Best Meal Delivery Services for Singles 2021 - Healthy Eating for Solo Diners
Cooking for one can be a real chore. Most fresh groceries come in family-sized packaging leaving singles to rely on batch cooking or sometimes wasting leftovers. Luckily, meal delivery services are here to save the day with nutritionally balanced and pre-portioned servings. Our team of experts has tested dozens of options, and on this page, you’ll find the best the industry has to offer.
Not only can meal delivery services help cut down on waste, but these platforms also provide exciting weekly dishes that a lot of singles may not get the chance to make. Plus, many see meal kits as a great way to brush up on their culinary skills and find themselves with a renewed interest in cooking.
In addition, customers benefit from the convenience of having everything they need delivered straight to their door, which is great for those singles that lead busy and hectic lives. We’ve covered both prepared meals and meal kits in our summary to give you the widest range of choices possible.
Overall Best Prepared Meals for Singles
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 Kits for Singles
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 Meals for Singles
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 meal options every week
- Gluten and peanut-free facility
- Under 500 calorie options, dairy-free options
- Meals with under 35 grams of carbs
- Fully-cooked ready-to-eat meals, Ready in 3 minutes!
Athletes & Fitness
Keto
Healthy Eating
Gluten Free
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
Chicken Livorno with Hearty White Beans & Kale
- Prep & Cook Time 25-30 min
-
Difficulty Level
Moderate
-
Spice Level
Not spicy
Meal Overview
Clean + honest Italian flavors kick off with juicy, oven-roasted chicken breast marinated in fragrant herbs. With lean protein and high-quality carbs like beans and veggies, this dairy-free meal provides a boost of vitamin C and antioxidant beta-carotene to boost well-being.
In Your Box
- Kale
- Chicken Breast
- Tomatoes
- Great Northern Beans
- Turkey Bacon
- Carrots
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 490 Calories
- 20g Carbs
- 17g Total fat
- 40g Protein
Overall Best Meal Kits for Singles
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
- Two, four, or six servings for up to six people per week
- Ready in around 30 minutes
- Free delivery on orders over $45
- Vegetarian, carb-conscious, low-calorie
Healthy- Weight Loss
Lean & clean
Vegetarian
Vegan- Healthy Eating
- Gluten Free
Popular Home Chef Meals
Tex-Mex-Style Pork-Stuffed Peppers with enchilada sauce and Oaxacan cheese
- Prep & Cook Time 40-50 min
-
Difficulty Level
Moderate
-
Spice Level
Mild
Meal Overview
Now let’s make your stuffed pepper experience to a more exciting meals. No time like the present to expand your packed pepper preferences. These poblanos are stuffed with seasoned pork and corn and topped with cheese and cilantro. Delicious and easy-to-make, you’ll be calling yourself a stuffed pepper connoisseur after cleaning your plate.
In Your Box
- 3 Poblano Peppers
- 1⁄4 Cilantro
- 1 Red Onion
- 10 Ground Pork
- 2 Chile and Cumin Rub
- 3 Shredded Oaxacan Cheese
- 4 Red Enchilada Sauce
- 3 Corn Kernels
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 570 Calories
- 33g Carbohydrates
- 32g Fat
- 40g Protein
- 1565mg Sodium
Huli Huli Chicken Rice Bowl with charred pineapple
- Prep & Cook Time 30-40 min
-
Difficulty Level
Easy
-
Spice Level
Mild
Meal Overview
Huli Huli is a cooking method that involves roasting chicken on a spit and serving with a teriyaki-like sauce. In your box with this meal, we’ve got succulent chicken, delicious teriyaki, and sweet pineapple to recreate the huli huli experience.
In Your Box
- 2 Green Onions
- 3⁄4 Jasmine Rice
- 1 Lime
- 4 Slaw Mix
- 21⁄25 Mayonnaise
- 13 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 4 Pineapple Rings
- 2 Teriyaki Glaze
- 1⁄4 Red Pepper Flakes
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 780 Calories
- 93g Carbohydrates
- 24g Fat
- 46g Protein
- 1401mg Sodium
The Factors We Use to Rank Top Meal Service Providers for Singles
Sample meals– So many different diets are popular these days, which is why we’ve combed through the best services to pick samples that cover just about every conceivable meal plan. From veggies and vegans to meat lovers and keto addicts, we’ve found the right meals to keep you interested
Prep and cook time– How long people spend preparing their meals is entirely down to personal preference. Some crave convenience, while others like to take their time in the kitchen, really savoring the cooking experience. We’ve pulled together a mix of both types, as well as those in between, so you’re sure to find one to fit your lifestyle
Shipping cost – You’d be surprised at just how quickly shipping costs can add up, especially when you’re ordering weekly meal kits. We’ve done our best to find those that offer free shipping, or at the very least keep charges to a minimum
Average meal cost– Probably one of the biggest considerations before deciding on any delivery service, our list ranges from the very cheapest to the more expensive meal services for singles. Plus, most platforms are pretty flexible so you can try a few out before making a long-term commitment
How Do Prepared Meals for Singles and Meal Kits Work?
