10 Best Meal Delivery Services in Chicago in 2026

Meal delivery services offer an undeniable level of convenience right to your door, whether you’re doing your best to stick to a meal plan or simply save time in your day.

We’ve tried and tested the most popular services that deliver in Chicago and narrowed down the list to the top 10 picks. Whether you're looking to avoid the grocery store, prefer zero meal prep, want to stick to a diet, or wish to try different foods, meal delivery services are a great option.

My number one choice for the best meal delivery service in Chicago is Factor as it has a diverse menu with many international influences. Plus, I really liked the convenience of its fully-prepared meals that can be ready in minutes. Read on for more recommendations.

Our Best Meal Delivery Services in Chicago Reviewed

1. Factor – Best Overall Meal Delivery in Chicago

Factor offers a wide range of diet-friendly, prepared meals. These meals are designed by dietitians, ensuring balanced macronutrients. It offers a variety of American, Mediterranean, Asian, and Southeast Asian-inspired dishes. We tested and reviewed Factor for ourselves, if you want a detailed look.

What’s on the Menu?

Factor's menu includes over 90 weekly meals, plus add-ons. There’s a range of cuisines, including American, Asian, and Mediterranean. The menu also rotates some items each week, keeping options fresh and diverse.

The meal plans are flexible, catering to various diets like keto, low-calorie, and high-protein. These plans act more like menu filters, allowing you to mix and match according to your taste. This flexibility makes it easy to tailor meals to your dietary preferences.

In addition to the main dishes, Factor offers a range of add-ons. These include keto-friendly desserts and protein-packed snacks. However, the options for vegan or vegetarian dieters in the add-ons section are limited.

What Makes It Special?

Factor stands out with its commitment to high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. It uses non-GMO and mostly organic produce, ensuring your meal isn’t only tasty but also responsible. All meats are pasture-raised or grass-fed, and poultry and eggs are cage- and antibiotic-free.

Another unique aspect of Factor is its dietitian services. Before ordering, you can have a free 20-minute consultation to assess if the meals align with your fitness goals. This service is uncommon among meal delivery services, setting Factor apart.

Factor integrates its recipes into popular calorie-tracking apps. This feature helps you monitor your macronutrient and vitamin intake effortlessly. It's particularly beneficial for those on specific diets, like low-calorie or keto.

Is It Good Value?

Although every Factor meal is a single serving, the service’s flexible ordering can suit different household sizes. Depending on which plan size you choose when you sign up, you can lower the cost per meal. For the quality and convenience included, I think Factor represents an affordable option.

The ordering process is straightforward, with an accessible app for both iOS and Android. The user-friendly FAQ, efficient chatbot, and 24/7 live chat support make managing your subscription hassle-free. 

2. Green Chef – Best Chef-Crafted Recipes for Healthy Chicagoans

Green Chef offers certified-organic meal kits with a focus on sustainability. It provides a variety of chef-crafted menus suitable for different diet plans. Learn more in our tested Green Chef review.

What’s on the Menu?

Green Chef provides meals to suit a wide range of lifestyles, from low-carb and gluten-free to plant-based and Mediterranean-inspired. You’ll also find quick-prep options for busy days and high-protein choices for balanced eating, with the freedom to mix and match categories each week.

Green Chef's meals blend American cuisine with Mediterranean, Mexican, and Asian influences. Meals like Pork Chops with Creamy Shallot Sauce showcase this culinary diversity. There are a few options marked Premium, which come with a small surcharge.

It has a great Add-Ons section. Choose from 60+ offerings, including protein shakes, salads, flavored oatmeals, juices, breakfasts, snacks, desserts, and proteins. Many options are keto-focused, but others are suitable for vegans or vegetarians.

What Makes It Special?

Its meal categories are flexible, allowing for mixing and matching of different plans. You can combine plant-based with gluten-free options, for instance. This flexibility is great for those with specific dietary needs or preferences.

Recipes are easy to follow, with pre-prepared ingredients and sauces. Meal prep typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. All ingredients are pre-portioned, simplifying the cooking process and reducing food waste.

Is It Good Value?

Pricing starts at $6.00 per serving, a reasonable rate considering the organic ingredients. It’s more affordable than organic takeout, though slightly pricier than self-prepped meals. This price point reflects the quality and convenience it offers.

The service allows ordering of up to 4 meals per week for 2, 4, or 6 people for your first order, but you can order larger plans after that. This flexibility caters to different household sizes and eating habits. It strikes a balance between cost and convenience, making it a viable option for various budgets.

