10 Best Meal Delivery Services in Santa Rosa 2024: Updated

Looking for an easy way to enjoy healthy, restaurant-quality meals at home? I’ve rounded up the best meal delivery services for the Santa Rosa area to help you make a decision. Whether you’re following a specific diet or just looking to improve on your kitchen skills, there’s a service that’ll be perfect for your household. 

I think Factor is the best overall meal delivery service for Santa Rosa due to its menu variety and diet-specific options. But there are 9 other great options for you to check out if you want to do the cooking yourself or have other preferences.

The Best Meal Delivery Services in Santa Rosa Reviewed

1. Factor – Best Overall Meal Delivery Service in Santa Rosa

Factor is a great option for those of us who are always on the go. The company has a straightforward business model – ready-to-eat meals that only require heating. While this isn’t new in the industry of meal delivery services, Factor’s dishes are carefully designed to look, taste, and feel like a restaurant-worthy meal.

What’s on the Menu?

I appreciate the menu variety, which isn’t something prepared meal delivery services manage to pull off. While most of its recipes follow the same formula (protein, starch, and veggies in various combinations), Factor doesn’t leave out those who follow a vegetarian, keto, or even vegan diet. The menu changes every week, so there’s no room for boredom.

Most of Factor’s meals are within the 350-900 calorie range, averaging around 600 calories. This is pretty standard for single-serve meals, but always double-check the nutrition label if you’re counting calories. The information is readily available and easy to find, both online and on the meal containers themselves.

Another thing to point out is Factor’s Add-ons menu. There are over 40 extra items each week, and you can find a wide range of products. Whether it’s the extra protein you’re after, a bit of a breakfast boost, a guilt-free dessert, or a refreshing smoothie, this menu has it all. According to my colleague’s review, the Add-ons menu is a great way to upgrade your weekly Factor order.

What Makes It Special?

The meals are delivered fresh (only chilled), so Factor doesn’t sacrifice texture or taste for convenience. This means that, after a long day of hustling, you can enjoy a nutritious, fresh, and delicious meal without investing more than the 5 minutes required for heating.

Factor features 6 meal plans, but you’re not bound to just 1 – you can mix and match. For instance, the Chef’s Choice plan offers a well-balanced culinary adventure, while the Keto plan helps you keep the carbs in check. The Calorie Smart plan is great for weight management, while the Flexitarian option features plant-based meals with a dash of animal protein.

Is It Good Value?

Factor employs certified dietitians to craft its meals and experienced chefs to cook its meals. One thing I've picked up on, though, is the somewhat sparse variety for strict vegans. You usually get just 2 or 3 vegan options each week. However, if you follow a keto, high-protein, or low-calorie diet, there’s enough variety to sustain your weekly needs.

Starting at $10.49 per serving, Factor’s pricing structure is competitive, considering the quality and convenience offered. You have the flexibility to order anywhere from 6 to 18 meals per week, which caters to both solo diners and families. Overall, Factor is an investment in your time, health, and palate.

2. Green Chef – Best for Sustainable and Organic Ingredients

Green Chef has made a name for itself as the first USDA Certified Organic meal kit company, which is a pretty big deal if you're particular about eating clean. The company takes pride in sourcing produce from local farmers and choosing only sustainably sourced, free-range proteins.

What’s on the Menu?

If your taste buds are adventurous, Green Chef’s menu won't disappoint. These recipes bring a world of flavors to your kitchen, making it a breeze to explore international cuisines right from your own home. Every week, there’s a promise of new discoveries with meals that draw inspiration from around the globe.

Green Chef offers recipes for all main meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You'll find lunch and dinner recipes under the Meals category of the Weekly Menu. For more rewarding dining, check out Chef Select meals. If you're short on time, try the 10-Min Lunches options. Look for breakfasts in the menu's Add-Ons section. 

Beyond the main meals, Green Chef’s Add-on menu is something to look forward to. The brunch and lunch selections are especially handy for those weekend eats when you want something special without the hassle.

