Try Monthly Meal Delivery and You Will Wonder Why You Waited So Long
Eating at home can be a real bore, especially if you’re not very good at cooking. It seems like dining out, even if it is at a fast-food restaurant, is often better than having to eat what’s in your fridge. Our expert foodies have ordered, tasted, assessed, and ranked the top monthly meal delivery services, so you can start transitioning over to the convenient world of meal delivery. On this page, we present you with our top monthly meal delivery service recommendations.
Becoming a better chef is an involved process, and demands a lot of work. Firstly, you need to shop for the best ingredients and learn how to prepare them. You will then need to see how to cook everything perfectly. Lastly, you will need to plate up your food and cross your fingers and hope that your family likes what you have made.
Monthly meal services take much of the guesswork out of the equation. They ship the freshest ingredients right to your front door. They also provide you with easy-to-read recipe cards, complete with pictures. In fact, you don’t even have to do that much sometimes! Just pop your food in the microwave or oven — and voila! Keep reading to discover the best monthly meal delivery services available.
Overall Best Monthly Meal Kit Delivery Services
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 Monthly 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 Monthly Meal Kit Delivery Services
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
- 2-6 recipes per week for 2-4 people
- 15 to 40 minutes
- Variety, stress-free, healthy meals
Plant-based protein
Gourmet Meals
Vegetarian
Low Carb
Low Calorie
Popular HelloFresh Meals
Pork & Pepper Enchiladas with Pico de Gallo & Lime Crema
- Prep & Cook Time 35-40 min
-
Difficulty Level
Moderate
-
Spice Level
Mild
Meal Overview
Saucy, smothered, hearty, and delicious: This enchilada bake has everything you could possibly want. You’ll start by wrapping tortillas around a filling of spiced ground pork and sautéed bell pepper, then coating the bundles with a healthy glug of zesty tomato sauce and a sprinkle of Mexican cheese. Bake until piping hot and bubbly, then top with lime crema and pico de gallo and dig into all that deliciousness.
In Your Box
- 1 Roma Tomato
- 2 Scallions
- 1 Lime
- 1 Green Bell Pepper
- 4 Sour Cream (ContainsMilk)
- 10 Ground Pork
- 1 Tex-Mex Paste
- 1 Southwest Spice Blend
- 6 Flour Tortillas (ContainsWheat)
- 1⁄2 Mexican Cheese Blend (ContainsMilk)
- 1 1⁄2 Tomato Paste
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 950 kcal Calories
- 56g Fat
- 22g Saturated Fat
- 74g Carbohydrate
- 12g Sugar
- 4g Dietary Fiber
- 39g Protein
- 140mg Cholesterol
- 2060mg Sodium
San Antonio Beef Bowls with Blue Corn Tortilla Chips Fresh Salsa & Lime Crema
- Prep & Cook Time 25-30 min
-
Difficulty Level
Easy
-
Spice Level
Not spicy
Meal Overview
The beauty of a bowl-style dinner is the DIY element. This meal begins with a zesty rice and richly-spiced ground beef, then gets jazzed up with homemade salsa, Monterey Jack cheese, lime crema, and blue corn tortilla chips. When ready to build your bowl, feel free to go wild as you assemble everything. Crema on bottom! Rice on top! Crush up your tortilla chips for a crunchy garnish, or serve along the side for scooping—follow your heart, chef!!
In Your Box
- 1 Roma Tomato
- 1 Yellow Onion
- 1 lime
- 1 jalapeño
- 1 garlic
- 1⁄4 jasmine rice
- 10 Ground Beef
- 1 Southwest Spice Blend
- 1 1⁄2 Tomato Paste
- 1 Beef Stock Concentrate
- 2 Sour Cream (ContainsMilk)
- 1⁄4 Monterey Jack Cheese (ContainsMilk)
- 1 1⁄2 Blue Corn Tortilla Chips
- Blue Corn Tortilla Chips
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 930 kcal Calories
- 54g Fat
- 22g Saturated Fat
- 76g Carbohydrate
- 9g Sugar
- 5g Dietary Fiber
- 35g Protein
- 150mg Cholesterol
- 860mg Sodium
Overall Best Monthly 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
- Eight meals per week
- 15-30 minutes
- Calorie-conscious, carb-conscious, no-prep options
Healthy
Soy free- Vegetarian
- Low Carb
- Low Calorie
Popular Monthly Prepared Meal Delivery
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
Basil Pesto Salmon with grape tomatoes and goat cheese orzo
- Prep & Cook Time 25-35 min
-
Difficulty Level
Moderate
-
Spice Level
Not spicy
Meal Overview
It looks like a shiny new car, but it’s nothing but rust inside. It looks like a perfectly good apple, but it’s actually full of worms. But this surprise is a good one: orzo looks like slightly large rice, but it’s actually a form of small pasta. A small pasta that becomes tangy and creamy when mixed with butter, Parmesan, and goat cheese, and pairs like a dream with the flaky salmon.
