I Tested Over 50 Meal Delivery Services — These Are My Favorites

Type: Standard meal kit or prepared meals | Cost: $7.99–11.99 per serving + $11 shipping fee | Availability: Nationwide

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Couples and families of four looking for gourmet recipes and quality ingredients.

WHAT TO KNOW: Blue Apron was one of the first companies to popularize meal delivery kits. You'll find a substantial menu of over 20 seasonal gourmet recipes each week like Greek-Style Lamb Meatball Platter and the Paneer & Chickpea Curry, plus more than 35 fresh (never frozen) prepared meals to try if you'd rather skip cleaning pots and pans.

You can manage your order online or in their app, and skipping a delivery or pausing/canceling your subscription is easy to do in your account settings. Price per serving is average, with an upcharge for more premium items. The service does use quite a bit of plastic, but over 85% of the packaging by weight is recyclable. If you're looking for a true, authentic meal delivery service experience, Blue Apron is the perfect go-to.

WHY WE LIKE IT: I find the recipes consistently great, with innovative twists and incredible flavor profiles. What truly stood out in tests was Blue Apron's high-quality, fresh ingredients. The recipe quality on the kits is better than the premade meals, but both are solid offerings.

As a dietitian, I like that they have menu options that are calorie- and carb-conscious, as well as fast and easy recipes that can be made in about 15 minutes like their Poblano Sausage Gnocchi. I also recently tested some of the brand's specialty seasonal boxes, that were exceptional and took the guesswork out of making a festive meal. You'll need some basic pantry staples like salt and pepper, but the complete kit takes care of the majority of items needed.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: Testers gave the service rave reviews and loved both the variety and creativity of the recipes. Many said the meals were delicious and inventive and the recipe cards offered simple step-by-step instructions. "Blue Apron is a solution for busy people who like to explore new recipes and ingredients," said one tester. "It's adventurous without being extreme. The ingredients are perfectly measured, packaged well and fresh." Another noted that the directions were easy to follow, the "ingredients were consistently fresh" and the "variety of proteins and spices used was pretty great."

DEAL FOR GH READERS: New Customers: Enjoy $80 off the first five weeks of a new subscription — plus the first week ships free!

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Blue Apron Review: A Dietitian’s Take on the Popular Meal Kit Service

Type: Standard meal kit | Cost: $5.99 per serving + $10 shipping fee | Availability: Nationwide

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Home cooks on a budget looking for affordable, tasty recipes.

WHAT TO KNOW: I like that EveryPlate has a fixed price per serving of $5.99, one of the lowest we have seen, so you don't have to order a ton of meals to take advantage of lower prices. The word that comes to mind when describing their kits is uncomplicated — you'll miss out on some fancier, more organized packaging features that other services offer, but the quality of the food is still excellent and they have a nice variety of 27 comfort food meals like Cheesy Southwest Beef Tacodillas and Super Smashed Burgers to choose from each week.

You can easily cancel your subscription under your account, but you must do so at least five days before your next delivery. Overall, EveryPlate does a solid job at offering tasty meals while keeping costs low.

WHY WE LIKE IT: I was surprised by just how tasty the meals turned out. I also appreciate that they have vegetarian meals, quick and easy recipes and calorie smart offerings. The app is useful for ordering your meals and also following along for the full recipes when you get your kit. One drawback is that the items aren't as carefully packaged as other kits, meaning you will have to sort through your box to figure out which ingredient is meant for each recipe. And you may need a few more pantry staples than usual, like butter, oil and sometimes flour.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: Our testers liked the variety of offerings and the freshness of ingredients. Multiple testers remarked on the helpful instructions, which come with pictures that made it easy to prep and plan ahead while cooking. One person said, "Everything was awesome, from the ingredients to the completeness of the recipes provided." Another noted, “I am a decent cook but tend to stay in my lane when it comes to meals. I really enjoyed making these meals and learning new techniques."

And although the ingredients aren't sorted, the box itself and the packaging materials are solid. “UPS was delayed one day, and the EveryPlate box sat on my porch all day in 98ºF weather," said one tester. "Yet everything was still cold and fresh when I opened it.” It's really the best option if you're on the fence about meal delivery because of cost but want to give it a go.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Real Deal on EveryPlate, From a Dietitian Who Tried It

Type: Standard meal kit | Cost: $11.99 per serving + $11 shipping fee | Availability: Nationwide

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Health-conscious couples and families looking for quality organic fare.