What Makes It Special?

Green Chef offers 8 menu plans that you can mix and match. You’ll see options such as Mediterranean, Keto, Calorie Smart, and Plant Based. Due to this menu variety, I think almost anyone will be able to stick to their diet plans and health goals with Green Chef.

I also like that Green Chef offers easy-to-understand step-by-step instructions that are beginner-friendly. Check out our full Green Chef review to see how my colleague managed to cook restaurant-worthy meals just by following these recipes.

Green Chef’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its organic ingredients. The company offsets all its delivery emissions and the plastic used in its boxes, which is a huge plus for eco-conscious foodies. You’ll find that most of the packaging is designed to be recyclable or reusable, easing your environmental concerns 1 meal at a time.

Is It Good Value?

You’ll be able to cook with top-quality ingredients that add that extra oomph to your dishes. Plus, Green Chef’s chef-crafted meal kits aren’t just any meals – they're thoughtfully designed to be as nourishing as they are delicious. It's the kind of food that leaves you feeling satisfied and virtuous.

Green Chef’s meals start at $9.99 per serving. Organic ingredients come with a higher price tag, but for those of us who prioritize organic living, it’s a worthy investment. You have options for 2, 4, or 6 people, with 2 to 4 meals per week, depending on the number of dieters, giving you the flexibility to fit Green Chef into your lifestyle and household size.

3. Blue Apron – Best Meal Delivery Option for Variety

One of the reasons why Blue Apron shines among other services is its global culinary range. The menu will whisk you off to different parts of the world, and you don’t even have to leave your kitchen. Recipes like Chicken Shawarma Quesadillas and Hot Italian Sausage Meatballs and Garlic-Herb Orzo are standout examples of Blue Apron’s level of variety.

What’s on the Menu?

There are over 80 meal kits and freshly prepared meals available on the menu each week. However, if you’re looking for a larger meal kit menu, you may want to check HelloFresh with 100+ options per week.

Blue Apron features a nice mixture of vegetarian, family-friendly, and nutritionist-approved recipes. According to my colleague’s review, there are usually 4 to 5 vegetarian dishes each week. And, if you’re mindful of your nutritional intake, check out the Meal Kits’ Wellness meals.

If you find the menu lacking in abundance, check out Blue Apron’s Add-ons section. This is where you can broaden your order with extra meal kits, prepared meals for up to 2 people, and even some indulgent desserts, breakfasts, and appetizers for those special weekend brunches.

What Makes It Special?

You can customize about 10 recipes weekly by tweaking the ingredients. You can swap out proteins or turn a meat dish vegetarian, but the menu isn’t as flexible as Home Chef’s. Still, I did appreciate the care for seasonal dishes and restaurant-worthy recipes.

Even though there are diverse options, Blue Apron isn’t for every dietary need. For instance, if you need to avoid gluten, nuts, or dairy, you’ll have to check the ingredient list of each recipe carefully. All recipes are prepared in the same facility, so cross-contamination is a possibility.

Is It Good Value?

To ensure each meal has a perfect taste, Blue Apron only features top-notch ingredient quality. The company prides itself on using hormone-free proteins and sourcing from small-scale farms.

Lastly, you can tailor your Meal Kits plan to serve 2 or 4 people, ranging from 2 to 5 meals per week. If you prefer fresh Prepared & Ready options, you can order 4, 6, 8, or 10 recipes per week. You can add extra meals to each plan manually if you have more mouths to feed. Prices start at $3.74, and there’s a shipping fee of $10.99 to factor into your budget.

Note that you can switch between meal kits and prepared meals from 1 week to the next. Also, you can combine both plans in a single week if you place separate orders.

4. HelloFresh – Best Family-Friendly Recipes for Any Cooking Level

The HelloFresh menu is a godsend for busy families. The company has a variety of recipes that are ideal for hectic schedules. From lunches that can be whipped up in a snap to family favorites like burgers, pizzas, and pasta, the options are many and diverse.

