9 Best Meal Delivery Services in Orange County 2024

Most of the mainstream meal delivery services deliver to Orange County. The key to finding the best one for you lies in matching it with your specific needs. These can include convenience, budget, and dietary preferences.

I’ve conducted extensive research on various top meal delivery services, and my team and I have tested every company on this list in our own kitchens. The criteria included menu diversity, dietary options, cost-effectiveness, consistency in delivery, taste, and the quality of the meals. With this, I was able to narrow down my list to the 9 best picks.

My top recommendation is Factor. This service offers chef-crafted prepared meals, which are delivered fresh. Factor also prioritizes high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients. However, Factor is not the only excellent choice. Explore the rest of my list to find other great picks now.

The Best Meal Delivery Services in Orange County Reviewed

1. Factor – Best Prepared Meals in Orange County

Factor delivers prepared meals that are fresh, diverse, and ready for quick heating and eating. It caters to several international cuisines and offers a variety of lunches, dinners, snacks, and more. I tried Factor myself and was impressed with the quality.

What’s on the Menu?

Factor's menu focuses on nutritional balance and well-being. The meals are designed to be health-supportive, using ingredients that contribute to overall health. This approach is beneficial for maintaining a balanced diet.

High-protein options at Factor support an active, fitness-oriented lifestyle. Most of the meals follow a keto approach, meaning they are high in fat and low in carbohydrates. This is ideal for those following a keto diet or looking to reduce carb intake.

Variety is a key aspect of Factor’s menu. Alongside the roughly 35 weekly meals, there are around 5 plant-based options per week. You also have access to breakfasts, smoothies, snacks, and protein packs, catering to different meal preferences and needs.

What Makes It Special?

Factor offers a unique opportunity to schedule calls with a dietitian and nutrition coach. This service is rare and aids in forming healthy eating habits.

I like that Factor’s meals are never frozen, which is why the meals taste great. This was evident when I tried the meals myself, noticing the freshness and flavor in every dish. Those in Orange County tend to be health-conscious, so I love seeing this approach.

In addition to health support, Factor provides diverse meal options. Whether you’re seeking keto-friendly meals or exploring plant-based diets, the variety caters to different dietary preferences and lifestyles.

Is It Good Value?

Factor is an excellent choice for those balancing a busy lifestyle with the need for a healthy diet. The convenience of prepared meals and the availability of dietitian support make it a practical option for maintaining a nutritious diet.

The pricing structure of Factor is designed for value and flexibility. 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.

2. Green Chef – Best Certified Organic Ingredients

Green Chef focuses on organic ingredients and gourmet meals, offering a variety of cuisines. Its meal kits are designed for quick preparation and can cater to a family of up to 6 people. Check out my colleague’s Green Chef review to find out why it’s one of their top picks.

What’s on the Menu?

Green Chef caters to various diets with its meal kits. For those who enjoy gourmet dishes, it offers a range of adventurous cuisines including French, Italian, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean. There are plenty more cuisines to choose from, so I recommend checking out Green Chef for yourself.

The meal plans are diverse, including Keto, Plant-Based, and Mediterranean, among others. These can be mixed and matched according to your dietary preferences. Beyond main meals, Green Chef also provides breakfasts, salads, snacks, and extra protein options.

Preparation is simplified with prepped ingredients in each meal kit. Most dishes take 30 to 40 minutes to cook, and the Quick & Easy meals are ready in less than 25 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.

What Makes It Special?

All ingredients from Green Chef are certified organic. This commitment to quality includes organic vegetables, hormone-free meats, and wild-caught seafood. Green Chef prioritizes sourcing from local farms and small-scale producers.

Each meal kit includes detailed recipe cards. These cards provide nutrition facts, ingredient lists, pantry requirements, and cooking instructions. This information is also accessible online for convenience.

Green Chef stands out for its dedication to organic and high-quality ingredients. This focus ensures that every meal is both delicious and nutritious, aligning with a healthy and conscious lifestyle.

Is It Good Value?

Green Chef is ideal for families seeking gourmet meals with organic components. It offers a unique combination of quality and convenience, suitable for those who value organic ingredients in their meals.

Pricing for Green Chef starts at $9.99 per serving. The flexible ordering system allows for a minimum of 3 dishes for 2 people per week, up to a maximum of 4 dishes for 4 to 6 people. 

3. Blue Apron – Best Gourmet Meal Kits

Blue Apron offers gourmet meal kits and prepared meals. It also offers an array of cuisines, including Latin American and Asian influences, and provides various add-ons and marketplace items. Learn more in my colleague’s tested Blue Apron review.

What’s on the Menu?

Blue Apron offers a variety of meals to suit various people. I’d say the service is quite kid-friendly, though you may have to do a bit of digging to find meals with less exotic ingredients.

The variety of meal kits spans multiple cuisines like Mexican, Japanese, French, and more. Examples include dishes such as Salmon and Avocado Rice Bowls, Sweet & Spicy Pork Belly Fried Rice, and Rosemary-Garlic Ribeye Steak.

Dietary options cater to vegetarian, carb-conscious, and pescatarian preferences. Blue Apron offers 5 preferences for Meal Kits including: Chef Favorites, Wellness, and Family Friendly. For the Prepared & Ready meals, choose from 4 preferences including Keto Friendly, 600 Calories or Less, and 30 g of Protein. You can order from the full Meal Kit or Prepared & Ready menu no matter your preferences.

What Makes It Special?

Blue Apron’s menu availability up to 4 weeks in advance aids in effective meal planning. This feature helps you align your meals with your schedule and dietary goals.

The company's commitment to animal welfare is exemplified by its adoption of the Five Freedoms. This set of principles by the World Organization for Animal Health ensures ethical sourcing of meat products.

Blue Apron’s suppliers do not use growth promoters in their meat products. Additionally, some ingredients are USDA-certified organic, although not all, ensuring a mix of quality and health-conscious offerings.

Is It Good Value?

Blue Apron suits those seeking gourmet dishes from various international cuisines. The relatively small menu size allows a focus on higher quality, ideal for food enthusiasts.

Prices start at $4.00 for larger orders, offering value for such gourmet offerings. You can’t mix and match meal kits and prepared meals, but you could place 2 separate orders. Alternatively, you could switch up your box type each week. Subscriptions start at 2 meal kits for 2 people or 6 prepared meals per week with no upper limit.

4. HelloFresh – Best Family-Friendly Meal Kits

HelloFresh offers simple, family-friendly meal kits that are both delicious and easy to prepare. These kits, taking about 20 to 30 minutes to make, are ideal for larger families looking to save time and money.

What’s on the Menu?

HelloFresh meal kits are designed to be straightforward yet flavorful. The menu includes a wide range of meat, fish, and vegetarian meals, which means there’s something for every palate. Check out my colleague’s tested HelloFresh review for more information.

The dishes are well-balanced with carbs, fats, and proteins, focusing on uncomplicated recipes. Despite this simplicity, there are plenty of options for those who enjoy spicier and more adventurous meals.

In addition to over 60 weekly meal options, HelloFresh offers extras like snack boards, sandwiches, and soups. This variety caters to different tastes and meal preferences, adding more value to the overall menu.

What Makes It Special?

HelloFresh provides a customization feature called HelloCustom. This allows you to modify sides and proteins in over 12 meals each week, tailoring meals to your specific tastes and dietary needs.

It offers 6 diverse meal plans: Meat & Veggies, Veggie, Family Friendly, Fit & Wholesome, Under 20 Minutes, and Pescatarian. The flexibility to mix and match meals from these plans adds to its appeal.

The mix-and-match flexibility across different meal plans caters to various dietary preferences and needs. This versatility makes HelloFresh a suitable option for families with diverse tastes.

