Healthy meal delivery services offer a convenient solution for those who want to enjoy nutritious meals without the hassle of meal planning, shopping, and cooking.
These services set themselves apart by emphasizing high-quality, wholesome ingredients, such as fresh, locally sourced produce, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Using my guidance as a nutrition expert, our team reviewed and tested our top 10 healthy meal delivery services focusing on clean eating and nutrition. Explore our expert recommendations below to find the best option for your dietary preferences.
» Try these 10 parenting hacks to get your kids to eat healthier.
Our 10 Best Healthy Meal Delivery Services in 2024:
- Factor - Best healthy meal delivery service overall
- HelloFresh - Best for novice cooks
- Home Chef - Best for diet variety
- Green Chef - Best for eco-conscious eaters
- EveryPlate - Best for low-cost cooking
- Trifecta - Best for athletes
- Fresh N Lean - Best for a variety of add-ons
- Sunbasket - Best for quick prep
- Blue Apron - Best for mixing and matching meal types
- Purple Carrot - Best for vegans and vegan-curious
How We Reviewed the Best Healthy Meal Delivery Services of 2024
As a certified nutritionist, I assisted our team in gaining first-hand experience with various meal delivery brands. We conducted thorough research into user experiences, consulted scholarly articles on nutrition, and evaluated the overall quality of the meals offered based on the information gathered.
Evaluation Criteria
- Nutritional value: We assessed the nutritional content of the meals offered, including calorie count, macronutrient balance (proteins, carbohydrates, fats), and micronutrient density (vitamins and minerals).
- Menu variety and customization options: Our team evaluated the range of meal options available, including the diversity of cuisines, ingredients, and meal types (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks).
- Meal quality: We considered the quality of ingredients used (e.g., organic, locally sourced, non-GMO), the taste and presentation of the meals, and any partnerships with renowned chefs or nutrition experts.
- Price and subscription flexibility: We compared the cost per meal and overall value for money, including shipping fees, and assessed the flexibility of the subscription plans.
- Delivery coverage and reliability: Our team compared the geographic coverage of each service, noting any limitations.
- Customer support: We considered the quality of customer service, including the availability and helpfulness of support through various channels (phone, email, live chat) and the ease of resolving issues.
- User reviews and testimonials: We analyzed customer feedback from Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), focusing on common praises and complaints. We also considered awards and recognitions each service has received to gauge industry standing and consumer trust.
A Closer Look at Our Best Healthy Meal Delivery Services: Our Quick Reviews
1. Factor
Curates meals with dieticians
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- Best for - Chef-crafted and nutrient-rich meals
- Price - From $12.99/serving charged weekly
- What's in the box - 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 18 meals/week
- Special diets - Low-calorie, high-protein, vegetarian, vegan, ketogenic
- Type - Prepared meals
Factor provides meal plans designed to accommodate various nutritional requirements and preferences. Each week, you can select from 35 meals across six different categories: Calorie Smart (550 calories or fewer per dish), Protein Plus (30+ grams of protein), Veggie & Vegan, Flexitarian, Keto (60% fat, 10% fewer calories), and Chef's Choice.
The company focuses on using whole-food ingredients with science-backed health benefits. These ingredients are carefully selected to provide various micronutrients that keep your body performing at its best. Plus, its flexible plans allow you to easily change delivery dates, skip weeks, or cancel anytime.
Why we chose Factor: It carefully selects each ingredient based on safety, efficacy, and customer satisfaction. Using nutrition research, its registered dietitians develop standards for all meals and 60+ add-ons. The company also offers discounts for new subscribers, medical professionals, and military members.
Our experience: We enjoyed the variety of meals and add-ons, especially the breakfast bundle and carb-smart snacks. The ingredients were fresh, and the portions were satisfying yet calorie-conscious. The meals arrived well-packaged and chilled, ready to heat and eat in just a few minutes.
