The key is finding a service that fits your needs, whether you’re seeking an option that caters to families, kitchen newbies, or dietary restrictions. We researched the best meal delivery services and ranked them accordingly.

Best Meal Delivery Services of 2022

Best Overall: Blue Apron Best Variety: HelloFresh Best Value: Dinnerly Best Organic: Green Chef Best Vegan: Purple Carrot Best Gluten-Free: ModifyHealth Best Pre-Made Meals: Factor Best for Avid Cooks: Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon Best for Easy Prep: Gobble

Key SpecsStarting Price: $7.99 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: FreshWhy You Should Try ItBlue Apron is a smart go-to for fledgling cooks who want to try out new ingredients and flavors with ease and comfort. Pros The company’s longevity (operating since 2012)Variety of meals and options for special dietsQuality add-ons, including kitchen gear ConsPackaging intensiveNot good for picky eaters OverviewBlue Apron has been in the meal delivery game for a long time, and its business has become a one-stop depot for foodies who love to eat but feel intimidated by cooking. You can choose from nearly 20 dinners each week, many with an international flair, like mushroom mazemen, togarashi tilapia, and shawarma turkey skillet. Meals for special diets include vegetarian, low carb, and Weight Watchers-friendly recipes. Most recipes require 20 minutes of active prep, and each one includes clear step-by-step photos to help you along the way. Blue Apron also has a marketplace where you can purchase wine and stock your kitchen with brand-name kitchen gear, from skillets to forged Japanese knives to … yes, blue aprons. Pricing and Plans2 meals with 2 servings each: $11.99 per serving3 meals with 2 servings each: $9.99 per serving4 meals with 2 servings each: $9.49 per serving2 meals with 4 servings each: $9.49 per serving3 meals with 4 servings each: $8.49 per serving4 meals with 4 servings each: $7.99 per servingShipping: $9.99Meals We TriedMeal KitsTogarashi shrimp and vegetable fried rice Space Ranger chicken enchiladas One-pan white bean and poblano shakshuka Baked meatballs and romesco mayo  Prepared MealsSweet and spicy beef bowl with rice, peppers, and edamame Chicken alfredo pasta with peas Key SpecsStarting Price: $8.99 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: FreshWhy You Should Try ItHelloFresh is a classic standby in the meal delivery game. An impressive weekly variety of meals, none of which are too out there, take the uncertainty out of leaping into meal kits. ProsQuick and easy recipe optionsPlenty of weekly variety ConsNo free shipping OverviewHelloFresh is like your trustworthy bestie, so it’s no surprise it recruited Mindy Kaling to be a spokesperson. Almost 60 weekly menu and market items offer something for everyone, especially cooks who don’t want to branch out too much. HelloFresh’s focus is on its array of meal kits, with no heat-and-eat options or other fripperies. Bruschetta burgers, hoisin honey chicken, and black bean and poblano flautas are a few examples of menu choices. The average recipe takes 30 minutes to make, but you can select your preference for quick and easy meals (as well as fit and wholesome, family-friendly, and veggie). To make selection easy, you can search recipes by difficulty, ingredient, cuisine, type, and diet. Offerings are only for dinner unless you like hearty lunches.Pricing and Plans6 meals with 4 servings each: $8.99 per serving6 meals with 2 servings each: $9.49 per serving4 meals with 4 servings each: $8.99 per serving4 meals with 2 servings each: $9.49 per serving2 meals with 4 servings each: $9.49 per serving2 meals with 2 servings each: $11.49 per servingShipping: $10.99 Meals We TriedCrispy buffalo-spiced chicken BBQ cheddar burgers Tex-Mex pork with mango salsa Pork sausage rigatoni rosa Key SpecsStarting Price: $4.99 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: FreshWhy You Should Try ItThis budget-friendly service keeps it simple with fewer steps, fewer ingredients, and lots of mainstream appeal. ProsLower cost than most servicesLunch and dessert add-ons ConsNot customizableNot as many diet options OverviewDinnerly is the bare-bones counterpart of Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon. From the packaging to the recipes, everything is streamlined to keep costs and time investment down. It even skips recipe cards—the info is all available on your phone or tablet. Recipes are generally crowd-pleasing, but with some fun tweaks that shouldn’t put off most picky eaters. Smash burgers with oven fries, cheesy skillet pulled pork enchiladas, and shrimp alfredo are a few examples of weekly menu options, and each meal takes only five steps to make. Pricing and Plans3 meals with 2 servings each: $6.39 per serving4 meals with 2 servings each: $5.99 per serving5 meals with 2 servings each: $5.89 per serving6 meals with 2 servings each: $5.79 per serving3 meals with 4 servings each: $5.69 per serving4 meals with 4 servings each: $5.49 per serving5 meals with 4 servings each: $5.29 per serving6 meals with 4 servings each: $4.99 per servingShipping: $9.99Meals We TriedBBQ cheeseburger with sautéed onions and smashed potatoesLow-cal veggie drunken noodles with broccoli, peppers, and cilantroGrass-fed ground beef and cheddar quesadillas with cornCaramel chicken stir-fry with snow peas and jasmine rice Key SpecsStarting Price: $11.99 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: FreshWhy You Should Try ItA commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients and keeping flavors fresh makes Green Chef stand out from the pack. ProsMany choices for special dietsBoth meal kit and heat-and-eat optionsLunch, snack, and protein add-ons ConsPrice is on the higher end OverviewIf organic ingredients are important to you, Green Chef is right up your alley. As a USDA-certified organic company, all of Green Chef’s produce and eggs are organic, and all of its proteins are raised with high animal welfare standards. Each week, Green Chef’s rotating menu includes 30 flavorful dishes, with options like Tuscan chicken soup, cauliflower couscous bowls, and crispy tilapia tacos. Some meals accommodate certain dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, and you can order up to six servings of each meal, making Green Chef a great pick for families.Pricing and Plans3 meals with 2 servings each: $13.49 per serving4 meals with 2 servings each: $12.99 per serving2 meals with 4 servings each: $12.99 per serving3 meals with 4 servings each: $12.49 per serving4 meals with 4 servings each: $11.99 per serving3 meals with 6 servings each: $11.99 per serving4 meals with 6 servings each: $11.99 per servingShipping: $9.99Meals We TriedHarissa-spiced shrimp Sesame ginger bavette steak and shrimp Middle Eastern-style chickpea bowls Maple glazed carrots with figs Key SpecsStarting Price: $11 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: FreshWhy You Should Try It For longtime vegans or those just trying it out, Purple Carrot offers colorful meals packed with whole foods and big flavors. Pros100% plant-based offeringsBreakfast, lunch, and snack add-ons ConsNot as many recipe options per week as other services OverviewPurple Carrot provides nourishing food for plant-based eaters in search of vibrant meals. Plant-based meat shows up occasionally, but usually, the ingredients