Is It Good Value?

HelloFresh is well-suited for families with varying dietary requirements. The meal kits are both tasty and simple to prepare, ideal for busy households. However, those on specialized diets like keto, paleo, or vegan might find options somewhat limited and not as good value.

HelloFresh is affordably priced, 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. Shipping costs stay the same no matter your order size.

5. Home Chef – Best for Meal Customization

Home Chef offers hearty meal kits suitable for the whole family. These include a variety of meal types like oven-ready and Express kits, and the cuisines are varied for those with different preferences. Learn more now in my colleague’s Home Chef review.

What’s on the Menu?

Home Chef's menu presents a wide array of choices like pasta, meatballs, rice bowls, and burgers. These diverse options cater to different taste preferences, making mealtimes enjoyable for everyone.

You can beef up your meals with additional protein for larger portions. The option to add sides, snacks, and desserts further broadens the culinary experience, meeting a range of taste preferences.

While Home Chef accommodates calorie-conscious, carb-conscious, and vegetarian diets, and has recently included some keto-friendly recipes, it may not fully cater to strict dietary needs. However, the variety remains substantial.

What Makes It Special?

Home Chef’s "Customize-It" feature allows for significant ingredient flexibility. For example, you can swap steak for chicken thighs, breasts, or even an Impossible Burger, tailoring meals to your dietary preferences.

Some meal options provide upgrades to organic or USDA-choice meats for an additional cost. This offers an extra layer of customization for those who prefer higher-quality meats.

The service also includes a range of prepared lunches that require minimal heating. While many dishes contain common allergens like gluten and dairy, these ingredients can be excluded at sign-up, though it may limit your choices.

Is It Good Value?

Home Chef is particularly beneficial for busy families needing quick meal solutions. The variety of meal kits and oven-ready options simplifies meal preparation, reducing time spent in the kitchen.

Pricing for Home Chef starts at $9.99 per serving. Orders can range from a minimum of 2 meals for 2 people each week to options for up to 6 people, offering flexibility to accommodate different family sizes and meal frequencies.

6. BistroMD – Best Meals for Dieters

BistroMD specializes in effortless weight loss with its healthy and balanced prepared meals. Each serving is less than 450 calories, perfect for those looking to lose weight without feeling hungry. Check out my colleague’s BistroMD review for more information about simple weight loss.

What’s on the Menu?

BistroMD offers calorie-controlled portions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This eliminates the need for tracking your food intake, making diet management much simpler. For those on a weight loss journey, this could mean hitting your goal much more easily.

The menu features a variety of cuisines, from classic American to Middle Eastern. Dishes like Chicken, Rice & Cheddar Casserole and Turkey Breast with Herbed Brown Gravy are some examples, ensuring meals are not only healthy but also enjoyable.

Meals are nutritionally balanced, focusing on an appropriate mix of fats, carbs, and protein. BistroMD provides 6 different plans, including Gluten-Free, Heart-Healthy, Diabetic, Menopause, and Keto options, catering to various dietary needs.

What Makes It Special?

BistroMD offers the support of qualified dietitians and fitness professionals. This guidance is crucial for those on a weight loss journey, providing expert advice and motivation. Having someone there to guide you can feel like a personal weight loss assistant.

Unlike many meal delivery services, BistroMD focuses specifically on weight loss. This approach is beneficial for the long-term adoption of healthier lifestyle habits. However, if you have kids, I would not recommend BistroMD for them. Kids need the guidance of a pediatrician if they need to lose weight – not BistroMD.

While the plans are crafted with medical insights, individuals with cardiac or blood sugar concerns should consult their physician before starting any weight loss program. This will better help you lose weight safely and effectively.

Is It Good Value?

Though seemingly expensive, the value you’re getting for your money is undeniable and worth it for some. Pricing starts at $6.59 per serving for the most comprehensive meal plan. BistroMD also offers a 15% discount for couples and families, which is nice to see.

