of cooking. That’s especially useful in households where dinner needs to fit around homework, activities, or shifting schedules. It’s a good option if you like the idea of meal kits but don’t want cooking to feel like a production every night.

Because EveryPlate keeps things streamlined, it’s also one of the most budget-friendly ways to use a meal kit regularly. You’re trading customization and specialty ingredients for consistency and value—and for many families, that’s a worthwhile exchange. If your priority is making weeknight dinners easier and more predictable without overspending, EveryPlate delivers on that goal.

What to Know Before Signing Up: EveryPlate keeps costs low by limiting customization and specialty diet options, so it’s best if you’re comfortable with simpler, familiar meals.

EveryPlate Reviews by MSA Readers

"Love their menus and prices! Before using this, I hardly ever cooked. I hated everything about it, starting with going to the grocery store to buy a bunch food that I wouldn't even know how to put together into a decent meal. Now I don't have to worry about any of that, nor thinking on what to cook for the week, or throwing away food that has gone bad... Now I just grab today's recipe and cook with every ingredient at hand." - Ruben Cedeno

"We have experienced two boxes with 5- meals each in them and every meal was delicious! I do not say that lightly, I am an experienced good cook and we were pretty impressed. The packages came in on time and at proper temperature for meats. All the vegetables have been fresh and of good quality. The meals are packed properly and made simple. Each meal has the amount of time for prep and cooking on it. We are experienced with trying most boxes out there for the last 4 years and I was very impressed with Every Plates value!!" - Debster

7. Factor_

Image via our review.

Popular FAQs About Factor

• Are Factor meals fully prepared? Yes. Factor meals arrive fresh, fully cooked, and are ready to heat and eat.
• Is Factor only for keto diets? No. While Factor is well known for keto options, it also offers high-protein and calorie-smart meals.
• How quickly can meals be ready? Most meals heat in just a few minutes, making them easy to fit into busy days.

If you train regularly and track what you eat, Factor takes a lot of friction out of staying consistent. The meals are built with macros in mind, not just general “health,” which means you’re not guessing whether something fits your day. Protein counts are clearly labeled, carbs are controlled, and calories are spelled out up front, so you know exactly what you’re eating before you heat anything up.

What makes Factor genuinely useful is the consistency. Portions don’t change from week to week, nutrition labels are reliable, and the protein content is higher than most prepared meal services. That matters if you’re lifting, cutting, or trying to maintain without drifting off plan. You’re not eyeballing portions, weighing containers, or logging a dozen ingredients—you’re grabbing a meal that already fits the numbers you’re aiming for.

Factor works especially well during busy training weeks when cooking would normally fall apart. Having meals ready that already align with your macros makes it easier to hit your targets even when time is tight or motivation is low. It’s not built for big family dinners or variety-heavy eating, but if your priority is sticking to a plan and fueling your workouts without prep, Factor does that better than most.

What to Know Before Signing Up: Factor works best if you’re comfortable choosing meals based on set macros rather than customizing ingredients or portions meal by meal.

Factor Reviews by MSA Readers / Reviewers

"Being able to pop a fresh-made meal into the oven or microwave for less than five minutes and have a complete dinner is kinda nice. I found these meals to be delicious and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. I'm really bad at nutrition as well and these are portion-controlled and seem generally quite healthy, especially if you're following a diet like keto or paleo. If you have the money, but not the time or energy for meal prepping, I think Factor_ is a great option."- Marne O.

"For me, Factor_ is worth the price on busy weeks when I don’t have the time (or patience) to cook but still want something healthy and actually good." - Geraldine O.

8. Purple Carrot

Image from our review.

Popular FAQs About Purple Carrot

• Is Purple Carrot fully vegan? Yes. All Purple Carrot meals are 100% plant-based, with no meat, dairy, or animal products.
• Does Purple Carrot offer prepared meals or just meal kits? Both. You can choose between traditional cook-it-yourself meal kits or fully prepared meals, depending on how much time you want to spend cooking.
• Will Purple Carrot work if I’m not vegan? It can. Many non-vegans enjoy Purple Carrot for its flavor, variety, and creativity, even if they don’t eat plant-based full time.

Purple Carrot is built specifically for people who eat plant-based and are tired of adapting meals that weren’t designed for them. Instead of offering token vegetarian options or meatless swaps, every recipe is developed from the start to work without animal products. That means meals are structured to be filling, balanced, and satisfying on their own—resulting in delicious meals that don’t require extra protein, sides, or substitutions to feel complete.

One of the biggest advantages for plant-based eaters is how thoughtfully the meals are composed. Recipes rely on a mix of legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and sauces that provide both flavor and substance, rather than leaning on processed substitutes or leaving plates feeling incomplete. This is especially helpful if you’re used to scanning menus for the “least compromised” option or doing extra prep to make vegan meals feel substantial.

Purple Carrot also supports the reality that plant-based eaters often care about variety, nutrition, and sustainability at the same time. The menus rotate regularly and draw inspiration from global cuisines, which helps prevent burnout and keeps meals interesting week after week. With both cook-it-yourself kits and prepared meals available, it works whether you enjoy cooking or just want reliable, plant-based food that fits into a busy routine without extra planning.

What to Know Before Signing Up: Purple Carrot focuses on whole-food, plant-based meals, so if you rely heavily on meat substitutes or prefer very high-protein vegan macros, some menus may feel lighter.

Purple Carrot Reviews by MSA Reviewers

"Vegan food is often smeared as being "rabbit food," "boring," or "all salads," and that's simply not the case with Purple Carrot. The recipes are innovating and exciting, and the food is tasty and packed full of flavor." - Lindsey M.

"Eating plant-based no longer feels like a daunting challenge. Instead, it’s a joy—something I look forward to every day. And with meals that are this good, I know I’ll be sticking to my resolution long after January ends." - Beth M.