After Testing 50+ Meal Delivery Services, These Are the Ones I Recommend

BEST FOR: Plant-based eaters looking for inventive, satisfying recipes.

HOW IT WORKS: Unlike most meal kits with limited vegan or vegetarian options, Purple Carrot is fully vegan. The menu rotates creative dishes like Thai Peanut Lentil Bowls, Gnocchi Al Pesto, and Bibimbap with Kimchi, with filters for high-protein, gluten-free, or lighter meals under 600 calories. Ingredients arrive pre-portioned with easy-to-follow recipe booklets you can save and reuse. They also offer prepared meals for extra convenience, plus four-week programs and frozen options sold at retailers like Target and Kroger.

WHY WE LIKE IT: I found the meals not only delicious, but also very unique and learned quite a few cooking methods by testing Purple Carrot. Testers also praised the inventive, flavorful recipes, appreciating that they were entirely plant-based and quick to prepare. “I love how Purple Carrot meals are delicious and nutritious without involving complicated cooking,” one tester shared. “The meals feel much fancier and more complicated when eating than when cooking. It encouraged me to try new flavors and food combinations I wouldn’t have thought of myself.” I like that you can pause your subscription for up to 10 weeks or easily cancel it under account settings.

TAKE NOTE: It’s on the pricier side for a fully plant-based kit, and some meals skew carb-heavy, which may not suit low-carb or keto diets. Still, it stands out for creativity, convenience, and overall flavor variety.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Purple Carrot Meal Kits

BEST FOR: Busy foodies who want restaurant-quality prepared meals with zero prep or cleanup.

HOW IT WORKS: CookUnity partners with award-winning chefs across the U.S. to deliver fresh (never frozen) meals straight to your door. Everything arrives ready to heat and eat, with a rotating menu that includes dishes like José Garces’s Mission-Style Chicken Burrito and Akhtar Nawab’s Chicken in Korma-Style Curry. You can filter by dietary needs such as gluten-free, dairy-free, or keto, though stacking filters can limit variety.

WHY WE LIKE IT: For nights when I want dinner without any prep or mess, CookUnity is a go-to. The meals feel elevated, leaning toward gourmet comfort food, but still include solid health-conscious choices. I also like that each meal comes with a full nutrition panel (available in your account), making it easy to track calories and macros. And the food is downright delicious. Testers were equally impressed, giving high marks for flavor, portion size, and quality. One said, "The meals were simple to prepare and absolutely delicious," while another raved, "There is so much creativity that went into each meal that you can see and taste!"

TAKE NOTE: Delivery is still limited in some regions, including parts of the Midwest. Pricing is also higher than that of many prepared meal services. Since the menu rotates frequently, favorite dishes may not always be available, so it’s worth checking weekly if you have go-to meals.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: CookUnity Prepared Meals

BEST FOR: Health-conscious couples and families who prioritize high-quality, organic ingredients.

HOW IT WORKS: Green Chef stands out for its certified organic ingredients sourced from sustainable farms, which I really appreciate. Each week, you can choose from over 44 chef-crafted meals like Barramundi with White Bean Couscous or Pork Filet with Sriracha Apricot Sauce, dishes that feel a step up from typical meal kits. There are plenty of plans to match different lifestyles, including Mediterranean, Carb Smart, High Protein, Calorie Smart, Plant-Based, Quick and Easy, Gluten-Free, and Functional Nutrition. Managing your subscription is straightforward online, but be sure to cancel at least seven days before your next delivery if needed.

WHY WE LIKE IT: I was really impressed by both the ingredient quality and how thoughtfully everything was packaged. The kits arrive neatly organized and pre-portioned, which makes cooking feel much more manageable, especially on busy nights. The recipes are colorful, flavorful, and satisfying, and the app is helpful for both managing orders and following step-by-step instructions. Testers echoed this, loving the substantial portions and fresh flavors. One said, "I was so impressed with all the portions and the freshness of the products. Every meal was super easy to prepare." Another added, "The food tasted fresher than other meal kits I've tried."

TAKE NOTE: A few recipes do require multiple pans or bowls, which can mean a bit more cleanup. Some instructions can also feel a little detailed or complicated, but the step-by-step photos help keep things clear and easy to follow.

BEST FOR: People who want a luxury, wellness-focused meal plan with zero prep.

HOW IT WORKS: This premium prepared meal delivery service is designed around nourishing, fresh ingredients. Every meal is fully prepared, plant-based, and gluten-free, with a focus on organic produce and nutrient-dense ingredients. The service currently centers around two programs: the Signature Nutrition Program, which includes breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner for three to five days per week, and the Level II Detox, a five-day guided reset with meals, teas, supplements, and wellness support. Everything arrives ready to eat or heat, making healthy eating nearly effortless.