3. HelloFresh – Best All-Around Home Delivery Service in Chicago

HelloFresh is the most family-friendly meal delivery service in Chicago. It offers an array of meal plans tailored to different tastes and dietary needs.

What’s on the Menu?

HelloFresh's menu features over 100 recipes, plus other items each week, mainly American cuisine with Mediterranean and Mexican influences. Classic dishes and innovative creations are both on offer. This variety caters to a broad range of palates and preferences.

The veggie meals provide meat- and seafood-free options, and the customization feature allows for protein swaps. This flexibility is great for vegetarian families or those looking to vary their protein intake. Additionally, the menu tags popular recipes for easy selection.

A unique aspect of HelloFresh is its 10-minute lunch options, like the 7-Layer Dip Avocado Toasts. They offer a healthy, quick solution for lunchtime without compromising on taste. There are also one-pot meals and an Under 20 Minutes plan. These are perfect for time-pressed evenings or when you need a meal in a hurry.

What Makes It Special?

HelloFresh simplifies meal prep with pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. This approach reduces food waste and prep time, making it convenient for families. However, some basic kitchen tasks, like chopping and seasoning, are still required.

Recipes are designed to be prepared in around 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy households. There’s also a weekly selection of prepared meals for the busiest nights. Find out how we got on when we tried some of the meals by checking out our tested HelloFresh review.

HelloFresh is known for its outstanding customer support and 24/7 support via live chat. This service is especially valuable for addressing last-minute order changes or delivery issues. Such support ensures a hassle-free experience for families using the service.

Is It Good Value?

The minimum order requirement is 2 recipes for 2 people per week, scaling up to 6 recipes for up to 6 people. This range accommodates different family sizes and dining preferences. Pricing is affordable, especially for larger orders that offer a lower per-serving rate.

4. Home Chef – Best Customizable Plan for Any Palate

Home Chef offers the best meal customization options in Chicago. This makes it an ideal choice for families or those hosting dinner parties. Additionally, the option to add breakfast and dessert items allows for a comprehensive weekly menu.

What’s on the Menu?

Home Chef's menu primarily features classic American recipes. Dishes like Butter Cracker Crusted Honey Chicken are family favorites. The new Family Plan menu filters family-friendly meals, simplifying meal planning for households with kids.

For gourmet cooking enthusiasts, it offers premium meat cuts like filet mignon and sirloin steak. These protein upgrades cater to those who enjoy a more upscale dining experience at home. 

In addition to main dishes, Home Chef offers extras including breakfasts, breads, salads, proteins, and dessert options. This variety allows for a more rounded menu throughout the week. You can save money by opting for the Bundle & Save options, which offer combinations such as soup and salad, an appetizer duo, or a dessert duo.

What Makes It Special?

The Customize It feature sets Home Chef apart. This option allows you to substitute or double proteins in many recipes, meaning you can cater to individual taste preferences and dietary needs. However, customizing proteins may incur an additional charge, which you won’t find out until you choose your meals. Find out more in our tested Home Chef review.

Home Chef shows tags and icons under each recipe image so you can see what diets it supports. You’ll see Mediterranean, Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Smart, Under 625 calories, Under 35 g carbs, Vegetarian, and Over 30 g protein. As all meals are prepared in the same facility, those with severe allergies should note that cross-contamination is a possibility and the meals marked Gluten-Smart aren’t certified gluten free.

The number of different meal types is another standout feature. There are standard meal kits, which take around 30-45 minutes to prepare, Express meal kits, which can be ready in under 30 minutes, Oven Ready meals that just require assembly and Fast & Fresh meals that arrive prepared and just need to be heated in the microwave.

Is It Good Value?

Prices start at $4.99 per portion, with options to order 2 to 6 recipes per week. You can order for 2, 4, or 6 people, offering a total of 4 to 36 portions weekly. Meals are individually priced, so your final total will vary week by week even if you order the same number of meals.

Home Chef also provides flexibility in serving sizes. Unlike most meal delivery services, you can order different serving sizes for each recipe. This is ideal if you’re catering for guests or not catering for the entire household for every meal.

5. Blue Apron – Best Internationally-Inspired Meals in Chicago

Blue Apron stands out as one of the few major meal delivery services offering a true no-subscription model. You can order à la carte, view all pricing upfront, and mix serving sizes within the same order – an uncommon level of flexibility in the meal-kit space.

What’s on the Menu?

Blue Apron delivers a huge menu each week, spanning classic meal kits, assemble-and-bake options, soups, salads, breakfasts, desserts, extra proteins, and ready-made meals. The lineup blends seasonal specials with returning favorites, keeping the menu diverse without veering into unpredictability.

