10 Best Meal Delivery Services in DC 2024: Updated

Affordable prices and timely deliveries are trademarks of many meal delivery services operating in Washington, DC. They offer a mix of meal kits and prepared meals, depending on how much time you have to get dinner on the table. 

I discovered a range of DC services that cater to different budgets and tastes. Some stand out by offering organic ingredients, while others allow diners to customize their selected meals to some extent. I also came across budget services that still use high-quality ingredients but keep the costs down with simple recipes that use fewer ingredients.

After careful examination, Factor came out at the top of my list. It offers a weekly menu of international cuisines suitable for people with various dietary requirements. It has fully prepared meals and a huge range of extras, including smoothies, breakfasts, and bulk proteins.

The Best Meal Delivery Services in DC Reviewed

1. Factor – Best for Niche Dieters in DC

Factor is a top prepared meal service catering to busy, active people. If you lift weights or work out regularly, pay attention to the meals labeled Protein Plus on Factor’s extensive menu, as most of these dishes feature over 30 g of protein.

What’s on the Menu?

Besides Protein Plus meals, you'll find dishes catering to keto and vegan, among other diets. The meals span various international cuisines, including Mexican, Indian, Italian, and Thai. Certified dietitians plan Factor's meals, ensuring top-notch quality. 

You can mix and match between 6 categories:

• Keto

• Protein Plus

• Chef's Choice

• Calorie Smart

• Vegan & Veggie

• Flexitarian

Factor has high standards for ingredient sourcing in place. Once in the kitchen, chefs prepare food that meets strict dietitian requirements. Because of this, you can't customize meals by switching out ingredients. You can only replace unsuitable dishes with another dish, which can limit the menu.

What Makes It Special?

Chefs do all the preparation so you can heat your meal in minutes. Our in-depth review found that Factor keeps most dishes on its menu for weeks, replacing only 2 or 3 weekly. New recipes feature the New label, while the most popular ones have the Top-Rated mark. Popular meals can sell out quickly.

Besides main dishes, Factor has dozens of add-ons on its menu. You can add those for an extra cost. These include pancakes, smoothies, juices, cakes, and chocolate delicacies.

Is It Good Value?

Factor allows you to order between 6 and 18 weekly meals. The larger the order, the lower the cost per meal. For example, its best-value box gives you 18 meals for just $103.41 on your first order if you use our link.

You can also schedule a free meeting with 1 of Factor's licensed dietitians. These 20-minute coaching sessions will help you figure out how to achieve your dietary goals. Besides this, Factor has efficient customer service and a highly-rated app on Google Play and App Store.

2. Green Chef – Best Organic Food Provider in DC

Green Chef is among the most popular organic meal providers in the USA. Most of its dishes contain organic ingredients, such as organically sourced beef, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and produce. Our reviewer reported that they could taste the difference with Green Chef’s high-quality ingredients in our tried-and-tested review.

What’s on the Menu?

Each week, the menu features over 45 meal kits. These cater to various diets, including keto, vegan, vegetarian, and balanced. If you don’t follow a set diet, you can easily mix and match between the plans.

Green Chef’s 8 plans include:

• Keto – for carb-conscious dieters

• Plant-Based – vegan and vegetarian meals

• Calorie Smart – for calorie-conscious foodies

• Quick and Easy – meals ready in 25 minutes or less

• Gluten Free – meals free from gluten and soy

• Mediterranean – prioritizing vegetables and beneficial fats

• Protein Packed – ideal for active people

• Gut & Brain Health – nutrient-dense high-fiber recipes

The menu features various international cuisines, allowing you to explore a range of flavors you may not be familiar with. Even the more traditional dishes are dressed up with some extra flare, like the Mushroom Linguine, which comes with truffle oil. This keeps mealtime interesting, but it also makes the menu slightly less family-friendly than alternatives like HelloFresh.

What Makes It Special?

Most main dishes can be cooked in around 20 to 40 minutes. A few of them may require as little as 10 and as much as 50 minutes. This is pretty standard for meal kits. Green Chef sometimes sends prepped ingredients and premade sauces, which can help speed up the process.

As for add-ons, you can prepare many of them in a few minutes. The most demanding extras require just 15 minutes of preparation. These include oatmeal, muffins, sandwiches, small bites, and salads, which can be ideal for breakfasts or lunches throughout the day.

The service has a comprehensive FAQ section with customer support. It features a mobile app available on Google Play and App Store, too.