What’s on the Menu?

HelloFresh boasts a massive menu of 100+ weekly recipes. This makes it 1 of the most extensive meal kit delivery services. The company rotates its recipes weekly, leaving no room for boredom. It only reintroduces its most popular meals, labeled Best Recipe and Hall of Fame.

You’ll receive all the ingredients with instructions that are easy to understand. And, to navigate such a massive menu, you have tags and labels. For instance, you can follow the Easy Prep & Clean or Quick tags if you want to avoid spending too much time in the kitchen.

The menu includes different types of meal kits catered to your needs. You have quick-prep lunches that come together in 10 to 15 minutes, kid-friendly picks, celebrated Hall of Fame recipes, and Fast & Fresh options for when time is tight.

What Makes It Special?

HelloFresh features international cuisine options, but most of the menu is American-based. You can choose from 6 different plans, including Fit & Wholesome, Veggie, Pescatarian, and more. Our tested HelloFresh review goes into more detail about each of the different plans, so go check it out.

HelloFresh wants you to be in control of your meals, and you can do so with the HelloCustom feature. With it, you can switch things up depending on what you’re in the mood for. In all fairness, you can only change, swap, or upgrade 12+ sides and proteins each week, but I found this to be enough.

Is It Good Value?

I’ve found HelloFresh’s menu to be extensive, catering to all sorts of meal times. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a rapid lunch, or a dinner that won’t have you slaving away for hours, you’ll find it on the HelloFresh menu.

When it comes to pricing, HelloFresh offers a pretty sweet deal. Starting at $3.32 per serving on larger orders, you can choose plans for 2 or 4 people, selecting between 2 and 6 meals per week. The pricing structure is designed to fit a range of needs and budgets, making it accessible for families looking to enjoy homemade meals without the fuss.

5. Home Chef – Best for Meal Kits Personalization

The meal variety Home Chef provides is impressive. From classic meal kits that remind you of homely comforts to Oven-Ready options that eliminate prep time, there's something for every schedule and preference. Read more in our dedicated Home Chef review.

What’s on the Menu?

The expansive menu at Home Chef is like a culinary world tour. You can try Asian-inspired dishes, which are full of authentic flavors, right next to hearty American classics that always hit the spot. Also, the Carb-conscious and Calorie-conscious plans provide diet-specific meals that are both nutritious and satisfying without sacrificing flavor.

Select meal kits or ready-made lunches if you don’t have a lot of time. Each week, Home Chef offers a selection of several ready-made lunches, which only need a couple of minutes in the microwave or oven. These are a great option that ensures you don't have to skip lunch when you’re swamped with work.

Home Chef also features several vegetarian options each week. I was pleasantly surprised at the taste and variety of veggie-based offers, but if you’re a vegan, you’re better off with Purple Carrot.

What Makes It Special?

Customizing meals is a breeze with Home Chef’s Customize It tool. This tool lets you swap out proteins to suit your taste, and it’s available for most recipes. For instance, you can choose steak strips instead of chicken for the quesadillas. Or decide between steak strips, shrimp, chicken breast, or ground beef for a recipe like Mexicali Cheesy Penne.

Home Chef doesn’t forget about seasonal cheer, either. The menu features holiday-themed dishes designed to reduce the work and effort often associated with festive times. However, these aren’t available all year long, so make sure to catch them when they show up.

Is It Good Value?

Overall, if you’re searching for a meal delivery service that’ll work for a larger family, look no further than Home Chef. You can order between 2 and 6 meals every week for 2, 4, or 6 people. Also, there’s an entire menu section dedicated to family meals (available in 4 or 8-servings only). 

Furthermore, when it comes to pricing, Home Chef is quite flexible. The per-serving cost can be as affordable as $7.99, although meals are priced individually, so many do cost more. You can order as little as 2 meals for 2 people or as many as 6 meals for 6 people. 

6. Fresh and Easy – Best for Easy-Prep and Quick Meals

Fresh and Easy is great if you’re looking for simplicity and speed without giving up on taste. It’s a Home Chef brand, which brings you the same trusted service but with a focus on the easiest and quickest recipes. 

What’s on the Menu?

You can find quick and low-effort meals in various Home Chef menu sections. Express meal kits and Lunch prepared meals are some of them. You can prepare 2–serving Express and Fast & Fresh dishes in 15 to 30 minutes, while 1-serving Lunch options require only a quick heating. 

Although the Fast & Fresh meals are fixed, you can customize many other recipes in the Fresh and Easy menu. Due to access to Home Chef’s Customize It tool, you can choose to switch the proteins to suit your preference. This flexibility is perfect for a busy lifestyle, as my colleague pointed out in their review of Fresh and Easy.

Fresh and Easy consistently delivers on providing straightforward meals that still taste great and are made with quality ingredients. And if you feel like mixing things up, you can add more items from Home Chef's Extras menu.

What Makes It Special?

Convenience is a prime feature of Fresh and Easy – the meals arrive pre-portioned, chopped, and ready to cook. Also, oven- and grill-ready recipes include all you need to cook with minimal effort. If you have 15 minutes to spare, that's enough to whip up a full meal with Fast & Fresh meal kits.

I like that Fresh and Easy doesn’t sacrifice variety in favor of efficiency. You can heat its dishes in the microwave or oven. And if you're not in the mood to heat anything, there are entrée salads with pre-cooked proteins. This versatility ensures that there’s something for every time constraint and taste preference.

Is It Good Value?

Overall, the Fresh and Easy menu features a selection of meals that are designed to minimize time in the kitchen while still delivering a satisfying dining experience.

7. BistroMD – Best for Low-Calorie and Diet-Specific Meals

BistroMD stands out for those focused on dieting and weight loss. I can totally see why – the service was crafted by a bariatric physician focused on the idea of healthy weight loss that considers diet-specific needs. This not only makes BistroMD an excellent choice for anyone serious about losing weight but also adds a layer of trust.

What’s on the Menu?

Variety keeps dieting interesting, and with BistroMD, you're not limited to monotonous meals. As you can read more in our full review of BistroMD, there’s a broad spectrum of choices that includes everything from hearty beef and turkey to savory seafood and even vegetarian- and vegan-friendly options.

Browse the menu through the Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner, and Snacks sub-menus. Each meal plan includes these 3 sub-menus, except for the Vegan plan, which is limited to Lunch/Dinner options. My personal favorites are Mediterranean Chicken Crepe for breakfast, Shepherd's Pie for lunch, and Beef Burrito Bowl for dinner.

I also like that you get tasty and healthy snacks designed to keep cravings in check. BistroMD's EATS are designed to keep you away from high-calorie snacks without feeling deprived. They include a selection of satisfying snacks and desserts, like protein bars and cheesecake, that support your diet instead of sabotaging it.

What Makes It Special?

BistroMD makes calorie control easier. You no longer have to weigh each ingredient and look it up in an endless database of confusing foods. With BistroMD’s plans, you know your daily calorie intake is either 1,200 (for women) or 1,400 calories (for men). Each meal ranges from 350 to 500 calories, which slots easily into a controlled diet plan.

When you join BistroMD, you’re not just getting low-calorie foods. You also get the support you need to keep up with your weight loss goals in the form of access to dietitians, web resources, and informative materials.

Is It Good Value?

BistroMD sends out ready-cooked meals that have been frozen for freshness and nutrition. They're also free from the processed stuff that often derails healthy eating. As someone who values both nutrition and taste, it’s reassuring to see real meats and vegetables on the menu.

Lastly, BistroMD's prices start at $8.24 per serving, and you can choose to have 2 or 3 meals a day (plus snacks) for either 5 or 7 days a week. And if that doesn't fit your schedule or eating habits, there's room for customization.