Browsing is straightforward thanks to a well-designed filtering system that lets you sort by protein type, calories, or even active vs. total cook time – useful for setting realistic prep expectations. The Customize It feature expands options further by allowing protein swaps or upgrades on many dishes.

You’ll find a broad range of global cuisines alongside plenty of family-friendly meals. When we tried Blue Apron at home, we found that some recipes took longer than the estimated time, but the variety and consistent recipe quality make the overall experience worthwhile.

What Makes It Special?

With Blue Apron, you can add any item to your cart without committing to a subscription. For those who prefer a set routine, the Autoship & Save feature automates orders on a flexible schedule of your choosing.

Personalization is another strong point. Protein swaps and upgrades are widely available across the menu, and Blue Apron’s website smartly integrates customization into its filtering tools, meaning you can search the full menu, swaps included.

Many Blue Apron dishes highlight cooking techniques and interesting flavor combinations, making it a strong fit for cooks eager to expand their skills. Beginners may need extra time to work through certain recipes, though.

Is It Good Value?

Each meal is priced individually, but overall, Blue Apron stays competitive within the meal-kit market. While premium upgrades and add-ons can increase your final total, transparent per-dish pricing helps you manage your budget from the outset. Shipping is a flat weekly rate.

Regular customers can save through Autoship & Save (5% off) or by joining Blue Apron+, which offers free shipping and additional perks.

6. BistroMD – Best Calorie-Conscious Plans Designed by Dietitians

BistroMD offers effortless weight loss meal plans designed by a Ph.D. dietitian. Its meals are tailored for individuals transitioning to a low-calorie diet, focusing on balanced nutrition and portion control. This service is especially beneficial for those seeking guided weight loss support.

What’s on the Menu?

BistroMD's meals total 1,200 or 1,400 calories per day, with each meal ranging from 350 to 500 calories. The meals are nutritionally balanced, providing a mix of proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats. This structure supports a calorie-conscious diet effectively.

The service offers a range of meal plans, including Signature, Gluten Free, Heart Healthy, Keto Flex, Diabetic, Vegan, and Menopause. However, the Keto Flex plan does not induce ketosis, and the Diabetic and Menopause plans offer the same food selections. This variety caters to different dietary needs and preferences.

However, the service doesn’t allow for ingredient substitutions. Meals are part of a meticulously planned diet, making customization limited. This lack of flexibility might be a drawback for some, but it ensures strict adherence to the dietary plan. Find out about what happened when we tested BistroMD.

What Makes It Special?

BistroMD's meals total 1,200 or 1,400 calories per day, with each meal ranging from 350 to 500 calories. The meals are nutritionally balanced, providing a mix of proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats. This structure supports a calorie-conscious diet effectively.

BistroMD's personalized meal plans are developed by a team of registered dietitians. They ensure that every meal aligns with specific dietary goals. This personalization is key for individuals on a structured, calorie-conscious diet.

Is It Good Value?

With options for 2 or 3 meals for 5 or 7 days per plan, you can choose up to 20 meals a week. If you opt for a full plan, you can eat what you wish for the remaining meal. This flexibility ensures you always have diet-friendly meals on hand. The service provides a practical solution for maintaining a consistent, healthy diet.

The maximum plan costs $5.50 per serving for 20 meals a week. This pricing is competitive, considering the personalized nature and convenience of the service. It's a worthwhile investment for those committed to a low-calorie diet.

7. Purple Carrot – Best for a Plant-Based Diet

Purple Carrot is the only 100% plant-based vegan meal delivery service on my list. It offers both meal kits and prepared meals, catering to a diverse range of tastes and dietary preferences. Find out more in our tested Purple Carrot review.

What’s on the Menu?

Purple Carrot provides over 16+ meal kit recipes each week. These range from quick 5-minute breakfasts to 30-minute dinners. Despite a smaller menu than other services, it ensures fresh and varied weekly options.

The menu includes a variety of cuisines, like Mediterranean, Indian, Asian, and Middle Eastern. Meals are centered around vegetables, herbs, and spices, making them appealing even to meat-eaters looking to incorporate more plant-based options. Dishes like Pesto Melt and Grilled BBQ Cauliflower Steaks are examples of its innovative approach.

In addition to meal kits, Purple Carrot offers around 30 different prepared meals each week. These meals are single-serving, come in recyclable trays, and are microwave-ready in just a few minutes. There are even some prepared dishes marked “Shareable” which can serve 2 people as a side dish. The service also provides snacks and pantry staples in the Grocery.

