10 Best Eco-Friendly Meal Delivery Services 2023: Updated

Eco-friendly meal delivery services sound great, but you might be concerned about the truthfulness behind these companies’ claims. And you don’t want to deal with wasteful packaging or services that rely on factory farms for their meats and proteins.

I’ve checked packaging materials, studied ingredient sources, and researched best practices to bring you the 10 best eco-friendly meal delivery services on the market.

Green Chef gets my #1 spot for its commitment to organic ingredients. That’s because I think that being eco-friendly also means caring about the ingredients used to create the meals, not just the packaging and transportation methods.

But I know Green Chef may not fit everyone’s budget and dietary needs. Therefore, I have 9 other great meal delivery services for you to check out. Saving the planet has never been tastier. Read on and learn more!

The Best Eco-Friendly Meal Delivery Services Reviewed

1. Green Chef – Best Overall Eco-Friendly Meal Kits

Green Chef is the first USDA-certified organic meal delivery service on the market. This means that all eggs and fresh produce are organic (most of the time), and some of the meats used are also organic. You’ll find options like organic beef and chicken on the menu, as well as wild-caught seafood that was sustainably harvested.

Green Chef prioritizes sourcing high-quality, organic ingredients for every meal kit on the menu. The company works with local family farms and certified suppliers that undergo annual compliance inspections. Whenever an organic ingredient isn’t available, Green Chef will replace it with the best quality standard version and make it clear on the label.

The company is also focused on reducing packaging material waste as much as possible. Our reviewer noted that almost all Green Chef packaging uses recyclable, reusable, or compostable materials. For instance, cardboard boxes are made with a minimum of 40% recycled content, and ClimaCell, a proprietary plant-based insulator, is used to keep your meal kits cool.

Inside the box, you’ll find the ingredients for each meal kit packed in paper bags made of 100% post-consumer recycled paper. These bags can be recycled if clean or composted if they get soiled. Also, the plastic bags and sauce packets are made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which is recyclable. Lastly, Green Chef offsets 100% of its carbon emissions.

Green Chef proves that you can be eco-friendly without sacrificing your culinary quality of life. Green Chef’s 45+ weekly recipes let you choose from a variety of world cuisines, and tags make it easy to find meals that fit your dietary needs.

The weekly menu features low-prep meal kits (under 30 minutes), 10-minute lunches, and brunches. You’ll find plenty of options for keto, high-protein, vegetarian/vegan, low-calorie and gluten-free dieters. The company offers an extensive Add-ons section too that includes cooked proteins, breakfasts, lunches, and desserts.

At $9.99 per serving for the 4 meals for 6 people per week plan, Green Chef is a bit pricey. But this is to be expected, considering all the effort that goes into choosing the right suppliers and ingredients.

2. Factor – Best Eco-Friendly Ready-Made Meals

Factor delivers prepared meals and makes it easy to eat well. Since it’s a ready-made meal delivery service, it doesn’t involve any cooking or prep, which is definitely an extra point for me. And, if you want extra goodies like snacks or juices, Factor offers add-ons to enhance your experience even further.

Each meal usually includes protein (animal or plant-based), veggies, and a starchy side dish. But this doesn’t mean the menu lacks variety. In fact, according to my colleague’s extensive review, the service offers a combination of American and international cuisines, such as Asian, Mexican, and Mediterranean.

Another extra point comes from the fact that Factor uses high-quality ingredients. All the meals are made with fresh produce, sustainably sourced seafood, grass-fed meat, or antibiotic-free poultry to create fresh, flavorful entrees that meet diverse dietary needs. Factor has options for diets like keto, low-calorie, high-protein, vegetarian, low-carb, and vegan.

Factor sources its ingredients from producers that follow strict welfare practices for animals. These farms abide by high standards, such as not using antibiotics or added hormones in the raising of their livestock. This way, you can be sure your meals are nutrient-rich and free of harmful toxins or preservatives.

Additionally, the company is highly focused on reducing packaging materials waste. Factor uses BPA-free recyclable plastic containers for its meals and insulates its boxes with reusable gel packs to ensure freshness during shipping. Other plastic containers, like smoothie bottles, are also recyclable or reusable.

Prices start at $6.19 per serving, and you can order 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 18 meals per week. If you opt for a small order, the price per serving is higher. The meals are single-serving, so Factor may not be a great choice for families. But if you’re on your own or in a couple and don’t have much time to cook, it could be worth a shot.

3. HelloFresh – Best Family-Friendly Meal Kits

It can be difficult to get your family to eat environmentally sustainable meals. This is where HelloFresh steps in with its extensive family-friendly menu of over 60 recipes per week. Many of these recipes are crowd-pleasers, and they're created with an ecologically conscious mindset.

It can be difficult to get your family to eat environmentally sustainable meals. This is where HelloFresh steps in with its extensive family-friendly menu of over 60 recipes per week. Many of these recipes are crowd-pleasers designed and created with an ecologically conscious mindset.

HelloFresh is 1 of the most flexible meal delivery services due to its wide range of meal kits and customization options. While trying out the service for our in-depth review, my colleague was thrilled to learn that HelloFresh lets you change, swap, or upgrade 12+ sides and proteins each week.

This way, the company helps reduce food waste while also providing you with more interesting options. This doesn’t mean the core menu isn’t varied – there are plenty of vegetarian options and meals inspired by cuisines like American, Japanese, Indian, Italian, Mediterranean, and Mexican.

Most of the meal kits are easy to prepare, but each weekly menu includes 5 Premium Picks. These are gourmet meals with a medium-level difficulty and a longer prep time (45 to 50 minutes). But the results are worth the extra effort! Also, HelloFresh’s detailed recipe cards will help you every step of the way.

In terms of sustainability, HelloFresh is extremely transparent with its practices. You can read all about the suppliers that grow your foods and the methods used for this. The company has a dedicated sustainability team whose job is to make sure HelloFresh remains a sustainable and eco-friendly company.

HelloFresh is a great option for large families since you can order for 2 or 4 people. The price per serving with the largest box size (6 meals for 4 people per week) is $3.32. But the company’s most popular plan is 3 meals for 2 people per week, which is still an affordable option.

4. Blue Apron – Best for Affordable and Sophisticated Recipes

Blue Apron knows how to balance comfort food with healthy options. Most of the meals include lean proteins, fresh veggies, and healthy grains – with the occasional indulgent pasta dish or meatloaf thrown in for good measure.

Blue Apron’s menu stands out by also including premium recipes like steak and seafood dishes. Plus, the chefs know how to put together heavenly spice mixes, sauces, and truly interesting sides – think crispy Gnocchi instead of boring mashed potatoes.

Blue Apron uses fresh produce and other high-quality ingredients to make sure each meal is as delicious as possible. My colleague did some digging while working on their in-depth Blue Apron review and learned that the company works with a tight-knit network of trustworthy farmers, fisheries, and ranchers.

There are over 100 family-run farms in Blue Apron’s network, and all of them use sustainable farming practices. This way, you can rest assured that no added hormones or sub-therapeutic antibiotic make their way into your food. Blue Apron is very transparent about its sourcing philosophy, so it’s easy to find the authenticity of its claims.

Blue Apron is also 1 of the few meal delivery companies that managed to achieve its carbon neutrality goals. The company did this by purchasing carbon offsets and is now working on becoming a Net Zero company. Moreover, over 85% of the packaging materials used by Blue Apron are recyclable by weight.

Blue Apron prices start at $5.74 per serving for 5 meals per week for 4 people. You can order for 2 or 4 people, between 2 and 5 meals each week, and the overall cost remains quite budget-friendly.

5. Purple Carrot – Best Plant-Based Meal Kits

One of the best things you can do for the planet is to eat more vegetables. And if you want to increase your plant intake and reduce your carbon footprint, Purple Carrot may be the meal service for you. Purple Carrot’s menu is 100% plant-based and features meal kits and ready-made recipes for everyone.

Not vegan or vegetarian? No problem! Our reviewer tried Purple Carrot and declared it to be a great option for anyone who wants to learn how to turn veggies into delicious and satisfying meals.

The menu offer is diverse with recipes like Gnocchi Al Pesto and Thai Curry Tofu Nuggets. In the meal kits section, you’ll also find several Less Prep recipes each week, and the Plantry section awaits you with spices, desserts, and some veggie protein options. Still, the number of menu items is limited, especially when compared to HelloFresh’s menu.

Purple Carrot works with a carefully selected chain of suppliers. The company focuses on using high-quality fresh produce that has been sustainability sourced to provide you with nutrient-rich and delicious plant-based meals. Purple Carrot isn’t an organic-certified service, but most of the non-produce items (beans, nut milk, tofu, tempeh) are organic.

When it comes to packaging materials, I think Purple Carrot uses quite a lot of plastic. However, fresh produce isn’t easy to transport, and plastic seems to be the only viable solution for now. Most of the containers and insulation used are recyclable as long as your area accepts them.

Prices start at $8.50 per serving with the meal kits, and you can order for 2 or 4 people. You can order between 2 and 4 meals per person per week. The ready-made meals have a fixed price ($13 per serving), and you can order 6, 8, or 10 meals per week.

6. BistroMD – Best for Weight Loss

Diet food is rarely exciting, but BistroMD is working hard to demolish that stereotype. Its flash-frozen meals feature controlled portions of tasty, nutritious foods that help you lose weight and learn healthier eating habits. BistroMD was founded by a doctor and is currently supported by a team of registered dietitians.

