10 Best Meal Delivery for Picky Eaters 2023: Top Picks

Finding the best meal delivery for picky eaters can be frustrating and confusing. This can be especially true if you have certain allergies, want to avoid certain ingredients, or just have very strong preferences for a handful of ingredients.

I’ve done the research to find out all the best options. The best meal delivery services should have a large selection of meals, help you filter out allergens and other ingredients quickly, let you swap out different ingredients entirely, and tell you what each meal’s spice level is as well.

I believe Factor is the best thanks to its simple but tasty prepared meals. I’ve put together a list of the best meal delivery services for picky eaters to help you find your perfect meal, no matter what your meal preferences might be.

The Best Meal Delivery Services for Picky Eaters Reviewed

1. Factor – Best Selection of Different Meal Types

One of the most significant advantages of Factor is the convenience it brings to the table. As a picky eater, meal planning and preparation can be a daunting task. Factor takes away the hassle by delivering fully prepared meals directly to your doorstep. This means no more spending hours in the kitchen or stressing over grocery shopping.

It provides a wide variety of delicious meals, allowing you to choose from a diverse range of options that align with your specific taste buds. Whether you have dietary restrictions, specific food aversions, or simply prefer certain flavors, Factor has you covered with its extensive menu selection.

Factor’s main strength is the different meal types available. This includes breakfast, sides, desserts, and proteins. You can even choose from smoothies, juices, shakes, and wellness shots. You seriously won’t have any shortage of options as a picky eater with this much variety on the menu!

I like that there’s an option to book a free call with a nutritionist. This is really handy if you need some advice about which meals are best suited to your particular needs. It might even give you some ideas about other dishes you might enjoy trying.

With Factor, you can enjoy flavorful and satisfying meals without any of the usual prep work. Our reviewer was impressed with the high-quality ingredients and that meals are ready in under 5 minutes.

The main dinner menu is quite vast and contains many different prepared meals for a range of diets including vegan, vegetarian, keto, and low-calorie. So if you’re a picky eater, there are always plenty of options.

The meals aren’t customizable, so you should check the ingredients for each meal before ordering to make sure it suits your needs. However, in my opinion, the very large menu selection makes up for this. You’ll probably end up finding quite a few meals here that match up with your preferences.

A minimum order is 6 single-serving meals per week but for the best value of $6.19 per serving, you need to order more. Although they’re best fresh, you do have the option to store meals in the freezer for more flexibility.

2. Green Chef – Best for Plan Preferences

Green Chef offers a customizable menu that caters to various dietary preferences, making it a great fit for picky eaters. It provides a wide range of meal plans, including options for vegetarian, vegan, keto, and more.

You can select a meal plan that aligns perfectly with your specific taste preferences and dietary needs. With Green Chef, you can explore a diverse array of flavorful meals that cater to your unique palate.

Green Chef is committed to using organic and sustainably sourced ingredients. This is particularly beneficial for picky eaters who prioritize quality and are conscious of the ingredients they consume. Green Chef works closely with farmers and suppliers to ensure that the ingredients in its meals are of the highest quality.

It takes the stress out of meal planning and grocery shopping, making it a hassle-free experience for picky eaters. With its meal delivery service, you receive pre-portioned ingredients right at your doorstep, along with easy-to-follow recipes like the Quick & Easy Chicken and Potato Soup (pictured).

There’s no need to search for specific ingredients or worry about food waste. Green Chef provides you with everything you need to create delicious meals without the usual time-consuming prep work. Its recipes are easy to follow and are suitable for chefs of all abilities.

Most of its meal kits can be cooked in around 30 minutes. Plus there are Quick & Easy recipes that include pre-prepared ingredients and use fewer utensils. Our expert reviewer found that most recipes were “foolproof”, making it a good choice for novice chefs.

You can choose meals from different plans. This means that if you have a vegetarian and a keto dieter in the household, both can have meals to suit their needs. This is also a great way to expand the range of cuisines you’re used to and try something new.

Its gluten-free meals are certified which means there’s no cross-contamination. If this is a concern or you’re celiac, it offers great peace of mind that you’re eating meals that suit your intolerances.

Green Chef focuses on meal kits rather than prepared meals. This gives you much more flexibility and the opportunity to omit or substitute ingredients. However, if you prefer the ease of prepared meals, I recommend looking at Factor instead.

