All four dishes we made from Dinnerly were satisfying, flavorful and came together quickly. Cleanup was also fairly easy—though some dishes were more involved than others, none of them made me feel like I had to use every utensil in the kitchen and wind up with a mound of dishes.

The recipes from Home Chef were by far my favorite of any meal kit. The cards had clear pictures and plating instructions, as well as best-by dates for ingredients Fish, for example, was best cooked within days, whereas a pinto bean flauta could hang out in your fridge for a week.

The meals I made from Home Chef were hearty and satisfying, like the pleasingly crunchy pretzel-crusted chicken with green beans and a subtly sweet apricot-mustard sauce.

I also appreciated that every one of the six meals I tried from Home Chef was one that I would be able to replicate in my own kitchen.

This makes Home Chef a particularly good service for folks who want to use meal kit delivery as a way to improve their kitchen skills.

Some meal kits rely heavily on proprietary sauces and blends that would be difficult to re-create. Home Chef had a few of those, but most of the components were things that you could either source on your own or make yourself.

Home Chef was a contender for the best meal kit delivery service overall, but it was ultimately knocked out of contention because it has a limited variety of meals, and not that many options for vegetarian or gluten-free diets. I live in a house divided: Whereas I eat everything for my job, my husband has been a vegetarian since age 9, and though he eats dairy and eggs, he appreciates when a meal is totally plant-based as well.

Sometimes that means preparing a side of chicken for me and a side of seitan for him, but unless I get a deep craving for a cheeseburger, most of our meals are based on some kind of vegetarian protein.

In the 2 weeks we tried Sunbasket, we made a delicious tofu bok choy fried rice, pita with curried chickpeas and a butter bean salad with citrus, quinoa and avocado. I cooked through at least two meals from each meal delivery service, assessing taste, portion size, required cleanup, how well each kit was organized and the clarity or confusion of the instructions.

I also had my husband, an occasional home cook who largely favors microwave quesadillas, cook through a meal for each kit so I could assess how the recipes worked for someone with fewer culinary skills.

My husband is also a vegetarian, so I ordered at least one non-meat option from every meal kit service and looked at options for households like ours, where at least one person has a dietary restriction. For my testing, I zeroed in on meal kit services that were, broadly speaking, omnivorous rather than specifically catered to certain dietary restrictions or allergies.

When shopping for the best meal kit, there are other factors to consider beyond just taste: These services create a user experience that bridges the virtual and real world.

I considered the ease of online ordering and took note of how much fridge real estate each meal kit required. The best meal kits are also accessible for most eaters. I considered how expensive each meal was and how many options each service provided per week including those geared toward specific diets.

I also looked at which culinary traditions the meal kit recipes favored, preferring meal kits that provided diverse recipes beyond Western fare—after all, there are only so many one-pot pasta dishes a person can handle.

Chef Jose Garces —yes, the guy from Iron Chef America —has a good rule of thumb about using and designing meal deliveries. Here are a few things to consider when narrowing down the best meal kit delivery service for you.

Most meal services also only provide portions for two or four, not the most convenient for larger or smaller households. The menus for each week are available to browse, and you can filter the options by dietary restriction and, in some cases, how much prep work the meal takes.

Some sites, like Blue Apron and Dinnerly, even link to the recipe without you having to subscribe to the service, so you can see exactly how much effort and technique is involved. Most services have steep discounts on your initial orders—the way they make money is when you subscribe.

For this piece, I also spoke to chefs who write recipes for meal kits, including Iron Chef and meal kit enthusiast Jose Garces , and James Beard—nominated food writer Kiki Aranita.

Following our rigorous testing process, this story is regularly revisited by senior reviews editor Anna Perling to re-evaluate top picks, update information for accuracy, improve reader experience and determine whether to test more items for future inclusion.

It was last edited in January by senior updates editor Karen Tietjen in collaboration with Perling. This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here.

All Home. All Fashion. All Gear. All Travel. All Gifts. All Deals. Edit Story. We independently select all products and services. If you click through links we provide, we may earn a commission.

Learn more. Vetted Home. Margaret Eby Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Forbes Vetted. Jan 5, , am EST. In this wonderland of flavorful possibilities, lucky diners can choose from tacos, burritos, churros, and even drinks that will quench their thirst without drying up their bank accounts.

Having this lovely list lets you assemble your own version of a classic combo — or even better, create a mondo combo that piles on a few extras while keeping your total bill below ten dollars.

That's something to celebrate. For our hunger, 3 Layer Queso Nachos served the proper purpose. The saucy mix of green chiles and cheese over corn chips was modest in size, but still more than we were anticipating.

The main draw here is the number of choices Del Taco provides. This restaurant is doing its best to serve satisfaction for less, and it's succeeding. Jack in the Box hides many of its value-conscious items amidst its general menu, making for a frustrating search.

