Best Thanksgiving Meal Delivery Services: Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner Without All The Work
Thanksgiving should be a joyous occasion yet it often means days spent in the kitchen. That’s why our expert foodies have ordered, tasted, prepped and sized-up dozens of thanksgiving meal delivery services to remove some of the stress. This page presents the top meal delivery services for Thanksgiving.
Although the Thanksgiving dinner itself gives us time to unwind and focus on gratitude and family, the period leading up to it is anything but relaxing.
On average, people hosting a Thanksgiving meal will spend $310, make several trips to the store, and spend half a day preparing for the meal (according to NBC). This is for a meal for 10, but nevertheless even if you plan on only cooking for yourself and your partner, creating a Thanksgiving meal is never simple, cheap, or hassle-free.
Given this, you may be craving a Thanksgiving meal without the stress, time or battle at the overcrowded stores. If yes, then a meal delivery service could be exactly what you are after.
Overall Best Thanksgiving Prepared Meal Delivery
Prepared meal services feature dishes that are ready to heat and eat upon arrival. The dishes are chilled or frozen, and will last in the fridge for around one week.
Overall Best Thanksgiving Meal Kit Delivery Service
A meal kit is a box of fresh ingredients that you’ll prepare yourself at home. Each meal kit comes with a detailed set of cooking instructions and is designed for both rookie and experienced chefs alike.
Overall Best Thanksgiving Prepared Meal Delivery
Prepared meal services feature dishes that are ready to heat and eat upon arrival. The dishes are chilled or frozen, and will last in the fridge for around one week.
Starting price
- Between 30 and 40 menu options to choose from
- Meals heat up within 3 minutes
- Shipping varies from $3.99 to $12.99, depending on the box size
- Dinner options
- Limited variety of dietary options; heavy on poultry dishes; gluten-free and peanut-free options
Healthy
Athletes & Fitness
Keto
Popular Freshly Meals
Shrimp & Andouille Paella with Roasted Red Peppers
- Prep & Cook Time 25-30 min
-
Difficulty Level
Moderate
-
Spice Level
Not spicy
Meal Overview
Plump and flavorful shrimp tossed in a garlicky herb oil with a subtle kick of heatMixed with turmeric-scented rice and coins of smoky andouille sausage Sauté of peppers, onions, tomatoes, green chickpeas, sliced green olives, and fragrant spices. Finished with a squeeze of lemon for freshness.
In Your Box
- Green Chickpeas
- Green Olives
- Red Bell Pepper
- Andouille Sausage
- Shrimp
- Onion
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 530 Calories
- 68g Carbs
- 9g Total fat
- 37g Protein
Steak Peppercorn with Sautéed Carrots & French Green Beans
- Prep & Cook Time 35-40 min
-
Difficulty Level
Easy
-
Spice Level
Not spicy
Meal Overview
Tender, high protein, flat iron steal grilled to perfection with a creamy mashed potatoes as a hearty accompaniment. On a side dish of French green beans and vitamin-rich sautéed carrots tossed with garlic oil, lemon, and herbs. With a creamy peppercorn sauce made with yogurt and porcini mushrooms toppings. And to finish your dish add with freshly chopped parsley.
In Your Box
- Green Beans
- Flat Iron Steak
- Red Potatoes
- Carrots
- Cassava Flour
- Plain Yogurt
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 500 Calories
- 38g Carbs
- 26g Total fat
- 29g Protein
Overall Best Thanksgiving Meal Kit Delivery Service
A meal kit is a box of fresh ingredients that you’ll prepare yourself at home. Each meal kit comes with a detailed set of cooking instructions and is designed for both rookie and experienced chefs alike.
Starting price
- Between two and four options per meal
- Prep and cook time takes between five and 10 minutes for breakfast options, around 15 minutes for lunch, and between 40 and 50 minutes for dinner
- Cost of shipping ranges from $5.99 to $11.99
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack options
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free options
Vegetarian
Vegan
Plant Based
Popular Purple Carrot Meals
Kimchi Mushroom Fried Rice with Bok Choy & Sriracha Aioli
- Prep & Cook Time 35-40 min
-
Difficulty Level
Easy
-
Spice Level
Not spicy
Meal Overview
This vegan version of fried rice makes the most of the kimchi that you might have forgotten about in your fridge; aged kimchi (also called old kimchi) has a stronger favour than the stuff that’s been made within a few months.
