The 12 Best Meal Delivery Services of 2024, According to a Dietician

Having your nutrition dialed in is a must for your fitness and wellness goals. The best protein powders and multivitamins can be great for rounding out your macros and micros, but nothing delivers the nutrients, satiety, and comfort quite like a meal of whole foods. With everyone’s busy schedules, though, who can consistently find time to get to the store, come home, and prepare a dish that’s suitable for you and your family? The best meal delivery services can take this strain off your plate (pun intended) by bringing nutritious dishes directly to your doorstep.

There’s no shortage of meal subscription services nowadays, with plenty of options available for larger families, single athletes, cooking novices, and more. Plus, these kits can be helpful when trying to abide by specific dietary needs, like veganism, keto, paleo, or others. To help ensure your taste for meal delivery services isn’t spoiled prematurely, we got our hands on over 40 flavorful kits, conducted plenty of research, and consulted with our team of in-house experts to come up with our favorite meal subscriptions on the market today.

The 12 Best Meal Delivery Services of 2024

• Best Meal Delivery Service Overall: Home Chef
• Best Meal Delivery Service for Families: Hello Fresh
• Best Meal Delivery Service for Singles: EveryPlate
• Best Budget Meal Delivery Service: Dinnerly
• Best Meal Delivery Service for Dietary Restrictions: Sunbasket
• Best Meal Delivery Service for Weight Loss: Eat Clean
• Best Organic Meal Delivery Service: Green Chef
• Best Meal Delivery Service for Prepared Meals: Factor 75
• Best Meal Delivery Service for Frozen Meals: 518 Kitchen
• Best Meal Delivery Service for Produce: Misfits Market
• Best Meal Delivery Service for Meat: ButcherBox
• Best Vegan Meal Delivery Service: Purple Carrot 

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. 

How We Tested and Chose the Best Meal Delivery Services

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best meal delivery services available today, we’ve tested 42 different packages, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.

Price Per Meal

Meal delivery services are intended to be a convenient alternative to regular trips to the grocery store or dining out. These kits and prepared dishes can be great for saving time, but if the actual costs of the meals themselves are too inflated, that positivity begins to fade. 

[Related: The 8 Best Fitness Apps]

We looked for services at a number of price ranges to give you options that could cater to budgets big and small. We listed the starting prices for each meal below, with services ranging from $4.99 to $12.99 per serving. We also found that while many of our chosen meal delivery services offered meals catering to different dietary restrictions, platforms with added specialties such as all-organic ingredients or plant-based options tended to be on the higher end of costs.

Dietary Restrictions

If you’re signing up for a meal delivery service, it helps to know that your platform can support your nutritional needs, right? In our trials and research, we looked for meal delivery services offering a wide range of meals and ingredients that could accommodate dietary restrictions. Beyond common needs — such as plant-based, keto-friendly, and gluten-free — we also sought out platforms offering filters for nut allergens, soy allergens, dairy sensitivities, and more.

Meal Variety

Having a well-rounded menu of available options can help you stay diligent with your nutrition, so we tried to find meal delivery services with a good range of dishes, soups, side offerings, and more. We also made note of when platforms rotated their menus for added variety, providing you with unique opportunities to test certain dishes on a weekly basis.

When looking at prepared and oven-ready meal options, we zeroed in on meal delivery services that also delivered variety in the meal makeup. While entrees of a protein and two sides proved to be a common layout for most packaged dishes, we gave extra kudos to brands offering their own twist on these premade meals, from sandwiches and pasta to curries and beyond.

Delivery Range

It’s one thing for a meal delivery service to reach your nutritional goals, but another for it to actually reach your doorstep. We looked for meal delivery services that offered a wide delivery range that could cater to most athletes. In our trials, we found that most platforms were able to support the contiguous United States. Any altered maps, such as excluded states or regions, were noted in our reviews above.

[Related: Dana Linn Bailey’s 4 Meal Prep Tips for Beginners]

In addition to the delivery range, we also considered the actual shipping costs of each service. While many meal delivery services feature discounted costs for new members, we looked to determine how much of a surcharge it would be to continue with the service over time. 

Additionally, we found that many platforms varied their shipping by the number of meals delivered per order, so we did our best to determine the lowest cost available and how many meals you’d need to purchase, accordingly.

Meals Per Week

When looking at your meal delivery service order, your “meals” are defined as the dish itself, whereas your “serving” is how much of that meal you’d like to receive. In short, your meals per week reflect how much variety you have, while your servings per week dictate your actual quantity of food.

We looked for meal delivery services offering a good range of options, with most ranging from four to eight in a given week. This can help keep your personal menu well-stocked with a variety of meals for flavorful consumption day in and day out, while still allowing you to take advantage of the service’s weekly menu.

Best Meal Delivery Service Overall: Home Chef 

Thanks to a robust weekly menu that rotates for new tastes, as well as the option to choose between prepared or meal kit services, we found Home Chef to be the top choice for making our meal prep endeavors more enjoyable and convenient. Meals start at roughly $10 per serving and vary in price depending on the week’s availability and the size of your order. In addition, shipping fees start at $10.99, but first-time users do have the luxury of free delivery on their first box.

While our tester noted that Home Chef isn’t set up for a wide range of dietary restrictions, the platform can cater to a few. Their ordering process, which they rated at 5 out of 5, had them select between preferences such as Vegetarian meals, Calorie-Conscious meals, Carb-Conscious meals, Keto-Friendly meals, and Gluten-Smart meals.

“I also found that you can make some customizations before finalizing your order,” they added. “For example, your proteins are often customizable, allowing you to opt for a different meat source, and Impossible meat is occasionally available, too, depending on your meal choice.”

[Related: Vegan Diet for Athletes: Can You Build Muscle with Plant-Based Nutrition?]

From a prep standpoint, we appreciated the simplicity of Home Chef, as there’s an option for virtually any schedule. Our tester noted that the standard meal kits can take between 25 and 30 minutes, while “Oven Fresh” and “Fast and Fresh” meals can take just a few minutes to assemble before being heated up in the oven or microwave.

Plus, the portion sizes are large enough to keep you well satiated. Our tester scored the portions at 5 out of 5, stating, “I was always left full after eating one of my kits. I also appreciate that serving sizes can be toggled for each meal up to eight servings, and ‘Family’ plans can offer portions up to 16 servings for larger groups.”

Lastly, we’ve had few issues when it comes to ingredient quality thanks to the great packaging practices employed by the brand. Cold and wet ingredients are separated from dry goods, and there is an included ice pack to help maintain freshness. However, we rated the ingredients quality at 4 out of 5, as our tester did experience some tarnished produce here and there. Thankfully, Home Chef’s customer service is quick to remedy any flaws as a result of shipping.

Read our full Home Chef Review.

Best Meal Delivery Service for Families: Hello Fresh

If you’re looking for a meal delivery service that caters to your entire family, we recommend Hello Fresh. The weekly offerings total over 100 meal and market items, which is great for pleasing every palate in your house. Plus, you can build out your weekly meal kit delivery service to include up to 24 servings, which can be a suitable number for a family of four.

Our tester also appreciated how simple the recipe cards were to follow, as well as the limited amount of kitchenware needed to turn a kit from ingredients to full-fledged delicious meals. “Prep time typically clocked in between 5 and 10 minutes, while actual cooking ranged between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on meal complexity,” they stated in reference to their 4 out of 5 prep rating. “However, I really enjoyed clean-up with Hello Fresh. Most meals only required dirtying one or two dishes — a real treat when trying to clean up while also tending to the family.”

“While calorie counts can be high in some dishes, I found my meals from Hello Fresh to be extremely easy to cook thanks to the detailed instructions, making it a great choice for beginners,” adds BarBend tester and certified nutrition coach Jake Herod.

Hello Fresh also left us pretty satisfied in terms of taste, enough for a 4 out of 5 rating. The meal variety is decent across the different categories, though we found options catering to gluten and soy allergies to be in short supply. 

[Related: The 8 Best Weight Loss Programs]

While we appreciate the range of dishes, which can also be great for pleasing picky eaters in the family, we do wish that Hello Fresh lived up to its name when it came to ingredient quality. Our tester scored the subscription service at 3.5 out of 5 for ingredients, as they experienced multiple orders featuring spoiled goods. 

“While my success rate with dairy and meats is solid, I’ve had multiple issues with veggies, namely peppers and scallions,” they noted. “I could attribute this, though, to the delivery service in my area. I’ve used Hello Fresh in multiple states, so handling can vary depending on your parcel carrier.”

Despite this dilemma, we still think this service can be an excellent solution for families. If anything, the recipe cards are simple enough to read, meaning you can get the entire family involved in the cooking process (even the children) as they learn to enjoy the benefits of a home-cooked meal. (1)

Read our full Hello Fresh Review.