But it does this extremely well, providing a sandwich that's both crispy and tender, with a refreshing touch of lettuce and a smear of mayo added for good measure. While this simple bite isn't as flashy as the more glamorous chicken sandwiches on the Jack in the Box roster, it's also not nearly as pricey.

If a cheaper chicken alternative is what you're craving, Jack has you covered with its most basic choice. The population of this trim listing includes three modest yet outstanding offerings: the Americana Roast Beef Sandwich, the Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and Mozzarella Sticks.

It's a small list, but one that transcends its limitations by providing full-sized portions that feel like a triumph. Allowing diners to mix and match makes the victory even sweeter.

We opted for the Americana Roast Beef Sandwich and the Mozzarella Sticks and discovered that Arby's roast beef topped with American cheese, lettuce, onions, and tomato feels like a new and delicious type of hybrid between a burger and a beef sandwich.

The Mozzarella Sticks were cleanly breaded and caused zero complaints. For a franchise that's been serving up America's roast beef in pretty much the same way since it opened, finding an exciting sandwich that freshens up the menu at a price that's nice is a sweet surprise.

Having a side option that deviates from the familiar fries selection is a bonus as well. The Burger King Rodeo Burger just so happens to be one of these items. Imagine improving a Burger King cheeseburger by adding a couple of whopping onion rings and some BBQ sauce to the bun to bring a zesty zing to the flame-broiled, cheesy goodness.

It's a festival of flavor that takes a simple sandwich and turns it into a pub-style revelation for less money than just about anything else on the menu. You can lay five bucks on the counter, order two of these tastebud-wowing sandwiches, and have enough to cover tax. There aren't a lot of restaurants where this happens, but the world works differently when you're the King.

Though the nutrition facts may make you think twice about getting a Burger King Rodeo Burger , at least the price is not prohibitive. Since the items on this list were chosen for their pricing and relative quality in the dicey domain of fast food, shopping for mindful possibilities was severely constrained.

But if you know the deal and you're good with how the numbers shake out, a Rodeo Burger at BK is A-OK. If you plan on making a run for the border, you can do it with the spare change in your pocket and come through with a range of filling selections. It's a thoughtful way to honor the tradition started by the chain with the original Taco Bell dollar menu.

Out of everything we could have chosen on the list, we found that the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito was by far the biggest item we came across in the discount bin. There's no shrinkflation affecting this full-sized burrito. This bountiful bite is a full-sized entree loaded with strips of grilled chicken, spicy-creamy chipotle sauce, and a sweet selection of toppings.

What you get in the bag is the fullest extent of what two singles can get you in a world where everything seems to cost five dollars or more. It's a savory surprise of a dining experience that leaves room for adding another item or two to affordably round out your meal.

The inclusion of fun and frosty sips and the possibility of a creamy dessert makes this selection one of the best-priced deals in the fast food sphere. You can grab a cheeseburger and fries, a chili dog and a sundae, or a soft drink and a few pretzel sticks.

Not that many menus offer soft pretzels with dipping sauce these days. So when we saw these salty bad boys as an option, we doubled up the order and didn't feel bad about it for a second. Our five bones bought us six sticks the size and shape of hot dogs, swirled in butter like the best pretzels are and served with a side of spicy cheese sauce.

The pleasure that this quiet yet confident combo brought our famished souls can't be overstated. If you're looking for a snack that's different from the pack, DQ is going to treat your right without taking advantage of your financial state.

Anything with the word "California" in the name is bound to feel breezy and fun, like a spin through Hollywood by way of Disneyland with a beachside stop-off added for good measure. While the California Classic Double Cheeseburger from Carl's Jr.

doesn't quite inspire so much starstruck awe, it does provide a high-quality burger at a modest enough price that you can spend a five-spot and get a fair amount of change back. This smoky, cheesy double stack sits on the menu among burgers that cost twice and three times as much, even when not part of a combo meal.

It's a savory standout that can't help but catch the eye of frugal diners looking for the deal of the day. The CCDC, as we abbreviate this mouthful of a name, brings the famous Carl's Jr. quality to a simplified burger, which means you get exactly the same level of deliciousness as you would in the chain's pricier items.

It may not be loaded up with toppings or feature bacon or onion rings sandwiched between the patties. But if a quick bite at a cool price is what you're after, Carl's Jr.

The broiled patties, Classic Sauce, and grilled onions are a savory combination that's well worth the modest outlay of cash for this burger.

Adding a Little Caesars value menu item to the list may seem like a cheat. This is the home of the Pizza! Deal after all, where ten bucks would get you two pizzas in one go.

That was a lot of food for a moderate amount of dough, and though neither the slogan nor the promotion are still around, Little Caesars remains one of the most respectably priced pizza chains in the fast food realm.