WHAT TO KNOW: This certified organic company offers a wide variety of health-conscious meal plans, working with farmers to source sustainable ingredients, which was a huge draw for me as a dietitian. The menu is robust with over 42 chef-crafted options each week, from Barramundi with White Bean Couscous to a tender Pork Filet with Sriracha Apricot Sauce. Plans are based on different dietary preferences including Mediterranean, Gut & Brain Health, Calorie Smart, Protein Packed, Keto, Gluten-Free and more.

You can easily deactivate your account, just do so at least seven days prior to your last delivery. It's a fantastic service for high-quality ingredients and delicious dishes with solid portion sizes.

WHY WE LIKE IT: Not only was Green Chef another top performer in our tests, but it's one of my personal favorites. The high-quality ingredients, thoughtfully packaged kits and vibrant recipes were a true standout. You'll pay a premium, but I truly think it's worth it for the Green Chef meals. The items come neatly packaged, organized and pre-portioned, and the app makes it easy to manage your choices and follow along with recipes if you misplace your recipe cards. You'll just need a few basics on hand like oil, salt and pepper, but they take care of the rest.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: Testers said they loved the portion sizes, saying the meals filled them up and had great flavor. “I was so impressed with all the portions and freshness of the products," said one tester. "Every meal was super easy to prepare." Another added, "I felt that the food with this meal delivery service was fresher than other meal delivery services I have used in the past."

On the downside, some testers noted that the instructions could be a bit complex and required many pans and bowls, but the pictures on the recipe cards were very helpful.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Is Green Chef Worth It?

Type: Standard meal kit | Cost: $5.99–$8.99 per serving + $10.99 shipping fee | Availability: Nationwide

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Couples and families of four looking for simple and easy budget-friendly recipes.

WHAT TO KNOW: Dinnerly has one of the largest weekly menus I have seen with over 100 weekly recipes, including vegetarian and reduced-carb offerings. It's more affordable than most meal delivery services out there, but works on a sliding scale so the more meals you order the less it costs per serving.

The brand used to do only digital recipe cards, but now gives you the option to receive printed cards in the box. Those searching for affordability, quality and convenience will love Dinnerly's offerings. Canceling your subscription is fairly easy, as long as done prior to the next order's cutoff date. If you're looking for crowd-pleasing dishes for the whole family on a budget, Dinnerly is a smart choice.

WHY WE LIKE IT: I appreciate that Dinnerly keeps costs low by using fewer ingredients per dish and simple, uncomplicated packaging. The meals are also very low-effort, requiring very minimal chopping and prep, and usually contain just a few ingredients to craft something delicious like Thai-Style Ground Turkey Stir-Fry and Low-Cal Baked Feta Pasta. But you will need a few essentials on hand like eggs, flour, garlic and cooking oil, though Dinnerly will let you know beforehand. You can choose recipes and schedule delivery on the service's corresponding app too.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: Testers raved about how much easier Dinnerly was to prepare than other meal delivery services they have used in the past. They were also happy with the variety of recipes and gave the dishes top marks for flavor and fresh ingredients. The meals were suitable for beginner cooks too. “I would recommend this meal subscription because of the following: the variety of meals, portion size, easy-to-follow recipes and most importantly the wonderful taste," said one tester. Although some items come loose in the box to minimize packaging materials, one tester said, “I loved the packaging and the freezer bags they used, which kept my food ice cold even on a hot day."

Type: Standard meal kit and prepared meals | Cost: $9.99 per serving for prepared meals, $11.49–$25.99 per serving for meal kits + $11 shipping fee | Availability: Nationwide with some exceptions

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Sustainably-minded eaters looking for healthier fare.

WHAT TO KNOW: If you can't decide which type of meal kit you need, then Sunbasket is a safe choice. They offer a ton of variety, including standard meal kits, semi-prepared options and totally premade meals. All dishes are made with high-quality ingredients and organic produce, and every recipe is crafted by chefs and registered dietitians.