Is It Good Value?

Green Chef's healthy meal kits start from $9.99 per serving. This price reflects the premium service and high-quality ingredients, and although it’s higher compared to other providers on my list, it’s still great value. 

Larger households will get the best value for money. You can order up to 4 meals for 6 people per week. The minimum order is 3 weekly meals for 2 consumers. The shipping fee is $9.99 per delivery, regardless of your order size.

3. Blue Apron – Best International Meals for DC Residents

Blue Apron offers meal kits and prepared meals for people with various dietary needs. You'll find dozens of recipes on its multi-week menu. Its meal kits contain only fresh ingredients, and you can prepare most of them in 40 minutes or less. 

What’s on the Menu?

The menu is published 4 weeks in advance, so you can create your meal plan for the next month. You can browse the menus by selecting the Signature for 2, Vegetarian, Wellness, or Signature for 4 plan. Add-Ons, including soups, pies, and rolls, are also available. You can also order meal kits or Prepared & Ready fresh prepared meals.

It’s easy to search the menu for suitable dishes. The menu highlights important info like preparation time and the main ingredients – and our reviewer was impressed with the menu labels. These include Fast & Easy, Ready to Cook, and Chef Favorites. Recommendations for special occasions and events also appear at the appropriate time of year.

Blue Apron has options for pescatarians, vegetarians, and omnivores, among other diets. The Wellness plan offers low-calorie options, and you will find additional options in the Blue Apron Market.

What Makes It Special?

Another thing I like about Blue Apron is the opportunity to personalize selected dishes. You can add meat to some of Blue Apron's vegetarian recipes, or on the flip side, you can make some meat-based dishes vegetarian by replacing poultry with pasture-raised eggs.

You can customize your order by selecting up to 5 categories:

• Chef Favorites – the service’s top picks

• Wellness – nutritionist-approved dishes

• Family Friendly – with meals that children love

• Fast & Easy – quick-to-prepare meals

• Veggies – meat-free dishes

Is It Good Value?

You can order 2 to 5 meals per week with 2 or 4 servings each. The price per serving starts at $4.00, which provides excellent value for money for families. You can also add additional meals to each weekly order.

Note that the cost depends on the number of weekly meals and servings. More recipes ordered means a lower cost per dish. The shipping cost is a flat fee of $10.99.

4. HelloFresh – Best Meal Diversity for DC Families

HelloFresh has a large offering that stands out among its competitors. As I scrolled through its menu, I counted more than 100 meal kits and other items catering to various diets. You can also see HelloFresh’s menu up to 6 weeks ahead, so you can build up your meal plan well in advance.

What’s on the Menu?

There are no menu filters, but HelloFresh clearly labels each dish. These include Best Recipe, Hall of Fame, Premium Picks, Brunch, and other tags. For allergies, you’ll have to check each recipe before ordering, which can be time-consuming.

You can rearrange the menu to see the most suitable dishes by choosing from the following categories:

• Veggie

• Pescatarian

• Under 20 Minutes
  

• Family Friendly

• Meat & Veggies

• Fit & Wholesome

You can customize some recipes using HelloCustom to change the protein or veg but note that the options are limited. For more extensive customization, check out Green Chef, which allows you to customize the majority of its menu. 

HelloFresh has specialties from many international cuisines on its menu. Everything is tailored to the tastes of a typical American family, making this a top-ranked service for households with children.

What Makes It Special?

Each recipe is classed as Easy, Medium, or Difficult, so you can choose the right dish for your skill level. You can also find out the estimated prep time. Our reviewer cooked a range of difficulty levels in our tried-and-tested review – and they were impressed with the results!

You’ll find useful information about HelloFresh in its extensive FAQ section. You can also contact its friendly customer support 24/7. When you’re on the go, the service has a highly-rated app you can download from App Store and Google Play.

Is It Good Value?

You can order as few as 2 meals for 2 people and as many as 6 meals for 6 people per week. The more meals you order, the lower your per-serving price will be. For example, new users can get 6 meals for 4 people for just $107.75 when using our link.

5. Home Chef – Best for Calorie-Conscious DC Customers

If you wish to lower your calorie intake, you should shortlist Home Chef. The meal delivery service excels in providing ingredients for calorie-conscious customers. It offers many dishes featuring around 500 calories or so, while some of the extras have as little as 150.  

What’s on the Menu?

