Meal subscriptions can be a life-saver when you don't have the time to cook a satisfying meal or can't get to the store for a while. Meal delivery services can also be a fun way to try new-to-you recipes that you might not have tried, helping you expand your own meal possibilities. Whatever your reason for choosing a meal subscription, it's hard to choose the right one when it seems like the market is flooded with options left and right...but we're here to help!
Every year, we ask our readers to share their top recommended subscriptions of all types. Then we ask our experts to share what they know about each subscription to make it easy for you to know which subscription is right for you. Below, you’ll find our insights for shopping meal subscription boxes, and see readers’ top choices for organic meal kits, prepared meal kits, low-prep meal kits, and more.
Top Meal Boxes Featured In This List:
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Best Overall Meal Kit Subscription Box
Starting at $56.95 -
The Best Customizable Meal Subscription Box
Starting at $65.00 -
The Best Innovative Meal Kit Subscription
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The Best Chef-Prepared Health Meal Kit Delivery Service
Starting at $12.50 -
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The Best OG Meal Kit Delivery Service
Starting at $39.96
And more! Keep reading to see the full details of the top subscriptions plus many more recommendations.
What To Look For When Shopping Meal Subscriptions
Food is essential to life, so it’s important that when you’re looking for a meal subscription, you’re seeking options that provide sustenance and nourishment while making preparation of that food easier. Our readers have found the following features helpful when choosing meal subscriptions.
- Meal Kit Complexity: Do you want the ingredients and recipes for cooking a meal, or do you want something you can pop in the microwave? If you're looking for a meal, how involved do you want the process to be- quick and easy, or more restaurant-quality? Most meal kits in our list contain deliveries that include recipes and pre-measured ingredients that you can use to create a full meal. However, we also include meal subscriptions that offer pre-made microwavable or oven-ready meals that are ready in minutes.
- Meal Variety: Does this meal subscription offer you more than a few options to choose from each week? You'll definitely want to choose a plan that provides you with as many options as possible, that way there's always something you'll like on the menu. Our list describes the kinds of meals you can expect for each subscription so that you can choose one with meals that appeal to your tastebuds.
- Taste: Even though you’re signing up for these services online, you’ve got to have a good idea of whether the meals will taste good before signing up. Look for customer reviews and testimonials that give you an idea of whether you’ll enjoy the meals that come to your home. If you want to get a good idea as to how real subscribers are cooking with these boxes, one tip is to head to social media- users on Instagram, for example, will frequently post their finished meal with pride and tag the brand. Here on MSA, we have tried to only include subscriptions with meals that are well-reviewed, and we’ve included reader comments about every box on our list, too.
- Frequency: Do you want to replace your current meals with three subscription meals a week? All of your meals? This will affect price, but you also don’t want to fill your refrigerator with more meals than you know what to do with. Start with a lower number of meals and then go up as you figure out which meals are your favorite.
- Ingredient Sourcing: How does this meal subscription source its ingredients? Does it use a farm-to-table approach or use seasonal ingredients? Does it offer organic ingredients or meat from humanely-raised animals? Make sure to check and see if a brand offers information related to ingredient sourcing and that it aligns with your values. In our list we’ve noted, where possible, the subscriptions that use seasonal and organic ingredients, as well as other notes about sourcing.
- Dietary Accommodations: If you have food sensitivities or allergies, you probably already know that you’ll need to watch out for certain foods and meals. Luckily, there are meal subscription services that accommodate special diets. Some offer only gluten-free or vegetarian options, for example. Several of the subscriptions on this list are geared towards the general public, but we’ve also included some that go above and beyond to ensure that strict measures are taken to ensure that you can use their service and that there are meals that are safe for you to eat.
- Value: The price of food always seems to be going up, so you need to consider prices when deciding on a meal subscription. However, you’ll want to consider different factors that affect price. For instance, even if a a meal subscription isn’t particularly cheap, is it providing you with higher-quality ingredients or better tasting meals? You’ll also want to make sure that the meals you’ll get are competitively-priced against what you would receive at local restaurants or grocery stores. Prices for meal subscription services vary according to how frequently you want meals, but in our list we’ve tried to give you an idea of what you can expect in terms of pricing from different boxes.
- Convenience: One reason that meal subscription services are so popular is that they save time in addition to money. You don’t have to find the ingredients yourself or think about which store to go to. However, some subscriptions require you to take more steps than others. Some subscriptions ask you pop a container in the microwave, while other subscriptions require you to do a number of tasks before you combine ingredients or cook meals. Our list gives you an idea of what kind of prep you can expect for each subscription.
- Customer Service: There could come a time when your meals don’t arrive in a timely manner, or time when there’s a problem with the meals you receive. This can be a major inconvenience, especially when you plan to use those meals as your lunch or dinner. That’s why good customer service is vital when subscribing to a meal service. We tried to only include those subscriptions that our readers describe as reliable and consistent with their approach to resolving customer problems and concerns.
The Most Popular Meal Subscription Boxes
Read on for our reader’s recommendations for the best meal subscriptions currently available. If we missed anything, drop us a comment. If you’ve tried one of these services, be sure to leave a quick review (even if you had a poor experience — your review can help other readers avoid subscription remorse).
1. HelloFresh
Best Overall Meal Kit Subscription Box
Image from our review.
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
HelloFresh is by far most popular meal kit company in the US and our readers report that there are few services that offer a comparable overall value, variety of meals, and accessibility. The kit comes with a recipe and ingredients that you can use to create well-balanced, full meals.
They offer six different types of meals which include:
- Meat & Veggies
- Veggie
- Family Friendly
- Fit & Wholesome
- Quick & Easy
- Pescatarian
This variety allows you to satisfy a number of diets; so if you have a family with members who all eat differently, you can ensure that they’re all fed well. You can order 2-6 recipes per week for 2 or 4 people.