Prepared meals – These will be pre-cooked by the provider and delivered to you either chilled or frozen. You needn’t worry about missing out on good nutrition, though, as most meals are made fresh and vacuum-sealed immediately to retain the flavor and goodness. They’re the perfect choice for anyone that leads a busy lifestyle.
Meal kits – With meal kits, you get the chance to brush up on your cooking skills and create tasty masterpieces from scratch. Most dishes are relatively straightforward to make, but others can be a little complex. Luckily there are plenty of platforms to meet different skill levels. Many meal kits are designed for two people, but these can be easily adapted for singles.
Best Prepared Meal Delivery Services for Singles for 2021
1. Freshly
With the ability to customize your menu and choose from more than 30 different meals each week, Freshly offers a service that you’ll never get bored with.
| Avg. Meal Price | $8.99 for most meals |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | No Prep, ready in 3 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | Dependent on your region |
| Shipping Regions | 48 US states - not available in Alaska or Hawaii |
| Sample Meals |
|
Freshly offers entirely gluten-free and peanut-free options for those that suffer from allergies. The platform is always improving its services so it’s worth checking in to see if any other allergens are covered.
The Bottom Line
Perfect for singles that lead busy urban lives, Freshly will make sure you have more time in your day to focus on more important tasks.
2. Fresh N Lean
The ideal choice for singles that hit the gym regularly and need meals packed with protein and micronutrients. Alongside roughly 30 menu items across paleo, keto, and vegan options each week, you can do some extra bulking with bonus protein packs.
| Avg. Meal Price | $10.99 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Two minutes |
| Shipping Cost | Free |
| Shipping Regions | Continental US only |
| Sample Meals |
|
Almost all of the ingredients here are organic and the platform goes out of its way to keep you up to date on nutritional information.
The Bottom Line
With all servings focused on feeding just one person, Fresh N Lean is the ideal selection for singles that are looking to get fit and start a healthy eating regime.
3. Home Bistro
Offering the ultimate in gourmet home dining, Home Bistro is at the very premium end of the market. The meals have been designed by an award-winning chef and you’re guaranteed high quality.
| Avg. Meal Price | $23 per meal |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Just a few minutes |
| Shipping Cost | Free shipping |
| Shipping Regions | Continental US only |
| Sample Meals |
|
If you’re not quite sure which meals to pick, you can select the ‘chef’s choice’ option and you’ll have everything taken care of for you.
The Bottom Line
This might be one of the most expensive prepared meal services out there, but there’s no denying the excellent quality of Home Bistro’s meals.
4. Trifecta
Trifecta can provide every single meal, plus additional entrees, all seven days per week. This makes it ideal for singles that don’t have any time at all to cook but want to ensure they get plenty of healthy meals.
| Avg. Meal Price | $13.50 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Four minutes |
| Shipping Cost | Free |
| Shipping Regions | Continental US only |
| Sample Meals |
|
You’ll find plans for several different types of diet, including ones that could help with weight loss.
The Bottom Line
Trifecta is one of the best choices for busy people that like to set up their weekly meals then go about their day. With every day fully covered it takes a lot of the stress out of mealtimes.
5. Factor 75
Factor 75 is focused on providing as many healthy options to customers as possible. You’ll select your weekly dishes from nine categories and each one comes jam-packed with micronutrients.
| Avg. Meal Price | $12.50 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Two - Five minutes |
| Shipping Cost | Free |
| Shipping Regions | Continental US only |
| Sample Meals |
|
If you’re not 100% satisfied with your meals Factor 75 offers a money-back guarantee.
The Bottom Line
A solid, mid-priced provider with a respectable selection of dishes under its belt. Factor 75 remains one of the most reliable delivery services on our list.
Best Meal Kit Delivery Services for Singles for 2021
1. Home Chef
Although Home Chef offers meals for two people or more, singles can easily adapt the recipes and get creative with the leftovers to cover more meals per week. Plus, repeating meals is more than worth it when the dishes are this good.
| Avg. Meal Price | $6.99 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Ready in around 30 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | Free delivery on orders over $45 |
| Shipping Regions | Continental US only |
| Sample Meals |
|
Home Chef has recently branched out into a range of 15-minute meal kits as well as prepared meals. The selection is small at the moment, around five to seven options each week, but we expect the range to grow soon.
The Bottom Line
We’re surprised to see such innovative and exciting dishes from a platform with such low costs. The weekly rotating menu of up to 30 meals always turns up some interesting surprises and the fast cooking times ensure busy singles will be kept happy.
2. Dinnerly
Dinnerly takes our top prize for its ability to provide great-tasting meals at rock bottom prices. For many singles, this will be cheaper than a trip to the grocery store, and with an extensive menu to pick from, you’re spoiled for choice.
| Avg. Meal Price | $4.99 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 20 - 40 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | $8.99 |
| Shipping Regions | West coast, the midwest, and across the southern US |
| Sample Meals |
|
Many dishes contain just six or seven ingredients, making the service a great choice for beginners looking to flex their culinary skills.
The Bottom Line
Cheap, tasty, and easy-to-prepare. We can’t fault Dinnerly for its service and with 16 weekly meal choices on a constantly rotating menu, we can see why lots of customers stick around here.
3. EveryPlate
The second budget provider to make our list and with good reason. EveryPlate provides filling, hearty, and tasty home cooking that’s pretty straightforward to make.
| Avg. Meal Price | $4.99 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 20 - 40 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | $8.99 |
| Shipping Regions | All 50 states |
| Sample Meals |
|
Amazingly, EveryPlate has an introductory offer to make its meals even cheaper and you can enjoy dishes for just $1.99 each. You’ve really got no excuse to not give it a try.
The Bottom Line
For singles looking for the simple life you can’t go wrong with EveryPlate. Its simple-to-make dishes will slot right into your life and you’ll barely notice the hit to your bank account.
4. Sunbasket
Sunbasket has targeted a niche for customers that have a craving for healthy, organic, and sustainably farmed ingredients. Like many other meal kits, its main offerings are for two, but the menu can be easily adapted for singletons.
| 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’re not limited to just your meals here and can add a host of extra meat and protein packs as well as snacks, cheeses, cookies, and coffees. This lets singles have a little more control over what they cook.
The Bottom Line
Sunbasket has been providing high-quality meals with the freshest ingredients for long enough to carve out a pretty strong niche in the healthy eating market. Throw in some extras and you can really pull off some magic in the kitchen.
5. HungryRoot
HungryRoot sells itself as the ‘one-click grocer’ and with more than 3,000 ingredients to pick from we’re certainly not going to argue. The platform offers the ultimate flexible dining experience and you can mix and match products to make hundreds of different recipes.
| Avg. Meal Price | $9.99 |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 10 - 20 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | Free |
| Shipping Regions | Continental US only |
| Sample Meals |
|
With so much on offer you could actually replace your total grocery shop with HungryRoot. With the added convenience of home delivery, you might never set foot in a supermarket again.
The Bottom Line
It’ll take you months to even scratch the surface of HungryRoot’s huge menu, making it the perfect choice for singletons that crave variety. Plus, with most dishes ready in just 20 minutes, it won’t eat into your valuable time.
How to Choose the Best Meal Delivery Service for Singles
Consider minimum portion sizes – Lots of meal kits will only have a minimum package for at least two people. That means singles will have enough ingredients for a leftover meal. Some customers prefer this as it gives them something to cook and pop in the fridge for later in the week. But if you want constant variety, you might be better off with a prepared service
Meal difficulty – Check out the difficulty level on different dishes before you order. Most are fairly straightforward, but it might be worth practicing on some of the easier dishes if you’re a novice
Price – You should check how much your regular grocery shop is and factor in the time you’ll be saving when using a meal delivery service. In lots of cases, customers often find themselves actually saving money
Flexibility – Look for a platform that lets you switch up menu items and pause your subscription whenever you’d like. This way the service will work around your schedule. Just make sure to do this before your weekly cut-off date; otherwise, you may be sent a package you didn’t want
Meal types – There’s now a service out there for every type of diet you can think of. Platforms will have you covered for keto, vegetarian, carnivore, vegan, paleo, low-carb, and much more. Delivery services usually give their menus out weeks in advance, so we’d recommend browsing through a few before you decide
Summary
Meal delivery services are helping singles right across the country eat well, get the proper nutrition, and even turning some onto a new love for cooking. There are enough options to appeal to a wide range of diets and lifestyles and you can try as many as you like with no risk. Almost all subscriptions can be canceled with just one week’s notice, and those that don’t want to commit to weekly deliveries can always try one of the top-notch a la carte services instead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why Are Most Meal Delivery Kits Set Up for Two People?
Meal kit services need to deliver fresh ingredients so it makes sense to order in bulk. For many, it’s not cost-effective to provide single meals, but this doesn’t mean singles miss out; you simply get double portions.
Are Prepared Meals for Singles Healthy?
Yes, the industry has long moved on from the old TV dinner reputation and most prepared meals now come packed with protein, fiber, good fats, and vitamins and minerals.
What Happens to Deliveries if I’m Not Home?
Most platforms will leave your delivery in a safe space and the box will be packed with chilling materials. Your food should stay fresh for at least 6 to 8 hours.
