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 and Kayleigh Drake Kayleigh Drake Kayleigh is an associate food editor for the Performance Marketing team at Dotdash Meredith. She has nearly a decade of combined experience in both the media and culinary industries. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 27, 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. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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 Prepared Meal Delivery Services of 2023 Best Overall: CookUnity Best Organic: Daily Harvest Best Gluten-Free: ModifyHealth Best for Kids: Nurture Life Best for Seniors: Magic Kitchen Best Allergy-Friendly: The Good Kitchen Best Keto-Friendly: Factor Best Plant-Based: Mosaic Best Prepared Meal Delivery Services View All Best Prepared Meal Delivery Services Our Top Picks CookUnity Daily Harvest ModifyHealth Nurture Life Magic Kitchen The Good Kitchen Factor Mosaic See More (5) Frequently Asked Questions Methodology Best Overall : CookUnity Verywell's Rating 4.5 Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $10.39 per servingDelivery Area: 39 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It Our testers loved that CookUnity brings a restaurant-level experience into your home with zero cooking required. Pros and Cons Pros Chef-curated meals Large menu of options Restaurant-quality food Cons No customization Limited delivery area Overview 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. Learn More: Read Our CookUnity Review. Pricing and Plans 4 meals per week: $12.69 per meal6 meals per week: $11.39 per meal8 meals per week: $10.89 per meal12 meals per week: $10.49 per meal16 meals per week: $10.39 per meal Meals We Tried Coconut lime hanger steakCarnitas street tacosButternut squash ravioliChili roasted shrimp Best Organic : Daily Harvest Verywell's Rating 4.3 Daily Harvest. Daily Harvest Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $6.79 per servingDelivery Area: 49 statesProducts Arrive: Frozen 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 and Cons Pros Varied menu of options Frozen meals offer extended shelf life Focus on organic ingredients Cons No customization options Portions are often small Overview Daily Harvest stands apart from other prepared meal delivery services with its use of organic fruits and vegetables. The company offers a somewhat less traditional assortment of meal options with its smoothies, grain bowls, soups, flatbreads, and bakes that all go from freezer to plate in minutes. Additionally, the entire menu is plant-based and gluten-free. Learn More: Read Our Daily Harvest Review. 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 Meals We Tried Mint and cacao smoothieMango papaya smoothieHazelnut and chocolate bitesTomatillo and pepper flatbreadPortobello and pesto flatbreadSweet potato and wild rice hashBrussels sprouts and tahini harvest bowlSpinach and shiitake gritsTomato and zucchini minestrone soup Best Gluten-Free : ModifyHealth Verywell's Rating 4.3 Modify Health. Modify Health Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $12.95 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It ModifyHealth works in tandem with registered dietitians to create meal plans that are safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Pros and Cons Pros Free shipping Dietitian support available Organic ingredients used whenever possible Cons Full meal program can be pricey Overview Featuring a menu that's entirely gluten-free and low in sodium, ModifyHealth is specifically geared toward those with gluten sensitivities and gastroenterological conditions, including IBS and celiac disease. The company teams up with dietitians to create chef-made prepared meals that fit into Low-FODMAP and Mediterranean Diet plans. Sign up for the full plan and you'll receive complimentary dietitian support, as well. Pricing and Plans Breakfasts: start at $9.95 a servingEntrees: start at $12.95 a servingFull program packages: start at $180 a week, which includes 14 entrees or 21 breakfasts and entrees Meals We Tried Greek 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 Best for Kids : Nurture Life Verywell's Rating 4.6 Nurture Life Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $6.99 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It With its focus on recyclable packaging and sustainably-sourced ingredients, Nurture Life is a great choice for ready-to-heat kids' meals. Pros and Cons Pros Organic ingredients Recyclable packaging Veggies included in every meal Cons Shipping costs extra for small orders Overview If you've got picky eaters at the table, Nurture Life is the perfect remedy. The company crafts tasty heat-and-eat kids' meals that incorporate veggies into every plate, often in creatively hidden ways. Nurture Life puts a special focus on organic produce and responsibly-sourced proteins, and the majority of its packaging is recyclable. Additionally, the online menu includes convenient filters that weed out common allergens, ensuring the meals are safe for your kids. Pricing and Plans 6 items per week: $7.99 per serving9 items per week: $7.99 per serving (plus free shipping)12 items per week: $7.19 per serving (plus free shipping)15 items per week: $6.99 per serving (plus free shipping) Meals We Tried White mac and cheese Chicken and mac Beef taco pockets Tortellini Bolognese Chicken dumplings Pesto and cheese ravioli Best for Seniors : Magic Kitchen Verywell's Rating 4.1 Magic Kitchen Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $10 per serving Delivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try It Magic Kitchen's variety of nutritionally-balanced frozen meals, along with the helpful menu filters for various dietary needs, make this service a great choice for seniors. Pros and Cons Pros Extensive menu with flexible ordering options Meals can be filtered by multiple dietary needs Dedicated "senior meals" section of the menu Cons Does not deliver to Alaska or Hawaii Shipping costs extra Overview Magic Kitchen features an extensive menu of senior-friendly meals that can be sorted by multiple dietary needs, including low sodium, low carb, dairy-free, gluten-free, and diabetic-friendly. Choose from dozens of entrees, snacks, side dishes, breads, desserts, and more. You can order meals à la carte whenever you need them, or sign up for a meal program to have them delivered on a regular basis (weekly, monthly, or