Sunbasket has a variety of meals for those who are paleo, vegetarian, gluten-free, and more. In addition to their many creative dishes — like the Moroccan-spiced salmon with jeweled couscous and lemon yogurt or the triple-mushroom quinoa with watercress, scallions, and peas — Sunbasket has an online market, similar to Blue Apron, where you can purchase everything from breakfasts to snacks, to quick lunches and even specialty meats.

The catch with Sunbasket is the price tag. The meal kit portion includes ingredients you follow recipes and cook yourself or options for ready-to-eat meals.

The actual price is personalized to how much food you order. Most meals with Hungryroot you prepare yourself are ready in about ten minutes. Hungryroot mixes in some Walmart and Instacart by also offering a grocery delivery service to its meals.

Options include healthy snacks, sweets, fresh fruit, breakfast items and more. Hungryroot uses a credit-based system that assigns grocery items and recipes a credit value when ordering your plan that corresponds to the number of servings selected.

Exclusive to Northeastern U. Outside normal grocery and prepared meal delivery, those in Brooklyn, Manhattan or other delivery zones in New York can also have alcohol delivered with FreshDirect.

Deliveries with FreshDirect can be made up to a week in advance or if you want your groceries quick they can be scheduled for same-day or next-day delivery in selected two-hour windows subject to availability. Alright, food lovers!

Enter the modern marvel: Home Meal Delivery Kits! Most services offer flexible subscription models. You can usually choose how many meals you want to be delivered each week and for how many people.

One of the coolest things about these kits is the variety. Many companies rotate their menus regularly, offering a mix of classic favorites and global dishes that might be new to you.

Some companies even offer breakfast, dessert, and snack options. The cost per meal can be higher than if you sourced the ingredients yourself.

Also, while companies are making efforts to reduce packaging, there can still be a fair amount in each box, which could be a concern for the eco-conscious among us. Before we even thought of tasting anything the fun part! From popular blogs to user reviews on various platforms—think Trustpilot, Yelp, and even Reddit—we dug deep to understand what customers truly want.

We prioritized services that offered a range of options. Once we had our list, it was time for our favorite part: taste-testing! We sampled dishes from numerous services, rating them on flavor, freshness, portion sizes, and overall satisfaction.

Yes, it was as delicious as it sounds! We analyzed the cost per meal, looking for services that provided value for money without compromising on taste. An overlooked but super crucial aspect! And of course, we made some cheeky calls to their customer service to see how responsive and helpful they were.

We favored services that used eco-friendly packaging, had recycling options, or showcased any efforts towards sustainability. Armed with all this data, our team sat down for some serious discussions and maybe a food coma or two!

We debated, discussed, and sometimes even passionately argued to whittle down our choices to the final list. Gone are the days when ordering food was a rare treat. With the advent of meal delivery services, a plethora of culinary delights are just a click away.

Imagine getting gourmet dishes or even simple home-cooked style meals delivered right at your door, without the hassle of grocery shopping or meal prepping. But with the vast sea of options available, how does one pick the right service?

Enter meal delivery services! They cater to a range of preferences, from health-focused meals to indulgent treats. Before you get overwhelmed with options, take a moment. Think about what you really need. Are you aiming to lose weight? Maybe you need high-protein meals.

Or are you a gourmet at heart, seeking new and exotic flavors? Pinning down your priorities can narrow the field significantly.

From those avoiding gluten to vegans, and from keto enthusiasts to pescatarians, the spectrum is vast. Check if your prospective vegan meal delivery service can cater to your specific dietary needs. We all dream of eating like royalty, but the wallet does have its limits.

While exploring, keep an eye on the price tag. Some services might seem affordable at first but can rack up costs with add-ons. Find one that offers the best bang for your buck. Look into how your chosen service packages its food.

Do they use excessive plastic? Or have they adopted eco-friendly alternatives? Your choices can make a difference. Food can be an adventure. While local delicacies are comforting, sometimes the soul craves exotic flavors. Scour through reviews. Consistent complaints about a particular issue should raise eyebrows.

If multiple customers talk about tardy deliveries or poor food quality, take note. But for those who find solace in cooking, meal kits can be therapeutic. We live in the digital age. A smooth app experience is almost as essential as the food itself. An intuitive interface, easy customization options, and swift checkouts can make all the difference.

