10 Best Meal Delivery Services in Sacramento 2023 (Top List)

Meal delivery services are more popular than ever right now because they offer an unmatched level of convenience. But, when you’re living in the Farm-to-Fork Capital, it’s hard to compete with the quality of the fresh produce readily available at local farmers’ markets.

So, when it comes to planning your week’s meals, where do meal delivery services fit in? Can you find the same freshness in convenience without compromising on quality? In our list of the best meal delivery services for Sacramento, we take a closer look, providing you with an in-depth list of the best options out there.

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

Identifying the differences between meal delivery and food delivery can be confusing because sometimes the two terms are used synonymously. In fact, they’re very different. 

A meal delivery service provides you with one meal or more per day, based on your preferences. They either come in the form of prepared meals – that only need to be heated – or meal kits, which are all prepped in the vendor’s kitchens and delivered directly to your door in a weekly shipment. 

Home Chef and Blue Apron are both examples of meal delivery services available in Sacramento. Both offer meal kits, which come with portioned ingredients for you to create the meals yourself from home. In addition to meal kits, Home Chef also offers prepared meals. 

Food delivery is different. It allows you to order cooked dishes from your favorite local restaurants or food from nearby retailers, where it will be picked up for you and delivered to your door.

Grubhub and Postmates are food delivery services that are readily available to consumers in Sacramento. With both of these, you pay on a per-meal basis. 

Our 10 Best Meal Delivery Services Reviewed

1. Home Chef – Best Overall Meal Delivery Service in Sacramento

Home Chef Best Features

• Customizable – swap, upgrade, and double-up on protein

• Good variety –  around 20 meal kits and prepared meals available each week

• Quick dishes –  some ready in as little as 15 minutes

• Special Deal: 75% Off Your 1st Box + 60% Off Your 2nd and 3rd Boxes!

Home Chef in a Nutshell

Home Chef is the best overall meal delivery service in Sacramento for several reasons, one of which is that it’s one of the most flexible. Not only can you customize your meals by swapping, upgrading, or doubling up on protein, there’s also the option to mix and match meal kits and oven-ready prepared meals. And when it comes to convenience, Home Chef has got that down, too. Most of its dishes can be ready to eat in 30 minutes or less. 

You don’t have to worry about getting bored with your meals with Home Chef since its recipes are rotated weekly. Within the menu are several meals that cater to specific dietary preferences, including Calorie-Conscious dishes and Carb-Conscious meals. You can read more about both of these plans in our complete Home Chef review.

If, however, you follow a vegan diet, you might not find a wide variety. Home Chef currently offers vegetarian options but cannot guarantee vegan meals each week. Aside from this, we believe Home Chef is the best all-around meal delivery service in Sacramento.

2. Blue Apron – Easy Yet Delicious Meal Delivery Service for Sacramentoans

Blue Apron Best Features

• Easy prep and cook –  meals are ready within 30 minutes

• Wine pairings with each recipe – available to purchase directly from the site

• Free shipping –  when you order three or more meals per week

• Special Deal: Enjoy $130 off across your first 6 orders

Blue Apron in a Nutshell

Blue Apron was one of the first meal kit delivery companies to hit the US market and it continues to be an industry leader.

Having recently expanded its dietary preferences, it now offers a wide variety of meals, including Diabetes-Friendly recipes and WW Approved meals, the latter of which shows the Weight Watchers points on each recipe.

Find out more about the different plans this meal kit delivery service offers in our Blue Apron review.

With Blue Apron, you can enjoy restaurant-quality meals with easy-to-follow recipes and minimal prep and cooking times in the comfort of your own home. Designed to make cooking simple for even n the most novice chefs, the company has an app featuring demonstrations and how-to videos to help you perfect your technique in the kitchen.

3. HelloFresh – Sustainable and Varied Meal Delivery Service in Sacramento

HelloFresh Best Features

• Great value –  from $3.32 per serving

• Quality produce – farm-fresh ingredients, sourced direct

• Wide variety – a minimum of 23 new recipes each week to choose from

• Special Deal: Get 25 free meals + free shipping + 3 surprise gifts

HelloFresh in a Nutshell

If high-quality, fresh ingredients and sustainably sourced produce are important to you, HelloFresh is a great meal kit service to try. Each week you’ll have 23 recipes or more to choose from, across plans that include Meat & Veggies, Veggie, Family Friendly, Calorie-Smart, and more.

If, however, you have very specific dietary requirements such as allergies, HelloFresh is likely not the best option for you. The company focuses more on lifestyle preferences than dietary, with a filter system that includes categories such as Lightning Prep, One Pan, Calorie-Smart, and Quick. You can read more about this in our expert HelloFresh review.

All the recipes come with clearly marked recipe cards that are easy to follow – even for beginners. The kits are a great way to get the whole family involved in the kitchen, too.