After signing up, you’ll have access to over 25 recipes each week and can filter meals by dietary needs as well as mix and match the meals you want to try. Each recipe requires 20-45 min of preparation and cooking and comes with a recipe card for step-by-step guidance. Some recent favorites for recipes include Apricot, Almond & Chickpea Tagine, and Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese.
Since the focus of HelloFresh is helping customers make their first steps towards cooking well-balanced meals at home, it offers meals that cater to the largest audience possible. As such, while they do offer certain adjusted offerings to accommodate certain diets and allergies, if you want to try vegan, paleo, keto and more restrictive diets, you may need to adjust the meals at home.
You cannot tailor your plan for specific allergies, but you can view each meal's nutritional label online to check for specific allergens. HelloFresh helps by calling out eight major allergens whenever they're in one of their recipes.
Pros
- Can order 2-6 recipes for 2 or 4 people per week
- Can choose from six meal types
Cons
- Does not accommodate certain diets or allergens
- All meals require cooking - there are no premade options
What Readers Say:
Some of the recipes have become such staples that we have kept the recipes for times we don't get [a box delivered] - Yiota
Shipping:
Delivers to all states across the continental US. Shipping rates vary.
2. Home Chef
The Best Customizable Meal Subscription Box
Image from our review.
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Home Chef is a meal subscription box that provides delicious, crowd-pleasing meals you can cook at home for 2, 4, or 6 people. They offer both premade (Fresh and Easy meals) and traditional recipe plans that require cooking, depending on what you choose, and you can order 2-6 recipes per week.
Our readers love that Home Chef is extremely customizable: you can swap out ingredients, double-up on proteins, and include weekly add-ons such as breakfast, dessert, or protein bundles. Because you can customize so easily, this meal delivery subscription is perfect for people with picky eaters. Whether it’s your school-aged kid or the spouse who asks for substitutions in every restaurant you go to, they can be satisfied by the customized meals you select at Home Chef.
Most of the meals in the traditional recipe plan can typically be made in around 30 minutes, while their Fresh and Easy meals generally require anywhere from 5-20 minutes of heating before serving.
What about selection? You can choose from over 30 recipes including vegetarian, low-carb, calorie-conscious, and premium options (think wild-caught salmon, New York strip steak, and other restaurant-quality items) and you can set your dietary preferences in your profile to avoid ingredients like nuts, pork, beef, or shellfish.
While Home Chef isn't tailored to fit specific diets, it does accommodate for the following allergens: wheat, dairy, nuts, tree nuts, soy, fish, shellfish. However, be aware that Home Chef’s facility is not certified allergen-free so it's only recommended for those without severe or life-threatening allergies.
Pros
- Offers a high level of customization
- Choose from 30+ recipes each week
- Swap out ingredients and set dietary preferences
Cons
- Its kitchen is not certified allergen-free
- Not a great choice for keto, paleo, or vegan diets
What Readers Say:
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. The only reason for knocking it down a star is because the meals are starting to get pretty similar. A lot of them have used red meat, cream cheese and sour cream. Looking ahead for the next few weeks I do see a little bit more variety. -Bridgette
Shipping:
Delivers to 98% of the United States. Shipping is $8.99 for orders over $49.99. Additional shipping fees for orders under $49.99.
3. Tovala
The Best Innovative Meal Kit Subscription
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
In a sea of meal delivery subscriptions, Tovala is different. Instead of simply signing up and getting food sent to your doorstep, the barrier to entry here is higher: you have to purchase the Tovala smart oven, which scans your meals and pulls cooking instructions (time, temperature, method) from the cloud. If you've ever had mediocre results microwaving or baking a frozen meal, you can probably understand the draw here.
Tovala's recipes are designed and prepped by chefs, and the meals are shipped fresh. The oven is the final step that ensures your food is cooked just so and that all the work that goes into creating the meal truly pays off. Using a combination of cooking techniques, the oven cooks your meal perfectly; all you have to do is scan the provided QR-code, place your meal in the oven, and press start. The oven even turns off by itself, and if you download the Tovala app, you’ll even be notified when the meal is ready.
Tovala doesn’t only cook their meals; this oven can cook grocery store foods too! You just use the Tovala app, scan the bar code and the Tovala oven knows how long to cook your food. You no longer have to pay attention to preheating, setting the temperature or which rack you should place the food on. And when the food is done cooking, the oven will turn off. Each oven purchase will come with an insertable rack that allows your oven to air-fry what's inside, too.
Pros
- Meals are ready in 20 minutes or less
- Food is fresh, never frozen, and tastes great
- The oven can be used for non-Tovala meals
- The Tovola oven has six versatile modes- steam, bake, broil, toast, reheat, and air-fry.
- You can try risk-free with Tovala's 100-day trial
Cons
- There's a significant upfront investment
- 2.4 GHz WiFi and a smartphone are required
- Tovala's meals do not support all special diets
- Portion sizes are sufficient, but not ample
Shipping: The contiguous United States. (They do not yet service Hawaii or Alaska.)
4. Eat Clean
The Best Chef-Prepared Healthy Meal Kit Delivery Service
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Eat Clean is a healthy meal delivery service that provides fresh, well-balanced meals nationwide. Each meal is fully prepared and never frozen; in fact, they're fully cooked so they're ready to eat in about two to three minutes or less.
They offer 4 to 12 meals each week and offer premium proteins, vegetables and complex carbs arranged for a variety of menus, including:
- Traditional
- Plant-based
- Paleo
- Keto
The meals here are prepared by real chefs, so you're in store for meals like Garlic Butter Sea Bass with Organic Jasmin Rice, Buffalo Chicken Breast with Loaded Yukon & Cauliflower Mash and Paleo Mojo Sliced Chicken with Yucca Fries. But in a master stroke for people who want to order meals for the entire day, Eat Clean also provides breakfasts like Whole Wheat Blueberry Stuffed French Toast; they even satisfy your sweet tooth with treats like Chocolate Glazed Donuts and Fresh Fruit.
Each recipe has nutrition information easily available before you choose it, and the ingredient lists are blissfully simple and full of whole foods and no preservatives.
If you're looking to sample healthy meals that are cooked by professionals and designed for busy people who want to eat well, Eat Clean is a winner.
Pros
- Meals as low as $8.60 each
- Meals are chef-conceive
- You can get breakfasts and yummy treats
Cons
- As with all meal kit delivery services, you might have a hard time deciding what to order
Shipping:
Ships to the contiguous United States. Shipping varies.
5. Blue Apron
The Best OG Meal Kit Delivery Service
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Blue Apron is one of the big names in the world of meal box deliveries, and they’re still regarded as one of the best. Blue Apron introduced (and perfected) many of the standards of the industry — high-quality ingredients, gourmet recipes, and a rotating weekly menu. With a low cost per plate, Blue Apron offers a mix of quality and value, and it’s our top pick for open-minded cooks looking for a great “all-around” meal subscription.
You can choose to subscribe to one of four plans which are
- Signature- offers a mix of meat and fish and is Weight Watchers approved and diabetes-friendly
- Wellness- fresh produce, whole grains, high-quality proteins and natural sweeteners.
- Vegetarian
- Heat & Eat: these are Blue Apron’s premade meals
Also, you can order 2-4 recipes for 2 or 4 people per week.
The recipes tend to be a little on the adventurous side, with options such as Hoisin Duck & Orange Lo Mein or Tilapia & Orange-Jalapeño Salsa. However, there are plenty of options available that are more traditional in nature that the whole family will enjoy like Crispy BBQ Chicken Sandwich and Pan-Seared Chicken & Mashed Potatoes. The Heat & Eat offerings bring the Blue Apron experience to your microwave; they’re ready to eat in less than five minutes.
Weekly deliveries are customizable, but the meal kit service offers limited options for special diets apart from the pescatarian and vegetarian options. Additionally, all of its ingredients are packaged in a facility that also processes milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy so it's not the best option for those with severe allergies.
With that said, if you’re looking to order innovative dishes while keeping your budget in check, Blue Apron is still one of the best meal subscription services around.
Pros
- Offers gourmet, adventurous recipes
- Pescatarian and vegetarian meals available
- Offers traditional meal kits and heat-and-eat meals
- Their ground beef is grass-fed, and many of the ingredients they send are from smaller artisan brands
Cons
- Its kitchen is not certified allergen-free
- Not a great choice for keto, paleo, or vegan diets
What Readers Say:
I highly recommend this box, it is fantastic. Everything has arrives fresh and the recipes are so easy. My 15 yr old is learning to cook so this is perfect for her. You get to pick your recipes and they make provisions for allergies! Which is awesome! Customer service is fast and friendly. -Kaylee
Shipping:
Ships to the contiguous United States. Shipping fee is $9.99.
6. EveryPlate
The Best Kid-Friendly Meal Kit Subscription Box for Those on a Budget
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Want to try a meal subscription but you're worried that your kids won't like the food? EveryPlate is a wallet-friendly meal subscription service with kid-friendly entrees and crowd-pleasing options. You get one of 17 recipes, the ingredients and directions to prepare them and you’ll have a full meal on the table in less than half an hour.
You can choose to subscribe to either the ClassicPlate, VeggiePlate, FamilyPlate, or EasyPlate plan, and can order 3-5 meals per week for 2 or 4 people. Each week features a rotating menu with 16 tasty (and kid-friendly) recipes including meals that your kids will be begging to have seconds of such as Southwest Sloppy Joes, Caramelized Onion Burgers, and Easy Chicken Fajitas.
The only downside: it doesn't accommodate special dietary restrictions and allergens. However, if you’re looking for simple meals with wide appeal, EveryPlate’s family plan is a game-changer.
Pros
- Extremely affordable at $4.99/serving
- Meals the whole family will enjoy
- Four types of plans
Cons
- Its kitchen is not certified allergen-free
- Not a great choice for keto, paleo, or vegan diets
What Readers Say:
I've tried so many different meal subscription kits and this one is the one we have ended up sticking with. It is truly the best bang for your buck! -Jordan
Shipping:
Delivers to most of the contiguous US. Shipping is $8.99.
7. Martha & Marley Spoon
The Best Meal Kit Delivery Service Endorsed by a Celebrity Chef
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Martha & Marley Spoon is a gourmet meal box delivery service with recipes from — you guessed it — Martha Stewart, the queen of domestic arts. This meal subscription features high-quality, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, and it’s a great choice for learning new cooking techniques.
Unlike other recipe-based meal subscriptions, you're not required to subscribe to a specific meal plan. Rather, you choose the number of people you're ordering for (2 or 4), the number of recipes you want each week (2-6), and then select Martha Stewart meals from 40 options which fall under the following categories:
- Health & Diet,
- Vegetarian & Vegan
- Meat & Fish
- Under 30 Minutes
- Family-Friendly
Some of Marley Spoon's most popular recipes include Harissa Salmon with Couscous & Broccoli, Honey-Dijon Steak with Green Beans & Potatoes, and Chicken Milanese with Cucumber-Arugula Salad.
Marley Spoon does offer recipes that are adjusted to certain allergens, but it does not offer a full menu for specific allergies or diets. There are filters for meals that include dairy-free and no added gluten, but all ingredients go through the same facility and production process.
Pros
- 40 weekly recipes
- Five major meal categories
- Includes vegetarian and vegan options
Cons
- Its kitchen is not certified allergen-free
- Not a great choice for keto/paleo
What Readers Say:
Ive been subscribing to Martha & Marley Spoon for a couple of months now. The food is absolutely delicious. Im a terrible cook so I just let them decide what to send me (I never edit my boxes) and then I make everything exactly like Im told, no "Sherry" variations. Im telling you this food is like from a 5 star restaurant. I always think to myself "I cant believe I actually made this". I wish they would add dessert. -MSA Reader
Shipping:
Delivers to most of the contiguous US states. Shipping is $8.99.
8. Green Chef
The Best Organic Meal Kit Delivery Service
Image from our review.
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Green Chef as the name might indicate, is a certified organic meal delivery service that works with local farmers to source sustainable, delicious ingredients. Ingredients come pre-measured and prepped along with pre-made sauces, marinades, and spice blends. You're also able to receive 3 or 4 meals per week for 2, 4, or 6 people and can subscribe to one of the six following plans:
- Keto + Paleo
- Vegetarian
- Mediterranean
- Fast & Fit
- Vegan
- Gluten-Free
Green Chef uses 100% organic foods and offers over 20 recipes per week. Popular recipes include Pecan-Crusted Pork Chops, Baked Ricotta Chicken with Risotto, and Mushroom Curry Udon Bowls.
Despite being able to filter out certain allergens from your weekly recipe selection, be aware that all ingredients are processed and packaged in the same facility, and cross-contact with major food allergens may occur.
Pros
- All produce and eggs are organic
- Works with farmers for sustainable ingredients
- Offers meals that fit several diets
Cons
- Its kitchen is not certified allergen-free
- Slightly more expensive due to ingredient sourcing
What Readers Say:
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
Shipping:
Delivers almost everywhere in the continental United States. Shipping costs $9.99.
9. Hungryroot
Best Meal Delivery Service Built Around Grocery Items
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Hungryroot is an online grocery service, but it also offers a recipe-based meal delivery service as well. When you sign up with Hungryroot, there's an online quiz that will ask you questions related to your health goals and dietary needs, how many people you’re feeding, dietary needs, and what you like to eat for dinner. Then, you'll be provided with a grocery plan and have your cart filled with suggested groceries and recipes based on your answers to the quiz.
Customization is easy; before you get your recipes and groceries, you can change out the entire order if you choose, to make sure that you only get what you want. By rating the food you receive, future orders can be even better suited to what you want.
By combining high-quality groceries with a typical meal subscription box model, Hungryroot provides versatility for aspiring home chefs. Some of the other meal kits we’ve covered are a better choice if you’d rather take a hands-off approach, but if you’d like to expand your cooking abilities while still enjoying helpful guidance, this is an exceptional service.
You can choose meal kits that include entrees, grain bowls, pasta dishes, tacos, burgers, and pretty much anything you can think of. Not only that, you can modify your plan so that it accommodates the following diets: vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, tree nut-free, peanut-free, egg-free, shellfish-free. While some products may be processed in the same facility as certain allergens, you can take further precautions to avoid cross-contamination by checking to see if a product's description indicates whether or not it's processed in the same facility with other allergens and you can also reach out to customer service to inquire about where a product is made and the measures taken to ensure allergen safety.
Pros
- Offers groceries and meal kits
- Accommodates many diets/allergies
- Offers guidance along with customization
Cons
- Not ideal for those who want a simpler plan
- Does not offer premade meals
- More expensive than other plans
What Readers Say:
I've been using HungryRoot for a month. Love the food. But their site is difficult to negotiate. They occasionally send things I didn't order and leave out ingredients I need. -Mary
Shipping:
Delivers to most of the contiguous United States. For plan sizes that cost less than $70, shipping is $6.99. Shipping is free for orders over $70.
10. Butcher Box
The Best All-Around Meat Delivery Service
What’s In This Meat Subscription Box
Butcher Box is perhaps the most popular meat subscription of all time. It's an incredible meat delivery service for those who are looking for a variety of different meats and cuts, and it abides by some of the strictest animal welfare standards around.
You can choose to subscribe to one of the following meat subscription boxes and select either a classic box (good for individuals and small families) or a big box (good for mid-size families and large freezers):
- Custom Box - 100% grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, pork raised crate-free, and wild-caught seafood.
- Mixed Box - 100% grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, and pork raised crate-free.
- Beef & Chicken Box - 100% grass-fed beef and free-range organic chicken.
- Beef & Pork Box - 100% grass-fed beef and pork raised crate-free.
- All Beef Box - 100% grass-fed beef.
Butcher Box allows you to set your delivery frequency to every 4,6, or 8 weeks and you can switch up your box for each order.
Pros
- Offers meat and wild-caught seafood
- Abides by strict and ethical sourcing
- Offers flexibility for subscriptions
Cons
- Limited options for seafood
- Can be expensive for some consumers
- Does not deliver more than every 4 weeks
What Readers Say:
I have been getting Butcherbox for at least two years. Never had the torn packaging problem. Only problem I ever have had was my most recent box and I got Buffalo meat instead of chicken. I called customer service and they were quick to give me a credit. I gave the meat away and it was all good. Love having a consistent supply of fresh clean meat and fish that I don't have to go searching around for. The sausages are good when they have them. We are only 2 people and it is easy to extend the delivery if we need to or get one sooner. Got last years turkey from them also. It was great. -Sara
Shipping: All 48 contiguous states. Shipping is always free.
11. Sunbasket
Best Organic Meal Subscription That Offers Meal Kits And Ready-To-Eat Meals
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Love farm-to-table cooking? Sunbasket offers classic meal kits along with ready-to-eat meals that only use organic produce and in-season ingredients. You can also create a custom order that combines ready-to-eat meals with classic recipe meals--Sunbasket is one of the only meal subscriptions that allows you to do so. If you want to cook organic meals at home but have something healthy to take for lunch at work, Sunbasket may be perfect for you.
