10 Best Meal Subscription Boxes 2023: Reviews + Winners

There are many meal subscription services on the market, but not all will suit your needs. In my opinion, the best way to learn about something is to try it out. Or, you could save some time and headache and read my list of the best meal subscription boxes for 2023.

I worked with our team of expert reviewers to identify the top meal delivery services based on menu variety, flexibility, taste, type of meals, costs, long-term satisfaction, and more.

I think Factor is one of the few services that checks all the boxes, and I recommend you check out Factor’s impressive weekly menu for yourself. However, there are other amazing brands that deserve your attention, too. So keep reading to find your perfect match!

The Best Meal Subscription Boxes Reviewed

1. Factor – Fresh, Nutritious, and Filling Ready-Made Meals

Factor delivers a varied selection of ready-made meals to your doorstep. The menu is designed by Factor’s registered dietitians and culinary experts to create premium and nutritious dishes based on science-backed methods. The overall menu is designed to fit the American palate, but there are many dishes inspired by international cuisine as well.

I’m usually skeptical of microwave meals, but Factor manages to create dishes that taste good. Recipes like Indian Butter Chicken, Italian Ground Beef and Marinara Bowl, and Coconut Lime Curried Tofu are just a few of the many culinary experiences you enjoy with Factor. 

If you don’t like cooking at home, Factor’s high-end ready-made meals are ideal. You can expect fresh ingredients free of hormones, antibiotics, refined sugars, and GMOs. However, all this quality does come at a premium price, as our reviewer discovered in their Factor analysis.

I also found Factor’s add-ons menu impressive. Here, you can find a wide range of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, breakfasts, cookies, and various snacks. Plus, some of the snacks are vegetarian or vegan, while others fit the requirements of the keto diet.

Factor also offers its subscribers free 20-minute consultations with an expert dietitian. You can use this consultation to ask questions about your dietary restrictions, inquire about your current eating habits, or create a personalized nutrition plan.

With Factor, the minimum order is 6 single-serving meals per week, but if you want to get the best bang for your buck ($6.19 per serving), you’ll have to order the maximum amount, which is 18 single-serving meals per week. The good news is that the food containers don’t take up much space in the fridge, and the meals will stay fresh for about 7 days, so you can order as much as you want.

2. Green Chef – Great for Different Dietary Preferences

Green Chef offers options for people on keto, high protein, and Mediterranean diets, but you can also find several options for vegans and vegetarians, too. This is a great service for anyone who follows a specific diet and has trouble finding a menu to fit their needs. Plus, the add-ons menu has a good selection of breakfasts, snacks, salads, pre-cooked proteins, and quick lunches.

Green Chef was the first meal kit delivery service to become a certified organic handler of fresh produce and eggs. This means that most ingredients in your meal kits come from certified suppliers and local farmers who use sustainable practices. As my colleague discovered in their tried-and-tested Green Chef review, this was “one of the original meal kits to focus on healthy eating”.

Green Chef also received a Gluten-Free Certification through the Gluten Intolerance Group’s Gluten-Free Food Service program. This means that all meals marked gluten-free meet or exceed the required gluten-free standards. To give you an idea, the Keto meal plan is entirely gluten-free, and across all meal plans, you can find around 15+ gluten-free meals each week. So, if you have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity, Green Chef is a good option.

Most meal kits take around 20 to 35 minutes to prepare and cook, depending on your speed and skill in the kitchen. And if you’re looking for faster recipes, there are a few 10-minute lunches each week. With these recipes, you can have a serving of Cranberry-Walnut Chicken Salad Wraps or Caprese Tossed Salad with Prosciutto in no time.

However, make sure to factor in the time it takes to prepare the ingredients. Green Chef doesn’t send all its ingredients pre-prepped, so you’ll have to do some peeling, chopping, slicing, and dicing. The only pre-prepped ingredients are sauces, spice blends, and dressings, which Green Chef chefs curate to fit each meal.

As usual, you’ll get detailed step-by-step instructions with the recipe cards, including the timing and pictures to make cooking easier. Plus, if the meal requires a bit more experience in the kitchen, the cards will include tips and techniques from a professional chef.

With so many delicious recipes and perks, it’s easy to think Green Chef is pricey. And, if you order the minimum amount (3 meals for 2 people per week), the price per serving is a bit steep. But you can get a better price per serving ($5.99) just by ordering a bit more. The best value order is 4 meals for 4 people per week, and the maximum is 4 meals for 6 people per week.

3. HelloFresh – Great Chef-Created Meal Kits for Easy Prep

HelloFresh is a well-known brand that’s popular among US customers. To keep the recipes delicious and nutritionally balanced, the company uses high-quality ingredients sourced straight from the farm. Plus, whenever possible, HelloFresh uses organic ingredients.

I was impressed by the size of HelloFresh’s menu and the cuisines on offer. As my colleague puts it in their tried-and-tested HelloFresh review, this is a service that can help you be more adventurous in the kitchen and try new flavors and textures. 

The menu is divided into 6 main categories – Meat & Veggies, Veggie, Family Friendly, Fit & Wholesome, Quick and Easy, and Pescatarian – but you can mix and match when placing an order.

HelloFresh takes a very serious approach toward environmental responsibility. The company only uses suppliers with climate-friendly practices that minimize food waste and environmental impact. Plus, animal welfare and sustainability are integral to HelloFresh’s philosophy of creating delicious and healthy meals.

There are very few packaging materials that can’t be recycled from your delivery, and HelloFresh only uses plastic wraps and containers when it’s absolutely necessary. So, this service is a good choice if you’re mindful of your carbon footprint.

The ingredients for each meal come in a paper bag, labeled and sealed, so you know what’s inside and which recipe card to use. This way, it’s easy to store everything in the fridge and find the ingredients you need when cooking.

I like that the recipe cards contain detailed instructions with text and pictures. So, whether you’re ordering Balsamic and Fig Beef Tenderloin or One-Pan Pineapple Salsa Pork Tacos, you won’t have any issues figuring out how to get dinner on the table.

You get the best price per serving if you order the maximum of 6 meals for 4 people ($3.32). HelloFresh gets pricier the less you order, so you’ll pay a higher price per serving if you order the minimum amount (2 people for 2 meals each per week).

4. Home Chef – Best for Customization Options and Flexibility

Customization and easy-to-cook recipes are Home Chef’s main advantages over other services that offer meal subscription boxes. I was impressed by the “Customize It” feature, which allows you to choose your favorite protein for each dish. 

So, even though the menu isn’t extensive, you get variety by simply changing the protein. For instance, if you order the Spicy Mustard Salmon, you can replace the salmon with 2 different types of protein, such as steak or chicken breast. 

The menu really lacks vegetarian or vegan meals, which is a shame. Home Chef does offer one vegetarian dish each week, but this isn’t enough choice and there are no options to support someone on a plant-based diet. Veggies and vegans will be much better off with a service like Green Chef, instead. 

Home Chef uses a diverse range of products from different suppliers to ensure each meal is tasty and nutrient-rich. The menu is designed according to products’ seasonality and changes each week to keep things interesting. However, while some products are organic, Home Chef doesn’t focus too much on this aspect.

Home Chef only works with suppliers that follow industry-aligned animal welfare standards. This is why, on some recipes, you may find that the Customize It option offers organic options, such as organic chicken breasts.

The menu is mainly designed for the American palate, but there are a few international options as well. Meals like Korean-Style Steak Strip Rice Bowl or Balsamic-Fig Pork Chop allow you to try new spices and sauces without extra effort.

You can choose between classic meal kits, oven-ready recipes, and Fast & Fresh meals. Check out my colleague’s in-depth review for a full breakdown of Home Chef’s range.

Many of the dishes take less than 30 or 40 minutes to prepare and cook. This way, you can have Tuscan-Style Tomato Shrimp at home even if you’re in a hurry to return to work or tired after a long day. 

In terms of pricing, Home Chef is quite affordable, especially if you’re ordering for more than 2 people. For instance, if you order for 6 people, 6 recipes each, you’ll get the best value offer at $7.99 per serving. If you only order the minimum amount (2 meals per person, for 2 people), there’s a slight increase in the price per serving, but the service is still affordable.

5. Fresh and Easy – Best for Fast and Delicious Meals

Cooking at home is a great way to save money and ensure your food is healthy, but sometimes even a 30-minute meal kit can feel like too long to get dinner on the table. That’s when you subscribe to a meal kit delivery service like Fresh and Easy!

