Before signing up for a meal delivery service, there are a few questions to answer: How much do these services actually cost? And which one of the dozens out there is right for us? For the full 4-1-1, we studied up on and cataloged the best and most popular meal-delivery subscriptions available. Scroll ahead to find the best one to help you kick-start a new cooking regime.
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Sakara
The elevator pitch: "Eating clean has never tasted so good."
Cost: 1 to 3 meals per day for two to 20 days ranging from $63 to $234 (one-week program) or $56 to $459 (weekly subscription). Target programs based on length range from $460 to $4,500.
Delivery schedule: Monday through Friday within the flexible time frame that you select.
What you get: Flexible options for either a one-off or weekly subscription service of breakfast, lunch, and dinner delivered to your door. All meals are 100% plant-based, gluten-free, and organic.
Cooking required? No. You get fully prepared meals.
Great for: Those into clean eating or with dietary restrictions that have money to spend.
Deal: $25 off your first order of Signature Nutrition Program or Metabolism Super Powder with email signup.
Shop Sakura
Sun Basket
The elevator pitch: "Cook easy, healthy meals every week using organic, sustainably sourced ingredients."
Cost: Choose from one- to four-person meals with two to five dinners per week starting at $9.99 (fresh and ready prepared meals) or $11.49 (meal kits with pre-portioned ingredients.
Delivery schedule: Deliveries are made Monday through Thursday each week between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. The first delivery is free and all additional cost $5.99 per week.
What you get: Seasonal produce that has been hand-picked from organic farms across the country along with corresponding 30-minute recipes that have been developed by an award-winning chef.
Cooking required? Yes, with the meal kits. You get pre-measured ingredients with recipes, minus salt, pepper, and cooking oils.
Great for: Those looking for seasonal weekly meals with a fresh and healthy focus.
Shop Sun Basket
Blue Apron
The elevator pitch: "Makes cooking fun and easy. We'll provide you with all the ingredients that you need to make a delicious meal in exactly the right proportions."
Cost: Choose from two or four servings of two to four meals per week starting from $57.95.
Delivery schedule: Seven days a week in most locations.
What you get: A flexible subscription for a farm-fresh dinner with seasonal produce and spot-on proportions (no leftover food waste here). Blue Apron also offers a wine-pairing membership to complement your selected dishes (if you so choose).
Cooking required? Yes. You get pre-measured ingredients with recipes, minus salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Great for: Those looking to share in a straightforward food-delivery lifestyle with fresh food and wine.
Shop Blue Apron
Hungryroot
The elevator pitch: "We handpick a thoughtful lineup of trusted brands and products. Then, we deliver groceries and recipes to help you eat well — and feel great — every day."
Cost: Pick your choice of three to eight two- or four-serving recipes, plus as many individual grocery items you’d like. Plans start at $65.
Delivery schedule: Fresh grocery selections are available for order every Thursday and ship between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. depending upon the package carrier.
What you get: Flexible weekly subscription of high-quality food brands and grocery products with suggested recipes for meal planning that's curated to your personal dietary preferences.
Cooking required? Yes. You receive a curated shipment of groceries that you can choose to pair with suggested recipes or not.
Great for: Those looking for a flexible but still personalized food subscription that falls somewhere in between a full-on meal kit and basic grocery delivery service.
Deal: Receive 30% off + choice of a free gift with your first order with email signup.
Shop Hungryroot
Fresh N Lean
The elevator pitch: "It's food fast — not fast food."
Cost: A selection of five to seven-day weekly meal plans or a la carte ordering. Prices range from $9.99 to $14.49 per meal.
Delivery schedule: Friday and Saturday via FedEx, UPS or GLS; additional costs to receive meals other than on Friday and Saturday.
What you get: Flexible options for either a one-off or weekly subscription service of breakfast, lunch, and dinner delivered to your door. Choose from protein+, keto, paleo, vegan, Mediterranean, Whole30, plant-based and low-carb/low-cal plant-based options. All meals are gluten-free.
Cooking required? No. You get fully prepared meals.
Great for: Those that want to eat clean without the hassle of food shopping and preparation.
