9 Best Columbus Meal Delivery Services 2024

Meal delivery services are increasingly popular for people living in Columbus, Ohio. But with so many options out there, including some of the big names like Home Chef and HelloFresh, it can be hard to know which service to try first.

I’ve researched all the top meal delivery services in Columbus, Ohio. This means all the hard work is done for you. Simply keep on reading to learn all about my top picks and which Columbus meal delivery services made it into my top list.

On this occasion, my all-around winner is Factor, thanks to its prepared meals, choice of cuisines, and flexible plans. That said, if you have a niche diet or prefer meal kits, there are so many other great options to choose from in Columbus.

The Best Columbus Meal Delivery Services Reviewed

1. Factor – Best for Busy People in Columbus

Factor is the perfect meal delivery service to accommodate your hectic schedule. This is a game-changer for busy people like you and me, striking the perfect balance between convenience, quality, and nutrition.

What’s on the Menu?

You don't need to be a master chef, nor do you need hours to spare; Factor delivers fully prepared meals right to your doorstep. Just heat, eat, and enjoy. Say goodbye to menu planning, long grocery store trips, and meal prep marathons, and hello to healthy, fresh meals delivered to your door.

There’s a nice variety of cuisines on the menu, and it changes weekly. I like that some dishes are tagged as Top-Rated. This makes it easy to see, at a glance, some of the tastiest recipes. These customer favorites include Artichoke and Spinach Chicken, Red Chile Chicken Tamale Bowl, and Three Bean Vegan Chili.

If you're following a keto, plant-based, or just a balanced diet, Factor has a plan for you. It offers a wide range of over 35 meals to choose from. Each meal is accompanied by a detailed breakdown of macronutrients, so you always know what you're fueling your body with.

What Makes It Special?

One of the standout features of Factor is its no-commitment policy. If you need to skip a week, change your meal plan, or cancel your subscription, you can do so at any time. This flexibility makes it even more suitable for you if you have an unpredictable schedule. Check out our full Factor review for all the details.

Factor is really convenient, but it's also focused on quality and health. The meals are curated by dietitians and crafted by professional chefs, ensuring that they have high nutritional value as well as great taste. I like that Factor sources hormone and antibiotic-free meats along with fresh, non-GMO produce whenever possible.

Is It Good Value?

Factor also offers free nutritional consultation services to help you meet your health goals. You can schedule a 20-minute consultation with a registered dietitian to discuss your dietary needs and preferences.

You can choose to order between 6 and 18 fresh meals per week. Pricing varies by order size, with larger orders providing the best savings. For example, you can get 18 meals for $103.41 on your first order with our link.

2. Green Chef – Best Meal Delivery for Healthy Choices

For health-conscious residents of Columbus, Green Chef is worth considering. Making consistently healthy meal choices can often be daunting, especially with our ever-busy schedules. Green Chef makes healthy eating accessible with recipes suitable for novice, as well as more experienced, chefs.

What’s on the Menu?

Green Chef’s menus are packed with wholesome goodness. With 8 dietary plans to select from, including Calorie Smart, Quick & Easy, Keto, Protein Packed, Mediterranean, Plant Based, Gut & Brain Health, and Gluten Free, it’s easy to find meals to suit your dietary needs.

Green Chef has plenty of variety and creativity in its recipes. Expect to find enticing options like Barramundi with Lemon Chive Butter, or Harissa-Spiced Sweet Potato and Mushroom Bowls if you're plant-based. It's clear that with Green Chef, healthy doesn’t have to mean boring!

Its meals are thoughtfully curated, featuring organic ingredients wherever possible. The ingredients are also pre-portioned, which means there's no need for guesswork or food waste. You get precisely what you need for each recipe, down to the right amount of spice.

What Makes It Special?

The company strives to make the cooking process enjoyable and straightforward. The recipe cards that come with each meal kit break down the steps in a clear, easy-to-follow manner. So even if you're new to cooking, you'll find it easy to create delicious, restaurant-quality meals at home.

Green Chef makes nutrition tracking uncomplicated. Nutritional data for every meal is conveniently detailed on the accompanying recipe cards in each delivery. Additionally, this information is available on the Green Chef website and app. To delve deeper into what Green Chef can offer you, check out our Green Chef review.

Is It Good Value?

Like Factor, Green Chef also offers a free 20-minute dietitian consultation. You’ll get tailored nutritional advice to help meet your goals, such as weight management, bulking up, or adopting a plant-based diet. 

3. Blue Apron – Great Eco-Friendly Meal Delivery in Columbus

Blue Apron is a great eco-friendly meal delivery service in Columbus, Ohio. I really appreciate the blend of quality, fresh ingredients, flexibility, and, not to forget, commitment to sustainability that makes it my top choice. And you have a choice of more than 80 weekly options falling into the Meal Kits and Prepared & Ready categories.

What’s on the Menu?

The company offers 2 Meal Kits plans: the 2-person plan and the 4-person family plan. The 2-person plan is perfect for couples or roommates, while the family plan caters to a larger group. Both plans let you choose from an array of delicious, chef-designed recipes each week.

It provides an opportunity to discover and learn to cook a range of cuisines from the comfort of your home kitchen. From the tantalizing spices of Thai food to the hearty comfort of Italian cuisine, there's a world of flavor to explore in each meal kit. If you ever wanted to try your hand at crafting authentic ramen or crispy tacos, there’s sure to be a dish you’ll love.

Whether you're a lover of meat and fish or a vegetarian, Blue Apron has a variety of recipes that cater to different dietary preferences. The menu changes every week, ensuring there's always something new to tempt your taste buds. It’s great that you can see the menu for 4 weeks at a time, so you can adjust recipes to suit your schedule.

What Makes It Special?

Blue Apron partners with over 100 family-run farms that uphold sustainable practices. Each meal you cook contributes to a network of producers committed to treating our planet with respect and kindness. Visit our tested Blue Apron review for a deeper insight into this.

You’ll find your meal kit contents neatly organized when you open your delivery box. I found it really interesting that a whopping 80% of these ingredients are sourced directly from producers. This is really important if you care about where your food comes from.

Each box comes with easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipe cards that guide you through the cooking process. Whether you're a budding cook or a seasoned home chef, these instructions help ensure your culinary adventure is smooth sailing.

Is It Good Value?

The service is designed to mold to your schedule, rather than the other way around. You can skip, pause, or cancel a delivery very easily, as long as you do it before the cutoff date and time. Prices start from $4.00 per serving. You can order 2 to 5 meal kits for 2 or 4 people per week or 4, 6, 8, or 10 single-serving prepared meals. If you need a larger order, just add more dishes. There’s no maximum.

What's more, you can purchase between Meal Kits one week and easily switch to Prepared & Ready recipes the next. But if you prefer buying both in the same week, place 2 separate orders.

4. HelloFresh – Best Meal Delivery for Families in Columbus

With HelloFresh you can make healthy meals an enjoyable experience for your family. This meal delivery service has effortlessly revolutionized meal times by bringing excitement back into home cooking while taking all the stress out of meal planning.

What’s on the Menu?

HelloFresh's expansive recipe selection caters to a wide array of tastes, ensuring that every member of your family, from the little ones to the adults, finds something to relish. From hearty comfort meals to light, nutritious options, and of course, the ever-popular kid-friendly choices, there's no shortage of dishes to explore.

If you choose the Family Friendly plan, you’re sure to find some new favorite recipes. I like the look of the Chicken Sausage Gemelli Bolognese, the Cheesy Beef Tostadas, and the One-Pot Beef and Black Bean Chili. This chili is easy to make, and there’s little cleanup, too. I like that you can find quick recipes that take 20 minutes or less to create when time is short.

If you don’t feel comfortable wielding a spatula, HelloFresh is a game-changer. It crafts an enjoyable cooking experience that's free from stress, making it a breeze to create delicious meals, even for novice cooks. Each of its weekly rotating menus is packed with exciting dishes that would make any home chef proud.

What Makes It Special?

One of the most appealing features of HelloFresh is its flexibility. If you need to adjust your delivery schedule, skip a week, pause your subscription, or even cancel, it's a breeze. Find out more about how to manage your subscription in my colleague’s tried-and-tested HelloFresh review.

What makes HelloFresh stand out is how it simplifies the cooking process. Each meal arrives with pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions. The aim is not just to feed you and your family but to transform you into a confident home chef, creating an experience that's as delightful as the meals you'll prepare.

Is It Good Value?

HelloFresh's market items offer an extensive range of choices that cater to different tastes and dietary needs, making it a one-stop shop for meal planning. The convenience of adding market items to your meal kit order simplifies grocery shopping, saving time and effort.

It’s a great choice for larger families, as you can order up to 6 meals for up to 6 people per week. Larger orders offer a better per-serving price, while smaller orders are a bit higher. For example, as a first-time user, you can get 6 meals for 4 people for only $107.75 by using our link.

5. Home Chef – Best for Customizations

Home Chef has unique customization options that make its recipes endlessly creative. Its Customize It feature allows you to tailor certain dishes by swapping or doubling the protein, ensuring your meals align with your dietary needs and cravings. This is great if you have any picky eaters in the family, as you can design your menu to suit everybody.

What’s on the Menu?

It offers typical meal kits as well as low-prep kits and oven-ready meals. These are designed to suit varying time constraints and cooking preferences. Some dishes are part of the Culinary Collection. These are more complex and feature premium ingredients, such as the Cheddar and Apple Beef Burger, and the Umami Avocado and Tofu Sushi Bowl.  

Home Chef isn’t explicitly a weight-loss service, but you can find calorie-conscious meals. The calorie-conscious and carb-conscious options can easily be filtered on the menu. It's an invaluable feature for those looking to manage their diet without compromising on taste or satisfaction.

Home Chef also offers a variety of breakfasts, desserts, snacks, add-ons, and even pantry items. This well-rounded approach ensures that all your dietary needs can be met under one roof, significantly reducing the need for grocery store trips. I’m very tempted by the Cinnamon Coffee Cake Slices.

What Makes It Special?

Every meal comes with a detailed list of ingredients and nutritional information. Explore our tested Home Chef review for even more insights about what this service can bring to your table.

I like that you can purchase bundles of items to make more savings. These include sides and proteins like the Everything Chopped Salad and Chicken and the Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup and Garlic Bread. These can be added to your meals to make them more substantial, which is especially important if you have hungry teenagers to feed.

Is It Good Value?

Each meal, protein customization, and premium recipe are priced individually. This offers flexibility, but no financial advantage for placing a large order. This system allows for personalization of orders to meet specific dietary needs and preferences, but it's important to note that the total cost can add up.

6. BistroMD – Best for Dieters in Columbus

For Columbus residents on a weight loss journey, BistroMD could align with your health goals. BistroMD is designed specifically for those aiming to shed a few pounds, while still enjoying convenient, nutritious meals.

What’s on the Menu?

BistroMD uses a scientifically-backed approach to weight loss with doctor-designed meals. Its meals are prepared by chefs and are not just low in calories but also high in protein, helping to promote fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass. This well-thought-out balance of macronutrients supports a healthy weight loss routine.

Its diverse menu boasts over 150 entrées on a 6-week rotating menu. It has plenty of options that cater to various dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, and heart-healthy. This variety ensures you're not stuck eating the same meals week after week, but instead, you're exploring a world of flavors while staying on track with your weight loss goals.

It’s great to find a range of new meals on the menu, too. Some of these include the Mojo Pork with Black Beans and Rice and the Butter Bean Ragu with Roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts. It’s also good to see some comfort food favorites like the Sloppy Joe with Cabbage Slaw.

What Makes It Special?

The convenience factor is another huge plus, as each meal comes fully cooked. They can be easily reheated in just a few minutes. This means you can have a healthy, balanced meal ready to eat, no matter how busy your schedule may be. Read our tried-and-tested BistroMD review to find out how the meals taste.

BistroMD has dedicated support for its customers' weight loss journeys. With a team of dietitians working behind the scenes, it ensures the nutritional adequacy and balance of each meal. It also provides complimentary dietitian consultations, offering personalized advice tailored to your unique health needs and goals.

Is It Good Value?

Flexibility is at the heart of BistroMD's service, as it offers plans for 5 or 7 days. You have options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. These offer a nutritious and convenient option for those looking to satisfy their hunger between meals without compromising their dietary goals.

And if you're unsure about committing, BistroMD's flexibility extends to its membership, allowing you to pause, cancel, or customize your plan at any time. Prices start at $6.59 per serving for the full plan.

7. Purple Carrot – Best for Vegans in Columbus

If you're in Columbus and fancy living a plant-based lifestyle, Purple Carrot is a great option. Recognized for its passion for plant-powered meals, it’s carved out a niche for itself among vegan meal delivery services. Its commitment to vibrant flavors and nutrient-dense ingredients makes Purple Carrot the go-to option for vegans in Columbus.

What’s on the Menu?

The magic of Purple Carrot lies in its innovative approach to plant-based eating. It doesn’t just provide meals; it's a culinary adventure, introducing you to a world of exciting flavors that stretch far beyond the typical vegan fare. To learn more about its offerings, be sure to check out our in-depth Purple Carrot review.

It provides a range of dishes suitable for varied cooking skill levels, so whether you're a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, you'll find something that suits your needs. This combination of options ensures that a nutritious plant-based meal is always within your reach, regardless of your schedule or skill level.

But it doesn’t stop at dinner; Purple Carrot offers a fantastic selection of inventive breakfasts, like the vibrant Kale and Smoky Tempeh Scramble, fulfilling lunches, like the Protein Power Bowls, and a variety of plant-based pantry items. So whether you're craving plant-based cookies or seeking to stock up on essentials, Purple Carrot has some unique options.

What Makes It Special?

What sets Purple Carrot apart is its perfect blend of convenience and culinary exploration. You can enjoy the flexibility of choosing from an array of meal kits for those nights when you're in the mood to cook and readily prepared meals for those hectic days when time is scarce.

Purple Carrot includes a recipe booklet with each delivery. This is a high-quality printed booklet containing the ingredients and recipes for all the meal kits on the menu for that week, not limited to the ones you've ordered. This thoughtful inclusion provides a growing collection of vegan recipes at your fingertips, offering inspiration and variety even beyond your current meal selections.

Is It Good Value?

Prices start at $11.00, allowing you to choose from 3 meals each week for either 2 or 4 people. For those preferring ready-to-eat options, there's the choice of 6, 8, or 10 prepared meals weekly. Additionally, Purple Carrot enables you to mix meal kits and prepared meals within your account.

You’ll get free shipping on orders exceeding $99, and for those less experienced in the kitchen, be sure to explore the Low-Prep options for easier meal preparation. If you're interested in a variety of dietary choices, including meat- and plant-based dishes, Factor's menu might also be worth checking out for its diverse offerings.

8. Nutrisystem – Time-Tested Weight Loss Service

Nutrisystem stands as a time-tested diet plan for busy individuals in Columbus. Over the years, Nutrisystem has helped millions of people achieve their weight loss goals through its structured and simple approach to meal planning. It presents a stress-free pathway to healthy living.

What’s on the Menu?

Nutrisystem’s plan is scientifically designed to provide a balanced, low-glycemic diet. It focuses on portion control, balanced nutrition, and frequent meals, which help maintain your blood sugar levels and keep you satisfied throughout the day. Its meals are high in fiber and protein, ensuring you feel full longer and thus avoiding unnecessary snacking.

It offers a vast variety of meals, with over 130 chef-crafted options to choose from. These include favorites like lasagna, chicken alfredo, and chocolate muffins. You might not even feel like you're on a diet. You also have the flexibility to customize your menu, tailoring it to your dietary needs and preferences. Our tested Nutrisystem review has all the details about how this works.

An advantage of Nutrisystem is convenience, as all meals are pre-packed and ready to eat. This saves you from the hassle of grocery shopping, meal prep, or calculating calories and nutrients. For those with hectic lifestyles, Nutrisystem is a true ally, turning the journey to health into a fuss-free experience.

What Makes It Special?

Meals arrive frozen or shelf-stable, so not everything has to be stored in the freezer. The Margherita Pizza and the Meatloaf With Potatoes and Veggies are frozen dishes, but a lot of the pasta-based meals, like the Meatballs In Marinara Sauce or the Santa Fe Style Chicken, are shelf-stable dishes.

Support is integral to Nutrisystem's offerings, and you get access to a suite of tools. These include written resources, a dedicated app, personalized support from dietitians, and an online community to keep you motivated and on track.

Is It Good Value?

I’m impressed with Nutrisystem's user-friendly categorization of its meal plans. It offers distinct plans for men, women, and different age groups, considering the unique nutritional needs of each group. These targeted meal plans take the guesswork out of dieting, giving you a personalized roadmap. It isn’t suitable for vegans, though, so check out BistroMD instead.

Prices for Nutrisystem plans start at $9.64 per day. You can get the best value by ordering 3 monthly boxes in advance.

9. Marley Spoon – Best Easy-To-Follow Recipes For Novices

Marley Spoon is a good choice for comfort food meal kits. This meal delivery service offers a range of dishes that can be prepared conveniently in your own kitchen, thanks to meticulously pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe instructions.

What’s on the Menu?

It offers a wide range of meal options, with over 100 choices each week. To delve deeper into what Marley Spoon provides, check out our comprehensive Marley Spoon review.

It supports dietary requirements, including vegetarian, gluten-free, low-calorie. This makes it easy for everyone to find something to their liking. And if you're a food adventurer, the weekly menu includes creative recipes like Pork Souvlaki Burger, Smoked Salmon Poke Bowl, and Vegan Niku Miso Donburi.

You'll find recipes from a variety of unique culinary traditions. These include American classics, spicy Thai and Indian cuisines, French and Italian dishes, hearty Mediterranean meals, and Chinese, Korean, and Mexican-inspired creations. This definitely keeps mealtimes interesting.

What Makes It Special?

Ingredients are chosen for seasonal freshness and high quality. Sourced from a network of trusted suppliers, local producers, and family-run businesses, they meet Marley Spoon’s stringent quality benchmarks. This commitment to excellence guarantees you'll enjoy your meals in the comfort of your own home.

Marley Spoon is also committed to sustainability, striving to minimize food waste through its precise portioning while using recyclable packaging wherever possible. This commitment to environmental responsibility means that when you choose Marley Spoon, you're nourishing yourself and taking care of the planet.

Is It Good Value?

Marley Spoon has also incorporated ready-made options into its lineup, such as the microwaveable Cheese Enchiladas, for those days when you don't have time to cook. If you're seeking more pre-prepared healthy meals, you can also consider Factor.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Columbus Meal Delivery Service

In order to assist you in selecting the finest meal delivery service in Columbus that suits your needs, I present my top 4 criteria for evaluating and rating these services.

• Pick a plan that suits your dietary requirements: Just because a meal delivery service has lots of items on the menu, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’ll be options that meet your unique dietary requirements. Check what’s offered by each service ahead of time. With Factor you can see the menu for the next 4 weeks.

• Factor in your cooking level: If you’re a novice cook or lack confidence in the kitchen, it’s worth starting with a meal delivery service that offers prepared or low-prep meals. Blue Apron has fast and easy recipes as well as more complex dishes for when you want to branch out.
  

• Check delivery speed and availability: Make sure that your chosen meal delivery service offers delivery days and slots that suit your schedule. If you’re often away from home, make sure there’s the option to pause or skip a week. It’s easy to manage your account on the HelloFresh app.

• Ease of customization: Having the ability to swap, upgrade, or double-up on your favorite meal ingredients gives you greater control over your dining experience. For example, Home Chef's Customize It tool lets you tailor your meals to suit your dietary preferences and vary your choices for extra diversity.

FAQ

What is the healthiest meal delivery service in Columbus? 

What is the best diet-friendly meal delivery service in Columbus? 

BistroMD is a diet-friendly meal delivery service with physician-designed and chef-prepared meals. It offers tailored programs that support a variety of dietary goals and includes options like heart-healthy, gluten-free, diabetic, and menopause-specific plans. This provides not just convenience but also nutritious meals that align with your dietary objectives.

Are there prepared meal delivery services in Columbus? 

Yes, my top pick for prepared meals in Columbus is Factor. Factor meals are made and delivered fresh, not frozen, and can be heated up in a matter of minutes. You’ll be able to enjoy the convenience of a prepared meal without any of the processed ingredients or added sugar that are often found in these types of meals.

Best Columbus Meal Delivery Services in 2024 — Final Score