WHY WE LIKE IT: Sakara is one of my personal favorites because of how fresh and nourishing the meals are. The meals feel like something you'd find at a luxury wellness retreat. While there are plenty of fresh salads, I was equally impressed by the hearty grain bowls, soups, noodle dishes, and healthier takes on comfort foods. As someone who follows a gluten-free diet, I appreciated options like GF focaccia, waffles, and enchiladas that didn't feel like a compromise. What stood out most was how satisfying the meals were. Despite being entirely plant-based, they were flavorful, filling, and never left me feeling deprived. Testers agreed, praising both the taste and thoughtful packaging, which keeps even delicate ingredients like greens fresh.

TAKE NOTE: Sakara is one of the priciest meal delivery services we tested and offers less flexibility than many competitors. Meals follow a set weekly menu, so ingredient swaps and customization are limited. Still, if you're looking for a premium, low-effort way to eat more plants and prioritize nutrition, it's one of the most polished options available. If you want to try Sakara without paying full price, consider their collab with Factor.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Sakara

BEST FOR: Couples and families of four who want simple, affordable, no-fuss meals.

HOW IT WORKS: Dinnerly offers one of the largest weekly menus I’ve seen, with 100+ recipes including vegetarian and reduced-carb options. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly meal kits, with per-serving pricing dropping as you order more. While it once used only digital recipe cards, you can now opt for printed versions in your box. Managing your subscription is straightforward as long as you cancel before the weekly cutoff. Overall, it’s a strong choice for easy, crowd-pleasing dinners that won’t stretch your budget.

WHY WE LIKE IT: I appreciate that Dinnerly keeps things simple in the best way—fewer ingredients, minimal packaging, and very low-effort prep. Most meals come together quickly with little chopping, using just a handful of ingredients for dishes like Thai-Style Ground Turkey Stir-Fry and Low-Cal Baked Feta Pasta. Testers consistently found it easier to cook than other services and appreciated the variety and fresh flavors. It’s especially beginner-friendly, with one tester noting, “I would recommend this meal subscription because of the variety of meals, portion size, easy-to-follow recipes, and most importantly, the wonderful taste.” Families also liked the Picky Eater Approved options and reliable packaging that kept food cold even in hot weather.

TAKE NOTE: To reduce packaging waste, some ingredients arrive loose, which means more sorting when unpacking. You’ll also need pantry staples like eggs, flour, garlic, and oil, which are listed in advance but still require planning. While the meals are solid and well-balanced, they’re more basic than premium kits.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Dinnerly Meal Kit

BEST FOR: Couples and families who want an easy, approachable introduction to meal kits.

HOW IT WORKS: HelloFresh is one of the most established meal kit services, and in my experience it’s remained consistently reliable over time. You get familiar, crowd-pleasing recipes with clear instructions and a smooth, predictable experience. Ingredients arrive pre-portioned by recipe, and the rotating weekly menu keeps things from feeling repetitive. More recently, they’ve added prep-and-bake meals that require minimal hands-on time before the oven. You can pause or cancel anytime directly in your account.

WHY WE LIKE IT: It’s clear that HelloFresh has refined its process over time. Everything feels streamlined and beginner-friendly. The recipe cards are especially easy to follow, and the packaging is efficient and increasingly sustainability-minded compared to many competitors. I also like that you can add grocery staples to your box, which helps cut down on extra store runs. Standout quick meals like Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein (about 15 minutes) and options like Zucchini Pomodoro Penne Bake show a nice range across vegetarian and pescatarian diets. The app also makes weekly selection simple and intuitive. Testers consistently praised the flavor, saying it made cooking easier and more enjoyable without the usual planning. One said, “Every dish had something extra beyond what we would normally make. I thought the food tasted better than what we would get from takeout at a restaurant!”

TAKE NOTE: Some meals can feel a bit basic or repetitive if you’re looking for more adventurous or gourmet options. Ingredient substitutions may also happen without much notice. That said, expanded plan sizes, including options for up to six people, make it flexible for most households.

BEST FOR: Couples and families looking for easy, fresh meals with plenty of flexibility.

HOW IT WORKS: Home Chef is a versatile meal kit service that’s easy to build into your routine, especially if you don’t want to be locked into one style of cooking. You can choose traditional meal kits when you want to cook, or opt for faster options like Express meals (under 30 minutes), oven-ready dishes, or fully prepared meals with minimal effort. Larger family-style portions are also available at a reasonable price, which makes it especially practical for weeknight meals. The weekly menu rotates widely and includes everything from quick options like Enchilada Beef Bake to more involved dishes like Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Risotto with Pecans. Select meals are also available at Kroger, offering added flexibility for pickup.

WHY WE LIKE IT: As a registered dietitian, I like that Home Chef goes beyond the basics with a wide variety of options, including calorie-conscious, carb-conscious, and vegetarian meals. The ability to swap or customize proteins is a standout feature, especially for families with different preferences. Subscription management is simple, and you can skip weeks or cancel directly online. Testers consistently praised the portion sizes and overall satisfaction, noting that meals felt fresh, filling, and more varied than expected. The family-friendly section of the menu was a particular hit. Notably, every tester said the service pushed them to try meals or ingredients they wouldn't usually pick, which is a big win if you're stuck making the same dinners over and over.

