Prepared meal delivery services have gained popularity over the last five years. They are considered a great alternative for people who have a busy lifestyle, have certain dietary needs, or simply get tired of meal planning. There is nothing better than sitting down to a hot cooked meal — especially when it can be prepared in a few minutes.
Food delivery service customers can choose between regular meal kits and prepared kits. With prepared meals, little prep work is involved. They can be stored away in the fridge until they’re ready to be eaten. Meal kit delivery, on the other hand, is for the home chef with a bit more time on their hands.
Another important element of a prepared meal delivery service is tailoring to fit a person’s dietary needs. Customers say they love the variety of meal prep options. The ingredients in these meals are fresh, simple, and high quality. Depending on the company, customers can receive the same fare they would at an upscale restaurant.
How to Choose the Best Prepared Meal Service?
Meal Options
Most prepared kits are for dinner and take a bit longer to prepare. However, lunch or snack options are likely available. Some let you pick proteins and veggies a la carte, while others don’t have substitutions.
Type of Diet
Prepared meal options come in vegetarian, keto, and even vegan. They can also respect dietary restrictions, such as dairy-free options. This gives the customer a lot of freedom when choosing the food they like.
Cost
No two prepared meal services are alike. Always check the price information, especially if you are setting up a subscription. Most services provide weekly and monthly options. Customers can also pause or cancel their subscription at any time.
Serving Size and Number
Unlike meal kits that offer multiple servings for households, prepared kits cater to single servings. Be sure to check the available serving sizes.
Sustainability
If you are environmentally conscious, pay attention to the amount of packaging your meals arrive in. Some of the items could be recyclable and compostable.
The Best Prepared Meal Delivery Services by Rating
The professionals at CNET rated the best overall prepared meal delivery services. The criteria are based on taste, menu options, price, ease of preparation, and dietary options. The following companies made the cut:
Factor
While this service is not as popular as some, it packs a punch. Factor’s options are priced reasonably. They also offer keto, low-calorie, and vegetarian fare. The meals are made to heat and eat, ideal for those who are health conscious.
Freshly
Freshly meals can be ready in under 3 minutes. They offer gluten-free and calorie-conscious lunches and dinners for health-conscious individuals. Customers can choose up to 30 meals a week. Deep discounts are offered after purchasing the 6th box.
Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon
This service has a lot of customizable health plans. This plan is ideal for singles and couples. The price is very affordable. Martha Stewart offers lunch, breakfast, and dinner options as well as vegan.
Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem is one of the oldest prepared meal services around. The program was set up in the 1990s and marketed toward individuals trying to lose weight. With Nutrisystem, customers can choose entrees, bars, shakes (smoothies), and even snacks. The average price of meals runs about $1.62, which is pretty cheap.
Purple Carrot
This service offers 5-minute prepaid meals. Customers can choose up to eight vegetarian and vegan weekly meals. Purple Carrot is a bit pricey at $7.49 a meal but is a great choice for individuals who are looking to prepare healthy food.
Sun Basket
Sun Basket offers premade meal kits with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Their meal kits include organic produce, non-GMO ingredients, and grass-fed meats. Customers can receive over 18 weekly meals that include gluten-free, vegetarian, pescatarian, and diabetes-friendly options.
Every Plate
Every Plate is a cheaper yet affordable option. There are 17 weekly recipes to choose from but no special diet options. This service is great for individuals who are both on a budget and health-conscious.
Green Chef
This service provides health-conscious, gluten-free, paleo, and vegan-friendly meal options. The DIY meals are simple and can be assembled in minutes. The price runs about $7.16 per meal, which is a little expensive.
Modify Health
Enjoy up to 20 prepaid meals per week that are ready in two minutes. Basically, pop it in the microwave or oven and you will have a great meal. The price of the plans varies but they’re a great healthier option.
Hello Fresh
Hello Fresh is a pretty well-known prepared meal service. They have over 50 great options to choose from. The DIY meals consist of keto, low-carb, and pescatarian.
Benefits of Prepared Meal Delivery Services
Convenience
The service saves time and money without the hassle of going to the grocery store, a fast-food restaurant, picking up takeout, or cooking.
Weight Loss
The meals can be customized to fit the individual’s nutritional needs. Most companies offer nutritional, low-calorie options that are easy on the waistline.
Healthy Eating Habits
The foods are made with wholesome grains, lean meats, vegetables, and other healthy products. Many opt for baking instead of frying.
New, Tasty Ingredients
Some entrees may have items you never tasted before. This will introduce you to a whole new world of flavors.
Healthy Meals Are a Few Clicks Away
Remember, there are dozens of prepared meal delivery services available. They vary wildly when it comes to menus, delivery options, and the number of meals for the cost. Be sure to research the companies to see which will satisfy your needs. Keep in mind that a cheaper service doesn’t mean the food lacks in flavor or quality.
If you’re looking for nutrient-rich, delicious meals made with fresh ingredients, try the local prepped meal solution: YoFresh! We offer tasty microwave and oven-ready meals made with high-quality ingredients. We deliver to Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties and have two convenient pickup locations! Try us today!