You can order 3 or 4 meals per week for 2, 4, or 6 people. Prices start at $5.99 per serving.

3. HelloFresh – Most Reasonably-Priced Family-Friendly Meal Delivery

HelloFresh is the most family-friendly and budget-friendly service that’s great for picky eaters. It offers a variety of dishes that are relatively low in spices, and most of its meals are Americanized and not too exotic. The Family Friendly plan is great for encouraging younger family members to help out in the kitchen.

HelloFresh has a selection that caters to your unique palate. Whether you prefer classic comfort foods or have a preference for specific flavors and ingredients, you’ll find things like chicken dishes, meatloaves, burgers, pasta dishes, and salads.

It provides options for many dietary preferences including vegetarian, vegan, and low-calorie. This means you can tailor your meal selections to accommodate any specific dietary restrictions or personal preferences you may have as a picky eater.

It provides pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. As a picky eater, you may find it challenging to try new foods or experiment with different ingredients. HelloFresh lets you enjoy the benefits of home-cooked meals without the hassle of measuring or wasting ingredients.

The meals themselves are all meal kits, so you’ll need to spend some time cooking, but that could work in your favor. You’ll have much more control over every ingredient that goes into the recipe. So you could leave out the chili and spice blend in the One-Pot Cowboy Turkey and Bean Chili.

If a meal has a particular ingredient you’re not fond of, you can choose to omit it. If you aren’t a fan of mushrooms, onion, or garlic, for example, you can replace them with an alternative that you do like.

You’ll also only be getting mains here for dinner or lunch, so no sides or breakfasts, but there are a large number of entrees so there’s something on the menu you’ll enjoy. Plus, there’s a range of 10-Minute Lunches for a lighter meal, and even a brunch option every week.

The step-by-step instructions make it easy for even novice cooks to prepare delicious meals with confidence. The recipe cards are really clear as noted by my colleague when they tested them. In fact, HelloFresh road tests each recipe 200 times, so even the more complex dishes should be logical to follow.

You can order either a 2-serving plan or a 4-serving plan. If you’re cooking for 1, this means you’ve got leftovers for the next day. Prices start at $3.32 per serving, and a minimum order is 2 servings of 2 meals per week.

4. Home Chef – Best for Protein Customization

Home Chef offers a huge menu with 25+ meal kits of varying degrees of difficulty, depending on how much time you have. This can help you try out new recipes you may not have thought of or just save time by simply heating and eating your meals if you choose one of the extras like Creamy Tomato Soup.

The menu variety of Home Chef is good for picky eaters, as it allows you to explore different tastes in a controlled and accessible way. Home Chef introduces you to new and exciting flavors, helping you choose dishes that you may not have considered trying before.

Something else I like about Home Chef is the ability to customize the protein in most of the meals. Don’t like chicken? Don’t worry. Pork, turkey, steak, shrimp, or “Impossible Burger” are some of the alternatives you’ll find. This makes it relatively simple to find something you’re likely to be happy with if you’re picky.

Home Chef also makes it pretty easy to choose the exact meal ingredients you prefer. You can select the ingredients you want to avoid during the signup process. These include pork, beef, poultry, fish, shellfish, mushrooms, tree nuts, or peanuts.

You can also choose between vegetarian, carb-conscious, or calorie-conscious meals. This is 1 of the filters on the menu, which makes it easy to see what kind of dishes to expect each week.

I also like how you can filter the menu by meal type. This means you can easily find Oven-Ready meals, Family-Meals, or Express meals for when you want an easier-to-prepare recipe. For more details check out our expert review of Home Chef.

Home Chef provides detailed and user-friendly recipes that are designed to make meal preparation a breeze. The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, making it easy for even novice cooks to follow along. This is especially helpful for picky eaters who may be hesitant to try new recipes or techniques.

Lastly, each meal comes with a “spice level” indicator telling you exactly what to expect. Just check the recipe details. A tasty-looking low-spice recipe is the Creamy Bacon and Green Onion Chicken Cutlet, which is pictured above.

A minimum order is 2 meals for 2 people per week, but you can order up to 6 meals for 6 people if you have a larger family. Prices start at $7.99 per serving based on larger orders.