BistroMD offers programs tailored to specific dietary and health needs. These plans help support diets such as gluten-free, diabetes-friendly, menopause management, heart-healthy, vegan, and weight loss. Also, our BistroMD reviewer found the meals quite creative and tasty.

To help with weight loss, the meals are crafted following a specific formula. As such, most of the recipes include a combination of 40% protein, 30% healthy fats, and 30% carbohydrates. Also, each meal contains 25 to 30 grams of protein, low glycemic carbohydrates, and fiber to keep you feeling full throughout the day while keeping your blood sugar levels in check.

I also like that BistroMD recommends different calorie counts for men and women. According to these plans, men should consume 1,400 calories over 3 meals a day and 3 snacks, while women should stick to 1,200 calories over 3 meals and 2 snacks.

The BistroMD subscription also comes with access to registered dietitians. As a member, you have access to an exclusive Facebook page where you can get in touch with BistroMD dietitians who answer your questions promptly.

BistroMD gets its ingredients from local, family-owned farms wherever possible. Also, the company uses environmentally-responsible seafood and hormone-free chicken and beef. Most of the packaging materials are recyclable and/or compostable, and the few ones you can’t recycle, you can repurpose.

BistroMD is a complete meal plan that sends 2 or 3 meals 5 or 7 days a week. However, with prices starting at $8.24 per serving, it’s not suitable for everyone.

7. Marley Spoon – Great for Easy-to-Make Meal Kits

Marley Spoon is a meal delivery service with top-notch flavor and variety. This service features recipes curated by none other than Martha Stewart herself, so you know you're getting quality cuisine.

One of the best things about Marley Spoon is that it caters to all kinds of dietary needs. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or simply seeking healthier options, there are plenty of choices available. There are also tasty options for families and kids who need their meals quick and easy.

The rotating menu of 100+ recipes is inspired by different cuisines from around the world.  So there's no lack of variety to keep your taste buds satisfied. Each recipe comes with a well-detailed recipe card, so even if you choose something a bit more complex, you’ll have no trouble turning it into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Around half of the recipes fit in the Under 30 Minutes category, and 20+ are plant-based. There are also lots of dairy-free recipes and around 10 Premium meals each week. Premium meals are a bit fancier and may take longer to prep and cook (around 50 minutes), but our reviewer found them quite impressive.

Marley Spoon also offers customization options for about half of the recipes. Just like with HelloFresh and Blue Apron, you can choose different proteins or side dishes for your meals, which helps reduce food waste.

The company is committed to reducing its footprint and reaching carbon neutrality. It’s also always looking for ways to improve its packaging materials. While there’s still a long way to go, Markey Spoon managed to create an extensive network of trustworthy suppliers and a transparent and sustainable supply chain. Most of the materials in the delivery box are recyclable.

At the end of the day, Marley Spoon is an affordable, family-friendly meal kit delivery service. Prices start at $2.99 per serving for the 6 meals for 4 people each week, but you’ll still get a good deal when ordering for 2 people.

8. Dinnerly – Best for a Tight Budget

Environmentally friendly alternatives can be more expensive than less eco-friendly options. But Dinnerly makes it easy to support our planet even when you’re on a tight budget. In all fairness, you won’t find organic ingredients at these low prices, but the company has several aces up its sleeve.

There’s an extensive and unexpectedly varied menu. Dinnerly features a core menu with over 100 recipes every week that includes a wide range of dietary options, including vegetarian, dairy-free, vegan, low-calorie, or low-carb.

The quality of ingredients is high and may include organic produce from time to time. As our reviewer noticed while trying this service, Dinnerly has an extensive network of trustworthy suppliers that provide fresh produce and high-quality meat (antibiotic-free, humanely-raised, and grass-fed).

Dinnerly makes a commitment to offering high-quality meals at an affordable price. The company had to cut some corners, but these proved beneficial for the environment. For instance, Dinnerly uses digital recipe cards instead of paper. Also, all of Dinnerly’s ingredients (except for the more sensitive ones) are packed together, which reduces the amount of packaging materials needed.

Dinnerly’s menu tends toward familiar comfort foods that use basic ingredients, which is less wasteful. This makes it easier to cook a wide range of meals, which extends your culinary reach. Dinnerly also offers customization options for half of its recipes, so you’re in full control of your menu.

Prices starting at $2.12 per serving, making Dinnerly the cheapest service on my list. You can order for 2 or 4 people, between 2 and 6 meals per person per week. This makes Dinnerly a great option for couples and families, but make sure to pay attention to your customizations (these often come with an upcharge).

9. Splendid Spoon – Best for Food On the Go

If you want a break from processed food, Splendid Spoon may be a great option. This popular 100% plant-based service offers superfood-packed meals and snacks that are ready to eat in just a few minutes. The menu includes plant-based lunch options like noodles, dishes, and soups and veggie breakfast options, like smoothies, juices, and shots.