Pros
- Free 20-minute nutrition coaching session led by a registered dietitian
- No preparation necessary
- New meal options each week
Cons
- No ingredient swap-outs
- Single-servings only
Read full Factor review
2. HelloFresh
Delivers premeasured fresh ingredients to your door
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- Best for - Comprehensive home-cooked recipes
- Price - From $11.49/serving charged weekly
- What's in the box - 2–6 meals/week, 2 or 4 servings/meal
- Special diets - Pescatarian, vegetarian, low-calorie, low-carb, high-protein
- Type - Meal kit
HelloFresh offers various meal options with 100+ items on its weekly menu, including dinners, sides, and desserts. The service caters to various dietary preferences with calorie-smart (around 650 calories per meal), vegetarian, pescatarian, kid-friendly, and carb-smart meal kits.
The website has a meal-planning guide, so you can learn how to meal-prep like a pro. To get started, you can try one of its healthy and time-saving dishes, like the "Pork Sausage Rigatoni Pasta" or "Garden Spinach Ricotta Ravioli."
Or, opt for these 10 paleo-friendly dishes to help fight inflammation. And, if you ever need inspiration, you can browse HelloFresh's digital recipe archive, which features over 2,500 delicious dinner ideas.
Why we chose HelloFresh: It simplifies healthy cooking by providing perfectly portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. Each box includes clear, photo-guided meal cards with nutritional and allergy information, plus expert tips and tricks.
Our experience: Besides a wide selection of meals for different diets, we liked this company's focus on sustainable practices. It emphasizes the kits' recyclable packaging and guides you on correctly disposing of them. We found the resources on eco-friendly living particularly useful.
Pros
- New subscribers get 10 free meals and free dessert (lifetime access)
- You can choose your protein and sides
- Customizable serving amount
Cons
- Doesn't cater specifically to keto, paleo, and vegan diets
- Have to chop and prepare all dishes
Read full HelloFresh review
3. Home Chef
Gives you complete control of your subscription
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- Best for - Family meal plan
- Price - From $9.99/per serving (minimum weekly order of $50.95)
- What's in the box - 2–6 meals/week; 2, 4, or 6 servings/meal
- Special diets - Low-calorie, low-carb, ketogenic, paleo-friendly, vegetarian
- Type - Meal kit and prepared individual meals
Home Chef is popular due to its variety of diet options, customizable recipes, and cooked dishes on offer. It caters to various serving sizes to help you control portions if you want to lose weight. Its ingredients are pre-measured, and clear instructions help decrease prep time.
Its Gluten Smart option is perfect if you're looking for gluten-free meal delivery services with 30 wheat-free dishes each week. It also has keto meals with 15g or less of net carbs/serving, like the "Creamy Truffle and Mushroom Chicken" or "Pesto Butter Chicken."
Why we chose Home Chef: The "Customize It" feature tailors meals to your preferences by adjusting serving sizes and ingredients. With options for up to six people, it's perfect for families.
The service excels at providing easy-to-follow recipes and matching meals to health goals. Its clearly categorized menu and accessible nutritional information make trying new dishes fun and simple.
Our experience: We found the sign-up process reasonably straightforward, with a few questions about your dietary choices. This helped us get straight to the dishes that would pique our interest. The variety of the week's chef-selected meals and the fresh ingredients made cooking a little more exciting.
Pros
- Impossible™ plant-based meat options
- You can customize the protein source of select recipes
- Easy subscription pause/cancel at any time
Cons
- Not suitable for those with severe shellfish allergies
- Some complaints about packaging
Read full Home Chef review
4. Green Chef
Ensures high-quality organic ingredients
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- Best for - Sustainable, local sourcing
- Price - From $11.99/serving
- What's in the box - 3 or 4 meals/week; 2, 4, 6 servings/meal
- Special diets - Ketogenic, paleo, vegetarian, Mediterranean, vegan, gluten-free, high-protein, calorie-smart
- Type - Meal kit
As the first CCOF-certified meal kit company, Green Chef takes pride in its eco-friendly, zero-waste approach to food. On its menu, you'll find oxygen- and iron-rich foods to improve circulation, like wild-caught sockeye salmon, organic chicken cutlets, and organic ground beef.
