For those who don’t have the time to shop, meal plan and cook, a prepared-meal delivery service can be a lifesaver. Shape editors put meal kit and prepared meal services to the test to find out which ones truly are worth the subscription fee. Look for services that offer grocery delivery, ever-changing menu options and dietary flexibility—including Whole30, keto, vegan, paleo and low-calorie meals.
Sunbasket
Sun basket is one of the more health-conscious meal delivery services available, specializing in organic produce and free-range eggs, along with meats that are raised without antibiotics or hormones. Their food is also delivered to your doorstep fresher than what you get at the grocery store, with a focus on eco-friendly packaging. The menu at Sun basket is flexible, with options that cater to a variety of diets. It also accomodates food allergies, though they recommend that you read the label carefully and consult your doctor about any severe reactions.
Their boxes are delivered in a reusable, recyclable box with denim and paper insulation, and they’re kept cold with ice packs made of recycled plastic. The company does a great job of sharing recycling guidelines and recommendations on its website. You can modify your orders, skip a week or change your delivery day by Wednesday prior to the week you’re receiving a shipment. You can also order add-ons, like fresh pasta, protein packs and snacks.
Shape
Shape is a healthy meal delivery service that offers a variety of menu options, add-on items, and protein customizations. It also focuses on using organic ingredients and recyclable packaging. The company’s goal is to make nutritious meals accessible to all, regardless of income or dietary restrictions. This service delivers frozen meals that can be easily reheated in just five minutes or less. This makes it a good option for those who don’t have much time to cook and want to eat healthy on a budget.
The best healthy meal delivery services are mindful of their customers’ health concerns and provide a range of calorie-conscious, low-carb, vegetarian, kosher, and vegan recipes. In addition, they make it easy to pause, skip, or cancel subscriptions, which is important for people with busy lifestyles. Most of the best meal delivery services also offer a free trial period, so you can try before committing.
Martha & Marley Spoon
This meal delivery service is perfect for intrepid home cooks who have basic cooking skills and don’t mind spending some time in the kitchen. It also works well for couples and families who enjoy a mix of familiar comfort foods and creative meals that are inspired by international cuisines. The menu also includes plenty of vegetarian options as well as healthy, low calorie meals. Recipes that are tagged as low calorie or keto-friendly have been reviewed by a nutritionist to make sure they meet those specifications.
The company offers a large number of add-ons to help you customize your weekly delivery, including extra proteins and pantry items like flour and pasta. It also has a simple online portal that makes it easy to change your delivery day or skip a week, though you’ll need to make these changes five or six days in advance depending on your location. You can also pause your subscription or cancel it at any time without needing to contact customer support.
Dinnerly
The Dinnerly website is intuitive and easy to navigate, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. The sign-up process allows users to select a plan and choose how many meals they want to receive each week. They can also change their meal selections and delivery date as needed. The menu includes recipes from around the world, including Italian, Mexican, Indian, Japanese, Cuban and Lebanese cuisines. The service offers a flexible subscription and offers a free trial for new customers.
Dinnerly keeps its prices low by offering a variety of recipes that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, and only using 5-7 ingredients. This makes it a good choice for busy people who don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. Customer support is available via email, online submission form and live chat. Dinnerly also offers a mobile app that enables you to manage your account and recipes on the go. You can also pause or cancel your subscription.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the best meal delivery services offer a delightful fusion of convenience, quality, and variety. With numerous options available to cater to diverse dietary preferences and lifestyles, these services simplify meal planning and preparation, making it easier for individuals to enjoy delicious and nutritious meals at home.
FAQs:
Are meal delivery services cost-effective compared to cooking at home?
Meal delivery services can vary in cost, but they can be cost-effective compared to eating out at restaurants. While they may be slightly more expensive than cooking at home from scratch, they save you time and effort, making them a worthwhile investment for busy individuals or families.
Can I choose specific meals or ingredients in meal delivery services?
Yes, many meal delivery services offer the flexibility to choose specific meals or ingredients based on your preferences. Some services even allow you to customize your meals to suit dietary restrictions or particular nutritional needs, providing you with a personalized dining experience