The recipes are simple and only need a few minutes of prep work. The menu includes chicken and veggies, tacos, enchiladas, chicken and pasta, and other crowd-pleasers that are well-received by kids and adults alike.

Also, even a complete newbie can put these meals together. Everything comes portioned, sliced, and chopped, so you don’t have to waste time. I think my colleague put it best in their detailed Fresh and Easy review – “you’ll save loads of time and hassle”.

Fresh and Easy features 5 types of low-prep meals: Fast & Fresh, Oven-Ready, 15-Minute Meal Kits, and Salads. And since Fresh and Easy is a Home Chef brand, all the ingredients and recipes follow the same level of attention to detail and quality. You even have access to Home Chef’s Extras section (for bread, desserts, and protein bundles) and its Customize It feature.

I like the level of variety Fresh and Easy offers because I can easily find meals that fit my availability and mood. For instance, there are evenings when I can’t be bothered to lift a finger, which is when the Oven-Ready and Fast & Fresh meals come in handy. On other evenings, when I have a bit more time, I love to work with a 15-Minute Meal Kit or toss a salad together.

Fresh and Easy practices similar prices as Home Chef. This means that if you order the maximum amount (for 6 people, 6 recipes each), you’ll get the best price per serving ($7.99). The minimum order is 2 meals per person for 2 people, but you can also order for 4 people.

6. Blue Apron – Best for Gourmet Meals and Culinary Diversity

Blue Apron’s menu includes recipes from some of the most famous world cuisines. Plus, the level of cooking difficulty (for meal kits) ranges from simple meals, like the Smothered Tomatillo Burritos, to more complex dishes, like the Ribeye Steak and Ginger-Orange Pan Sauce. However, the brand’s most appealing feature is that it makes it easy to prepare and cook all kinds of restaurant-worthy recipes at home.

You also have plenty of options when it comes to the types of meals you can add to the weekly box. You can choose between ready-to-cook meals (featuring pre-chopped ingredients and a recyclable baking tin), family-friendly recipes (delicious and healthy comfort foods), classic meal kits, and Heat & Eat options (as part of the add-ons menu).

Blue Apron also offers some attractive customization options for some of its meals. You can either turn a meal vegetarian, add animal protein to a vegetarian dish, or swap the protein with other available options. However, not all the meals with customization options are marked, so you have to click on each one to see if it’s available.

In all fairness, I would’ve loved a few more vegetarian options, but I do appreciate the Wellness meal plan, which includes nutritionist-approved recipes designed for carb-conscious diets. Plus, according to our reviewer, “Blue Apron is at the sweet spot between meal variety and reasonable prices”. 

The add-on menu is also well-stocked and varied, so it’s easy to spice things up. You can choose an Italian-style charcuterie board, which is perfect for parties, or a delicious Pear and Walnut Salad, for when you want to feel fancy. If you like the idea of gourmet recipes, try out Blue Apron's impressive menu paired with the right wine.

The wine menu is separate from the core and add-ons menu, and you can get a separate monthly subscription. You can choose between 6 x 500 ml bottles (the Sized for Two option) and 750 ml bottles (the standard-sized option). The wines can be all reds, all whites, or a combination of the two. Plus, your box comes with tasting notes, pairing tips, and amazing stories behind each wine.

Prices start at $5.74 per serving for the maximum order (4 people, 5 servings each). However, even if you order the minimum (2 people, 2 servings each), the price per serving is still within the affordable range.

7. BistroMD – Great for Science-Backed Weight Loss Meals

BistroMD is a specialized weight-loss meal delivery service that offers several meal plans designed for weight loss and specific diets. The company’s philosophy is that healthy food that supports weight loss must be tasty and rich in nutrients. This way, whether you have health problems restricting your diet or want to lose weight, it won’t feel like you’re making a big sacrifice.

The ingredients are organic whenever possible, and the menus for each meal plan are designed by a team of registered dietitians in collaboration with Dr. Cederquist (the creator of BistroMD), who uses proven scientific methods to create healthy meals.

BistroMD also works with family-owned farms and only uses high-quality animal protein, such as hormone-free chicken and environmentally responsible seafood. This shows that BistroMD puts a lot of care and thought into how the food is prepared. To learn more, my colleague’s well-researched BistroMD review has more information on each meal plan.

Each of the 7 meal plans is designed to meet different people’s needs. For instance, the 2 meal plans dedicated to weight loss (for men and women) follow the caloric and macronutrient needs of each group. Plus, these meals consider a person’s well-being in the long term and are designed to bring long-lasting results.

The Heart Healthy plan includes only meals that meet the American Heart Association recommendations for sodium, fat, and calories. Similarly, the KetoFlex program is carb-controlled, and you only get around 15 to 20 g of carbs per day. And, if you have to stay away from gluten, the Gluten-Free meal plan follows the FDA gluten-free standards, so you can trust you’ll have access to 100% gluten-free meals.

If you get the Full Program (for 5 or 7 days a week), you get the best price per serving at $8.24, and you don’t have to worry about what to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Everything will be laid out for you.  On the other hand, if you want some freedom, you can choose the Lunches & Dinners option (for 5 or 7 days a week).

8. Marley Spoon – Best Meal Kits for Home-Cooked Recipes

All Marley Spoon meals are designed in collaboration with Martha Stewart, and you get her unique blend of seasonings and sauces. If you’re looking for a meal kit delivery service that has options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, then Marley Spoon has plenty of options at an affordable price point.

I love the extensive menu, but I would’ve also loved to see some menu filters. As of now, the only way to find meals that fit your dietary needs and preferences is to search by tags. Each Marley Spoon recipe has a series of tags under its meal image, so it’s not that difficult to find what you want. For instance, if you want easy, low-prep meals, look for the “Under 30 minutes” and “One Pot Meal” tags.

Marley Spoon only works with a network of select producers and family-owned businesses. As a result, all the ingredients follow the highest standards of quality. The ingredients are only harvested when in season, which encourages sustainable practices.

I always enjoy trying new and diverse recipes, and Marley Spoon didn’t disappoint. And I’m not alone in thinking this. Our reviewer also thinks this is, “one of the best all-rounder meal delivery services out there”. Check out their deep dive into Marley Spoon for more.

The menu includes a wide range of recipes inspired by international cuisines including Korean, Japanese, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisines. I recommend trying something adventurous, like the Brazilian Tomato-Coconut Shrimp Stew or the Skillet Provençal Pork.

Due to the 6-step recipe system, you don’t have to spend much time in the kitchen. You can have a Black Bean Burger for breakfast in 30 minutes, a Garlic-Lime Marinated Sirloin Steak for lunch in 30 minutes, and a light Buffalo Chicken Salad for dinner in 20 minutes, so you’ll only spend about 80 minutes of your day preparing these amazing dishes.

I found Marley Spoon quite affordable, with prices starting at $2.99 per serving when you order the maximum amount available (6 meals per week for 4 people). However, if you stick to the minimum order (2 meals per week for 2 people), you may find the price per serving a bit steep.

9. Purple Carrot – 100% Plant-Based, Delicious Meals

Purple Carrot’s meals prove that there’s more to plant-based cuisine than salads. Vegetarian and vegan meals sometimes get a weird reputation among meat eaters and even flexitarians, but Purple Carrot shows you how to make veggies shine.

Purple Carrot’s menu is original and imaginative and includes many plant-based versions of classic crowd-pleasers. Meals like Mac N’ Cheese, Mojo Rojo Black Bean Tacos, and Ginger Fried Rice are a few examples. As our reviewer put it, you get to try a “delightfully diverse collection of recipes inspired by cuisines around the world”.

All Purple Carrot meals are 100% plant-based, and most are gluten-, soy-, and/or nut-free. However, keep in mind that the food isn’t processed in a certified gluten-free facility. So, if you suffer from celiac disease or have a severe gluten intolerance, it may not be the right option. Instead, you can try a service like Green Chef, where you’ll find a wide range of gluten-free vegetarian meals.

Purple Carrot’s menu is divided into meal kits and prepared meals, and you can’t mix and match when placing an order. But you can change your preferences from one week to another, so you can alternate between individual orders. The main difference between the sections (besides the prep time) is the type of meals available. In the meal kits category, you get options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and extras, while the ready-made meals section only has dinners.

I think Purple Carrot is a great fit for a wide range of people, not just vegetarians and vegans. It’s great for people who want to generally include more plants in their diet and it’s also a great option for healthy weight-loss meals since many recipes are around 500 calories or below. Indian-Style Grilled Cheese, which only takes about 30 minutes to prepare, has around 520 calories, while one serving of Gochujang Fried Rice, which needs about 4 minutes in the microwave, has 460 calories.

The prices per serving vary depending on the number of meals you order and whether you want kits or prepared meals. For kits, the maximum weekly order is for 4 people, 3 meals each, which brings the price per serving to $8.50. The minimum order is for 2 people, 3 meals each. If you want ready-made meals, you can order 6, 8, and 10 single-serving portions per week.

10. Nutrisystem – Best for Weight Loss and Balanced Nutrition

Nutrisystem offers dietitian-designed weight loss meal plans that can help control calorie intake and create healthy eating habits. The meals are specially created to help control hunger and manage blood sugar levels, which helps reduce cravings. Overall, the company’s main message is that you can lose weight while still enjoying nutritionally-balanced meals.

The menu doesn’t include meals from a wide range of cuisines like HelloFresh, but it does offer diversity in terms of the type of foods it offers. There are frozen and non-frozen foods, vegetarian meals, diabetes-friendly recipes, meals with low sodium content, and more. Plus, you can choose between no-prep meals, microwave and oven-ready meals, or stovetop meals.

Nutrisystem is quite flexible when it comes to what and how much you order. If you want regular deliveries, Nutrisystem has 5 meal plans you can try. On the other hand, if you don’t like the limitations of a subscription, Nutrisystem has an A la Carte system.

The meal plans are created to provide sustenance for the entire day and usually include 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, and 1 snack (2 snacks for men). And, according to my colleague’s review of Nutrisystem, if you stick to the plan, you’ll see results in the short term.

Overall, I think Nutrisystem can be of great help to people who want to lose weight but don’t know where to start. However, you should do a bit of research and see if the meal plans fit your budget. Prices on Nutrisystem’s meal plans start at $8.54 per day, and you have the option to choose between Essentials, Uniquely Yours Max+, and Complete 55 versions, as well as a Partner plan (each plans your meals for 5 or 7 days).

There are no weekly deliveries available, but you can order meals for 1, 2, or 3 months so this makes Nutrisystem different from other plans on my list. You can also place a one-time order (using the A la Carte menu), but the costs can get steep.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Meal Subscription Boxes

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you have access to a wide range of services that seem to do the same thing. However, if you look closer and have a set of criteria, it’ll become easier to find the best companies for your needs.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Menu variety: A good meal subscription service should offer the opportunity to try different cuisines, ingredients, and cooking methods. Choose a service that challenges your culinary adventure, while still remaining within your skill level. For instance, HelloFresh offers a large menu with dishes to suit most preferences.

• Dietary preferences: Most people have dietary preferences, whether it’s trying to lose weight, cut carbs, or deal with a health condition. Make sure the service you choose offers enough options for your specific needs. For example, Green Chef has a range of plans for different diets. 

• Prep time and effort: If you like cooking your meals at home, then a meal kit service like Blue Apron makes a lot of sense. However, if you don’t have the time or the disposition to cook, then ready-made meals (like those from Factor) are the best option.

• Cost: Choose a service that fits your budget, but don’t let the cost be the only deciding factor. Most meal delivery services nowadays are quite affordable for regular people, so you should have other criteria as well. Plus, I’ve included a list of live coupons for new customers that can make your first order cheaper. 

FAQ

Which food delivery subscription is best?

Factor is the best food delivery subscription on my list due to its diverse menu that’s rich in dishes from worldwide cuisines. Plus, there’s a wide range of add-ons to choose from, too. Factor is perfect if you’re looking for nutritious meals that you don’t have to spend time cooking at home.

Are any meal subscriptions worth it?

Yes! However, it depends on the service you choose and your own habits. If you value convenience, food variety, and high-quality ingredients, then you should give a meal subscription service like Green Chef a try.

What is America's #1 meal kit?

HelloFresh is one of the most popular meal kits in the US. It has meals for a wide range of dietary needs and even a dedicated family-friendly plan. There’s a great selection of add-ons, too, such as desserts, sides, and salads to complement your meals.

Best Meal Subscription Boxes in 2023 — Final Score