The service is tailored to your lifestyle, with various meal plans, such as keto, paleo, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Mediterranean. This diet is helpful if you're struggling with inflammation. And, if you need guidance on choosing the right foods, you can book a free call with a registered dietician.
Why we chose Green Chef: It prioritizes sustainability by using 100% renewable electricity and offsetting all carbon emissions from shipment to delivery. Choosing Green Chef reduces food waste by at least 23% compared to grocery shopping.
The company also supports local farmland, family farms, and craft economies, partnering with regional purveyors of high-integrity foods to help suppliers thrive.
Our experience: We ordered various meals to test and found the ingredients fresh and the recipes easy to follow. The timing suggestions differed slightly from the actual cooking time, but this isn't a deal breaker. We also liked the reusable, non-toxic gel ice packs that came with our order.
Pros
- Certified organic
- You can add health supplements, like probiotics, to your order
- Offers regular discounts
Cons
- Multiple pots and pans mean more cleanup time
- Separate shipping charges
Read full Green Chef review
5. EveryPlate
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- Best for - Kid-friendly meal options
- Price - From $4.99/serving
- What's in the box - 3–5 meals/week; 2, 4, or 6 servings/meal
- Special diets - Vegetarian, calorie smart
- Type - Meal kit
EveryPlate is a cost-effective choice for cooks who want to improve their eating habits and spend 30 minutes or less on meal prep. Its calorie-smart dishes, like the "Herby Pork Chops in Tomato Cream Sauce," are a fantastic choice if you want to shed some pounds.
Selecting EveryPlate as your go-to meal kit will free up your day while you enjoy a variety of tasty recipes, such as "Linguine Alfredo with Shrimp" and "Chicken Cobb Salad."
Why we chose EveryPlate: EveryPlate is a well-priced meal kit option for nutritious, no-frills cuisine. Its revolving menu of 26 recipes offers a fair amount of choice for your weekly dinner. EveryPlate mainly caters to non-fussy eaters who want to cook for two to six people.
Our experience: We found that EveryPlate supplies straightforward recipes and good-quality ingredients that make preparation easy. The picture guides helped us quickly prepare a satisfying meal in only six steps. However, the weekly menus didn't accommodate different dietary requirements, limiting our recipe choices.
Pros
- Good selection of add-ons
- Cheap per-serving price
- 24/7 online support
Cons
- Repetitive menu
- Not vegan friendly
Read full EveryPlate review
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6. Trifecta
Supplies the right nutrients to lead an active lifestyle
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- Best for - Holistic approach to healthy living
- Price - From $15.85/serving
- What's in the box - 7, 10, 14 entrees
- Special diets - Plant-based, ketogenic, paleo, whole30 approved,
- Type - Prepared meals, meal prep
Trifecta is a complete package for those looking to improve their diet and lead a more active lifestyle. The company prepares low-sodium cooked meals that balance macro-nutrients for optimal health and performance, pack lean protein, and use high-quality ingredients.
You'll also find inspiration for pre-workout foods and post-workout recovery meals with dishes like "Tofu & Rice Chipotle Bowl" (290 calories) and "High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Pasta" (43 grams of protein).
Why we chose Trifecta: This brand has reached new levels of popularity after being featured on the Netflix documentary "You Are What You Eat." Its well-rounded app lets you track your macros, log food, view your progress chart, and stay motivated with professional guidance from its nutrition team.
Our experience: Trifecta has options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which made it easy to get all of our meal prep sorted for the week. This was a huge time saver as we didn't have to think about where we would get all our macros. The app helped us keep track of our food intake and workouts, which is a great bonus in a food delivery service.
Pros
- Whole30 approved meal plan
- Online nutrition experts community
- Website offers various nutrition tools and resources
Cons
- Extra fee for workout videos
- Some plans aren't customizable
Read full Trifecta review
7. Fresh N Lean
Prepares healthy whole foods for you
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- Best for - À la carte options
- Price - From $11.16/meal
- What's in the box - 3 meals/day, 5 or 7 days/week
- Special diets - Ketogenic, plant-based, Mediterranean, paleo, low-carb, protein+, Whole30, bulk
- Type - Prepared meals
Fresh N Lean has a large menu of 100+ meals for you to choose from. It aims to provide nutrient-dense organic food to individuals who strive to eat healthy but don't want to cook or shop.
Beyond convenience, this quick meal service offers prepared dishes for most dietary requirements, such as keto, plant-based, paleo, protein+, and Whole30. An example of a delicious keto meal is "Garlic Herb Filet Mignon with Truffle Cauliflower au Gratin" (510 calories, 12 gram carbs).
Why we chose Fresh N Lean: Fresh N Lean promotes eating high-nutrient, organic whole foods. It sources its animal products with care. Meals with animal proteins contain grass-fed meat, free-range poultry, and sustainable fish. Additionally, the service is FMSA-compliant and regulated by the USDA.
Our experience: We took advantage of the extensive à la carte menu items and prepared meal plans. Our choices were customizable for each week, and we could choose additional ready-cooked ingredients from the bulk plan to complement our protein intake.
Pros
- Non-GMO
- Can be stored in the freezer
- Quick reheating
Cons
- Need to use chat or email to change meal plan
- Minimum order of $85
Read full Fresh N Lean review
8. Sunbasket
Sustainably sourced, high-quality meats and seafood
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- Best for - Flexible two-person meals
- Price - From $11.49/serving
- What's in the box - 2–5 meals/week; 2 or 4 servings/meal
- Special diets - Paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian, pescatarian, Mediterranean, diabetes-friendly, carb-conscious, ketogenic
- Type - Meal kit and prepared meals
Sunbasket is one of our top organic meal kit delivery services. The company has both prepared meals and meal kit recipes with the necessary ingredients included in your box. Plus, you get in-depth prep details and nutritional information for every recipe on its website.
It's also a certified organic dealer with various high-protein, fat-burning pescatarian dishes, such as the "Jumbo Shrimp Bourride" and "Wild Alaskan Halibut en Papillote." All its seafood and meats are sourced from Rastelli's (America's personal butcher), which prides itself on sustainable, minimally impactful products.
Why we chose Sunbasket: Its chefs strive to deliver a minimum of 98% USDA-certified organic fresh produce in its meal kits. You'll be informed on the rare occasion that it has to substitute a non-organic item. The company also donates food to several non-profits to help communities across the US.
Our experience: We tried out both the ready-made meals and kit recipes. We found the speedy meals tasty and quick to prepare. The mostly organic ingredients were fresh and of good quality. The ready meals were a lifesaver on days when cooking wasn't possible, but we still wanted something hearty.
Pros
- Money-back guarantee
- Recycling guide for packaging
- Snacks and beverages available
Cons
- À la carte options are expensive
- Some complaints about shipping delays
Read full Sunbasket review
9. Blue Apron
Provides well-rounded, healthy meals
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- Best for - Non-fussy eaters
- Price - From $9.99/serving
- What's in the box - 2–5 meals/week; 2 or 4 servings/meal
- Special diets - Vegetarian
- Type - Meal kit and prepared meals
Blue Apron offers a curated selection of prepared meals, meal kit recipes, and non-subscription options. Choose bundles like the "Wellness Meal Kit," which includes two recipes with two servings each. This is perfect if you're trying to increase your protein intake with 45+ grams per dish.
This kit features "Pork Chops & Savory Pan Sauce with Roasted Pepper & Mushroom Farrotto" and "Balsamic Chicken & Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Brussels Sprouts."
Why we chose Blue Apron: With over 80 meal kit options, you can find a recipe that suits your needs. These range from fast and easy-to-prepare meals to premium gourmet cuisine using ingredients such as glazed pork and dry-aged ground beef.
Our experience: We liked that you could choose comfort food and healthy options from the menu. We had to wash the ingredients before preparing them, and it took a while for everything to be ready to eat. It wasn't a huge timesaver, but the food was flavorful.
Pros
- Meal order app
- Antibiotic and hormone-free animal products
- No subscription required
Cons
- Limited special diet kits
- Additional ingredients required
Read full Blue Apron review
10. Purple Carrot
Makes the switch to plant-based meals easy
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- Best for - Organic plant-based diets
- Price - From $11.00/serving
- What's in the box - 2 or 3 meals/week, 2 or 4 servings/meal
- Special diets - Plant-based
- Type - Meal kits, prepared meals, and frozen meals
Purple Carrot is a 100% vegan food delivery service. It offers a range of plant-based prepared meals, meal kit recipes, and frozen meals that have been clinically proven to reduce cholesterol and body weight. Furthermore, diabetics can also benefit from vegan diets as it improves insulin resistance.
Dishes like the "Romesco Grain Bowls" include nutritional information, prep and cook time, ingredients, and instructions. Additionally, you can stock up your "plantry" with delicious snacks and beverages, such as the "Recharge Bonus Shots" and "Very Berry Layer Cakes."
Why we chose Purple Carrot: Purple Carrot's range of recipes and menu items makes it easy for individuals to try the plant-based lifestyle. Plus, it supports The Farmlink Project, which provides fresh food to communities in need.
Our experience: We enjoyed the guilt-free experience of cooking purely plant-based foods with fresh, quality ingredients. We also liked the custom gift boxes that include meal kits, prepared meals, and even grocery items.
Pros
- Clear and in-depth nutritional information
- Flexible meal preferences (kits, prepared)
- Good for learning to cook plant-based meals
Cons
- Not all ingredients are organic
- Not suitable for large families
Read full Purple Carrot review
Compare the Best Healthy Meal Delivery Services:
How Meal Delivery Services Work
Meal delivery services are designed to simplify the process of eating healthy by taking care of the meal planning and grocery shopping for you. Here’s a step-by-step look at how these services typically work:
- Sign Up and Choose a Plan: First, you’ll need to sign up on the meal delivery service’s website. Most services offer a variety of plans based on the number of meals per week and the number of servings per meal. You can choose a plan that fits your lifestyle, whether you’re cooking for just yourself, a couple, or a family.
- Select Your Meals: Once you’ve chosen a plan, you’ll be able to select your meals from a weekly menu. These menus often include a variety of options to accommodate different dietary preferences and restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, low-carb, gluten-free, or keto. Many services provide detailed nutritional information for each meal, helping you make informed choices.
- Delivery to Your Doorstep: After you’ve made your selections, the service will pack all the necessary ingredients into a box and deliver it to your home. Deliveries are typically scheduled to ensure the freshness of the ingredients, and most services use insulated packaging to keep perishable items cold during transit.
- Pre-Portioned Ingredients: The ingredients are pre-portioned, meaning you’ll receive exactly what you need for each recipe, reducing food waste. These pre-measured ingredients save you time on prep work and help you avoid buying more than you need.
- Follow the Recipe Cards: Each meal kit comes with a recipe card that includes step-by-step instructions. These cards are designed to be easy to follow, even for those with limited cooking experience. They often include pictures to guide you through the cooking process.
- Cook and Enjoy: With everything you need at your fingertips, you can cook your meal with ease. Most recipes are designed to be ready in 30 minutes or less, making it convenient for busy schedules. Once cooked, you can enjoy a delicious, healthy meal without the stress of planning or shopping.
Meal delivery services not only save time but also encourage healthier eating habits by providing balanced, nutritious meals. Whether you’re looking to try new recipes, improve your cooking skills, or simply maintain a healthy diet, these services offer a practical and enjoyable solution.