speak for themselves. There are gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, low-carb, and high-protein options with cook time averaging 30 minutes. Add lunch and breakfast kits or ready-made snacks to your order, if you like. Pricing and PlansPurple Carrot’s pricing starts at $11 per serving, and customers can choose from meal kits or prepared meals, two or four servings, and a choice of three or four meals per week. Shipping varies, and there are discounts if you opt to subscribe to a recurring meal delivery service, which can be paused or canceled at any time.Meals We TriedMeal KitsSesame orange tofu with roasted green beans and sticky riceCurry roasted cauliflower with masala chickpeas and ginger cucumber salsaRajas tacos with avocado and roasted corn salsa Prepared MealsPeanut noodles with gingered edamame and braised tofuCreamy mac and cheese with peso peas and sun-dried tomatoesSpelt risotto with summer vegetable caponataChilled curried chickpea salad with dates and quinoa red pepper pilafTofu palak paneer with carrot biryani Key SpecsStarting Price: $12.95 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: FreshWhy You Should Try ItIf you suffer from gluten sensitivities or chronic health conditions, ModifyHealth’s dietitian-approved meal programs are an excellent option. ProsEntire menu is gluten-free and low in sodiumMeals come prepared and ready to reheatDietitian support availableConsFull meal program can be priceyOverviewModifyHealth teams up with dietitians to create menus of chef-made meals for people suffering from gastroenterological, digestive, and inflammation issues. The company features both low-FODMAP and Mediterranean meal plans with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, all of which are gluten-free and low in sodium. Organic ingredients are used in the meals whenever possible, and you can receive complimentary dietitian support if you sign up for ModifyHealth’s full meal programs.Pricing and PlansBreakfasts: start at $9.95 a servingEntrees: start at $12.95 a servingFull meal program packages: start at $180 a week, which includes dietitian supportShipping: free Meals We TriedGreek chicken and riceLongevity stew with black-eyed peas and kaleShrimp chimichurri with black beans and riceLemon thyme chicken with tahini cauliflower and za’atar quinoaBlackened salmon with quinoa, broccoli, and red bell pepperRoasted pistachio salmon with white beans and kale Key SpecsStarting Price: $11 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: FreshWhy You Should Try ItFactor caters to a variety of diets with its ever-changing weekly menu that boasts a slew of fresh and flavorful heat-and-eat meals.ProsMeals are ready to eat in minutesFresh, responsibly sourced ingredientsComplimentary dietitian consultationConsLimited plant-based optionsShipping costs extraOverviewWith a rotating menu that changes week to week, Factor prides itself on ready-to-heat, single-serving recipes made with fresh, responsibly-sourced ingredients. Choose from mouthwatering entrees like parmesan-crusted chicken, smoked tofu stir-fry, and salmon with mango salsa, along with add-on options like smoothies, shakes, desserts, and healthy snacks. While the menu caters to keto and low-carb diets, it also accommodates other dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. Best of all, the meals arrive fresh and only take two minutes in the microwave to enjoy.Pricing and PlansFactor operates on a volume-based pricing system, so the more meals you order, the lower the price per serving. You can order four, six, eight, 12, or 18 meals per week, with prices ranging from $11 to $15 per serving, depending on how many you order. Here’s a brief price breakdown:4 meals per week: $15 per serving6 meals per week: $12.83 per serving8 meals per week: $12.38 per serving10 meals per week: $11.99 per serving12 meals per week: $11.50 per serving18 meals per week: $11 per servingMeals We TriedMango salsa salmon with coconut rice and black beansCreamy parmesan chicken with broccoli and tomatoesVegetable ratatouille with mascarpone polentaSmoked tofu almond stir-fry with edamame succotash Key Specs:Starting Price: $9.11 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: FreshWhy You Should Try It Appealing dinners that aren’t too complicated and plenty of weekly menu choices make this plan an all-around solid pick. ProsSix-step meals ready in 30 minutesAppealing recipes with a curated feel ConsNo add-ons OverviewLike everything else in Martha Stewart’s empire, Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon has a curated feel that’s also approachable, with a broad appeal. Beef bibimbap with shiitake mushrooms, cream chicken Florentine, and black bean burger with sweet potato fries are just a sampling of menu options. There’s a little bio for each recipe’s developer to give it a more personal feel, and step-by-step photos leave no guesswork in meal prep and assembly. You’ll find family-friendly, low-carb, low-calorie, and vegetarian options—but no heat-and-eat entrees or add-ons. An “ingredient hub” page makes it easy to scrutinize recipes for ingredients that are off-limits for you. Pricing and Plans2 meals with 2 servings each: $15.49 per serving3 meals with 2 servings each: $12.66 per serving4 meals with 2 servings each: $11.74 per serving5 meals with 2 servings each: $10.99 per serving6 meals with 2 servings each: $10.32 per serving2 meals with 4 servings each: $11.74 per serving3 meals with 4 servings each: $10.32 per serving4 meals with 4 servings each: $9.61 per serving5 meals with 4 servings each: $9.49 per serving6 meals with 4 servings each: $9.11 per serving Meals We TriedGreek chicken gyro with chopped salad and garlic sauce Broccoli Reuben, Russian dressing wedge salad Oven fried beef taquitos, tomatillo salsa, and jalapeños Gochujang turkey ragu with fresh udon, cilantro, and scallions Key SpecsStarting Price: $11.99 per servingDelivery Area: 47 statesProducts Arrive: FreshWhy You Should Try ItGobble’s line of quick-cooking meal kits allows you to enjoy a delicious gourmet meal in a mere 15 minutes.ProsDiverse variety of mealsQuick and easy prepMeals available in two or four servingsConsRelatively expensiveFew diets accommodatedOverviewWhether you’re planning a date night or you simply want to whip up an easy gourmet meal after a long day, Gobble is a great choice for quick and tasty dinners. The company offers a diverse selection of chef-prepared meals, from Tuscan sirloin steak with mushrooms and fettuccine to Caribbean vegetable rondon stew. You’ll also find soups, salads, sides, and desserts on the menu. With pre-prepped and pre-portioned ingredients that eliminate cooking steps, each meal is designed to be ready to hit the table in 15 minutes.Pricing and Plans2 meals with 2 servings each: $16.99 per serving3 meals with 2 servings each: $14.99 per serving4 meals with 2 servings each: $12.99 per serving5 meals with 2 servings each: $11.99 per serving2 meals with 4 servings each: $12.99 per serving3 meals with 4 servings each: $11.99 per serving4 meals with 4 servings each: $11.99 per serving5 meals with 4 servings each: $11.99 per servingMeals We TriedScampi-style chicken with linguine in lemon garlic butter sauceChimichurri fish tacos with shredded cabbageGrilled king salmon with heirloom tomato panzanellaKorean bulgogi beef lettuce cups with sweet potato noodles

