With so many out there, finding the best prepared meal delivery service is all about knowing what’s most important to you. Is it affordability, dietary restrictions, or the variety of meals that matter to you most? Whatever your preferences, there’s bound to be a meal delivery service for you among our best options.

Best Prepared Meal Delivery Services of 2022 

Best Overall: CookUnity Best Value: Fresh N’ Lean Best Variety: Freshly Best for Vegan: Veestro Best for Keto: Factor Best for Paleo: Pete’s Real Food Best for Fitness: Trifecta Best for Health Conditions: BistroMD

Key SpecsStarting Price: $11.09Delivery Area: 45 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try ItCookUnity accommodates a variety of dietary needs, all while offering up delicious, chef-created selections, making it our top pick for overall best meal delivery service.ProsCaters to a variety of dietsEasy to filter searchesRestaurant-quality mealsConsLimited delivery areaOverviewCookUnity’s menus offer up diverse, delicious, chef-driven selections that you might find in restaurants, but instead get delivered straight to your door. The company offers a variety of dietary accommodations, including vegan, vegetarian, low carb, keto, paleo, whole30, gluten-free, less than 600 calories, and dairy-free. The dietary needs that CookUnity accommodates are very easy to find and filter: Across the top of the weekly menu page, there are icons for each that allow you to view only those meals, whether you’re looking for vegan items, calorie-limited items, or simply dairy-free options.Pricing and PlansCustomers can purchase either four, six, eight, 12, or 16 meals per week. At the largest number of meals per week, each meal is $11.09, and at the opposite end of the spectrum, four meals per week will cost you $13.59 each. 16 meals a week: $11.09 per meal 12 meals a week: $11.19 per meal8 meals a week: $11.69 per meal6 meals a week: $12.29 per meal4 meals a week: $13.59 per mealMeals We TriedCoconut lime hanger steakCarnitas street tacosButternut squash ravioliChili roasted shrimp Key SpecsStarting Price: $8.49 per servingDelivery Area: 50 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try ItFresh N Lean offers delicious, sustainably sourced, and fully prepared meals at a budget-friendly price. ProsLots of options for special dietsOrganically sourced ingredients, sustainable practicesBreakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack options ConsMost meals are pre-selected OverviewFresh N Lean delivers fresh, organically sourced meals that are ready to be enjoyed in three minutes. Each delicious chef-cooked dish is full of macronutrients, balanced calories, and protein. In addition to dinner options, you can add on breakfast, lunch, snacks, and even bulk items, and it starts at an affordable $8.49 per serving. Fresh N Lean accommodates the most popular dietary needs with eight meal plans: Protein+, Keto, Paleo, Vegan, Low Carb Vegan, Whole30 Approved, Mediterranean, and Bulk, along with an A La Carte option. Not to mention, these meals are entirely gluten-free. Once you subscribe to a meal plan, you’ll choose the number of meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and the number of days (five or seven). Although you can’t select your exact meals, Fresh N Lean will send a variety of delicious and fully prepared dishes that change week to week based on your preselected preferences. Pricing and PlansVegan Standard: starts at $8.49 per servingVegan Low Carb: starts at $9.99 per servingProtein+: starts at $10.32 per servingKeto: starts at $10.66 per servingPaleo: starts at $10.66 per servingWhole30 Approved: starts at $10.66 per servingMediterranean Diet: starts at $10.32 per serving Meals We TriedGrilled shrimp with caper dill aioli and roasted winter squashMoroccan mint grass-fed steak with spiced cauliflower and brown riceTikka chicken with turmeric-roasted cauliflower and quinoaBBQ turkey meatballs with white beansCajun salmon with Yukon potato and tomato rice Key SpecsStarting Price: $9.58 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try ItWith 30+ health-focused options to choose from, Freshly is a great option if you’re seeking variety in your weekly meals. ProsMany meals are 100% certified gluten-freeNo refined sugarsLots of new options weeklyHas a mobile app ConsDoesn’t accommodate special diets like vegan, paleo, ketoNo emphasis on organic or sustainable sourcingLimited breakfast options and no snacks OverviewEach Freshly meal is fully prepared, delivered fresh, and ready to eat in three minutes. The company’s emphasis on lean proteins, seasonal veggies, and whole-grain starches means you can have convenience without sacrificing nutrition. Plus, they’re gluten-free, peanut-free, and made without any artificial ingredients, refined sugars, or preservatives. When signing up, choose to receive either four, six, 10, or 12 meals each week.Pricing and Plans Shipping is $9.99 per order; the more meals you purchase, the bigger your discount.4 meals per week: $12.50 per serving5 meals per week: $12.40 per serving6 meals per week: $11.33 per serving7 meals per week: $10.71 per serving8 meals per week: $10.37 per serving9 meals per week: $10.22 per serving10 meals per week: $10 per serving11 meals per week: $9.81 per serving12 meals per week: $9.58 per servingMeals We Tried Asian-style chicken and noodlesSteak peppercornThai green curryPork chile Colorado Key SpecsStarting Price: Varies; see website for detailsDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try ItWith over 50 fully prepared, entirely plant-based, and organic meals, Veestro makes it easy to be vegan. Pros100 percent vegan50+ optionsOrganic, non-GMO ingredientsBreakfast, lunch, and dinner Cons10-meal minimumThe menu doesn’t rotate OverviewVeestro is a plant-based prepared meal delivery service that uses preservative-free, organic ingredients. Its chef-designed meals are delivered frozen and ready to heat, eat, and enjoy. There are two plans to choose from: The A La Carte plan allows you to select 10, 20, or 30 meals to receive either as a subscription or a one-time purchase, while the Weight Loss plan has you choose three meals per day for either five or seven days each week. Both plans allow you to filter by the following dietary preferences: Gluten-Free, High Protein, Low Calorie, Soy Free, Nut Free, and Kosher.Pricing and Plans Veestro’s meal prices depend on the zip code you live in. However, the average cost is about $13 per serving, according to customer service. All deliveries have a flat rate of $12.95 for shipping. Meals We TriedLentil meatloafKale and quinoa saladFajitasFarro ragoutQuinoa risottoMushroom StroganoffChick’n quesadillaEnchilada casseroleSoba noodles in peanut sauceRed curry with tofu Key SpecsStarting Price: $11 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try ItFactor offers fully prepared, keto-compliant meals that are chef-crafted and designed by dieticians, plus access to nutrition coaching. Pros20+ dietician-created options per weekFree of gluten, hormones, and moreSeveral a la carte optionsHas a mobile app ConsNot many options for vegetarian, vegan, or paleoNot suitable for severe food allergiesExpensive OverviewFactor uses fresh ingredients for its fully prepared refrigerated