8 Best Thanksgiving Dinner Delivery for Seniors 2024

Choosing the right Thanksgiving dinner delivery for seniors can be overwhelming. With so many options out there, it's challenging to know how much food to order, especially if you're planning for various party sizes. The good news is that you're not alone in this quest.

I've meticulously reviewed all the major services to find the best fit for your Thanksgiving celebration. In my research, I focus on how big the menu is, how big the portions are, dietary accommodations, and more. After extensive research, here are my top picks for this year.

Overall, Factor gets my vote with its fully prepared Thanksgiving Feast for Two. This comes with sliced turkey breast, a collection of sides, and a dessert. You can also order as many of these boxes as you like for larger gatherings. But Factor isn’t the only great choice on my list this year – read on to find out more!

The Best Thanksgiving Dinner Delivery for Seniors Reviewed

1. Factor – Best Prepared Thanksgiving Box

Factor provides a convenient, fully prepared Thanksgiving Feast for Two. The appeal here is the ease. If you're a senior citizen who isn't up for cooking a whole Thanksgiving meal, this box offers a complete dining experience – from the main course to dessert.

What’s on the Menu?

The menu features classic Thanksgiving fare, plus a twist. Inside, you'll find Sliced Turkey Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Mushroom-Green Beans, Butternut-Smoked Gouda Mac 'n' Cheese, and Pumpkin Cheesecake. 

To order, go to Factor’s website, click on Weekly Menu at the top, and select the week of November 18 to 24.

Heating instructions come with the package, and they're simple. Whether you prefer using a microwave or an oven, Factor has you covered. The box includes guidelines for both appliances, making the heating process straightforward and quick. 

Check out our tested Factor review to learn more about its full array of super convenient prepared meals.

What Makes It Special?

For microwave users, a Factor Thanksgiving takes about 2 minutes or less. Remove the outer packaging, pierce the plastic film to vent, and microwave on high for 2 minutes. If additional heating is needed, continue at 30-second intervals.

Oven users will find the heating process just as effortless. Position your oven rack in the middle and preheat to 375 F. Take off the outer packaging and plastic film, put the tray on a baking sheet, and bake for at least 5 minutes.

However, be aware of the allergens in this box. The ingredients include milk, eggs, and tree nuts. Also, Factor prepares all meals in a facility that processes major allergens. If you have severe allergies, keep this in mind.

Is It Good Value?

You can’t mix this Thanksgiving box with Factor’s regular meals. The special holiday boxes are shipped separately from the standard menu items. This means you'll get your Thanksgiving box independently of any other Factor orders you might place.

Each box costs $49.99, and there’s no limit to how many you can order. If it's just you and a partner, a single box should suffice. But feel free to order more if you're having a larger gathering. Just remember to order by November 16 at the latest!

2. Green Chef – Best Artisan Thanksgiving Dishes

Green Chef caters to smaller gatherings of 2 to 6 people. If you're planning a more intimate Thanksgiving dinner, it offers just the right serving sizes. Many seniors prefer a quiet holiday with close family. Green Chef gets that and focuses on accommodating 2 to 6 people.

What’s on the Menu?

You'll find gourmet options like Turkey with Cranberry-Bacon Pan Sauce on Green Chef's Thanksgiving menu. This is perfect if you want to impress your guests with something other than the usual turkey and stuffing. 

Your options also include Pistachio-Crusted Sockeye Salmon or even the plant-based Maple-Soy Sweet Potato “Steaks”. Find out more about Green Chef’s recipes in our tested Green Chef review.

Green Chef has flexible order sizes, with a minimum of 3 meals for 2 people. This flexibility allows you to scale the menu according to your guest list. You're not locked into a one-size-fits-all package, so you can choose up to 4 meals for 6 people for your Thanksgiving dinner. 

What Makes It Special? 

Each Thanksgiving meal from Green Chef takes 30 to 35 minutes to prepare. As a senior, you might prioritize spending quality moments with family over laboring in the kitchen. Green Chef lets you do just that, offering meals that require less time to prepare.

Is It Good Value?

I do advise exercising caution in terms of allergens, though. Green Chef's menu contains common allergens like tree nuts and fish. If you or your guests have food allergies, take a careful look at the menu. Green Chef includes ingredients like tree nuts, milk, soy, and fish in its Thanksgiving offerings.

The pricing starts at $9.99 per serving for the largest orders. Smaller orders will have a higher price per serving.

3. Blue Apron – Best Range of Thanksgiving Boxes

Blue Apron offers 3 Thanksgiving boxes. The Classic, Holiday Ham, and Vegetarian boxes all include a variety of sides and a dessert. This is beneficial for seniors with different dietary needs or family preferences.

What’s on the Menu?

The Classic Box feeds 6 to 8 people. It contains Butter Roasted Turkey Breast, Garlic & Herb Gravy, and Cranberry Sauce with a spicy kick. Sides include Brussels Sprouts with Fried Rosemary and White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes. For dessert, you get an Apple Crumb Pie with Caramel.

The Holiday Ham Box serves 8 to 10 guests. It features a Baked Ham with Brown Sugar-Honey Glaze. Sides are Three-Cheese Cavatappi Pasta, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and Arugula & Orange Salad. The dessert is a Chocolate Mousse Pie.

The Vegetarian Box also serves 8 to 10 people. It offers the same Three-Cheese Cavatappi Pasta Bake as the Ham Box, just with no meat. The sides are identical, and the dessert is also a Chocolate Mousse Pie.

What Makes It Special?

Each box comes with recipe cards, make-ahead tips, and a prep checklist. Expect your cooking time to be around an hour. This is convenient for seniors who want a simplified cooking process. 

Most of Blue Apron’s dishes are pretty simple to prepare. It also even offers a selection of prepared meals each week – learn more in my colleague’s Blue Apron review.

Is It Good Value?

There is an order deadline – orders have to be placed by 12 pm EST on Friday, November 3rd. Deliveries are set for the week of November 6th. This is crucial for seniors who need to plan their holiday meals in advance.

Pricing depends on which box you choose. The Classic Box costs $131.98, the Holiday Ham Box is $161.98, and the Vegetarian Box is priced at $121.98.

4. HelloFresh – Best Overall Thanksgiving Boxes

HelloFresh is offering 2 Thanksgiving box options: Roast Turkey and Beef Tenderloin. The turkey option serves 8-10 people, making it perfect for a large family dinner. The beef option is for 4-6, ideal for a smaller get-together.

What’s on the Menu?

Each box comes with the same sides and dessert. Included are Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Brioche Stuffing, Classic Gravy, Fresh Cranberry Sauce, and Garlic Green Beans. An Apple Crisp rounds off the meal as dessert.

The meal boxes contain common allergens like milk, eggs, soy, and wheat. Be mindful of this if you or your guests have food allergies. The ingredients are sourced from facilities that also handle tree nuts and sesame. Learn more about HelloFresh’s allergen policy in my colleague’s tested review.

The cooking time for the meat is around 4 hours in total. During this time, you can prepare the less time-consuming sides and dessert. This makes managing your time easier, especially if you're also looking after grandkids.

What Makes It Special?

Orders must be placed by November 16, with deliveries available from November 14 to 21. You can choose your preferred delivery date within this range as well. This gives you enough time to plan and prepare for the celebration.

Is It Good Value?

Pricing varies between the 2 boxes, and both can be sent as a gift to loved ones. The Beef Tenderloin box costs $161.94, while the Turkey Box is $199.90. 

The turkey option, though pricier, serves more people and could be a better value for larger gatherings.

5. Home Chef – Best Mix-and-Match Thanksgiving Options

Home Chef offers 6 Thanksgiving-specific dishes this year that you can mix and match. You can easily find them on its main menu by navigating to the week of November 20th. These dishes allow you to build your Thanksgiving dinner around the main turkey dish as you see fit.

What’s on the Menu?

The menu includes the main centerpiece, Turkey Breast Roast. The side dishes include White Cheddar and Sage Biscuits with Honey Butter. Other dishes to look out for are Grown-Up Green Bean Casserole and Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Bacon. These options all carry a Thanksgiving banner and red Holiday tag, making them easy to spot.

For those concerned about gluten, Home Chef provides gluten-smart options. The Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Onions and Maple Bacon Glaze, and the Turkey Breast Roast are all gluten smart. This offers peace of mind for seniors who have dietary restrictions.

Home Chef does include allergens in some dishes, though. You’ll find ingredients like milk, wheat, and sesame, so always read the menu details. For more information on allergens, feel free to check out my colleague’s Home Chef review. This is crucial for seniors who are allergic to certain foods.

What Makes It Special?

You can also find an assortment of dessert choices on Home Chef’s menu. Although there aren’t any Thanksgiving-specific desserts, you'll find suitable options with an orange Dessert label. This flexibility allows you to add something sweet to your Thanksgiving dinner with ease.

Home Chef dishes come with varied preparation times. White Cheddar and Sage Biscuits can be ready in about 20 minutes, while the Turkey Breast Roast might take over an hour. This is useful information for seniors who need to plan their cooking schedule.

Is It Good Value?

Pricing for Home Chef starts at $7.99 per serving, with the minimum order being 2 recipes for 2 people, up to 6 recipes for 6 people. And don’t worry – you can still add non-Thanksgiving items to your order. This is great for seniors who might want to try something new along with traditional dishes.

6. Purple Carrot – Best Vegan Thanksgiving Meals

Purple Carrot offers a Thanksgiving menu that’s fully vegan. It’s your best bet if you’re a senior committed to a vegan lifestyle. With vegan options being a rare find during the holiday season, this is a blessing. You can read more about its unique approach to plant-based cooking in my colleague's Purple Carrot review.

What’s on the Menu?

You can order the Thanksgiving Sandwich with Roasted Brussels & Classic Gravy right now. This is a meal kit, which means you'll need to cook it yourself. It takes roughly 30 minutes to go from the box to your table, offering a quick yet hands-on cooking experience.

Pre-orders for other Thanksgiving items start on November 8th, but existing customers can order them today. This is good news for those of you who like to plan your holiday meals in advance. No last-minute stress; you can rest easy knowing your vegan Thanksgiving is taken care of.

Beginning November 8th, an array of holiday dishes becomes available:

• Roasted Chickpea Bowls with Roasted Pears & Whipped Tahini Dressing

• Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Aleppo "Honey" Butter & Miso Basil Polenta

• Mac n’ Cheese with Thyme Roasted Mushrooms & Tomato Cream

• Wild Rice Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Hazelnuts & Cranberry Chipotle Mayo

• Gnocchi with Dilly-Fried Cabbage & Apple Arugula Salad

What Makes It Special?

Allergen information for these dishes will be available later, but Purple Carrot does offer gluten-free options. If you need gluten-free meals, I recommend keeping an eye on the menu as the holiday draws near.

Is It Good Value?

Pricing for Purple Carrot's meals starts at $8.50. The minimum for meal kits is 3 meals of 2 servings each for the week. For prepared meals, the minimum order is 6 single-serving meals weekly. This applies to the Thanksgiving menu as well.

7. Dinnerly – Best Affordable Thanksgiving Dishes

Dinnerly offers budget-friendly Thanksgiving meals. If you're a senior looking to host a small Thanksgiving gathering without breaking the bank, Dinnerly has you covered. Main dishes, sides, and desserts are all on offer and can serve between 2 to 6 people. Learn more about the very low prices in my colleague’s Dinnerly review.

What’s on the Menu?

You'll find an array of delicious options. For example, you can enjoy Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatloaf as your main dish. It comes served with mashed potatoes and green beans. 

But there’s more than just that. Side dishes like Sweet Potato Casserole and Herbed Sausage Stuffing also add a touch of holiday spirit. Desserts include Pumpkin French Toast and Spiced Apple Oat Crisp. Let's not forget its Thanksgiving appetizers, such as the Honey-Thyme Camembert en Croûte.

Check the menu for the week of November 20 to find these special offerings. You can find these seasonal items on Dinnerly's main menu, offering you a simple way to plan your Thanksgiving meal.

What Makes It Special?

The meals feel very Thanksgiving-centric. While it doesn't specifically label these items as "Thanksgiving" or "holiday," you'll find that the flavors and choices closely align with traditional Thanksgiving fare.

Be mindful of common allergens. Ingredients like milk, eggs, and wheat, as well as tree nuts, are commonly used in Dinnerly’s Thanksgiving offerings. The dishes may also contain traces of other allergens. If you have dietary restrictions, it's essential to read the ingredients list carefully.

Is It Good Value?

Ordering is easy and flexible. These Thanksgiving meals are part of Dinnerly's regular menu. You can order a minimum of 2 meals for 2 people per week, all the way up to 6 meals for 4 people. 

