Meal package delivery services are sure to make your life easier. And they do, if you choose one. But with the field of services growing so rapidly in recent years, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. Whether you’re going vegan, cooking for a family of six, or just looking to find your feet in the kitchen, there’s probably a service that caters to your needs. Some meal kits deliver pre-made meals, while others deliver ingredients paired with recipes, and still others are grocery delivery services. All of them aim to make the process of planning and cooking meals more convenient, and how to do them differently. guide to ensure accuracy. Some are downright bad, so choose the right one for your lifestyle. I’m an experienced home cook, and I don’t have dietary restrictions or picky dietary choices, but I’m looking for plant-based meals along with other omnivorous options. I also had taste-testing help from a lifelong vegan, a fussy child, and my cat (by accident). Taking into account recipes, ingredients, ease of use, amount of packaging waste, and the fact that every home chef has different needs, you’ll find the best food delivery services below. Updated January 2025: We have added Gardencup and new. Gobble photos, plus double-checked links and prices. Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get the best-in-class reports that matter so much to your attention for only $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.AccordionItemContainerButtonPRICE: Despite marketing claims to the contrary, meal kits cost more than buying groceries. However, it is usually cheaper than taking it out and is healthier. If you want to measure whether the trade-off is worth it, the good news is that like mattress-in-a-box companies, meal kit companies usually have some running promotions. Most meal kit pricing models offer bulk discounts: The more meals you buy each week, the lower the price per serving. We detail dietary restrictions and subscription fees below. If you want to skip a week or cancel, you can find this information in the account section of the website of the selected service.WIRED: Convenient meal packages; I don’t have to worry about planning dinner, shopping, or panicking about junk food after forgetting to eat a proper meal during the day. Learning to cook with one of the best food delivery services can give you confidence and give you the basics. If you’re busy, or can’t be bothered, a meal kit can be just what you need to cook, and cooking at home will never be a bad thing. Meal kits may be right for you if you’re cooking for a small household, if you work non-traditional hours, if you hate thinking about what to make for dinner, if you want to stop ordering in altogether, or if you’re trying. to develop your cooking skills. TIRED: Nothing beats learning to cook the old fashioned way, so give it a try too. It’s cheaper and you learn more if you pick your own fruit or spoil the chicken for $5. You just don’t get the experience when everything has arrived at your doorstep and the chicken section is prepackaged. Planning and grocery shopping are an integral part of the art of cooking. Packaged meals are also generally more wasteful than traditional home cooking, and often more expensive. Meal kits may be the wrong choice for you if you’re on a tight budget, if you’re cooking for a large household, or if you want tighter control over the specific ingredients you’ll use. What if I have allergies, a Specific Diet, or Go on Vacation a Lot?AccordionItemContainerButton You are probably covered. Most meal kit services have a way to filter out common allergens or dietary preferences, and most recipes have specific nutritional information listed so you’ll always be informed. And if you travel a lot, it’s usually easy to go to your account settings and skip a week, pause your plan, or cancel it altogether. This factor varies by service, but we have listed some specifics below.AccordionItemContainerButton For each service below, I tested a minimum of three meals, following the recipe instructions exactly. I usually make it for dinner and prioritized testing the protein mix and culinary skills needed (for example, testing one-pan dishes in addition to more complex proteins, side dishes, and sauces). I aim to try a variety of dishes that will appeal to many people, including vegetable-forward options and meals that will be quick to make for the family versus meals that will be good for a date night.
