Best Prepared Meal Delivery Services
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At one time, purchasing prepared meals for convenience meant your only option was grabbing an armful of frozen dinners at the grocery store, but today it's a completely different story. With the introduction of the meal kit delivery industry, a subset of companies specializing in fully prepared meal delivery services has developed. These meals are high-quality, heat-and-eat options that offer more variety and flavor than your local freezer aisle ever could.
Our favorites all go above and beyond to meet your needs, whether that's accommodating specialized diets, offering up budget-friendly options, or simply delivering stellar food and top-tier convenience.
Best Prepared Meal Delivery Services of 2022
Best Overall: CookUnity
Best Value: Freshly
Best Vegan: Purple Carrot
Best Vegetarian: Epicured
Best for Seniors: Mom's Meals
Best Organic: Sunbasket
Best for Dietitian Support: ModifyHealth
Best Overall: CookUnity
Key Specs
Starting Price: $11.09 per serving
Delivery Area: 47 states
Products Arrive: Fresh
Why You Should Try It
CookUnity made our testers feel like they were getting the best of takeout meets meal prep, putting restaurant-quality food within easy reach.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Meals reheat in minutes
Extensive menu of entrees to choose from
Restaurant-quality meals
Cons
Higher price point
No customization or add-ons
Overview
CookUnity feels like having a private chef right in your home, with a huge menu of chef-crafted meals ready to fill your fridge. Menus may vary by region, but each has hundreds of options to match your mood and diet preferences, whether you want your meals to be dairy-free or you're looking for tasty vegan options. Meals are always delivered fresh and reheated in minutes, so there's minimal effort getting between you and your Malabar shrimp biryani or short ribs with maple whipped sweet potatoes.
Pricing and Plans
4 meals per week: $13.59 per meal
6 meals per week: $12.29 per meal
8 meals per week: $11.69 per meal
12 meals per week: $11.19 per meal
16 meals per week: $11.09 per meal
Meals We Tried
Coconut Lime Hanger Steak
Carnitas Street Tacos
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Chili Roasted Shrimp
Best Value: Freshly
Key Specs
Starting Price: $9.58 per serving
Delivery Area: 48 states
Products Arrive: Fresh
Why You Should Try It
Freshly has a little something for everyone, and with approachable, filling meals, you'll be surprised at how low the price point is.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Multiple diets accommodated
Delivered fresh, not frozen
Lower cost than most prepared services
Cons
Menu rarely changes
No customization
Overview
Despite being known for its gluten-free options, Freshly has a lot to offer across other dietary needs, including plant-based, carb-conscious and dairy-free choices, as well as its own Freshly Fit line of meals. The menu is full of comfort food favorites you wouldn't expect to see from a service that's so health-focused, but with simple ingredient swaps and veggie-filled dishes, even options like sausage baked penne or golden oven-fried chicken are within reach. Meals are delivered fresh every time, and heat in minutes, so you can have the best of health and convenience for some of the lowest prices we've seen in the prepared meal delivery market.
Pricing and Plans
4 meals per week: $12.50 per serving
5 meals per week: $12.40 per serving
6 meals per week: $11.33 per serving
7 meals per week: $10.71 per serving
8 meals per week: $10.37 per serving
9 meals per week: $10.22 per serving
10 meals per week: $10.00 per serving
11 meals per week: $9.81 per serving
12 meals per week: $9.58 per serving
Meals We Tried
Asian-Style Chicken and Noodles
Steak Peppercorn
Thai Green Curry
Pork Chile Colorado
Best Vegan: Purple Carrot
Key Specs
Starting Price: $13 per serving
Delivery Area: 50 states
Products Arrive: Fresh
Why You Should Try It
We think Purple Carrot makes a great choice for anyone who wants the power of a plant-based diet with global flavors.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Fresh, not frozen
Global flavors
Always plant-based
Cons
Expensive
Menu rotates biweekly
Overview
Whether you're in the mood for the flavors of Thai peanut noodles or a saffron rice bowl with romesco that's reminiscent of a Spanish paella, Purple Carrot has what your globe-trotting, plant-based palate is looking for. With eight dishes to choose from each week, you can fill your fridge with fresh meals that reheat quickly with no cooking required. While the menu is smaller, you always get a mix of favorite dishes and fresh options, so you'll never be bored.
Pricing and Plans
Prepared meals from Purple Carrot are $13 per serving no matter how much you buy, and are available in quantities of six, eight or 10 entrees per week.
Meals We Tried
Peanut Noodles with Gingered Edamame and Braised Tofu
Creamy Mac and Cheese with Pesto Peas and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Spelt Risotto with Summer Vegetable Caponata
Chilled Curried Chickpea Salad with Dates and Quinoa Red Pepper Pilaf
Tofu Palak Paneer with Carrot Biryani
Best Vegetarian: Epicured
Key Specs
Starting Price: $10.65 per serving
Delivery Area: 48 states
Products Arrive: Fresh
Why You Should Try It
Our testers liked that Epicured allows protein customization for certain meals, ideal for households where you want to have the same meal but not everyone follows a vegetarian eating pattern.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Always gluten-free and low-FODMAP
Some entrees customizable
Meal bundles specifically for plant-based diets
Cons
Can be expensive
Menu rarely changes
Overview
Epicured is known for having some of the best low-FODMAP and gluten-free prepared meals in the market, and we love that the selection includes so many tasty vegetarian choices as well. Meals from Epicured are always fresh and range from tasty salads and grain bowls to soups, sides and entrees like tacos, curries and pastas. There are also breakfasts like oatmeal, smoothies and energy bites to add more variety without sacrificing convenience.
Pricing and Plans
Pricing varies greatly by item, starting at $10.65 for an entree, and meals can be purchased a la carte or bundled for a five percent discount.
Vegetarian Bundle (15 items): $74.97
Vegan Bundle (14 items): $115.29
Meals We Tried
Vietnamese Rice Noodles
Pad Thai with Chicken
Sesame-Crusted Grilled Salmon
Pulled BBQ Chicken
Best for Seniors: Mom's Meals
Key Specs
Starting Price: $7.99 per serving
Delivery Area: 49 states
Products Arrive: Frozen
Why You Should Try It
We love that Mom's Meals has seniors in mind and makes for a great option to support loved ones from afar.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Works with certain health care plans for free or reduced-cost meals
Diets for multiple chronic conditions
Meals reheat in the microwave in minutes
Cons
Shipping isn't free
Not always consistent in quality and flavor
Overview
Mom's Meals puts the needs of seniors first, with plans that cater to common conditions like diabetes and kidney disease and a pricing system that works with certain insurers to allow discounted or even free meals. Meals may not always be the most exciting, but with affordable pricing and nutritious options that take the guesswork out of medical meal support, we think it's worth a try. Meals never require cooking and are always conveniently ready in minutes.
Pricing and Plans
$7.99 per serving for self-pay
$8.99 per serving for pureed, gluten-free and renal-friendly meals
Meals We Tried
Curry Vegetables with Pineapple and Brown Rice, String Cheese, Vanilla Pudding
Cheeseburger and Seasoned Mixed Vegetables, Whole Wheat Bun, Orange
Chicken and Stir-Fried Vegetables with Teriyaki Sauce, White Rice, Applesauce
Sweet and Sour Chicken with Stir-Fried Vegetables, White Rice, Grape Juice, Ginger Spice Cookie
BBQ Chicken with Potato Medley, Seasoned Green Beans, Applesauce
Beef Goulash Over Whole Wheat Pasta, Seasoned Carrots, Orange
Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy, Potatoes, Seasoned Vegetables, Whole Wheat Dinner Roll, Gelatin
Mushroom Risotto, Seasoned Peas and Carrots, Whole Wheat Roll, Grape Juice
Korean Style BBQ Meatballs with White Rice, Seasoned Broccoli, Ginger Spice Cookie
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese, Seasoned Vegetables, Mandarin Orange Cup, Blueberry Applesauce
Best Organic: Sunbasket
Key Specs
Starting Price: $9.99 per serving
Delivery Area: 46 states
Products Arrive: Frozen
Why You Should Try It
If you're looking for environmentally friendly meals, Sunbasket more than hits the mark with its organic ingredients and comprehensive sustainability platform.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Certified organic
Offers both prepared meals and kits
Large selection of add-ons
Cons
Smaller menu for prepared meals
Prepared meals can be higher in sodium
Overview
While Sunbasket may have a notable commitment to the planet, it also has one of the most extensive and diverse menus of options we've seen in the industry. Its weekly menu of "Fresh & Ready" meals is perhaps smaller than some other services but still offers 10 to 15 options each week, and there is a substantial menu of other ready-to-eat selections you can add on to any order. Choose from meals like a Thai-inspired green curry chicken with cilantro-cauliflower "rice" or creamy spaghetti carbonara with pancetta and sweet peas. Then add on prepared breakfast and lunch options like breakfast burritos, egg bites, pizzas, empanadas, noodle bowls and soups from grocery store favorite brands. Meals arrive frozen but heat up in minutes and maintain consistency well, so you don't have to sacrifice flavor for convenience.