If a service offers trial packs or promotional discounts, jump on it! Maybe you decide to go on an impromptu vacation or want to switch services. Having flexible return and cancellation policies can be a relief.

At first glance, ordering a meal from a delivery service might seem pricier than whipping up something with ingredients from your local grocery store. For those who value their time, enjoy variety in their meals, and dislike the hassles of grocery shopping, meal delivery services might indeed be a cost-effective option.

Hey there, fellow food enthusiast! But how do we separate the sizzle from the steak? Ah, the transformation! Remember when food delivery was just a cheesy pizza or some crispy spring rolls? Well, the culinary world has undergone a revolution, and now, gourmet meals are just a click away.

What once was a domain dominated by a few select fast-food joints has exploded into a myriad of options. Our doorsteps have transformed into landing pads for dishes from every corner of the world. As our schedules become chaotic and our world increasingly digital, the desire for tangible, real-world pleasures like good whole food arrives fresh out has skyrocketed.

No more! These plans are your ticket to more leisure. Think about it: hours previously spent on grocery shopping, prepping, cooking, and the worst part—cleaning up—are now all yours. Maybe take up painting or perhaps finally start that book you always wanted to read.

Most of these plans have menus curated with the help of nutritionists. Think of the myriad of choices at your fingertips, each designed to tantalize and satisfy in unique ways. Can you imagine diving into the heart of Italy with a rich, creamy risotto one evening, and by the next, venturing into the vibrant streets of Thailand with a tangy pad thai?

And the best part? Ever felt the weight of dietary restrictions pulling down your gourmet dreams? Those days are behind you. Think hearty chickpea stews, sumptuous vegetable curries, or maybe a tofu stir fry that bursts with flavors. Savor dishes like almond flour pizzas, zucchini pasta, or maybe a succulent steak with roasted veggies.

No more sifting through ingredient lists or fretting about cross-contamination. From fluffy gluten-free pancakes to nut-free desserts, the options are both safe and scrumptious.

For those watching their caloric intake, fear not! Enjoy robust dishes, artfully portioned, and crafted to keep you both fit and fulfilled. Often, these prepared meals might end up being pricier than if you were to source the ingredients and cook them up yourself.

Packaging woes! Meal deliveries mean more boxes, plastic wraps, containers, and ice packs. Although many companies are becoming more eco-conscious, the overall waste generated is a concern. Relying too much on these plans can take away the joy and skill of cooking. Homemade meals, despite the effort, have a warmth and personal touch to them.

While they offer a variety of dishes, customization can sometimes be limited. Want a tad more spice or perhaps a bit less salt? Are you a big eater or perhaps someone who prefers smaller meals? The one-size-fits-all approach might not always cater to individual appetites.

You might often find yourself too full or perhaps still peckish. After the initial honeymoon phase, you might notice certain patterns or repetitions in the menu. Reflect upon your lifestyle. Cons Single servings only Must order a minimum of nine items. Overview Daily Harvest specializes in plant-based heat-and-eat meals, smoothies, soups, and snacks made with sustainably-sourced ingredients and no fillers, gluten, GMOs, or artificial additives.

To order, you'll build a box of either nine, 14, or 24 items, with volume-based discounts that increase the more items you purchase.

While all items arrive frozen instead of fresh, that just means they'll last a while in the freezer until you're ready to enjoy them. and Canada Products Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try It Revive Superfoods specializes in pre-portioned plant-based smoothies, soups, snacks, and supermeals that can be ready to enjoy in minutes.

Pros Nutritious foods with minimal prep Zero-waste philosophy Can order up to 24 items at a time Cons Limited variety of non-smoothie items Shipping costs extra Overview If you're looking to incorporate more superfoods into your meal rotation, Revive Superfoods is a great option.

Simply add your choice of liquid and blend the ingredients until smooth. You can also choose from soups, oat bowls, frozen desserts, "supermeal" grain bowls, and "bites" made of chewy oatmeal filled with jam. Pricing and Plans Pricing depends on what you order. Begin by selecting a box size of either nine, 12, or 24 items, then simply fill it with your choice of menu selections.

Why You Should Try It Despite its low cost, HelloFresh offers a huge selection of delicious meals that are easy to prepare. Pros Dozens of weekly menu and market items Great-tasting creative and classic recipes Responsible ingredient sourcing and packaging.