Home Chef also specializes in low-carb dishes ideal for weight loss. You'll find many of those featuring up to 30 grams of carbohydrates. Of course, there are various suitable options for people who don't stick to a restrictive diet and who like to indulge themselves.

Supplying fresh ingredients ready for cooking is another of Home Chef's strong points. Some of the low-prep meal kits come with the ingredients ready prepared. In some cases, you’ll need just 15 minutes to put together a meal kit. Home Chef has meals catering to omnivores, pescatarians, and vegetarians, as well as low-carb and low-calorie dishes. 

Besides meal kits and money-saving bundles, Home Chef has various extras on its menu. Check our review to learn more. Among other options, you'll find cakes, coffee drinks, smoothies, rolls, and bites. You'll need 5 to 10 minutes to prepare most add-ons. But if you order the Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet, for example, you might need up to 30 minutes.

What Makes It Special?

You can get meal recommendations by filtering certain ingredients at sign-up. If you suffer from an allergy or don't like certain foods, select the ingredients you wish to avoid when choosing a plan. Some ingredients you can filter are pork, poultry, fish, mushrooms, tree nuts, and sesame.

Home Chef has a comprehensive Help Center. If you can't find an answer to your question, initiate an automated chat or get in touch with a human agent.

Is It Good Value?

Home Chef also offers a few meals with Keto-Friendly and Gluten-Smart tags. However, I recommend checking out Green Chef, which has more keto-friendly dishes on offer. You may also consider Factor for premade keto meals.

The price of Home Chef’s recipes starts at $9.99. Meals are individually priced, so many will cost more than this. The minimum order is 2 dishes per 2 people, and the maximum is 6 dishes for 6 people. The shipping fee per delivery is $10.99.

6. BistroMD – Best for Weight-Loss Solutions

BistroMD is among America's finest weight-loss meal delivery services. Its meals typically contain less than 400 calories, and you may see results within 10 days once you start your diet. Plans are flexible and don't require you to commit long-term.

What’s on the Menu?

BistroMD has 8 weight-loss programs suitable for various people:

• Men's program

• Women's program

• Keto Flex program

• Menopause program

• Gluten Free program

• Heart Healthy program

• Vegan program

• Diabetic Friendly program

Depending on your plan, you may choose between 85 and 100 meals for your diet. Picky dieters appreciating a larger meal selection should choose BistroMD's Signature program. If you're one of them, you'll have 150 dishes to choose from. Check out our BistroMD review to learn more about the menus.

What Makes It Special?

The user-friendly meal delivery service lets you customize your diet by selecting Lunches & Dinners or Full Program. Personalize your diet plan further by opting for a 5- or 7-day plan. If you opt for a full 7-day program, for example, you'll receive 7 breakfasts and lunches, 6 dinners, and My Night – a free night each week to enjoy a deserved break. A 5-day Lunches and Dinners plan provides you with 5 lunches and dinners.

Besides breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, BistroMD has snacks on its menu. Some extras you can accompany your meals with are cookies, cakes, juices, shakes, and chocolate treats.

Despite being a weight-loss service, BistroMD delivers hearty dishes. So losing weight doesn't necessarily mean feeling hungry. After all, this meal delivery service employs dietitians to design its meals.

Besides American, BistroMD prepares Mediterranean and Italian meals. The provider sources certified organic ingredients whenever possible. When this isn't the case, the company still acquires ingredients from environmentally responsible sources for its meals.

Is It Good Value?

Unfortunately, you can't customize ingredients for individual meals. This is because such requests would lower the meal's nutritional benefit. But if customization is something you don't want to compromise on, try Home Chef instead.

BistroMD uses FedEx to handle deliveries. Note that besides meal costs, which start at $6.59, you'll have to pay the standard shipping fee. Delivery time is usually 5 or 6 days.

7. Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon – Best Carbon Neutral Food

Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon is a climate-friendly meal delivery service. It introduces sustainable recipes and offsets direct carbon emissions related to packaging. Its pre-portioned servings reduce food waste. You'll recognize the most eco-friendly options on the menu by the Climate Friendly label. 

What’s on the Menu?

Various menu categories allow you to filter the large menu. These include:

• Vegan

• Healthy

• Vegetarian

• Kid-friendly

• Low-calorie

• Under 30 Minutes

With over 100 dining options, you're sure to find something that works for you. You’ll find tags on the menu that’ll help you identify dietary restrictions. Read our in-depth review to find tips about what to do regarding allergens.

What Makes It Special?

Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon allows you to customize recipes to some extent. This might include swapping your protein or switching to gluten-free ingredient varieties. Plus, if you order a meal kit, you can always omit any problematic ingredients during prep.

When it comes to customer service, I found the chatbot surprisingly helpful, especially compared to bots of some other services. You can contact human agents for more in-depth queries, though. The comprehensive on-site Customer Service section helps you navigate topics and find solutions quickly if you don't like waiting for an answer.

Is It Good Value?

There are 2 basic plans designed for 2 and 4 people. You can choose between 2 and 6 portions for either plan and make them vegetarian if you wish. The price per serving starts at $4.99. Note that the cost per serving is lower for 4-person than 2-person orders.

Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon charges an $11.99 shipping fee regardless of the total cost of your order. FedEx, UPS, and Veho are a few of the providers' shipping partners – your courier will depend on where you live.

8. Purple Carrot – Best for Vegan- and Vegetarian-Friendly Diets

Purple Carrot is one of the best meal delivery services for vegans and vegetarians. The dishes contain exclusively plant-based ingredients. So as well as being great for vegans, if you suffer from a common allergen such as milk or eggs, Purple Carrot could be a good option for you. 

What’s on the Menu?

Purple Carrot draws inspiration from vegan food around the world. Its recipes often rely on whole ingredients rather than processed vegan substitutes. Naturally, you can mix and match dishes from various cuisines, which our reviewer did when they cooked Purple Carrot at home. 

The menu consists of Meal Kits, Less Prep dishes, and Prepared Meals. Choose meal kits if you don't mind prep work and cleanup for the best dining experience. Opt for the Less Prep meals to get similar results with pre-chopped food. If a busy week's upon you, order Prepared Meals for a quick heat-and-eat option.

What Makes It Special?

Purple Carrot offers meals categorized as Dinners, Lunches, and Breakfasts. Many items are suitable for calorie-conscious diets, with as low as around 300 calories per serving. Gluten-free, high-protein, and nut-free options are available, too.

You can keep most meals for up to 7 days in the fridge. But check the best by label for confirmation when you receive your order. For the best dining experience, refrain from freezing Purple Carrot's meals and have them before the expiration date.

I found that most non-produce ingredients are organic (and non-GMO). Purple Carrot strives to maintain a high percentage of such ingredients in its meals. But due to various limitations, such as sourcing constraints, it's not always possible. USDA-certified Green Chef may be a better choice if you eat only organic food.

Is It Good Value?

The minimum meal kit order is 3 meal kits of 2 servings each. The maximum is 4 servings of 3 meals. In the case of prepared meals, you can order 1 serving per 6, 8, or 10 weekly meals. Meal price starts from $11.00 and depends on the number of servings. 

You'll need to pay a delivery fee to get your order. Its cost depends on the courier since Purple Carrot entrusts FedEx, UDS, and LaserShip, among others, to ship its products.

9. Trifecta – Best DIY Plan Builder

Trifecta is an excellent option for athletes targeting specific diets. It allows you to choose between various programs and receive meals on a weekly basis. Certified dietitians design meals, and you can use Trifecta's help to figure out what plan works best for you.

What’s on the Menu?

This meal delivery service has 4 plans for you to choose from:

• Keto – helping you decrease carbohydrate intake

• Paleo Whole30  – Whole30-compliant meals full of grass-fed proteins, vegetables, and fruit

• Clean – consisting of proteins, veggies, and grains

• Plant Based – comprising sustainable plant-based proteins

Trifecta has some good old Classics on its menu, too. There are usually several options available, and scrambled eggs, chicken breasts, and salmon may be some chief ingredients among them. Besides price and ingredients, you'll find information about calories, fat, and other nutrients.

What Makes It Special?

I like Trifecta because it allows a high level of plan customization. Once you choose a plan, you can customize the number of entries per delivery and whether to include breakfasts or not. You can also exclude 1 or 2 of 10 or so ingredients you don't like or are allergic to, as you can see in our review.

The Meal Prep plan lets you build your own meals. You can choose from a range of proteins, vegetables, and carbohydrates. This is great for fussy eaters or those with allergies, as you have total control over your weekly meals, although you’ll have to work out the macros yourself. 

You should eat Trifecta's dishes within 7 days from delivery. You can freeze food if you order quantities you can't get through during that time. But note that the meals often taste better if you keep them in the fridge.

Trifecta strives to use organic ingredients for its meals. But it isn't a USDA-certified meal delivery service. If you're after a USDA-certified organic company, check out Green Chef.