Pricing and Plans
Fresh & Ready Meals start at $9.99 per serving
Meals We Tried
Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Chicken Chow Mein with Broccoli, Mushroom, and Toasted Garlic
Beef Donburi Rice Bowl with Edamame and Kimchi-Lime Vegetables
Burrito Bowl Al Pastor with Plant-Based Impossible Beef
Best for Dietitian Support: ModifyHealth
Key Specs
Starting Price: $12.95 per serving
Delivery Area: 48 states
Products Arrive: Fresh
Why You Should Try It
Our testers loved that not only are meals backed by dietitians, but those same credentialed nutrition professionals are also available to provide one-on-one support to those who want it.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Certified low-FODMAP and gluten-free meals
Registered dietitian support built into plans
Organic ingredients
Cons
Single serving only
Higher price point
Overview
Meals from ModifyHealth are designed specifically for folks with gut-health issues and sensitivities who are looking to manage conditions and promote general health. Typically, for a specialized diet like this, you don't come across many meal delivery services that still allow you to choose your own meals and that have the option to consult with in-house dietitians. Meal plans are either low FODMAP or Mediterranean, both of which are always gluten free and low in sodium, so no matter which you choose, you're getting a health-focused option.
Pricing and Plans
A la carte entrees: start at $12.95 a serving
Low-FODMAP and Mediterranean packages (14 entrees): start at $180 a week
Meals We Tried
Greek Chicken and Rice
Longevity Stew with Black-Eyed Peas and Kale
Shrimp Chimichurri with Black Beans and Rice
Lemon Thyme Chicken with Tahini Cauliflower and Za'atar Quinoa
Blackened Salmon with Quinoa, Broccoli, and Red Bell Pepper
Roasted Pistachio Salmon with White Beans and Kale
Final Verdict
CookUnity is a standout in the prepared meal delivery landscape, both for how well it executes its vast menu and for how approachable it is to the varied needs of its customers. CookUnity manages to package up the creativity and talent of the restaurant industry and make it even simpler than ordering takeout, making it our best overall pick.
Compare the Best Prepared Meal Delivery Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Prepared Meals?
Prepared meals are the ultimate convenience, providing fully cooked, heat-and-eat entrees. Most are single-serving and are designed to accommodate various dietary preferences, and while they may come fresh or frozen, all of them offer the experience of having your next meal just a few minutes away.
Are Prepared Meals Worth It?
For folks who value their time and the convenience factor, absolutely, prepared meals are worth the cost. These services may not be the right choice for people who are on a strict budget, or if you really enjoy doing all of your own cooking, but we think there's an option to support nearly everyone, even if it's only a few meals here and there to streamline busy days.
Are Prepared Meals Unhealthy?
As with most meal delivery services, the nutrition of these meals is largely determined by what you choose. Every service will have options across a spectrum of nutrient levels, and we recommend reviewing the nutrition information and selecting the meals that best meet your personal needs.
What Is the Most Affordable Prepared Meal Delivery Service?
The most affordable option is always free, and if you qualify, you could be getting meals at no cost with services that collaborate with Medicare and Medicaid programs like Mom's Meals. If that's not available to you, we recommend looking for meals that are not only low price, but high value, like Freshly, which has meals under 10 dollars that are veggie-packed and made with quality ingredients.
Methodology
We ordered, cooked and evaluated meals from over 40 different meal delivery services to rate each one based on its menu of offerings, nutrition considerations, price, packaging, sustainability and, of course, food quality and flavor. We even contacted each customer service team to get a feel for what the real customer experience is like. After collecting data on each point, our food and nutrition experts analyzed and reviewed each service to deliver our picks for the best prepared meal delivery services.