Our extensive testing revealed HelloFresh, Dinnerly, Gobble, CookUnity, Home Chef, and Purple Carrot as the best meal kit delivery services 12 Best Value Meal Items From Each Fast Food Chain · 1. McDonald's McDouble · 2. Del Taco 3 Layer Queso Nachos · 3. Jack in the Box Chicken While the family meals represent the best value, most Daily Harvest smoothies, soups, grain bowls and flatbreads range from $7 to $10 per

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Value meal alternatives - Apples. Bananas. Beans. Brown rice. Chicken. Corn tortillas. Eggs. Flour. Frozen blueberries. Frozen vegetables. Ground beef or ground chuck Our extensive testing revealed HelloFresh, Dinnerly, Gobble, CookUnity, Home Chef, and Purple Carrot as the best meal kit delivery services 12 Best Value Meal Items From Each Fast Food Chain · 1. McDonald's McDouble · 2. Del Taco 3 Layer Queso Nachos · 3. Jack in the Box Chicken While the family meals represent the best value, most Daily Harvest smoothies, soups, grain bowls and flatbreads range from $7 to $10 per

Alongside a banana, one serving of the powder with water and a splash of milk kept us full until lunch too. The vanilla flavor is better made into a smoothie, and while we weren't personally a fan of matcha, some individuals might like this. GNC is a versatile health and fitness brand.

Its flagship meal replacement, Lean Shake 25, is an affordable product created for people whose primary goal is to lose weight.

One serving contains calories, 3g of fat and 3g of sugar, while delivering a whooping 25g of whey protein and 8g of dietary fiber. Lean Shake 25 comes in a range of flavor options, including unique gems like girl scout lemon and girl scout thin mints.

This shake has an average of 4. Some customers love the flavor, some hate it and some mention how filling it is while others say it does nothing to curb their cravings. It is definitely not filling at all," said one 3 star review.

On the other hand, GNC shake delivers only 22 different vitamins and minerals, which is below what competitors tend to offer. Having said this, the company says to drink two shakes daily in conjunction with a healthy weight management program, so you would still be getting micronutrients from solid food.

Orgain says it believes in the power of organic food and clean eating, while actively championing initiatives aimed at reducing plastic pollution , making it one of the most environmentally-friendly brands in our guide. Orgain does well on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.

Most customers seem to find it very filling, but complain about the flavor. I have more energy, and feel way healthier since I started drinking this. Appetite is definitely doing better as days go forward.

I mix mine with unsweetened almond milk oz. blend it with my ninja. Might eat a banana or apple before noon Second meal of the day is a smoothie I make from plain yogurt, banana, apple cider vinegar, couple strawberries or frozen fruit," said one reviewer.

Its vegan Organic Meal nutrition powder is packed with clean, organic ingredients and provides nearly 20g of high quality pea, brown rice and chia seed protein blend in a single serving.

Since it has a low fat and sugar content, Organic Meal may be a good choice for people who want to lose weight too. On the other hand, one serving of the Organic Meal shake delivers only 2g of fiber and its micronutrient content is quite low in comparison with other brands. It lacks certain vitamins and minerals too, such as vitamin D and several trace elements.

Glover has worked with numerous clients in weight management and preaches evidence based nutrition. In this guide, he gives his advice for when to use a meal replacement shake.

Aisling Pigott is a registered dietician and the founder of Dietitian Wales, a nutrition consultancy based in Wales. She holds a MSc degree in Advanced Dietetic Practice from Cardiff Metropolitan University and a postgraduate certificate in Sports and Exercise Nutrition from Coventry University.

Aisling is also a Lead Paediatric Diabetes Dietitian at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and in receipt of an RCBCWales Fellowship as a PhD Candidate at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Charlotte Turner is a registered nutritionist and the founder of Health Nutritionist, a nutrition consultancy and nutrition clinic based in England.

She holds a MSc degree in Human Nutrition from the London Metropolitan University and an MBA from the Edinburgh Business School. Charlotte specializes in weight management, nutrigenetics, gut health and treatment of eating disorders.

With such a wide variety of products on the market, it may be challenging to choose the best meal replacement shake for your particular needs and circumstances. Dr Brian Carson, lecturer in physiology at the University of Limerick and head of science and innovation at Whole Supp , agrees.

To start with, the best meal replacement shakes will offer at least 15g of good quality protein per serving. The best plant-based meal replacement shakes will contain a combination of several different protein sources to ensure a complete amino acid profile.

Secondly, make sure to check how much sugar is in the product. Assuming that you eat three meals a day, a single serving of your meal replacement shake should contain less than 10g of this nutrient. Similarly, the USDA advises to consume at least 28g of dietary fiber a day. Most meal replacements tend to not include much of this nutrient, so if in doubt, go for a product that offers a higher fiber content.

Another important aspect is their micronutrient ratio. Vitamins and minerals are essential for maintaining good health and wellbeing.

Variety is key — the more micronutrients, the better. Avoid products that use corn syrup , hydrogenated oils and peculiar-sounding elements — you should be able to recognize most of the items on the ingredient list. The best meal replacement shakes also contain many functional ingredients that may ease your digestion and bring additional health benefits, such as probiotics , prebiotics and digestive enzymes.