twice-monthly). And, since the meals arrive frozen, you can stock up and store them in the freezer for up to six months before use. Pricing and Plans Magic Kitchen's meal pricing will largely depend on what you order. Most meals average around $10 to $14 each, and there are discounts applied if you sign up for a meal program. Sample pricing is as follows: 1 meal per day (choice of breakfast, lunch, or dinner): $82 to $90 for 7 days2 meals per day (choice of breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner): $164 to $180 for 7 days3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner): $246 to $275 for 7 days Meals We Tried Vegetable caponata with orzo and spinachBeef and broccoli over noodles and vegetable blendBalsamic glazed chicken with roasted potatoes and green beansChili with beans with carrots and broccoli florets Best Allergy-Friendly : The Good Kitchen Verywell's Rating 4.1 The Good Kitchen Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $11.50 per servingDelivery Area: 50 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It The Good Kitchen's menu of sustainably-sourced prepared meals can be conveniently filtered by multiple allergens and aversions. Pros and Cons Pros Farm-fresh ingredients Rotating weekly menu Accommodates multiple allergies and dietary preferences Cons Must order a minimum of six meals Not many plant-based options Overview With a motto of “Real Food, Real Easy,” The Good Kitchen makes it known that the company cares about where its food comes from. Boasting a rotating menu of premade gluten-free meals, The Good Kitchen works with trusted farmers and producers to uphold high sustainability standards. Meals cater to a variety of dietary preferences, including paleo, keto, and Whole30, and there’s a helpful menu filter that can weed out items that contain allergens like shellfish, tree nuts, eggs, and dairy. You can also filter out aversions like garlic, onions, mushrooms, and even nightshades. Pricing and Plans The Good Kitchen’s volume-based price system means that the meals get cheaper the more you order. You can order meals in increments of six, eight, 10, or 12 per week, with prices ranging from $11.50 to $15 each. Meals We Tried Beef shepherd’s pieBison and beef sloppy joe with potato leek gratinChicken satay with cilantro rice and broccoliChili lime chicken with fajita vegetables and cilantro cauliflower riceMiso glazed wild boar meatballs and hibachi zucchiniTomato, asparagus, and spinach frittata with Yukon potato hash Best Keto-Friendly : Factor Verywell's Rating 4.3 Factor Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $11 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It With its ever-changing menu of hearty low-carb and keto-friendly prepared meals, Factor proves that following a keto diet doesn't have to be difficult. Pros and Cons Pros Menu changes every week All meals arrive fresh, never frozen Complimentary 20-minute dietitian consultation available Cons Few plant-based options Shipping costs extra Overview Looking for the easiest way to kick-start a keto diet? Enter Factor, which boasts a rotating weekly menu of hearty, flavorful heat-and-eat entrées, from blackened salmon to chorizo chili to chicken marsala. You can order up to 18 meals every week, so you can keep your fridge stocked with all your keto-friendly favorites. And all it takes is two minutes in the microwave to enjoy these mouthwatering meals. Learn More: Read Our Factor Review. Pricing and Plans 4 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 Tried Mango 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 Best Plant-Based : Mosaic Verywell's Rating 4.3 Mosaic Foods Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $7.99 per servingDelivery Area: Major metro areas on East and West coastsProducts Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try It Mosaic's menu of vegan and vegetarian meals wowed our testers with its impressive flavor and texture. Pros and Cons Pros Entirely plant-based menu Recyclable packaging Family-sized meals available Cons Shipping costs extra Doesn't deliver to all states Overview Mosaic's selection of plant-based frozen meals hit a major home run with our testers in terms of flavor and texture. Offerings include grain bowls, oat bowls, soups, pastas, pizzas, smoothies, and casseroles. There's even a special "Mosaic+" menu featuring gourmet creations crafted by New York City's top chefs, like Einat Admony, Pierre Thiam, and Pierce Abernathy. Pricing and Plans Pricing varies by type of dish and by how many you purchase at a time. Here are some examples of meals and pricing: Meals Smoothies: $7.99Pizzas: $11.99Veggie bowls: $9.99Soups: $8.99Oat bowls: $5.99Mosaic+ chef-crafted meals: $11.99Family meals (4 servings): $19.95 Volume Discounts 12 items: free shipping18 items: free shipping + $10 off Meals We Tried Spicy dan dan noodlesBuffalo cauliflower pasta bake (family size)Mac and greensPozole verdeVeggie kebab platterCoconut chickpea curry 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. On average, prepared meals range from around $10 to $15 each, although the per-serving price will often fluctuate depending on how many meals you order. It’s also worth considering that shipping cost is not included for some services. 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 work 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 of 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 single 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 the following: 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 researching 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 We ordered, cooked, and evaluated meals from 40 different meal delivery services to rate each one’s offerings, nutrition profiles, prices, sustainability, and, of course, flavors. We contacted the customer service teams at each of the companies, collected data, and rigorously reviewed each one. Our Verywell Fit writers are all registered dieticians who relied on their research and its resulting data to inform their reviews. Oscar Wong / Getty Images By Tori Martinet, MS, RD A licensed registered dietitian and culinary nutritionist, Tori Martinet works with individuals and brands on all things food and nutrition. She holds a bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular neuroscience and a master’s in nutrition and exercise physiology. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit