The Best Meal Delivery Service Isn’t Always the One You See on Instagram

HelloFresh was the first meal kit I ever tried and honestly, I expected it to be overrated. It’s everywhere. Ads on YouTube, podcasts, Instagram… part of me assumed it was more marketing than substance. But after three weeks of meals, I have to admit: it’s kind of great.

What makes HelloFresh stand out isn’t that it reinvents dinner. It just makes it really easy to stop hating it. The recipes are clear, the ingredients show up fresh, and the meals taste like something you’d actually make from scratch. Just without the hassle of planning or shopping.

• Pre-portioned ingredients (no waste, no math)
• Recipe cards with photos and step-by-step instructions
• Recyclable packaging, mostly cardboard
• Meals that take about 25–40 minutes to cook

• Meals feel like “real food”—not overly processed
• Lots of variety: veggie, family, low-cal, carb smart, etc.
• Easy to skip a week or cancel anytime through the app
• Portions are generous without being too much

• Still requires cooking, this is not for zero-effort nights
• Some recipes repeat flavors after a few weeks
• Packaging, while recyclable, still feels like a lot

People who like cooking but hate meal planning. Also great for couples, small families, or anyone trying to eat more intentionally without going full-on health nut.

Is HelloFresh the absolute best meal delivery service for everyone? Probably not. But if you're just starting out or want something reliable and flexible, it's a solid place to begin.

Not everyone wants to cook. Some days you just want to come home, pop something in the microwave, and eat something that doesn’t make you feel like garbage. That’s exactly where Factor comes in. It delivers fully prepared meals—chef-made, dietitian-approved, and honestly better than most frozen food I’ve had.

What surprised me most was the flavor. These aren’t bland gym bro meals. The sauces, spices, and textures actually feel… intentional. You heat it for two minutes and boom—done. No pans, no mess, no chopping garlic.

• Fully prepared meals (usually in microwave-safe trays)
• Ice packs to keep food cold in transit
• Menu changes weekly with 25+ options
• Optional add-ons: smoothies, juices, keto snacks

• Extremely convenient, meals are ready in minutes
• Great flavor and ingredient quality
• Multiple dietary filters: keto, calorie smart, high protein
• No cooking or prep, perfect for lunch at work or lazy dinners

• Pricier than meal kits (around $11–13 per meal)
• Shorter shelf life (since food is fresh, not frozen)
• Portions may feel small if you have a big appetite

Busy professionals, gym-goers, or anyone who hates cooking but still wants to eat clean. If you're looking for the best meal delivery service that requires zero effort, Factor is probably near the top of the list.

Green Chef feels like the older, more health-conscious sibling of HelloFresh and it kind of is, since they’re owned by the same parent company. But this one’s focused on quality over quantity. Think USDA-certified organic produce, sustainable proteins, and meals designed around specific diets like keto, plant-based, and gluten-free.

If you're someone who cares about where your ingredients come from or have dietary needs that go beyond “low-cal,” Green Chef offers structure without sacrificing flavor.

• Organic veggies, clean-label sauces, responsibly sourced meats
• Printed recipe cards with nutritional info
• Pre-measured ingredients, sometimes pre-chopped
• Meal kits designed for specific diets (Keto, Vegan, Mediterranean, etc.)

• Very diet-friendly and nutrition-focused
• Meals feel upscale without being complicated
• Organic ingredients across the board
• Creative flavor profiles you don’t usually get in meal kits

• More expensive than most kits (about $13–15 per serving)
• Some recipes take longer than advertised
• Packaging includes a lot of small bags and plastics

Health-focused eaters, people with dietary restrictions, or anyone trying to clean up their meals without going full DIY. If you're searching for the best meal delivery service with high-quality ingredients and clear nutrition, Green Chef delivers lliterally.

If you’ve looked at meal kits and thought, “This is cool, but why does it cost more than takeout?” you’re not alone. That’s where EveryPlate comes in. It’s one of the most affordable meal delivery services out there, and while it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of other kits, it gets the job done.

This is comfort food at weekday prices. The meals are simple—think pasta bakes, tacos, rice bowls—but they’re tasty and satisfying. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable, and sometimes that’s all you really need after a long day.

• Core ingredients (some basic prep required like peeling/chopping)
• Recipe cards with clear instructions and few steps
• 3–5 meals per week, depending on your plan
• Proteins are usually not pre-marinated or trimmed

• Very affordable (as low as $5 per serving)
• Simple recipes that are hard to mess up
• Surprisingly good portion sizes
• Great starter option for people new to meal kits

• Limited variety and fewer dietary options
• Less premium ingredients (e.g., more white rice, fewer veggies)
• Not ideal if you're trying to eat low-carb or plant-based

Budget-conscious households, college students, or anyone who wants decent, home-cooked meals without spending a ton. If your priority is affordability and ease, EveryPlate is easily one of the best meal delivery service options in its price range.