Best Meal Delivery Service for Singles: EveryPlate

There’s no sense in signing up for mounds of servings each week if you’re the lone mouth to feed right? That said, we believe that most athletes turning to meal delivery services for their nutrition would like at least some variety between dishes. With a rotating weekly roster of tasty meals, and orders capped at five meals per week, we think EveryPlate can be a perfect solution for singles looking to add some convenience to their meal prep schedule.

We like how the platform keeps prices per meal low, with dishes starting at just $4.99 per dish. Naturally, the fewer servings you order, the more you can expect to pay, but this can be a great starting point, nonetheless. 

Additionally, our tester pointed out that there are also a la carte items available for extra protein sources, side sauces, crispy carbs, and other add-on goodies that can be great for rounding out your portions to your personal preferences. We scored the available variety at 4 out of 5, respectively.

[Related: How to Use Portion Control to Stay on Top of Your Nutrition Goals]

As far as shipping, we rated EveryPlate at 5 out of 5. Packages come with a good portion of gel ice packs to keep ingredients fresh, and we like that each order includes a physical recipe card. “Plus, I enjoyed how timely each weekly shipment was,” added our tester. “When an issue did arise, EveryPlate was quick with a resolution, usually in the form of a coupon or free meals for my next order.”

Additionally, we think this meal delivery service is best for singles because of the amount of prep work needed for each dish. According to our tester, the time needed to make each meal may be too much for those looking to feed an entire household.

“There were plenty of instances where I’d spend over an hour in the kitchen between prep and actual cooking,” says our tester, who rated the preparation at 2 out of 5. “You also may need to have multiple portions of your meal cooking at once, so be prepared to extend your cooking skills with this service.”

Best Budget Meal Delivery Service: Dinnerly

According to studies, the average home-cooked meal comes out to $4.23. (4) So, a meal delivery service that can come close to this metric can be a great solution for budget-minded athletes that want the added convenience of less trips to the grocery store. With meals starting at just $4.99, Dinnerly is the closest high-quality platform we’ve found to the average price of a scratch-made dish. Plus, shipping costs are always at $11.99, meaning there’s no variation depending on your order size.

In addition to the cost, we also appreciate the fact that Dinnerly offers both meal kits and prepared meals that just need a quick reheat before consumption. For meal kits, you can expect to spend about 10 minutes in prep with minimal cleanup, too. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, scored the prep work at 3 out of 5, though, given the fact that recipe cards are only available digitally.

[Related: The Definitive Guide to Bodybuilding Meal Prep]

“One of the first things I noticed is that there are no recipe cards in the box, meaning you’ll either need to have your laptop nearby or have the Dinnerly app up on your phone to work through the instructions,” they stated. “While the app does have a ‘Start Cooking’ mode that keeps your phone illuminated for easier reading, it would be nice to have a physical card in case I decide to make a recipe again outside of the delivery service.”

Another item of note about the Dinnerly box is that it doesn’t separate ingredients based on your weekly meals, but rather includes all of the necessary goods in one box. This isn’t a huge detriment to the quality of the service — we rated the packaging at 4 out of 5 — but it does require a little more attention when it comes to organizing your groceries once you’ve received your package.

As far as taste, though, we scored Dinnerly at 4 out of 5. Yes, the meal kits were plenty flavorful, but the prepared dishes, according to our tester, were closer to a frozen TV dinner more often than not. As such, we recommend focusing on the meal kits over the prepared meals, saving those for weeks when you know food prep just isn’t in the cards.

[Related: Your Ultimate Guide to Meal Prepping on the Move]

Best Meal Delivery Service for Dietary Restrictions: Sunbasket

Needing a meal delivery service to match your dietary preferences? Each week, Sunbasket offers 24 different dishes catering to restrictions due to diabetes, vegetarian diets, and gluten allergies, among others. As such, we think Sunbasket could be a solid way for you to upgrade your daily nutrition without the stress of finding suitable ingredients in the store.

We enjoyed the ordering process across this platform, scoring it at 5 out of 5. You can pick your diet restrictions, servings per week, and delivery frequency rather easily, and there are also a la carte items available that can serve as a tasty snack or add-on.

Our tester, a certified nutrition coach, also liked how vast the options were across different restrictions and dietary needs. “You could easily use Sunbasket for months while never eating the same thing twice,” they added in reference to their 5 out of 5 rating for the available meal plans.