The actual meal selection isn't super robust, but the service does give you the option to add standalone proteins to your box which can save you a trip to the butcher or fishmonger. You don't need to talk to anybody either to cancel your subscription — it can be done directly on your account. Sunbasket provides a solution for those interested in a quality meal kit that puts sustainability front and center.

WHY WE LIKE IT: A favorite healthy meal delivery service, I appreciate that the brand offers plans for paleo, carb-conscious, gluten-free-friendly, keto-friendly, diabetes-friendly, Mediterranean, vegetarian and pescatarian. During testing, I found that the Fresh & Ready meals heated best in the oven, but the microwavable option was handy in a time crunch. I also appreciated that the brand's dietitians ensure that meals are typically under 800 calories and 800 milligrams of sodium but high in protein and fiber. Sunbasket’s sustainable packaging and delivery is a major effort for the brand, and really stood out to me, and their app made it simple to schedule deliveries and customize my menu selections.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: Overall, our testers loved the creative and unique recipes, with 100% of testers saying the service encouraged them to try something new. The breakfast options were also a big hit. “Great quality, sustainable packaging and flavorful meals,” said one tester. One thing to note is that sometimes the brand will substitute an ingredient in your box due to seasonal produce not being available.

Type: Standard meal kit | Cost: $9.99–$11.49 per serving + $11 shipping fee | Availability: Nationwide

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Couples and families of four interested in an entry-level meal delivery kit with approachable dishes.

WHAT TO KNOW: HelloFresh was one of the first meal delivery services I ever tried, and after testing it regularly over the years I can tell you that it always delivers a consistent experience. Meals are good, packaging is solid and recipe cards are well done. Ingredients are all pre-portioned for each recipe, and they have a huge selection of dishes that rotate weekly.

WHY WE LIKE IT: It's apparent that HelloFresh has been at this for a while — the instruction cards are easy to follow and the packaging proves superior to other services I tested in terms of both performance and sustainability. I also like that you can add on grocery items if needed.

They have some quick and impressive meals like Sweet & Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein in 15 minutes, as well as pescatarian and vegetarian options like Zucchini Pomodoro Penne Bake, and their app is surprisingly easy to navigate in terms of selecting your meals each week. However, the meal plans are only for two or four people, so it's not ideal for larger families.

Your subscription is easy to cancel under your account, no need to talk to a representative. It's the ultimate solution for meal delivery novices who will appreciate the service's functionality and recipe variety.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: Testers gave this service top overall scores for quality, saying that the food tasted great. “My partner and I liked the taste and flavor," said one tester. "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!” Another tester noted that they'd gladly use this service again because "it was easy to use and motivated me to cook rather than just order something in," and that they "loved not having to think about what meals I wanted to make and then have to buy all the ingredients."

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Is HelloFresh Worth Trying?

Type: Standard meal kit and family meals | Cost: Starts at $10 per serving, family meals range from $7–$9 per serving + $11 shipping fee | Availability: Nationwide

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Families interested in easy, fresh meals.

WHAT TO KNOW: Most meal delivery services cater to two to four people per meal, so it can be tough to accommodate for larger households. That's why I like Home Chef — they have different plans for up to six people per meal. You'll find a ton of options from five-minute meals like the Enchilada Beef Bake to more elaborate entrée masterpieces like Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Risotto with Pecans. Plus, you'll also find their recipes in Kroger grocery stores if you'd rather pick up the items yourself.

WHY WE LIKE IT: Home Chef offers a wide variety of meal kits and you can filter for calorie-conscious, carb-conscious and vegetarian options, which is something I appreciate as a registered dietitian. You can also now customize the proteins in your meal which is a major plus. Canceling your subscription or skipping a week is simple too under your account settings. It's the perfect option for families who are looking to streamline dinnertime but also keep recipes fun and exciting.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: Our testers gave the service rave reviews, with top scores for portion sizes and satiety of meals, easy-to-follow recipes and freshness of ingredients. Testers agreed that the quality of ingredients was better than other services they had tried in the past. They thought this service was especially great for families, since the recipes were simple to follow and yielded delicious results. The fact that they have a section curated specifically for families is a real plus. And 100% of testers said the service encouraged them to try a meal or food that they usually wouldn’t have or that was not in their regular rotation.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: I Tried Home Chef for Three Months

Type: Prepared meals | Cost: Starts at $11 per meal + $10 shipping fee | Availability: Over 90% of the continental U.S.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Busy foodies looking for prepared meals that feel on par to restaurant dishes.

WHAT TO KNOW: Award-winning chefs craft up restaurant-quality meals for you that are fresh, never frozen, and delivered straight to your door. You'll find a changing menu of dozens of options from some of the most talented chefs in the country, like the Mission-Style Chicken Burrito from Jose Garces and Chicken in Korma-Style Curry from Akhtar Nawab.

The delivery range is still expanding, but the service does let you filter for dietary preferences like gluten-free, dairy-free and keto (though the selections can be quite limited if you have multiple dietary filters).

WHY WE LIKE IT: I love to cook, but let's face it — cleanup can be the worst. When I need a simple, mess-free weeknight, I reach for prepared meal delivery services like Cook Unity. As a dietitian, I appreciate that the brand provides a full nutrition facts panel on each meal. I personally found the service best for gourmet comfort food, but the service also offers some health-conscious fare. Canceling your subscription is easy as long as it's done after your first delivery. Everyone from corporate execs to busy parents will appreciate this prepared service that feels more elevated and gourmet than others we tried out.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: The service received top scores from our testers and experts for flavor, portion sizes and overall food quality. In fact, 100% of testers said they would recommend the service to a family member or friend. "The meals were simple to prepare and absolutely delicious," one tester shared, while another said, "There is so much creativity that went into each meal that you can see and taste!" Take note that the shipping area is a bit limited but growing.

Type: Prepared meals | Cost: $10–$13 per meal + $11 shipping fee | Availability: Nationwide

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: People who want to cook but don't truly like to.

WHAT TO KNOW: Tovala solved a crucial dinnertime problem for me — preparing proteins that are juicy and tender, but not overcooked or undercooked. The service sends you neat packages of ingredients that require quick assembly (think adding the prepackaged marinade to chicken or stirring vegetables in a small pan). You'll then use the brand's signature smart oven to cook your food perfectly when you scan the corresponding QR code. Take note that the meals are perfectly portioned for one — which is great for singles but not as ideal for feeding families and larger crowds. Favorites include the Chicken & Red Pepper Pesto Pasta and the Red Wine-Glazed Prime Rib.

WHY WE LIKE IT: While purchasing the Tovala oven means this meal delivery service has a steep startup cost (when the oven is not on sale), I love that it not only prepares Tovala meals but can also scan and cook thousands of different foods. While testing this service in the Lab, I was amazed by how consistently and perfectly cooked each meal came out.

But canceling your subscription isn't the easiest — you'll have to email the company instead of being able to just cancel in your account. The app itself is a bit glitchy, so don't rely on it when using your oven.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: At-home testers were impressed with the high-quality ingredients and loved that cleanup was a breeze. “The salmon meals were very filling," one tester said. "The oven made it seamless to cook, and it came out perfectly cooked."

Type: Prepared meals | Cost: $11.49–$13.99 per meal + $11 shipping fee | Availability: Nationwide

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: People who don't have time to cook but still want healthier meals.

WHAT TO KNOW: You've probably heard of Factor, one of the most popular prepared meal delivery services out there. Part of the HelloFresh family, think of Factor as the more convenient, health-conscious cousin. I like that all of their meals are created by dietitians and chefs, and the subscription includes a complimentary consultation with a registered dietitian. Plus, the plan preferences are great for those on special diets like keto or flexitarian.

WHY WE LIKE IT: Testers and I both loved the variety of meals offered by Factor, as well as the portion sizes and the simplicity of heating. Meals were delivered in great condition and ingredients tasted fresh. For those on low-carb and keto diets, the amount of compliant options on the menu was a welcome change from other services that have limited offerings.

Plus, the meals were tasty, satisfying and creative, like the Spicy Southwestern-Style Turkey & Mac and the Stroganoff-Style Beef Burger. But take note that many of the keto meals are very high in fat. You can cancel or unsubscribe in your settings. Factor not only makes healthier eating easy but the rotating menu keeps these prepared meals far from boring.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: "I've always been overwhelmed by which meal delivery service to choose, but I definitely will be ordering Factor for my husband and myself," one tester said. "I really appreciate the quality of the meals and how well-balanced they were." Testers also liked that the service has add-ons including shakes, smoothies, juices, snacks, proteins and desserts.

The U.S. Department of Labor is investigating HelloFresh and hiring agency Midway Staffing over claims that migrant children were working at a Factor facility in Illinois. "We were deeply troubled to learn of the allegations made against a former temporary staffing agency, Midway Staffing,” a HelloFresh spokesperson told Good Housekeeping. “As soon as we learned of these allegations, we immediately terminated the relationship. We have strict protocols in place to ensure all vendors follow our robust global ethics and compliance policies. We have zero tolerance for any form of child labor, and we have taken action to ensure no minors perform work in or have access to our facilities.” RJ Parrilli, CEO of Midway Staffing, also told Good Housekeeping, “Midway Staffing continues to cooperate with the Department in its ongoing investigation. Midway Staffing denies that its actions or practices contributed to or caused any alleged child labor violations. Midway Staffing’s business and legal compliance practices strive to follow all applicable laws and industry standards. "

Type: Standard meal kit and prepared meals | Cost: $11–$13 per serving + $12 shipping fee | Availability: Nationwide

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Plant-based eaters looking for inventive recipes.

WHAT TO KNOW: Most meal delivery services offer a limited selection of vegan or vegetarian options each week, but Purple Carrot impressed me with their completely vegan menu that is anything but boring. Recipes include everything from Thai Peanut Lentil Bowls to Gnocchi Al Pesto. The globally-inspired recipes are fun, exciting and delicious.

All of Purple Carrot's meals are plant-forward and kits come with a weekly recipe booklet that you can keep to recreate your favorites. And if you get tired of cooking, you can opt for the brand's fully prepared meals instead. Since everything is already vegan, you can select other dietary filters on top of that, including high-protein options and meals under 600 calories.

WHY WE LIKE IT: Although many meal delivery services offer vegetarian plans, I love that Purple Carrot showcases an array of tasty and nutritious vegan options for those following a plant-based lifestyle. Plus, the service has been clinically proven to help people lose weight and lower LDL cholesterol.

But for a kit that doesn't include meat, it is on the pricey side per serving. I like that you can pause your subscription for up to 10 weeks, or easily cancel under account settings. And the app is great for creating meal plans. Whether you're vegan or plant-based curious, Purple Carrot is the ideal solution for finding truly incredible meals that don't have you missing meat and other animal products.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: Testers found the meals inventive and flavorful and appreciated that all of the offerings were plant-based and didn’t take very long to prepare. "I love how Purple Carrot meals are delicious and nutritious without involving complicated cooking," one tester said. "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."

RELATED: Best Vegan Meal Delivery Services

Type: Prepared meals | Cost: Average of $15 per serving | Availability: Nationwide

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: People with IBS and those in need of gluten-free meals.

WHAT TO KNOW: The first low-FODMAP and gluten-free meal delivery service, Epicured is designed for customers with common GI disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s, colitis, SIBO and celiac. Not only are the meals fully prepared, making it extra convenient to stay compliant on a low-FODMAP diet, but they are also seriously delicious and fresh (Michelin-star chefs team up with physicians and dietitians to create the meals). The menu is robust and I like that Epicured uses organic ingredients whenever possible.

WHY WE LIKE IT: I first found Epicured when I was a private practice dietitian counseling patients with gastrointestinal issues. I appreciated the meal variety and that registered dietitians ensure each meal meets specific dietary requirements (not an easy task for low-FODMAP restrictions!). And the meals were extremely fresh and surprisingly delicious, like the Sesame Crusted Grilled Salmon and the Lasagna Alessandra. Subscriptions can be canceled in your account too. Overall, it's the ideal service for people with gastrointestinal issues, and the meals are actually flavorful and don't feel like medical diet food.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: Testers were pleasantly surprised by the flavorful meals, even though they were gut-friendly. “We were hesitant about whether a low-FODMAP meal would be bland, but this was surprisingly flavorful and filling,” said one tester. Another tester remarked, “This service was much better than I expected. Learning that it was gluten-free and low-FODMAP had me prepared not to like the texture or flavor. But surprisingly, it was all very good.” Unlike most meal delivery services on our list, Epicured does not have a corresponding app to manage your selections and deliveries.