Meal delivery services offer an undeniable level of convenience right to your door, whether you’re doing your best to stick to a meal plan or simply save time in your day.
We’ve tried and tested the most popular services that deliver in Chicago and narrowed down the list to the top 10 picks. Whether you're looking to avoid the grocery store, prefer zero meal prep, want to stick to a diet, or wish to try different foods, meal delivery services are a great option.
My number one choice for the best meal delivery service in Chicago is Factor as it has a diverse menu with many international influences. Plus, I really liked the convenience of its fully-prepared meals that can be ready in minutes. Read on for more recommendations.
Factor – Best overall meal delivery in Chicago
Green Chef – Best chef-crafted recipes for healthy Chicagoans
HelloFresh – Best all-around home delivery service in Chicago
Home Chef – Best customizable plan for any palate
BistroMD – Best calorie-conscious plans designed by dietitians
Recipes made for busy lifestyles
35+ microwave-ready recipes and 40+ add-ons each week
8 plans including Keto, Protein Plus, and Fiber Filled
Current deal – Get up to $130 off + free shipping on your first box. Code: WEB130FREE
Factor offers a wide range of diet-friendly, prepared meals. These meals are designed by dietitians, ensuring balanced macronutrients. It offers a variety of American, Mediterranean, Asian, and Southeast Asian-inspired dishes. We tested and reviewed Factor for ourselves if you want a detailed look.
Factor's menu includes over 35 weekly recipes with over 40 add-ons. There’s a range of cuisines including American, Asian, and Mediterranean. The menu also rotates some items each week, keeping options fresh and diverse.
The meal plans are flexible, catering to various diets like keto, low-calorie, and high-protein. These plans act more like menu filters, allowing you to mix and match according to your taste. This flexibility makes it easy to tailor meals to your dietary preferences.
In addition to the main dishes, Factor offers a range of add-ons. These include keto-friendly desserts and protein-packed snacks. However, the options for vegan or vegetarian dieters in the add-ons section are limited.
Factor stands out with its commitment to high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. It uses non-GMO and mostly organic produce, ensuring your meal isn’t only tasty but also responsible. All meats are pasture-raised or grass-fed, and poultry and eggs are cage- and antibiotic-free.
Another unique aspect of Factor is its dietitian services. Before ordering, you can have a free 20-minute consultation to assess if the meals align with your fitness goals. This service is uncommon among meal delivery services, setting Factor apart.
Factor integrates its recipes into popular calorie-tracking apps. This feature helps you monitor your macronutrient and vitamin intake effortlessly. It's particularly beneficial for those on specific diets, like low-calorie or keto.
Factor pricing varies by order size, with larger orders providing the best savings. For example, you can get 18 meals for $112.41 on your first order with our link.
The ordering process is straightforward, with an accessible app for both iOS and Android. The user-friendly FAQ, efficient chatbot, and 24/7 live chat support make managing your subscription hassle-free.
Sustainably sourced, USDA-certified organic, and GMO-free ingredients
40+ unique recipes per week
8 dietary options, including keto, gluten-free, and high-protein
Green Chef offers certified-organic meal kits with a focus on sustainability. It provides a variety of chef-crafted menus suitable for different diet plans. Learn more in our tested Green Chef review.
It features 8 diet plans, including Plant Based, Keto, Gluten Free, and Mediterranean, catering to diverse dietary needs and preferences. Menus are available for the next 3 weeks, aiding in meal planning.
Green Chef's meals blend American cuisine with Mediterranean, Mexican, and Asian influences. Meals like Pork Chops with Creamy Shallot Sauce showcase this culinary diversity. There are a few options marked Premium, which come with a small surcharge.
It has a great Add-Ons section. Choose from 60+ offerings, including protein shakes, salads, flavored oatmeals, juices, breakfasts, snacks, desserts, and proteins. Many options are keto-focused, but others are suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Its meal plans are flexible, allowing for mixing and matching of different plans. You can combine Plant Based with Gluten Free options, for instance. This flexibility is great for those with specific dietary needs or preferences.
Recipes are easy to follow, with pre-prepared ingredients and sauces. Meal prep typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. All ingredients are pre-portioned, simplifying the cooking process and reducing food waste.
Pricing starts at $6.00 per serving, a reasonable rate considering the organic ingredients. It’s more affordable than organic takeout, though slightly pricier than self-prepped meals. This price point reflects the quality and convenience it offers.
Serving sizes range from 3 meals for 2 people to 4 meals for 6 people per week. This flexibility caters to different household sizes and eating habits. It strikes a balance between cost and convenience, making it a viable option for various budgets.
Family-friendly with plenty of options for kids
More than 100 recipes and market items per week
Carb-smart, calorie-smart, vegetarian, and pescatarian diets
HelloFresh is the most family-friendly meal delivery service in Chicago. It offers an array of meal plans tailored to different tastes and dietary needs, including Meat & Veggies, Veggie, and Family Friendly options.
HelloFresh's menu features over 100 recipes and other items each week, mainly American cuisine with Mediterranean and Mexican influences. Classic dishes and innovative creations are both on offer. This variety caters to a broad range of palates and preferences.
The Veggie plan provides meat- and seafood-free options, and the HelloCustom feature allows for protein swaps. This flexibility is great for vegetarian families or those looking to vary their protein intake. Additionally, the menu tags popular recipes for easy selection.
A unique aspect of HelloFresh is its 10-minute lunch options, like the 7-Layer Dip Avocado Toasts. They offer a healthy, quick solution for lunchtime without compromising on taste. There are also one-pot meals and an Under 20 Minutes plan. These are perfect for time-pressed evenings or when you need a meal in a hurry.
HelloFresh simplifies meal prep with pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. This approach reduces food waste and prep time, making it convenient for families. However, some basic kitchen tasks, like chopping and seasoning, are still required.
Recipes are designed to be prepared in around 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy households. Find out how we got when we tried some of the meals by checking out our tested HelloFresh review.
HelloFresh is known for its outstanding customer support and 24/7 via live chat. This service is especially valuable for addressing last-minute order changes or delivery issues. Such support ensures a hassle-free experience for families using the service.
The minimum order requirement is 2 recipes for 2 people per week, scaling up to 6 recipes for up to 6 people. This range accommodates different family sizes and dining preferences.
Pricing is affordable, especially for larger orders that offer a lower per-serving rate. For example, new users can get 6 meals for 4 people for just $107.75 when using our link.
Easy-prep meal kits, some ready in as little as 15 minutes
40+ unique recipes per week
Dietary options include low-carb, low-calorie, and high-protein
Home Chef offers the best meal customization options in Chicago. This makes it an ideal choice for families or those hosting dinner parties. Additionally, the option to add breakfast and dessert items allows for a comprehensive weekly menu.
Home Chef's menu primarily features classic American recipes. Dishes like Butter Cracker Crusted Honey Chicken are family favorites. The new Family Plan menu filters family-friendly meals, simplifying meal planning for households with kids.
For gourmet cooking enthusiasts, it offers premium meat cuts like filet mignon and sirloin steak. These protein upgrades cater to those who enjoy a more upscale dining experience at home.
In addition to main dishes, Home Chef offers extras including breakfasts, breads, salads, proteins, and dessert options. This variety allows for a more rounded menu throughout the week. You can save money by opting for the Bundle & Save options, which offer combinations such as soup and salad, an appetizer duo, or a dessert duo.
The Customize It feature sets Home Chef apart. This option allows you to substitute or double proteins in many recipes, meaning you can cater to individual taste preferences and dietary needs. However, customizing proteins may incur an additional charge, which you won’t find out until you choose your meals. Find out more in our tested Home Chef review.
Home Chef shows tags and icons under each recipe image so you can see what diets it supports. You’ll see Mediterranean, Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Smart, Under 625 calories, Under 35 g carbs, Vegetarian, and Over 30 g protein. As all meals are preapred in the same facility, those with severe allergies should note that cross-contamination is a possibility and the meals marked Gluten-Smart aren’t certified gluten free.
The number of different meal types is another standout feature. There are standard meal kits, which take around 30-45 minutes to prepare, Express meal kits, which can be ready in under 30 minutes, Oven Ready meals that just require assembly and Fast & Fresh meals that arrive prepared and just need to be heated in the microwave.
