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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
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After testing meals from more than 20 companies, we named Factor the best prepared meal delivery service. See which other services made our list.
Meal delivery services can be an easy way to add more variety to your diet while saving time on meal prep.
Prepared meal delivery services are especially convenient. Many offer premade meals delivered directly to your door — no cooking, cutting, or cleaning required.
However, not all prepared meal delivery services are created equal.
Healthline writers and editors tested more than 20 of the most popular prepared meal delivery services to find out which ones are worth your money.
Disclaimer: All the services tested below were tried by Healthline writers or editors, who received the meals for free. All opinions are our own.
Quick refresh on meal delivery services
Meal kits
the service sends you fresh ingredients; you prepare the food based on their recipe
Prepared meals
these meals are cooked and packed for you; all you have to do is warm them up
Frozen meals
these are prepared meals but are frozen so they have a longer shelf life; all you need to do is warm them up
Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:
(Healthline score)
(4.3)
(4.3)
• $12.99 otherwise
(4.3)
(4.1)
(4.3)
(4.0)
Here’s a quick rundown of six additional fully prepared meal delivery services that we tested:
- Daily Harvest (3.6 out of 5): This plant-based service is similar to Splendid Spoon in terms of the types of entrees offered: smoothies, grain bowls, soups, etc. While we appreciated the creative ingredient combinations and high quality ingredients, many of the items we tested fell flat in terms of texture and satiety power.
- Epicured (4.1 out of 5): Following a low FODMAP diet isn’t easy, so the convenience factor alone makes this service worth considering. Our tester was also pleasantly surprised to find that the service delivered on taste and texture. Just keep in mind that Epicured isn’t cheap.
- Bistro MD (4.1 out of 5): This prepared meal service is tailored specifically for weight loss. Our tester Steven Rowe, a Healthline contributor, loved the taste and texture of the meals but loved the shakes the most “as they were very satisfying and flavorful.” Bistro MD didn’t make our list because of its reportedly small portions and high shipping costs.
- Mosaic Foods (3.8 out of 5): Mosaic Foods is a great option for plant-based diets for vegans and vegetarians alike. The service offers family-size and single-serve portions with menu options that match, but it didn’t make our list because some of the meals were hit-or-miss, according to Healthline contributor Kelli McGrane.
- Halal Meal Prep (3.4 out of 5): Jamie Elmer, project manager for copy edit at Healthline, tried Halal Meal Prep when she and her husband had just moved into a new home. She liked that she didn’t need a subscription to get meals and that she could see the full menu and choose items before purchasing. But this service didn’t make our list because the website was not easy to navigate and some meals were hit-or-miss.
At Healthline, we know that meal delivery services are an investment, so we’ve taken the time to test more than 20 of the most popular prepared meal delivery services on the market. Testers select a week’s worth of meals from multiple menus to get a well-rounded view of the types of flavors and ingredients offered.
During testing, we consider several factors, including the ease of the sign-up and meal selection process, the variety and nutritional composition of the meals offered, ingredient quality and freshness, how easy the meals are to cook, and, of course, the taste. You can learn more about how we test meal kits.
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate menus and ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the meal delivery services on this page, we considered all the services that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further. Read more about how we test meal delivery services.
Here are several factors to consider when selecting a prepared meal delivery service that’s right for you:
- Menu selection: Look for a company that offers a diverse menu, with a variety of options to fit your specific food preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Ingredient quality: In addition to freshness, some people may prefer a service that uses organic or sustainably sourced ingredients.
- Nutritional quality: Opt for services that prioritize meals containing lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables. When possible, try to avoid meals that contain artificial additives or large amounts of sodium or added sugars.
- Cost and availability: As these services vary greatly in price, be sure to select a service that fits your monthly budget, including shipping. It’s also important to check whether the service is available in your area.
Fully prepared meal delivery services provide ready-made fresh or frozen meals, which require little to no cooking or preparation. These meal delivery services are designed to help you spend less time in the kitchen and can be a convenient alternative to meal kits or buying ingredients and preparing meals at home.
Meal delivery services might be worth the investment if you’re looking for a convenient way to save time on cooking each week. Prepared meals can also be a simple way to enjoy nutritious foods and include a wider variety of ingredients in your weekly menu.
Factor and Trifecta Nutrition are two of our favorite healthy prepared options because many of their meals are crafted to be nutritionally balanced, featuring lean proteins, complex carbs, and plenty of vegetables. They also feature menus to suit certain diet patterns.
However, if you’re looking for services that focus on whole foods and plant-based meals, Sprinly, Daily Harvest, and Splendid Spoon all feature vegetable-forward meals with plant-based protein sources.
Factor is our favorite prepared meal delivery service, thanks to its diverse menu and innovative flavor combinations.
Home Chef is another popular service that offers an assortment of oven-ready meals and meal kit options, depending on your preferences.
Many meal delivery services are available and can help you enjoy healthy meals at home.
There are options for many specific diets and food preferences, including services tailored to older adults, vegetarians, athletes, and more.
When picking a prepared meal delivery service, be sure to consider factors such as cost, availability, variety, and quality.