4. Sunbasket – Best for Dietary-Specific Meal Kits

Sunbasket Best Features

• Caters to a variety of diets – vegetarian, paleo, gluten-free, and more

• Organic ingredients – including farm-fresh produce and responsibly sourced proteins

• Innovative recipes – explore worldwide cuisines and new ingredients

• Special Deal: $90 off Plus a Free Gift!

Sunbasket in a Nutshell

One of the best meal delivery services in Sacramento right now – offering both meal kits and prepared meals – is Sunbasket. Its huge range of dietary-specific plans is one of the largest we've seen on the market. Choose from 10 different plans, or mix and match dishes from each menu to make your own. You can read more about the company’s offerings in our in-depth Sunbasket review.

Sunbasket also monitors the number of calories in each portion, ensuring most fall between 500 and 800, making it one of the healthiest out there. Unlike some others, Sunbasket doesn't skimp on portion sizes and always offers a range of cuisines.

When you combine all these incredible features with its dedication to use organic and sustainable ingredients, and easy-to-follow recipe cards, it’s easy to understand why Sunbasket is a top choice. To top it off, the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee on all its orders within seven days of receiving your box.

5. Freshly – Best Prepared Meals Designed by Nutritionists

 Freshly Best Features

• Meals to suit your diet – high-protein, low-carb, low-calorie, and more

• Tons of variety – choose from more than 40 meals each week

• Build your own menu – mix and match dishes as you like

• Special Deal: Get $175 off your first 7 boxes!

Freshly in a Nutshell

Freshly is another top-of-the-line meal delivery service in Sacramento, which specifically offers prepared meals. If you’re following a strict diet, are looking to bulk up or lose weight, or just looking for a healthier alternative to fast food, then Freshly is an excellent meal delivery option for you.

It might feel a bit overwhelming choosing from more than 40 meals each week. Luckily, you can browse by categories such as Crafted Classics, FreshlyFit, and Takeout Twists, and the company makes it easy to manage your dietary preferences, too. You can learn all about it in this dedicated Freshly review.

You should note that there are currently not many options for vegans or vegetarians, but for anyone else looking to manage their meals more closely, Freshly makes food prep as effortless as it gets. Offering the ultimate convenience, just heat in the microwave or oven and enjoy.

6. Green Chef – Best Simple and Healthy Meal Kits

 Green Chef Best Features

• Certified organic ingredients – all fresh, responsibly sourced, and non-GMO

• Plans to match your lifestyle – Keto + Paleo, Plant-Powered, and more

• Eco-friendly packaging – recyclable and reusable

• Special Deal: Get $250 Off + Free Shipping

Green Chef in a Nutshell

For Sacramento natives who are on the lookout for quality ingredients, Green Chef is all about organic and sustainably sourced produce, making it a top choice for healthy eaters. There are plans to suit every lifestyle, too, including a Keto + Paleo plan and a Plant-Powered option. You can learn all about the service in this dedicated Green Chef review.

Most of the recipes Green Chef offers are easily assembled and cooked within 30 minutes. They come with detailed instructions and the ingredients are measured and prepped for you.

Another of Green Chef’s great features is its commitment to the environment, with nearly all its packaging being recyclable and kept to a minimum.

7. EveryPlate – Best Low-Cost Meal Delivery for Sacramento

EveryPlate Best Features

• Budget-friendly – prices from $4.99 per serving

• Comfort food classics – traditional American recipes that are rotated weekly

• Easy-to-follow recipes –  clearly stating what store-cupboard essentials are needed

• Special Deal: $1.39/meal On Your 1st Box

EveryPlate in a Nutshell

The concept of EveryPlate is to provide quality meals at a fraction of the price that other meal delivery services charge. Regardless of whether you’re feeding two or four people three, four, or five dinners a week, all its meals come in at $1.49 per serving. Learn all about the ins and outs in our dedicated EveryPlate review.

The one downside to having such affordable prices is that there are some limitations. EveryPlate doesn’t currently cater to specific dietary needs or allergies, and there are hardly any options for vegans.

However, for those without dietary restrictions, EveryPlate offers the ultimate convenience with quick, easy, and cheap dinners. The menu also includes Protein Pack add-ons – particularly great for barbecue season!

8. Purple Carrot – Best Meal Delivery Service for Vegans

Purple Carrot Best Features

• Completely plant-based – great for vegans 

• Meal kits and prepared dishes – dishes for every lifestyle 

• Extensive menu – choose from 24 dishes each week

• Special Deal: Get $30 Off with code carrot30

Purple Carrot in a Nutshell

If you’re vegan or attempting to try a plant-based diet, Purple Carrot is a great option. Not only will Purple Carrot’s meal kits and prepared dishes save you time in the kitchen, but they’ll also save you from having to research recipes if you’re new to a plant-based diet. You can learn all about this plant-based service in our dedicated Purple Carrot review. 

You won’t have to miss out on any comfort-food classics, either. With more than 24 meals to choose from each week, Purple Carrot goes above and beyond to make plant-based eating accessible and exciting. You can choose from a delectable range of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and pantry items. The menu includes simple dishes like plant-based grilled cheese sandwiches alongside beautifully balanced dinners like the Grilled BBQ Cauliflower Steaks.

A bonus of Purple Carrot is that its packaging is numbered to make it easier to sort for recycling. Nutritional information for each meal can be viewed on Purple Carrot’s Menus page and on your Upcoming Deliveries page once you place an order. There’s also free shipping for orders over $85.

9. Grubhub – Convenient Restaurant Delivery in Sacramento

Grubhub Best Features

• Well-established – with a comprehensive network of restaurant partners

• Frequent promotions – including $10 off your $30 order

• Option of free shipping – with a monthly subscription to Grubhub+

• Try Grubhub+ for free – with a commitment-free, two-week trial

Grubhub in a Nutshell

Unlike the other companies on our list so far, Grubhub is one of America’s best-established food delivery services, having been around for more than 15 years. With Grubhub, you can order meals from your favorite participating Sacramento restaurants via the app or website, and they’ll arrive hot and ready to eat. 

The company also frequently shares promotions with its users, including money off or free delivery on qualifying orders. On most orders, you'll typically pay a standard delivery fee of $7 or less, or you can sign up to Grubhub+ for $9.99 per month and get unlimited free delivery on all orders over $12. 

Check out Grubhub+ services for free with a two-week trial, enjoying perks like 10% cashback for every $100 spent. 

The user-friendly app allows you to see which local restaurants in Sacramento are available to place orders through. You’ll be happy to know that Grubhub presently serves more than 300,000 restaurants in more than 3,200 cities across the United States, including throughout Sacramento.

10. Postmates – Order Anything From Anywhere in Sacramento

Postmates Best Features

• Reliable service – catering to 4,200 cities across the US

• Order anything from anywhere – you’re not just limited to food delivery

• User-friendly app – choose delivery or pickup, and easily track your order

• Try Postmates Unlimited for free – get free delivery with your seven-day trial

Postmates Best Features

Postmates is another food delivery service, this time known for its motto of delivering “anything from anywhere”. The company currently serves 4,200 cities across the United States, featuring more than 600,000 retailers, including a wide assortment throughout Sacramento.

Access Postmates through its website or user-friendly app, and choose from delivery, pickup, or party, which allows you to order from trending merchants within a five-minute window and waive your delivery fees.

Postmates delivery fees often fluctuate throughout the day but can range anywhere from $1 to $10. You also have the option to sign up to Postmates Unlimited for $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, and get unlimited free delivery. If you’re unsure about whether it’s worth it, you can try Postmates Unlimited for free during a seven-day trial period.

Best Meal Delivery Services in Sacramento: Comparison Table

Bottom Line: Are Meal Delivery Services in Sacramento Worth It?

While it can be tough to compete with the fresh produce so readily available in the Farm-to-Fork Capital, meal delivery services can provide high-quality ingredients with the convenience of quick prep and cooking times. With all the ingredients prepared and ready to go, you can have your meal usually within 30 minutes or less. 

Additionally, for anyone who is looking to stick to a particular diet, meal delivery services cut out the headache of shopping for and prepping your meals. With prepared meals, you can even get rid of tedious cooking times and have a dish that’s ready to eat in a matter of minutes.

FAQ

What is the highest rated meal delivery service in Sacramento?

Home Chef is our highest-rated meal delivery service in Sacramento for several reasons. Between its customizable meals, flexible plans, and variety, it’s hard to compete with.

However, if you’re looking to perfect your cooking skills or like the idea of adding a wine subscription to your order, Blue Apron is a close second. Plus, you can bypass any delivery fees by ordering three meals or more per week, making it an affordable option. 

What is the most affordable meal delivery service in Sacramento?

This one is easy. Without a doubt, EveryPlate is the most affordable meal kit delivery service in Sacramento. The price comes in at $1.49 per serving, regardless of the size of your order. While EveryPlate does charge $8.99 for shipping per week, it’s a flat rate regardless of the number of meals you order and your geographic location, making it a much better deal than some others on our list.

What is the best senior meal delivery service in Sacramento?

Freshly is an excellent meal delivery service for seniors because there is no prep or cooking required. Meals are delivered fresh and can last up to five days in the fridge, or be frozen for longer. All Freshly meals are certified gluten- and nut-free, and the company makes it easy to manage your dietary preferences. 

For seniors who enjoy cooking, Home Chef is another excellent option. Most Home Chef recipes are ready to eat within 30 minutes, but you can also choose from salads or oven-ready meals.

What is the healthiest meal delivery service in Sacramento?

If you’re looking for the healthiest options, HelloFresh is a great, affordable service. With farm-fresh ingredients and varied recipes that even the kids will enjoy, HelloFresh makes eating healthy an attainable goal for the whole family.

For anyone looking to try or maintain a vegan diet, Purple Carrot is another healthy option worth looking into. With more than 24 meals to choose from each week, Purple Carrot ensures that living a healthy, plant-based diet will never be dull!