In Your Box
- 1 carrot
- 6 baby bok choy
- 1 scallion
- 8 cremini mushrooms
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 fresh ginger
- 5 3⁄5 vegan cabbage kimchi
- 3⁄4 short grain brown rice
- 1⁄4 Follow Your Heart® Soy-Free Vegenaise®
- 1 Roland® Sriracha
- 2 vegetable oil*
- Salt and pepper*
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 500 Calories
- 21g Fat
- 77g Carbohydrates
- 11g Protein
Hoisin Tofu Steaks with Sticky Rice & Spinach Poppy Seed Salad
- Prep & Cook Time 30-35 min
-
Difficulty Level
Easy
-
Spice Level
Not spicy
Meal Overview
with Sticky Rice & Spinach Poppy Seed Salad
In Your Box
- 1⁄2 quinoa speckled rice
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tamari
- 1⁄4 Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 cashew butter
- 3 rice vinegar
- 1 agave
- 2 poppy seeds
- 1 clementine
- 3 sliced almonds
- 14 organic extra firm tofu
- 2 baby spinach
- 2 vegetable oil*
- Salt and pepper*
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 550 Calories
- 24g Fat
- 61g Carbohydrates
- 29g Protein
What Can You Eat on Thanksgiving?
A healthy Thanksgiving dinner consists of your favorite holiday dishes while incorporating portion control, healthier ingredient options, and a few dietary tips, allowing for indulgence without going overboard.
Traditionally, Americans eat turkey, various side dishes, such as potatoes, green beans, rolls, and stuffing, and a fall-themed dessert. This can vary according to cultural background and dietary preferences.
These foods are not necessarily problematic, though overindulgence can lead to weight gain. Also, often additional fats and sugars are used abundantly throughout the meal, causing us to eat more calories than we need.
One solution to this is to use a Thanksgiving meal delivery plan. On this page, we’ll go over the pros and cons of a Thanksgiving diet and how meal delivery plans simplify their approach.
The factors we use to rank top Thanksgiving meal service provides
We created our list of top Thanksgiving meal delivery services according to the following criteria:
Number of Weekly Meal Options– How much do you need to pay per serving? Do you require a subscription?
Prep & Cook Time– How long does it take before you can enjoy your meal?
Shipping Options and CostHow much do they charge for shipping? How large are the portions?
Meal Variety and Meal Types – How many meals do you have to choose from?
Cost – How much do you need to pay for each meal? Do you need to subscribe?
Note: High-quality meats include grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, cage-free eggs, and seafood from sustainable sources. Harvesting or raising meat is thought to be more ethical than traditional farming practices. Grass-fed beef and cage-free eggs could have better nutrient profiles than traditional beef and eggs.
How do Thanksgiving Prepared Meals & Thanksgiving Kits Work?
A meal kit will be delivered with all the ingredients you require to make healthy meals to meet your particular dietary needs. With prepared meal services dishes arrive ready to heat up and eat.
It is important that you have some idea of what to expect when you order a prepared Thanksgiving meal. To start with, the meals typically arrive in plastic black trays (or something similar) and are made to be reheated in the microwave. Prepared Thanksgiving meals delivered to your door can provide a delicious meal, however, some people note that they can be short on visual appeal. They may also not be quite as textured or crunchy as freshly cooked meals.
The best delivery Thanksgiving meals are those that come with nutritional information that meet your health goals. Good Thanksgiving meal providers should also deliver at a time that suits you and must provide you the level of flexibility you need. Take all these factors into consideration before you select a Thanksgiving meal provider.
Best Thanksgiving Prepared Meal Delivery Services for 2021
1.Freshly
Freshly is the perfect meal delivery service for the individual who wants to spend minimal time cooking a Thanksgiving meal. Customers can choose the traditional turkey dinner or opt for one of more than 30 other oven-ready meal options. Who says you have to go for turkey, or even have trimmings of any sort on Thanksgiving? You might find that your guests are fed up with turkey – along with sides like yams. If they’re happy to mix it up, speak to a Freshly representative to get some fresh ideas.
| Avg. Meal Price | $8.49/meal |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Cooks within three minutes |
| Shipping Cost | Ranges from $3.99 to $12.99 depending on the box size |
| Shipping Regions | Nationwide |
| Sample Meals |
|
An effortless meal, representing the iconic American Thanksgiving dinner with the traditional go-to dishes.
The Bottom Line
Freshly provides a simple and traditional Thanksgiving meal without all the work.
2. BistroMD
BistroMD specializes in providing gourmet meals that are healthy and under 450 calories. Another ready to heat-and-serve meal service, they prioritize both convenience and health goals. If you are someone with health concerns, Bistro MD allows you to enjoy a delicious holiday meal with everyone else, without sacrificing your wellness journey. Though their prices do tend to run on the higher side, the attention they pay to provide healthy meals makes it worth it.
| Avg. Meal Price | $9.50 to $13.00/meal |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Heats in five minutes or less |
| Shipping Cost | $19.95/delivery |
| Shipping Regions | The Contiguous U.S. |
| Sample Meals |
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This plan, while higher in price, also includes a consultation with a dietician and online community support.
The Bottom Line
Designed by a doctor, dieticians, and chefs, this meal plan prioritizes nutrition, health, and taste.
3. Veestro
Veestro is a prepared meal delivery service catered to vegetarians and vegans. That doesn’t, however, limit them in any way as far as meal options and flavor. While being completely plant-based and health-promoting, Veestro still manages to provide an authentic and somewhat traditional Thanksgiving meal option.
What’s also great is that the meal can be heated up within five minutes. This is the perfect option for any plant-based customer looking to celebrate the holidays without the hassle.
| Avg. Meal Price | A la carte options at $11.99 a piece, or a holiday family meal pack, including four portions of their main Thanksgiving dishes, along with sides and a homemade pecan pie for $169.00 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Heats within five minutes |
| Shipping Cost | Free with a subscription; $10.00 for one-time purchase |
| Shipping Regions | The Contiguous U.S. |
| Sample Meals |
|
For an entirely vegetarian meal plan, we were impressed that the dishes still maintained that traditional Thanksgiving feel.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an option that is plant-based, healthy, and oven-ready, Veestro is a perfect option for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Best Thanksgiving Meal Kit Delivery Services for 2021
1. Purple Carrot
Purple Carrot is a plant-based meal kit delivery service offering delicious vegan-friendly cuisine. With easy-to-follow recipes, they provide both convenience and elegance to your Thanksgiving dinner.
Ready in only three hours, a Purple Carrots Thanksgiving box offers the best of both worlds: a home-cooked meal without the extensive to-do list. Classic ingredients with rich flavor profiles ensure everyone will be satisfied. At a reasonable price, you can feel confident knowing this Thanksgiving meal won’t break the bank.
| Avg. Meal Price | Thanksgiving box special price of $65 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Cook time varies from 20 minutes to 1 hour depending on the dish; plan to prepare the entire Thanksgiving meal in just over 3 hours |
| Shipping Cost | Between $5.99 and $11.99 depending on the box size |
| Shipping Regions | The Contiguous U.S. |
| Sample Meals |
|
This meal is very traditional while also being authentic and diverse in flavor.
The Bottom Line
Versatility and classic ingredients combine to create a flavorful and original plant-based Thanksgiving meal that even meat lovers can appreciate.
2. Home Chef
Home Chef is one of the leading brands in meal delivery service. They have excellent customer service and cater to a wide variety of dietary needs. Their Thanksgiving box in particular consists of a succulent turkey breast roast, several savory sides, and a straight-forward but delicious dessert.
Focusing on the traditional Thanksgiving staples, Home Chef is spot-on regarding flavor. With only 3.5 hours needed for cooking, the customer is promised more time to enjoy the company of their guests. This is one Thanksgiving meal kit that won’t disappoint.
| Avg. Meal Price | $20/person for the Thanksgiving box |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Oven and grill ready options for 5-minute prep, and 30-minute average meals. |
| Shipping Cost | Free shipping on orders over $49 |
| Shipping Regions | Ships Nationwide |
| Sample Meals |
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Home Chef sticks to the familiar Thanksgiving favorites, ensuring flavor profiles are on point.
The Bottom Line
Serving anywhere from six to 10 people, Home Chef does a great job creating a delectable and traditional Thanksgiving meal kit that almost anyone can put together following their step-by-step recipes.
3. HelloFresh
HelloFresh delivers fresh, high-quality, and nutrient-dense ingredients to provide the optimal easy-to-follow meal kit. Their Thanksgiving box is unique in that you have the choice between the classic roasted turkey or a peppercorn-crusted beef tenderloin, letting you decide how traditional you want your meal to be.
The sides offered are the standard dishes most people love and expect of a holiday meal, but that doesn’t mean they’re boring. High quality and fresh ingredients ensure this meal is elevated to meet everyone’s expectations.
| Avg. Meal Price | The turkey and sides box is $13.90/person; the beef tenderloin and sides box is $19/person |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 4 hours |
| Shipping Cost | $8.99 |
| Shipping Regions | The Contiguous U.S. |
| Sample Meals |
|
The HelloFresh Thanksgiving Meal Kit is an ode to flavorful and straightforward dishes.
The Bottom Line
Between the two different protein options and several sides, HelloFresh offers a rewarding meal.
4. Sunbasket
Sunbasket is one of the most expensive Thanksgiving meal delivery kits. However, their elevated menu options justify the added cost, promising a top-notch gourmet meal. Regarding Thanksgiving box options, Sunbasket offers the most variety.
