10 Best Meal Delivery Services in Baltimore 2023: Reviewed

Saving money is hard with Charm City’s harbor-front eateries and incredible farmer’s markets. These can eat into your budget and take up all your time. Convenience is certainly key in today’s world, and that’s where meal delivery services come in. 

Meal kits and ready meals delivered to your door are great for saving time and money, but they’re also a great way to eat healthily at home. I’ve made it my mission to find the best Meal Services in Baltimore that are comparable to restaurant-level convenience, taste, and variety.

I rounded up the best 10 services based on many factors, including the quality of the ingredients, menu diversity, dietary preferences, and costs. At the top of my list, you’ll find Blue Apron – a meal delivery company I love for its variety and gourmet meals that turn any dinner into a special occasion.

Continue reading for more details and my reviews of other services!

The Best Meal Delivery Services in Baltimore Reviewed

1. Blue Apron – Best Overall Meal Delivery Service in Baltimore

Blue Apron is one of the best meal delivery services for restaurant-worthy dinners. With a wide variety of recipes, from classic American and international flavors to gourmet dishes, Blue Apron ensures that every home-cooked meal is exciting.

The meals are easily prepared, with Fast & Easy and Ready to Cook low-prep recipes. Plus, there are several Family Friendly recipes each week that include simple and delicious ingredients everyone will love. Meals like Seared Chicken & Dijon Pan Sauce or Three Cheese Pizza are easy to prep and cook (35 to 45 minutes) and are appreciated by kids and adults.

Our reviewer discovered that Blue Apron offers customizable swaps and add-ons for several recipes each week, which is a great way to personalize your menu. For instance, you can turn your vegetarian Pesto Gnocchi into a heartier dish with shrimp or Hot Italian Pork Sausage. These upgrades do, however, come with an upcharge.

Vegetarians and low-carb dieters will appreciate Blue Apron’s Vegetarian and Wellness menus, though the selection is limited to 4-5 dishes per week. You can also customize your order by adding à la carte appetizers, desserts, snacks, sides, and even microwaveable Heat & Eat prepared meals from the Add-ons menu (with around 16 options each week).

Blue Apron sources high-quality ingredients from a network of 100+ family-run farms that practice sustainable farming. The company only works with suppliers who don’t use added hormones or antibiotics. As a result, you can be sure that the ingredients in your meals have been produced responsibly.

I like that the company is actively seeking ways to reduce its carbon footprint and packaging material waste. Over 85% of Blue Apron packaging is recyclable (plastic containers, metal cans, glass bottles, and cardboard boxes). You can’t recycle plastic film and bags and the plastic metallic bubble insulation that keeps the products fresh during transit.

In terms of pricing, I like that Blue Apron offers great value and flexibility. The starting price of $5.74 per serving is based on the largest order (4 meals for 4 people per week), while 2-person plans range from $9.49 to $11.99 per serving. There’s also a flat shipping fee of $9.99 per order.

2. Factor – Best Prepared Meals in Baltimore

Factor delivers nutritionally balanced and ready-to-heat meals right to your doorstep. Prepared meals mean you don’t have to worry about prep work or cooking. All you have to do is pop the meal in the microwave for a couple of minutes.

The menu is diverse, including keto, vegan, and vegetarian options. The company also caters to people on a low-calorie or high-protein diet. To find the meals that work best for you, Factors uses a system of colorful tags that bear the name of your diet (Calorie Smart, Protein Plus, Keto, Vegan, or Vegetarian).

Factor’s meals range from 350-900 calories per serving depending on your diet. Most recipes feature a combination of lean protein, complex carbs, and fresh vegetables. According to my colleague’s in-depth review of Factor, every dish is GMO-free and made with mostly organic produce.

Keto dieters will find Factor’s menu particularly appealing, with a majority of dishes tailored to their needs. On the other hand, vegans and vegetarians may be disappointed by the smaller selection of plant-based meals – there are only around 5 to 8 vegan and vegetarian meals each week.

If the core menu is not enough, the Add-ons menu is there to fill in the gaps. Factor has many extras on offer, including breakfasts, smoothies, snacks, proteins, juices, shakes, healthy desserts, and more. 