Fast-paced, modern lifestyles place extreme demands on our schedules, often limiting our ability to cook from scratch and enjoy a meal in the comfort of our home.

Meal replacement shakes are also more portable and compact than regular meals. Our bodies need an extensive range of nutrients to maintain peak health and fitness.

Other times, you may need to cut down on certain foods or calorie values due to medical, financial or other important reasons.

The best meal replacement shakes are often marketed as weight loss aids, and there are many good reasons why. They tend to be relatively low in calories, and maintaining a consistent calorie deficit is often necessary to see tangible weight loss results.

However, many people struggle to stick to their calorie limit. For these people, meal replacement shakes can be a perfect solution. Snacking can be a huge obstacle to a leaner, healthier body, whereas eating enough protein and fiber can help you reduce the intensity of food cravings and keep you fuller for longer.

Some brands even enrich their meal replacement shakes with ingredients that may have been shown to promote fat burning, such as green tea extract. But do they actually work? Indeed, there's growing evidence that meal replacement shakes can be great weight loss tools.

According to a meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders , overweight and obese adults on a low calorie diet may lose more weight if they use meal replacement shakes.

Study subjects who did not use these products were reported to achieve less successful outcomes, at both the 3-month and 1-year evaluation time points. Another study, which was published in the prestigious Appetite journal, investigated the effect of using meal replacements vs following a low-calorie diet on the incidence and intensity of food cravings.

Based on the brain MRI food-cue reactivity and body composition measurements, meal replacements produced fewer cravings and promoted better weight loss outcomes than a regular diet. Inevitably, all meal replacement shakes will lack or be short of certain nutrients or biologically active compounds.

The rest of the time, you should be eating solid meals, including a wide variety of food groups. Some evidence also indicates that meal replacement shakes may not be suitable for older adults. According to a study published in the Hormone and Metabolic Research journal, liquid meal replacements may have a negative effect on appetite responses and insulin metabolism in the elderly.

Similar findings were described in another study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Many meal replacement shakes are nutritionally complete, meaning they contain all the essential nutrients obtained from a balanced diet.

However, these products should not be consumed in replacement of food long term, Charlotte Turner, a registered nutritionist and the founder of Health Nutritionist , a nutrition consultancy and nutrition clinic based in England, told Live Science.

Meal replacement shakes are designed to satisfy basic dietary requirements of an average adult, i. provide a sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals and macronutrients, such as protein, fats and carbohydrates.

However, no single product is able to mimic the exact nutritional value of a diet containing a wide variety of fruit, vegetables and wholegrains. Replacing food with meal replacement shakes long term may also lead to an increased risk of gastrointestinal discomfort, Aisling Pigott, a registered dietician and the founder of Dietitian Wales , a nutrition consultancy based in Wales, told Live Science.

However, when food is removed from its original structure, it behaves differently. In addition, meal replacement shakes may contain artificial sweeteners, bulking agents and other synthetic ingredients that may aggravate gastric symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Having said that, meal replacement shakes may provide some health benefits when used short term, or as a part of a healthy balanced diet. They are particularly effective at bridging nutritional gaps in individuals who struggle with having a solid meal, or those who follow highly restrictive diets.

Meal replacement shakes may also help with managing obesity, because they help create an energy deficit and exert a better control over energy intake, Pigott said.

In fact, studies have shown that overweight and obese participants who incorporate meal replacement shakes into their diet tend to lose more weight at one year follow-up than individuals who do not use these products, according to a systematic review published in the journal Obesity Reviews.

The evidence is growing that meal replacement shakes may also benefit metabolic health of overweight and obese individuals with type 2 diabetes, according to a meta-analysis published in the journal Diabetes Care.

Researchers pulled together results from nine randomized controlled trials and found that using meal replacement shakes may help these individuals reduce their levels of blood pressure, fasting glucose and fasting insulin.

However, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these results, the meta-analysis authors noted.

Meal replacement shakes often come in similar form and packaging as protein shakes, but they are not the same products. Protein shakes, as the name suggests, are formulated to be high in protein, and they often contain proprietary blends with amino acids and other muscle enhancing components.

Meal replacement shakes, on the other hand, focus on providing a wide range of nutrients. A protein shake can be used as a meal replacement in certain circumstances, but it depends on the specific goals and nutritional needs of the individual, Turner said.

Calorie content is another thing to consider. It is important to note that many protein shakes are formulated to support weight loss efforts, and they often come with reduced fat and carbohydrate content. Although they have a comparable energy content to meal replacement shakes, they often lack specific micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, and should not be consumed as a food replacement.

In summary, a protein shake can be used as a meal replacement, but it's crucial to ensure that it provides adequate nutrients, calories, and complements your overall dietary needs and goals. Consulting with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional can help you determine if using protein shakes as meal replacements is appropriate for your specific situation, Turner said.

All of the meal replacement shakes in this guide have been tried and tested by the Live Science team. Firstly, we disregarded any products that had excessive levels of artificial sweeteners, additives or preservatives.

We also looked at the texture of the powder, including how well it mixed into water, milk, and foods such as oatmeal or smoothie bowls. Finally, came the taste test, where we determined whether the taste was reflective of the flavor, unusually bitter or particularly sweet.

Packaging was also noted, based on sustainability and convenience, as well as value for money. This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.

She is a certified personal trainer, nutritionist and health coach with nearly 10 years of professional experience. She is passionate about empowering people to live a healthy lifestyle and promoting the benefits of a plant-based diet. Open menu Close menu Live Science Live Science.

Trending Iceland volcano eruption Massive hydrogen reservoir Heartbreaking polar bear photo Neanderthal art April 8 total solar eclipse. Specifications Serving size: 2 scoops g. Servings per containing: Calories per serving: kcal. Protein per serving: 30g.

Carbs per serving: 45g. Fat per serving: 13g. Flavors: Reasons to avoid - High carbohydrate and fat content. Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal.

Specifications Serving size: 1 scoop Protein per serving: 20g. Carbs per serving: 12g. Fat per serving: 2g. Flavors: 4. Reasons to avoid - Limited flavor options. Specifications Serving size: 1 scoop 35g. Servings per container: Protein per serving: 12g.

Carbs per serving: 13g. Fat per serving: 3g. Reasons to avoid - Relatively expensive. Lyfefuel All-In-One Essentials Shake. Specifications Serving size: 33g 1 full scoop. Calories per serving: Protein per serving: 18g. READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Is Sakara Life Worth It? Thistle focuses on nutritious, fully prepared meals that are veggie-forward.

All of the meals are gluten-free and dairy-free too. Enjoy fully prepared meals delivered right to your door, and items are fresh, never frozen. How it works: The service offers a weekly rotating, globally-inspired menu of six different breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks.

You'll also find jarred salads, soups and organic cold-pressed juices and wellness shots. There is the option to add meat protein options to lunches and dinners like sustainably sourced chicken, turkey and pork, making it great for flexitarians too.

For shipped boxes, meal subscription plans are available, and you can choose from the following meat or vegan plans:. Lab results: Our registered dietitians appreciate that the meals have balanced macronutrient ratios and substantial amounts of fiber and protein to help keep you full.

Testers liked that the service was plant-forward but also offered up the option for high-quality animal proteins. Popular menu items included the chunky monkey smoothie, Thistle pad thai, southwestern black bean salad, chili verde soup and grilled corn and poblano chile salad.

One tester said: "I loved that everything was already gluten-free and dairy-free, and the meals tasted really fresh. The vegetables were very good quality. If you live locally on the West Coast or Northeast, you'll get access to Thistle's entire menu.

But for the few areas that the brand ships to, you'll only be able to access fixed plans. If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's or other gastrointestinal issues, you may have written off meal delivery altogether. Michelin-star chefs team up with physicians and dietitians to create delicious meals that accommodate complex dietary restrictions.

How it works: The subscription option is designed to help you maintain a low-FODMAP regimen over the course of two to eight weeks. You can subscribe and choose your meals and have them sent on a recurring schedule or opt for a one-time order. Epicured offers over menu items ranging from fully prepared bowls, entrées and soups to smoothies and energy bites.

Organic ingredients are used whenever possible. Lab results: Our experts appreciate that Epicured caters to an underserved population, providing exceptional-tasting meals that are easy on the gut. They even offer extra-sensitive IBS meals and GERD-friendly options.

Testers liked the "generous portion sizes" and that the meals were surprisingly delicious even though they were also gluten-free and low-FODMAP. But surprisingly, it was all very good. RELATED: The Best Gluten-Free Meal Delivery Services. You'll pay a premium for this health-conscious prepared meal delivery service from Methodology, but the quality is top-notch.

The entire menu is free from gluten, dairy and refined sugar and includes high-quality proteins that are sustainably sourced. Plus, this service was actually utilized by researchers at Stanford Medicine in a clinical study that looked at the Mediterranean and keto diets.

How it works: Plans include a four- or five-day reset, which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner or just lunch and dinner. You can select a plan with meat, seafood or vegan offerings or a combination of the three.

Meals are ready to eat and can be reheated in a microwave or on a stovetop in less than 5 minutes. The brand recently started shipping nationwide too. Lab results: We were really impressed with not only how fresh the meals were but also how filling the generous portion sizes were.

You could tell that everything was made with high-quality ingredients, and the meals received rave reviews in taste tests. Testers appreciated that the meals and snacks come in nice reusable containers too.

There are some restrictions to consider with this service. The menus are largely pre-set, and you'll have to commit to at least four days of meals. Plus, the cost is higher than other services we tested, but the quality definitely reflects that.