7. Purple Carrot – Best Vegan Meal Kits + Prepared Meals

Purple Carrot provides a fully plant-based menu, focusing on genuine vegetable ingredients rather than imitation meats. It offers an array of meal kits and prepared meals, featuring a diverse range of internationally inspired dishes that are deliciously vegan.

What’s on the Menu?

Menu items at Purple Carrot include creative vegan dishes like Mac n’ Cheese, Portobello Tortelloni, and Elote Corn. These options showcase the versatility and flavor potential of plant-based ingredients. Learn more in my colleague’s tested Purple Carrot review.

In addition to dinner, the service covers breakfast and lunch options. You can start your day with Peach Melba Overnight Oats and enjoy a Green Goddess Bowl for lunch, adding variety to your vegan diet.

Purple Carrot also has a Plantry section where you can add extra items to your order. This includes treats like donuts, gazpacho, and plant-based protein alternatives. The meal kits generally take about 25 to 30 minutes to prepare, while the prepared meals are microwave-ready in just 2 to 3 minutes.

What Makes It Special?

Purple Carrot caters to various dietary needs with its exclusively plant-based, vegan menu. It employs tags like High-Protein, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Gluten-Free, and <600 Calories to aid in selecting meals that fit specific dietary preferences.

The menu is adventurous, drawing inspiration from a wide range of international cuisines. You can explore dishes from Middle Eastern, Asian, Mediterranean cultures, and more, all within the vegan framework.

Purple Carrot’s offerings are both diverse and exciting, perfect for those who enjoy international flavors. The service makes plant-based eating an adventurous and enjoyable experience, not just a dietary choice.

Is It Good Value?

Purple Carrot is great value for vegans who prioritize quick and easy plant-based meals. The service provides convenience without compromising on the quality and variety of vegan options.

Pricing for Purple Carrot starts at $11.00, offering flexibility with different quantities and combinations of meals. The minimum order requirement is 3 meal kits of 2 servings each, or at least 6 single-serving prepared meals per week. 

8. Nutrisystem – Best Meals for Portion Control

Nutrisystem is geared toward easy weight loss, offering meal plans that focus on portion control and balanced nutrition. Meals come fully prepared and ready to heat and eat. This makes it a top choice for those aiming to easily lose weight without tracking calories.

What’s on the Menu?

Nutrisystem's meals are designed to be low in calories yet nutritious, focusing on lean protein, whole grains, and vegetables. This approach is beneficial for maintaining a balanced diet. Learn more about how you can lose weight effortlessly in my colleague’s tested Nutrisystem review.

The menu is diverse, encompassing meals, snacks, and desserts for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Offerings like Mushroom Parmesan Soup with Chicken and Spicy Kung Pao Noodles cater to a variety of tastes.

In addition to full meals, Nutrisystem also provides protein shakes and bars. These are perfect for on-the-go snacking or supplementing the meal plans, ensuring you stay full and satisfied throughout the day.

What Makes It Special?

Nutrisystem provides several tailored plans, including options for men, women, partners, diabetics, and individuals over 55. This customization ensures that different dietary needs and goals are met.

You have the freedom to personalize your meal plans each week, selecting dishes that align with your preferences. This feature adds flexibility to the structured nature of the diet plan.

All meals are designed for convenience, requiring no cooking and easily heated in a microwave or oven. The delivery includes a well-organized box with individually packaged meals and a helpful meal plan booklet.

Is It Good Value?

Nutrisystem starts at $9.64 per serving, including free shipping on a 2-month auto-delivery. While it may not be the cheapest option, the comprehensive support and convenience it offers make it a worthwhile health investment.

The program is especially suitable for those with busy schedules but who still want balanced, portion-controlled meals. Nutrisystem takes the guesswork out of healthy eating, providing an easy path to weight loss and better health.

9. Eat Clean – Best Meals for the Health-Conscious

What’s on the Menu?

Eat Clean caters to the busy Orange County lifestyle with a range of healthy, convenient meals. Whether you're following a paleo, keto, or plant-based diet, there's something for everyone. High-protein, gluten-free, and low-carb options are plentiful.

From breakfast to dinner, including snacks and desserts, Eat Clean covers all meal times. Its diverse menu ensures that every meal is an exciting culinary experience. You can maintain a healthy diet with ease, thanks to these varied and delicious options.

The flexibility of the menu caters to all dietary needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a light snack or a hearty dinner, Eat Clean has you covered. Its menu variety supports a balanced diet and caters to individual health goals. Their menu variety supports a balanced diet and caters to individual health goals.

What Makes It Special?

Every meal from Eat Clean is crafted by chefs using high-quality, natural ingredients. This ensures that each dish is not only healthy but also flavorful. Their attention to ingredient quality is a key differentiator.

Sustainability is a core value of Eat Clean, evident in its packaging. They use eco-friendly, recyclable, and biodegradable materials. This approach aligns with the environmental consciousness of many Orange County residents.

Each meal comes with clear heating instructions, simplifying meal prep. The individual packaging is practical and convenient. This feature adds to the overall ease and simplicity of the service.

Is It Good Value?

For paleo enthusiasts in Orange County, Eat Clean offers exceptional value. With servings starting at $4.30, it provides an affordable way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The varied portion sizes cater to different appetites and dietary requirements.

The flexibility of meal plans, and the option to choose 6 to 20 meals (in batches of 2 to 14) per week, suits various needs. You can adjust or pause your plan anytime, adding to the service's convenience. For orders over $99, you can also get free shipping, which is great to see.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Meal Delivery Services in Orange County

Here’s what I took into consideration when choosing the top picks this year. I recommend that you consider the following when making your decision:

• Menu variety: A diverse menu is essential to keep your mealtime interesting. Look for services offering a wide range of cuisines and dish types to suit your varied tastes and moods. Whether you prefer specific cuisines or enjoy exploring different culinary options, the right service ensures you won’t get bored with repetitive meals. Factor is one of my favorite services as it rotates its menu frequently. It also has lots of meals spanning across plenty of cuisines to keep everyone satisfied.
• Convenience: Your choice in Orange County ranges from prepared meals to meal kits. Prepared meals are ideal if you have limited time or prefer not to cook, requiring minimal effort. Meal kits, in contrast, let you enjoy cooking with pre-measured ingredients and recipes. Reflect on your schedule and cooking interests when deciding. Green Chef makes an ideal choice for those who prefer top-notch, organic meal kits while not spending too much time cooking.
• Budget-friendliness: A meal delivery service should fit your budget. Compare the cost per meal, considering the frequency of deliveries and portion sizes. Sometimes, paying a bit more for larger portions or higher quality ingredients can offer you better long-term value. Blue Apron is perfect for those on a budget.
• Dietary considerations: Make sure to choose a service that meets your dietary needs. Whether you're vegan, gluten-free, or have specific allergies, look for menus tailored to these requirements. Ensure the service can customize meals to your dietary restrictions, maintaining your health and wellness while enjoying convenience. For example, HelloFresh is a family-friendly service with lots of different dietary options like low-calorie, vegan, veggie, high-protein, and more.

FAQ

What is the downside to meal delivery services?

With Factor, there’s no prep, cooking, or even cleanup involved. You can simply heat the meal trays in the microwave or oven, then simply rinse them out and discard them in the rubbish bin.

What is a meal kit delivery?

Meal kit delivery services provide you with all the necessary ingredients for cooking various meals. However, meals generally come in 2 types: prepared meals, ideal for quick convenience, and meal kits, which offer more culinary flexibility. Green Chef stands out as my favorite due to its certified organic ingredients and gourmet meals.

How much is HelloFresh?

Best Meal Delivery Services in Orange County — Final Score: