Best Meal Delivery Services for New Parents 2021 - Finding the Most Convenient Platform
Having a new baby in the house leaves you with little time for anything else, let alone squeezing in healthy, nutritious mealtimes. To help you out, our tasting experts have discovered the best time-saving meal delivery services so you can spend more time with the little ones. In our list below, you’ll find a range of simple, convenient, and delicious meals to take the pressure off.
Getting the right nutrition is incredibly important in keeping your energy levels up, especially with a newborn in the house. Meal delivery services are the easiest way to slot tasty food into your day, and we’ve covered both prepared dishes and meal kit services in our list below. It’s easy to mix and match between different services, or even to have all meals of the week covered by just one platform. Read on to find out more.
Overall Best Prepared Meal Service for New Parents
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 Meal Kit Service for New Parents
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 Prepared Meal Service for New Parents
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
- 4, 6, 10, or 12 meals per week
- Cooked in under three minutes
- Shipping varies based on location
- Traditional home cooking
- Gluten-free and no refined sugars
Healthy
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 Meal Kit Service for New Parents
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
- 2, 3, or 4 meals per week for either 2 or 4 people
- Cooked in 20 - 40 minutes
- Shipping is $6.99
- Clean eating, healthy and organic meals
Paleo
Vegetarian
Vegan
Pescatarian
Mediterranean
Low Carb
Lean and Clean
Diabetic
Popular Sunbasket Meal
Italian sausages and vegetable skewers with two romescos
- Prep & Cook Time 25-40 min
-
Difficulty Level
Easy
-
Spice Level
Not spicy
Meal Overview
If cooking a simple dinner sounds too good to be true, then prepare to be wowed. Presenting savory meat and veggie skewers with not one, but two of our nutty Spanish romescos.
In Your Box
- 3 organic cremini or other button mushrooms
- 1 organic yellow onion
- 3 organic grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1 chili powder
- Wooden skewers
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 580 Calories
- 23g Protein
- 6g Fiber
- 47g Fat
- 55mg Cholesterol
- 1200mg Sodium
- 22g Carbohydrates
- 10g Sugars
Yucatecan sopa de lima with shredded chicken and tortilla chips
- Prep & Cook Time 15-20 min
-
Difficulty Level
Easy
-
Spice Level
Not spicy
Meal Overview
When life gives you limes, make sopa de lima. Bright, warm, and straight-up delicious, this Mayan chicken soup is known for its trademark tartness.
In Your Box
- 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 organic yellow onion
- 1 organic peeled fresh garlic
- 1 organic lime
- Tortilla chips (for garnish)
- 4 organic fresh cilantro
- 1 organic serrano or other fresh chile
- 1 diced tomatoes
- 1 vegetable broth
- 1 dried oregano
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 530 Calories
- 26g Protein
- 8g Fiber
- 23g Total Fat
- 95mg Cholesterol
- 670mg Sodium
- 57g Carbohydrates
- 8g Total Sugars
The Factors We Use to Rank Top Meal Service Providers for New Parents
Prep and cook time– By far the most important factor for parents. We fully understand you’ll have your hands full with the baby, so we’ve picked out only those services that can be prepped in record time, leaving you more time in the day to care for the new arrival
Meal variety and types– Just because you’re new parents doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all the exciting and exotic dishes that you used to. We’ve carefully hand-picked the platforms that offer up the perfect balance between convenience and variety
Shipping regions – We’ve tried to make sure that all 50 states are covered at least once in our list. Still, it can often be difficult to find platforms that deliver to Alaska and Hawaii
Weekly meal options– Many new parents want to have every meal of the week covered. That’s why we’ve selected platforms that provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner all seven days of the week. Plus, we’ve thrown in a few a la carte options for those that like to have that extra bit of flexibility
How Do Prepared Meal Services for Parents and Meal Kits Work?
Prepared Meals– Prepared meals are the most convenient way to get the nutrition you need in your diet. The industry has long shaken off the notion that pre-cooked microwave meals are unhealthy, and there’s now an impressive range of decent options. Simply pick the ones you like from your chosen provider each week and you’ll be sent your dishes either chilled or frozen, all vacuum-sealed for freshness
Meal Kits– Meal kits are do-it-yourself dishes and you’ll receive a box of fresh ingredients each week to work your culinary magic on. They obviously take longer to make than their prepared counterparts but are a great choice for new parents that don’t want to miss out on the cooking experience
Best Prepared Meal Delivery Services for New Parents for 2021
1. Freshly
Freshly takes the prepared meal top spot for its combination of convenience and menu flexibility. Plus, you can find restaurant-quality meals at low prices.
| Avg. Meal Price | $9.99 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Just a few minutes |
| Shipping Cost | Varies based on location |
| Shipping Regions | Continental US only |
| Sample Meals |
|
You can actually give a Freshly subscription as a gift, and in fact, the platform actually recommends it as the perfect choice for new parents.
The Bottom Line
By mixing convenience, taste, affordability, and variety, Freshly has created the perfect mix to keep new parents well fed.
2. BistroMD
Designed by a team of doctors and nutritionists, BistroMD has been perfectly balanced to help customers get their recommend daily allowances of key vitamins and minerals as well as helping to promote weight loss.
| Avg. Meal Price | $7.99 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 2 - 5 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | $19.95 |
| Shipping Regions | Continental US only |
| Sample Meals |
|
BistroMD has specific programs to cover the different dietary needs of men and women as well as heart-healthy and gluten-free options.
The Bottom Line
It’s hard to argue with the advice from a team of registered doctors and dieticians and there’s no doubt BistroMD’s meals will get you on the path to health.
3. Good Kitchen
This totally a la carte service focuses on keto, paleo, meat-based, and other protein-packed dishes. It’s perfect for new parents that are looking to get back into the gym.
| Avg. Meal Price | Around $13.99 per serving |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Four minutes |
| Shipping Cost | $6.99 |
| Shipping Regions | Continental US only |
| Sample Meals |
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Good Kitchen operates as an a la carte service only, making it the most flexible offering on our list and perfect for new parents with constantly changing schedules.
The Bottom Line
With so much flexibility on offer, and protein-packed delicious meals, Good Kitchen is becoming an increasingly popular choice with new parents.
4. Veestro
Veestro is an all-vegan, health-focused prepared meal service that aims to add innovation and excitement to plant-based dishes. Order between 10 and 30 a la carte meals each week from a constantly rotating menu.
| Avg. Meal Price | $10.80 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 2 - 5 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | $10 |
| Shipping Regions | Continental US only |
| Sample Meals |
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Alongside the a la carte menu you can sign up for a separate weight loss program. This is a good choice for those looking for a very controlled diet.
The Bottom Line
Veestro makes it easy to pack your diet with plenty of healthy fruit and veg. The flexible a la carte menu means you can mix and match with other platforms too.
5. Freshology
With keto, low-carb, and high-protein options on offer, Freshology is aiming to help new parents recover their energy quickly and help give them their time back.
| Avg. Meal Price | $8.99 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Five minutes |
| Shipping Cost | Shipping $10, or free if your order is more than $45 |
| Shipping Regions | Continental US only |
| Sample Meals |
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The meals work on a five-weekly rotation system, meaning you’ll see the same meals pop up again after you’ve been subscribed for five weeks.
The Bottom Line
Freshology covers the most diverse set of dietary requirements on our list, quite an impressive feat for a prepared meal service.
Best Meal Kit Delivery Services for new Parents 2021
1. Sunbasket
Alongside some impressive meal kits, Sunbasket has dozens of little extras that make it stand out from the competition and will appeal to busy working parents.
| Avg. Meal Price | $11.99 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 20 - 40 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | $6.99 |
| Shipping Regions | Continental US only (excluding Montana and parts of New Mexico) |
| Sample Meals |
|
You can pick up extra groceries at Sunbasket, adding more protein packs, snacks, cheeses, chocolates, and dips to pad out your weekly selection.
The Bottom Line
With an extensive range of organic, easy-to-make dishes, Sunbasket is one of the most consistently popular platforms in the US. New parents will love the variety and flexible extras.
2. Purple Carrot
Purple Carrot offers a range of clean living vegan recipes to those that are curious about trying an all-plant menu. The health and energy benefits are big selling points for new parents.
| Avg. Meal Price | $11.99 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 10 - 30 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | Free |
| Shipping Regions | Continental US only |
| Sample Meals |
|
Purple Carrot is committed to environmental sustainability and all ingredients are organic and GMO-free.
The Bottom Line
Purple Carrot is an excellent choice for new parents that are looking to transition to a healthier diet, but might not be ready to make the commitment to a fully vegan plan.
3. Gobble
Gobble takes the prize for the fastest meal kit on the market, will all of its meals being prepared in 15 minutes or less. This certainly doesn’t detract from the quality, and the 24 weekly menu items are flavorful and innovative.
| Avg. Meal Price | $13.99 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | Free shipping |
| Shipping Regions | All 50 states |
| Sample Meals |
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Like other meal kit services, Gobble has introduced its own gift cards, which would make the perfect present for any new parents you know.
The Bottom Line
Fast, fresh, filling and delicious would be how we’d describe Gobble. The simple dishes will definitely appeal to busy new parents.
4. Hello Fresh
Not only is Hello Fresh the biggest meal kit platform in the US, but its meals are also perfectly designed for couples and new parents. A low price tag and exciting dishes tell us we’re really onto a winner.
| Avg. Meal Price | $7.99 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 20 - 60 minute meal kits |
| Shipping Cost | $8.99 |
| Shipping Regions | All 50 states |
| Sample Meals |
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Hello Fresh is a great choice to stick with one your little one starts to grow up too. The platform offers a great range of kid-friendly recipes for growing families.
The Bottom Line
Great price, tasty dishes, and multiple dietary options make Hello Fresh a top choice. Novices may struggle a little, but we’re sure you’ll get the hang of the recipes in no time.
5. Blue Apron
As a well-established player in the market with a strong reputation, Blue Apron continues to come up with incredibly inventive dishes each week. A good all-rounder that will appeal to just about any diet, a subscription won’t break the bank.
| Avg. Meal Price | $9.99 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 20 - 50 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | Free shipping for those ordering more than three meals per week |
| Shipping Regions | All 50 states |
| Sample Meals |
|
Blue Apron’s additional wine service might be just what you need to unwind after a delicious meal.
The Bottom Line
Blue Apron is an inexpensive way to kick-start good healthy eating habits. Menus may be a little more limited than other meal kits, but its wide range of appealing recipes is sure to impress.
How to Choose the Best Meal Delivery Service for New Parents
Convenience – With a new baby in the house, most parents are looking for ways to get meals cooked fast. Take a look through the average prep times for each of the options on our list to get an idea of how long you’ll be spending in the kitchen
Meal variety – This is actually a lot more critical than you might first think. You’d be amazed at just how quickly we can get bored with the same old meals night after night. Each of the picks on our list should have enough variety to keep you coming back
Flexibility – Newborns often mean your daily schedule could be thrown into chaos at any time. It’s important to pick a service that lets you be flexible with your subscriptions, or go for a prepared meal platform that lets you freeze meals for later
Low-carb and keto? – You might want to consider different diets that’ve been reported to boost your energy levels. Diets like low-carb and keto have been shown to reduce tiredness and give you a more balanced spread of energy throughout the day. Although, we’d always recommend talking to a physician before making any big changes
Price – Welcoming a new arrival to the home can definitely be expensive. You might want to check out one of the more budget options on our list
Summary
Prepared meal services and meal kits are the perfect way to take some of the stress out of being a new parent. There’s nothing better than knowing that all your meals for the week are taken care of and you don’t have to waste time at the grocery store or spend hours slaving away in the kitchen.
With so many specialist diets catered for and so many exciting meals on offer, it’s easier than ever to find a platform that’s going to fit your needs. If you’re unsure which to pick, you can usually order from multiple services to try them out and you’ll be under no obligation or contract to continue. So what have you got to lose?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do these Services Offer Baby Food Too?
The platforms on our list don’t offer baby food options, but there are other delivery services that can cater to newborns.
Will My Allergies Be Catered For?
In some cases, yes. Each service provider will make very clear from the outset which allergens its meals are suitable for.
Do I Have to Order Every Week?
No. Most platforms will allow you to pause or cancel your subscription at any time. Picking it up again when you’re ready. You can also create a rolling subscription that ensures you get a new order each week.
