Meal Delivery Services Best Prepared Meal Delivery Services CookUnity offers the best prepared meals By Tori Martinet, MS, RD Tori Martinet, MS, RD Tori Martinet is a licensed registered dietitian based in Indiana who works with corporate clients, individuals, and athletes. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 16, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Elizabeth Brownfield Fact checked by Elizabeth Brownfield Elizabeth Brownfield is a freelance writer, editor, and researcher who specializes in food, travel, home, and lifestyle content. Elizabeth received Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Communication Studies from the University of Iowa. Learn about our editorial process Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions Methodology Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Our list of the best prepared meal delivery services is full of stand-out companies delivering meals that are as tasty as they are convenient. This list includes options for everyone, from those who want to manage health conditions to the budget-conscious, and even those who want to feed their family. All of the kits on this list were put to the test by our panel of experts and have earned a spot on our table. Best Overall: CookUnity Best for Weight Loss: Sunbasket Best for Diabetes: BistroMD Best for Seniors: Mom’s Meals Best Budget-Friendly: Daily Harvest Best for Singles: Freshly Best for Fitness: Fresh n’ Lean Best for Kids: Little Spoon Our Top Picks Best Overall: CookUnity Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: Starts at $10.49Delivery Area: 39 statesNumber of Recipes: 100+ Why You Should Try It Our testers loved that CookUnity brings a restaurant level experience into your home with zero cooking required. Pros Chef-curated meals Large menu of options Restaurant quality food Cons No customization Limited delivery area CookUnity is designed as a chef collective, with regional kitchens located throughout the United States, so availability and menus vary by location. Overall, the company’s focus is on high-level culinary execution with a wide variety of cuisines on offer, and with convenient menu filters for certain dietary restrictions, it can also work for a lot of different eating styles. Meals are delivered fresh, not frozen, and the service is subscription-based, so it’s a lot like having your favorite restaurants on pre-order every week. Pricing and Plans 4 meals per week: $13.49/meal6 meals per week: $11.99/meal8 meals per week: $11.49/meal12 meals per week: $10.99/meal16 meals per week: $10.49/meal Sample Meals We Tried Wild mushroom bibimbapRoasted salmon over sauteed spinachHanger steak with corn on the cobCatfish with collard greensMascarpone and ricotta lasagna Best for Weight Loss: Sunbasket SunBasket Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: Starts at $9.99Delivery Area: 46 StatesNumber of Recipes: 9 Why You Should Try It Sunbasket’s certified organic meals offer a nutrient-dense option, plus a diverse selection of grocery items sure to keep anyone satisfied. Pros Accommodates multiple lifestyles Robust grocery options Environmentally conscious Cons May be pricey Not always as flavorful Sunbasket may be known for its all-organic meal kits, but when it comes to heat-and-eat options, they have a lot to offer as well. The variety may not be as much here as with other kits, but there’s so much to choose from in the grocery department that it will never feel like you’re missing out. Pricing and Plans Fresh & Ready Meals 10 meals per week: $9.99 per serving8–9 meals per week: $10.99 per serving6–7 meals per week: $11.99 per serving4–5 meals per week: $12.99 per serving Sample Meals We Tried Spaghetti alla bolognese with turkeyFour of Sunbasket’s meal kits Best for Diabetes: BistroMD BistroMD Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: Starts at $9.50Delivery Area: 48 statesNumber of Recipes: 150 Why You Should Try It BistroMD’s meals are designed to help manage conditions like diabetes, and with individualized support from registered dietitians and lightning-fast preparation, it may just meet your needs. Pros Meal plan specific to diabetes management Convenient and fast Dietitian support available Cons May be expensive No customization Portions/calories may be too small/low Founded by a physician, BistroMD focuses mainly on weight loss. However, the program also offers other meal plans for diabetes management, a heart-healthy program, a menopause program, and a gluten-free program. Meals are pre-portioned and delivered to your door, and additional resources for education and support are available as well. Pricing and Plans Full program, 7 days: $199.95 plus $19.95 shipping Full program, 5 days: $169.95 plus $19.95 shippingLunch and dinner, 7 days: $169.95 plus $19.95 shippingLunch and dinner, 5 days: $139.95 plus $19.95 shipping Sample Meals We Tried Chicken pad thaiSouthwest bison meatloaf with smoky tomato glazeGrilled salmon with creamy pestoMeatloaf with honey bourbon glazeChicken, rice, and cheddar casserole Best for Seniors: Mom’s Meals Mom’s Meals Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: Starts at $6.99Delivery Area: 50 StatesNumber of Recipes: 28 Why You Should Try It Our testers loved the comfort food favorites made specifically to support health conditions, and the pricing options make it a great fit for folks on certain healthcare plans. Pros Options for many health conditions Covered by some Medicare plans No subscription needed Cons Menus may lack variety Smaller portions Mom’s Meals is designed