Is It Good Value?

Trifecta's chefs prepare American cuisine. If you're a fan of French, Thai, or another international cuisine, you're unlikely to find options on Trifecta's website. The best meal delivery services offering international dishes in DC are Blue Apron, Factor, and HelloFresh.

The price per meal depends on the chosen plan and the number of servings. It starts at $13.79 . DC residents pay a $9.99 shipping fee for all orders.

10. Eat Clean – Fitness-Focused Meals for Active Lifestyles

Eat Clean's balanced prepared meals stand out for quality and taste. Its menu items are carefully crafted to meet the needs of fitness-conscious dieters.  Our reviewer recommended Eat Clean for those who want to fuel their body with healthy nutrients.

What’s on the Menu?

The Chimichurri Steak pictured above is on Eat Clean's Paleo Menu. It starts with a carefully prepared grass-fed steak. Eat Clean chefs then add chimichurri sauce, a South American staple with herbal and garlic notes. Starchy rice is replaced by low-carb riced cauliflower and a side of fresh organic broccoli.

What Makes It Special?

You can order regular and large portion sizes. Regular portions are good for those who are trying to lose weight or improve muscle definition, while large sizes are suited for those who want to bulk up or who regularly engage in high-intensity workouts. Every recipe comes with detailed nutritional information, so it’s easy to keep track of your macros. 

Eat Clean lets you select your meals, but you can only order recipes on your chosen diet plan. There are 4 menus: Traditional, Keto, Paleo, and Plant-Based. This is fine for those who want to stick to their diet, but if you like more flexibility when ordering you may find the selection a bit limiting.  

Is It Good Value?

All Eat Clean ingredients are organic and unprocessed. Meals are simple yet globally inspired. Recipes rely on high-quality proteins, fresh vegetables, and interesting sauces and seasonings. If you’re looking for a broader culinary palate but still want healthy high-quality prepared meals, I recommend Factor. 

Eat Clean prices start at $4.30 per serving. The minimum order is 6 weekly meals, and you can order a maximum of 20.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Meal Delivery Service in DC

Follow my top tips to help you find the right meal delivery service to cater to your needs and budget:

1. Know your dietary needs. Figure out what your diet should consist of and your short- and long-term goals. To lose weight, for example, look for a specific weight-loss service like BistroMD, or if you want to learn to cook healthier meals, try a meal kit service like Green Chef that offers a wide selection of meals for numerous diets including plant-based and keto. There’s also a great add-ons section where you can purchase  Green Chef. It offers a range of meal kits for numerous diets such as keto, plant-based, and gluten-free. There’s also a selection of add-ons every week including items like cookies, breakfasts, and proteins.

2. Reflect on your culinary skills. You have the option of selecting meal kits or ready-made meals. The first option requires a bit of cooking and typically takes about 30 minutes, although some providers offer kits that require less preparation. Choose ready-made meals if you're pressed for time and favor a fast heat-up before dining. Some meal delivery services provide both types of meals, allowing you to blend and adjust them as you wish.

3. Check prices. All my top picks for meal delivery in DC offer good value. Still, look at the range of servings offered, their prices, and any mentioned discounts. And keep in mind that eating healthy meals you enjoy is worth spending a little bit more. A meal service your whole household loves is a better bargain than one they grudgingly tolerate.

4. Familiarize yourself with the delivery days and timings. Some services offer a range of delivery days, while others have specific days and times for deliveries. Conduct some research to find a delivery service that aligns with your schedule. In many cases, you don't need to be present at home when the delivery is made, as the box can be left outside your door or with a neighbor.
   

FAQ

What is the best meal delivery service in DC?

Factor is the best meal delivery service in Washington, DC. It offers high-quality dishes prepared by expert chefs for competitive prices. Plus, the service offers various add-ons such as smoothies and protein packs.

What is the healthiest meal delivery service in DC?

Green Chef offers the healthiest meals in DC. It's a USDA-certified organic company whose meals comprise organic ingredients, for the most part. Its selection of 45+ weekly meals caters to omnivores, vegetarians, pescatarians, and other diets.

What is the best prepared meal delivery service in DC?

Factor is the best prepared meals service in Washington, DC. You’ll find heat-and-eat options for carb-conscious, weight-loss, keto, and high-protein diets, among others. With Factor, you can have a healthy meal ready in 2 minutes.

Best Meal Delivery Service in DC in 2024 — Final Score