Our dietitians also point out that although the meals are nutritionally balanced, the brand does not disclose the sodium in the meals, so keep this in mind if you need to follow a low-sodium diet.

To find the best meal delivery services, we recruited over at-home testers along with our in-house food and nutrition experts. We evaluated over 50 different meal delivery services , ranging from fully prepared options to traditional kits that come with pre-measured ingredients and a follow-along recipe card.

We made our selections based on expert evaluation and tester feedback, including overall satisfaction, food quality, cost, recycling efforts and availability. Our picks for the best prepared meal delivery services cater to a wide variety of special diets and dietary preferences including gluten-free, organic, vegetarian and more.

We've also found that customization is important to many testers, so we took that into account. Although taste is subjective, we chose companies that scored high points overall with testers. For prepared meal delivery services, we assess how easy it is to navigate and utilize the service's website.

We look for robust menu variety, ample dietary preferences to accommodate different needs, multiple reheating options and delicious and inventive meals.

We also evaluate the quality of the meal and how well it reheated. We look for packaging that keeps the food safe but also incorporates sustainable features. Other major factors include cost and delivery ranges which we strongly consider in our tests. As a result of our testing, we believe the companies spotlighted above deserve recognition for their performance in their categories.

That said, this is a fast-growing segment in the food industry and we're likely to see more new entrants emerging in the near future. We are always testing new offerings in this category to keep readers up-to-date. If these choices are above your budget, check out our guide to the best cheap meal delivery services , or for a more comprehensive guide, our guide to the best meal delivery services.

If you're looking at prepared meal delivery, you have already narrowed down the type of service you desire. Here are some other considerations when selecting the best kit for you:. But if you have any serious food allergies, you'll want to ensure that the service you choose is equipped to handle that.

If you're trying to feed a family, consider a larger meal delivery kit or a service that offers prepared family meals. Prepared meal delivery services are generally pricier than meal kits since the food comes fully prepared. But many brands offer discounts when you sign up for the service or if you refer a friend, and you can typically take advantage of better pricing if you order more meals.

Most meal delivery services incur a flat shipping fee, though some will offer complimentary shipping if your order is over a certain limit.

But we've seen many of the leading meal delivery service brands finding innovative ways to focus on sustainability while ensuring good shipping quality.

Almost every service will have specific instructions on how to recycle or dispose of all of the items in the box on its website. As a dietitian and working mother, Stefani Sassos is passionate about putting healthy meals on the table for her and her family without having to spend a ton of time in the kitchen.

Prepared meal delivery services are something that she relies on throughout the week, especially for lunches during busy days. Stefani has led meal delivery testing efforts for the brand for the past four years and is well-versed in the current meal delivery landscape.

Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family. The 9 Best Multivitamins For Men. The Best Thread Count for Sheets.

The Best Japanese Knives. The Best Mattresses for Kids of All Ages. The Best Down Comforters. The Best Comforters. Best Mattresses for Back Pain The Most Comfortable Couches Ever.

The Best Portable Carpet Cleaners. Skip to Content Product Reviews Life Health Food Beauty. sign in. Best Flower Delivery V-Day Gifts For Kids V-Day Gifts For Women V-Day Gifts For Men Amazon Valentine's Gifts. Our Top Picks: 1. Best Chef-Prepared Meal Delivery Service Cook Unity ORDER AT COOKUNITY.

ORDER AT COOKUNITY. Best Keto Prepared Meal Delivery Service Factor ORDER AT FACTOR ORDER AT FACTOR Best Prepared Meal Delivery Service for Weight Loss BistroMD ORDER AT BISTROMD.

ORDER AT BISTROMD. Best Wellness Prepared Meal Delivery Service Sakara ORDER AT SAKARA. ORDER AT SAKARA. Best Flexitarian Prepared Meal Delivery Thistle ORDER AT THISTLE.

ORDER AT THISTLE. Best Gluten-Free Prepared Meal Delivery Service Epicured ORDER AT EPICURED. ORDER AT EPICURED. Pros Variety of meal plans to choose from Meals are fresh, not frozen Organically-sourced ingredients.

Cons Prepared meals can be expensive. Packaging The cardboard box, plastic trays and seal can all be recycled. Availability Available nationwide, additional fees for Alaska and Hawaii. Pros Variety of plant-based offerings Family meals available Solid portion sizes.

Cons Limited delivery area. Free shipping for 12 and 18 item boxes. Packaging All packaging is fully recyclable, including the liner, trays for the veggie bowls and family meals. Availability Mosaic delivers to most major metro areas in the Eastern and Western US.

Pros Gourmet-style prepared meals Nutrition facts provided for each meal Meals are fresh, never frozen. Cons Availability limited in certain areas. Packaging Fully prepared meals are packaged in industrially compostable trays with recyclable components and delivered in reusable insulated bags or recyclable boxes.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. Pros Innovative and flavorful keto-friendly options Complimentary consultation with a dietitian Add-ons include shakes, smoothies, snacks and desserts. Cons Meals can be high in saturated fat. Packaging Boxes can be broken down and placed with curbside recycling.