Are There Any Services That Deliver Three Portions?

All of the services we researched only have plans for two or four portions and Green Chef has plans for six as well. The exceptions are services with only heat-and-eat meals, which you order by the meal itself.

Is It Easy to Cancel or Pause a Meal Delivery Service?

Every company we looked into has very clear policies allowing you to cancel when you want. However, some do need advance notice so they can stop before your next shipment goes out. Likewise, pausing a meal delivery service for a few weeks isn’t a problem. Companies can even send deliveries to other addresses for a period (like a vacation house).

Do Meal Kits Really Cut Food Waste?

If you’re looking at post-consumer food waste (food people buy to cook at home but never do), they do cut down on it. However, there are other resources the kits use, such as fuel needed for delivery and kit packaging. The bottom line: Studies suggest meal kits have a smaller carbon footprint than regular grocery shopping.

Can You Recycle Meal Kit Packaging?

People who use meal kits often criticize the volume of packaging they use. Almost every service we considered had a page of directions for recycling packaging on their website, and some had good ideas for re-using. However, a lot of recycling programs only take certain plastics, and frozen gel-packs need to be thrown in the trash.

Methodology

Our testers ordered from, cooked, and rated 40 different meal delivery services. We carefully scored each one based on meal selection, nutritional information, sustainability, and customer service, as well as the flavor, freshness, and quality of each meal and ingredient. Our Simply Recipes tester panel includes dietitians, chefs, and longtime food writers.