Sunbasket offers a wide variety of meals that include paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, Mediterranean, and diabetes-friendly options. Its fresh produce, milk, yogurt, eggs, and tofu are organic 99% of the time, and all protein choices are sourced from responsibly raised meats and wild-caught or sustainably raised seafood. Additionally, Sunbasket offers organic beef from cattle that are exclusively grass-fed and even its non-organic beef comes from cattle that are grass-fed and grain-finished.
Although Sunbasket allows you to select meals that are free of certain allergens, its recipes are packed in a facility that handles gluten, milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.
Pros
- Organic produce and in-season ingredients
- Both prepared meals and meal kits
- Can accommodate most diets
Cons
- More expensive than other subs
- Less guidance on selection
- Ingredients are not made in an allergen-free facility
What Reviewers Say:
It’s safe to say I am a Sunbasket fan anyways, but the Fresh & Ready meals are a game-changer for my dinner plans right now. I am so sick of cooking, and these are the perfect way to enjoy a meal that feels home-cooked without destroying my kitchen or over-paying for delivery. -Megan, MSA Reviewer
Shipping:
Ships to most of the contiguous United States. Shipping is a flat $9.99.
12. Factor_
The Best Keto Prepared Meal Delivery Service
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Factor_ is a meal subscription service that sends ready-to-eat dishes for those on a ketogenic diet or those looking for low carb options. Its meal boxes are prepared and cooked by gourmet chefs and they're always shipped fresh. In addition to keto meals, Factor_ also offers vegan and vegetarian meals along with calorie smart options as well.
Each week you can select meals from over 23 options, discovering meals like sun-dried tomato chicken with zucchini noodles, stuffed pepper casseroles, and chili-spiced pork chops. Factor_'s ingredients include grass-fed meats with no antibiotics or hormones and its produce is organic and non-GMO. Additionally, all keto-friendly meals are gluten-free, soy-free, and free of added sugars.
With Factor_, you'll never go hungry as you can choose to receive as many as 18 meals per week, and as few as four.
Pros
- 23+ options each week
- Perfect choice for those on keto or following a high protein diet, such as those who have has bariatric surgery
- Produce is organic and meats are grass-fed
Cons
- Portions might not be generous enough for some
- Doesn't provide info on allergens in facility
What Reviewers Say:
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. -Marne, MSA Reviewer
Shipping:
Delivers to the contiguous United States.
13. Dinnerly
Most Affordable Meal Subscription
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Enjoy cooking but don't want to spend a fortune on meal kits? Dinnerly has you covered.
Dinnerly is an affordable meal subscription service with costs as low as $1.99 per serving, offering classic, no-fuss recipes that are designed to simplify your life. Each meal only includes six ingredients and takes 30 minutes or less to make. Not only will you save time and money with Dinnerly, but you'll also cut down on paper and packaging as well since they provide digital recipe cards for each dish and use recycled plastic for containing separate ingredients.
When subscribing to Dinnerly you can choose from a two-person or family box and order 3-6 meals per week. Popular–and familiar–meals include Homestyle Chicken & Biscuits, One-Pot Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli Florentine, and Vegetarian Pad Thai.
Pros
- Choose from 30+ options weekly
- Most affordable meal sub
- Uses less packaging and paper than other services
Cons
- Ingredient sourcing not as good as other plans
- Not a great choice for keto, paleo, or vegan diets
What Readers Say:
I am LOVING this box. This is a very easy affordable way for my family to try new recipes without having to do any research or legwork. All the ingredients come to me in the right amounts and I'm not left with random leftover spices or whatever that won't get used. -Kelley
Shipping:
Ships to the contiguous United States. Shipping is $8.99.
14. Purple Carrot
The Best Vegan Meal Kit Delivery Service
Image from our review.
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Purple Carrot is a plant-based, vegan meal subscription service that allows you to receive either recipe-based meal kits or fully prepared meals. All of its meals are vegan-friendly and you can choose from breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. There's even a Plantry with options for foods like nut butter, soup, and sauce as well.
You can expect to see dairy- and meat-free versions of staple classics (such as loaded avocado toast), along with adventurous offerings inspired by worldly cuisine (like grape leaf mezze bowls). There's definitely something for everyone with Purple Carrot as you can also choose from meals that are designated as low calorie, high protein, quick and easy, and more.
The menu changes regularly, and you’ll find 12 different vegan meal options every week that even non-vegans will love. If you choose to go with meal kits, you can subscribe to 3 or 4 dinners per week with 2 or 4 servings each, whereas if you choose prepared meals instead you can order 6, 8, or 10 dinners per week–but each of those meals will only have one serving.
While you can select meals that are gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, and soy-free, it's important to note that Purple Carrot's facility is not certified allergen-friendly so those with severe food allergies should proceed with caution.
Pros
- Offers both premade meals and meal kits
- 100% vegan-friendly meals
- Can add on pantry items
Cons
- Limited # of choices each week
- Facility is not allergen-friendly certified
- Pantry items are limited
What Readers Say:
Tried the high protein plan to get myself used to learning how to meal prep. I really like how thoughtful the meal plan and recipes are. Lots of variety, and delicious flavor combinations. Would order again. -MSA Reader
Shipping:
Delivers free to the contiguous United States.
15. Gobble
The Best Low-Prep Meal Kit Delivery Service
Image from our review.
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Love to cook, but only have 15 minutes? No worries - Gobble's got the meal subscription for you.
Gobble is a meal plan that streamlines the process of cooking by having its chefs do all the prep work so you can simply cook. No more slicing and dicing as Gobble includes pre-sliced vegetables and meat along with pre-cooked sauces, grains, and pasta.