The insulation is curbside recyclable as well. Availability Delivery in the contiguous United States. Pros Meals are curated to specific macros Well-balanced portions Breakfasts are also available. Cons Not as flavorful as other services. Availability Delivery everywhere in the United States including Alaska and Hawaii.

Pros Science-backed meal options for weight loss, diabetes and heart health Ready to eat in five minutes or less Gluten-free meals are tested to the FDA standard. Cons Meals come frozen and can be a bit bland. How it works: Start by selecting a program to fit your dietary needs, which include: Standard Plan: Designed for weight loss or weight maintenance, with a men's and women's option.

Diabetic Plan: Ideal for those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes or those who are pre-diabetic. All meals on this program contain 25 grams or less of net carbohydrates. Gluten-Free Plan: Designed for people with Celiac disease and those with gluten sensitivities or intolerances.

All gluten-free meals are tested to the FDA gluten-free standard and do not contain wheat, rye or barley. Heart Healthy Plan: Meals that fall at or below the American Heart Association's AHA recommendations for calories, sodium, total fat and saturated fat.

All meals on this program contain less than mg of sodium and less than 3. Menopause Plan: Meals that are uniquely designed to help with the hormonal changes that menopause brings. Vegan Plan: Free of dairy, eggs, meat and fish and a good source of plant protein.

Availability Delivery to the contiguous United States. Cons Lighter fare No fresh salads or sandwiches. Availability Delivers nationwide to the contiguous 48 states.

Pros High-quality, fresh ingredients Meals are fresh, never frozen Options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cons Expensive. Select from two to five days a week based on your location. The Metabolism Reset: Designed to support your metabolic health with lunches and dinners featuring a variety of nutrients that can help boost energy and regulate hormone health.

The Fresh Start Cleanse: Aims to support the body's natural detoxification process and replenish the body with vital nutrients through specially curated breakfasts and lunches.

The Gut Health Reboot: Breakfasts, lunches and dinners free from common gastrointestinal irritants and packed with prebiotics and probiotics to support the gut microbiome.

The Performance System: Nutrient-dense breakfasts, lunches and dinners curated for whole body health. Other programs include the Day Reset, Level II Detox and Sakara Life's Bridal Program.

Soft or Crunchy Taco – $ · OR · Chicken Chipotle Melt – $ · Hamburger – $ · Hamburger – $ · OR · 4-Piece Chicken Nugget – $ Our nutrition experts tested premade meal delivery services to find the best picks for a wide range of diets like keto, vegetarian Consider these healthy fast food options like the “value menu” in terms of nutritional bang for your buck. In this article: Can You Eat: Value meal alternatives

