The easiest way to free up some time in your busy schedule is to find the right meal delivery service that fits your needs. I know it’s easier said than done. After all, it’s difficult enough to decide what you’ll get at a restaurant, let alone plan a menu for the entire week for the whole family!
However, I think it’s worth the effort. Huntington Beach is a diverse city that gives you access to some of the best meal delivery services. I even took it upon myself to find the best brands that fit a variety of tastes and preferences, from full vegans to omnivores.
Based on my research and reviews from real customers, I think Factor is the best fit for Huntington Beach. It has a diverse menu that includes international recipes, and the meals are ready-made (no cooking for you). Plus, the ingredients are premium quality, and you get an impressive list of Add-Ons to round things up.
Factor – Best for ready-made nutrient-rich meals
Green Chef – Best for meals with organic ingredients
Blue Apron – Best gourmet family-friendly meals
HelloFresh – Best for quick and healthy meals
Delivered fresh, never frozen
35 unique recipes per week plus add-ons
Dietary options include vegetarian, calorie-smart, keto, high-protein, and vegan
Factor is a meal delivery service specializing in ready-made, nutrient-rich meals that cater to a variety of dietary preferences. The meals are designed for health-conscious individuals seeking balanced, chef-prepared dishes.
The menu is great for omnivores, but it also includes meals suitable for other dietary needs, such as vegetarian, keto, flexitarian, low-calorie, high-protein, and vegan diets. This diversity ensures that whether you're looking to cut carbs, increase protein intake, or eat more plant-based foods, there's likely a meal option for you.
Factor features 6 meal plans, but you’re not limited to just 1. You can mix and match depending on your preferences that week. However, as my colleague mentions in their in-depth Factor review, if you are fully vegan, you may be a bit disappointed, as there are only 2 to 4 choices each week.
I also have to mention the Add-Ons menu – offering over 40 items each week, it’s a great way to round up your weekly order. Here, you’ll find everything from cooked proteins to diversify your meals, breakfast options for a quick start to your day, healthy desserts for a guilt-free treat, and a variety of smoothies, shakes, and juices for on-the-go nutrition.
Factor stands out for those with a hectic lifestyle by offering a variety of ready-made meals that only require heating. These meals save valuable time as they eliminate the need for meal prep, cooking, and cleaning up afterward. Perfect for those who want a quick, nutritious meal without the hassle of traditional cooking.
I like that Factor’s meals are integrated into popular diet-tracking apps like MyFitnessPal, LoseIt, and Carb Manager. This feature is particularly helpful if you’re following specific calorie or macronutrient goals, making it easier to stay on track.
Lastly, you can get a one-on-one consultation with a professional dietitian via phone. The dietitian will work with you to understand your nutrition objectives, lifestyle, and dietary preferences. Plus, you’ll receive insights and recommendations on how to align your meal choices with your health and wellness goals.
Factor provides ready-made meals that require minimal preparation, which is highly valuable for busy individuals or those who prefer not to spend time cooking. It’s also an eco-friendly service committed to sustainability through recyclable packaging.
Furthermore, Factor's pricing and meal plan options offer flexibility. Prices start at $10.49 per serving, and you can choose from 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 18 single-serving meals each week.
Sustainably sourced and GMO-free ingredients
45+ recipes every week
6 dietary options, including plant-based, high-protein, keto, and more
Green Chef is a premium, organic meal delivery service available in Huntington Beach. It’s also 1 of the best meal delivery services on this list, especially if you’re particular about the type of ingredients that go into your food. In fact, Green Chef is a USDA Organic Certified service.
Green Chef’s menu is a game-changer if you're into chef-crafted meals that are as good for your taste buds as they are for your body. Each meal kit is packed with clean and nutritious ingredients, and you get to dive into a world of international cuisines right from your kitchen.
Whether you’re all about plant-based eating, keeping it low-cal, bulking up on protein, living the keto life, going gluten-free, or savoring Mediterranean flavors, there’s something for you on Green Chef’s menu. Furthermore, most of Green Chef’s meal kits are designed to go from box to plate in under 35 minutes.
To keep things interesting, Green Chef tosses in about 4 or 5 lunch options each week that you can whip up in a quick 10 minutes. And if you feel you want something extra, the Add-ons menu is readily available with protein, breakfast options, desserts, or brunch options. You can see more about Green Chef’s meal plans in our full review.
Green Chef is committed to using high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients in all its meal kits. Most of its produce and eggs are organic, and the proteins are sustainably sourced and free-range.