Blue Apron has been around long enough that it’s become almost synonymous with meal kits. And while it’s no longer the only player in the game, it still holds its ground especially if you enjoy cooking meals that feel a little more elevated without being overly complex.

The recipes lean a bit gourmet, but in a good way. There’s usually a technique or ingredient you might not use in everyday cooking (like za’atar or ponzu), which makes it a great way to expand your weeknight dinner routine.

• Pre-portioned fresh ingredients
• Beautifully printed recipe cards with step-by-step photos
• Seasonal menus with chef-inspired recipes
• Optional wine pairings available with a subscription

• Restaurant-style meals you cook at home
• Ingredients feel fresh and well-packaged
• Often includes sauces and spice blends you wouldn’t make yourself
• App and scheduling are user-friendly

• Recipes can take a bit longer (up to 45 minutes)
• Some instructions assume intermediate cooking skills
• Not as diet-specific as other services

Home cooks who enjoy the process and want to try something beyond the basics. If you like discovering new flavors and don’t mind a little extra time in the kitchen, Blue Apron might be the best meal delivery service to add variety to your routine.

Home Chef stands out by letting you customize more than just your plan. It lets you tweak the actual meals. Want to double the protein? Swap chicken for steak? Skip an ingredient altogether? You can do that with Home Chef, which makes it feel a little more personal than most other services.

The meals themselves are straightforward but satisfying. It’s like cooking with training wheels. There’s guidance when you need it, but enough freedom to feel like you’re still in control.

• Fresh ingredients sorted by recipe
• Recipe cards with step-by-step instructions and timing
• Optional add-ons like smoothies, sides, or oven-ready trays
• Customization options at checkout (protein swaps, carb-free, etc.)

• Flexibility in choosing and modifying meals
• Variety of meal types: meal kits, oven-ready, grill-ready
• Portion sizes are generous
• Feels like cooking, without the grocery run

• Ingredient prep is more hands-on than some kits
• Customizations can raise the price per serving
• Doesn’t cater as specifically to certain diets (like keto or vegan)

People who enjoy cooking but want a head start and a say in what’s on their plate. If you're after the best meal delivery service that gives you control without complexity, Home Chef is a strong pick.

Freshly is all about convenience, but unlike some heat-and-eat services, it doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. These are not frozen dinners. They’re fresh, fully prepared meals that arrive chilled, not frozen, and only need about three minutes in the microwave.

There’s no prep, no cleanup, and very little thought required. If your idea of cooking is “removing a sleeve and pressing start,” Freshly might be your perfect match.

• Individually packed, single-serve meals
• Fully cooked, shipped cold with ice packs
• Weekly menu with over 30 options, including high-protein and low-calorie
• Recyclable trays and minimal packaging

• Super fast and effortless, microwave and done
• Meals don’t taste processed or overly salty
• Great variety, especially for gluten-free or high-protein diets
• Perfect portion sizes for lunch or light dinners

• Not ideal if you’re feeding more than one person
• Limited control over ingredients or seasoning
• Meals expire quickly (usually within 4–5 days)

Busy singles, people who live alone, or anyone who wants to avoid both cooking and takeout. If minimal effort is your #1 priority, Freshly might be the best meal delivery service for your lifestyle.

After trying all these options, one thing’s clear: there isn’t just one best meal delivery service. What works for your neighbor might not work for you and that’s okay. The key is knowing what you need. Is it convenience? Affordability? Better nutrition? Less food waste? Maybe all of the above?

Each of the services we reviewed has its own strengths:

• HelloFresh is great if you want fresh meals without decision fatigue.
• Factor works best for people who don’t want to cook at all.
• Green Chef is ideal for clean eating and diet-specific plans.
• EveryPlate keeps things simple and cheap, perfect for beginners or tight budgets.
• Blue Apron gives you chef-style meals with a hands-on experience.
• Home Chef wins on flexibility and recipe customization.
• Freshly makes weeknights easier for anyone who wants food, fast.

The best meal delivery service is the one that helps you eat better without adding stress. It should make dinner something you look forward to. So try one. Or two. Most of them let you skip, cancel, or pause anytime. You might be surprised how much easier your evenings become.

And hey, no more sad wilted spinach in the fridge.