While turkey is, of course, one of the menu options, they also provide a multitude of other protein choices. With options such as surf & turf or prime rib roast, this is one Thanksgiving meal on par with that of a high-end gourmet restaurant.
| Avg. Meal Price | Thanksgiving proteins vary in price from $69 to $259, with serving sizes varying; the sides cost $19 each |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Several hours; time depends on which protein and sides are selected |
| Shipping Cost | $7.99 |
| Shipping Regions | The Contiguous U.S. |
| Sample Meals |
|
Sunbasket’s Thanksgiving options are beautiful and gourmet, though not the nostalgic recipes we’re used to on Thanksgiving.
The Bottom Line
Sunbasket goes above and beyond to provide elegant options for Thanksgiving that are delicious. Be prepared, however, to spend more on the high-end menu.
5. Blue Apron
Blue Apron is a flexible meal kit delivery service providing lots of flavor to Americans every week. For their Thanksgiving feast, they offer the standard American dishes with a fun twist of authentic spice and seasoning. Their take on Thanksgiving is best described as southern spice.
This is one service that also offers an optional 6-pack of holiday wines. If you’re looking for a twist on the traditional Thanksgiving meal, without the hours spent planning a menu and shopping for ingredients, Blue Apron is the right choice for you.
| Avg. Meal Price | The Thanksgiving feast is $135; mix-and-match is $70 with optional add-ons; there’s also an optional six-pack of holiday wines available for $59.95 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Just over 3 hours |
| Shipping Cost | Free for orders over $50 |
| Shipping Regions | The contiguous U.S. |
| Sample Meals |
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Blue Apron has a different take on Thanksgiving, using robust flavors to bring a Southern feel to this Thanksgiving meal.
The Bottom Line
Blue Apron shifts the typical Thanksgiving dishes from something traditional to something flavorful and daring.
6. Martha Stewart and Marley Spoon
Martha Stewart and Marley Spoon provide a tasteful meal delivery service with classic and timeless recipes. Known for recipes that are both refined and delicious, this company promises an elegant meal with high standards.
Nostalgia and tradition play into every dish, from the quintessential turkey all the way to the beautifully spiced apple oat crisp dessert. Designed with a more experienced cook in mind, this meal delivery service still provides convenience, removing the time needed for planning and shopping.
| Avg. Meal Price | $6.39 to $10.25 depending on portion size |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Several hours |
| Shipping Cost | $8.99 |
| Shipping Regions | The contiguous U.S. |
| Sample Meals |
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The menu is both tasteful and elegant.
The Bottom Line
Martha Stewart and Marley Spoon provide the traditional Thanksgiving dinner that’s anything but boring. Flavorful, yet simple, meals.
7. Dinnerly
Dinnerly keeps things clear and direct with an easy-to-follow Thanksgiving meal kit. Their recipes are tailored to the less-experienced cook who still wants to celebrate with a traditional home-cooked meal.
Simplicity is the key to these recipes, promising a hearty Thanksgiving meal ready in only 30 – 40 minutes. Also, at less than $4.00 a person, Dinnerly is the cheapest Thanksgiving meal kit available. Perfect for the family who wants to cook and still have time to enjoy together.
| Avg. Meal Price | Less than $4/person |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | $8.99 |
| Shipping Regions | The contiguous U.S. |
| Sample Meals |
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We like that Dinnerly takes classic ingredients and makes them functional for anyone to use.
The Bottom Line
The Thanksgiving meal kit from Dinnerly is the cheapest Thanksgiving meal delivery service while still tasty.
How to Choose the Best Thanksgiving Meal Delivery Service
Does the meal service you’re looking at have a special Thanksgiving meal delivery, and if not, can their menu be tailored to suit your Thanksgiving Day specifications?
Are you choosing a prepared meal delivery service or a meal kit delivery? Will the ingredients be arriving fresh or frozen?
Is there enough meal variety to satisfy everyone?
Can you customize your Thanksgiving meal menu if you need to? Does the meal meet your particular dietary needs and specifications?
What’s your price range? Is the meal service you want to utilize affordable after price per person as well as shipping?
Is a subscription required to order the Thanksgiving meal delivery, and if so, is it difficult to cancel if you wish?
What are the reviews regarding customer service?
Summary
We’re fortunate today to have meal kit delivery services as an option to help lessen the burdens that come with Thanksgiving meal preparation. Oven-ready options are available for the less experienced cook, and meal kit services are available if we want to be more hands-on. Once you know what you’re looking for, the choice is yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do any of the Thanksgiving meal delivery services offer delivery of only the Turkey?
Sunbasket and Home Chef both have the option to only order the turkey and not the sides.
Do any of these services provide a Thanksgiving meal for only one or two people?
Both Dinnerly and Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon offer Thanksgiving meal kits specifically for one or two people.
What are the best Thanksgiving meal delivery services for vegans?
Veestro and Purple Carrot both cater to vegans and vegetarians with a completely plant-based menu. Opt for Veestro if you want an oven-ready meal and Purple Carrot for a hands-on meal kit.