Additionally, the company is highly focused on creating a sustainable business process, from production to packaging. For those times when recyclable packing materials aren’t possible, the company offsets 100% of its delivery emissions and 100% of the plastic in each box.
Lastly, you can call in for a free 1:1 with a registered dietitian and talk about your lifestyle, dietary preferences, and nutrition goals. You will receive science-backed nutrition advice and professional support on your journey to eating healthy and feeling better.
Since a large proportion of its ingredients are organic, Green Chef is on the pricier side. However, you do get a lot of bang for your buck. Green Chef meals are of the highest quality, and you may well find that the price is worth it.
The best value price is $9.99 per serving, and it starts with the 4 meals for 4 people per week offer. The largest order you can get per week is 4 meals for 6 people per week, which is quite impressive. If you’re ordering for 2, you can start with 3 meals per week, but the price per serving will be slightly higher.
Good add-on menu selection
80+ unique recipes per week
Vegetarian, low-carb, and carb-conscious meals
Current deal: Enjoy meals starting as low as $5.59
Blue Apron offers a range of chef-designed recipes that focus on fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients. The menu is designed around convenient cooking experiences, and you get detailed recipe cards and pre-portioned ingredients for easy meal preparation at home.
Blue Apron's menu is inspired by cuisines from around the world. Each week, you can expect to find exotic recipes, like Chili Crisp Pork Udon (which can be turned vegetarian) or Calabrian Shrimp & Orzo (which is less than 600 calories per serving).
Every week, Blue Apron rolls out a menu of meal kits and prepared meals that fit several categories, such as Craft (for fancy recipes), New & Notable, Ready to Cook, and 600 Calories or Less. The menu caters to a variety of tastes and dietary needs, including vegetarian delights, family-friendly meals, and Wellness recipes that are both low in carbs and calories.
If you're craving more, head over to the Add-ons section. Here, you'll discover a varied selection of meal kits, prepared meals for up to 2 people, tempting desserts, breakfast items, and appetizers. This extra section is perfect for adding variety to your week or for those days when you want something a little special.
Around 10 recipes each week offer customization options, including protein swaps/upgrades and the Make It Vegetarian feature. Pork Udon Noodles can be ordered without pasture-raised eggs and bell pepper instead of pork. Read more about this feature and Blue Apron’s menu in general in our full Blue Apron review.
Additionally, the ingredients are all high quality. The meals use only sustainably raised, hormone-free proteins. Everything is sourced from small, family-run farms, fisheries, and ranchers. This way, the produce, meats, and seafood in the meal kits are not only fresh but also responsibly sourced.
With prices starting at $4.00 per serving for the maximum order of meal kits (5 meals per week for 4 people), Blue Apron fits the mid-range pricing category. However, fewer servings result in a higher price per serving (up to $12.49 per serving). Prepared meals can be ordered in bundles of 4, 6, 8, or 10 and are all single serving.
Overall, I like that the company focuses on sustainably sourced ingredients and diverse, chef-designed recipes.
Most popular meal kit in America
Over 100 unique recipes and market items per week
Meals plans for diets including vegetarian, pescatarian, and weight-loss
Dubbed America’s #1 meal kit, HelloFresh is a meal kit delivery service that lives up to its name. The company works with reliable and sustainable local businesses to deliver fresh, high-quality, farm-sourced produce that's in season.
The breadth of HelloFresh’s menu is impressive, featuring a vast selection of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, many of which can be whipped up in under 35 minutes. HelloFresh is mindful of dietary preferences, providing a good selection of vegetarian meal kits and even several vegan options, ensuring that there’s something for everyone at the table.
HelloFresh features a range of familiar favorites like burgers, pizzas, and pasta dishes. While the menu primarily focuses on American cuisine, it also includes a variety of international dishes, adding a touch of global flavor to your dining experience. You’ll also find a couple of Family Dinner recipes each week, marked with the Multiportion tag, featuring comforting, larger-portioned meals. My colleague can tell you more about these in our tested HelloFresh review.
HelloFresh is a family-friendly meal delivery service that focuses on quality ingredients and convenience. The company uses fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from trusted partners to provide you with a refreshing taste and balanced nutrition.
You also get to customize some of your meals using the HelloCustom feature. This allows you to change, swap, or upgrade more than 12 sides and proteins each week. You get the freedom to decide what goes into your box, which isn’t always that common with these types of services.