5. Fresh and Easy – Quick Meals for Picky Eaters

Fresh and Easy meals are designed to be quick and easy to prepare. It’s part of the Home Chef family, and recipes come with pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step instructions, making meal preparation a breeze. This is especially beneficial for picky eaters who may prefer simpler cooking methods or who have limited time and energy for extensive meal preparation.

In the Fresh and Easy lineup, you still get the customization options Home Chef offers. You can swap proteins or make modifications to suit your tastes. This allows you to tailor the meals to your liking, accommodating any specific preferences or aversions you may have.

Check out our full review for more about what’s on the menu. My colleague did point out that vegan options are limited, so if you follow a plant-based diet, you’ll find plenty more choices on the Green Chef menu. However, there are a few recipes that can be customized with the Impossible burger.

Fresh and Easy meals typically have fewer ingredients compared to other Home Chef options. This can be good for picky eaters who prefer simpler recipes and have a narrower range of accepted ingredients. You can get meals that align with your specific preferences while still providing variety and flavor.

It offers a variety of dietary preferences to choose from. You can find options for vegetarian, low-calorie, and other dietary restrictions. This means you can still find meals that cater to your specific dietary needs.

Fresh and Easy has something to offer for every palate and lifestyle with its wide selection of options. Whether you're looking for Express meal kits, convenient oven and grill-ready meals, refreshing salads, or ready-to-eat prepared meals, there’s something for you.

There’s a helpful tagging system on its menu to help you identify allergens. But due to the nature of meal preparation and the possibility of cross-contamination, it may not be the most suitable option for individuals with severe allergies. You can check our list of the Best Allergy-Friendly Meal Delivery Services for more options.

When ordering from Fresh and Easy, you'll find the same options as Home Chef. You have the flexibility to select between 2 to 6 recipes per week, catering between 2 to 6 people. Prices start at $7.99 per serving.

6. Blue Apron – Best for Menu Diversity

Blue Apron makes it easy to order the right meals if you’re a picky eater thanks to its massive selection of meal kits and prepared meals. I find it very difficult to not find something here for everyone, plus you might find that you’ll never get bored with the menu, as dishes are changed weekly.

You can easily omit certain ingredients during the cooking process if you order meal kits. Plus some meal kits also offer swaps. For example, the Shrimp Tacos and Peach Salsa can be made with shrimp or corn and tomatoes instead. Don’t forget you can leave out ingredients or make your own substitutions at home.

There are always family-friendly recipes on the menu every week. Some recipes, like the Italian Chicken Focaccia Sandwiches and the Smoky Vegetable Enchiladas, can be made in around 30 minutes.

If you prefer easier prep options, there are Oven-Ready meals and Fast & Easy meals. These reduce the time you spend in the kitchen, giving you more time to sort out any sides that you know your picky eater is likely to enjoy.

If you opt for the prepared meals, you can easily preview the ingredients on the website. That means you can avoid anything you can’t eat and choose an alternative recipe instead. You can even check out our reviewer’s pick of their favorite Blue Apron meals in their review.

Blue Apron emphasizes high-quality ingredients, which is especially beneficial for picky eaters. The freshness and quality of the ingredients significantly impact the taste and overall enjoyment of a meal. Blue Apron sources its ingredients from trusted suppliers, ensuring that you receive fresh produce, premium meats, and flavorful spices.

Blue Apron promotes a sense of fun and creativity in the kitchen. Cooking can become an enjoyable experience, allowing you to experiment with flavors, try new cooking techniques, and customize recipes to suit your preferences. With Blue Apron, you can engage in the joy of cooking while sticking to your picky eating habits.

It introduces you to a variety of ingredients and flavors in a manageable way. Its recipes are designed to be accessible, and each dish comes with step-by-step instructions, making it easy to prepare even for novice cooks. This gives you the opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and expand your culinary horizons gradually.

You can get started with Blue Apron with a minimum order of 2 servings of 2 meals per week, and prices start at $5.74 per serving. Families are well catered for as you can order up to 4 servings of 5 meals per week.

7. BistroMD – Great Choice for Different Dietary Needs

BistroMD is great for picky eaters because of its extensive support for a lot of different dietary needs. In addition to catering to those who prefer heart-healthy, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, and low-sodium meals, it also caters to low-carb, dairy-free, Mediterranean, and vegetarian. There’s even a dedicated plan for women going through the menopause.