What Makes It Special?

Purple Carrot emphasizes vegetables as the main attraction rather than relying on meat substitutes. Its creative dishes, such as Hoisin Tofu Steaks with Sticky Rice, showcase innovative plant combinations. This focus differentiates it from other meal services that often lean heavily on meat alternatives.

The High Protein meals are notable, offering at least 20 grams of protein per serving. These cater specifically to those following a plant-based diet who need more protein. Dishes are designed to be both nutritionally balanced and flavorful.

Purple Carrot’s breakfast and lunch options mean that you can enjoy plant-based meals throughout the day. On busy days, these convenient options help you stick to a vegan diet without resorting to less healthy alternatives.

Is It Good Value?

Purple Carrot's pricing starts at $6.83 per serving for the maximum order, and prepared meals are priced at $13 each. While this may be considered pricey, the quality and convenience of the service justify the cost for those committed to a vegan diet.

The service lets you order meal kits for 2 or 4 people. The minimum order is 3 meal kits for 2 people, with the maximum being 3 meal kits for 4 people. On the 2-person plan, you can also order 4 meal kits. You won’t be able to order any less than 6 prepared meals per week. These can be ordered in bundles of 8, or 10 meals as well. 

8. Marley Spoon – Best Flexible Menu for Busy Foodies

Marley Spoon focuses on easy, classic home-cooked meals, and it’s one of the most popular meal delivery services in the US. It features a huge menu, blending traditional flavors with globally-inspired ingredients for foodies in Chicago.

What’s on the Menu?

The menu features over 100 items each week, which is a significantly larger selection than many competitors. It includes diverse options like entrees, sides, and desserts. The variety caters to different tastes, despite somewhat limited dietary accommodations.

Marley Spoon offers a special category of Premium meals each week. These meals include dozens of recipes featuring superior ingredients. Options like the Organic Truffle Butter Steak are staples of the premium meal options.

The menu offers some recipe customization. This feature allows customers to swap certain ingredients to suit their preferences. It’s only available after sign-up when selecting meals, so you won’t know which meals are customizable until after sign-up. Find out more about its large menu in our Marley Spoon review.

What Makes It Special?

Marley Spoon stands out for its environmental commitment. The service is designed to minimize food waste and packaging. Additionally, it’s 100% carbon neutral, balancing carbon-based materials with eco-friendly initiatives.

The service's recipe kits require basic prep but come with precise measurements. The cooking instructions are clear, making the process simple and enjoyable. This approach is ideal for those who appreciate hands-on cooking with a bit of guidance. For those who want no-prep, there’s an entire plan of prepared meals.

Is It Good Value?

Marley Spoon maintains affordability, with prices starting at $4.99 per serving. This pricing is competitive, especially considering the customization options and the service's environmental efforts.

The flexible ordering options cater to different needs. You can choose from 2 to 6 meal kits per week for 2 or 4 people. This flexibility makes it a suitable choice for couples or small families looking to balance budget and quality.

9. Dinnerly – Great Budget Meals for Chicago Families

Dinnerly is the most affordable meal delivery service in Chicago. It’s always stocked full of 100+ meal kits that are simple to make and don’t contain overly exotic ingredients.  The low cost and easy recipes make it a perfect fit for budget-conscious families or those with kids.

What’s on the Menu?

Dinnerly's menu features classic comfort foods, perfect for families and picky eaters. You'll find familiar dishes like pasta and burgers. These meals are designed to satisfy both adults and children.

My personal favorite, Chicken & Broccoli Mac & Cheese, perfectly encapsulates Dinnerly's approach to familiar but exciting meals. It's a twist on the classic mac and cheese, adding chicken and broccoli for a more nutritious dish. The recipe is simple, yet the result is a delicious, comforting meal.

In addition to the main meals, you’ll find some desserts, snacks, and a few prepared meals. Some meals are marked PremiYum and come with a small upcharge. The extra cost is revealed when you choose your meals. These meals feature fancier proteins and sides.

What Makes It Special?

Dinnerly’s cooking steps are super simple. Most recipes involve just 5 easy steps, making it ideal for busy individuals who want to enjoy home-cooked meals without spending too much time in the kitchen. Find out more about how Dinnerly keeps things simple and streamlined in our tested review.

Despite its affordability, Dinnerly offers an extensive menu. With over 100 options each week, it surpasses many higher-priced competitors in variety. This extensive selection is a significant draw for those who enjoy diverse meal options.

