The meals arrive in a pre-packaged and pre-portioned tray that is microwave safe, or you can opt to open the pack and use an oven-safe dish to reheat the food in minutes.
And yes, packaging is recyclable. On to the nutrition aspect, the packaging wrapped around each tray has detailed nutritional information, plus, the website does a great job of describing each menu item, outlining all of the ingredients as well as health information.
For those on a specific diet, you can also choose from plant-based meals, Keto and paleo. I opted for a random selection of meals this go around, but would also like to note that the service does carry a variety of options for breakfast and snacks, in addition to lunch and dinner, should you want to plan for busy mornings or an eventful day with little time to snack.
I went the dinner route, and happily ate BBQ pulled pork with sweet plantain mash off of the traditional menu, as well as Kung Pao chicken with sweet potato noodles from the paleo menu. Both were extremely flavorful, not skimping on seasonings at all. Portion sizes are on the somewhat smaller size, but the meals themselves were filling, each coming with a protein and a veggie for the meals I chose.
Daily Harvest truly means daily, as I happily ate a breakfast, lunch and a dessert in one sitting when diving into my box of frozen meals and snacks. They keep it simple; everything comes frozen on dry ice careful with kids if they help with the unboxing process!
and ready to either reheat, blend, or in the case of ice cream, thaw and enjoy. My sweet potato bowl took about four minutes in the microwave, and I was surprised by how well it turned out. All in all, Daily Harvest is a great kit to have on-hand and in-freezer at all times, whether it be as part of your daily routine or a great fall back when waking up late and needing a quick smoothie or bowl or a dinner for the family on busy nights.
Mosaic is another frozen meal delivery service that sends breakfast, lunch and dinner to your door and can be reheated in the microwave in five minutes or less for a quick and healthy meal. I personally love this style, as it helps to eliminate food waste and saves room in the freezer for exactly what you want.
Each category is priced out differently, but you can mix and match to reach your minimum box order. Furthermore, deliveries are super easy to customize, as you can get a recurring box every week, every two weeks or every four weeks, with the option to pause or cancel should you be out of town.
For my trial box, I ordered a few things from each category but decided on soup and some noodles for lunch. The directions were pretty straightforward, as all you need is a microwave and about five minutes of patience before food is served.
The soup took an initial five minutes and then an additional two, as per the instructions, so be sure to read the packaging for the exact cooking time. I actually had leftovers because it was so filling — always a pro when it comes to plant-based foods.
Sunbasket is truly a ray of sunshine for those who value organic ingredients and getting a healthy and delicious meal on the table. For my box, I decided to do a mix of everything, getting one oven-ready meal that was gluten-free, dairy-free and pescatarian and one regular meal kit to be cooked up.
For the instant option, I was sent a shrimp paella with fire-roasted tomatoes and bell peppers, instantly taking me back to Spain where I tried the dish for the first time. Instead of a bulky pan to cook my paella, I was given a microwave safe container, cutting my cook time to just six minutes total.
I was wary of overcooked and rubbery fish with dry rice, but the dish came out moist and delicious, so either I have a magic microwave or the people at Sunbasket knew what they were doing when it comes to microwavable meals. They have a full breakfast menu with options for different types of eggs, oatmeals, breads and spreads, and even juice, smoothies and a coffee-in-a-can that looks awesome.
Moving on to lunch and dinner, they have both the ready-made meals as well as cooking options, a whole section for pastas and sauces, extra protein packs, and of course, snacks. For the traditional meal, I went for their Italian sausage and vegetable skillet with spicy green harissa.
The veggies included all had organic stickers on them, and were fresh and crisp as I was chopping them up. I also noticed that they were full sized, ultimately serving a bit more than the two promised portions. If you find yourself rooting around your kitchen all day for meals and snacks, Hungryroot may be the best choice for you.
Its mix of branded items and other brands is a great way to explore new products. When I first signed up to make my profile, I was taken through a fun, almost Buzzfeed-style quiz that had me pick and choose my favorite types of foods and think about my eating habits.
To be honest with myself, I was sure to check the boxes for liking sweets and snacking, skipping breakfasts, and adding snacks to my dinners. At the end of the quiz, you are presented with a customized plan of meals and servings, as well as the option to add on breakfasts, snacks and sweets.
While some of the food is Hungryroot brand, such as the veggies, pasta, meat, and rice, some of the other items, including snacks, desserts, and even the buns for my burgers, were from other unique brands. This was actually really cool to see, as by ordering one box, I was exposed to new products that I can now go out and buy on their own when I run out — looking at you, Pipcorn cheese balls!
I chose to cook a Hungryroot brand spinach feta turkey burger on an Ozery OneBun multigrain bun with Hungryroot avocado crema. The burgers came in pre-formed, pre-cooked patties and were super easy to pan-sear while the buns toasted, all in all, totaling about 10 minutes total for a healthy and hearty lunch.
The burger itself was delicious, and something I would seek out in a grocery store to buy again. While this particular meal was on the easy side, while browsing the site, I was happy to see a whole range of options, including groceries to have in the fridge, which I found to be super unique and well-needed in the traditional meal kit space.
This company is great for those who have a culinary mind and like cooking their own recipes but also like trying new ones, especially with healthy ingredients and fun new products. Plus, it saves a trip to the grocery store and scrambling to plan a weekly menu on the spot.
Especially with diets like keto and paleo becoming all the rage, this meal plan is one of the best to cater to those diets while also being surprisingly filling. I am always a skeptic when it comes to pre-packaged salads and fresh greens, but when my order arrived, I was pleasantly presented with a super fresh and crunchy Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad that I ate a few days after receiving my box.
They last up to 10 days in the refrigerator, so stocking up is definitely an option. I opted for the microwave, and while the bacon was perfectly crispy and the sausage heated all the way through, I should have reheated the eggs differently. Also, note to remove the dressing and sauce containers under the plastic film before microwaving, as I narrowly avoided a very melty and messy situation.
As stated above, I fell in love with the filling and fresh Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad , which also happened to be keto, including the creamy dressing on the side. I loved how this was a true ready-made meal, with no heating or even re-plating required.
If you spend too much time and money on take-out health food or the Whole Foods salad bar, this is the kit for you. The ready-to-eat meals come in super easy-to-transport plastic containers, a la a work cafeteria, or a fast-casual restaurant.
When it comes to fresh veggies and vegan meals, I can be skeptical that the produce will retain its crunch upon delivery or that the meat or meat alternatives will arrive a soggy mess. However, I was thrilled to bite into my Monday Kale Pesto Pasta Salad to find excellent crunchy roughage and al dente pasta.
The other thing to note about freshness is the packaging. Thistle takes care to label each breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack yes, snack! My Smashed Sonoma Chickpea Snack Plate was delicious!
with the day you should eat it. Since I ordered for Monday — Wednesday, it was easy to organize my fridge by day so I could simply eat down the line. What is the difference between a meal kit and a meal delivery service?
Well, this one is a bit tricky, as both are included in this roundup, and there is some overlap. A meal kit is usually a subscription-based program that sends ingredients and recipes to your home. A meal delivery service may be the above, or be pre-cooked meals or grocery items in addition or instead of ingredients for a specific meal.
Do you need to subscribe to the meal kit? Most of the time, yes! Usually a subscription is needed to try the meals, however, some companies also have a marketplace that sells items a la carte. How often do offerings and menus change? Typically, sites will switch up their meal offerings on a weekly basis.
Do I have to be a good cook to use a meal kit? Meal kits come in many different skill levels, from simply microwaving to more intensive chopping and cooking.
They can also be a great way to learn how to cook and teach children. Diet: Pay attention to the dietary options each service caters to, from vegetarian and vegan to Keto and paleo.
Household Size: Count the number of people in your family and then account for how much they eat to best calculate how many servings you need to feed everyone. Some kits detailed above have larger portions, while others are single-serve only.
Budget: Meal kits and services have a wide range of prices. Some offer free shipping, while others have a minimum spend, and other specialty or health-related plans may cost more. Time: Think about how long you want to be cooking for each night.
Some meals require 30 or more minutes to cook, not including cleaning up. Check out New York Post Shopping for more content. Contact The Author Name required. Email required. Comment required. Updated Jan. New York Post Composite. The hard part is just deciding which to try, which is why I tried them all for you first.
Previous 1 of 3. Sophie Cannon. I promise the oven was off for these meal kits! The beauty of trying so many companies was that some were intensive and others, like these, were microwave friendly. Brand spotlight.
Pros: Full-sized ingredients, super fresh produce and large portions Offers a wine subscription box as well, to pair with your cooking creations A bit more in-depth cooking, with great tasting results Perfect for a hungry family or those who want to spend more quality time in the kitchen.
Cons: None to note. push function { if window. definedSlots [] ; } } ; }. This seriously looked straight out of Israel and tasted like it, too. How did I do? I think the egg Gods were looking down on me, as this was the perfect fried egg for my burger that looked just like the photo.
Cons: No options for vegans or other dietary preferences other than vegetarian and pescatarian. Pros: Delicious and high-quality meals — but what else would we expect from Martha? Perfect for the home cook who likes a balance of easy meals and learning new skills.
Also great for home-cooked dinners with easy directions and no need to go grocery shopping. Options for specific diets, including vegetarian and low-carb recipes, in addition to the classic comfort foods.
Cons: Make sure to check your zip code for delivery, as some areas in the Midwest and others are not eligible as of the time of publication.
The steak and potatoes are a classic American meal from a classic American chef. The gravy was the best part, followed by the onion dressing topping the beans.
This was the best thing ever after a holiday gathering, with the ciabatta bread soaking up my drinks from the night before and the lovely comforting eggs and sausage on the inside of the casserole warming me from the inside out. Good on you, Martha. Cons: Everything included except salt, pepper and oil.
Pros: Dinnerly is one of the most affordable meal kits out there, perfect for families and new chefs alike. Vegetarians will rejoice at their meat-free offerings Digital recipe cards are on the site, so no need to keep a paper copy.
Cons: Make sure to check your zip code for delivery, as some areas in the Midwest and others are not eligible as of the time of publication Everything was included except for pantry staples like flour, salt, pepper and eggs, so be sure to check recipes before heading to the store if needed.
I now have a deeper appreciation for fried chicken, after now having made it from scratch. The one-pan gnocchi was super easy and also delicious, something Dinnerly does very well. Pros: Easy to customize meals and skip weeks.
Can order meals for two or four people, with two to six meals per week Easy-to-follow and aesthetically pleasing recipe cards in the box for each meal Accurate estimates for prep and cook time for an easy weekly schedule. Cons: Make sure to have kitchen staples such as salt, pepper, butter and oil in the house, as they are not included in the box.
Pros: Great for those with allergies in the house, as the cards indicate allergens in each basket ingredient Super fresh-tasting fish that comes on ice in the box Each meal takes six steps to complete, usually under about 35 minutes, perfect for quick lunches and dinners.
Pros: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts all come frozen and ready to reheat and eat Great option for those on the go and also health-conscious Offers options for different diets, including keto, paleo, plant-based, low-carb, vegetarian, pescatarian and meat-eaters, too.
Cons: Have plenty of freezer space to store meals or order a smaller plan they range from four meals a week all the way up to 18 meals per week.
Cons: Recipe cards are a bit harder to follow than some due to their small size, but easier to store and reuse for later No cook time estimations on the cards, but when timed, even a full steak meal was under 30 minutes, prep to plating. Cons: A a bit more prep work, but worth the extra chopping time for the taste Everything was included even baking soda and butter except for oil, salt and pepper.
Pros: Wide variety of meals for those on a special diet, like Keto, paleo, vegetarian, vegan and more Comes with extras like weight management coaching, diet plans and more on the app or on your account Ability to order from different plans, in order to try different diets Ability to cancel or pause your plan at any time.
Pros: Plant-based to a whole new level: very healthy salads, breakfasts and bowls for super clean eating Unique offerings; not just trying to mimic traditional meals with plants, but creating whole new dishes and flavor profiles Labeled options for every day of the week, three meals a day, takes the planning out of meal prep Offers a detox program as well.
Cons: Sacrifices some flavor for health but replaces with superfoods and a rainbow of nutrients. Pros: Perfect for taking to work or school or having an easy lunch at home, with recyclable packaging and to-go style dressings and condiments.
All meals do not contain gluten, dairy, refined sugars, nitrates, chemical preservatives or artificial colors. Cons: Not the most upscale packaging or gourmet meals, but plenty of actually filling salads, bowls, and even some choices for breakfast, snacks, and desserts.
Pros: Plant-based people take note as every meal and smoothie is plant-based Not boring, as there are more than 50 options ranging from soups to bowls to smoothies Great for on-the-go meals and snacks for busy people, post-gym pick-me-ups and no dishes to do after.