Recipes are made of high-quality ingredients shipped in sustainable packaging, and they're each tested 45 times to ensure deliciousness and simplicity. Meals We Tried Crispy buffalo-spiced chicken BBQ cheddar burgers Tex-Mex pork with mango salsa Pork sausage rigatoni rosa.

Why You Should Try It Home Chef offers delicious, family-friendly meals, including minimal prep options, at a competitive price. Pros Easily customizable meals Easy prep options Serves up to six people. Cons Not focused on organic food Cannot accommodate strict dietary restrictions like vegan and keto.

Overview HomeChef is known for its easily customizable, great-tasting meal kits. Of the two plans—Home Chef and Fresh and Easy—the Fresh and Easy option provides the most convenience. This plan includes 15 Minute Meal Kits with pre-portioned ingredients that cook in under 15 minutes; Oven-Ready and Grill-Ready Meals that are fully prepped and ready to cook; and Fast and Fresh Meals that arrive cooked and only need reheating.

Pricing and Plans According to Home Chef's website, the weekly cost will depend on the size of your order and the meal options you select. Meals We Tried Crispy sweet chili shrimp rice bowl Creamy tomato and steak penne Gnocchi and red pepper cream Moo shu pork lettuce cups.

Pros Weekly rotating meal choices Easy to skip orders Helpful customer support options. Cons Not the cheapest choice Few customization options Overview With dozens of flavorful menu choices each week, Blue Apron is the ultimate service for gourmet food lovers.

Customers can choose from multiple meal preferences, including chef favorites, family-friendly, and vegetarian. And, in select areas, customers can add on marketplace items, such as pantry essentials , kitchen tools, and even wine.

Meals We Tried Meal Kits Togarashi shrimp and vegetable fried rice Space Ranger chicken enchiladas One-pan white bean and poblano shakshuka Baked meatballs and romesco mayo. Prepared Meals Sweet and spicy beef bowl with rice, peppers, and edamame Chicken alfredo pasta with peas.

Why You Should Try It Mom's Meals' main mission is to provide affordable, convenient, and nutritious meals to senior citizens.

Pros Menus designed by dietitians Senior-friendly meal options Multiple dietary needs accommodated. Cons Shipping costs extra Ordering process can be confusing for some. Overview Mom's Meals provides an easy and cost-effective way for seniors to get nutritious dinners on the table.

Featuring an extensive menu of dietitian-designed meals, the company delivers nutritionally balanced, fully-prepared foods that only require a few minutes of heating to enjoy.

Meals cater to various dietary needs, including low sodium, gluten-free, and heart-, renal-, and diabetes-friendly. The company also works with agencies like Medicaid and Medicare to allow customers to receive their meals at affordable prices.

Customers may also be eligible to receive subsidized meals through health plans and agencies like Medicaid and Medicare. 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 fry vegetables with teriyaki sauce, white rice, applesauce Sweet and sour chicken with stir fry 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.

A meal delivery service is a subscription plan that delivers meal kits or fully prepared meals to your home based on your preferences. Meal kits include portioned ingredients and instructions for you to prepare the recipes, while fully prepared meals just need to be heated before serving.

Prices depend on a number of factors, including the company, type of meal, and quantity. Often, the more meals you include in your plan, the cheaper your plan typically becomes. There are also usually sign-up promotions that offer a significant discount off the standard price. Most meal delivery services are commitment-free.

All of the options in our list allow you to skip a week, pause your subscription, or cancel any time before a weekly deadline. We researched 40 different meal delivery services and narrowed them down by price.

The middle tier are Hellofresh (owns EP), MarleySpoon (owns D), BlueApron and HomeChef. I like Homechef best. You can balla.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

Affordable meal subscription services - Dinnerly is the affordable meal delivery service on the market. Open the door to unfussy, affordable weeknight cooking The middle tier are Hellofresh (owns EP), MarleySpoon (owns D), BlueApron and HomeChef. I like Homechef best. You can balla.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

Once unpacked, I did a quick wash and dry for the produce, and the rest of the meal was pretty straightforward. I timed the cook, and sure enough, it was pretty close to the estimation on the cards — 47 minutes for me for a slightly more well-done steak and an older oven for the crispy potatoes.

The green cousin of Hello Fresh, Green Chef stands out as a traditional meal kit with better-for-you options. When researching all the kits on the market, I noticed that Green Chef offered the first Keto options for those following a fad diet trend.

Now, they offer an array of other options, too, from vegetarian to plant-based to paleo. I went with the sesame shrimp noodle bowls from their gluten-free menu, which claimed to take 25 minutes to cook. The kit came with everything I needed, sans salt, pepper and cooking oil, so make sure you have those on hand.

A new sister site to the HelloFresh family, Factor is unlike the rest of its siblings in that no cooking is required — unless you consider using a microwave cooking. I decided to cook my pumpkin pancakes in the microwave, to see if they really stand up to the chewy-making effect a micro can have on some frozen foods.

The cons: even though it was a microwave meal, there were a few sticky steps, such as flipping each hot pancake and then making sure the butter was melted all the way through the stack of three cakes. As for the taste, neither a pro nor a con.

They definitely tasted like healthier pancakes — butter and syrup helped — and the addition of the nuts on top was a satisfying touch. To wash it all down, I also grabbed one of the cold-pressed juices — Factor also offers wellness shots in addition to their four juice flavors.

The pineapple turmeric basil juice sounded super interesting, and sure enough, it was as tasty as it was vitamin-packed. The option to go to my fridge instead of a 9-dollar-a-pop juice shop with a hipster barista is worth it in and of itself for me.

There are even dessert options, too — the dark chocolate peppermint keto-friendly cheesecake was my personal favorite. The very best part of this kit for me was the ability to feel like I was having a fancy meal without any of the work. Not only for Thanksgiving , Gobble is the meal kit that serves up generous turkey-day-sized portions no matter the season.

The first thing I noticed about Gobble was just how much fresh produce I received in my order. For the beautiful Italian flat iron steak meal, which is supposedly two servings, I got a huge bag of ripe cherry tomatoes and an entire bundle of green onions.

For my miso-baked salmon, I got a giant bag of fresh broccoli and a ton of jasmine rice. During the unboxing alone, it was evident that Gobble values quantity and quality. The four balls of cookie dough that came with my meal, not that I had any room left in my stomach after the meal to come.

A second dessert stomach is a thing, right? Another thing to note was the smaller, more compact recipe cards. While they are so much easier to save and store in a kitchen drawer than full-sized pieces of paper, they are also a bit more cramped in terms of directions and information.

The total time for my medium-rare meal came out to 29 minutes and 33 seconds, prep work included. For a full steak dinner that yielded enough for two portions and leftovers of the polenta and veggies, this is the kit for hungry families who want to spend some quality time together in the kitchen.

Though I am a carnivore through and through, I found that Purple Carrot is a great introduction to vegan eating. When choosing a meal to cook, I knew I wanted something that I loved already in its original meaty form, made vegan, to really put the box to the test.

After I had chopped everything down to size and foraged for my mushroom heads well, I picked them apart from the woody stems, but it sure felt like foraging , 15 minutes had already ticked by. The rest of the cook was pretty straightforward, used minimal dishes, and came out almost exactly like the photo, albeit a bit more soupy of a sauce.

Did this vegan dupe stand up to comforting chicken and dumplings? Another pro: everything was included in the box except salt, pepper, and oil, as they made sure to package vegan butter, flour, baking soda, and thyme into pre-measured baggies.

For those who do want to eat plant-based for all three meals of the day and then some, the site does offer a lot of different options, changed up every week. On the site now, curate your box with eight different dinner options, two breakfasts, two lunches and six different snacks from an array of vegan companies.

Instead, expect a trifecta of support, with meals, coaching, and tracking, too. Trifecta is indeed a meal kit company, meaning you can simply order the meals to arrive at your home, fresh and pre-packaged, sent to your door on ice to then be reheated in the microwave or oven. However, for those who want a whole-body and mind experience when it comes to healthy eating and lifestyle, you can add a lot more from Trifecta.

Back to the food at hand — and in fridge — there are a variety of options to choose from when selecting your meal plan. When receiving my box, I loved that all of the items were packaged with the meals clearly labeled, helping me choose which I wanted to eat now and stick in the fridge and which I wanted to freeze for later — you can freeze the meals for up to three months in the freezer, or leave them for up to seven days in the fridge.

To really put the flavors and textures to the test, I used the microwave, and to my delight, the rice was cooked to perfection, the sausages were left juicy, and the packaging was cool enough to touch.

One note: since these meals are in sustainable packaging, the bottom may get soggy, so it is advised to use a plate underneath. Otherwise, the meals provided enough food for a full meal maybe add fresh fruit on the side and made me feel more energized than if I had grabbed a different freezer meal from the grocery store.

Clean eating has never been easier, with Sakara Life calling the shots for every meal of the day. The plant-based and nutrition-focused meal delivery service is one that can really revamp the way you eat breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. The meals each come in a take-out style container, with a sticker indicating when I should eat the meal right down to the time and day of the week.

The best part for me was the portability and ease of the whole thing, especially as someone who skips breakfast or opts for a muffin when running late.

While heating my dinner bowl, a Sakara burger with chili cashew creme, I decided to browse the site to see what sort of plans they offered.

For those who want to try out a weekly meal plan but are a bit timid, they do have a one-week trial to test the waters. If you like it, you can set up a recurring subscription and have Sakara Life meals all week long.

Bonus points for being super customizable, as some may want just a few days a week and others an entire fridge of pre-planned meals for their three squares. With my burger bowl, after incorporating the cashew creme and the other garlicky dressing, I do have to say that while not a burger in my meat-eating eyes, this was one of the best salads I have had — ever.

Even though this bowl was shipped to my door, everything was crunchy and fresh, with no wilted leaves in sight. As someone who spends far too much money at Sweetgreen only to find myself hungry again, finding filling and yummy salads and bowls that I can bring into the office can be a challenge.

This is where I think Territory Foods fits in nicely. They are also all made without gluten or dairy, which is super great for those with allergies in the house. The coolest part for me, though, was when I took a peek at the packaging and the menu, to find out that my options were actually tailored to my region, partnering with local chefs and restaurants to create the weekly menu of over 35 rotating options.

My Ginger Garlic Chicken Salad was not only ready-to-eat and delicious but was also made by Chef Rachelle Slotnick of Chantilly, VA. Also, a nod to the packaging, the removable slip contains the calories, protein, fat, and carbs of each meal, should you be tracking yours, as well as the eat-by date and the warming instructions if needed on the back.

The last thing that really sets Territory Foods apart is the pricing plan structure. When setting up my account, the first thing to make note of was just how many options for breakfast, lunch and dinner there are.

In unboxing, one quick thing to remember is that there is dry ice that comes on top of your order, so make sure to have an adult unpack and dispose of the ice. As for the meals, the smoothies and wellness shots can be thawed in the fridge or enjoyed as an icy treat.

I chose the latter for my mango guava smoothie due to my impatience, and it was a refreshing option that I sipped on during this whole review, and eventually melted into a drinkable smoothie. The wellness shots are more like a few sips, but great as an ice cube or a liquid — up to you.

The soups, however, should be reheated, in my opinion, and can be warmed in the microwave, as the bowls they come in are micro-safe and BPA-free. Can I hear it for no dishes? Full transparency, we had our very own Matt Levy help with this review, or, more specifically, his toddler did the hard work.

While the little one munched, mom and dad also took some bites, deeming the Nurture Life foods parent approved, should there be leftovers when your kiddo is done. These are chopped up small to prevent choking, and come in a variety of flavors to expose your tike to new flavors and textures. The meal service is great for those parents who are sick of sharing off their own plates as well, as the Nurture Life meals let your kid have their very own plate of yummy food, and a great option for those who need some more variety in their weekly kid-approved cooking rotation.

Starting from the way the package arrived — hand-delivered in a reusable tote, layered with ice to keep the food fresh — the whole CookUnity experience was restaurant-level without ever leaving home.

I was also sent a text to track my order, letting me know an hour in advance so I could be prepared. The food arrived in great shape, with no foggy plastic coverings or soggy cardboard to be found. The only downside to the meals is that they are single-serve, as I would have loved left overs or to be able to serve to a family or crowd — oh, well, more meals for me!

Eat Clean is a prepared meal delivery service, that not only takes the grocery shopping out of the equation like a typical meal kit, but also takes care of most of the prep work, cooking and cleaning.

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.

When it comes to meal kits, your options are many, and most services provide weekly recipes that are low on calories but still filling. HelloFresh has the most recipes per week of any meal kit service, so that might be your best bet for finding consistent meals that keep your diet goals on track.

But all services list the calorie content for each recipe, along with carbs, protein, sugar and sodium. Depending on your weight loss goals, a healthy prepared meal delivery or meal kit service can help.

Fresh N Lean, Pete's Real Food and Daily Harvest all have low-calorie meals to choose from. Some of the services listed here are healthy prepared meal delivery services , sending fully cooked meals -- often frozen or partially frozen -- and ready to eat when you receive them.

Others include health-focused meal kits with premeasured ingredients all boxed up and ready for easy weeknight cooking.

There's a stark difference between meal kits and meal delivery, but both make dinnertime easier and can translate into healthier eating choices for you in Plus, we sussed out the best healthy meal services for those on special diets like keto or paleo or for those who wish to eat organic prepared meals and meal kits.

Wellness Nutrition. Written by David Watsky. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks.

If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement. David lives in Brooklyn where he's spent more than a decade covering all things edible, including meal kit services, food subscriptions, kitchen tools and cooking tips.

Since earning a BA in English from Northeastern in Boston, he's toiled in nearly every aspect of the food business, including as a line cook in Rhode Island where he once made a steak sandwich for Lamar Odom.

Right now, he's likely somewhere stress-testing a blender or researching the best way to make bacon. Anything with sesame is his all-time favorite food this week.

Expertise Kitchen tools, appliances, food science, subscriptions and meal kits. See full bio. Why You Can Trust CNET. Table of Contents Top. Cheapest Meal Delivery Services of What's the best cheap meal delivery service?

Cheapest meal delivery services for Cheapest prepared meal services compared. How we test meal kits and meal delivery services. Factors to consider when choosing a meal delivery service. Why you should trust us. Cheap meal delivery FAQs. Back to selection. See at EveryPlate. Best cheap meal kits overall.

See at Fresh N' Lean. Best cheap prepared meal delivery overall. See at Dinnerly. Best cheap meal kits for picky eaters. See at Mosaic Foods. Best cheap vegan meals.

See at Blue Apron. Best cheap meal kits that include steak and seafood. See at Daily Harvest. Best cheap meal delivery for breakfast and lunch. See at HelloFresh.

Best cheap meal kits for diet and weight loss. FILTER BY all Meal Kit Prepared Meal. Showing 7 of 7 Results. Editors' choice. Show less. CNET rating out of 10 8. Cons Not as many healthy options No customization allowed. Type Meal Kit. Good for Healthy, family-friendly, comfort food, picky eaters, quick and easy.

Full Review Read full review. See at EveryPlate Best cheap meal kits overall EveryPlate. Show expert take Show less.

CNET rating out of 10 9. Pros Food mostly tastes great Good for diets and healthy eating plans. Cons Expensive if you only order fewer than 10 meals per week. Type Prepared Meal. Meal options per week Good for Keto, paleo, Whole30, gluten-free Mediterranean, vegan, vegetarian, high-protein. See at Fresh N' Lean Best cheap prepared meal delivery overall Fresh N Lean.

CNET rating out of 10 7. Pros Huge recipe selection More healthy options than other budget services. Cons Some recipes are bland and boring. Regional Availability Continental United States. See at Dinnerly Best cheap meal kits for picky eaters Dinnerly.

png","caption":" ","credits":"Mosaic Foods meal delivery service","imageData":{"id":"1cb0d31acfa-a2ea-2ad6b","filename":"mosaic. Pros Food is some of the best we tried Hearty and filling recipes. Cons Vegan pizzas are just OK. Type Prepared meal. Good for Vegan, vegetarian, paleo, gluten-free, low-calorie.

See at Mosaic Foods Best cheap vegan meals Mosaic Foods. Pros A standard plan includes steak and seafood recipes Recipes are interesting and easy to make. Cons Some produce was a little overripe.

Recipes per week Good for Vegetarian, low-calorie, gluten-free, pescetarian. See at Blue Apron Best cheap meal kits that include steak and seafood Blue Apron. Cons Some of the bowls an noodle dishes are just OK Smoothies can be sneakily high in sugar.

See at Daily Harvest Best cheap meal delivery for breakfast and lunch Daily Harvest. Pros Massive selection of recipes Recipes are customizable. Cons The menu can be overwhelming Not every recipe works. Good for Vegan, vegetarian, keto, gluten-free, low-calorie, Whole30, families, picky eaters.

See at HelloFresh Best cheap meal kits for diet and weight loss HelloFresh.

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