TAKE NOTE: Because the menu is so broad, some recipes require more prep than ultra-fast kits. If you’re strictly looking for five-minute dinners, this may not be the best fit. While its sister service, Tempo, focuses on fully prepared meals, testers found those less impressive than Home Chef’s kits.

BEST FOR: People who don’t have time to cook but still want convenient, health-conscious meals.

HOW IT WORKS: As part of the HelloFresh family, think of Factor as the more convenient, health-conscious cousin. The service offers chef-crafted, prepared meals designed with input from registered dietitians. You can choose up to 18 meals per week, pause or skip deliveries as needed, and even take advantage of a complimentary nutrition consultation. The rotating menu includes keto, high-protein, low-carb, vegetarian, and other dietary options. Meals arrive fresh (never frozen) and are ready to heat in just a few minutes.

WHY WE LIKE IT: Both testers and I appreciated the plethora of meals Factor offers, along with generous portion sizes and how easy it was to heat everything. Deliveries arrived in excellent condition, and the meals surprisingly reheated well even in the microwave. For those following low-carb or keto diets, the number of compliant options was a welcome change compared to other services with more limited choices. The meals themselves were flavorful, satisfying, and creative. Standouts for me included the Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey and Mac and the Stroganoff-Style Beef Burger. “I really appreciate the quality of the meals and how well-balanced they were,” one tester said. Factor also offers add-ons like shakes, smoothies, juices, snacks, extra protein, and desserts, which add even more convenience.

TAKE NOTE: Many keto-friendly meals are low in carbs but relatively high in fat and saturated fat, which may not align with everyone’s nutrition goals. Portions are designed for one person, so families or couples will need to order multiple meals. Since everything arrives fully prepared, ingredient substitutions aren’t available.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Factor Meals

BEST FOR: People who like the idea of cooking but don’t have the time or energy for the whole process.

HOW IT WORKS: Tovala solves one of my biggest dinnertime frustrations: cooking proteins perfectly every time. Meals arrive with pre-portioned ingredients that require minimal prep, like adding a premade marinade or seasoning vegetables. Everything then goes into Tovala’s smart oven. Simply scan the meal’s QR code, and the oven automatically adjusts cooking methods and timing for optimal results. Standouts for me included the Chicken and Red Pepper Pesto Pasta and Red Wine-Glazed Prime Rib.

WHY WE LIKE IT: During Lab testing, I was impressed by the consistency—every meal came out flavorful and perfectly cooked. The smart oven seamlessly switches between cooking modes, taking the guesswork out of dinner. Testers agreed, praising both the convenience and ingredient quality. One shared, “The salmon meals were very filling. The oven made it seamless to cook, and it came out perfectly cooked.” Subscription management is also straightforward, with easy online cancellation and account controls.

TAKE NOTE: The biggest drawback is the Tovala oven's upfront cost. That said, it can also scan and cook thousands of grocery-store foods, making it useful for everything from toasting bagels to reheating leftovers. Most meals are single-serving, making Tovala best suited for solo diners. We also tested the brand’s new family meals, which fill the entire Tovala Smart Oven. It felt crowded at first, but I was impressed that the dishes still came out perfectly cooked and flavorful. Each family meal serves four, so it’s not ideal for larger families.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Tovala Oven and Meal Delivery

BEST FOR: Sustainably minded eaters looking for nutritious, flexible meal options.

HOW IT WORKS: Sunbasket offers both traditional meal kits and ready-to-heat dishes, making it a flexible option for busy weeks and nights when you want to cook. Recipes are developed by chefs and registered dietitians, with a focus on organic produce and balanced nutrition. While the weekly menu isn't huge, add-on proteins like seafood and meats make it easy to supplement meals or prep lunches. Subscription management is straightforward, and you can cancel online without contacting customer service.

WHY WE LIKE IT: One of my favorite healthier meal delivery services, Sunbasket accommodates a wide range of eating styles, including paleo, carb-conscious, gluten-free-friendly, keto-friendly, diabetes-friendly, Mediterranean, vegetarian, and pescatarian. Standout dishes included Barramundi with White Bean Couscous and Pork Filet with Sriracha Apricot Sauce. I also liked that Sunbasket maintains clear nutrition standards, with most meals containing fewer than 800 calories and 800 milligrams of sodium while still providing plenty of protein and fiber. Its commitment to more sustainable packaging and delivery practices stands out too, without sacrificing on keeping the food insulated and fresh. Testers also praised the creative recipes, with all reporting that the service encouraged them to try something new, and the breakfast options were a particular favorite.

TAKE NOTE: Because Sunbasket sources seasonal produce, ingredient substitutions do occur from time to time. And while the menu offers plenty of variety, it’s not as extensive as some other meal delivery services on our list.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Sunbasket Meal Delivery