10 Best Meal Delivery Services 2024: Expert Ranked

Deciding on a meal delivery service can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of options out there, from quick and easy prepared meals to DIY meal kits. There are also countless options for different dietary and budget needs, making it even harder to choose.

My colleagues and I have tested every service on this list to help you find the perfect match. I’ve used our combined experience, in-depth research, and tested reviews to pick the top 10 meal delivery services for 2024. I included a range of services to ensure there’s something for everyone.

Factor comes in at #1 thanks to its gourmet prepared meals. A strong selection of prepared meals across several dietary plans gives it an edge over many of its competitors. Keep reading to find your ideal meal delivery service on this list.

The Best Meal Delivery Services Reviewed

1. Factor – Best Overall Meal Delivery Service

Factor specializes in prepared meals that are delivered fresh and ready for you to heat and enjoy. These single-serving lunches and dinners come in a range of cuisines, from Thai-inspired tofu dishes to Italian-style pasta dishes and many more.

What’s on the Menu?

Unlike most prepared meals, Factor’s dishes are never frozen. This explains why our tested review raves about the flavor of Factor’s meals. More than flavor, though, Factor’s real mission is to provide healthy meals for all lifestyles.

Each item on Factor's menu is planned to provide a good balance of nutrients. You’ll get lean proteins, large servings of vegetables, and limited starches and sugars. The dishes taste great, but don’t be surprised when your burger comes without a bun!

In addition to an impressive 35 dishes on the menu each week, Factor has a number of à la carte items that you can add to any shipment. These add-ons include breakfasts, smoothies, snacks, and protein packs to round out your weekly nutritional needs.

What Makes It Special?

Factor also offers online meetings with dietitians and nutrition coaches. This is a unique feature you won’t find with many other meal delivery services. If you need help forming healthy eating habits, you can schedule a free introductory session with a Factor subscription.

The majority of Factor’s menu is catered to the needs of keto dieters. This means high-protein, low-carb dishes. This focus on keto-friendly meals ensures that those following a ketogenic lifestyle have a variety of options to choose from.

Is It Good Value?

If your hectic schedule prevents you from maintaining a healthy diet, Factor is perfect for you. Vegans and vegetarians might find the selection a little limited for a full week of dinners, but meat-eaters and flexitarians have plenty of options on Factor’s menu.

Factor’s prices vary depending on how many single-serving meals you need each week. The larger the order, the lower the cost per meal. For example, its best-value box gives you 18 meals for just $103.41 on your first order if you use our link.

2. Green Chef – Best Certified Organic Meal Delivery Service

Green Chef’s specialty is organic and ethically sourced ingredients. The company is committed to using the best ingredients obtained through sustainable practices whenever possible. That’s because organic products, in general, are held to a higher standard of quality.

What’s on the Menu?

The menu is divided into 8 meal plans based on several criteria. There are 6 meal plans based on dietary needs (Mediterranean, Calorie Smart, Plant Based, Protein Packed, Keto, and Gluten Free), a plan for Quick & Easy recipes, and another plan for high-fiber dishes designed to reduce bloating and boost energy levels.

You have access to the full menu, and you can mix and match between plans. Our tried-and-tested review goes into more detail on the ingredients, recipes, and everything else that makes Green Chef our favorite organic meal kit delivery service.

Green Chef doesn’t currently offer prepared entrees on the core menu. So you’ll still have to do some chopping and slicing. However, its meal kits are accessible to all skill levels, and they’re easier than other services thanks to the pre-made ingredients like spice blends, sauces, and dressings.

Rounding out Green Chef’s menu is a selection of add-ons. These extra menu items change weekly but generally include organic proteins as well as light lunches and a variety of breakfasts like vegan oatmeal and keto-friendly egg bites.

What Makes It Special?

Organic produce contains fewer synthetic chemicals. Also, organic beef and chicken are raised with high animal welfare standards. This makes Green Chef a great meal kit option for anyone striving to eat cleaner and healthier. 

Green Chef is a good choice for larger households. You can order meals for as many as 6 people per week (and up to 4 meals). You can change the size of your order whenever you want – just make sure to do it before the next week’s cutoff date.

Is It Good Value?

Overall, Green Chef is 1 of the best meal kits for ingredient quality. Being certified Organic makes it 1 of the pricier meal delivery services on my list, but the quality is worth it if you can fit it into your budget.

Prices for this organic meal kit vary depending on the order size and start at $9.99 per serving. You can order 3-4 meals for 2, 4, or 6 people each week. There’s also an option to get just 2 meals per week, but only on the 4-person plan.