Factor also offers you a 20-minute online meeting with dietitians and nutrition coaches. This unique feature is great if you need help forming healthy eating habits and making the most of your Factor subscription.

Prices start at $6.19 per single-serving meal, but you'll get the best value when committing to the maximum order size. Subscription sizes range between 6-18 meals per week, and the most popular box size is 10 meals per week.

3. Green Chef – Best Organic Meals in Baltimore

Green Chef is a meal delivery service dedicated to sustainability. It offers organic, ethically sourced ingredients and environmentally friendly practices. With 30 weekly menu items, Green Chef is also a great option for those looking to eat healthier while also following a specific diet. 

The meal kits are accessible to all skill levels, and premade ingredients (like sauces and marinades) make them easier to prepare. Most recipes take between 25 and 30 minutes to prepare and cook, but this also depends on your skill level in the kitchen.

Even if you’re a newbie in the kitchen, you’ll be able to enjoy Green Chef’s meals. According to my colleague’s tried-and-tested Green Chef review, the recipe cards are clear and helpful. Recipes include detailed steps along with informative photos.

For instance, a recipe like Blackened Shrimp & Grits only takes 25 minutes to prep and cook. Even though it might sound intimidating at first, you’ll be able to cook it to perfection due to the detailed instructions. It may take you a bit longer when you start, but once you get the gist of it, you’ll be able to match the indicated prep time.

I also like that the quality of the ingredients used in the meal kits is top-notch. Most of the produce and eggs are organic, and the beef and chicken are raised to high animal welfare standards. As a result, the meals are tastier and healthier. 

Green Chef also offers an extensive selection of add-ons where you can find a wide range of items that can help spice up the core menu. For instance, you can find loads of cooked proteins (Sustainably Raised Atlantic Salmon Filets or Organic Ground Beef), 10-min lunches, and a good selection of breakfasts like oatmeal and keto-friendly egg bites.

Green Chef is a good choice for larger households, as you can order for up to 6 people per week. It’s also on the pricier side, with prices starting at $5.99 per serving for the maximum box size (4 meals for 6 people per week). There’s also a 2-person plan that’s great for couples, but the cost per serving is steeper than larger orders.

4. HelloFresh – Best Menu Variety for Baltimore Families

HelloFresh offers convenient and budget-friendly meal kits for a variety of tastes. The large menu also supports a number of dietary needs. I like it when menus have options from a variety of cuisines, and HelloFresh delivers just that. 

Most of the recipes are standard American fare, but the menu also features internationally-inspired dishes from around the world. These include Sweet Chili Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry and Southwest Stuffed Zucchini Boats. 

Best of all, HelloFresh has a surprisingly large selection of diet-friendly meals. The vast menu has plenty of vegetarian recipes – and even some vegan options – each week. The menu caters to other dietary needs as well, including low-calorie and high-protein.

Our reviewer found that HelloFresh is a great option for families with children. After all, even the pickiest of eaters enjoy comfort foods like Cheesy Smashed Burgers or the Guac Lover’s Burrito Bowl. Its recipes aren’t always healthy, but they are guaranteed to please the family.

Since the menu is extensive, each meal is labeled according to difficulty level and diet. It would be even better if you could filter the menu, but the tags make it easy to browse. Other tags on the menu include Seasonal, Easy Prep, Spicy, and more.

HelloFresh also offers some customization options, expanding its menu even more. This feature is called HelloCustom and lets you change, swap, or upgrade 12+ sides and proteins each week. It’s not as extensive as Home Chef’s Customize It feature, but it’s still a great option.

I would’ve loved to see gluten-free and/or nut-free meals, but HelloFresh’s menu is mostly designed for a more general audience. So, if you have any allergies, make sure to check the ingredient list on each recipe. 

The service is budget-friendly, with prices that start at $3.32 per serving. The best price is for the maximum box size (6 recipes for 4 people per week), and HelloFresh’s smaller plans are more expensive per serving.

5. Home Chef – Best for Customization Options

Home Chef is famous for its Customize It feature that allows you to swap proteins. As an example, if you want to try the Shrimp Bruschetta Risotto, you can have it as it is on the menu or change the shrimp with Double Protein Shrimp, Steak Strips, or Diced Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.

You can also get creative with the ingredients during cooking since Home Chef is a meal kit delivery service. Still, if you’re not that skilled in the kitchen, I recommend following the recipe cards. They’re well-designed, and all the steps come with instructions and images, so it’s easy to see how your dish should look at every stage.

Home Chef’s meals vary in degrees of complexity from easy to medium difficulty, as our expert reviewer discovered, but everyone will be able to find something to fit their taste and skill level.

I like that everything is tagged, so you don’t have to browse the entire menu looking for the recipes you want. For instance, under the Culinary Collection label, you’ll find restaurant-quality meals that take around 60 minutes, while under the Express and Express Plus labels, you’ll find low-prep meals that take 15 to 25 minutes. 

Other labels that indicate low-prep meals are Oven-Ready, Meal Kit, and Fast & Fresh. Also, if you want a bit more variety, check the Bundle and Save and Extras sections. Here you’ll find soups, breakfast and lunch options, cooked proteins, snacks, and beverages.

Despite all this flexibility, Home Chef is not suitable for people with food allergies or restrictive diets since most dishes cater to a general palate. Plus, some meals include organic ingredients, but this is not the norm. If you’re vegetarian or you’re looking to start a plant-based diet, you should check Purple Carrot instead as you’ll have more choice.

Home Chef is great for couples and families since you can order for 2, 4, or 6 people, and the prices start at $7.99 per serving for the maximum box size (6 meals for 6 people per week).

6. Fresh and Easy – Great for Speedy Meal Kits

If you want convenient and healthy meals, you can’t go wrong with Fresh and Easy! The service is a subsidiary of Home Chef and includes all the low-prep meals from the big menu. You’ll find oven-ready meals, 15-minute meal kits, grill-ready dishes, and Fast & Fresh recipes that take a little under 25 minutes to prep. And there are a few entree salads as well.

Fresh and Easy makes it easy to cook by making sure all the ingredients are chopped and portioned. There’s no need for washing, peeling, slicing, or dicing – all of the prep work is done for you. 

On top of that, Fresh and Easy also offers an exciting selection of international dishes, like Chili Cheese Beef Tri-Tip Tacos, Shrimp and Vegetable Gyros, or Greek-Style Chicken with Orzo Salad. You can learn more about the menu and options from our in-depth Fresh and Easy review

The main goal of Fresh and Easy is to make it easier for people to enjoy home cooking without the hassle of meal planning and prepping. For this, oven-ready meals have an oven-safe tray so you can easily assemble the ingredients and pop the tray in the oven. Less prep and no mess!  

Customization is also available on the Fresh and Easy menu, so you’ll be able to make a few changes by swapping the default protein with something a bit yummier. However, Fast & Fresh meals can’t be customized. Due to all this effort and dedication toward easy-prep meals, I honestly think Fresh and Easy is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy a variety of meals with minimal preparation.

The only downside is the lack of options for some specific dietary needs, but I guess you can’t have it all. So if you want more plant-based options or you’re on a restrictive diet (like keto or paleo), you may want to try a service like Green Chef.

Lastly, Fresh and Easy’s prices are the same as Home Chef’s. This means that you can order for up to 6 people, 6 meals per week, and the starting price is $7.99 per serving. There is also a 2-person plan, with a minimum order of 2 meals per week.

7. BistroMD – Best for Baltimoreans Looking to Lose Weight

BistroMD is a weight-loss-focused meal delivery service with physician-designed meals to help you lose weight. The service features ready-made meals (frozen and shelf-stable) with options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. 

The dishes are low in calories and sodium, so you’ll also be eating healthier than with other plans. Plus, BistroMD offers a variety of programs for men and women, such as Weight Loss for Men, Weight Loss for Women, Heart Healthy, Gluten Free, Keto Flex, Diabetic Friendly, and Menopause (for women over 55). 

