Home delivery meals are a convenient, time-saving option for anyone who wants to try meal prep but may not have the energy or time to get it done at home. They’re also a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight, control their diabetes or follow other specific diets like plant-based and keto.
A food delivery service provides a meal plan of fresh ingredients that you can cook at home using easy recipe cards and instructions. This type of service is typically available through restaurants, grocery stores, independent meal delivery companies and even some e-commerce websites.
Some meal kit services offer a full range of recipes and dishes, while others only focus on specific food types, such as vegetables or seafood. Some even offer special meal kits designed to meet the needs of individuals with medical conditions or who are following certain diets, such as diabetic or ketogenic.
The best meal delivery services use fresh, high-quality ingredients, and many incorporate organic produce, sustainable and/or fair trade sources. In addition, most meals are fully prepared and ready to heat and serve. These meal prep services are often available at a wide range of price points, from affordable to gourmet and everything in between.
MNT has reviewed several meal delivery services and selected a handful of options that are both nutritious and delicious. In addition to examining the quality of ingredients, we took into account the ease of preparation, variety of food choices and whether meals can be customized to meet individual dietary requirements.
Factor has an excellent microwavable meal delivery service that’s perfect for busy adults who love great flavors and want to eat healthy without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The company’s chef-designed meals are made in a peanut- and gluten-free facility and are designed to be ready to heat in under three minutes. They’re calorie-controlled and can be supplanted with a few sides if needed for extra filling power.
Another top pick is the meal delivery service from Misfits Market, which delivers ready-to-eat, low-calorie, whole foods to your door. The company eliminates the need to make regular trips to the grocery store and offers a variety of meal plans, including vegetarian, paleo and whole grain. Its CSA-style box is filled with seasonal produce, proteins, bread, dairy and pantry staples.
The food delivery service Home Chef has a lot of options to choose from. Its chefs create a variety of dishes that can be easily prepared in the oven or microwave, and there are plenty of add-ons to go with your meal, such as cold-pressed juices and wellness shots. They even have a Culinary Collection menu that includes upgraded proteins and upscale techniques, as well as no-mess oven-ready and “fast and fresh” options. All meals are made with fresh ingredients and can be delivered to your home each week Sunday through Friday. Nutritional information is available on each meal’s recipe card, and the company has filtering options for diet-friendly meals and those that are lower in calories or sodium.