You can choose meals from its Classic Dinner and Lean & Clean Dinner plans and there are plenty of mouth-watering recipes to try, including:
- Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice & Naan Bread,
- Pan-Seared Ribeye Steaks with Balsamic Glaze & Roasted Root Vegetables
- Wagyu Beef Sliders with Crispy Potatoes & Cabbage Slaw
You can set your dietary preferences to avoid dairy, nuts, and gluten, but keep in mind that Gobble handles all of its ingredients (including allergens) within the same facility.
Pros
- Diverse weekly menu of no-prep meals
- Can add on side items
- Low calorie and allergen-friendly
Cons
- Limited vegetarian meals
- More expensive than other subs
- Not best for those with severe allergies
What Reviewers Say:
I tried (and loved) the Gobble meal delivery service for the first time several years ago, and I’m still a huge fan. It’s not the cheapest meal kit delivery service, but I think the convenience of not having to do any meal preparation more than justifies the price. Ingredients come par-cooked and pre-prepped to help you get dinner on the table in 15 minutes, and the one-pan recipes are designed for quick cleanup. Best of all? The food is some of the tastiest I’ve ever had from a meal kit. -Lindsey, MSA Reviewer
Shipping:
Delivers to the contiguous United States. Shipping costs $6.99.
16. Sakara Life
The Best Plant-Based Meal & Wellness Lifestyle Subscription
Image from our review.
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
If you're searching for a vegan meal subscription that's committed to using organic and gluten-free ingredients, then Sakara Life is meant for you. Sakara Life is well known for its high-end, nutrient-dense meals that are perfectly portioned and presented. You can try out entrees like:
- Superfood Breakfast Cookie
- Sakara Cobb Salad
- Forbidden Rice + Tatsoi Bowl
What’s more, you can even enhance your meal subscription by adding on teas and supplements.
When subscribing to Sakara Life, you can choose to include meals for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner and receive meals 2, 3, or 5 days per week. However, the menu is set for each week; you're limited in your choice for swaps.
In addition to taste, variety and ingredients, our readers also appreciated how “pretty” the meals look; they’re arranged in a way that’s visually appealing and makes you want to eat.
When subscribing to Sakara Life, you can choose to include meals for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner and receive meals 2, 3, or 5 days per week. However, the menu is set for each week you're limited in your choice for swaps.
Pros
- Prioritizes the use of organic ingredients
- All meals come prepared
- You can add on teas and supplements
Cons
- More expensive than other vegan subs
- Doesn't accommodate other diets well
What Reviewers Say:
Sakara Life has truly reenvisioned subscription meal delivery. The recipes are thoughtfully designed, and the food is really impressive. All of the meals I received were exciting and delicious; never once during my program did I pout about eating “healthy food” or want to skip a meal in favor of something more enticing. I’m a total sucker for a pretty plate of food, and my Sakara meals were all drop-dead gorgeous. (Scroll down to see what I mean. That donut? I mean come on.) When it comes to nutrition, taste, and visual appeal, Sakara really does deliver. All that said, it might be the most expensive meal subscription I’ve ever sampled. -Lindsey, MSA Reviewer
Shipping:
Ships to the contiguous United States.
17. CookUnity
Best Subscription for Meals from Award-Winning Chefs
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Wish you could have your own personal chef? Well, CookUnity meets you halfway by providing you with signature meals from award-winning chefs.
CookUnity is a meal subscription that offers small-batch, prepared meals that are curated by some of the nation's leading chefs. You can choose to receive 4, 6, 8, 12, or 16 meals per week and add meals that are tailored to your specific health goals and preferences for protein. There are 35+ meals you can try each week and some of our favorites include:
- Grilled Chicken with a Thyme-Carrot Puree
- Citrus Roast Salmon with Caramelized Leek
- Vegan Picadillo with Farro
CookUnity strives to provide a meal for everyone by offering meals that are vegetarian, vegan, low-carb, gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, paleo, and more.
Pros
- Ingredients are local and/or organic
- Accommodates most diets
- All meals come ready to heat
Cons
- Can't customize meals
- Limited vegan options
- Difficult to filter by other allergens
What Readers Say:
I’ve tried most of the food delivery companies. Cookunity is the best. Food is already cooked and there are tons of options to choose from every week, including ethnic foods. The chicken and salmon dishes are so moist! I haven’t tried one dish that wasn’t delicious in months. - Pamela Burns
Shipping:
Ships to the contiguous United States.
18. SmoothieBox
Best Smoothie Subscription
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Ok, so maybe you've always got lunch and dinner covered but happen to be that person who always forgets to grab their breakfast in the mornings. Let SmoothieBox help you out by sending you pre-made smoothies to help start your day off right.
SmoothieBox offers curated smoothie boxes that contain a nutritious balance of organic fruits, vegetables, and seeds. You can select boxes that contain a mix of cacao, berry, strawberry banana, green, and clementine smoothie packs, or you can build your own custom box with your favorite flavors. This can be heaven-sent for people who want a healthy smoothie without taking the time to get all the different ingredients and wait for them to blend in a blender.
The mixes you select will come in packs instead of containers, which means if you’re rushing out the door, you’ll still have to find a thermos or tumbler to pour your smoothie in before you can enjoy it. Still, your delicious smoothie will be worth it.
Pros
- Choose from five smoothie types
- Can add on boosters
- Ingredients are organic
Cons
- Limited options for flavors
- Limited customization options
- Smoothies come in packs, not ready-made containers
Shipping:
Ships to the contiguous United States. Shipping is free.
19. Veestro
Best Plant-Based, Calorie-Conscious Prepared Meal Delivery Service
Image via Veestro.
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
For people focused on losing weight, Veestro specializes in ready-made plant-based meals that are designed to help you achieve your weight loss goals--or just eat better on a regular basis. You can select meals from their regular or weight loss menus, and all meals contain organic ingredients and come pre-made and ready to heat.