The price per serving starts at $2.12 for the largest order, and the prices increase slightly per serving for smaller orders.

8. Marley Spoon – Best Thanksgiving-Centric Items

Marley Spoon provides a versatile menu focused on Thanksgiving essentials. If you're planning to cook your own turkey but dread the thought of making all the sides, this service is a lifesaver. It offers a wide array of main dishes, sides, and desserts that serve between 2 to 6 people. 

What’s on the Menu?

For a one-stop Thanksgiving meal, consider the main dish combo. It comprises Turkey Meatloaf, Cranberry Chutney, and Dessert. It's an all-in-one package that eliminates the need to piece together a menu. Learn more about how Marley Spoon is 1 of my favorite services in our tested review.

But there are plenty of ways to build your Thanksgiving meal around your turkey. Some items include Martha's Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes and Maple Caramel Pecan Pie. 

Aside from these, you'll find other Thanksgiving-centric appetizers and dishes, such as Parmesan-Thyme Biscuits and Sausage Stuffing.

What Makes It Special?

Only the Holiday Cheese & Prosciutto Board is explicitly labeled as a holiday item. Most items that fit the Thanksgiving theme aren't tagged as such. However, they're easy to spot once you know where to look, and they certainly add flair to your Thanksgiving table.

To locate these Thanksgiving items, go to the main menu and look at the week of November 20. This is when Marley Spoon starts rolling out its Thanksgiving fare. It's recommended to check early to have the best selection.

Is It Good Value?

Allergens like milk, eggs, and tree nuts are common in Marley Spoon's Thanksgiving offerings. They also may contain traces of other allergens and are processed in a facility that handles gluten. If you have dietary restrictions, this is something to keep in mind.

Marley Spoon's Thanksgiving items are also part of its standard menu. The minimum order is 2 meals for 2 people per week, up to 6 meals for 4 people. Pricing starts at $2.99 per serving for the largest order. Smaller orders will incur a slightly higher price per serving.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Thanksgiving Dinner Delivery for Seniors

Choosing the right Thanksgiving dinner delivery service for seniors can make the holiday more enjoyable and less stressful. Here are some tips to consider for making an informed decision.

• Size of your gathering: It's essential to consider how many people you'll be serving. Some delivery services specialize in larger gatherings and offer bulk discounts. Others may be better suited for intimate settings with smaller packages. Think about portion sizes as well, so you don't end up with too little or too much food. For large gatherings, HelloFresh’s Thanksgiving boxes serve from 4 to 10 people.

• Dietary restrictions: For seniors with specific dietary needs, customization is crucial. Whether it's low-sodium, gluten-free, or diabetic-friendly, you'll want to opt for a service that can accommodate these restrictions. Always read the nutritional information and ingredients list on the menu, or contact customer service for detailed information in case of severe allergies.

• Convenience: Your time is valuable, especially during the holidays. Services offering Thanksgiving options have varying levels of required prep time. For instance, Green Chef offers a few complete meals that take as few as 30 to 35 minutes to prepare. One Green Chef order can also serve up to 6 people. Assess how much time you can devote to food prep and choose a service that fits your schedule.

• Price: Budget plays a critical role in choosing a delivery service for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is special, but it doesn't have to break the bank. Compare different services and see which one offers the best value for the quality of food and service you're expecting. Watch for promotions or special holiday deals to make it even more cost-effective. For budget-conscious seniors, I recommend checking out Home Chef as it’s offering individual main, side, and dessert dishes this Thanksgiving.

FAQ

Can you send someone a turkey dinner?

Yes! Numerous meal delivery services offer the option to send turkey dinner as a gift. For instance, HelloFresh is offering 2 Thanksgiving boxes – a roast turkey or a beef tenderloin box. Both come with the same sides and dessert. Either of these can be sent as a gift with HelloFresh’s e-gift cards.

How much turkey should I order per person?

For example, Home Chef is offering a Thanksgiving roast turkey breast dish along with a few sides this year. The turkey takes around an hour to prepare and serves 8 to 10 people.

Does Costco have Thanksgiving dinner?

Blue Apron’s Classic Thanksgiving Box comes with roasted turkey breast, gravy, cranberry sauce, Brussels sprouts, and mashed potatoes. Apple crumb pie is also included for dessert.

Best Thanksgiving Dinner Delivery for Seniors in 2024 — Final Score