Prices start at $5.00 per portion, with options to order 2 to 6 recipes per week. You can order for 2, 4, or 6 people, offering a total of 4 to 36 portions weekly. Meals are individually priced, so your final total will vary week by week even if you order the same number of meals.
Home Chef also provides flexibility in serving sizes. Unlike most meal delivery services, you can order different serving sizes for each recipe. This is ideal if you’re catering for guests or not catering for the entire household for every meal.
Plans designed by dietitians to help you easily follow a low-calorie diet
150+ recipes adjusted to the diet plan you choose
7 diet plans, including Gluten-Free, Keto-Flex, and Diabetes-Friendly
BistroMD offers effortless weight loss meal plans designed by a Ph.D. dietitian. Its meals are tailored for individuals transitioning to a low-calorie diet, focusing on balanced nutrition and portion control. This service is especially beneficial for those seeking guided weight loss support.
BistroMD's meals total 1,200 or 1,400 calories per day, with each meal ranging from 350 to 500 calories. The meals are nutritionally balanced, providing a mix of proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats. This structure supports a calorie-conscious diet effectively.
The service offers a range of meal plans, including Signature, Gluten Free, Heart Healthy, Keto Flex, Diabetic, Vegan, and Menopause. However, the Keto Flex plan does not induce ketosis, and the Diabetic and Menopause plans offer the same food selections. This variety caters to different dietary needs and preferences.
However, the service doesn’t allow for ingredient substitutions. Meals are part of a meticulously planned diet, making customization limited. This lack of flexibility might be a drawback for some, but it ensures strict adherence to the dietary plan. Find out about what happened when we tested BistroMD.
BistroMD's meals total 1,200 or 1,400 calories per day, with each meal ranging from 350 to 500 calories. The meals are nutritionally balanced, providing a mix of proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats. This structure supports a calorie-conscious diet effectively.
BistroMD's personalized meal plans are developed by a team of registered dietitians. They ensure that every meal aligns with specific dietary goals. This personalization is key for individuals on a structured, calorie-conscious diet.
However, the service doesn’t allow for ingredient substitutions. Meals are part of a meticulously planned diet, making customization limited. This lack of flexibility might be a drawback for some, but it ensures strict adherence to the dietary plan. Find out about what happened when we tested BistroMD.
With options for 2 or 3 meals for 5 or 7 days per plan, you can choose up to 20 meals a week. If you opt for a full plan, you can eat what you wish for the remaining meal. This flexibility ensures you always have diet-friendly meals on hand. The service provides a practical solution for maintaining a consistent, healthy diet.
The maximum plan costs $5.50 per serving for 20 meals a week. This pricing is competitive, considering the personalized nature and convenience of the service. It's a worthwhile investment for those committed to a low-calorie diet.
Meal kits and prepared meals
Wide selection of meals and extras per week
Dietary options include gluten-free, soy-free, and high-protein
Purple Carrot is the only 100% plant-based vegan meal delivery service on my list. It offers both meal kits and prepared meals, catering to a diverse range of tastes and dietary preferences. Find out more in our tested Purple Carrot review.
Purple Carrot provides over 16+ meal kit recipes each week. These range from quick 5-minute breakfasts to 30-minute dinners. Despite a smaller menu than other services, it ensures fresh and varied weekly options.
The menu includes a variety of cuisines, like Mediterranean, Indian, Asian, and Middle Eastern. Meals are centered around vegetables, herbs, and spices, making them appealing even to meat-eaters looking to incorporate more plant-based options. Dishes like Pesto Melt and Grilled BBQ Cauliflower Steaks are examples of its innovative approach.
In addition to meal kits, Purple Carrot offers around 16 different prepared meals each week. These meals are single-serving, come in recyclable trays, and are microwave-ready in just a few minutes. There are even some prepared dishes marked “Shareable” which can serve 2 people as a side dish. The service also provides snacks and pantry staples in the Grocery.
Purple Carrot emphasizes vegetables as the main attraction rather than relying on meat substitutes. Its creative dishes, such as Hoisin Tofu Steaks with Sticky Rice, showcase innovative plant combinations. This focus differentiates it from other meal services that often lean heavily on meat alternatives.