Unfortunately, though, the aforementioned meal plans are capped at four per week, meaning you’ll need to parcel out listed dishes over multiple servings in order to complete a week’s worth of eating. Don’t fret, though, because each week comes with a revitalized roster of offerings, so while you may be stuck with a singular dish for multiple days one week, there are more than enough options to keep your palate pleased in a given month.

[Related: How Many Calories Should I Eat Per Day? A Guide for All Your Fitness Goals]

Sunbasket offers both meal kits and prepared dishes, so you get to choose how much time you spend preparing dinner. We like the convenience of the ready-made meals, but the kits are easy enough to cook, too, according to our tester. Depending on your meal choice, you can expect to spend between five and 30 minutes in prep.

Lastly, our tester did note that the portions may leave some athletes underwhelmed in terms of size. They rated Sunbasket at 3 out of 5 for the delivered portions, stating, “I tend to eat larger portions given my macro goals and daily activity levels. When ordering for two people, I’d say that the given high-quality ingredients can feasibly feed 1.5 athletes. It could just be my diet preferences, but it is worth noting.”

Read our full Sunbasket Review.

Best Meal Delivery Service for Weight Loss: Eat Clean

If weight loss is your preferred fitness goal, it can help to find a meal delivery service with well-labeled packaging for macros, as well as a kit that’s composed of healthier, all-natural ingredients. Based on these metrics, Eat Clean can be an excellent option for those on a weight loss regimen. 

While the natural ingredients were enough to garner our attention, we also like how Eat Clean lists all the nutritional information for each meal — of which there are roughly 50 offered each week — online for easier logging. We rated this platform at 5 out of 5 for the category, given the fact that clearly labeling and nutritional info can go a long way in ensuring that your weight loss journey is dialed in.

[Related: The 6 Best Weight Loss Programs for Women]

According to our tester, the meals available through Every Plate are well-portioned. “Provided I actually ate the entire meal, I was left fully satiated,” they said. As such, we scored Every Plate at 5 out of 5 for the portion sizing.

While the portions can be excellent for satiety and fullness, we rated the overall taste at 3.5 out of 5. There were some occasions where we encountered bland veggies or weirdly-textured carbs. However, we can’t truly expect much from a prepared meal delivery service — you’re only cooking the available dishes in the microwave, after all.

Speaking of the microwavable makeup of each meal, we do appreciate the convenience but wish Eat Clean invested more in the actual containers for the dishes. According to our tester, the plates can begin to warp in the microwave when heated up. “It could mean absolutely nothing, but to me, it screams plastic contamination. I am, admittedly, a little paranoid about the subject when it comes to my food, though,” they noted.

[Related: The 8 Best Supplements for Weight Loss]

Best Organic Meal Delivery Service: Green Chef

For athletes wanting to fuel their performance with all-organic ingredients and meals, Green Chef is right up your alley. Prices start at $11.99 per meal, which is a good price given the organic quality of ingredients on display with each offering. “Honestly, it’s a no-brainer for athletes looking to prioritize organic nutrition,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer who rated the ingredients at 4.5 out of 5.

Green Chef also features physical recipe cards with each order, which can be great for future meals if you want a certain dish that’s no longer in the rotation. Plus, all of the nutritional information is available on the cards, so there are no questions when it comes to how your specific meal will influence your daily macro counts. As such, we rated the nutritional info at 5 out of 5.

[Related: Learn to Eyeball 600 Calories of Different Foods With Chris Heria]

Our tester also enjoyed the variety of Green Chef meals, and there are dishes that cater to

plant-based, keto, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions. However, you’re only able to order four meals weekly, so be prepared to repeat some dishes if you’re looking to schedule out

a week’s worth of meal prep. Also, this four-meal limit may be less enticing for families — multiple mouths to feed inherently brings multiple palates.

Prep work with Green Chef can resemble what you’d experience with your typical grocery list. Expect to use your standard pots, pans, and kitchenware to create your ordered dishes. We rated the prep work at 3 out of 5 because of this, as other meal delivery services we tried required less equipment for the sake of one meal. Thankfully, all of the required kitchen utensils are listed on the recipe card along with the instructions and nutritional information.

Lastly, Green Chef requires you to pay upfront for your subscription service, which we found somewhat odd before selecting any meals. It wasn’t a true detriment to our experience, but we do mention it to ensure you have your card ready as you go to sign up for the service.

[Related: The 8 Best Organic Protein Powders]

Best Meal Delivery Service for Prepared Meals: Factor 75

Meal delivery services can be a convenient treat for athletes with busy schedules, but in the end, you still need to actually dedicate upwards of one hour to prepare and cook the dishes at home. For those trying to bolster their nutrition under the strictest of time crunches, prepared meal delivery services can be just the ticket, with Factor remaining one of our favorites of the bunch.

Every Factor meal is packaged in a microwavable container, so all that’s separating you from chowing down on a nutritious lunch or dinner is a thin plastic film and a few minutes in the microwave. Additionally, we appreciate how Factor clearly lists the nutritional value of every dish on its packaging, which can be great for tallying up your macros for each meal.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, rated the ordering process with this meal delivery service at a 5 out of 5. “After signing up for the service, I was prompted to choose my preferred meal type — I went with a high-protein menu — and from there, you’re thrown into meal selection. It was a painless procedure,” they stated.

[Related: How to Achieve a Calorie Deficit for Weight Loss, Safely]

In terms of macro counts, the protein, carb, and fat content can vary by dish. However, we also think Factor could be a worthwhile option for weight loss athletes thanks to a plethora of low-calorie options across the menu. 

Naturally, your weight loss journey should involve a calorie deficit, or, ingesting less calories than you burn off in training. (2) As such, choosing meals featuring low calorie counts can be great for keeping you satiated while still within your daily limits.

Regardless of your fitness goals, we still found the provided Factor meals to contain tastes that go beyond what you’d expect from a reheated meal prep container. For example, our tester, when trialing a steak-based dish, was pleased to note that the steak portions were actually cooked to a medium rare level, even showcasing a pink middle.

Factor meals do often feature a meat and side format, so the “variety” at play can be somewhat subjective. However, if you’re looking for a convenient way to prep for a week’s worth of eating, Factor should definitely be top of mind.

Read our full Factor 75 Review.

Best Meal Delivery Service for Frozen Meals: 518 Kitchen

For those that want to stockpile their nutrition in the freezer, 518 Kitchen can be a perfect solution for more convenient meal prep. Each single-serving dish is flash-frozen to help preserve the freshness of the ingredients, and are stored frozen until it comes time to dig in. Perhaps the biggest perk of this prepared meal delivery service, though, is the fact that there are no meal plans — you can order as little or as much as you prefer (provided the order total surpasses $75).

We really like this a la carte style of commerce, as it allowed us to really fine tune our dining experience in relation to our appetite. Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, rated the ordering process at 5 out of 5. “The entire process was so simple,” she said. “I really liked how you could filter meals by their type, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner, as well as by lifestyle, with categories including keto or low-carb.”

[Related: The Nutritional Differences Between Fresh and Frozen Fruits and Vegetables]

We did notice, though, that all of the information regarding meals is kept online, meaning there is no companion app like other meal kits we’ve tried. It can be convenient to track your weekly boxes on your phone to ensure you’re receiving your order in a timely, efficient manner, so we missed having that option. 

The fact that these 58 Kitchen meals are frozen also lends itself to convenient prep. All you need to do is pierce the film, place the BPA-free plastic container in the microwave, and let the dish spin for its allotted time. We also found that these meals could be heated up in the oven, but you’ll need to remove the film entirely before opting for this reheat route. As such, we scored 518 Kitchen at 5 out of 5 for prep.

Taste-wise, 518 Kitchen fared well, offering worthwhile proteins and sides that kept us satiated and pleased with each dish. Given the frozen makeup, you shouldn’t expect many carbs like flatbreads, rice, or pasta, making this an excellent option for keto athletes, too. “Veggies can be (naturally) soggy after a microwave reheat,” added Meier, who scored the platform at 4 out of 5 for taste, “But in general, I’d be fine with eating these meals day in and day out.”

[Related: What Is the Keto Diet and Should You Try It?]

Best Meal Delivery Service for Produce: Misfits Market

Perhaps you’re more savvy in the kitchen and prefer to get your groceries handled by a delivery service rather than order pre-packaged dishes or pre-portioned kits. For produce needs, we like to rely on Misfits Market. Not only does this platform offer high-quality, primarily organic produce across its roughly 500 available weekly items, but the service also helps eliminate food waste by “rescuing” produce goods that would otherwise be rejected by chain retailers.