for seniors and accommodates medically necessary diets for health conditions like diabetes and kidney disease. Meals are refrigerated, heat-and-eat, and can be paid using self-pay or may be eligible for purchase through health plans like Medicare Advantage or Medicaid, making them more accessible than a lot of other prepared meal delivery services. Pricing and Plans 10 standard meals: $69.9014 standard meals: $97.8621 standard meals: $146.79 Sample Meals We Tried Vegetarian red beans and rice, string cheese, orange, and chocolate puddingChicken with southwestern vegetable hash, ranchero sauce, and brown rice Turkey meatballs and garlic basil butter sauce over brown rice and seasoned Scandinavian blend vegetablesCheese lasagna with marinara sauce and spiced fruit crisp and whole wheat bread Creamy turkey & wild rice soup and brown sugar peaches, gelatin, and vanilla pudding Best Budget-Friendly: Daily Harvest Daily Harvest Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: Starts at $5.99Delivery Area: 49 StatesNumber of Recipes: 100+ Why You Should Try It Daily Harvest’s organic, plant-based meal delivery service gave our testers quick, convenient meals packed with nourishing ingredients. Pros Varied menu of options Frozen meals offer extended shelf life Options for multiple budgets Cons No fresh options, all frozen No customization or add-ons Often small portions Daily Harvest stands apart from other prepared meal delivery services with its use of organic, frozen fruits and vegetables. The company offers a somewhat less traditional assortment of meal options with its smoothies, oat bowls, soups, flatbreads, and bakes that all go from freezer to plate in minutes. Pricing and Plans Lattes: $5.99Forager Bowls: $6.79Mylk & Bites: $7.99Smoothies & Soups: $8.49Scoops: $8.99Harvest Bowls & Flatbreads: $9.79Harvest Bakes: $11.99 Volume Discounts: 9-11 items: $5 discount12-23 items: $10 discount24-26 items: $25 discount Sample Meals We Tried Pear & arugula flatbreadPortobello & pesto flatbreadTomato & cremini flatbreadCremini & miso oat forager bowlRaspberry & mulberry seeded forager bowlArtichoke & lemon harvest bowlLentil & tomato bolognese harvest bowlRoasted eggplant & red pepper caponata harvest bowlLentil & cremini soup Best for Singles: Freshly Freshly Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: Starts at $8.99Delivery Area: 48 StatesNumber of Recipes: 60 Why You Should Try It Freshly’s single-serve meals are a great choice for health-focused singles who want a simple meal, ready in minutes. Pros No prep, quick to heat Large menu of options Certified gluten-free Cons Some textural issues Static menu While not everyone needs the certified gluten-free options that Freshly is known for, there’s plenty more to choose from among the purely plant, freshly fit, carb-conscious, and dairy-free choices. Meals are all fresh, single-serving, and designed to be healthy, making them a great choice for singles who want a health-focused experience. Pricing and Plans 4-5 meals per week: $11.79 per meal6-7 meals per week: $9.99 per meal8-9 meals per week: $9.49 per meal10-11 meals per week: $9.29 per meal12 meals per week: $8.99 per meal Sample Meals We Tried Zingy buffalo chicken, loaded cauliflowerCoconut lemongrass pork bowl, cauliflower rice, and roasted vegShrimp & andouille paella, roasted red peppersChicken tikka masalaHomestyle chicken, mac & cheese Best for Fitness: Fresh n’ Lean Fresh n Lean Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: Starts at $7.93Delivery Area: 50 statesNumber of Recipes: 60 Why You Should Try It Fresh n’ Lean makes a great choice for busy, active folks who don’t want to spend time in the kitchen cooking, but who want to adhere to a specific diet. Pros Caters to multiple diets Easy to reheat Fresh meals, easily reheated Cons Only select plans, not meals Can become expensive Lacks some evidence-based resources With plans for a variety of eating styles, from vegan and Mediterranean to paleo, Fresh n’ Lean takes the guesswork out of eating. We love this service for active individuals because Fresh n’ Lean prioritizes protein across all meal options, and you can customize your plan with a la carte additions. Pricing and Plans Vegan Breakfast for 5 or 7 days: $10.50 per mealLunch or dinner for 5 or 7 days: $12.64 per mealBreakfast and lunch or dinner for 5 or 7 days: $9.78 per mealLunch and dinner for 5 or 7 days: $10.05 per mealBreakfast, lunch, and dinner for 5 days: $8.54 per mealBreakfast, lunch, and dinner for 7 days: $7.93 per meal Mediterranean Breakfast for 5 or 7 days: $10.50 per mealLunch or dinner for 5 or 7 days: $15.43 per mealBreakfast and lunch or dinner for 5 or 7 days: $11.25 per mealLunch and dinner for 5 or 7 days: $12.99 per mealBreakfast, lunch, and dinner for 5 days: $10.63 per mealBreakfast, lunch, and dinner for 7 days: $9.97 per meal Sample Meals We Tried Cream of broccoli soupStir fry vegetables with braised beefGinger sweet potato bowl with shrimpRed pepper infused salmon and veggiesVegetables con pollo Best for Kids: Little Spoon Little Spoon’s Plates Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: Starts at $4.99 (for Plates)Delivery Area: 48 statesNumber of Recipes: 23 Why You Should Try It Meeting the nutrition needs of children at the various stages of growth can be tough, and our testers loved that Little Spoon had the nutrients for every step. Pros Meals for children of all ages Well-packaged meals Quality sourcing Cons No customization Larger portions not available Little Spoon is a great choice for parents who want to take a break from