The service focuses on ingredient quality without driving up costs. Some of the produce is organic, and the proteins are free from antibiotics and humanely raised. This commitment to quality ingredients at low prices sets Dinnerly apart.

Is It Good Value?

Dinnerly is an incredibly affordable option in the meal kit market. Prices start at just $3.99, making it accessible for those on a budget. This affordability doesn't come at the expense of quality, making it an excellent value.

The service offers flexibility in ordering. You can choose between 2 and 6 meals for 2 or 4 people each week. This flexibility, combined with the low price point, makes Dinnerly a practical choice for various household sizes and budgets.

10. Trifecta – Great Build-Your-Own Meals

Trifecta offers a unique meal delivery experience with a variety of dietary options. Its focus on fresh ingredients and convenient packaging makes it a standout choice for those seeking healthy prepared meals.

What’s on the Menu?

Trifecta provides 5 dietary plans: Clean, Keto, Paleo Whole30 Approved, Plant Based, and GLP-1 Friendly. You can choose from 5, 7, 10, or 14 entrees per week. Plans can’t be mixed, but you can choose your own meals, or if you let the chefs choose, you can opt to exclude one ingredient from a list, including pork, tree nuts, and shellfish.

The separate Signature plan allows you to select from 6+ entree recipes. There’s also a separate breakfast menu with 12+ meals and you can mix and match across these menus. However, recipes for other plans aren’t visible, which can be inconvenient for those with specific ingredient preferences. Trifecta's emphasis on variety is evident in its Signature plan, but less so in others.

All meals arrive in microwave-ready trays, portioned for individual use. This packaging is practical for easy storage and meal preparation. The trays' reusability also adds an eco-friendly aspect to the service.

What Makes It Special?

Trifecta's Meal Prep plan stands out by allowing you to create your own meals. Ingredients include meat, fish, complex carbs, and vegetables, all prepped with simple seasonings. This plan offers a unique blend of convenience and customization.

It uses only fresh and seasonal ingredients, avoiding preservatives and artificial additives. This commitment to quality ensures that meals are not only convenient but also health-conscious. Such an approach is appealing for those who prioritize clean eating. Learn more in our tested Trifecta review.

Another unique feature is Trifecta's nutrition-tracking app. The app integrates all recipes and allows barcode scanning of additional products. This tool makes it easy to track meal macros, enhancing the meal management experience.

Is It Good Value?

Trifecta is 1 of the more expensive meal delivery services, with prices starting at $13.79  per serving. A full week of 7 breakfasts and 14 entrees can exceed $300. This pricing reflects the quality and convenience of the service, but it may be a consideration for those on a budget.

Despite the higher cost, Trifecta's focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and customizable meal plans offers significant value. The convenience of microwave-ready trays and the nutritional tracking app add to the overall worth of the service for those prioritizing health and convenience in their meal choices.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Meal Delivery Service in Chicago

As a meal delivery expert, I understand how overwhelming it can be to choose from the many options available. To help make your decision easier, here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Menu variety: If you enjoy experimenting with new recipes, opt for services that update their menus weekly, such as Factor. However, if you prefer familiar dishes, choose a service such as HelloFresh which changes the menu weekly but features many customer favorites over and over again.

• Special dietary needs: Many meal delivery services offer vegetarian or low-calorie options. But if you have specific dietary restrictions or allergies, you might need a more specialized service. Green Chef is a great option catering to a wide range of specific diets. 

• Budget: The meal delivery industry offers options for a wide range of budgets. Lower-priced meals from a service like HelloFresh may contain fewer ingredients and only cater to mainstream diets. While more expensive, premium services, like Factor, may feature prepared meals and cater to restrictive diets.

• Eco-friendliness: Although meal delivery services reduce food waste, their shipping does require packaging. Consider options like Marley Spoon that use sustainable materials and strive for a smaller carbon footprint.

FAQ

What is the best meal delivery service in Chicago?

Factor is the best meal delivery service in Chicago with high-quality ingredients and easy, fully-prepared recipes that help you get dinner on the table in minutes. The menu is great for a range of diets, including low-calorie, high-protein, and keto.

What is the most affordable meal delivery service in Chicago?

Does HelloFresh Deliver in Chicago?

Yes. HelloFresh delivers to Chicago and to the 48 continental states. You can type in your zip code when you sign up so any delivery restrictions will be flagged upfront.

What is the best prepared meal delivery service in the Chicago suburbs?

Factor is the best prepared meal delivery service in the Chicago suburbs. You can double-check what delivery days are available for your zip code on Factor’s website.

Best Meal Delivery Services in Chicago in 2026 — Final Score