Having used Misfits Market in the past, I appreciate how this platform keeps cosmetically-deficient fruits and vegetables in the system, which can help with the nation’s food waste issue. According to studies, up to 40 percent of America’s produce is wasted. (5) Misfits Market, however, is aiming to change the way we perceive visual defects in fruit and vegetables, showing that while an item may be misshapen or discolored, it’s still perfectly good to eat.

[Related: What Happens if You Don’t Eat Vegetables?]

I rated the variety offered through this grocery service at 4 out of 5. In addition to produce, you can routinely find other must-haves, including meat and pantry items. However, I do drop the rating slightly given the fact that the availability can be hit and miss at times. You can expect roughly 500 goods each time you schedule your delivery, but I have noticed a few occasions where the roster of items was more or less than this mean.

I also like how the Misfits Market app allows you to conveniently control your orders. You can cancel or skip deliveries well in advance, which can be a great benefit when you know you’ll be away from your home for extended periods — no one wants to return from vacation to a spoiled box of veggies on their doorstep. Overall, I scored the ordering and shipment at 4.5 out of 5.

Lastly, it should be noted that Misfits Market is more of a grocery delivery service rather than a meal delivery service. You’ll need to plan your own recipes and portions, so this may not be the best option for those looking for the highest convenience in terms of meal prep. For those comfortable in the kitchen, though, this can be an excellent platform for keeping your stock of fresh ingredients replenished week in and week out.

[Related: Study: Fruits and Vegetables May Help Switch Off Genes Responsible for Obesity]

Best Meal Delivery Service for Meat: ButcherBox

A big proponent of any well-rounded meal is the protein source, but do you truly have the time to hit up your local butcher each week for servings of steak, chicken, and pork? ButcherBox can take the headache out of finding high-quality protein (with free shipping!) through the brand’s monthly deliveries, giving you a nice variety of protein-rich goods ready for the oven, skillet, or grill.

I’ve used ButcherBox and really appreciate the robustness of each box. I rated the ordering process at 5 out of 5 thanks to a simple process that has you choose your delivery cadence (between two and eight weeks) and protein sources (beef, pork, and/or chicken). 

[Related: What to Look for When Buying Meat]

Additionally, I like how the brand prides itself on providing high-quality meat cuts to every subscriber. Every cut is harvested from grass-fed and antibiotic-free animals, which can be great for those looking to focus on animal welfare as part of their nutrition. Plus, these practices lend themselves to better taste — I scored ButcherBox at 4.5 out of 5 for the category, as I’ve yet to find a cut that wasn’t to my liking.

One thing that I have had issues with, though, is storing all of the provided meat. While I can get by with refrigerating some goods that I plan to eat immediately, I’ve had multiple instances where a complete rearrangement of my freezer was in store after receiving my order. I’d recommend ButcherBox for athletes that have ample freezer space available — it wouldn’t be unwise to pair your subscription with a new chest freezer.

Naturally, with focus on beef, chicken, and pork, you won’t find any vegan or vegetarian options with this service. As such, I rated the variety at 3 out of 5. If you are looking to cater to a specific dietary restriction, we recommend a grocery or meal delivery service such as Purple Carrot or Home Chef. However, if you’re looking to keep your freezer stocked with nutritious animal-based protein, these boxes can definitely fit the bill.

[Related: How to Cook the Perfect Steak Every Time]

Best Vegan Meal Delivery Service: Purple Carrot

Catering your diet to a plant-based format can be tricky at times, especially when trying to find suitable protein alternatives to fuel your training progress. Purple Carrot takes the hassle out of eating clean thanks to an entirely-plant-based menu that offers tasty, filling options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We were really pleased with the variety of over 20 meals offered across the board, which included a good mix of meal kits and prepared dishes. As such, we rated the variety at 4 out of 5.

We also liked how Purple Carrot offers pantry items as well as frozen meals, which can be great for maintaining your plant-based diet throughout the day. Additionally, you can place extra filters for gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and other dietary needs when choosing your meals. 

“You do have to account for the fact that all available meals are plant-based, but I did enjoy the options to filter the dishes by certain categories like ‘high protein,’ or ‘less prep,’” added our tester, a certified personal trainer.

[Related: The 13 Best Healthy Carbs to Add to Your Meal Prep Plans]

In testing, our tester also noted that the included ingredients arrived with plenty of freshness, and they liked how little plastic was used for shipping. When it came time to actually eat the ordered meals, our tester praised the flavors as well, and rated the portions at 4 out of 5. Despite what you’d think about a plant-based meal, they said every serving was generous and there was little to no hunger post-meal.