The menu is quite extensive, but you’ll only have access to the meals that fit your plan. For instance, if you choose the Gluten Free meal plan, you won’t be able to see meals that contain gluten. On the other hand, with the Heart Healthy program, you’ll only see the meals that meet the American Heart Association's requirements for sodium and fat.

Overall, I didn’t find the meals particularly appealing. Sure, there is a good variety of international cuisines (like Mexican, Italian, and Asian), but the recipes are more about nutritional facts than refined taste. Even our reviewer agrees that BistroMD is a good option for those who are serious about losing weight, but if you’re looking for gourmet meals, you’re better off with a service like Blue Apron.

In addition to the meal options, BistroMD also provides helpful advice from its team of dietitians, nutritionists, and wellness coaches. This is a good source of tips and support to help you reach your diet and lifestyle goals.

Each program is available in 5-day or 7-day weekly formats. All plans include lunch and dinner, while the Full Program adds breakfast as well. You can also add snacks to any plan. Prices start at $8.24 per serving, but there is a lot of variety depending on which plan you choose. The minimum order is lunches and dinners for 5 days per week.

8. Marley Spoon – Best for Menu Variety

Marley Spoon is a Martha Stewart-endorsed meal kit delivery service with a huge menu. There are elevated American dishes as well as internationally-inspired recipes such as the Middle Eastern-inspired Turkey Koftas & Couscous Salad or the Pan-Asian Savory Pork Noodle Soup.

Marley Spoon caters to several dietary needs, but it’s up to you to pick the recipes. The extensive menu (over 100 recipes each week) can be daunting to navigate. Luckily, you can search by tags that accompany every meal on the menu. 

Recipes are marked with dietary tags like Dairy Free, No Added Gluten, and Low Calorie. There are also tags for different prep options like Under 30 Minutes and One Pot Meal. Finally, some tags are for various preferences like Optional Spice or Climatarian.

There are many kid-friendly dishes on the menu, so there's no need to worry if you have little ones. Marley Spoon’s selection of family-friendly dishes is large enough to rival HelloFresh’s crowd-pleasing menu. Marley Spoon has a more varied selection, but it’s also more expensive.

Marley Spoon’s broad selection includes breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and desserts. There are some ready-made options sprinkled throughout each week’s menu, too. For more on menu variety and meals, make sure to check out our in-depth Marley Spoon review.

Marley Spoon has 2- and 4-person plans, and you can order between 2 and 6 meals with either. For the maximum box size (6 meals for 4 people), prices start at $2.99 per serving. Smaller plans come with higher per-serving prices.

9. Purple Carrot – Best 100% Plant-Based Menu in Baltimore

Purple Carrot's menu is a diverse collection of recipes from around the world, so there’s no risk of you getting stuck with a boring menu that only includes salads and soups. Instead, you get to try nutrient-rich meals like Coconut Ginger Congee with Crispy Tofu or Falafel Spiced Tofu with Pickled Cauliflower & Creamy Cashew Dressing. Yum!

I like that most of Purple Carrot’s meals have between 350 and 800 calories per serving. This means that you can enjoy the benefits of a plant-based diet even if you’re on a weight loss journey. Plus, since we’re talking about a 100% plant-based service, some common allergens (like dairy) are out by default. And there are plenty of gluten-, soy-, and nut-free recipes.

The meal kits section has options for dinner, breakfast, and lunch (plus snacks). Some of these kits are marked Less Prep to indicate speedy meals that only need about 25 to 30 minutes to prep and cook. In their review, my colleague talks about what it’s like to eat with Purple Carrot, so make sure to check it out.

The prepared meals section only has entrees, but there’s a good variety of dishes. You’ll find everything from international cuisines to veggie versions of classic crowd-pleasers, like West African Peanut Stew and Mac N’ Cheese. All the recipes on this menu are under 600 calories and only need around 2 minutes in the microwave.

I do like the idea of dishes made with high-quality, fresh veggies, but I think the menu is a little limited. There is variety, but if you stick with a weekly subscription, you may get bored after a while. So if you’re not on a 100% vegan diet, you may want to consider a more varied menu. Green Chef has vegan and vegetarian recipes as well as keto and other meat-based dishes.