In fact, there are 7 plans to choose from including a new Vegan plan. Don’t feel overwhelmed with the extensive number of dishes as they’re rotated every 6 weeks. Plus, the choices are limited further if you select a more specialized plan like Keto Flex. Our full review has all the details.

Meals arrive fully prepared and frozen to retain freshness. Although this means you can’t customize individual ingredients, you can contact customer services to have dishes containing certain ingredients removed from your menu in your account.

BistroMD goes the extra mile in supporting picky eaters by offering nutrition advice. You can access a team of registered dietitians who are ready to provide guidance and support. This can be incredibly valuable if you want friendly experts to help you navigate your dietary choices and make well-informed decisions.

Each dish is expertly crafted to provide a well-balanced and nutritious meal with a combination of proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. This is especially beneficial for picky eaters who may struggle to incorporate a variety of nutritious foods into their diets.

You can also get access to other types of meals like breakfast, lunch, and snacks. The same filtering system and dietary options apply to those types of meals as well. If you prefer to have more control over your meal’s ingredients, I recommend Blue Apron instead, which has meal kits and prepared meals.

The minimum order is 10 meals per week which covers you for lunch and dinner. Prices start at $8.24 per serving based on the full 3 meals a day plan for 7 days.

8. Dinnerly – Most Affordable Meal Delivery Service

Dinnerly keeps it simple, which is great for picky eaters. You’ll find some of the most affordable meals here, and most of them are quite basic with not too many ingredients or spices.

You have the freedom to choose from a diverse range of options, ensuring that you find meals that excite your palate. Whether you have a preference for classic comfort foods like the No Chop! Creamy Spring Linguine (pictured above) or prefer specific flavors and ingredients, Dinnerly has something that’ll satisfy your cravings.

You’ll find mostly meal kits here and around 3 prepared meals per week. But that’s not a big deal if you don’t mind spending a small amount of time cooking. Each meal only takes about 20-30 minutes to prepare, which, in my experience, is pretty reasonable. The prepared meals are found as part of the main menu.

I like that there really aren’t too many ingredients, so you won’t have to spend a long time reading each list to see if there’s something you can’t eat. You’ll be able to enjoy your meal with the knowledge that it suits your needs.

Dinnerly prioritizes quality ingredients too. I like that it doesn't compromise on quality to maintain affordability. Find out more about how it uses sustainable proteins in our full review.

I love that you have the option to customize some of the meals. For example, the Garlic-Butter Chicken with French Fries recipe can be created with chicken or salmon. Just keep in mind that upgrades generally cost more.

It often introduces innovative twists on classic dishes, allowing you to expand your culinary horizons without overwhelming your taste buds. Dinnerly provides an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try something new in a fun way.

Unlike most meal delivery services, you may need additional ingredients. Generally, this means seasoning, but you might need to add egg, milk, vinegar, or flour to create the recipe. Check the details before you start cooking. As an alternative, Blue Apron meal kits contain everything you need.

With Dinnerly, you can order a minimum of 2 meals per week for 2 people. Prices start at just $2.12 per serving, making it a really affordable option. If you have a bigger family, no worries! Dinnerly also offers the option to order up to 6 meals per week for 4 people, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal.

9. Marley Spoon – Best for Omnivores

Marley Spoon is best for omnivores who enjoy a variety of flavors and ingredients. It offers an extensive menu that includes a rich assortment of meat-based dishes. From succulent steaks to flavorful chicken recipes, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your carnivorous cravings.

It's important to note that Marley Spoon's menu may be more limited for vegans. While it does offer some vegetarian recipes, the focus is primarily on meat and dairy-based dishes. As a result, vegans may not find many suitable options within the Marley Spoon menu. If you follow a vegan lifestyle, you might want to consider alternatives like Green Chef.

Its meal kits save you time and effort by delivering all the necessary ingredients directly to your doorstep. This convenience is especially valuable for picky eaters who may prefer to avoid grocery shopping or who have limited time for meal preparation.

Marley Spoon and Dinnerly share the same ownership, so you can expect similar standards across both services. They both deliver fresh ingredients, easy-to-follow recipes, and a wide range of meal options to suit various tastes and preferences.

Marley Spoon allows you to customize your weekly menu by providing options for substitutions and personal preferences. If there are specific ingredients or flavors that you're not fond of, you can make swaps or omit them from your chosen recipes. Our reviewer noted this isn’t limited to proteins, they were able to swap the type of rice in a dish too.

It provides detailed and easy-to-follow recipes with step-by-step instructions. The clear instructions make it simple for picky eaters to prepare meals without feeling overwhelmed. The recipes are designed to be approachable, even for those with limited cooking experience, ensuring that you can successfully create tasty meals in your own kitchen.

Prices start at $2.99 per serving and you can choose between 2 to 6 recipes per week for either 2 or 4 people, which gives you the same flexibility as Dinnerly.

10. Purple Carrot – Best for Plant-Based Picky Eaters

Purple Carrot specializes in plant-based meals, offering a wide variety of flavorful and creative recipes. Whether you're a picky eater looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet or someone who already enjoys plant-based cuisine, Purple Carrot has a diverse menu that caters to different taste preferences.

It offers a range of cuisines, flavors, and ingredients to keep your meals exciting and satisfying. That being said, if you choose the meal kit option, it’s easy to omit or even replace any ingredients you aren’t a fan of.

If you aren’t averse to trying out more adventurous options, you’ll find some on the Purple Carrot menu. Meal kits include Crispy Broccoli Pakoras, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, and Summer Vegetable Ciabatta which is a Less Prep option.

Less Prep meals contain more pre-prepped ingredients. This makes them easier to cook for novice chefs but may still take around 30 minutes to prepare. If you prefer fully prepared meals, you can choose from dishes like Portobello Tortelloni and Cuban Style Black Beans.

Each recipe is designed to incorporate a range of essential nutrients. This is particularly beneficial for picky eaters who may struggle to incorporate a diverse range of vegetables and plant-based proteins into their diet. Purple Carrot's meals ensure that you're getting a good balance of nutrients while enjoying delicious flavors.

One thing to note is that Purple Carrot isn’t as eco-friendly in terms of packaging. Our reviewer wasn’t happy with the amount of plastic that they found in the delivery box. However, there are tips and instructions for recycling or reusing the packaging materials on the Purple Carrot website.

You have the flexibility to choose from a selection of recipes, so you get meals that align with your specific taste buds. However, the menu is more limited than other services, like Green Chef for example, which has more variety on its menu.

A minimum order is 2 servings of 3 meals per week for the meal kits plan. Or you can order between 6 and 10 prepared meals. Prices start at $8.50 per serving.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Meal Delivery for Picky Eaters

When you’re selecting a meal delivery for picky eaters, I recommend ensuring that you get the following:

• Customizability: I recommend selecting a service that lets you customize your meals. That way, you can ensure you get exactly the ingredients you want if you’re a picky eater. Home Chef offers excellent protein customization options. 

• Dietary options: Meal delivery services can cater to different dietary needs, but this differs depending on the service you choose. Check the menu carefully before signing up. If you’re looking for keto meals, try a prepared meal service such as Factor, or if you prefer meal kits, try Green Chef.

• Spices: Some meal delivery services show how spicy their meals are, and some don't. If your chosen service doesn't share this information, it's good to take a close look at the ingredients of each meal. Home Chef shows the spice level for each dish.
  

• Number of meals: Choosing a meal delivery service with a large variety of meals is particularly beneficial for picky eaters. You're not confined to specific ingredients, which is a big plus. HelloFresh, for instance, has an extensive menu filled with family favorites, all backed by easy-to-follow recipes. If there are ingredients you dislike, you have the freedom to omit them when you're preparing the meal at home.
  

FAQ

What meal delivery service is best for picky eaters?

Factor is my top choice for picky eaters. Depending on your dietary and ingredient preferences, you’ll find plenty of options on the menu. The pre-cooked and ready-to-eat meals are great for all kinds of eaters. Read about all the options on my list to find the best meal delivery service for you.

What is the cheapest healthy meal delivery service for picky eaters?

Though many meal delivery services are affordable, the most budget-friendly is Dinnerly. It offers a large selection of meals that aren’t too spicy and don’t contain very many ingredients, which could be the perfect option if you’re a picky eater.

What meal delivery service lets you customize your meals?

The most customizable meal delivery service on my list is Home Chef. You can choose your preferences when you sign up, and there are meals suitable for a range of dietary preferences. Plus, you’re able to customize meals by swapping proteins which gives you much more freedom of choice.

Best Meal Delivery Services for Picky Eaters in 2023 — Final Score