The High Protein meals are notable, offering at least 20 grams of protein per serving. These cater specifically to those following a plant-based diet who need more protein. Dishes are designed to be both nutritionally balanced and flavorful.
Purple Carrot’s breakfast and lunch options mean that you can enjoy plant-based meals throughout the day. On busy days, these convenient options help you stick to a vegan diet without resorting to less healthy alternatives.
Purple Carrot's pricing starts at $11.00 per serving for the maximum order, and prepared meals are priced at $13 each. While this may be considered pricey, the quality and convenience of the service justify the cost for those committed to a vegan diet.
The service lets you order meal kits for 2 or 4 people. The minimum order is 3 meal kits for 2 people, with the maximum being 3 meal kits for 4 people. On the 2-person plan, you can also order 4 meal kits. You won’t be able to order any less than 6 prepared meals per week. These can be ordered in bundles of 8, or 10 meals as well.
Meal kits and prepared meals on the menu
80+ unique recipes per week
Dietary options include vegetarian, carb-conscious, and diabetes-friendly
Blue Apron offers meal kit menus for 2 and 4 people, accommodating individuals, couples, and small families. It specializes in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, with American and Asian dishes also featured. Blue Apron's focus on variety caters to a wide range of culinary preferences.
Besides its standard meal kits, it also offers Prepared & Ready fresh prepared meals each week. These meals take just 5 minutes to heat and maintain the same high quality as the meal kits. Options like Pulled Pork Rotini & Cheese cater to those needing a quick meal without compromising on quality.
The cuisine mainly draws from Mediterranean flavors, with classic American and Asian influences. This blend offers a diverse dining experience. Popular dishes include diabetes-friendly and vegetarian options, providing choices for different dietary needs.
All meals have tags and icons – such as Carb-Conscious, or 15 Min Meal – helping you find the meals to suit your needs. You can also select up to 5 preferences for meal kits and 3 for the prepared meals, but these act as menu filters, and you can mix and match across categories for each meal type.
Blue Apron's app features short cooking videos, perfect for those learning kitchen skills. Recipes are designed to be easy to follow. This approach helps you enjoy restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort. Learn more in our tested Blue Apron review.
Blue Apron's commitment to ingredient quality is evident in its sourcing. It uses humanely raised proteins and sustainably farmed produce. This focus ensures high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients in every meal.
Pricing starts at approximately $4.00 per serving for the maximum order. This rate is competitive, considering the quality and variety of meals offered. The largest order is 5 meals of 4 servings each per week, making it a viable option for regular home cooking.
You can also order 4, 6, 8, or 10 Prepared & Ready meals every week and add additional meals to your weekly order as there’s no hard limit. If you mix and match prepared meals and meal kits, you can order 2 boxes, but you’ll have to pay 2 shipping fees of $10.99. If you want to try prepared meals alongside a meal kit order, check out the Market menu.
Browse the menu of classic home-cooked dishes
100+ menu items per week
Dietary options include vegetarian, dairy-free, low-carb, and pescatarian
Marley Spoon focuses on elevated, classic American comfort meals. Its partnership with Martha Stewart has made it 1 of the most popular meal delivery services in the US. It features a huge menu, blending traditional flavors with globally-inspired ingredients for adventurous eaters in Chicago.
The menu features over 100 items each week, which is a significantly larger selection than many competitors. It includes diverse options like entrees, sides, and desserts. The variety caters to different tastes, despite somewhat limited dietary accommodations.
Marley Spoon offers a special category of Premium meals each week. These meals include dozens of recipes featuring superior ingredients. Options like the Organic Truffle Butter Steak are staples of the premium meal options.
The menu offers some recipe customization. This feature allows customers to swap certain ingredients to suit their preferences. It’s only available after sign-up when selecting meals, so you won’t know which meals are customizable until after sign-up. Find out more about its large menu in our Marley Spoon review.
Marley Spoon stands out for its environmental commitment. The service is designed to minimize food waste and packaging. Additionally, it’s 100% carbon neutral, balancing carbon-based materials with eco-friendly initiatives.
The partnership with Martha Stewart brings a unique touch. This collaboration provides easy-to-follow recipes for comfort food classics. The blend of Martha Stewart's culinary expertise and Marley Spoon's service creates a distinctive offering.
The service's recipe kits require basic prep but come with precise measurements. The cooking instructions are clear, making the process simple and enjoyable. This approach is ideal for those who appreciate hands-on cooking with a bit of guidance.
Marley Spoon maintains affordability, with prices starting at $4.99 per serving. This pricing is competitive, especially considering the customization options and the service's environmental efforts.
The flexible ordering options cater to different needs. You can choose from 2 to 6 recipes per week for 2 or 4 people. This flexibility makes it a suitable choice for couples or small families looking to balance budget and quality.
Many recipes prepared in 6 steps or less
100+ meal kits and prepared meals per week + extras
Low carb, low-calorie, vegetarian, and other options available
Dinnerly is the most affordable meal delivery service in Chicago. It’s always stocked full of 100+ meal kits that are simple to make and don’t contain overly exotic ingredients. The low cost and easy recipes make it a perfect fit for budget-conscious families or those with kids.
Dinnerly's menu features classic comfort foods, perfect for families and picky eaters. You'll find familiar dishes like pasta and burgers. These meals are designed to satisfy both adults and children.
My personal favorite, Chicken & Broccoli Mac & Cheese, perfectly encapsulates Dinnerly's approach to familiar but exciting meals. It's a twist on the classic mac and cheese, adding chicken and broccoli for a more nutritious dish. The recipe is simple, yet the result is a delicious, comforting meal.
In addition to the main meals, you’ll find some desserts, snacks, and a few prepared meals. Some meals are marked PremiYum and come with a small upcharge. The extra cost is revealed when you choose your meals. These meals feature fancier proteins and sides.
Dinnerly’s cooking steps are super simple. Most recipes involve just 5 easy steps, making it ideal for busy individuals who want to enjoy home-cooked meals without spending too much time in the kitchen. Find out more about how Dinnerly keeps things simple and streamlined in our tested review.
Despite its affordability, Dinnerly offers an extensive menu. With over 100 options each week, it surpasses many higher-priced competitors in variety. This extensive selection is a significant draw for those who enjoy diverse meal options.
The service focuses on ingredient quality without driving up costs. Some of the produce is organic, and the proteins are free from antibiotics and humanely raised. This commitment to quality ingredients at low prices sets Dinnerly apart.
Dinnerly is an incredibly affordable option in the meal kit market. Prices start at just $2.12, making it accessible for those on a budget. This affordability doesn't come at the expense of quality, making it an excellent value.
The service offers flexibility in ordering. You can choose between 2 and 6 meals for 2 or 4 people each week. This flexibility, combined with the low price point, makes Dinnerly a practical choice for various household sizes and budgets.
Low-calorie, highly nutritious prepared meals
Build your own meals from a choice of proteins, carbs, and veg
5 plans including Keto and Paleo Whole30 Approved
Trifecta offers a unique meal delivery experience with a variety of dietary options. Its focus on fresh ingredients and convenient packaging makes it a standout choice for those seeking healthy prepared meals.
Trifecta provides 5 dietary plans: Clean, Keto, Paleo Whole30 Approved, Plant Based, and GLP-1 Friendly. You can choose from 5, 7, 10, or 14 entrees per week. Plans can’t be mixed, but you can choose your own meals, or if you let the chefs choose, you can opt to exclude one ingredient from a list, including pork, tree nuts, and shellfish.
The separate Signature plan allows you to select from 6+ entree recipes. There’s also a separate breakfast menu with 12+ meals and you can mix and match across these menus. However, recipes for other plans aren’t visible, which can be inconvenient for those with specific ingredient preferences. Trifecta's emphasis on variety is evident in its Signature plan, but less so in others.
All meals arrive in microwave-ready trays, portioned for individual use. This packaging is practical for easy storage and meal preparation. The trays' reusability also adds an eco-friendly aspect to the service.
Trifecta's Meal Prep plan stands out by allowing you to create your own meals. Ingredients include meat, fish, complex carbs, and vegetables, all prepped with simple seasonings. This plan offers a unique blend of convenience and customization.
It uses only fresh and seasonal ingredients, avoiding preservatives and artificial additives. This commitment to quality ensures that meals are not only convenient but also health-conscious. Such an approach is appealing for those who prioritize clean eating. Learn more in our tested Trifecta review.
Another unique feature is Trifecta's nutrition-tracking app. The app integrates all recipes and allows barcode scanning of additional products. This tool makes it easy to track meal macros, enhancing the meal management experience.
Trifecta is 1 of the more expensive meal delivery services, with prices starting at $13.79 per serving. A full week of 7 breakfasts and 14 entrees can exceed $300. This pricing reflects the quality and convenience of the service, but it may be a consideration for those on a budget.
Despite the higher cost, Trifecta's focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and customizable meal plans offers significant value. The convenience of microwave-ready trays and the nutritional tracking app add to the overall worth of the service for those prioritizing health and convenience in their meal choices.
Top Plans | ||||||||||
Top Plans | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |||||||
Our Rating | ||||||||||
Our Rating | 9.8 | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.4 | 9.6 | 9.2 | 9.2 | 9.3 |
Best Offer | ||||||||||
Best Offer | $112.41 Per Box | $6.00 Per Serving | $107.75 Per Box | $5.00 Per Serving | $5.50 Per Serving | $11.00 Per Serving | $4.00 Per Serving | $4.99 Per Serving | $2.12 Per Serving | $13.79 Per Serving |
Minimum Order | ||||||||||
Minimum Order | 6 prepared meals | 3 meals for 2 people | 2 meals for 2 people | 2 meals for 2 people | 10 prepared meals | 3 meal kits for 2 people/6 prepared meals | 2 meals for 2 people | 2 meals for 2 people | 3 meals for 2 people | 7 meals |
Meal Types | ||||||||||
Meal Types | Prepared meals | 10-45 minute meal kits | Meal kits, speedy kits, prepared meals | Kits, speedy kits, oven-ready | Prepared meals | Meal kits, prepared meals | 5 - 60 min meal kits and prepared meals | 30-60 min meal kits | 30-minute meal kits | Prepared |
Prep Time | ||||||||||
Prep Time | 2-3 min | 25-40 min | 5-50 min | 5-50 min | 2-3 min | 3-40 min | 5-45 min | 20-40 min | 20-45 min | 0-3 min |
Active Deals | ||||||||||
Active Deals |
As a meal delivery expert, I understand how overwhelming it can be to choose from the many options available. To help make your decision easier, here are some factors to keep in mind:
Menu variety: If you enjoy experimenting with new recipes, opt for services that update their menus weekly, such as Factor. However, if you prefer familiar dishes, choose a service such as HelloFresh which changes the menu weekly but features many customer favorites over and over again.
Special dietary needs: Many meal delivery services offer vegetarian or low-calorie options. But if you have specific dietary restrictions or allergies, you might need a more specialized service. Green Chef is a great option catering to a wide range of specific diets.
Budget: The meal delivery industry offers options for a wide range of budgets. Lower-priced meals from a service like HelloFresh may contain fewer ingredients and only cater to mainstream diets. While more expensive, premium services, like Factor, may feature prepared meals and cater to restrictive diets.
Eco-friendliness: Although meal delivery services reduce food waste, their shipping does require packaging. Consider options like Marley Spoon that use sustainable materials and strive for a smaller carbon footprint.
Factor is the best meal delivery service in Chicago with high-quality ingredients and easy, fully-prepared recipes that help you get dinner on the table in minutes. The menu is great for a range of diets, including low-calorie, high-protein, and keto.
Yes. HelloFresh delivers to Chicago and to the 48 continental states. You can type in your zip code when you sign up so any delivery restrictions will be flagged upfront.
Factor is the best prepared meal delivery service in the Chicago suburbs. You can double-check what delivery days are available for your zip code on Factor’s website.
Zoran Trifunovic is a writer at DeliveryRank. As a self-proclaimed gourmet, he relishes the opportunity to share his culinary expertise with both readers and colleagues. Starting out as a travel writer, Zoran has since explored other writing avenues, producing blog posts, product reviews, and guidebooks on a diverse range of topics. In addition, he has experience in crafting writer's guidelines and building WordPress websites.