cooking while still offering a nutrient-dense meal. Plans include “babyblends,” “plates,” and “smoothies,” and the menus are a good mix of tried-and-true faves like “chicken super nuggets,” broccoli bites, and southwest veggie quinoa, which may help expose children to more variety. Pricing and Plans Babyblends Plans 1 blend per day (14 blends per box): $3.49 per blend2 blends per day (28 blends per box): $3.21 per blend3 blends per day (42 blends per box): $2.74 per blend Plates Plans 4 meals per week (8 meals per box): $6.49 per meal6 meals per week (12 meals per box): $5.99 per meal9 meals per week (18 meals per box): $5.49 per meal12 meals per week (24 meals per box): $4.99 per plate Smoothies Plans 5 smoothies per week (10 smoothies per box): $3.49 per smoothie9 smoothies per week (18 smoothies per box); $3.29 per smoothie12 smoothies per week (24 smoothies per box); $2.99 per smoothie18 smoothies per week (36 smoothies per box): $2.49 per smoothie Sample Meals We Tried Cheesy black bean pupusas with southwest veggie quinoaSpinach and cheese ravioli with veggie marinara sauceMac and three-cheese with invisible butternut squash & carrotsChicken super nuggets with sweet potato carrot poppers & broccoliVeggie tender parm with peas Final Verdict The world of prepared meals has come a long way from frozen TV dinners, and CookUnity represents the best of what’s current in the marketplace. The service has a large menu with a diverse set of dishes, all chef-crafted, and many of them can meet your dietary restrictions. We loved the freshness of the food, the bold flavors, and, of course, the doorstep delivery. Frequently Asked Questions How Much Do Prepared Meal Delivery Services Cost? Costs can vary across prepared meal delivery services depending on ingredients, portion sizes, packaging options, and other variables. The least expensive among our picks starts at $2.49 per serving for a child-sized offering, and ranges upward of $13 per serving for adult portions of restaurant-quality meals delivered fresh. It’s also worth considering that shipping is not included for most, so keep this in mind if budget is a concern. What Are Prepared Meal Delivery Services? Prepared meal delivery services offer the convenience of a meal kit, made even easier with the cooking done for you. There’s a lot to choose from: fresh meals, frozen, meals designed for a diet, and food focused on flavor. These services usually run on a subscription basis and are delivered right to your door, so you’ll have even less thinking to do when it comes to deciding what’s for dinner. What Diets Are Included With Prepared Meal Delivery Services? Most prepared meal delivery services offer food that may work for certain medically necessary diets, such as allergen-free meals and those designed for diabetes management. Other services may be more geared toward the lifestyle needs for active individuals, or those who wish to try eating a certain style, such as Mediterranean, vegan, or paleo. Are Prepared Meal Delivery Services Worth It? If you’re interested in the ultimate low-effort eating experience, we think prepared meal delivery services can be worth the cost. Most are one serving size and may work better for individuals or pairs, but if you can find the right fit, they can really take the guesswork out of mealtimes. How Do I Choose a Prepared Meal Delivery Service? When selecting any meal delivery service, whether it’s a kit or prepared meals, it’s important to narrow the options down to those that suit your needs. This may mean taking into account pricing, preparation required, sustainability considerations, and your dietary needs. Price: If you’re on a tight budget, consider that as you order a larger volume, most companies become less expensive per serving. Also consider whether individual meals are the right choice if you’re looking to feed a large group. Preparation: While most prepared meals only take minutes to heat up in the microwave, consider that some kits may have alternative instructions for stovetop heating, may require defrosting if frozen, and more. You can usually learn more about this by exploring the recipes as you select them for your order. Sustainability: If you’re looking to prioritize the planet with your prepared meal delivery service, consider looking for the company’s sustainability platform on its website. You may be able to find information on sourcing, animal welfare requirements, farming partners and practices, and even details on how to properly dispose of all the packaging so that you can minimize your impact. Dietary Needs: Some prepared meal services are designed with dietary requirements in mind, while others are less so. If you’re looking to accommodate medically necessary restrictions, thoroughly check out each service’s offerings and dietary accommodations. Methodology Crafting the list of the best prepared meal delivery involved thorough a testing, data analysis, and writeup process. We hand-selected almost 30 of the most popular services to put through evaluation by our experts. Our team collected over 50 data points on each meal kit across all aspects of the experience, including ordering, cooking, tasting, and customer service. Data for each meal kit was put through an analysis process and each company was given a score that we use as a part of our in-depth interviews. All articles are fact-checked for accuracy and medically reviewed. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get nutrition tips and advice to make healthy eating easier. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit