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Author Zoran Trifunovic
Zoran Trifunovic
Updated on Sep 2nd, 2023
Fact checked by Deborah Leigh

10 Best Meal Delivery Services in Maryland 2023: Top Picks

Meal delivery services can reshape your life. It can be challenging to find the time and inspiration to cook fresh and healthy meals every day of the week. But meal delivery services give you the chance to enjoy tasty and nutritious home-cooked food without having to forward-plan or shop for groceries on the way home from work. 

After some serious research, I’ve rounded up the 10 best in Maryland this year. I evaluated each service based on menu variety, quality of ingredients, customization options, convenience, affordability, and more. The result is something for everyone on this list, no matter what your dietary preferences, lifestyle, or budget.

For me, Factor is the top choice. With a wide variety of health- and fitness-focused prepared meals, it’s rivaled by few – if any – other prepared meal delivery services. It also offers add-ons and market items, so you can shop for more than just dinner in one go. Yes, please! 

Short on Time? Here Are the Best Meal Delivery Services in Maryland

  1. Factor – Best healthy prepared meals in Maryland

  2. Green Chef – Best organic meal kits in Maryland

  3. HelloFresh – Best family-friendly meal kits in Maryland

  4. Home Chef – Best customizable meal delivery in Maryland

  5. Fresh and Easy – Best for quick, no-prep meals

See 5 more of the best meal delivery services in Maryland

The Best Meal Delivery Services in Maryland Reviewed

1. Factor – Best Healthy Prepared Meals in Maryland

Factor menu, Thai Roasted Vegetable Green Curry with Coconut Lime Rice

Factor's Thai Roasted Vegetable Green Curry with Coconut Lime Rice.

Key Features

Factor is a great choice for those short on time since it only offers prepared meals. The menu boasts a wide variety of cuisines that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, though the service is widely known for its excellent keto-friendly meals. The dishes take just minutes to heat in the microwave, making them perfect for a desk lunch or as post-gym fuel.

As well as high-protein options, you’ll find some veggie, vegan, and low-calorie dishes. When you sign up, you can pick the plan that works best for your lifestyle and dietary preferences, or you can choose to mix and match across the wider menu. All the meals are single-serving, which means this service is probably best suited to individuals. 

As for dietary plans, you can choose 1 or more of the following options:

  • Keto

  • Protein Plus

  • Calorie Smart

  • Chef’s Choice

  • Vegan & Veggie

Factor’s ready-made meals are unlike anything you’ll pick up at the grocery store. The focus on high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients – plus the fact that they’re chef-prepared – means they taste great and super fresh, as my colleague discovered when they tried Factor at home.

Factor is particularly good for those looking to meet specific health goals. You’ll get a free 20-minute virtual consultation with one of the company’s in-house dietitians when you sign up, with optional nutrition coaching programs that can help you form healthier eating habits. These come at an extra cost but could be useful if you find yourself wanting to eat better. 

You can also add a range of add-ons to your box each week. From smoothies and cold-pressed juices to high-protein breakfasts (Sticky Pecan Pancakes, anyone?) and even keto-friendly sweet treats, there’s lots to choose from. 

There’s plenty of pre-cooked protein add-ons, too. Pick from bratwurst, pan-seared salmon, chicken wings, shrimp, chicken breast, and more. These are great for anyone bulking up or who wants extra portions to see them through the week.

You'll always get fresh food from Factor, never frozen. And these meals can stay fresh in the refrigerator for approximately 7 days. The company advises against freezing its meals. So make sure you have adequate refrigerator space before you place an order.

Factor’s meals start from $6.19 per serving, based on the largest order of 18 meals per week. You can choose from a box of 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 18 meals per week, and the price you pay per dish will increase the fewer meals you order. Those wanting just 6 meals a week can expect to pay $13.49 per serving, though anyone who prioritizes convenience and high-quality ingredients may find it worth the cost. 

2. Green Chef – Best Organic Meal Kits in Maryland

Chicken with Lemon-Basil Pistou from the Green Chef menu

Green Chef's Chicken with Lemon-Basil Pistou, Artichokes, Cauliflower Rice, Chard & Dates.

Key Features

  • Meal kits with prepped ingredients and marinades 

  • 45+ recipes to choose from each week

  • Dietary options include keto, gluten-free, plant-based, and more

  • Current deal: Get $250 off + free shipping

Green Chef is a meal kit service that caters well to a wide range of dietary needs. You can choose between the Keto, Plant-Based, Mediterranean, Gluten-Free, Quick & Easy, Calorie Smart, Protein-Packed, or Delicious Discoveries plans, or mix and match the tasty, nutritionist-approved recipes across the wider menu to fit your lifestyle. 

Green Chef promises only high-quality, certified-organic produce – and it really delivers. You’ll find organic produce and eggs, plus organic, hormone- and antibiotic-free beef and chicken, and wild-caught seafood in your box each week. Plus, every ingredient is sourced from local family-run farms and craft economies to ensure your convenient meal delivery is offering as green a footprint as possible. 

The menu is varied and exciting and packed with colorful and flavorful combinations that you might not have tried before. Plus, cooking these sophisticated meals is easier than expected, thanks to the clear recipes and Green Chef’s prepared ingredients, which include chopped and portioned veggies and ready-mixed seasonings and marinades. Most of the dishes take 30-40 minutes to make, though the Quick & Easy meals promise to be ready in 25 or less. 

Find the recipe cards online and in your box. They include all the relevant nutrition information, as well as a list of the ingredients that are organic, the essential pantry items you’ll need to complete the dish, and the prep and cook times. Our reviewer, who tried Green Chef for themselves at home, was super impressed with how their meals turned out each time.

There are extras to order each week, too. You can pick up breakfasts for the entire week. Some examples are Southwest Potato Breakfast Bowls, Apple-Cinnamon Dutch Baby Pancakes, Blueberry Oatmeal, and Banana Nut Muffins. The service also has brunch dishes, colorful salads, keto cookies, and extra proteins like wild-caught salmon and organic ground beef in its assortment.

The company crafts dishes inspired by renowned global cuisines. If you sign up, you can enjoy flavors from Mexican, French, Italian, Middle Eastern, and Asian, among many others. Naturally, the organic meal kit delivery service has American dishes on offer.

Green Chef meals typically last around 5 days. But if you have seafood on your menu, make sure to eat it within 3 days of receiving the box. If you wish to store food for later, freeze the meals before their expiration date.

Green Chef prices start from $5.99 per serving. You can order 3 or 4 meals per week for 2 or 6 people. If you have to feed 4 people, choose between 2, 3, or 4 meals. 

3. HelloFresh – Best Family-Friendly Meal Kits in Maryland

Sheet Pan Dijon Onion Crunch Chicken from HelloFresh

HelloFresh's Sheet Pan Dijon Onion Crunch Chicken with Green Beans and Garlic Bread.

Key Features

HelloFresh offers a huge range of hearty yet healthy meals that even the pickiest of eaters are sure to love. The menu boasts 70+ meal kits each week, even though the company advertises 30+ weekly recipes on its homepage. And you can even customize various meals to some extent. 

Subscribers can choose from 6 plans, which are Meat & Veggies, Veggie, Family Friendly, Fit & Wholesome, Pescatarian, and Quick & Easy. However, these are designed purely so HelloFresh can recommend recipes to you. So, you’ll always be able to choose from the full menu, no matter which plan you choose. My colleague tried HelloFresh and praised its “balanced yet crowd-pleasing comfort food dishes”.

There are options to suit many dietary needs, too. Some of them are low-calorie and low-carb meals. But there are options for vegetarians, vegans, and pescatarians, too. Note that HelloFresh isn’t suitable for people with serious allergies since all the meal kits are prepared in the same facility.

Many of the meals are American fare with a twist. Think Cheesy Smashed Burgers with Roasted Asparagus, Caramelized Onion and Special Sauce, or Chicken Sausage Pomodoro Penne Bake with Mozzarella and Herbed Ricotta. That said, you will find a range of cuisine types to choose from each week, including Japanese, Middle Eastern, and French-inspired. 

HelloFresh categorizes its dishes into 3 difficulty tiers – Easy, Medium, and Hard. Click on any meal image to view its difficulty level. 

As mentioned, some of the meals can be customized. The HelloCustom feature allows you to swap or remove the protein from some entrees, as well as switch out some of the sides. For example, you might want to swap potatoes for a healthy portion of broccoli instead or add steak or chicken to an otherwise vegetarian pasta dish. You can do this on around 12+ recipes each week. 

HelloFresh subscribers have access to the HelloFresh Market, which offers grocery items like fresh proteins, spices, produce, and desserts. These kinds of extras, combined with HelloFresh’s extensive menu, means you might not even need to set foot in a grocery store to complete your weekly shop. 

This meal delivery service advises against freezing its recipes. Generally, the food you order from HelloFresh stays fresh for up to 5 days in most cases. Just remember to consume seafood no later than 2 days after you get your shipment.

Prices at HelloFresh start from $3.32 per serving, when you sign up to the largest plan of 6 recipes per week for 4 people. However, you can choose from 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 meals per week for households of either 2 or 4. Whichever you choose, it’s still one of the most competitively priced services on the meal delivery market. 

4. Home Chef Best Customizable Meal Delivery in Maryland

Balsamic Rosemary Beef Burger from Home Chef

Home Chef's Balsamic Rosemary Beef Burger with Truffle Fries.

Key Features

  • Swap, upgrade, or double-up on protein  

  • 30+ meals each week, plus extras 

  • Dietary options include carb- and calorie-conscious

 

Home Chef is great for anyone wanting easy-to-cook, crowd-pleasing meals. Its wide range of meal types means you can flex your kitchen skills with a Culinary Collection recipe like the Balsamic Rosemary Beef Burger (pictured). Or you can stick with something simple like an oven-ready meal or an Express meal kit for those nights when you need something fast. 

The menu boasts a range of tasty-sounding dishes – everything from tacos and meatballs to rice bowls and quesadillas. After cooking several Home Chef meals at home, our reviewer declared it one of the most versatile meal delivery services out there.

Home Chef’s Customize-It feature is where this service really shines. If you don’t like steak, you can replace your filet mignon with mahi-mahi, salmon, or chicken breast, for example. In some cases, you can also upgrade to organic or USDA-choice meats. And you also frequently have the option to double-up on the protein if you want bigger portions. Customize-It is available on almost all Home Chef’s entrees, so it’s easy to get the meal you crave.

There are some calorie- and carb-conscious offerings, but Home Chef doesn’t accommodate specific dietary needs well. You won’t find many purely plant-based offerings, but at least there appears to be a growing number of veggie meals, which is nice to see.  

You can choose to omit some ingredients from a limited list when you sign up. You’ll find that most meals contain common allergens such as gluten and dairy, so if you do this, you may find your menu choices somewhat reduced. That said, most Marylanders without dietary needs will find consistently delicious, varied, and satisfying meals.

There’s a solid number of sides, snacks, and desserts available, too. Expect indulgent treats like the Red Velvet Cookie Skillet, as well as cheesecakes, mac and cheese side dishes, crunch rolls, garlic bread, smoothies, soups, and even canned coffee products like ready-to-drink lattes. Much of the menu is kid-friendly.

You can tailor meal suggestions to fit your lifestyle by participating in a brief 4-question What kind of chef are you? survey. For each question, you'll select 1 from various provided options, and some of them touch on your meal preferences and enthusiasm for cooking.

Home Chef prices start at $7.99 per serving, however, this is just a general guide price. Unlike other meal delivery services, Home Chef’s meals are priced individually, which means your total cost each week could vary. The minimum order is 2 meals for 2 people per week and the maximum is 6 meals for 6 people.   

5. Fresh and Easy – Best for Quick, No-Prep Meals

Greek-Style Chicken with Orzo Salad from the Fresh and Easy menu

Fresh and Easy's Greek-Style Chicken with Orzo Salad.

Key Features

  • Great for inexperienced cooks 

  • 17+ options on the menu each week

  • Dietary options include carb- and calorie-conscious

Fresh and Easy is essentially a collection of Home Chef’s most time-saving meals. While Home Chef allows you to access a wide range of meal types, the Fresh and Easy plan focuses on those recipes that are the simplest and quickest to prepare. 

The company sends you pre-portioned ingredients. You'll also receive sliced, diced, ground, and chopped items. On occasion, this line of speedy meals supplies you with pre-washed or pre-cooked ingredients, further reducing your prep time. 

This makes Fresh and Easy great for those who are often short on time but still want to enjoy healthy, home-cooked lunches and dinners. The low-prep options include Fast and Fresh meals that can be popped into the oven or microwave, Oven- and Grill-Ready recipes that come with prepped ingredients and an oven-safe tray or grill bag, speedy 15-Minute Meal Kits, and more.

You’ll find a range of entree salad dishes that include pre-cooked proteins, too. All you have to do is assemble everything together and serve. And if you do find yourself having more time to spend in the kitchen, like on weekends, for example, you’ll always be able to order from the wider Home Chef menu.

You’ll also have access to Home Chef’s popular extras, including its snacks, desserts, sides, protein bundles, and drinks. And that was something our reviewer appreciated when they put Fresh and Easy to the test for themselves at home.

Look for helpful tags, including Plus and Family. They indicate meals that have been made with premium proteins and more complex sides or that come in family-sized portions, respectively. The service also uses the same high-quality ingredients as Home Chef, so there’s absolutely no compromise there.  

Home Chef’s Customize-It feature also applies to most Fresh and Easy meals. You can choose to swap, upgrade, or double-up on the protein in your dish, based on your dietary preferences or taste. The only meals you can’t do this with are the Fast and Fresh microwaveable meals since they come prepared and ready to cook. 

You can explore global flavors while enjoying convenience with Fresh and Easy. You'll find meals inspired by diverse international cuisines on its menu. And Mexican, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Italian meals are some of them. Additionally, this line of quick meals has American dishes in its assortment. 

Fresh and Easy prices start from $7.99 per serving. However, like Home Chef, the meals are individually priced, so your total cost can vary from week to week. The minimum order is 2 meals for 2 people per week, with the option to order up to 6 dishes for households of 6. 

6. Blue Apron  Best Gourmet Meal Delivery Service in Maryland

Blue Apron menu, Indian-Style Paneer Wraps with Cilantro-Yogurt Sauce

 Blue Apron's Indian-Style Paneer Wraps with Cilantro-Yogurt Sauce.

Key Features

  • Optional wine subscription and tons of extras

  • 16+ meal kits to choose from each week

  • Dietary options include vegetarian, low-carb, and more

Blue Apron’s chef-designed meal kits and prepared meals feature exciting international flavors. As well as comfort-food classics like craft burgers, barbecue pork chops, baked pasta, and tacos, you’ll find lots of global-inspired dishes like Indian-Style Paneer Wraps (pictured) and Honey-Ginger Shrimp and Rice, some of which can be customized. 

All the recipes come with clear instructions. There are even cook-along guides on the website and the Blue Apron app. Most meals will take around 30-40 minutes to cook. The service’s selection of prepared meals is great for super-speedy desk lunches or those nights you don’t have time to cook. You’ll find around 6 of these on the menu each week.

There are around 4-5 vegetarian options to choose from each week, plus a dedicated Wellness menu that features low-calorie and low-carb options. There are family-friendly options, too, though Blue Apron’s gourmet-style dishes might not appeal to particularly picky eaters. A crowd-pleasing service like Dinnerly or HelloFresh could work better in that case. 

The ingredients are incredibly high quality. The meals use only sustainably raised, hormone-free proteins. And everything is sourced from small, family-run farms and ranchers. Everything arrives fresh, chilled, and ready to store in the refrigerator. 

Blue Apron’s wine delivery service is a great way to elevate your dinner times, as our reviewer discovered. The subscription allows you to pick from exclusive varieties at great prices, and you get tasting notes and pairing tips with every bottle. 

In addition to meal kits and prepared meals, you can choose from a ton of extras. Weekly-changing add-ons include brunch dishes like PB&J-Stuffed French Toast, desserts, sides, protein bundles, and more. The online Market allows you to shop seasonal holiday bundles, wine boxes, spice mixes, pantry items, kitchen utensils, and more.

Tailor your meal plan by indicating your choices in the Plans section. There, you'll come across 5 meal categories, namely:

  • Veggies

  • Wellness

  • Fast & Easy

  • Chef Favorites

  • Family Friendly

This meal delivery service lets you substitute ingredients in some of its dishes. For example, you can switch Thinly Sliced Beef with Flank Steaks in Spicy Glazed Beef & Snow Peas. On top of that, you can make selected vegetarian meals suitable for meat eaters and vice versa. Peach & Fontina Grilled Cheese and Wonton Noodle Stir-Fry are some examples.

Blue Apron prices start from $5.74 per serving. This is based on the largest plan of 5 meals for 4 people per week, which puts it on par with a number of other meal delivery competitors. The minimum order per week is 2 meals for 2 people. Don’t forget that extras, customizations, and add-ons will affect your total cost.  

7. BistroMD – Best Weight Loss Meals in Maryland

Turkey Breast with Cranberry-Apple Chutney from the BistroMD menu

BistroMD's Turkey Breast with Cranberry-Apple Chutney.

Key Features

  • Doctor-designed, calorie-controlled meals

  • 150+ dishes on a rotating weekly menu 

  • Dietary options include gluten-free, keto, diabetes-friendly, and more

BistroMD offers portion-controlled meals that are specifically designed for weight loss. This service could be a great option for anyone who needs to lose weight in order to help manage a specific medical condition but has previously struggled with calorie-counting and dieting. The meals arrive prepared and flash-frozen for convenience. 

You might notice weight loss just days after commencing your weight-loss regimen. Some users have reported shedding pounds in under 10 days. And while I read reviews from individuals who found meals from other low-calorie services lacking in taste, BistroMD's recipes actually taste good.

BistroMD offers plans for 5 or 7 days a week. This means you could account for every single meal of the week, so you’ll never even have to set foot in a supermarket. The 7-day plan is ideal for those who want to make a more significant change to their eating habits, though you’ll get 1 night off a week where you can make your own choice for dinner. 

The meals are designed to be low in calories but balanced in nutrients. The doctor- and dietitian-designed menu boasts more than 150 dishes. Plus, you can make some swaps if there are certain dishes you don’t enjoy. American classics like meatloaf, roasted turkey, and barbecue pork are all lunch and dinner mainstays, alongside high-protein breakfast options like waffles, omelets, and frittatas. 

You can also pick up a wide range of snacks to help maintain blood-sugar levels and keep you full in between meals. There are more than 45 options on the snack menu to choose from, including whey protein bars and shakes, granola, nut mixes, protein chips, keto-friendly cheesecakes, and more. 

There are plans to suit a range of medical conditions and lifestyles, too. The signature programs include options for both men and women (since their recommended calorie intake is often different). You can also select meals from the Heart Healthy, Gluten-Free, Keto-Flex, Diabetic-Friendly, Vegan, and Menopause programs. You can find out more about what each plan includes in my colleague’s in-depth review

The company categorizes meals under Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner, and Snacks. Note that the Vegan plan has Lunch/Dinner options only.

The service delivers frozen dishes, unlike Factor, which ships fresh food. To heat the weight-loss delivery service's meals, defrost them in the refrigerator first. Once the food thaws, eat it in the next 2 or 3 days. 

BistroMD prices start at $8.24 per serving, based on the Full Plan of 3 meals per day for 7 days a week. However, you can choose from 2 or 3 meals per day (omitting breakfast if you only want 2) for either 5 or 7 days a week. 

8. Purple Carrot – Best Plant-Based Meals in Maryland

Vegan Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwiches from Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot's Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Jalapeño & Sesame Butter.

Key Features

  • Meal kits, Less Prep kits, and prepared meals

  • 16+ entrees each week, plus breakfast, lunch, and extras

  • Dietary options include high-protein, gluten-free, soy-free, and more

Purple Carrot is a plant-based service with a varied and colorful menu. While many meal delivery services rely on imitation meat products for their vegan dishes, this service celebrates veggies and more unusual ingredients in all their forms. And with tasty-sounding options like Mushroom-Cheddar Black Bean Burgers with Garlic Aioli and Carrot Fries, and Korean Bibimbap, it’s often easy to forget you’re even doing the whole vegan thing! 

Purple Carrot’s meals really do pass the taste test, too, as my colleague discovered when they gave this service a try at home. Even the prepared meals come up trumps, with global-inspired options. And Tamarind Curry Noodles with Braised Tofu and Sesame-Roasted Vegetables and West African Peanut Stew could be some of them. 

The Less-Prep meals sit somewhere between a meal kit and a prepared meal. These easy-to-follow kits feature prepared sauces and seasonings, chopped veggies, and fewer cooking steps. They promise to take 25 minutes or less to get to the table. 

As well as dinner-time meals, you can pick up breakfast and lunch dishes, like Baklava Overnight Oats, Kale and Smoky Tempeh Scramble, and Crispy Sumac Rice Bowls with Pistachios and Cashew Cheese. There’s a “Plantry” too, where you can add snacks like crackers, brownies, and plant-based meat alternatives to your box each week. 

Purple Carrot also has 6 frozen dishes on offer. Veggie Bowl, Meatball Marinara, and Udon Noodle Bowl are some examples. 

This is also a service that accommodates dietary needs well, with tags like High-Protein, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Gluten-Free, and <600 Calories to help you navigate the menu. Since the service is 100% plant-based, all meals are free from dairy. 

The meals from this service stay fresh for up to a week post-delivery. Refer to the Best by sticker on the product for the exact expiration date. I recommend consuming the meals within the first 5 days for the freshest experience. So, consider buying some frozen meals to enjoy them past this period if you go for meal options for the entire week. 

You can try recipes influenced by a range of global cuisines with Purple Carrot. Some of them are French, Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, and Mexican, not to mention American flavors.

Purple Carrot prices start from $8.50 per serving. You can choose to order 3 or 4 meal kits per week for 2 people or 2 or 3 recipes for 4 people. You can also sign up for the single-serving prepared meals and purchase them in bundles of 6, 8, or 10 per week. For a customized plan that includes both prepared meals and meal kits, you can reach out to Purple Carrot directly. 

9. Marley Spoon – Martha Stewart-Approved Meals in Maryland

Fast! Thai Lemongrass Salmon from the Marley Spoon menu.

Marley Spoon's Fast! Thai Lemongrass Salmon with Coconut Rice & Pickled Cucumbers.

Key Features

  • High-quality, seasonal ingredients  

  • 100+ menu items each week

  • Dietary options include no added gluten, low-calorie, and more

Marley Spoon’s partnership with Martha Stewart makes it one of the most popular services in the US. The meal delivery giant promises only top-quality ingredients, flexible plans, and customizable meals, all of which cater to a wide range of lifestyles. It’s also a particularly popular option with families since it's affordable and many of the recipes recipes are kid-friendly. 

The company has approximately 100 dishes on its menu every week. It doesn't sort recipes into specific categories. But you can find choices for all 3 primary meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – along with desserts. And if you like to prepare ahead, you can view dishes for the upcoming 4 weeks.

There are meals for all kinds of dietary needs and tastes. Our reviewer noted the wide variety of categories, including Vegetarian, Low-Calorie, No Added Gluten, Dairy-Free, Healthy, and Nutritious options

The menu features a lot of crowd-pleasing American classics, like burgers, stews, and barbecue chicken, but there are also internationally-inspired options like the Thai Lemongrass Salmon (pictured). In fact, the menu is so extensive that I do wish there was an easier way to navigate it. Still, it’s a really fun one to browse since you’ll also find tons of extras, like desserts, breakfast dishes, and seasonal bundles. The quick-cook desserts, like the Double Chocolate Zucchini Cake or the Cookie-Dough Skillet, are a huge hit with families. 

Most of the meals can be ready in 30 to 40 minutes. Marley Spoon does a great job of ensuring the recipes are easy to follow so the kids can get involved, and the ingredients are known for being fresh, seasonal, and of high-quality. You might need a few pantry essentials to hand, but these are clearly stated on each recipe card. And each dish is rated by difficulty – with more than 70% falling within the Easy category.

Marley Spoon also allows you to customize some of its recipes – simply look for the Customizable tag on the menu. When you click through to the recipe, you’ll see your options. These include being able to upgrade to an organic protein, swap for another protein altogether (including a plant-based alternative), or swap traditional pasta for a gluten-free version. 

This service also prides itself on its commitment to sustainability. The company uses eco-friendly packaging – including recyclable and compostable boxes and bags – to minimize its environmental impact. You’ll also find a great deal of info on the website about how Marley Spoon became carbon neutral. 

The shelf life of this service's food depends on the meal type. Generally, pescatarian recipes are safe to enjoy 2 days post-delivery. You should consume ground meats up to 3 days from delivery. And you can eat vegetables and other meats up to 5 days after receiving your order.

Marley Spoon prices start from $2.99 per serving, based on the largest plan. You can order between 2 and 6 meal kits each week serving either 2 or 4. 

10. Dinnerly – Best Affordable Meal Delivery in Maryland

Turkey Chili Mac with Sour Cream from the Dinnerly menu.