8. Purple Carrot – Great Plant-Based Meal Delivery Service in Santa Rosa

Purple Carrot offers a selection of different meals that are completely vegan and delicious. You’ll be able to test out vegan living without having to do any meal planning or recipe hunting. Also, the meals focus on the natural flavors and varieties of vegetables, so you won’t have to worry about unusual substitutes.

What’s on the Menu?

The menu offers around 16 traditional meal kits with breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. Dinners come in 2 and 4 servings, while breakfasts are available in 4 servings. Lunches include 2 portions. There’s also a section for prepared meals, with 16 meals to choose from. 

If you don’t want ready-made meals but don’t have much time to spend cooking, try the Less Prep meal kits. Purple Carrot offers several speedy meal kits (under 30 minutes) each week. These come with pre-made sauces and prepped veggies and have fewer cooking steps than classic kits. Our tested Purple Carrot review can offer more details on this and other meals.

I’m also quite impressed by how well the menu fits various dietary needs. Since all the meals are plant-based, they’re all dairy-free and it’s easy to find dishes that are gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, or high-protein.

What Makes It Special?

When you sign up, you’ll need to choose between prepared meals or meal kits. This is simply so that Purple Carrot knows what types of meals to send should you forget to make your choices 1 week. You can mix and match across categories within the same order once you’ve completed the registration.

With Purple Carrot, you get to experience a global culinary adventure. The menu features an impressive range of international dishes, making each meal an exploration of different cultures and cuisines. Vegetables, herbs, and spices are the stars here, making it easy to love your veggies.

Is It Good Value?

With Purple Carrot, quality and sustainability are key. While not all produce is organic, the company prioritizes local and seasonal vegetables whenever possible. Also, it provides organic options for most of its non-produce items, such as beans, nuts, and tofu.

With Purple Carrot’s meal kits, prices start at $8.50 per serving. You can order meal kits for 2 or 4 people, with 2 to 4 meals per person per week, depending on the number of dieters. If you’re going for prepared meals, you can choose bundles of 6, 8, or 10 single-serving portions.

9. Eat Clean – Best for Easy-to-Heat Healthy Meals

Eat Clean simplifies healthy eating with ready-to-eat meals that only need 3 minutes in the microwave. And I have to admit that I love the convenience – just pop the tray in, hit start, and you're mere moments away from a nutritious, hot meal.

What’s on the Menu?

The menu variety is impressive – you have the option to choose between 4 plans. These plans are Traditional, Keto, Paleo, and Plant Based. Each offers a combination of classic American dishes with exquisite Italian, Asian, and Latin American cuisines. This way, you can try a variety of tastes while also following your dietary needs.

The Traditional plan is the most extensive, counting 30+ meals at the time of my review of the best meal delivery services in Santa Rosa. Plant Based is smaller, featuring around a dozen options. Paleo and Keto fall somewhere in the middle, offering between 20 and 24 dishes. 

I like that Eat Clean is transparent about what goes into each recipe. This way, you know that what you’re putting into your body is made with carefully chosen ingredients. I was also impressed by the brand’s dedication to allowing natural flavors to shine through (no preservatives or taste modifiers).

What Makes It Special?

To add to the level of transparency, calorie and macro tracking are made effortless. Every entree comes with calorie, protein, fat, and carbohydrate counts clearly listed on the packaging. If you’re tracking your intake, all you have to do is introduce these numbers in your app of choice. No need to waste time searching for ingredients and calculating amounts.

One thing that really stood out was the fact that you can choose your portion size. Eat Clean offers Regular Size and Large Size portions, with the latter being best for when hunger hits a little harder. There's a slight jump in price for the larger size, but it's absolutely worth it when you need a more filling meal.

Is It Good Value?

The quality of these microwave meals stands out. Each dish is crafted with premium proteins, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates that aim to fulfill a healthy individual’s specific needs. To learn more, check our full Eat Clean review, which includes my colleague’s experience with the service.