You can choose to receive 10, 20, or 30 meals every week, and then pick entrees like Eggplant Casserole, South Indian Coconut Stew, and Chick’n Milanese. If you go with the weight loss plan, all of your meals will be designed around meeting 1,200 calories per day - so don't expect to have second servings or feel stuffed.
Pros
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Uses organic ingredients
- Tailored to weight loss
Cons
- Only one weight loss plan
- Some meals are extremely low in calories
Shipping:
Ships to the contiguous United States. Shipping is free.
20. Splendid Spoon
The Best Plant-Based Delivery Service for Lunches & Smoothies
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Splendid Spoon is a plant-based, vegan prepared meal subscription service that specializes in nutrient-rich smoothies, soups, and grain bowls. All of their products are vegan, gluten-free, and made with GMO-free ingredients.
Splendid Spoon is by far the most accommodating vegan meal subscription we've come across and customers are able to remove options for meals that contain soy, tree nuts, cilantro, coconuts, spices, beets, bananas, and mushrooms. Additionally, there are options to include meals that are low sodium, blood sugar friendly, high fiber, high protein, low calories, low fat, low sugar, and low carb.
Splendid Spoon offers an extensive selection of smoothies, soups, grain bowls, noodle bowls, cold-pressed juices, desserts and snacks, and immune-boosting shots. Customers can choose one of the following meal plans to subscribe to:
- Breakfast - 5 smoothies
- Lunch - 5 soup & grain bowls
- Breakfast + Lunch - 5 smoothies, 5 soups & grain bowls
- Breakfast + Lunch + Reset - 5 smoothies, 5 soups & grain bowls, 5 light soups (Reset day)
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Reset - 5 smoothies, 5 soups & grain bowls, 5 noodles, 5 light soups (Reset day)
Pros
- Accommodates many diets/allergens
- Wide variety of meal options
- Covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Cons
- Limited soups and juices
- Can't fully customize plan
What Reviewers Say:
I found Splendid Spoon to be a really helpful and easy way to eat healthy when I was super busy going to work and night school. Even now that I’ve been staying safe at home for two weeks, I think having meals that I don’t need to prepare or think much about can be helpful when I’m having days where eating at all is a triumph. And I found the meals to be DELICIOUS. Like, really good. And I love their smoothies. This is a pricy meal plan when I look at objectively, but I also know that I am paying for the convenience and for the ease of eating more healthy with a few clicks on my computer. Will I order this every single week? No. Will I treat myself maybe once a month or at times when I know the cost is worth it? Absolutely. -Marne, MSA Reviewer
Shipping:
Ships to the contiguous United States. Shipping is free.
21. Mosaic
Best Plant-Based Meal Subscription with Family Meals & Chef-Inspired Entrees
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Mosaic is THE meal subscription for chef-inspired vegan meals and family-sized portions. There are plenty of veggie bowls, family meals, soups, oat bowls, and other entrees to choose from and each meal only requires 5 minutes or less to heat.
Some customer favorite recipes include Coconut Chickpea Curry, Cranberry Cinnamon Oats, Vegan Penne Vodka, and Buffalo Cauliflower Pasta Bake. You can choose to add 8-12 meals to your box and receive your meals every 1-4 weeks.
Pros
- Offers individual and family portions
- Includes chef-inspired entrees
- Strives to use organic ingredients
Cons
- $70 minimum order size
- Limited chef-inspired entrees
- Limited oat bowls
Shipping:
Ships to the contiguous United States. Free shipping on orders over $100. All other orders have a $7.99 shipping fee.
22. Daily Harvest
The Best Vegan Prepared Meal Delivery Service for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Beyond
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Readers continue to rate this service highly, but in 2022, hundreds of subscribers became ill because of the tara flour ingredient in their French Lentil + Leek Crumbles product. Daily Harvest maintains that the crumbles were the first and only one of their products to feature tara flour, and insists that their other 140+ offerings were not affected. However, customers thought that the brand should have been more forthcoming about the situation as it was unfolding.
Daily Harvest offers healthy, pre-portioned plant-based meals and drinks. You can choose from a wide variety of meal options including smoothies, bowls, flatbreads, soups, ice cream, lattes, and more - in fact, it has by far the most options for any plant-based meal subscription service we've seen.
To get started, you'll first need to decide on which size of a box you want. You can choose from small, medium, or large, with each containing 9, 14, and 24 items respectively. Then, simply choose any meal from all meal types to add to your box.
All Daily Harvest's meals can be prepared in minutes and their products never contain gluten, dairy, preservatives, fillers, or artificial ingredients. Additionally, 95% of the ingredients it uses are organic and it always goes organic for ingredients that appear on the Environmental Working Group's "dirty dozen" list.
However, keep in mind that all of Daily Harvest's food is made in a facility that processes dairy, nuts, soy, and gluten.
Pros
- Tons of meal options
- 95% organic ingredients
- All food is gluten and dairy-free
Cons
- Its kitchen is not certified allergen-free
- Small/single portion sizes
What Readers Say:
I really appreciate having a simplified method of preparing unique plant based meals. With numerous superfoods included as ingredients. This is especially important in the current climate to pamper your immune system as much as possible with a healthy diet. -Jennipher
Shipping:
Ships to 95% of the continental United States. Shipping is free.
23. Freshly
The Former Best All-Around Prepared Meal Delivery Service
Image via Freshly.
What’s In This Meal Subscription Box
Freshly was our pick for the best all-around prepared meal delivery service; votes came in before they announced that they were closing their meal delivery offerings in late December 2022. Freshly was a meal subscription that sent ready-to-eat, gluten-free meals right to your door that are ready in about three minutes (via microwave). You could sign up to receive anywhere from 4 to 12 meals per week and choose from 50+ recipes that include categories like Signature Collection, Purely Plant, FreshlyFit, and Protein and Sides. Popular recipes included Asian-Style Chicken & Noodles, Golden Oven-Fried Chicken & Mash, and Three-Grain Harvest Bowl.