Shop Fresh N Lean
Daily Harvest
The elevator pitch: "Built on fruits and vegetables. Delivered to your door and ready in minutes."
Cost: Cost varies depending on food/drink item, box size and subscription length. For example, a small box of nine smoothies ($8.49 each) costs $71.41.
Delivery schedule: Delivery on a selected weekly to monthly occurrence recurring day of your choosing.
What you get: Flexible subscription of premade superfood smoothies, soups, harvest bowls, oat bowls, chia bowls, bites, lattes, and other foods and drinks.
Cooking required? No. All meals come premade.
Great for: Those looking for a fresh, fast, and customizable meal-supplement plan that is easy to take on the go.
Deal: Take up to $35 off your first order via the website
Shop Daily Harvest
Home Chef
The elevator pitch: "Our weekly meal-delivery service has everything you need to prepare home-cooked meals in about 30 minutes."
Cost: Meals start at $6.99 per serving with a minimum weekly order value of $49.95.
Delivery schedule: Monday through Friday. Delivery dates vary according to location.
What you get: Flexible subscription to chef-prepped, sustainably sourced and portioned meals that you can whip together in as little as 30 minutes or less.
Cooking required? Yes. You get pre-measured ingredients with recipes.
Great for: Those who care about food sustainability and time — especially on weeknights.
Shop Home Chef
Yumble
The elevator pitch: "We’re here to take mealtime stress off your plate so you can enjoy more time with your family. Meals kids love, no cooking required."
Cost: $48 for 6 meals a week, $56 for 8 meals a week, $96 for 16 meals a week.
Delivery schedule: Shipping is free and deliveries are scheduled based on location and arrive between 8am and 9pm. Packaging materials are sustainable and each box includes kid-approved activities like sticker sheets and activity cards.
What you get: A flexible subscription of nutritionally balanced meals designed specifically for kids.
Cooking required? No. All meals come fully prepared and ready to heat.
Great for: Parents who have limited time and children with picky tastebuds.
Deal: 50% off your first two weeks
Shop Yumble
Every Plate
The elevator pitch: "Get more bites for your buck."
Cost: Choose from a 2- or 4-person meal plan with 3 to 6 meals per week. Each meal is priced at $4.99 per serving.
Delivery schedule: Deliveries are made Tuesday through Saturday between 8am and 8pm.
What you get: A flexible subscription of lunches and dinners. Select your dishes from 13 options that change each week and are designed to take 30 minutes or less to prepare.
Cooking required? Yes. You receive pre-measured ingredients with recipe cards.
Great for: Great for budget-conscious people and families. Every Plate also offers a student discount.
Deal: New Year Sale get $1.39/meal.
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Purple Carrot
The elevator pitch: "Cook delicious plant-based meals at home."
Cost: 3 or 4 meals per week with either 2 or 3 servings starting at $59.50.
Delivery schedule: Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, dependent upon the delivery area.
What you get: Flexible subscription for plant-based (i.e. vegan) meals that come freshly prepped and ready to cook.
Cooking required? Yes. You get pre-measured ingredients with recipes, minus salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Great for: Vegans.
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Green Chef
The elevator pitch: "Fresh, organic ingredients. Healthy, chef-crafted recipes. Right at your doorstep."
Cost: Each weekly box contains your choice of 3 or 4 recipes for either 2, 4 or 6 servings ranging from $11.99 per meal to $13.49.
Delivery schedule: Between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. on your chosen delivery day.
What you get: A flexible subscription for USDA-certified organic dinners that will take you 30 minutes or less to cook.
Cooking required? Yes. You get pre-measured and prepped ingredients with recipes.
Great for: Those with dietary restrictions looking for some well-rounded meal support. Green Chef offers a hero discount.
Deal: $4.79/meal plus free shipping with email signup.
Shop Green Chef
Gobble
The elevator pitch: "Create stress-free dinners in only 15 minutes."
Cost: Weekly kits serve 2 or 4 people for 2 to 5 nights a week. The meals start from $67.96.
Delivery Schedule: Meals arrive between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on the chosen delivery day based on location and distance.