10. Marley Spoon – Meal Kits for Eco-Conscious Diners

Marley Spoon features an extensive selection (over 100 weekly recipes cycling) and dazzling variety. Whether you're looking to start your day with a hearty breakfast, need a quick lunch, a sumptuous dinner, or even fancy a sweet dessert, it's all there at your fingertips.

What’s on the Menu?

The menu is like a modern American bistro line-up with a twist, offering dishes that blend comfort with the unexpected. For the adventurous, the menu doesn't shy away from global cuisine. One week, you could be savoring a Thai curry, and the next, you could be tucking into a classic Italian pasta with a spin.

The meal kits are also designed to cater to your time availability. For instance, if you’re usually time-pressed, you’ll appreciate the Under 30-Minute meals, while others who dread clean-up will love the one-pot options. And on days when even that seems like too much, there are a couple of microwave-ready meals every week.

There are also seasonal desserts, breakfast add-ons, and even holiday dishes, so you can host the perfect party any time of the year!

What Makes It Special?

Marley Spoon puts a lot of effort into being a carbon-neutral company. Ingredients come from sustainable farms, and it works to offset CO2 emissions by partnering with a climate action group. You can eat well while knowing you aren’t increasing your own carbon footprint – read more in our full Marley Spoon review.

Customization is the spice of life, and Marley Spoon gets that. More than half of the recipes on the menu come with a Customizable tag. This means you can swap out proteins for organic or plant-based alternatives or make substitutions that best fit your dietary needs.

Is It Good Value?

Marley Spoon caters to eco-conscious couples and families best. You should consider this provider if you like to cook, but don’t want to spend hours slaving away. If you’re always in a hurry or prefer not to spend your time in the kitchen, I recommend checking out Factor. 

As for the cost, Marley Spoon makes it clear that eating well doesn't have to be a luxury affair. With meals starting at $2.99 per serving, depending on the plan size, this is an accessible option. Also, plans range from 2 to 6 meals per week for either 2 or 4 people, offering flexibility to suit your lifestyle and appetite.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Meal Delivery Services in Santa Rosa

When it comes to choosing the best meal delivery service for your household and schedule, there are a few things you should consider.

• Dietary needs: Pick a meal delivery service that offers options that fit within your dietary needs, including vegan, paleo, keto, or any allergies to ingredients like nuts. For instance, Green Chef offers 8 meal plans that accommodate various dietary needs.

• Number of servings: Check the serving options for each company to find 1 that offers the right amount for your household. Some options have single servings, like Factor, and others can feed bigger groups, like Home Chef.

• Your schedule: Choose between prepared meals that are ready in minutes and meal kits that require a little cooking and prep work to see what best fits your schedule. A service like Purple Carrot offers both these options, so you can alternate depending on your needs.

• Optional extras: If you’re hoping to completely avoid the grocery store, choose a service that allows you to add on extras like protein packs, snacks, breakfasts, and more. For instance, HelloFresh has an entire Market section dedicated to extras.

FAQ

What is the most affordable meal delivery service in Santa Rosa?

It all depends on how much you want to order each week. Most services offer lower prices per serving for large orders (usually for 4 people), but the price goes up with the 2-person plans. The 1 service that stands out is HelloFresh, with an offering of <$10 per serving for most of its plans.

What is the best diet meal delivery service in Santa Rosa?

If you follow a specific diet and enjoy prepared meals then check out Factor. You’ll find a range of meals suitable for keto, plant-based, high protein, and low-calorie diets. If you prefer meal kits then you could choose Green Chef. This service has a large selection of meal plans that are tailored to different diets.

What is the best healthy meal delivery service in Santa Rosa?

All of the meal delivery services on this list offer healthy and nutritious meals. But if you’re looking for something specific, check Green Chef – a USDA-certified organic service.

Best Meal Delivery Services in Santa Rosa in 2024 — Final Score