Because of transit times, they might actually be older than what neal buy Dental care samples the store. This comprehensive meal subscription akternatives free dietician altenratives and is designed for those with food sensitivities and Mral issues. Aternatives at Alfernatives Apron Best meal kits for weight loss Blue Apron. It's a savory surprise of a dining experience that leaves room for adding another item or two to affordably round out your meal. SodaStream Link to Coupon. And, of course, we taste tested them to determine whether the taste was reflective of the advertised flavor and if there were any unpleasant aftertastes. I considered how expensive each meal was and how many options each service provided per week including those geared toward specific diets.	Other programs include the Day Reset, Level II Detox and Sakara Life's Bridal Program. This restaurant is doing its best to serve satisfaction for less, and it's succeeding. See at Daily Harvest Best meal delivery for easy lunch Daily Harvest. Best healthy grocery delivery. Type: Premade Dietary options: Paleo, keto, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, Mediterranean Our favorite meals: Pappardelle with pork ragu; Laotian braised pork belly with bok choy, spicy chili sauce, and jasmine rice; walnut miso-crusted salmon Servings: Each dish is intended to serve one; you can order between 4 and 16 meals weekly. There's a Box for That. And BistroMD's diet options aren't just for weight loss but also for diabetics who may have trouble finding other services that they can enjoy.	Our extensive testing revealed HelloFresh, Dinnerly, Gobble, CookUnity, Home Chef, and Purple Carrot as the best meal kit delivery services 12 Best Value Meal Items From Each Fast Food Chain · 1. McDonald's McDouble · 2. Del Taco 3 Layer Queso Nachos · 3. Jack in the Box Chicken While the family meals represent the best value, most Daily Harvest smoothies, soups, grain bowls and flatbreads range from $7 to $10 per	Best value; Best for weight loss; High in vitamins and minerals; Keto-compatible; Best premium shake; Best high protein & fiber; Most ethical 12 Best Value Meal Items From Each Fast Food Chain · 1. McDonald's McDouble · 2. Del Taco 3 Layer Queso Nachos · 3. Jack in the Box Chicken Best Meal Kit Delivery Service Overall: Blue Apron · Best Value Meal Kit Delivery Service: Dinnerly · Best Meal Kit Delivery Service For Beginner	From HelloFresh and Blue Apron to Freshly and Purple Carrot, we tried 23 top meal kit and delivery services and chose the best of The bottom line: Dinnerly has an enormous selection of easy recipes, more than 60 in a given week, and plans starting at under $6 a serving Apples. Bananas. Beans. Brown rice. Chicken. Corn tortillas. Eggs. Flour. Frozen blueberries. Frozen vegetables. Ground beef or ground chuck
If you're looking for a alterbatives that's Value meal alternatives Budget-friendly party food ideas the alternativds, DQ is going to treat your Vwlue Value meal alternatives taking advantage of your financial state. See at Daily Harvest. Another one of the best healthy meal delivery services is Factor formerly Factor 75which uses only top-shelf ingredients to prepare registered dietitian-backed recipes. By Jake Smith. Take that, takeout.	Snap Kitchen : Snap Kitchen has solid prepared meals, mostly under calories. You can also shop for low-effort kitchen favorites like baby broccoli, grilled chicken breast, and cauliflower linguini. A portion of Huel Powder v3. Lab results: A tester favorite, Sakara Life's meals had balanced portions and inventive ingredients. To reheat meals, I took a twofold approach. Many people we surveyed said they wanted high-quality, organic premade meal options.	Our extensive testing revealed HelloFresh, Dinnerly, Gobble, CookUnity, Home Chef, and Purple Carrot as the best meal kit delivery services 12 Best Value Meal Items From Each Fast Food Chain · 1. McDonald's McDouble · 2. Del Taco 3 Layer Queso Nachos · 3. Jack in the Box Chicken While the family meals represent the best value, most Daily Harvest smoothies, soups, grain bowls and flatbreads range from $7 to $10 per	Our extensive testing revealed HelloFresh, Dinnerly, Gobble, CookUnity, Home Chef, and Purple Carrot as the best meal kit delivery services Best Meal Kit Delivery Service Overall: Blue Apron · Best Value Meal Kit Delivery Service: Dinnerly · Best Meal Kit Delivery Service For Beginner Why we love it: Owned by the parent company of HelloFresh and Green Chef, EveryPlate is one of the best value meal kit companies on the market and can be an	Our extensive testing revealed HelloFresh, Dinnerly, Gobble, CookUnity, Home Chef, and Purple Carrot as the best meal kit delivery services 12 Best Value Meal Items From Each Fast Food Chain · 1. McDonald's McDouble · 2. Del Taco 3 Layer Queso Nachos · 3. Jack in the Box Chicken While the family meals represent the best value, most Daily Harvest smoothies, soups, grain bowls and flatbreads range from $7 to $10 per
But Value meal alternatives of Alternativex major chains offers alternaties best bang for your buck? Pros Massive selection of recipes Recipes are customizable. The inclusion of fun and frosty sips and the possibility of a creamy dessert makes this selection one of the best-priced deals in the fast food sphere. Calories per serving: Best cheap vegan meals.	Save on your order with these HelloFresh promo codes. Meals like chipotle-spiced steak with potato salad were simple, sophisticated, and downright American, just like the homemaking queen. Having this lovely list lets you assemble your own version of a classic combo — or even better, create a mondo combo that piles on a few extras while keeping your total bill below ten dollars. The portions were a bit small, and some meals were underwhelming. That means every recipe has just five steps or less, and uses minimal pots and pans so post-dinner clean-up is a breeze.	Our extensive testing revealed HelloFresh, Dinnerly, Gobble, CookUnity, Home Chef, and Purple Carrot as the best meal kit delivery services 12 Best Value Meal Items From Each Fast Food Chain · 1. McDonald's McDouble · 2. Del Taco 3 Layer Queso Nachos · 3. Jack in the Box Chicken While the family meals represent the best value, most Daily Harvest smoothies, soups, grain bowls and flatbreads range from $7 to $10 per	Consider these healthy fast food options like the “value menu” in terms of nutritional bang for your buck. In this article: Can You Eat A quick look at the best prepared meal delivery services ; Best overall: Factor | Skip to review ; Best for restaurant-worthy flavors: CookUnity | Skip to review 12 Best Value Meal Items From Each Fast Food Chain · 1. McDonald's McDouble · 2. Del Taco 3 Layer Queso Nachos · 3. Jack in the Box Chicken	A quick look at the best prepared meal delivery services ; Best overall: Factor | Skip to review ; Best for restaurant-worthy flavors: CookUnity | Skip to review Our nutrition experts tested premade meal delivery services to find the best picks for a wide range of diets like keto, vegetarian Soft or Crunchy Taco – $ · OR · Chicken Chipotle Melt – $ · Hamburger – $ · Hamburger – $ · OR · 4-Piece Chicken Nugget – $