In Your Box
- 1 Yellow Onion
- 1⁄2 Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 2 Savory Seasoning
- 4 Orzo Pasta
- 1 Basil Pesto
- 1 Goat Cheese
- 12 Salmon Fillets
- 3⁄5 Butter
- 4 Grape Tomatoes
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 815 Calories
- 54g Carbohydrates
- 45g Fat
- 49 Protein
- 1403 mg Sodium
The factors we use to rank the best top monthly meal service provides
We have assembled our list of top monthly meal delivery services based on the following criteria:
Number of Weekly Meal Options– How much does each meal cost? Is a subscription required?
Prep & Cook Time– How long do you need to wait before you can feast?
Shipping Options and Cost– How much do you need to budget for shipping? What are the sizes of the meals?
Meal Variety and Meal Types – How many choices do you have?
Cost– How much does each serving cost? Do you need a subscription?
Note: Good quality meats typically include grass-fed beef, cage-free eggs, free-range chicken, and sustainably sourced seafood. This indicates that raising or harvesting meat is more ethical than conventional farming practices, and grass-fed beef and cage-free eggs may have better nutrient profiles than their traditional counterparts.
How do Monthly Prepared Meals & Monthly Kits Work?
A meal kit comes with all the ingredients you need to prepare and cook healthy meals to suit your dietary needs. Prepared meal services include meals that are ready to heat and eat upon delivery.
It helps to know what to expect when you order prepared monthly meals. To begin with, they typically come in plastic black trays and are designed to be heated up in the microwave. Prepared monthly meals delivered to your door can still make for a perfectly great lunch or dinner, however, many people note that they are sometimes not as nice looking as freshly cooked meals. They may also be limited when it comes to crunch and texture.
The best delivery monthly meals are those that feature nutritional information that aligns with your fitness and lifestyle goal. Good meal providers should also deliver at a time that is suitable and should offer you the level of flexibility you require. Think about all these factors before you choose a monthly meal provider.
Best Monthly Meal Kit Services For 2021
1. HelloFresh
HelloFresh’s primary goal is to provide you with the freshest ingredients possible. New users should take advantage of free shipping before it switches to the standard $7.99 per box. If you are looking for monthly meal services, this delivery subscription offers a stress-free experience.
| Avg. Meal Price | $7.49 per meal |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 15 to 40 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | $7.99 per box; free shipping for new users |
| Shipping Regions | Everywhere in the United States, except for Alaska and Hawaii |
| Sample Meals |
|
If you want to reduce the amount of food you throw away, HelloFresh is a good option. They just give you what you need, ensuring that you use all of the ingredients in a single recipe. There will be less food waste, which will result in a greener world.
The Bottom Line
HelloFresh is a good option for those who want to learn a few cooking techniques but don’t want to eat out every day. The recipe cards are also a great addition to your culinary repertoire because they allow you to make these dishes on your own time without having to order HelloFresh over and over again.
2. Home Chef
Home Chef offers extremely flexible schedules that can be canceled at any time, allowing you to budget wisely. This way you will only receive the meals when you need them. Their meals are simple to prepare, and most meal plans provide free shipping.
| Avg. Meal Price | $6.99 per serving |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 15-30 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | $13.99 |
| Shipping Regions | Everywhere in the United States, except for Alaska and Hawaii |
| Sample Meals |
|
What’s better than yummy food that is easy to make? Nothing, unless you are a vegan or vegetarian. Home Chef doesn’t have many options for those monthly meal selections.
The Bottom Line
The cooking process for these meals is reasonably straightforward, so you won’t get confused or make any mistakes. Even the “intermediate” dishes are manageable for beginner cooks.
3. Green Chef
Green Chef only uses the freshest organic ingredients. It is an ideal choice for those concerned with what they eat. Although there are many monthly meal delivery services to choose from, this one stands out for its affordable meal prices as well as its low shipping costs. You can also dine in just minutes with some of these delicious meal options.
Health meals with organic ingredients
| Avg. Meal Price | Roughly $6.32 per serving |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Ready in minutes |
| Shipping Cost | $8.99 per box |
| Shipping Regions | Everywhere in the United States, excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and some parts of Louisiana |
| Sample Meals |
|
You may need to supply your own seasonings and oils for most meals. However, this allows you to tailor them to your preferences.
The Bottom Line
Green Chef makes putting together meals from the freshest ingredients easy. Each monthly meal delivery allows you to budget your time and money wisely. That way, you can make food when you want, according to your own schedule.
4. Dinnerly
The fun graphics on Dinnerly’s website and the playful color scheme they present are very engaging. However, what made us fall in love with this monthly meal delivery service was their sustainable, eco-friendly stance on recipe cards.
Other meal delivery services send printed cards, which are excellent in their own way, as you can easily store them along with your other printed recipes. However, Dinnerly wants to make a difference, help save the planet, and devote itself to sustainability. We also like that they offer tons of different meal options, so even the pickiest of eaters will find a meal plan they enjoy.
| Avg. Meal Price | $4.69 per serving |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | Free shipping |
| Shipping Regions | Most of the contiguous states of North America. |
| Sample Meals |
|
We love the simplicity that Dinnerly offers its customers. Not only that, but they’re affordable and provide wholesome comfort foods.
The Bottom Line
Dinnerly is an excellent option for those looking for a no-frills meal delivery service that offers nutritious, classic meals, and comfort foods, without breaking the budget.
5. Sunbasket
Sunbasket helps people eat more mindfully; with their meals, you can stay healthy while still becoming environmentally conscious. You can also feast on a variety of cuisines inspired from around the world.
| Avg. Meal Price | $6.16 per serving |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 15-40 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | $7 |
| Shipping Regions | Everywhere in the United States, excluding Alaska, Hawaii, North Dakota, Montana, and parts of New Mexico. |
| Sample Meals |
|
If you’re interested in cooking, Sunbasket gives you the choice to make your meals in the microwave or prepare them from scratch. Regardless of which meal plan you choose, you’ll get the healthiest and freshest ingredients delivered to your door.
The Bottom Line
Sunbasket is worth every dollar if you want to cut down on meal prep time. This meal subscription service provides variety. The best part? It is one of the most affordable monthly meal services.
6. EveryPlate
EveryPlate is an incredible option for monthly meal delivery services if you don’t have any dietary restrictions. We made the mistake of visiting the website on an empty stomach, and browsing through their menu photos made our stomachs growl with every click. They are an affordable option, at only $4.99 per serving, even for premium meal choices, which we commend in their pricing structure.
We love EveryPlate’s vibe. They seem like a company you could be friends with, and then ask if they can send you dinner every week. Quirky, colorful, with delicious food to boot, EveryPlate should be on your radar.
| Avg. Meal Price | $4.99 per serving |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 25 to 35 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | Free shipping |
| Shipping Regions | Most of the contiguous states of North America. |
| Sample Meals |
|
We learned a valuable lesson. Don’t browse monthly meal delivery service options when you’re hungry. Thanks, EveryPlate!
The Bottom Line
EveryPlate is a monthly meal delivery service that deserves attention! We love their colorful and quirky take on food.
Best Monthly Meal Delivery Services For 2021
1. Factor75
The meals served by Factor75 are never monotonous. Every week, this meal subscription service delivers a diverse menu of over 20 meal choices. You can enjoy your favorite monthly meals or try something new!
Diverse menu with vegan meal options
| Avg. Meal Price | $11.00 to $15.00 per meal |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | It varies depending on the meal choice. |
| Shipping Cost | Free |
| Shipping Regions | Everywhere in the United States, except for Alaska and Hawaii |
| Sample Meals |
|
Meals come in smaller amounts than usual. Thus, you might still be hungry after a serving, as the meal portions can take some time to get used to.
The Bottom Line
You can submit a referral connection to a friend or family member via Factor75’s excellent friend referral program. Not only that, but you also get free shipping, which may be necessary considering that the meals are $11 to $15 each.
2. Splendid Spoon
Splendid Spoon is not just another plant-based monthly meal delivery service, they are also a smoothie operator.
This vibrant meal delivery service is an excellent option for those who are vegan or vegetarian and prefer a liquid or unprocessed diet. While this monthly meal service is a little on the expensive side, Splendid Spoon is worth every penny.
With recipes created from a team of accredited health specialists, each meal option Splendid Spoon provides is astounding. Primarily focusing on smoothies, soups, and bowls, this monthly meal delivery service should be at the top of any plant-based eater’s list.
| Avg. Meal Price | $10 per serving |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Zero cook time (3 to 4 minutes for soup options) |
| Shipping Cost | Free shipping |
| Shipping Regions | Most of the contiguous states of North America. |
| Sample Meals |
|
If you’re the type of person who thinks it’s soup season 24/7 and loves an excellent protein-packed smoothie, Splendid Spoon is great for you.
The Bottom Line
Splendid Spoon is a plant-based monthly meal delivery service that focuses on healthy living. A team of nutritionists created Splendid Spoon so their food is sure to be packed full of nutrients.
3. Sakara Life
Sakara Life is a monthly meal delivery service that caters to fashion-forward and leads active lifestyles. The company’s ready-to-eat meals are designed around its nine pillars of nutrition: drinking water, eating good fats and eating sulfur-rich vegetables.
Despite Sakura Life being the most expensive option on this list, they offer Instagram-ready prepared meals that can be prepared quickly and are highly nutritional. The company also offers three different meal plans, such as Signature, Detox, and Brides – each of which includes a four-meal kit each week consisting of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
| Avg. Meal Price | $25 per serving |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | Ready-to-eat |
| Shipping Cost | Free shipping |
| Shipping Regions | Most of the contiguous states of North America. |
| Sample Meals |
|
Take a chance on Sakara Life if you can afford it. They are incredibly health-conscious, and the meals are ready to eat, so you do not have to worry about preparing them. It is a fun read to read their website, especially their nine pillars of health, which are all very interesting.
The Bottom Line
These trained chefs know how to cook delicious recipes! Compared to other monthly meal service options on this list, these fun, Insta-worthy meals might be more expensive, but they’re worth it.
4. Veestro
Plant-based monthly meal delivery services are super popular right now! Veestro is one you might not have heard of, but you should check them out. They’re great for people who love to cook and also those who are trying to lose weight.
They offer a customized plan that you can personalize with your own meal preferences, or you can opt for their weight-loss plan with carefully prepared meals that are low-carb and heart-healthy. They also have some great-looking vegan and vegetarian options, which can be tough to find in this market.
| Avg. Meal Price | $10.80 per serving |
|---|---|
| Prep & Cook Time | 10 to 20 minutes |
| Shipping Cost | Free shipping |
| Shipping Regions | Most of the contiguous states of North America. |
| Sample Meals |
|
Veestro uses more plant-based meat substitutes than we’ve seen so far in our monthly meal delivery service research, which is something we wholeheartedly approve of.
The Bottom Line
If you’re vegan and looking to lose weight, Veestro is a delicious and nutritious option that is affordable and delivered straight to your door
How To Choose the Best Monthly Meal Delivery Service
Can I order meals in between deliveries? Monthly meal deliveries usually stick to the assigned delivery times. That means it’s unlikely you’ll be able to make any changes before the next month starts. However, don’t hesitate to contact customer service to see what other options are available for you. Most meal subscriptions offer flexible payment and cancellation options for your convenience. You can find the contact information on the meal subscription websites.
How affordable are monthly meal services? To see what specific rates a certain company offers you should browse their websites, or contact their customer service department. However, you can also determine the affordability based on the average meal price. Would you pay the per serving rate? Don’t forget to factor in the shipping as well.
How long do they stay fresh? The majority of monthly meal service deliveries require some refrigeration. Always read the labels or check with your meal delivery provider to see how long the ingredients will stay fresh for.
What is the cheapest monthly meal delivery service?Sunbasket offers the cheapest monthly meal delivery, with the average meal price being $6.16. However, Green Chef is also an affordable monthly meal delivery service, charging $6.32 per serving. However, these rates do not factor in shipping costs, which are $7 and $8.99 per box, respectively.
Summary
It doesn’t matter if you eat solo or have to feed an entire family. Planning for dinner every night is a hassle. Grocery shopping, prepping, and cooking, are all activities that take up time – which most of us don’t have. And this doesn’t even factor in the cleanup. Avoid the headache of cooking and try out a monthly meal delivery service instead.
Explore the variety of meal delivery plans, and open your eyes to a new range of foods You’ll be more adventurous with your cooking and venture out of the culinary walls you may have created. You and your loved ones will relish these delicious, healthy, and affordable meals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I'm not home to collect my delivery?
That’s okay. Your monthly meal service will still arrive at your home, just like other packages. The meals come with freezer packs or dry ice to keep them cold. That way, even if you aren’t home to collect your monthly meal delivery, nothing will spoil.
How long can I keep my meals?
Just like other foods, you can place your monthly meals in the refrigerator or freezer. They may last about 3-5 days in the fridge whereas the freezer can keep them edible for weeks. However, double-check all labels and packaging.