I think Splendid Spoon is the best way to start your day off right with healthy and tasty meals. By offering mostly lunch and breakfast options, the company stands out from Purple Carrot, which offers mostly 100% plant-based entrees.

All of Splendid Spoon's food is vegan and gluten-free, with plenty of organic ingredients sourced from trustworthy farms. The menu features global culinary influences combined with healthy whole ingredients like kale, spinach, beans, and whole grains. You won't find any soy-based meat substitutes here.

Splendid Spoon’s smoothies and prepared meals are great for busy environmentalists. All the ingredients are gluten-free, non-GMO, and mostly organic. Our reviewer tried Splendid Spoon and found it to be a great way to stay on track with a healthy, plant-based diet even when you’re always on the go.

You can easily grab a smoothie in the morning and enjoy it on your daily walk or while commuting to work. You have a wide array of options for lunch too. From Brown Rice Taco Bowls With Beans and Tomato Salsa to Cauliflower Tikka Masala Soup, there's something for everyone on Splendid Spoon’s menu.

All Splendid Spoon packaging is recyclable or reusable. Since Splendid Spoon’s menu is entirely plant-based, it automatically has a lower carbon footprint. Splendid Spoon uses dry ice instead of gel packs to keep everything chill, and it simply evaporates, leaving no waste behind.

Splendid Spoon offers 4 plans, and prices start at $9.99 per serving. You can choose between the Full Plan ( includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner), Breakfast + Lunch, Breakfast, or Lunch.

10. Sprinly – Delicious Organic Prepared Meals

Sprinly uses USDA-certified organic ingredients grown using sustainable agricultural practices. All meals are gluten-free and contain no refined sugars. And because Sprinly’s vegan meals are high in fiber, they fill you faster than you would expect, given their calorie count.

With Sprinly, you don't have to worry about cooking since the meals are fully prepared. All you have to do is heat the meal you want in the microwave or toss some salad dressing on. This is why Sprinly works great for busy people who care about their health but don't have the time or energy to cook nutritious meals every day.

Sprinly’s philosophy is that healthy food should be accessible, convenient, and packed with nutrients. Moreover, the company is committed to an eco-friendly business model, starting with reducing packaging materials waste. While trying out Sprinly, our reviewer was quite impressed with the detailed recycling instructions they received.

The main downside to this amazing service is the limited menu offer. Sprinly only offers 6 options per week, which is even less than Purple Carrot’s ready-made meals section, where you can find 8 meals each week. On the upside, you don’t have to browse a huge menu, like Factor’s, to find the meals that fit your dietary preferences.

The recipes are indeed impressive for a plant-based meal delivery service. You can choose from scrumptious options like Lentil Bolognese Pasta Sauce and General Tsao's Tofu with Peanut Red Cabbage Slaw, which are both packed with nutrients and yummy veggies.

With Sprinly, prices start at $16.05 per serving for 18 single-serving meals per week. This makes Sprinly 1 of the pricier meal delivery services on my list and on the market. But, while the company loses points for its limited menu selection and its steep starting price, it scores high marks for quality and taste.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Eco-Friendly Meal Delivery Services

If you’re interested in an eco-friendly meal delivery service, here are some pointers from a professional reviewer.

• Check the eco-friendly practices: Before choosing a meal delivery service, look up the company’s sustainability practices. Look for companies that help reduce food waste, source produce from local farms, and use compostable or biodegradable packaging materials. 

• Read customer reviews: Reading customer reviews is an excellent way to gather insight into a company's customer experience and quality of food. Check social media platforms and look for honest feedback from real customers. For instance, HelloFresh is a company with a great online reputation.

• Examine menu options: Check to see if the menu aligns with your dietary needs. Also, look for services like Green Chef, which offers organic and locally sourced produce.

• Check the pricing: Most eco-friendly meal delivery services tend to be on the pricier side (although, Dinnerly proves that eco-friendly meals can also be affordable). Make sure that pricing aligns with your budget without compromising quality or ethics.

FAQ

How can I make food delivery more environmentally friendly?

Try recycling as much of the packaging as possible. Green Chef, my top eco-friendly meal pick, does an excellent job of using reusable packaging and limiting its carbon footprint.

What is the most environmentally friendly diet? 

Plant-based meals require fewer resources and have a lower carbon footprint than meals featuring meat, seafood, or other animal products. Purple Carrot’s entire menu is 100% plant-based, and a Purple Carrot meal kit releases 72% less carbon into the atmosphere than the standard American meal.

What is the most environmentally friendly prepared meal delivery service?

Factor is my top choice for the most environmentally friendly prepared meal delivery service. Factor delivers delicious and sustainably-sourced ready-made meals that are free from hormones, preservatives, antibiotics, and artificial sweeteners.

Best Eco Friendly Meal Delivery Services in 2023 — Final Score