What You Get: 2-5 meals that are prepped and pre-chopped and ready to cook. All meals are designed for one-pan cooking and minimal clean-up. Gobble offers several "certified kid-friendly" meals a week.
Cooking Required: Yes, though most of the prep is done for you.
Great For: Anyone who really hates chopping and clean-up, families.
Deal: Try your first 6 meals for $36 plus free shipping with email signup.
Shop Gobble
Marley Spoon
The elevator pitch: "Seasonal ingredients and delicious recipes from Martha Stewart delivered directly to your door."
Cost: Two-person box ranging from $63.95-$125.87 (2-6 meals a week), or the four-person box ranging from $95.91-$220.55 (2-6 meals a week).
Delivery schedule: Monday through Saturday, depending on your zip code.
What you get: Gourmet-made easy dinners by the legend herself, Martha Stewart—with the future possibility of breakfast, lunch, and dessert subscriptions.
Cooking required? Yes. You get pre-measured ingredients with 6-step recipes for an under 30-minute cooking experience.
Great for: Martha wannabes who don't have very much time to cook. Marley Spoon offers a hero discount.
Deal: $20 off your first order. Discount applied at checkout.
Shop Marley Spoon
PlateJoy
The elevator pitch: "Custom, on-demand meal plans and grocery lists for your unique lifestyle. Optional grocery delivery."
Cost: A 6-month costs $69, a 12-month subscriptions costs $99 and a monthly subscription costs $12.99 (all excluding optional grocery costs).
What you get: Customized recipes, access to personalized meal plans that are tailored to your specific needs, and an optional grocery list. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Cooking required? Yes. You get recipes with optional corresponding ingredient deliveries.
Great for: Those who love to cook, but hate to plan ahead.
Shop PlateJoy
RealEats
The elevator pitch: "Chef-Prepared, Healthy Meals Delivered to You."
Cost: Meal plans range from 4 meals for $11.99 per meal to 12 meals for $10.12 per meal.
Delivery Schedule: Meal boxes arrive weekly on Tuesday or Wednesday (depending upon state shipping/delivery guidelines).
What You Get: A weekly subscription that provides a customizable menu of fully prepped and portioned sous-vide meals (i.e. pre-cooked, cooled, and stored in vacuum-sealed pouches).
Cooking Required? No, only a reheating of the pouches within a pot of boiling water for package-designated times.
Great For: Those who are looking to enjoy a variety of fresh and well-balanced meals on a flexible schedule without having to spend any time with actual prep work or cooking.
Deal: Get 25% off meal plans plus free shipping promotion applied at check out.
Shop RealEats
Splendid Spoon
The elevator pitch: "Real food for breakfast and lunch. Always plant-based, gluten-free, and ready-to-eat."
Cost: Your choice of 7, 14 or 21 meals per week, starting at $9.99.
Delivery schedule: Deliveries are scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays. Packaging is 100% recyclable.
What you get: A flexible subscription of plant-based, gluten-free, and non-GMO premade breakfast smoothies, lunch, dinner, and reset meals. You can choose from their 50+ options to customize your order each week.
Cooking required? No. You receive fully prepared meals
Great for: People with dietary restrictions, specifically vegans and gluten-free.
Deal: Get $120 off your first 4 deliveries of premium, plant-packed meals with code YOURYEAR23.
Deal: $132 off your first 4 boxes with email signup.
Shop Spendid Spoon
Factor_
The elevator pitch: "Healthy Eating, Made Simple."
Cost: Each box includes your choice of 6 to 18 meals starting at $77.94.
Delivery schedule: Delivery is made via courier for Chicago customers. Packages are shipped via FedEx and other mail couriers for all other customers.
What you get: A flexible subscription, which includes dietitian-designed meals prepared by gourmet chefs. Every Factor_ meal is free of hormones, antibiotics, gluten, refined sugars, and GMOs.
Cooking required? No. Meals come fully prepared, ready to heat, and eat.
Great for: Those looking for a wide array of pre-made, nutritious meals.
Deal: 60% off your with email signup.