Purple Carrot also includes recipe cards with each meal kit, but we think the instructions may be too simplified when it comes to certain dishes. For example, our tester noted that a tofu-based recipe didn’t include a step to pat dry the tofu before cooking. While it’s not an egregious omittance, they rated the overall prep work at 3 out of 5.

If you’re cooking for a large family, you may be underwhelmed with Purple Carrot’s format. You’re only able to order up to four meals weekly, which may not be enough to fuel a growing household. For smaller parties or individuals, however, this can be a great service, especially if you’re looking to add some much-needed plants into your diet.

[Related: Add These High-Protein Vegetables to Your Diet for a Muscle-Building Boost]

Benefits of Meal Delivery Services

Meal delivery services are marketed heavily to athletes, and all those push ads and promo codes can leave some questioning the worthiness of these kits. Regardless of your opinion on their marketing tactics, there are some foundational perks that come with these nutrition-packed dinner boxes.

Convenience

One of the main benefits of signing up for a meal delivery service is the convenience they bring to your schedule. Instead of finding time for a trip to your local grocery store each week, these kits come pre-portioned to get your meals off and running. Additionally, the meal kits come with simple instructions to turn your list of ingredients into a hearty dish in no time.

Food Waste

Ever purchased ingredients for a specific recipe only to be left with more materials than you actually need? These extra ingredients can oftentimes be left in your fridge until they spoil, potentially adding to your weekly food waste. Studies show that meal kits, with their pre-portioned ingredients and preset serving totals, can cut food waste and carbon emissions when compared to traditional grocery shopping. (3)

Time Management

While meal delivery services can be convenient for eliminating trips to the grocery store, they can also be beneficial when it comes to preparing the meals, too. Most kits come pre-portioned with simple cooking instructions, so there’s less time needed to get everything in order before dinner. Additionally, many meal delivery services list their suggested prep and cooking times with the recipes itself, and many keep processes to under 30 minutes.

[Related: These 2 Cooking Tips Will Perk Up Your Food Prep]

If you want to really make the most of your time, you can also opt for a meal delivery service offering prepared meals. These kits take efficiency to the next level as they only require a quick pop in the microwave or oven before consumption. Be mindful, though, that these kits are prepared before they get to your doorstep, meaning there’s little room for customization if, say, you want to swap a protein source or need to cater to specific dietary restrictions.

Diet-Specific Needs

Athletes following specific nutrition plans like keto, Paleo, or other restrictive diets can find it difficult at times to eat meals with the proper ingredients needed for worthwhile dining. After all, these unique meal plans aren’t as popular with the general population, so finding solutions in your local store can be a challenge in itself. 

Meal delivery services open up your possibilities greatly when trying to cater to these diets, giving you options that may not have been feasible through your local grocer.

Meal delivery services can also be excellent options for athletes entertaining the notion of switching up their diet. You’re not at the mercy of your area’s inventory, and the commitment is for as long as you keep the service or menu option.

Are Meal Delivery Services the Cheapest Option?

One of the main concerns athletes may have when deciding whether to go with a meal delivery service is how much they actually cost. After all, grocery stores, takeout and restaurants still exist in tandem with these platforms, so at the end of the day, which is the best option when trying to build out your nutrition plan?

Meal Delivery Services Vs. Restaurants

Restaurants can be a nice treat every now and again, and definitely take the least amount of work when comparing the two meal options. You don’t have to worry about cleanup or food preparation, and there are typically multiple options to choose from in your area. That said, you do need to drive to your destination if dining in, wait for your table, tip your server, and pay your bill. 

Delivery options can be an alternative, but you’re at the mercy of the restaurant’s policies, and still need to tip your driver for dishes that aren’t as fresh after a car ride across town. With meal delivery services, there’s more control over your menus, the dishes are (literally) fresh from the kitchen, and you don’t have to worry about additional expenses like tips, parking, and other fees.

[Related: 6 Healthy Fast Food Options, According to a PhD]

Meal delivery services can also be more reasonable for your nutrition plan because of the clarity surrounding your food’s nutritional value. It can be difficult to determine just how many macronutrients you’re getting in a restaurant dish, whereas many meal kits provide all the information upfront.

