Written by Laura Anderson

Meal kit delivery services have exploded in popularity in the past decade. Some of the benefits include that they are time saving, simplify decision making, and make it easy to try new foods. They also reduce food waste, as meals are portioned out for the appropriate number of people. We’ve rounded up some of the most popular ones below.

The typical meat kit, where you’re sent a box of ingredients to make a meal, is the basis of both Hello Fresh and Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon. Home Chef and Blue Apron have this model too, but they also offer meals you can order and just heat up. Companies like Clean Eatz and Factor_ only offer meals that need to be heated up. If you are pressed for time or don't like to cook, these latter two models may be best for you. 

Dietary restrictions are another element to consider. Hello Fresh is the only company on this list that offers allergen free options without the disclaimer that meals may be cross-contaminated at the packaging facility. Hello Fresh, Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon, Green Chef, Factor_, and Clean Eatz offer some gluten free options. In terms of specific diets, all the companies on this list offer vegetarian and low calorie options.

There are several other aspects to consider, including how many people you need meals for and the number of meals you’d like per week. Another question is whether you want more than just dinner options. Check out the comparison chart and notes below for more information.

Additional Information

Hello Fresh

• Has over 40 rotating recipes. Some meals allow for side or protein customization

• Ability to order breakfasts, side dishes, beverages, and fresh produce as add-ons

• Drawbacks: Some recipes require a bit of multitasking which could be overwhelming to 

• new cooks. Several meals are branded “easy clean up” but others require the use of multiple pots and pans, increasing clean-up time.

Blue Apron

• All ingredients are non-GMO, hormone-free meats, and they offer sustainably sourced seafood

• Meals options rotate weekly

• You can get wine suggestions and optional wine delivery service and have kitchen tools/gifts for purchase. 

• Drawbacks: Not all produce is organic, fewer customization options

Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon

• 50+ meal selection each week

• Offers some breakfast and dessert options

• Can add extra protein to orders

• Drawbacks: Some recipe steps are technical and may be difficult for new cooks

Home Chef

• Build a box each week based on 20 recipes which rotate weekly

• Recipes have different skill levels- choose from beginner, intermediate, and advanced

• They offer some organic produce and you can customize protein options for certain recipes

• Pre-made salad entrees 

• Drawbacks: Many recipes are high sodium and there are limited vegan and plant-based options

Factor_

• Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options

• Pasture-raised, grass-fed ingredients that are free of gluten, antibiotics, hormones, soy and gmos

• No refined sugars

• Meals are never frozen and menu changes weekly 

• You can order add-ons including extra protein, snacks, and soups

• Drawbacks: Sodium levels are high in some meals

Green Chef

-30 options total per week with rotating meals. USDA certified organic company.

-Drawbacks: Uses organic ingredients when possible, but not everything is organic.

Clean Eatz

• New menu monthly

• All meals are cooked and frozen

• Delivered in microwave safe containers and ready in 3 minutes

• All meals are under 600 calories and offerings include breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• Cauliflower-crusted pizzas and supplements available 

• Drawbacks: Must order 6 meals at a time

*Note: the above information applies to Clean Eatz delivery services. This company also has cafes in various cities that offer dine-in and pick up options.

Overall, any of these options will save you time at the grocery store. However, you can likely make the same meals more cheaply on your own. Additionally, while many packing products are recyclable, excess packaging (from cold packs and pre-portioned items) is still an environmental concern. Finally before signing up for a service, look at companies in your area. Many cities have smaller-scale options and may even work with local farms. This lets you keep your money local.