Shop Factor_
Veestro
The elevator pitch: "Our meals are so fulfilling, it just might surprise you that they're made from organic plants. Hand-selected. Chef-prepared. You, pleased."
Cost: 10 meals cost $139.90.
Delivery schedule: Weekly deliveries placed on Sunday will ship out the following Monday or Tuesday.
What you get: Fresh-frozen gourmet plant-based meal options that have already been fully prepped and cooked for you.
Cooking required? No. Meals arrive fully prepped and cooked — all that is required is reheating.
Great for: Those looking for a wide array of pre-made, plant-based meals.
Deal: Get $30 off your first 2 orders.
Shop Veestro
HelloFresh
The elevator pitch: "Delivers great recipes and fresh ingredients to your home each week. Cook fast, healthy recipes designed by nutritionists and chefs."
Cost: Choose from 2 to 6 meal boxes for 2 or 4 people, ranging from $60.95 to $128.47 (serving 2) or $89.31 to $226.75 (serving 4).
Delivery schedule: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, with select delivery from Saturday through Tuesday in certain areas.
What you get: A flexible subscription for your choice of weekly dinner menus preplanned by chefs.
Cooking required? Yes. You get pre-measured ingredients with recipes.
Great for: Anyone with a busy life looking to get in on weekly meal prep made easy (and fresh).
Deal: Get up to 22 meals free with email signup.
Shop HelloFresh
Dream Dinners
The elevator pitch: "At Dream Dinners, our thoughtful and attentive staff take care of every detail, from prep to clean up."
Cost: Choose 3 ready-to-cook dinners either medium (serving 2-3) for $89 or large (serving 4-6) for $159; prices can vary depending on store and state location.
Delivery schedule: Subscribers can either choose to collect their pre-made meals at a nearby Dream Dinners' location or choose to have their meals delivered to them for an additional fee. Assembly sessions are currently not available at this time.
What you get: A rotating monthly menu of meals that require no shopping, chopping, prep work, or cleanup whatsoever.
Cooking required? Yes — heating the frozen pre-made, but uncooked meals.
Great for: Those looking to design their meals without putting in a ton of time/work the night of cooking/assemblage.
Shop Dream Dinners
eMeals
The elevator pitch: "Weekly Recipes, Shopping List, & Peace of Mind"
Cost: $4.99 a month for a 12-month subscription and $35.99 for a 3-month subscription.
Delivery schedule: No delivery — groceries tied to chosen meal plans can be arranged for pick up or delivery at a variety of participating grocery stores (e.g., Instacart, AmazonFresh, Aldi, Kroger, Publix, Walmart, Whole Foods, etc.).
What you get: 15 different food variety plans (e.g., Quick & Healthy, Paleo, Classic, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, etc.) each including recipes for seven meals per week (or a mix and match meal from any plan option) in addition to their corresponding shopping lists.
Cooking required? Yes. You get a week's worth of recipes with corresponding shopping lists that can be placed online and arranged for curbside pick up at your nearest participating grocery store.
Great for: Those wanting flexible meal plans and recipe choices along with control over specific grocery and ingredient brand selection.
Deal: Free 14-day trial with email sign up.
Shop eMeals
Foodkick
"Dinner is easy as 1-2-3"
Cost: Depends on the type of meal, size, etc.
Delivery Schedule: Totally à la carte – order meal kids (or appetizer kits or snack packs) as you need them and include them with your normal Foodkick grocery order.
What You Get: The ability to buy all the ingredients you'd need for steak night or Taco Tuesday (for example) in one place. You'll get a bundled deal, as well as the opportunity to customize what proteins, sides, and spices get included along with it.
Cooking Required? Almost always, though a few options, like the three breakfasts for $10, are grab-and-go.
Great For: People who like the inspiration of a boxed meal kit without being tied to a schedule.
They're Giving Back! Foodkick is partnering with NY Common Pantry, whose mission is to reduce hunger and promote dignity, health, and self-sufficiency. Visit the site to learn more.
Takeout Kit
"Introducing the FIRST and ONLY long shelf life meal kit."