Meal Delivery Services Vs. Grocery Stores

This timeless comparison can be tricky to decipher, depending on what you’re actually looking for when it comes to your nutrition. If you already have a good grasp on your meal prepping for the week and know what you need for worthwhile rations each day, you may be better off with the tried and true grocery shopping experience from a pricing perspective. That said, you will need to sacrifice some time within your schedule, and some ingredients may not always be in stock.

Meal delivery services may look like a more expensive option at face value, but you also need to factor in the time savings along with the lessened food waste overall. Your meals are pre-portioned for your chosen recipe, so the only leftovers to think of are your portions not finished at the dinner table. There’s little to no food waste, so the money you spent on meals actually ends up in your body as opposed to the trash can. Additionally, choosing a meal delivery service can open your palate to new ingredients that may not be available in your area.

How to Choose the Best Meal Delivery Service

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past few years, you’ve likely ascertained that there’s practically a meal delivery service for every day of the week. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to land on the perfect platform for your dietary needs. Below are some factors to consider when deciding on your ideal meal delivery service.

Match Your Dietary Restrictions

If you’re looking for a meal delivery service that caters to your specific diet, take some time before your first order to look through the platform’s menu. Many of the best meal kits have options featuring plant-based dishes, as well as those for gluten-free, dairy-free, keto-friendly, and other nutritional restrictions.

It can also be wise to look at how many diet-friendly options your meal delivery service offers. Having a wide array of available meals can help defend against flavor burnout over extended weeks, helping you stay diligent with your diet without sacrificing any enjoyment.

Search for Meal Variety

You likely don’t want to have the same meal day in and day out, so make sure your delivery service has enough variety from the start to suit your palate. Many meal delivery services also feature a rotating menu that changes on a given schedule, which can help keep every week of cooking interesting and fresh.

If you fancy a snack or other items along with your full meals, it can also be helpful to look for a meal delivery service offering a la carte items. These quick hits of nutrition can help keep you full throughout the day, albeit at an additional cost.

Plan Out Your Schedule

Your meal delivery service is intended to be a convenient alternative to grocery shopping and dining out, but that convenience can quickly fade away if your deliveries aren’t aligned with your schedule. Make sure that your order is delivered on a day that suits your needs best. 

[Related: How to Make Homemade Meal Replacement Shakes to Fuel Your Training Goals]

Set Your Budget

Most meal delivery services range in price from $5 to $14 and beyond. These prices can be influenced by how many meals you order per week, how many servings you order for each meal, and any add-ons you tack onto your order. Be sure to search around to find a proper package that fits your budget while also keeping the service convenient enough for repeat orders.

Many brands also offer trial periods or promo codes that can help you get a taste for the meals offered without a hefty blow to your wallet. We recommend taking advantage of these deals at the start, since this can be a great way to see if meal delivery services are truly worth your time and money.

Final Word

Meal delivery services can be a tasty way to expand your palate, keep your nutrition in check, and gain back some time in your schedule. These impressive kits offer a litany of meals both pre-portioned and oven-ready, with specific makeups that cater to a variety of dietary needs. Plus, they’re quite comparable to your typical grocery bill, especially when you factor in the time savings you gain from having your items shipped directly to your doorstep.

Finding the right meal delivery service for your personal nutrition depends on a few factors, none more important than your personal budget. When looking for your first kit, be sure to look at each meal’s value, and how that compares to your typical trip to the grocer. Once you’ve landed on a suitable deal, browse through the menu, choose your delivery schedule and rejoice. The dinner bell will be ringing in no time to the tune of more nutritious, flavorful dishes.

FAQs

References

1. Mills, S., Brown, H., Wrieden, W., White, M., & Adams, J. (2017). Frequency of eating home cooked meals and potential benefits for diet and health: Cross-sectional analysis of a population-based cohort study. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 14(1). 
2. Kim, J. Y. (2021). Optimal Diet Strategies for weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome, 30(1), 20–31. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8017325/ 
3. Heard, B. R., Bandekar, M., Vassar, B., & Miller, S. A. (2019). Comparison of life cycle environmental impacts from meal kits and grocery store meals. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 147, 189–200.
4. Miranda, M. (2024, April 2). The cost of eating out vs eating in by State. Hire The Right Nutritionist For You. https://www.topnutritioncoaching.com/blog/cost-of-eating-out-vs-eating-in 
5. Campbell, C. G., & Feldpausch, G. L. (2022). Invited review: The consumer and dairy food waste: An individual plus policy, systems, and environmental perspective. Journal of Dairy Science, 105(5), 3736–3745. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35307180/