3. Blue Apron – Best Gourmet Meal Delivery Service

Blue Apron offers quality ingredients and a wide variety of unique gourmet recipes. The dinners are a cut above most other meal delivery services, with exciting flavor combinations and restaurant-quality flavors.

What’s on the Menu?

Despite its gourmet menu, Blue Apron’s Meal Kits are accessible and easy to make. Look for dishes marked with the Fast & Easy tag for low-prep recipes. To save even more time and energy, the Ready to Cook tag highlights dishes that come oven ready in a recyclable baking tin.

You can also opt for a full menu of fresh, prepared meals. The Prepared & Ready meals arrive fresh and ready to heat and eat. Choose from over 16 single serve meals every week. Each one can be ready in just 5 minutes. You can also find a few prepared meals for up to 2 people in the Add-Ons menu.

The menu features classic American dishes and international recipes. So, it’s quite normal to find dishes like cheeseburgers and roasted chicken next to truffle pasta and shakshuka. When we tested Blue Apron, we were particularly impressed with the service’s unique flavors.

Blue Apron doesn’t recommend its service if you have a severe allergy due to the risk of cross contamination. If you need a gluten-free or vegan menu, I recommend Green Chef as a better alternative. However, you can find keto-friendly and high-protein meals on the Prepared & Ready menu.

What Makes It Special?

Blue Apron has a decent Vegetarian menu and a Wellness menu. There are also some carb-conscious and low-calorie dishes, though there are only around 4 recipes for either on any given week. This is great for an omnivore like me who likes to have some vegetarian recipes or the occasional low-carb meal.

Blue Apron distinguishes itself with a selection of seasonal recipes that capitalize on fresh, in-season produce, enhancing the flavors and nutritional value of its meals. Additionally, you can also choose premium dishes, available at an extra cost, for those extra special occasions.

Is It Good Value?

My favorite feature about this service is its add-ons. For any weekly order, you can choose from à la carte appetizers, salads, desserts, and even microwaveable prepared meals.

The more you order, the lower your cost. Pricing starts at $4.00 per serving for the maximum Meal Kit order. You can order 2-5 Meal Kits for 2 or 4 people each week. Prepared meals can be ordered in bundles of 4, 6, 8, or 10 and cost from $12.49 per serving. Shipping costs $10.99 per delivery.

4. HelloFresh – Best Family-Friendly Meal Kits

HelloFresh’s broad menu has something for just about everyone. More than its competitors, this service tries to be a one-stop shop for anyone in the market for a meal kit. No matter your dietary needs or preferences, there’s almost certainly something on the menu for you.

What’s on the Menu?

The massive menu has more than 100 recipes and market items, and HelloFresh’s customization options expand it even further. For example, the popular Beef and Black Bean Quesadilla dish can be upgraded to include organic beef or made vegetarian by omitting the meat altogether.

HelloFresh also has unique recipe categories on its menu. Keep an eye out for Premium Picks, which offer gourmet recipes with ingredients like steak. These come with a variable upcharge of a few dollars per serving. Other recipe tags include Fast & Fresh, Brunch, 10-Min Lunch, and Hall of Fame. The cuisine is largely American, with some international flavors.

There are usually 5 vegan dishes on the menu each week. Many services don’t offer vegan meals at all, so it’s great to see these offered. However, that doesn’t leave much choice or flexibility for strict vegans who want more than 5 meals per week.

What Makes It Special?

HelloFresh excels at making easy, family-friendly meal kits. It claims to test each recipe 200 times to ensure quality. I can’t say how true that number is, but I can tell you we tried HelloFresh and found the recipes really easy to follow.

The Family Friendly menu is best for easy, kid-approved flavors. The company’s other menus include Fit & Wholesome, Pescatarian, and Under 20 Minutes. This offers a range of options for health-conscious individuals, seafood lovers, and those seeking convenient, fast meal solutions.

Is it Good Value?

HelloFresh lets you order from the full menu at any time, regardless of what plan you choose at signup. This makes HelloFresh a great service for anyone who craves variety or simply wants a large selection of meal kits.

HelloFresh prices are affordable and place it around the middle of the pack for meal kit services. Although larger boxes will cost more overall, you’ll get the best per-serving value for a larger order, with higher per-serving prices for smaller orders. For example, 6 meals for 4 people cost just $107.75 for the first order if you use our link.  

5. Home Chef – Best Meal Delivery Service for Customization

Home Chef’s protein customization feature is the best thing about this service. Most services don’t offer customization at all, and those that do usually just give you the option to add or upgrade a single ingredient. With Home Chef, you’ll have multiple protein options for most dishes.

What’s on the Menu?

With 39+ unique recipes each week, Home Chef has a pretty big menu. The potential customizations greatly expand these options. For example, you can order an enchilada dish with steak, shrimp, or chicken. Meatball dishes can come with ground beef, turkey, or pork. Whatever protein suits your taste buds.

Home Chef is suitable for vegetarians too. As we discovered in our tried-and-tested Home Chef review, plant-based protein swaps are increasingly available, and there are now around 6 vegetarian entrees on the menu each week, which you can easily filter on the main menu.

Vegans might have a more difficult time finding suitable dishes. Ultimately, Home Chef is suited for people whose diets include animal protein or flexitarians. Green Chef is a better choice for more plant-forward dishes, with a dedicated Plant Based plan.

What Makes It Special?

Home Chef stands out for its variety in catering to omnivores, with a main menu that allows filtering for carb-conscious and calorie-conscious options. It also provides helpful keto-friendly and gluten-smart tags on certain recipes. This makes it easier for you to identify dishes that align with these dietary preferences.

Each recipe lists its main allergens, so you can search through the recipes. Still, keep in mind that Home Chef doesn’t claim to be an allergy-friendly service. Since all the meal kits are prepared and packed in the same facility, the company can’t guarantee against cross-contamination.

Is It Good Value?

Home Chef’s menu is also full of fun extras, bundles, and other add-ons. These include breakfast items, snacks, soups, salads, breads, desserts, protein packs, beverages, and more. There are even bundles, like a breakfast duo of croissant sandwiches and canned lattes, for easy meal ideas.

Pricing is lowest for the largest order and starts at $9.99 per serving. You can order anywhere from 2-6 meals for 2, 4, or 6 people. Each item on the menu is individually priced, however, so what you pay depends on what you order.

6. BistroMD – Best Meal Delivery Service for Weight Loss

BistroMD is specially designed for weight loss and supports a range of diets. Even though other meal delivery services offer low-calorie, low-carb, or other plans that can help you lose weight, BistroMD was designed by a doctor with the goal of dieting and weight loss in mind.

What’s on the Menu?

The Signature Program includes 150+ breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. Each of these food items is nutritionally balanced and intended to replace most of your weekly food. All the meals are freshly prepared and then frozen to maintain their nutritional value.

Dishes on the menu are chef-prepared to be as delicious as possible. We had some great things to say about the food in our BistroMD review, but keep in mind that these are still frozen diet meals.

BistroMD offers a rotating menu, which means it rarely adds new dishes. Instead, your weekly meals are selected from a static collection of 150+ recipes. This means that you’ll eventually end up repeating meals after a few months.

BistroMD’s dishes are inspired by classic American cuisine. There are also some recipes with more complex and creative flavors, like Jerk Spiced Tilapia and Stuffed Grape Leaves. There are also breakfast options like omelets and waffles, as well as healthy snacks like bars and crackers.

What Makes It Special?

BistroMD offers 8 weight-loss programs, all designed to help people with different dietary needs. The programs include Heart Healthy, Gluten Free, Keto Flex, Vegan, Diabetic Friendly, and Menopause, as well as separate plans for men and women. A vegetarian plan is possible, but you have to sign up for the Signature plan and contact customer service to omit meat dishes.

You are free to choose the right plan for your particular dietary needs. However, the menus are all much smaller than the basic Signature Program. Most offer around 100 rotating recipes compared to the Signature Program’s 150+.

Is It Good Value?

BistroMD might not be the best choice for everyone. It does cater to the specific needs of certain kinds of dieters, which makes it convenient. However, if you’re a picky eater or aren’t trying to lose weight, you’ll likely prefer something else on my list.

I do recommend BistroMD for people trying to lose weight with a meal delivery service. Prices start at $6.59 per serving on the largest plan, which includes all your meals for a week. Plan options include 2-3 meals a day for 5 or 7 days.

7. Purple Carrot – Best Vegan Meal Delivery Service

Purple Carrot offers a purely plant-based menu, making it suitable for strict vegans and anyone who wants to enjoy plant-powered meals. Other meal delivery services may have 1 or 2 vegan meals, but the selection is often limited.

What’s on the Menu?

Purple Carrot celebrates vegetables rather than relying on processed meat substitutes. Though it may not be the top choice for most meat eaters and omnivores, the feedback from non-vegans is that they’ve thoroughly enjoyed the meals, despite being meat lovers.

We tried several weeks’ worth of meal kits and found many dishes we’d like to cook again. Each week’s recipes come in a reusable booklet, making it easy to revisit your favorites. Our Purple Carrot review walks you through our experience testing the service.

Beyond dinner, Purple Carrot’s menu includes breakfasts and lunches. These lighter meal kits are in the Less Prep category and ready within 15 minutes. Check out the Plantry for à la carte snacks, desserts, and grocery items like black bean burgers to add to any order.

What Makes It Special?

Though I only tried the meal kits, Purple Carrot also offers prepared meals. These microwavable vegan dinners can help you save time on busy weeknights or when you’re on the go. The service also has a Less Prep menu with speedy features like pre-made sauces and pre-chopped produce.

Purple Carrot doesn’t guarantee organic produce. However, most of this service’s non-produce items (like tofu and nut-based products) are organic. It also claims to source the highest possible quality of ingredients and to seek consistent sources of organic products.

Is It Good Value?

Purple Carrot is a great way to get a taste of quality, veggie-forward recipes. It would also be a great choice for people just starting a vegan diet.

Purple Carrot’s pricing starts at $11.00 per serving, but the number and type of meals you order will affect this. You may order 3-4 meal kits for 2 people or 2-3 meal kits for 4 people each week. You can also subscribe for 6, 8, or 10 single-serving prepared meals per week.

8. Nutrisystem – Best Comprehensive Weight-Loss Plan

Nutrisystem offers a comprehensive approach to weight loss with its array of prepared meals, shelf-stable, and frozen foods. Including weight loss and diabetic-friendly options, Nutrisystem's expansive weekly menu features breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, so there’s plenty of variety.

What’s on the Menu?

You can find over 130 meals on Nutrisystem's menu. This selection includes frozen items and shelf-stable food that cater to a range of tastes and dietary requirements. Its approach combines the convenience of pre-packaged meals with a diversity of options to suit various palates​​.

Nutrisystem's menu introduces a blend of American and international cuisines. You can find a mix of traditional American dishes and global flavors, like Beef Lo Mein, ensuring that you have a variety of meals throughout the week. Read our full tested review for more about the Nutrisystem menu.

The full menu not only includes American classics but also Restaurant Faves such as Bistro-Style Toasted Ravioli. All meals are designed to support substantial weight loss, featuring high-protein Hearty Inspirations meals and optional protein shakes​​.

What Makes It Special?

Nutrisystem offers Partner plans where you can join forces with a partner, roommate, or friend. This approach not only aids in mutual support but also provides a financial incentive with a 15% cost saving, making the weight loss journey a shared and more affordable experience​​.

The NuMi app serves as a virtual diet assistant. It offers a comprehensive toolkit to manage your weight loss journey, including meal tracking, hydration reminders, and exercise prompts. You can also find exclusive contests, prizes, and specialized content throughout your Nutrisystem journey​​.

Is It Good Value?

Nutrisystem’s plans start at $9.64 per day, with options for both women and men. It also offers discounts for upfront payments for multi-month plans, making it an economically viable option for sustained weight loss​​.

Orders typically arrive within 1 to 5 business days in the continental US, and Nutrisystem also offers shipping to Alaska and Hawaii. Its auto-delivery system gives you a consistent supply of meals every 4 weeks, with options for rescheduling deliveries for added convenience​​.

9. Eat Clean – Best Meal Delivery Service for Niche Diets

Eat Clean excels at catering to niche diets with its diverse meal plans. It offers fully prepared, chef-cooked meals that are ready to eat in just 2 minutes. It provides a range of meal plans, making it a versatile choice for various dietary preferences​​​​.

What’s on the Menu?

Eat Clean's menu features 4 distinct plans: keto, paleo, traditional, and plant-based. This variety ensures that you can find meals tailored to your specific dietary needs. The meals, delivered fresh, cater to different tastes and nutritional requirements, providing a convenient solution for those following specific diets​​.

The offerings include a range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Some of the dishes on the menu are Jumbo Shrimp Jambalaya with Cauliflower Rice, Plant-Based 3 Bean Chili with Homemade Corn Bread, and Paleo Mojo Sliced Chicken with Yucca Mash.

Eat Clean ensures that all meals are not only diverse but also appealing to a wide audience. Meals like Eggplant Parmigiana Over Spaghetti Pasta and Tex Mex Scrambled Eggs and Pork Bacon provide a few kid-friendly options. This variety is essential for those seeking a meal delivery service that accommodates the whole family​​​​.

What Makes It Special?

Eat Clean stands out for its swift and convenient meal solutions. The meals heat up in just 2-3 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals who need quick yet healthy meal options. This feature is particularly beneficial for those with limited time to prepare meals​​.

The meals are nutritionally balanced, focusing on macronutrients. This balance is crucial for maintaining a healthy diet, especially for those on specific dietary plans like keto or paleo.

However, as pointed out in our tested review, customer support options are limited. I’d recommend Factor as an alternative if this is something you value.

Is it Good Value?

Eat Clean’s prices start at $4.30 per serving. The cost per serving decreases as the number of meals per week increases. This pricing structure is designed to offer better value for more frequent orders​​.

It provides an option to upgrade portion sizes for an additional cost. While it doesn't offer add-ons or snacks, the flexibility in portion sizes allows you to tailor your meals according to your appetite and dietary needs.

10. Trifecta – Best Meal Delivery Service for Specific Diets

Trifecta is a great option if you follow a specific diet to improve your physical performance. The company offers fully prepared, microwavable meals that are ready in just 3 minutes, perfect for those on the go.

What’s on the Menu?

Trifecta understands that different diets work best for different individuals. That's why it offers 4 meal plans tailored to specific diets, such as Keto, Paleo Whole30 Approved, Plant Based, and Clean Eating.

What sets Trifecta apart is that its meals have optimal freshness and taste. This is possible due to the fact that all the meals are delivered in a deep chilled state, never frozen.

With Trifecta, you don't have to worry about your meals going bad quickly. The food stays fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days after receiving it. Alternatively, if you freeze the meals immediately upon delivery, they can last for up to 3 months without losing any flavor or nutritional value.

What Makes It Special?

When it comes to quality ingredients, Trifecta goes above and beyond. It mainly sources its ingredients from local family-run suppliers who practice sustainable farming methods. This means you can enjoy high-quality meals while also supporting small businesses and reducing your carbon footprint.

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, Trifecta is also a great choice. According to our dedicated Trifecta review, the entire menu is gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease. 

I also like that all the meals come with detailed nutrition information. This makes it easier to track your intake and make informed choices about what you eat.

Is It Good Value? 

When it comes to pricing, Trifecta offers great value. Meal prices start at $13.79 per serving for the maximum order of 21 meals. It’s a bit pricey, but this is to be expected considering the level of personalization and planning that goes into creating the meals.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Meal Delivery Service

I've identified the key things to look for in a top-notch meal delivery service:

• Preparation Time: The convenience of ready-to-eat meals is a key consideration for those with busy lifestyles. In my experience, Factor's prepared meals excelled in this area, offering delicious, chef-prepared dishes that are ready in minutes. This makes them ideal for those who want gourmet meals without the time investment.
• Flexibility of Plans: Diverse needs and changing schedules demand adaptable meal plans. Each service I reviewed offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust deliveries to fit your lifestyle seamlessly. This adaptability ensures that you can modify your meal choices as your schedule or taste preferences change.
• Menu Variety: A wide selection of cuisines can keep mealtime interesting and cater to different tastes. HelloFresh, in particular, impressed me with its range of global cuisines, providing options from Italian to Asian dishes. This variety makes it an excellent choice for culinary explorers.
• Support for Dietary Preferences: Catering to specific dietary needs is crucial for many individuals. Green Chef's variety of plans, as I've observed, effectively accommodates various dietary restrictions and preferences, offering options like keto, gluten-free, or plant-based meals. This inclusivity makes it a great fit for health-conscious eaters with specific dietary goals.
• Budget: The cost-effectiveness of meal services is a significant factor. Larger orders generally result in a lower cost per serving, as shown in my Quick Comparison Table. This bulk-order benefit allows you to enjoy gourmet meals while managing your food budget effectively.

FAQ

What’s the highest rated prepared meal delivery service?

Factor is my top-ranked service thanks to its impressive selection of meals and dietary accommodations. Its add-ons, which include smoothies, helped give it the edge to earn the top spot.

Which meal delivery service is easiest?

Prepared meal delivery services like Factor are the quickest and easiest to enjoy. You can order up to 18 single-serving meals each week, and all that stands between you and your meal is 3 minutes in the microwave!

What’s the healthiest meal delivery service?

Purple Carrot is one of the most holistically healthy services on my list. This is due to the company’s “food as medicine” philosophy and its veggie-powered recipes that rely on natural flavors rather than processed ingredients.

What is the most affordable prepared meal delivery service?

HelloFresh offers easy-to-prepare meal kits, but it's important to note that fully prepared meals, like those from Factor, typically come at a higher price. For ready-to-eat convenience, Factor's meals are a go-to option, albeit with a higher cost reflecting their convenience.

Best Meal Delivery Services in 2024 — Final Score