Cost: Monthly subscription plans from $32-$90, starting at $7.50 a serving/kit (up to three kits monthly). Shipping is free.
Delivery schedule: Kits ship on the first of every month and arrive within 2-6 business days.
What you get: Globally inspired meal kits that are shelf-life stable for up to two months.
Cooking required? Yes. You get pre-measured ingredients with recipes.
Great for: Those wanting the convenience of a meal subscription service without the 3-5 day pressured time frame for cooking it.
Terra's Kitchen
"A recipe for real life."
Cost: 1-serving items from $3.99 or 2-serving items from $9.99-$17.99. Shipping is free with a minimum order of $64.99.
Delivery schedule: Delivery days vary dependent upon area; meals will arrive between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
What you get: Flexible subscription for seasonally fresh meals that are pre-portioned and can be thrown together in 30 minutes or less. Food arrives in a convenient "climate-controlled, eco-friendly vessel" that is reused for future orders.
Cooking required? Yes. You get pre-measured ingredients with recipes.
Great for: Those wanting fresh, dietary restriction-conscious meals delivered and tailored to their household sizes and schedules.
Plated
"Chef-designed recipes, pre-portioned ingredients, delivered every week."
Cost: 2-7 dinners (serving 2) a week from $48-$168 (free shipping on orders over $50). Desserts can be added for an additional $4.
Delivery schedule: Delivery between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
What you get: A flexible meal-delivery subscription offering plenty of recipe combinations, plus dessert! The meals are designed by chefs and utilize sustainable and locally sourced products.
Cooking required? Yes. You get pre-measured ingredients with recipes, minus staples (e.g. eggs, salt, pepper, olive or vegetable oil, etc.).
Great for: Those who are looking to prepare fresh dinner AND dessert on demand.
PeachDish
"Delivers fresh, locally sourced meal kits right to your door."
Cost: 2-12 servings of weekly dishes starting at $50 ($12.50 per serving).
Delivery schedule: Flexible select delivery dates depending on location.
What you get: Flexible subscription delivering food products that are sourced from small-scale Southern farms. All meals are packaged and proportioned in recyclable containers by classically trained chefs.
Cooking required? Yes. You get pre-measured ingredients with recipes.
Great for: Those who are interested in some good old Southern comfort food made easy.
Chef'd
"Famous recipes and premium ingredients. Delivered to your kitchen and home-cooked by you."
Cost: Meals range from $33-$79 and serve 2.
Delivery schedule: Delivery between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.; order one day prior to your desired cooking date.
What you get: Offering a wide array of dinner dishes from well-known chefs across the country (i.e. lots of Food Network stars). Less of a food subscription and more of a make-your-own-meal-on-demand service.
Cooking required? Yes. You get pre-measured ingredients with recipes.
Great for: Non-committers who are interested in some occasional weeknight kitchen assistance.
Freshly
The elevator pitch: "Chef-prepared, healthy meals, delivered weekly."
Cost: Choose from 4 - 12 meals per week ranging between $45.96-$101.88.
Delivery schedule: Deliveries are made 7-days a week.
What you get: A flexible subscription with chef-prepared recipes and ingredients that not only come fresh (not frozen), but are ready to eat within 2 minutes of opening — no prepping, cooking, or cleaning required. All meals are free of gluten.
Cooking required? No. You get fully prepared meals.
Great for: Anyone looking to do zero work and eat extremely fresh food.
Graze
"Looking for yummy, nutritious snacks for busy days? Welcome to graze. We're reimagining the way you snack with over 100 graze ideas you can feel good about."
Cost: Snack box subscriptions start at $5.12 per box and individual snack product purchases can range from $2.84 to $14.82 on average.
Delivery schedule: Flexible subscription that can be set to your delivery preference of either twice weekly, weekly, or every two weeks. Additionally, your subscription can be frozen and/or resumed at any time.
What you get: A special curation of over 100 handpicked, healthy snack creations that adhere to your preferred tastes and dietary restrictions
Cooking required? No. Snacks arrive already prepared, portioned out, and ready-to-eat.
Great for: Those looking for a healthy snack plan that is pre-made with a variety of fresh flavors and options.
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