meals that are all free of gluten, hormones, antibiotics, refined sugars, and GMOs. The recipes are both chef-crafted and designed by dieticians. In addition to meal subscriptions, Factor offers nutrition coaching packages as well. When signing up, you have the option to choose the number of meals you’d like per week: four, six, eight, 10, 12, or 18. Then, select your meals from a list of more than 20 options. Though there are no separate meal plans, you can filter the options by Keto, Paleo, Low Calorie, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, and other keywords. Braised Pork Ragu with Parmesan Risotto, Salmon with Roasted Mango Salsa, and Southwest Turkey Chili are just a few of the options you can expect. Plus, there are breakfast options like blueberry pancakes with sausage, desserts like pistachio and raspberry cheesecake, as well as shakes, broth, and other a la carte items. All Factor meals can be heated in the microwave or oven in minutes, according to the meal-specific instructions on the package. Pricing and Plans4 meals per week: $15 per serving6 meals per week: $12.83 per serving8 meals per week: $12.38 per serving12 meals per week: $11.50 per serving18 meals per week: $11 per serving Meals We TriedMango salsa salmon with coconut rice and black beansCreamy parmesan chicken with broccoli and tomatoesVegetable ratatouille with mascarpone polenta (vegetarian)Smoked tofu almond stir-fry with edamame succotash (vegan) Key SpecsStarting Price: $15.60Delivery Area: 50 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try ItFor a meal delivery service specializing in paleo-friendly meals that arrive fresh and ready to heat, look no further than Pete’s Real Food.ProsSpecializes in paleo cuisineMeal arrive freshSustainably sourced animal proteinsConsExpensive cost per servingNo free shippingOverviewPete’s Real Food is a meal delivery service specializing in paleo meals made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and sustainably sourced animal proteins. Customers can order lunch and dinner entrées from a menu that changes every week and can even add on breakfast items for an additional cost. Since Pete’s Real Food was founded by a professionally trained chef, the meals taste wonderfully gourmet. Plus, they are ready to eat in a matter of minutes. Meal bundles arrive fresh and can be stored in your refrigerator, while a la carte options need to be stored in your freezer.  Pricing and PlansShoppers can order Pete’s Real Food meal bundles and a la carte entrees on a subscription basis or by submitting a one-time purchase. Customers can purchase between five and 10 single-serving meals each week, and you can also add on extra proteins or sides to your order. A sample meal order (dinners only) is priced at: 5 meals (dinner): $99.627 meals (dinner) $137.2010 meals (dinner): $192.80 Meals We TriedGrilled chicken with sautéed cabbage and green goddess potato saladChicken chili with oven-roasted tomatoes and spaghetti squashBeef stroganoff over sweet potato noodlesChicken meatballs with cauliflower mash and sweet potato friesTurkey burgers with lemon garlic asparagus and roasted purple potato wedges Key SpecsStarting Price: $11.49 per serving Delivery Area: 50 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why We Chose ItTrifecta specializes in macro-balanced, organic meals that are designed to support your weight loss and muscle-building goals. ProsOptions for keto, paleo, vegan, and vegetarianUses many organic and sustainably sourced ingredientsBreakfast, lunch, and dinner are available ConsMost meals are pre-selectedExpensive OverviewWith its nutrition-trained chefs, Trifecta caters to many dietary preferences with delicious, fully prepared, macro-balanced meals that optimize performance. While not all ingredients are organic, the company sources as many high-quality organic ingredients as possible, and sources its food from environmentally sustainable farms and fisheries. Trifecta offers several meal plans to fit your lifestyle: Clean, Paleo, Keto, Vegan, and Vegetarian. Select one, then choose the number of meals per day—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and/or a third entree—and the number of days per week (five or seven). These meal plans are all chef’s choice, which means that rather than choosing each meal yourself, a variety will be selected for you based on your preferences. In addition to these meal plans, Trifecta also offers Classic Meals that you can choose from individually and Meal Prep items that you can buy to assemble your own dishes. Pricing and PlansChoose how many meals per day you’d like (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and third entrée) and the number of days you want to prepare them (five or seven days). Sample pricing for the Whole30-approved plan is as follows: Lunch and dinner 5 days per week: $157.99 per weekLunch and dinner 7 days per week: $219.99 per weekBreakfast, lunch, and dinner 5 days per week: $229.99 per weekBreakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days per week: $310.99 per week Meals We Tried Kung pao grilled chicken with broccoli and roasted sweet potatoBeef skillet with roasted sweet potato and marinated cabbageHerb-roasted cod with walnut basil pesto and vegetablesSlow-cooked rosemary thyme beef with root vegetablesSalmon Mexican bowl with tomato salsa and vegetablesGinger shrimp with herb-marinated sweet potatoCajun chicken andouille sausage and roasted vegetables Key SpecsStarting Price: $8.24Delivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try ItBistroMD provides healthy and delicious meals suited for a variety of health conditions. ProsSpecific diabetic program designed by a doctor150+ rotating diabetic mealsDietician consultation includedBreakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks ConsSmall portionsCannot accommodate some restrictive diets OverviewBistroMD is a doctor-designed meal delivery service that sends fully prepared, nutritionally balanced, and frozen meals meant to support a variety of medically necessary diets.  Once you’ve chosen a dietary protocol, you can select your plan: either the full program (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for five or seven days or the lunch and dinner program for five or seven days. While the menu of entrees doesn’t rotate weekly, there are more than 150 options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to choose from.  Pricing and PlansBistroMD offers the following programs: Signature, Keto Flex, Heart Healthy, Diabetic, Gluten-Free, and Menopause. A sample Signature plan costs as follows: 5 days of lunch and dinner: starting at $164.857 days of lunch and dinner: starting at $141.65 Ordering snacks requires signing up for BistroMD’s EATS program, which includes two to three snacks per day for a cost of $3 to $4.50 per day. BistroMD delivers to the continental U.S. and charges $19.95 for shipping. Meals We TriedChicken, rice, and cheddar casseroleSalmon with dill mustard sauceTurkey breaks with cranberry apple chutneyOven-fried catfish with spicy tomato leek sauceBaked pasta marinara with chicken sausageMeatloaf with honey bourbon glazeMojo pork with black beans and riceChicken pad thaiGrilled salmon with creamy pestoLasagna with garden marinara

How Do Prepared Meal Delivery Services Work?

A prepared meal delivery service delivers premade meals to your door based on your preferences. While these services are typically subscriptions that deliver on a regular basis (for example, weekly), some companies offer the option of one-time purchases as well.

Are Prepared Meal Delivery Services Cheaper Than Buying Groceries?

Meal delivery services may not be as cost-effective as grocery shopping yourself. That said, if you’re not interested in cooking, they’re typically less expensive—and usually healthier—than ordering take-out. Not to mention, prepared meal delivery services save you travel-related expenses and, arguably, your most precious resource: time.

Who Should Use a Prepared Meal Delivery Service?

Prepared meal delivery services are a great option for anyone looking for help to put food on the table at least a few times a week. They allow you to maintain an active role in what’s going into your meals without the hands-on responsibility and time commitment of pulling it all together.

Are Prepared Meal Delivery Services Healthy?

Because “health” may mean a different thing from one person to the next, determining whether a prepared meal delivery service is healthy depends on your particular needs. That said, prepared meal delivery services cater to many preferences, including low carb, low calorie, high protein, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, keto, paleo, and other special diets.

Methodology

Our testers ordered from, cooked, and rated 40 different meal delivery services. To choose the best prepared meal delivery services, we identified those that have been around long enough to establish a solid reputation with services available across the nation. It was also important to include services that are transparent about their meals, subscription details, and customer service accessibility.