Unlike most other subscriptions we've reviewed so far, all of Freshly's gluten-free meals were prepared in a certified gluten-free safe spot and some of its meals were made in kitchens free from peanuts and wheat as well. However, the same could not be guaranteed or other allergies like dairy so be sure to check each meal's ingredient labels before ordering.
Freshly worked best for people who are only feeding one person. Got a kid in college or live alone? Freshly would work for you because each microwavable meal includes one single serving. The meals could sit in your refrigerator for a few days, so you didn't feel pressure to eat them right away.
One of our readers’ favorite things about Freshly’s meals was how good they are; the meals don’t have that “microwaved” taste. Doing pasta without wheat is a challenge, but their Masterful Mac and Cheese got high marks (it’s brown rice pasta). Their Homestyle Chicken was also well-received.
Pros
- All meals are ready-to-heat
- 50+ recipes to choose from
- GF meals made in certified GF safe spot
Cons
- Does not offer organic ingredients
- Not a great choice for keto, paleo, or vegan diets
What Readers Say:
I subscribed to Freshly for about 3 months. I did have some meals come unsealed, the company credited me DOUBLE what the meal was worth. The food was flavorful. It may be hard if you already are not used to eating healthy. My significant other does NOT eat healthy in the least, but commented how good it smelled. I was using them for all 3 meals of the day. I lost 17 pounds in that time, my acne cleared up quite a bit and I feel more energetic. The turkey lasagna was awesome, I enjoy the chicken parm, the sweet potato mash was yummy! I enjoyed most meals I received (although none of the fish seemed right, the salmon was good, but oily). I would highly recommend. -Kyla
Shipping:
Delivers to the contiguous US. Shipping rates vary but start at $6.99 per order.
How to Get The Most Out of Your Meal Subscription Once You've Picked
Once you've picked out the right box for you, follow our steps to help make sure you make the most of your new subscription.
- Check for coupons before buying. There's often a deal to be had if you know where to look, and you've come to the right place. Here at MSA, we have the best coupons around. Our MSA Deals Page is a great resource if you’re trying to save when you sign up. always make sure to check in with our reviews and brand pages for the best coupons before buying.
- Personalize your subscription. Many meal delivery services allow you to update your profile with your dietary preferences and likes/dislikes. Want vegetarian meals? Or don't eat pork? Make sure to update your subscription so you're matched with the best meals for you.
- Schedule your preferred delivery day. Most meal delivery services allow you to choose your preferred delivery day. Check your account portal to see which delivery days are available.
- Have a plan for pickup. Meal delivery services will send out meals and ingredients in packaging that protects them from the elements for a time, but have a plan in place for times when you may not be home or need someone else to ensure the box is handled properly after delivery.
- Make sure you always have space in the fridge. Once your shipment arrives, you'll need a good amount of space in the fridge (or freezer) for storage. Try to keep a shelf clear if you want plenty of space to organize.
- Take breaks if you need to. Keep in mind that you don't have to receive a box every single week. If you need a break or feel like dining out, you can always skip a week by logging in to your account. That way, boxes and ingredients won’t pile up in your refrigerator.
- Re-assess your meal needs. If food does start piling up, you may need to switch to a plan with fewer meals per week so that you only pay for the meals you’re really eating. However, if you find you’re eating more meal delivery meals than you intended, maybe it’s time to order more!
- Keep an eye on upcoming recipes. Make sure you don't miss your favorite meals! We recommend checking upcoming menus every week so you can pick out which meals look best.
- Remember there are plenty of fish in the sea. Falling out of love with your favorite meal delivery service? Maybe it's time for a break. There are loads of different options to choose from, and if you decide to mix things up and give another service a try, make sure to circle back to the top of this checklist and sign up with a new subscriber coupon to make sure you get the best deal.
Factors We Considered When Reviewing This List of Meal Subscriptions
This list features our fellow subscription fanatics’ top choices, as nominated and voted on, for meal kit delivery services and subscriptions - and we agree! We've researched all the top brands and can share with you what we've learned about subscribers' top choices. Factors we considered include:
- Reliability: A meal delivery service is only convenient when things go according to plan. If the box is late or missing ingredients, things can get inconvenient fast. No one wants to make alternate, last-minute dinner arrangements or run to the store to pick up a missing onion. That's a big hassle! Of course, accidents happen, but we've made sure to only select meal subscriptions that take reliability seriously.
- Taste: Meal delivery services can do everything else right, but if the food isn't tasty, it's a total deal-breaker. Whether vegan meals or comfort classics are on the menu, the food MUST taste good to make our list.
- Packaging: In order to ship fresh ingredients to your front door, a fair amount of packaging is required. However, we value meal delivery services that limit the amount of packaging used and opt for recyclable materials whenever possible. (Fun fact: did you know that "on average, grocery meal greenhouse gas emissions are 33% higher than meal kits"?)
- Variety: Are there plenty of recipes to choose from each week? Are there enough menu options to keep things fresh and exciting? It may be trite, but variety really is the spice of life. When preparing this list, we sought out meal delivery services that know how to keep things interesting.
- Special Diets: Whether you follow a strict keto diet, prefer a plant-based menu, or are looking for meals designed for kids, our list features meal delivery services for a wide variety of special diets and styles of eating.
- Price: While we wish money was no object, the truth is that price is a key factor for most people when picking out the right meal delivery service. Our list includes options to suit a variety of budgets.
- Customer Reviews: We know meal delivery services better than anybody, but our opinion isn't the only one that matters. We value the thoughts of the MSA community, and we've designed this list with their feedback in mind. Readers are encouraged to leave their own reviews on our brand pages, and their input has helped shape this list.
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