Cons: Not a total replacement for every night of the week but pretty close. Pros Great for toddlers and older kids, as they graduate into solid foods Pre-packaged and ready to heat and eat for easy meal times and no cleanup Variety to choose from, including smoothies, snacks and full meals Yummy enough for parents to take a bite, too ; Cut small to prevent choking.
Cons Mighty Bites snacks may be a bit high in sugar for those parents watching sugar intake Meals may need to be plated or hand-fed to avoid them ending up on the floor.
Cons Not ideal for families or if you want leftovers On the more expensive side for some of the meal kits Only order what you can eat via refrigerator; meals taste less fresh when frozen.
Cons: Not a ton of options on the weekly menu, especially for larger plans Some meals have smaller portion sizes. Previous 1 of 5. Meals arrive refrigerated and can then be reheated in the microwave in about three minutes. After microwaving, the meat remained tender and the meal was well-seasoned and tasted fresh.
This take on Kung Pao chicken used a healthier noodle option and seasonings instead of breading or frying. Pros: Great selection of meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks and desserts Perfect for on-the-go eaters, busy people who forget to eat but want to be nutritious.
Most meals heat up in the microwave or stovetop in under 10 minutes, others need to be blended and some you can eat frozen ice cream and frozen treats. You can also skip or cancel at any time Menus are super easy to read and have specific details on nutrition, ingredients, protein content and more.
Cons: Mosaic specializes in veggie bowls, soups and oat bowls, so not for those that are looking for other options. But bowls include dishes like pasta and curries, for example, and not just vegetables!
Pay attention to order and shipping minimums. This is the older packaging from , showcasing the classic cook-it-yourself meals and some snacks, too. Pros: Wide array of options for both pre-made and traditional cook meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snacks Ready-to-eat meals taste fresh, even when microwaved Ample amounts of organic produce and nitrate-free meats in the traditional meal kit; can serve more than the serving size and perfect for hungry families Smaller recipe cards for easy storage, and also found online or on the app for iPhone and Android.
Pros: Plans can include full meals, snacks and sweets — perfect for mindful eating all day A super fun and unique combination of a grocery delivery service with options to choose recipes as well — great to re-stock the fridge and help spark inspiration for meal planning Great for those who like to cook on their own terms but also enjoy a new recipe now and then.
Cons: The recipe card is found on the back of your order receipt and is not too colorful, but it gets the job done. Cons: Some meals do better in the oven or stovetop rather than in the microwave, like eggs, but others can be eaten right from the fridge, like salads and bowls.
For an easy keto breakfast, Fresh Meal Plan has got you covered. There are a few factors you may want to consider when selecting a meal delivery service to ensure that the company fits your lifestyle and budget:.
Meal delivery prices can range quite a bit. If you regularly dine out or order takeout, a meal delivery service could save you money, depending on the service you choose.
But compared with buying groceries and cooking meals at home, meal delivery services tend to be more expensive. Meal delivery services can range quite a bit in price, making it challenging for people on a budget to find suitable options. But several cost-effective services are available, many of which offer options to fit some dietary restrictions and food preferences.
When deciding which meal delivery service is right for you, consider factors such as variety, quality, cost, availability, and ingredients. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
VIEW ALL HISTORY. These Black-owned companies check all the marks for freshness, flavor, and elevating Blackness in the food industry.
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Nutrition Evidence Based The 6 Cheapest Meal Delivery Services. Medically reviewed by Alissa Palladino, MS, RDN, LD, CPT , Nutrition , Personal Training — By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD — Updated on November 28, On this page Our picks Comparison table How we tested How to choose FAQ Bottom line.
How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process. Was this helpful? Share on Pinterest. Comparison of the best cheap meal delivery services. How we test meal delivery services. Each service in this article: is in compliance with U. Department of Agriculture USDA and Food and Drug Administration FDA food safety and manufacturing regulations uses a trusted shipper to handle its food products lists all ingredients, allergens, and nutrition facts on its website or product packaging promotes a healthy approach to well-being does not make unsupported health claims on its website or marketing materials.
The middle tier are Hellofresh (owns EP), MarleySpoon (owns D), BlueApron and HomeChef. I like Homechef best. You can boking.info › showcase › nutrition › cheapest-meal-delivery-services Blue Apron is an affordable meal kit delivery service with prices that start at just $ per serving. They top our
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