Since Purple Carrot caters to a niche diet, it’s a bit on the pricier side. The cost per serving starts at $8.50 for the maximum meal kit order (3 meals per person for 4 people). There is also a 2-person plan, with a minimum order of 3 meals per week.

10. Dinnerly – Best for Baltimoreans on a Budget

Dinnerly makes it possible to enjoy convenient home-cooked meals on a budget. With such low prices, it’s natural to wonder how Dinnerly manages to offer over 100 menu items each week. You have to compromise somewhere, and it’s up to you whether the compromises are worth it.

The service doesn’t compromise on ingredient quality or freshness. Instead, Dinnerly keeps prices low by focusing on simple recipes that rarely have more than 6 ingredients. While simple, the meals are crowd-pleasers like One-Pot Pizza Tortelloni or Teriyaki-Glazed Turkey Meatballs.

Ingredients-wise, Dinnerly only works with local, trustworthy suppliers to make sure only the best and freshest ingredients reach your box. Also, all the meat is produced following the US standards of quality, and there are even a few organic ingredients. This was one of the factors that pleasantly surprised my colleague while working on their in-depth review of Dinnerly.

You can also customize many meals by swapping the protein (similar to how Home Chef does it). If you want something fancier, you can upgrade the protein to the organic version. This also comes with an upcharge per serving, but it’s a great option to have for when you want to spoil yourself. 

Dinnerly cuts more corners when it comes to packaging. It uses a minimum of materials for the box, insulation, and other materials. This also means you won’t receive any printed recipe cards: you have to print them yourself or look at them online. I think this is a reasonable compromise for the low price that also helps cut down on waste.

Prices start at $2.12 per serving for the maximum box size of 6 meals for 4 people each week. The per-serving price increases for smaller orders, but even the minimum order of 2 meals for 2 people is cheaper than most other services on my list.

Overall, Dinnerly’s low price may be worth the compromises. Just don’t forget to consider the shipping fee ($11.99 per order) and the variable upcharges for customizations and premium meals.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Meal Delivery Services in Baltimore

Baltimore is a city with lots of food services and a rich culinary scene, so it can be difficult to find the right meal delivery service on your first try. Here are some of the most important features I considered when making this list:

• Quality of food: Look for a meal delivery service that offers high-quality, fresh ingredients that are sourced from reputable suppliers. For instance, Green Chef is a service that focuses on using organic ingredients whenever possible (especially for produce and eggs).

• Variety of meals: Even if you’re not on a specific diet, it’s a good idea to choose a service that offers a diverse range of meal options. This way, you’ll have access to more culinary variety, and you’ll be able to experiment more. HelloFresh is a good example of a service with a varied menu.

• Meal kits vs. ready-made meals:  While there are a few services that offer both, most meal delivery services focus on one or the other. If you like cooking and have the time, you may find a service like Blue Apron to be a great choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for meals that only need 2 minutes in the microwave, you should check out Factor’s menu.

• Cost: One of the great aspects of Baltimore is that it caters to all budgets; you just need to locate the right options. To identify the best meal delivery service for your budget, consider the price per serving and the size of the box. For instance, the best budget-friendly choice on my list is Dinnerly, and you can order for either 2 or 4 people.
  

FAQ

What is the best meal delivery service in Baltimore?

Blue Apron is one of the best meal delivery services for Baltimoreans who want to enjoy restaurant-worthy meals in the comfort of their home. The company also has a wine delivery service, and customers get wine-food pairing guidance.

What is the cheapest meal delivery service in Baltimore?

Dinnerly manages to keep its prices surprisingly low for the level of ingredient quality and menu diversity it offers. You can order for couples and families, and most of the meals on the menu are kid-friendly.

What is the best meal delivery service in Baltimore for weight loss?

BistroMD is one of the best options if you like tracking your calorie intake and macros. The service offers several meal plans, and all the recipes were designed with the help of registered dietitians.  

Best Meal Delivery Services in Baltimore in 2023 — Final Score