How to Stay Healthy With Meal Kits
Meal kits can be a great way to maintain a healthy diet. To make the most of them, start by choosing nutritious options. Opt for meal plans that emphasize whole foods, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables. Many services offer specific plans for various dietary needs, such as low-carb, high-protein, or plant-based diets.
Reviewing the nutritional information provided for each meal is crucial. Look for options that are lower in sodium, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. Aim for balanced meals that provide a good mix of macronutrients and vitamins.
Portion control is another benefit of meal kits, as they are pre-portioned to help prevent overeating, which is particularly beneficial if you’re managing your weight or adhering to a specific dietary regimen.
Additionally, meal kits often introduce you to new ingredients and recipes, helping you diversify your diet and discover healthier foods you might not have tried otherwise.
Consistency is key to maintaining a healthy diet, and with meal kits, you can ensure you have healthy meals planned and ready to cook, reducing the temptation to opt for less healthy takeout or convenience foods.
How to Save Money With Meal Kits
Using meal kits can be a cost-effective way to enjoy home-cooked meals. Here are some tips to help you save money with meal kits:
Look for Promotions: Many meal delivery services offer discounts for first-time customers, seasonal promotions, or referral bonuses. Take advantage of these deals to reduce your initial costs.
Choose the Right Plan: Select a meal plan that fits your budget. Some plans offer larger portions or family-sized meals, which can provide better value per serving.
Reduce Food Waste: Meal kits provide pre-portioned ingredients, which means you only get what you need for each recipe. This helps minimize food waste and ensures you're not spending money on excess ingredients that might go unused.
Compare Prices: Before committing to a service, compare the prices of different meal kits. Look at the cost per serving and consider any additional fees for shipping or premium ingredients.
Skip Weeks When Needed: Most meal delivery services offer flexible subscription options that allow you to skip weeks when you don’t need a delivery. This can help you manage your budget and avoid paying for meals you won’t use.
What to Consider When Buying Healthy Meal Delivery
When selecting a healthy meal delivery service, consider your dietary needs and preferences. Check if the service offers menus that cater to specific diets like vegetarian, low-carb, or allergen-free.
Look at the ingredient quality – organic, non-GMO, and sustainably sourced ingredients are often a good sign of a healthy meal delivery service. Evaluate the flexibility of the subscription plans, including the ease of skipping weeks or canceling.
Read reviews to understand the taste and freshness of the meals, as well as the reliability of the delivery service. Finally, consider the cost per serving and ensure it fits within your budget while still providing nutritious, satisfying meals.
Eat Healthy Without the Hassle
Subscribing to a healthy meal delivery service can revolutionize your diet and save you time. With a service like Factor or HelloFresh, you can easily maintain a nutritious lifestyle without the hassle of meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking.
Plus, you'll be able to try new, exciting recipes and expand your culinary horizons. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious individual, or simply looking to simplify your meal routine, a healthy meal delivery service can be an excellent solution.
» Got a lot of mouths to feed? Try these 10 delicious one-skillet meals.
FAQs
What makes a meal delivery service healthy?
A healthy meal delivery service offers a variety of nutrient-dense, whole-food meals that incorporate plenty of vegetables. Look for services that cater to your specific dietary needs, such as low-calorie, low-carb, ketogenic, lactose-free, gluten-free, or clean-eating options.
How do healthy meal delivery services cater to specific dietary preferences and nutritional needs?
Healthy meal delivery services have nutritionists and chefs who create meals using high-quality ingredients while avoiding harmful components. You can find services that offer gluten-free, low-carb, dairy-free, low-calorie, or condition-specific meals tailored for diabetes or heart health.
How can you maintain a healthy meal plan?
To keep your meal plan healthy, the US Department of Health Services recommends focusing on nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Include lean protein sources and limit your intake of saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars.
Why should I eat healthy food?
A healthy diet can extend your lifespan while keeping your skin, teeth, and eyes in optimal condition. Nutrient-dense meals support muscle development, boost immunity, and strengthen bones. Additionally, a healthy diet lowers the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