Additionally, if you feel the main menu is not enough, you have the HelloFresh Market. This is a one-stop shop for all your meal needs throughout the week. It provides a curated selection of quick breakfasts, lunches, snacks, desserts, and other essentials.
HelloFresh caters to busy parents, couples, and individuals with hectic schedules, offering a menu that's as convenient as it is varied.
The company provides options for different household sizes, including family-friendly meals with larger portions. This flexibility makes it suitable for both small and large households. Meals from HelloFresh start at $4.49 per serving, which means you’re getting a pretty good deal compared to eating out.
Meals ready to eat in as little as 5 minutes
30+ customizable meals a week
Vegetarian, carb-conscious, and calorie-conscious options
Home Chef is a meal kit delivery service that prides itself on sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients to create delicious, chef-curated meals. Delivered directly to your door, each meal is carefully packaged to ensure freshness and precisely portioned for each recipe, making home cooking convenient and enjoyable.
The variety on Home Chef’s menu is impressive, catering to a wide range of culinary preferences and needs. Whether you're looking for classic meal kits, the convenience of Oven-Ready and Fast & Fresh options, family-sized portions, or gourmet recipes, Home Chef has it all.
The menu includes dishes from various cuisines, such as Asian, American, and Mediterranean. For those mindful of their dietary intake, Home Chef offers dedicated Carb-conscious and Calorie-Conscious plans, making it easier to stick to specific health and wellness goals. Vegetarians aren’t left out either, with a good selection of plant-based options available.
Home Chef also keeps things interesting with its weekly selection of ready-made lunches (around 4 per week). For those looking to indulge, Home Chef’s Culinary Collection features about 4 premium meals each week, boasting fancy or organic ingredients for an upcharge.
Home Chef elevates the meal kit experience with its innovative Customize It tool, which puts a personal touch on your dining experience. Most of the meal kits, like the popular Cheesy Poblano Chicken Quesadillas, offer the flexibility to swap proteins according to your preference – be it steak strips or sliced pork instead of chicken.
This feature is a standout for those of us who love to have a say in our meal preparation, making each dish feel truly tailored to individual tastes. For full details on how the Customize It feature works, check out our full Home Chef review.
Home Chef also has the option of buying online or in-store. Home Chef has partnered with Kroger to make its healthy meals accessible to customers in person. So, if you need a last-minute meal, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to find a healthy, tasty option at your local Ralph’s, or another Kroger store.
Home Chef is a great option if you value convenience, variety, and quality in your cooking and eating habits. Prices start at $9.99 per serving if you order for 6 people, 6 meals per person (which is a fairly large order).
The company has 2 main plans – Standard and Family. The Standard menu only offers 2, 4, and 6-serving meal plans, so it’s best suited for couples and small-sized families. If you’re feeding more people, then you may be best off with the family plan, where you can order for 4 or 8 people.
Separate weight loss meals plan for men and women
150+ prepared meals
6 dietary options, including gluten-free, vegan, heart-healthy
BistroMD specializes in meals designed for weight loss and healthy eating. The company offers a diverse menu curated by dietitians to cater to various dietary needs and preferences. It's particularly suitable for individuals seeking structured meal plans with a focus on nutrition and portion control.
BistroMD promises fresh, flash-frozen meals (some, not all) ready to heat and eat. But these aren't your average low-cal meals – these dishes include real meat, vibrant veggies, and absolutely no processed, preservative-packed nonsense. Plus, you’re fully covered for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
The menu is quite varied – whether you're a meat lover, seafood enthusiast, or a plant-based foodie, there's something for everyone. Beef, chicken, turkey, pork, seafood, pasta – you name it. And for those who like to keep it light, the soups and stews are a must-try.
Lastly, according to our reviewer, BistroMD's EATS (Essential And Tasty Snacks) are life-savers for those mid-day cravings. From cookie dough protein bars to shakes and chips, these snacks are delicious and high in protein and fiber. This way, you can snack smart and stay on track with your health goals.
Unlike other weight loss meal delivery services, BistroMD isn't just about dishing out low-calorie meals. The company takes a holistic, science-backed approach to weight loss by creating tasty meals that align with your health goals and respect your dietary needs.
All the meal plans are a neat 1,200 (for women) or 1,400 calories (for men) per day, with each dish packing about 350 to 500 calories. This means you can enjoy full-flavored meals without the calorie overload.
Additionally, when you sign up for BistroMD, you also have access to their team of registered dietitians for consultations. You can reach out with questions about your diet or for personalized advice. Plus, you have access to specialty materials, insightful newsletters, and a wide database of tips, tricks, and science-based information about good nutrition.
While BistroMD may seem pricier compared to standard meal delivery services, its specialized focus on nutrition and weight management justifies the cost. I recommend seeing BistroMD as an investment in a structured, scientifically-backed weight loss journey.
Depending on your preferences, you can get 3 meals per day, 5 or 7 days a week (plus snacks). There’s also the option of a custom plan if you don’t want to receive 3 meals per day. Prices start at $6.59 per serving.
Options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack items
28 recipes per week across meal kits and prepared meals
Gluten-free meals, soy-free, and high-protein meals
Purple Carrot offers a range of creative and flavorful vegan recipes packed as meal kits and prepared meals. If you’re looking to explore meat-free cuisine, I think Purple Carrot is a great choice since the menu has the power of fresh plants as its core.
Purple Carrot's menu brings a world of international flavors to your kitchen. Each meal is a vibrant mix of vegetables, herbs, and spices, ensuring that your dining experience is healthy, culturally diverse, and exciting.
Besides offering a 100% vegan menu, Purple Carrot also caters to other dietary needs, such as High-Protein, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Gluten-Free, or low-calorie (<600 Calories). As my colleague mentioned in their tested review of Purple Carrot, since all offerings are plant-based, the meals are also a great fit for dairy-free dieters.
You can choose between cooking with meal kits and quick, microwaveable prepared meals. If you choose meal kits, check out the Less Prep options. These are a real-time-saver as they feature pre-made sauces, pre-washed and chopped veggies, and recipes that require fewer pots and pans. All these translate to less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Purple Carrot stands out due to its focus on using fresh vegetables in their natural form rather than using a lot of processed fake meats or other animal product replacements. This makes the meals not just healthy but also packed with the real flavors and textures of veggies.
Additionally, organic and local ingredients are a big part of Purple Carrot. While not every single ingredient is organic, Purple Carrot does a great job of using local and seasonal veggies whenever they can. Also, most of the non-produce ingredients, like beans, nuts, and tofu, are certified organic.
All Purple Carrot meals are 100% plant-based, and many are gluten-free. Therefore, it’s a great option for anyone looking to try veganism or reduce meat consumption with little effort and an affordable price.
Prices start at $11.00 per serving for the largest order of meal kits, while prepared meals cost $13.00 per serving regardless of how much you order. The meal kits section has a 2-serving and a 4-serving plan, while ready-made meals only come as single-serving.
Easy-to-prepare, 6-step recipes
100+ meal kits every week
5 dietary options, including low-calorie, vegetarian, and low-carb
Known for its budget-friendly options, Dinnerly offers easy-to-make recipes with few ingredients per dish, making it a great choice for quick, no-fuss dinners. The menu features a variety of tasty, home-style meals that cater to both families and individuals who are looking for convenience and flavor.
Dinnerly's menu caters to a wide range of tastes and diets. With more than 100 different dishes, there's always something new to try. Plus, you get a variety of add-ons, snacks, and desserts included in the core menu.
The cuisine variety is also impressive – you can find everything from comforting American classics to exciting Asian-fusion dishes. Most of the recipes are marked as kid-friendly, and you get a well-balanced selection of meat, fish, and veggie dishes. However, vegan options are scarce, so you may want to consider Purple Carrot instead.
Dinnerly is also focused on convenience. Most meals can be prepared in 30 to 45 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights. The recipes are straightforward, catering to cooks of all skill levels. You even get 2 to 3 weekly prepared meals that just need a quick heat-up in the microwave or oven.
What sets Dinnerly apart in the crowded meal kit market is its commitment to affordability and simplicity. Dinnerly positions itself as 1 of the most budget-friendly meal kit services available that doesn’t sacrifice diversity, quality, or convenience.
Our reviewer was quite impressed that Dinnerly lets you customize most of its recipes (for a small additional fee). For example, you can swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes or choose a higher-end protein. Still, keep your eyes on the final cost – these small upcharges range from $0.49 to $5.99+ per serving, so it’s easy to amp up your bill.
While Dinnerly offers great value in terms of price and simplicity, those looking for gourmet, organic, or highly specialized meal kits might find it lacking in those areas. Still, as most meals are easy to prepare and kid-friendly, Dinnerly is an excellent choice for families and busy people.
Pricing starts at $2.12 per serving but varies depending on your order size. The minimum order is 3 meals for 2 people per week, but you can order up to 6 meals for 4 people.
Recipes designed by professional chefs
100+ unique recipes per week
Balanced, family-friendly, and vegetarian meal kits
Marley Spoon offers a diverse range of recipes and focuses on providing fresh, pre-portioned ingredients for convenient home cooking. The menu caters to various dietary preferences and allows for flexible customization options.
Marley Spoon boasts a menu that's diverse and delicious. The heart of this menu is American cuisine, but you’ll also find plenty of flavors from around the globe. Each week, you’ll find several Asian, Greek, Mediterranean, Mexican, and other exotic recipes.
What I like the most about Marley Spoon is that you can enjoy (and prepare) everything from straightforward comfort food to more intricate dishes that will make you feel like a gourmet chef. Plus, the menu includes breakfasts to kickstart your day, hearty lunches, and even desserts.
Marley Spoon offers a range of cooking styles. Whether you're in the mood for a quick under-30-minute meal, a convenient one-pot dish, or even a microwaveable meal (about 2 per week), you always have options.
Another highlight of Marley Spoon is its range of Premium recipes (around 10 options each week). These aren’t just your average meal kit offerings – they're a step above, designed to bring a touch of luxury and fine dining into your home (for an additional fee). Our reviewer thought these were perfect for times when you want to treat yourself or impress guests.
I like Marley Spoon’s green initiative. Just like HelloFresh, Marley Spoon is committed to limiting its environmental impact by offsetting 100% of its carbon emissions and using only recyclable packaging.
If you’re craving comfort food without the effort of planning and shopping, Marley Spoon could be the meal delivery service for you.
Prices start at $4.99 per serving for the largest plan, and you can order between 2 and 6 meal kits each week, serving either 2 or 4. You can also choose to make your box completely vegetarian!
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Our Rating | 9.8 | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.6 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.4 | 9.2 | 9.2 |
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Starting Price | $10.49 Per Serving | $9.99 Per Serving | $4.00 Per Serving | $4.49 Per Serving | $9.99 Per Serving | $6.59 Per Serving | $11.00 Per Serving | $2.12 Per Serving | $4.99 Per Serving |
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Minimum Order | 6 prepared meals | 3 meals for 2 people | 2 meals for 2 people | 2 meals for 2 people | 2 meals for 2 people | 10 prepared meals | 3 meal kits for 2 people/6 prepared meals | 3 meals for 2 people | 2 meals for 2 people |
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Meal Types | Prepared meals | 10-45 minute meal kits | 5 - 60 min meal kits and prepared meals | Meal kits, speedy kits, prepared meals | Kits, speedy kits, oven-ready | Prepared meals | Meal kits, prepared meals | 30-minute meal kits | 30-60 min meal kits |
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Prep Time | 2-3 min | 25-40 min | 5-45 min | 5-50 min | 5-50 min | 2-3 min | 3-40 min | 20-45 min | 20-40 min |
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With so many great options, it can be hard to choose a meal delivery service that fits you and your lifestyle. Luckily, I’ve put together a quick list of my best tips on how you can narrow down your options to find the best 1 for you.
Consider your diet and preferences: Make sure any meal delivery you’re considering caters to your dietary needs and taste preferences. For instance, if you want meals cooked with organic ingredients, you can’t go wrong with Green Chef. On the other hand, if you’re vegan or vegetarian, Purple Carrot is the better option.
Check the recipe and cuisine variety: You don’t want to be stuck eating the same thing week after week. To avoid such a grim scenario, look for a service that lets you see the menu in advance. For instance, HelloFresh has a large menu but also lets you browse 5 weeks into the future.
Set a budget: Take a look at what you spend every week on food and see which meal delivery services fit that budget. You might be pleasantly surprised, especially if you choose a highly affordable service like Dinnerly.
I think Factor is the best meal delivery service overall. The company offers a range of ready-made meals each week, complemented by an equally varied menu of Extras. The menu also caters to several dietary needs, such as keto, high-protein, and low-calorie.
Dinnerly is a service that offers low-cost, high-quality meals. Meals start at $4.99 per serving for the largest order (6 meals for 4 people each week), which is quite impressive. However, if you choose to go with the minimum order, you’ll pay $8.04 per serving.
All meal delivery services on my list focus on health and nutrition. But, if I had to choose, I think Green Chef fits this position. The service caters to several dietary needs, and most of its meals include organic ingredients.