10 Best Meal Delivery Services in DC for 2021

Good food and nutrition are essential to our health and wellbeing, but sometimes planning what to eat can feel overwhelming – especially if you’re someone who works long hours and is trying to live a balanced lifestyle. Meal delivery services can help by taking the hard work out of planning and cooking.

We’ve researched the available options and compiled a list of the best meal delivery services in DC, a city that understands the need for convenience. Now you can spend your free time relaxing and enjoying the newest Smithsonian exhibit, not planning next week’s dinner menu. 

Whether you’re vegan, sticking to a strict paleo diet, or just want something easy and nutritious, we’ve found a meal delivery service for you.

Short on time? Here Are the Best Meal Delivery Services in DC of 2021 

• HelloFresh – a popular choice, with recipes for all levels of cooking.

• Blue Apron – focused on building a better food system.

• Green Chef – recipes everyone can follow with certified-organic ingredients.

• Comparison table
  

• FAQ

What’s the Difference Between Meal Delivery and Food Delivery?

Meal delivery services either send dishes prepared by their own in-house chefs or meal kits with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes so you can create your own. These services are generally subscription-based and offer an ongoing solution to weekly meals. 

On the other hand, food delivery services let you order from participating neighborhood restaurants and grocery stores to get you food on demand. There are some popular app-based services, including Grubhub, that have really gained popularity in the last few years.

While food delivery services are convenient, food-box subscriptions are often a more dependable solution for eating well in the long term, especially if you have specific dietary requirements or are working toward a wellness goal. 

Our Best Meal Delivery Services Reviewed

1. HelloFresh – A Popular Choice, with Recipes for All Levels of Cooking

HelloFresh Best Features

• Use the website or app to conveniently manage your orders.

• Offers around 25 different meals each week so you can find something you’ll love.

• Every meal kit contains fresh, seasonal produce.

• Diet-friendly options with low-calorie meals to help you stay on track.

HelloFresh in a Nutshell 

HelloFresh offers simple-to-prepare meals with a variety of fresh ingredients. You can select up to five meals a week with either two or four servings. The menu options include Family-Friendly, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Calorie-Smart, and Quick & Easy. You get a chance to preview the selections and edit for your dietary needs and preferences.

Our expert review of HelloFresh has the full scoop so you can learn more.

With convenient delivery and the ability to scale the amounts to meet your needs, HelloFresh makes meal planning simple. Using the online menu, you can see the length of time each recipe takes and choose which ones fit your schedule. 

Maybe you’re looking for a quick, nourishing weekday meal or you want to slow cook something over the weekend to enjoy – whatever the case, you’ll have all the information you need to plan. 

The recipes offer unique combinations of fresh ingredients so you never get bored, but also allow you to remove anything that doesn’t fit into your diet or taste preferences.

2. Blue Apron – Focused on Building a Better Food System

Blue Apron Best Features

• Recipes are easy to follow with photos, clearly labeled ingredients, and videos for extra instruction.

• Exclusive access to delicious wines and the option to learn more about wine and food pairings with its Wine Club add-on.

• Great variety of recipes that you’ll want to save and recreate.

Blue Apron in a Nutshell 

Blue Apron has an important goal to reduce food waste and increase the availability of good-quality, fresh produce to more people. The meal kits include responsibly sourced, sustainable ingredients, and the menus have options that are WW Approved, Diabetes Friendly, and Health-Conscious, so you can narrow down your choices to fit your lifestyle. See what our experts said in their review of Blue Apron.

In addition to its food, Blue Apron goes a step above by offering wines to pair with the meals you’ve selected. If you join the Wine Club, you’ll receive six 500ml bottles each month and some basic information about the selections – great if you’re looking to elevate a dinner party! Simply check out Blue Apron’s wine subscription page or shop the online marketplace.

3. Green Chef – Recipes Everyone can Follow with Certified-Organic Ingredients

Green Chef Best Features 

• Its Keto + Paleo plan is certified gluten-free.

• Fresh, sustainable, and organic ingredients delivered weekly.

• Unique spices and sauces created exclusively by Green Chef.

Green Chef in a Nutshell 

Organic and sustainable ingredients make up the nine different recipes available each week from Green Chef. Even the ingredients that cannot be organic are sourced responsibly, including its seafood. It’s what makes it one of the most popular meal kit delivery services in DC. Read our expert Green Chef review for more details. 

Your delivery will include these fresh ingredients chopped and ready to use, which will save you precious time. Simply follow the recipe and your meal will be ready in less than 30 minutes. Many of the dishes include Green Chef’s own unique blend of spices, marinades, and sauces made using fresh and organic ingredients. 

There are always options for different diets, including paleo and vegan, so everyone can enjoy this service.

4. Sunbasket – Prepared Meals & Meal Kits made with Farm-Fresh Produce

Sunbasket Best Features 

• A professional chef creates and tests each recipe to ensure you get the best quality.

• Partners with farmers to provide incredible, fresh ingredients with every meal.

• Choose between Fresh & Ready prepared meals or meal kits for you to cook.

Sunbasket in a Nutshell 

Sunbasket is one of the only meal delivery services that provides the option of prepared meals or meal kits that you cook at home. If you like to prep and cook your food, the meal kits include all the necessary ingredients, recipes created by a professional chef, and easy-to-follow instructions. 

If you need something quick and easy, the Fresh & Ready prepared meals only need to be heated. They are sent on a compostable tray that can go straight into the microwave. These meals are also created and tested by Sunbasket’s executive chef, so you aren’t sacrificing quality. Read our expert Sunbasket review for a deeper dive.

The website allows you to choose your recipes each week, or pick one of the menu plans based on your dietary needs. Sunbasket’s menus include Paleo, Carb-Conscious, Gluten-Free, Lean & Clean, Diabetes-Friendly, Chef’s Choice, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Mediterranean, and Quick & Easy. Every option includes ethically sourced ingredients so you never have to worry about where your food is coming from.

5. Vegetable and Butcher – Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Meals with a Focus on Sustainability

Vegetable and Butcher Best Features 

• Recipes created by a fine-dining chef and approved by a registered dietitian for healthy regular meal programs and a dedicated detox program.

• All meals are gluten- and dairy-free with the option of including meat.

• Ingredients include seasonal and organic produce, sustainably caught wild fish, and pasture-raised, grass-fed meat.

• All packaging is compostable to reduce waste.

Vegetable and Butcher in a Nutshell 

Vegetable and Butcher work with local farmers and suppliers to produce nutrient-rich prepared meals. The meal plans are all plant-based, with the option to add in meat for lunch and dinner by selecting the Butcher’s Box. Adding the meat option will include additional ingredients like roasted chicken, braised pork, or bacon bits – whatever compliments the meal.

Every meal is balanced, and always gluten-free and dairy-free. When ordering, you can note any allergies and view the nutritional information and ingredients for each dish.

If you’re looking for a detox option, this is a great meal delivery service. Vegetable and Butcher offers nine unique tonics as part of a cleanse program or as an add-on to the regular menus. 

The bonus is that all packaging is compostable thanks to the company’s efforts to be as environmentally conscious as possible. Deliveries happen three times per week, and you return the ice packs and delivery bags so they can continue to be reused. 

6. Veestro – A Meal Service for Vegans and Anyone Testing Out Plant-Based Diets

Veestro Best Features 

• Clear allergen information and ingredient lists on the website.

• Weight loss option with three planned meals per day put together by professionals to help you reach your goals.

• Great introduction to plant-based eating for anyone wanting to try it with no commitment.

Veestro in a Nutshell 

This meal delivery service serves up prepared, completely vegan meals. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to try a plant-based diet. By utilizing plant proteins like tofu and lentils, and meat substitutes, Veestro has a lot of the familiar recipes you love without the meat. It’s actually hard to tell with some recipes that it isn’t real meat! 

You can learn more about Veestro in this dedicated Veestro review.

Veestro offers both a full meal plan for weight loss and an a la carte option so you can choose what works best for you. It’s all commitment-free, so it’s easy to try out. Check out the reviews on each meal on its website. Previous customers rank the meals they’ve tried so it’s easy to see which are favorites when you’re making your selections.

7. Fresh n’ Lean – Organic, Ready-to-Eat Meals Delivered to You

Fresh n’ Lean Best Features 

• All meals are certified gluten-free.

• Quick and convenient meals that are ready to eat – no prep required.

• Great for athletes looking for high-protein options.

• Keto-friendly snacks and desserts available, including Almond Butter Cups and Teriyaki Salmon Jerky.

Fresh n’ Lean in a Nutshell 

Fresh n’ Lean meal delivery service focuses on healthy and nourishing food. With both meal plans and a la carte options, you select which one works for you. The meals are delivered ready to heat up or store in the fridge until it’s time to eat – whether it’s at the gym post-workout or the office as a healthy lunch.  See more about Fresh n’ Lean in our expert review.

All the protein is sourced from free-range, grass-fed farm animals and the company also offers some specialty meats, such as venison. With five different meal plans – Protein+, Keto, Paleo, Standard Vegan, and Low-Carb Vegan – and the a la carte options, Fresh n’ Lean has something to fit most diets and lifestyles. You can scale from one to three meals a day and include extra sides and bulk orders when necessary. 

On the Protein+ meal plan, you could start your day with Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal, enjoy Pumpkin Chili with Grass-fed Beef for lunch, and finish with loaded BBQ Baked Sweet Potato with Lentils and Sustainable Shrimp. Add in a pack of flavored almonds or coconut-almond butter cups as snacks, and you’re set. 

You can even access the site’s macro calculator to help you make adjustments as needed for your diet.

8. MightyMeals – A Local DC Meal Prep Service that Gives Back

MightyMeals Best Features 

• Local to DC, it focuses on giving back to the community, and you can make additional donations when you order meals.

• Filter by macros on the website to help plan your meals around your diet.

• Made locally and delivered four days a week to ensure the freshest meals.

MightyMeals in a Nutshell 

With more than 100 menu items available, MightyMeals definitely doesn’t skimp on variety. Using the filters on the Menu page, change up your macros – so if you want low carb, high protein, you can view the meals that fit within your parameters. In addition to sorting by macros, the menu features colorful tags to help you locate any allergens, as well as the vegetarian and vegan options. WW points are clearly labeled on each meal, too. 

Choose from two different weekly delivery slots. Want to get even more from your MightyMeals delivery? Add some of its branded snacks, like the Healthy Trail Mix or Almond Butter Banana Chocolate Mighty Bites, when you check out. With the number of meals on offer, you’re sure to find some old favorites and something new each time you order.

9. Grubhub – Best Food Delivery in DC

Grubhub Best Features 

• A variety of restaurants available in one app to make finding what you want to eat easy.

• Absolutely no prepping ingredients or cooking anything – food arrives hot and ready.

• The option to save on delivery fees by selecting the takeout option and picking up.

Grubhub in a Nutshell 

When you’re craving your favorite dish from a local restaurant, but the weather isn’t great or you don’t feel like leaving home, Grubhub’s food delivery can step in. The app and website work with local restaurants to offer their menus to customers for food delivery. You select the items you want and a Grubhub delivery driver will pick up the food and bring it to your door.

From vegan restaurants to ice cream shops, and a huge variety of global-inspired cuisines, there’s something for every mood – no cooking required.

There are fees for the service, including delivery fees and service fees. You can also add an optional tip for the delivery driver. But the extra fees are the price you pay for convenience.

10. Postmates – More Than Just Meals, DC-Based Food Delivery

Postmates Best Features 

• Hot meals delivered from your favorite local restaurants.

• An app-based service that’s easy to use.

• Gives you the ability to order groceries as well as meals.

• Free delivery if you sign up for the Unlimited membership.

Postmates in a Nutshell

Postmates is an app that allows you to order food and supplies directly to your door. It’s as simple as logging in and finding a convenience store or restaurant that delivers to your address and selecting the items you want. It’s more than just food delivery, which makes it unique. You can access items with just a few clicks in the app. 

With the Unlimited membership, you can also receive orders over $12 with no delivery charge, plus access to exclusive savings and events. The membership costs $9.99 per month and is not required, but if you use the service frequently, it can save you money in the long run.

Best Meal Delivery Services in DC: Comparison Table

Bottom Line: Why Choose a Meal Delivery Service in DC?

Healthy eating has never been easier. With these incredible services delivering fresh, balanced meals right to your door, you can immediately enjoy some time back in your day to use however you want. 

Not only that, but I’ve made sure to find you the meal and food delivery services that offer consistency, convenience, affordability, and the best quality. Throw in great company ethos in the mix, and you're sure to feel good, not only about what you order, but who you’re ordering from. 

Avoid the grocery store panic runs and ruts of eating the same takeout each week and enjoy fresh meal kits or chef-prepared meals. Decide on which of the 10 best meal delivery services in DC you want to try and instantly enjoy the relief of no meal planning and grocery trips. There’s no better time than now.

FAQ

What is the best prepared meal delivery service in DC?

Sunbasket’s Fresh & Ready option is great if you’re looking for prepared meals. You get a wide variety of meals and all are ready to heat up and enjoy. MightyMeals also offers some great prepared meals that are perfect if you’re searching for a low-calorie option.

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

Most options, like HelloFresh, offer a low-calorie meal plan, but Diet-to-Go is focused on helping people achieve their weight loss goals. 

If you’re looking to go down the cleanse route with juices, Vegetable and Butcher has a plan approved by a registered dietitian.

What is the cheapest prepared meal delivery service in DC?

HelloFresh meals start at just $7.49 per serving, which is the lowest price available in our top 10 list. Sunbasketoffers prepared meals at $8.99 per serving. It also depends on which meals you choose and how many meals you order at a time. Sometimes ordering more offers a better price point per meal.

What is the healthiest food delivery service in DC?

All 10 of the best meal delivery services in DC emphasize healthy eating. Sunbasket offers the largest variety of meal plans for different dietary needs. We would encourage you to find the service that fits your personal needs.