Dinnerly's Turkey Chili Mac with Sour Cream.

Key Features

  • Huge variety of crowd-pleasing meals

  • 100+ menu items each week

  • Dietary options include low-calorie, dairy-free, low-carb, and more 

Dinnerly is the most budget-friendly meal delivery service in Maryland. Its affordability and wide selection of recipes makes it particularly great for families. But how does Dinnerly keep its prices so low? 

The service is owned by the same company as Marley Spoon – so you’ll spot some similarities in the menu and branding. However, while Marley Spoon offers more gourmet recipes and premium extras, Dinnerly takes more of a no-frills approach. Its meals feature fewer and more pared-back ingredients.

You won’t find any paper recipe cards in your box, either. Dinnerly also takes a simple approach to packaging (you won’t find any individually wrapped ingredients here – as my colleague discovered when they unboxed a Dinnerly package for themselves).

The ingredients are of the same high quality as Marley Spoon, and you’re certainly as spoiled for choice when it comes to the menu. You’ll find more than 100 items to browse week after week, with a number of options for different lifestyles and dietary needs, including kid-friendly, vegan, veggie, no added gluten, and more. 

You can select a vegetarian box while configuring your meal plan. This will provide you with a curated menu that doesn't include meat. To do so, just check the Make my box vegetarian box.

For such a budget-oriented service, you also get a good range of international dishes, like Kung Pao Chicken and Greek Chicken Meatballs. Like Marley Spoon, many of the meals can be customized to suit your tastes and preferences, although you don’t get quite as many options as you do with a service like Home Chef.

You also get a respectable number of add-ons, snacks, sides, and desserts. Choices include the S’mores Skillet Cookie, Apple-Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, and Bacon Cinnamon Rolls (um…yum!). You might also spot some prepared meals on the menu each week, like Chicken Rigatoni Alfredo and Beef Bolognese. 

You can safely consume most meats and vegetables up to 5 days after delivery. But, prioritize seafood meals because they typically have a shelf life of 2 days. Chicken and ground meat are usually safe to eat up to 3 days post-delivery. 

Dinnerly provides some allergy-friendly dishes. But it doesn't cater to dietary restrictions caused by allergies. So, examine the meal's ingredients to ensure it doesn't contain any allergens you may have. If there are any, you can exclude or replace them during the cooking process if you wish to have that particular recipe. 

Dinnerly’s prices start at a super affordable $2.12 per serving when you sign up to the largest plan of 6 meals for 4 each week. That said, even Dinnerly’s minimum order is competitively priced. You can order between 2 and 6 recipes per week for either 2 or 4. 

Bonus. Eat Clean to Go – Great for Portion Customization

EatClean's Signature Beef Italian Bolognese
EatClean's Signature Beef Italian Bolognese is a Regular portion dish.

Key Features

  • You can choose between 4 meal categories

  • The company offers Regular and Large portions

  • Options are available for omnivore, vegetarian, and paleo dieters

You can choose either a Regular Portion or a Large Portion with Eat Clean to Go. Even though the larger size comes with a modest price increase, I think you should consider it if you have a hearty appetite. To adjust the portion size, click on Plans in the header and begin by inputting your email and Maryland zip code. Afterward, customize your meal plan accordingly.

The portion size you choose dictates the number of servings. You can select between 6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 recipes a week if you opt for regular portions. But if you choose large portions, the available choices are 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 servings.

Eat Clean to Go has 4 dietary plans – Traditional, Keto, Paleo, and Plant-Based. You'll have to commit to 1 specific program when picking your meal plan. You can't mix recipes from different plans. I recommend subscribing to Factor if you don't have specific dietary needs or preferences. 

You can look at the available meals by selecting a menu category. If you go for Traditional recipes, some options could be Whole Wheat Blueberry Stuffed French Toast and Cuban Style Pulled Chicken with Yuquita Fries. But if you're a fan of Plant Based food, some recipes on offer could be Vegetable Lasagna with Broccoli and Coconut Tofu with Brown Coconut Rice. 

The service provides heat-and-eat meals that you can’t customize. So, closely check the recipes to see if they match your taste and contain any ingredients you may be allergic to. If you find any allergens or ingredients you dislike, your only option is to pass on that specific meal.

Eat Clean to Go crafts dishes inspired by diverse global cuisines. You'll likely find its offerings enticing if you crave Mexican, Italian, or Caribbean flavors. Of course, American food is also available. Check out our complete review to find out when the service rolls out the menu for the upcoming week.

You can warm up the service's meals using either a microwave or an oven. If you're in a hurry, the microwave can get your meal ready in 3 minutes or so. If you prefer to take it easy, expect heating times of 25 to 35 minutes in the conventional oven. Keep an eye on the internal temperature of the dish. Once it hits 165 F, the meal is ready to serve. 

The portion size and the number of meals influence the price per dish. But the rule of thumb is that the more dishes you buy, the less you'll pay for each serving. The price tag per recipe begins at $8.60.

Quick Comparison Table

Top Plans
Top Plans
Factor75 logo
Green Chef logo
Hello Fresh logo
Home Chef logo
Fresh & Easy logo
Blue Apron logo
BistroMD logo
Purple carrot logo
Marley Spoon logo
Dinnerly logo
Eat Clean logo
Our Rating
Our Rating
9.6
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.2
9.1
8.8
8.8
9.0
Starting Price
Starting Price

$6.19 Per Serving

$5.99 Per Serving

$3.32 Per Serving

$7.99 Per Serving

$7.99 Per Serving

$5.74 Per Serving

$8.24 Per Serving

$8.50 Per Serving

$2.99 Per Serving

$2.12 Per Serving

$8.60 Per Serving

Minimum Order
Minimum Order

6 prepared meals

3 meals for 2 people

2 meals for 2 people

2 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

3 meals for 2 people

4 meals

Meal Types
Meal Types

Prepared meals

30-minute meal kits

Meal kits, speedy kits, prepared meals

Kits, speedy kits, oven-ready

Oven- & grill-ready, kits, prepared

20 - 60 min. meal kits

Prepared meals

Meal kits, prepared meals

30 min. meal kits

30-minute meal kits

Prepared meals

Prep Time
Prep Time

2-3 min

25-40 min

5-50 min

5-50 min

15-30 min

5-45 min

2-3 min

3-40 min

20-40 min

20-45 min

3 minutes

Active Deals
Active Deals

Tips for Choosing the Best Meal Delivery Services in Maryland

Here’s what I took into consideration when building this list. I highly recommend keeping these points in mind when deciding for yourself! 

  • Convenience: Do you want prepared meals or meal kits? Prepared meals, like those offered by Factor, just need to be warmed up in the microwave, while meal kits come with pre-portioned ingredients and a recipe for you to cook at home. Consider your cooking ability, how much time you have, and what kitchen equipment you have at your disposal to determine which option suits you best.

  • Menu diversity: Opt for a meal delivery service such as Marley Spoon that offers a broad and customizable menu with options accommodating different dietary preferences, such as vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb. 

  • Specialized dietary plans: Pay attention to your specific dietary limitations. Some services, like Green Chef, specialize in meal plans tailored for certain diets, such as keto, low-calorie, or vegan.

  • Affordability: Compare prices and evaluate the value for money. Consider the portion sizes, quality of ingredients, and the number of meals per week that you need, taking into account any additional groceries you might need to buy. Look for discounts or promotions that can help you save money, too, and consider if the service offers flexible subscription options to fit your budget. Dinnerly is my most affordable choice.

FAQ

What is the best meal delivery service in Maryland?

My favorite meal kit delivery service in Maryland is Green Chef. Its ingredients are USDA-certified organic, and it offers a large and diverse collection of international fare. Whether you like Italian, Asian, or classic American, there’s something for everyone.

What is the cheapest meal delivery service in Maryland?

Dinnerly is Maryland’s cheapest meal delivery service, with prices starting at $2.12 per serving. Dinnerly keeps its prices low by offering no-frills dishes made with simple ingredients that can be created in just 6 simple steps. It also helps save you money by opting for less packaging.  

What is the best prepared meal delivery service in Maryland?

Factor gets my nod for best prepared meal delivery service in Maryland. The fresh and healthy, ready-made meals are unlike anything you’ll find in the supermarket – they taste great, are made with high-quality ingredients, and take just minutes to heat and eat. You’ll also find a range of meals that cater to certain diets like keto and plant-based.

Best Meal Delivery Services in Maryland in 2023 — Final Score

Provider
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Meal price starting at
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