In St. Louis, you get to enjoy a unique and diverse local food scene. It makes sense, then, that you’d want a meal delivery service that offers a similarly rich and varied menu. With so many options out there, it’s not easy to narrow down which has the best cuisines and flavors.
After extensive research, I created my list of the best meal delivery services. My team and I have years of experience testing and reviewing these companies, so I’m excited to help you find services that will give you the most bang for your buck and keep your taste buds thoroughly satisfied.
Factor’s dedication to delivering exceptional prepared meals makes it the clear winner. Its menu is thoughtfully designed to cater to different tastes, and you can buy additional healthy items as add-ons. Keep reading to find out more and access our exclusive discount codes.
Factor – Best ready-made meal delivery in St. Louis
Green Chef – Best certified organic meal delivery service
Blue Apron – Best gourmet meal delivery service in St. Louis
HelloFresh – Best variety of cuisine options
Home Chef – Best menu customization options in St. Louis
Bundles available as add-ons
35+ recipes per week
Dietary options include keto and vegan
Current deal: Enjoy a total of $130 off throughout your first 6 boxes + first box ships free!
Factor offers a really convenient solution for St. Louis residents who crave the taste of homemade meals but lack the time to cook on a daily basis. It provides ready-made meals, delivered fresh, and never frozen, directly to your doorstep.
This unique approach keeps the texture and flavor of each dish just right, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked experience without any of the hassle of meal planning and cooking. For more in-depth insights into the company, I recommend checking out our full Factor review.
Its extensive range of prepared meals are designed to cater to specific dietary needs. Whether you follow a vegetarian, calorie-smart, keto, high-protein, flexitarian, or vegan diet, Factor has a range of meals to suit your preferences.
From the keto-friendly Chile Roasted Chicken to the balanced and nutritious calorie-smart Italian Sausage Oreganato, each dish is created with lean proteins and packed with healthy ingredients to support your dietary goals.
Each meal is crafted with premium ingredients that are free from antibiotics and GMOs, so you know that you're nourishing your body with high-quality and wholesome fare. Factor's talented chefs create “restaurant-quality” meals, whether you're looking for a plant-based lunch or a protein-packed dinner.
You have the flexibility to choose up to 18 single-serving meals per week, giving you a variety of options to enjoy throughout your busy schedule. This is particularly beneficial if you are a student or live alone in St. Louis. It gives you the freedom to enjoy tasty and nutritionally balanced meals without relying on unhealthy takeout.
It’s great that Factor is a sustainable choice, too. The cardboard sleeves and meal trays can all be recycled curbside, making it really convenient to dispose of the packaging. Even the gel packs that keep your meals cool on delivery can be reused.
There are some great options to order as add-ons. These include smoothies, snacks, sides, and extra proteins. I think the smoothies are great for a quick boost of nutrition on the go or if you don’t have time for breakfast.
You can order between 6 and 18 meals per week. Prices drop with larger orders, so you can get 18 meals for just $103.41 on your first order using our link.
You can easily update your plan in your account if you need to make any changes and order more or fewer meals depending on your schedule.
Green Chef app available
45+ recipes per week
Dietary options include keto, plant-based, calorie-smart, and more
Current deal: Enjoy 50% Off + Free Shipping + 20% Off For 2 Months!
Green Chef is the only certified organic meal delivery service in St. Louis. It is committed to delivering fresh, responsibly sourced, and non-GMO ingredients for its meal kits. The emphasis on organic produce, whenever possible, and proteins raised with high animal welfare standards helps promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
It’s great to have fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients from a meal delivery service. If you prioritize your health and the environment, Green Chef is a good choice. By supporting organic practices and ensuring high animal welfare standards, it aligns with the values and aspirations of all health-conscious St. Louis residents.
Green Chef makes healthy eating really convenient. Our reviewer found that most meal kits take around 30 minutes to prepare and cook. This makes it an invaluable resource for busy professionals and students who want to prepare wholesome meals at home without sacrificing time or quality.
I appreciate that Green Chef caters to a diverse range of dietary needs. With 8 plans available, including keto, plant-based, and high-protein, it can accommodate various dietary preferences and restrictions. It’s also good to see a dedicated plan for those on a gluten-free diet.
You also have the freedom to mix and match meals from different plans. This lets you customize your picks to suit your own tastes and needs. It also lets you try out different diets if you want to explore new culinary lifestyles.
Green Chef stands out with its nutrition coaching feature, offering personalized nutrition advice tailored to various goals. Whether you're looking to lose weight, build muscle, or simply eat healthier, its coaches can guide you in choosing the right meals.
I also really like the add-ons offered by Green Chef. These include breakfasts, lunches that can be put together in 10 minutes, and even keto-friendly desserts like the Keto-Friendly Snickerdoodle Cookies.
You can order either 3 or 4 meals per week for 2, 4, or 6 people. Prices start at $9.99 per serving, and you can make any changes to your plan in your account online.
80+ meal options plus extras
The service has meal kits and prepared meals on offer
Dietary options include low-calorie and low-carb
Blue Apron is designed for those who like to experiment with new flavors and ingredients. With a focus on delivering a unique and sophisticated dining experience, Blue Apron stands out among its competitors for providing convenient gourmet meal kits for a restaurant-quality experience.
Each recipe is thoughtfully crafted with detailed cooking techniques and tips, so you can recreate restaurant-quality dishes right in the comfort of your own home. The instructions are accompanied by helpful visuals and cooking times, allowing you to plan and manage your meal times more effectively.
Blue Apron has a varied menu, with an emphasis on high-end meals. Dishes include Spicy Pork & Poblano Sausage Pasta, as well as the Crispy Tilapia & Sesame-Yuzu Sauce. Blue Apron's recipes help you cook like a professional chef.
Its prices remain accessible to most, and our reviewer felt that Blue Apron finds the right balance between varied meals and reasonable prices. Its meals deliver a good value without compromising on quality. This combination of excellence and affordability means everyone can enjoy a delicious dining experience.
Blue Apron's add-ons section provides more customization options. With items ranging from refreshing salads to sweets, breads, extra protein, and even a complete charcuterie board, you can really personalize your meals and enjoy the overall experience.
There are also fully cooked meals that are ready to be reheated and enjoyed in a matter of minutes. Whether you're short on time or simply want a hassle-free dining experience, Blue Apron's freshly cooked Prepared & Ready recipes offer a range of satisfying meals that can be enjoyed with minimal effort.
There are some Premium dishes on the menu, offering fancier ingredients. These special occasion dishes include things like Southern-Spiced Scallops and Ribeye Steak. They can add a touch of class to your dinner table but come with a variable per-serving upcharge.
You can order a minimum of 2 meal kits per week for 2 people. The maximum order per Meal Kits plan is 4 servings for 5 people. You can buy 4, 6, 8, or 10 Prepared & Ready meals per plan. But note that you can add more meals to your order anytime. The cost per dish starts from $4.00. The shipping fee is $10.99 per order.
You can order meal kits for 1 week and ready-to-eat dishes for the next. But if you prefer mixing and matching both meal types in the same week, place 2 orders, 1 for each meal type.
Market items available
100+ options per week
Dietary options include low-calorie and vegetarian
HelloFresh is among America's most popular meal kit services. It offers an impressive variety of cuisines that cater to a range of taste preferences. With a huge variety of unique recipes offered each week, HelloFresh ensures that even the pickiest eaters can find dishes to try.
It provides an opportunity to explore a diverse range of global flavors, allowing customers to experiment with textures and tastes that may not be readily available in local St. Louis restaurants.
HelloFresh is committed to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Selecting the finest ingredients ensures that every meal kit delivers optimal nutrition and flavor. I recommend reading my colleague's comprehensive review, where they delve into all the details.
HelloFresh delivers meal kits rather than any prepared meals. Which means that you are responsible for the cooking process. While this requires some time and effort, most recipes provided by HelloFresh are designed to be quick and easy to prepare, even if you’ve only had limited experience in the kitchen.
Most recipes can be prepared and served in just about 35 minutes. If you want a quicker dish, check out the meals tagged as Fast & Fresh. There are also lunches that can be created in 10 to 15 minutes, like the Saucy Italian Chicken Wraps.
I like that you can even choose recipes that are great stand-ins for takeout. So if the craving strikes, you can opt for a healthier option tagged Better Than Takeout on the HelloFresh menu. Some of these include the One-Pan Cantina Shrimp Fajitas and Vegan Thai Ginger Curry. If you prefer to have a wider range of vegan options, I recommend Green Chef.
HelloFresh is known for its responsive customer support, addressing queries and concerns with efficiency and understanding. Customers appreciate the ease of reaching out through multiple channels, including phone and email, ensuring that any issue, be it about meal selection, delivery, or dietary advice, is resolved promptly.
It’s great that you can order up to 6 meals for up to 6 people per week. HelloFresh offers mid-tier pricing with great value for larger boxes, giving you a better per-serving cost. For example, first-time users can get 6 meals for 4 people for only $107.75.
New family-friendly menu
35+ recipes plus extras
Dietary options include low-carb, vegetarian, and more
Home Chef has the Customize It option, which lets you tailor your chosen meals to meet your preferences by swapping out the protein component. This ingenious option makes Home Chef's menu feel endlessly diverse and exciting.
It’s great to be able to replace the chicken in the Poblano Popper Chicken Risotto. You can choose from shrimp, steak strips, pork, chicken thigh, or chicken breast. This makes a single recipe really flexible and can be different every time it appears on the menu.
In addition to its customizable options, Home Chef has an expansive selection of recipes. With over 35 unique recipes per week, the menu features plenty of variety. And if you're looking for carb-conscious or calorie-conscious options, Home Chef has something to meet your dietary goals without sacrificing taste or variety.
Home Chef is user-friendly with clear recipes that are great for novice chefs. Beginner chefs can look out for the recipes rated as Easy. Easy recipes include the Salsa Chicken Cutlet and the Korean-Style Bulgogi Steak, which is an oven-ready meal. For an extra challenge, try an intermediate dish like the Cheesy Mushroom and Spinach Flautas.
The Extras and Bundle and Save sections on the menu offer even more choice. These include a range of breakfast items, side dishes, and healthy desserts to complete the culinary experience. These help you round out your meals with accompaniments to make them even more filling.
Ordering from Home Chef is a seamless process, and its efficient delivery ensures that your meals arrive fresh and on time. Read our full review of Home Chef to find out more about the subscription process and how you can edit your orders and extras.
Home Chef's pricing begins at $9.99 per serving, offering a range of options to fit different budgets and preferences. Customizations to your order, however, may influence the final price, making it essential to review costs before finalizing your purchase.
Additionally, Home Chef acknowledges the dedication of first responders and teachers by offering them special discounts. This gesture provides an opportunity for these professionals to enjoy the service at a reduced cost, further enhancing the value.
Comprehensive weight-loss plans
150+ meals on rotation
Dietary options include vegan, diabetes-friendly, and more
BistroMD caters specifically to dieters in St. Louis with its comprehensive weight loss plans. It offers a tailored approach to help anyone achieve their health goals. Specific plans exist for weight loss, menopause, diabetes, and vegan needs.
It offers doctor-designed meal plans that are backed by science. With a team of registered dietitians and physicians, BistroMD ensures that its meals are nutritionally balanced and aligned with the latest research in weight management and healthy eating.
BistroMD's Signature plan considers the different calorie needs of men and women. Recognizing that men and women have different metabolic rates and calorie requirements, the plan accommodates these differences so you get the appropriate amount of calories and nutrients to support your goals.
There is some flexibility in terms of making swaps to your menu. If there are specific meals or ingredients you don't enjoy, you can select alternative options from the extensive menu. If there’s a particular ingredient you want to avoid, you can contact customer support to have those meals removed from your plan, too.
With a rotating 5-week menu, you'll experience a wide range of flavors and dishes to keep your taste buds satisfied. This variety helps to prevent monotony and makes sticking to your weight loss journey a more pleasurable experience.
Its meals are fully prepared and conveniently arrive frozen. This means you can simply heat and eat, saving valuable time and effort in the kitchen. With portion-controlled servings and plans designed to provide 1,200 to 1,400 calories per day, there’s no need for calorie counting. Read more about the plans in my colleagues' tested review.
Keep in mind that you'll need adequate space in your freezer to accommodate your meals. However, if you prefer fresh, prepared meals, you may want to explore options like Factor.
BistroMD offers flexible plans that allow you to choose meals to cover 5 or 7 days, and it even provides the option of adding healthy snacks at an additional cost. With prices starting at $6.59 per serving for the full plan, BistroMD offers a range of options to suit different budgets and dietary needs.
Choose a mix of meal kits and prepared meals
35+ recipes per week
Dietary options include soy-free, gluten-free, and more
Purple Carrot caters to anyone who aspires to include more vegetables into their diets. It offers a delightful array of plant-based meals that dispel the notion that vegetarian and vegan dishes are limited to salads. With Purple Carrot, you'll discover that these meals can be both satisfying and packed with incredible flavors.
The menu curated by Purple Carrot includes diverse and inspiring recipes influenced by cuisines from around the world. As our reviewer noted, the selection of dishes offered by Purple Carrot definitely passed the taste test, so you won't find yourself bored with repetitive meals.
Each recipe showcases the versatility and creativity of plant-based meals. With dishes like New England Lobster Rolls (with hearts of palm instead of lobster) and Beet & Coconut Bacon Flatbreads (yes, coconut can be bacon), you might not even miss meat or dairy products.
Purple Carrot's menu of Less-Prep meal kits and prepared meals is a must-see. Especially if you are contemplating a transition to a plant-based diet, whether temporarily or permanently. With prepared sauces and ready-prepped ingredients, you can ease yourself gently into plant-based cooking.
Some of the prepared meal options sound really tasty. I like the look of the Thai Peanut Noodles and the Portobello Tortelloni Alla Norma. They are super quick to cook, and you can have dinner on the table in less than 5 minutes.
It's worth highlighting that all Purple Carrot meals are both gluten-free and dairy-free, accommodating individuals with specific dietary needs or preferences. Green Chef is an alternative to consider because it supports a range of dietary preferences.
During the signup process, you need to choose either prepared meals or meal kits. However, once your account has been created, you can add a mix of both to your order. This is really good if you prefer a few meals that are ready in minutes on busier evenings.
A minimum order for Purple Carrot meal kits is 2 recipes for 2 people per week. Meal kits serve 2 or 4 people, and the prepared meals serve 1 person. Prices start at $11.00 per serving.
Best for a range of budgets
100+ recipes per week
Dietary options include no added gluten, pescatarian, and more
Marley Spoon offers a menu in collaboration with celebrity chef, Martha Stewart. This partnership has undoubtedly contributed to Marley Spoon's success, as it brings Martha Stewart's creative recipes and signature spice blends to the forefront.
I like that the meals suit a range of different budgets. You can find Saver options that include Broccoli Parmesan & Garlic Bread and Premium recipes like the Tuscan Beef Tenderloin. It’s nice to have the option of splashing out for special occasions, too, with impressive-looking platters like the Grilled Steak & Chicken Fajita Platter.
Marley Spoon's user-friendly 6-step recipes provide helpful guidance, prompting you to hone your cooking skills while also preparing impressive dishes like Tuscan-Spiced Steak or Skillet Provençal Pork.
Look out for the Climatarian label, which highlights the most sustainable options on its menu. Dishes carrying this label, such as the Caesar Salad and the Minestrone with Farro recipes, have been carefully curated to prioritize ingredients and cooking methods that have a minimal environmental impact.
Marley Spoon sources only the finest and freshest ingredients for its meal kits. By prioritizing quality, this guarantees that every dish is prepared with premium ingredients, resulting in meals that are both delicious and satisfying.
The celebrity endorsed recipes add a unique dimension to the service, giving you access to culinary creations that are sure to impress even the most discerning palates. For everything from recipes to ingredients, and the ordering system, I highly recommend checking out my colleague's comprehensive review.
It’s a pioneer in sustainability by being the first 100% carbon neutral delivery company. With a strong commitment to reducing its environmental impact, Marley Spoon has implemented initiatives to offset its carbon emissions, making it a more eco-conscious choice for meal delivery.
It’s not only a good choice for couples, but it's convenient for families, too. With its wide range of Kid Friendly meal options, the menu includes a variety of recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. They include ingredients and flavors that kids love, making dinnertime enjoyable for the entire family.
You can order 2 meals for 2 people per week up to 6 meals for 4 people per week. It costs from $4.99 per serving, and you can easily make changes to your plan settings in your account.
Vegetarian plan available
100+ recipes per week
Dietary options include low-calorie, dairy-free, and more
At just a few dollars per serving, Dinnerly is a budget-friendly meal delivery service. The attractive price point initially grabs your attention, but it's the menu variety and easy-to-prepare food that’s really impressive.
Dinnerly is best if you have a relatively broad dietary palate and appreciate the comfort of homemade meals. The meal kits are thoughtfully curated, boasting well-prepared dishes with fresh, quality ingredients. Additionally, the add-ons section is pretty comprehensive and lets you add extras to your order to cut down on trips to the grocery store.
I was happy to find a lot of customizable recipes on the menu. This does mean the menu takes a long time to browse, as each option is listed as a separate dish. If you prefer a less overwhelming menu, I recommend Home Chef, which offers customizations within the recipe instead.
To keep costs low Dinnerly adopts cost-saving measures like providing digital recipes and not including step-by-step photos. These clever strategies contribute to keeping prices remarkably low. For more about how Dinnerly maintains its affordability, I encourage you to explore our comprehensive review.
I like the unique approach of using 6 ingredients or less in its recipes. This simplicity not only makes meal preparation quick and hassle-free but also ensures that you're not overwhelmed with a long list of ingredients.
As Dinnerly is owned by Marley Spoon, you can expect the same level of quality and attention to detail in its recipes. The recipes are tagged to help you identify options to suit you, including the "Kid Friendly" tag, making it easier for families to find meals that cater to their children's tastes.
Dinnerly takes pride in offering high-quality ingredients in its meal kits, and it often features organic recipes to provide a healthier and more sustainable dining experience. From the Creamy Rigatoni & Organic Beef to the No Chop! Cajun Dirty Rice with Organic Beef, it’s good to see occasional organic ingredients featured.
Some recipes may require store cupboard extras like mayo, oil, eggs, or seasonings. These additional ingredients are clearly listed on every recipe, ensuring that you have all the necessary items on hand to create delicious meals.
I like that prices are as low as $2.12 per serving, which makes it a good option for families on a budget. Plus, extras like soups, sides, and pantry staples can help make your meals go further.
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Top Plans | |||||||||
Our Rating | |||||||||
Our Rating | 9.8 | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.6 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.4 | 9.2 | 9.2 |
Best Offer | |||||||||
Best Offer | $103.41 | $9.99 Per Serving | $4.00 Per Serving | $107.75 | $9.99 Per Serving | $6.59 Per Serving | $11.00 Per Serving | $4.99 Per Serving | $2.12 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 | 10 prepared meals | 3 meal kits for 2 people/6 prepared meals | 2 meals for 2 people | 3 meals for 2 people |
Meal Types | |||||||||
Meal Types | Prepared meals | 10-45 minute meal kits | 5 - 60 min meal kits and prepared meals | Meal kits, speedy kits, prepared meals | Kits, speedy kits, oven-ready | Prepared meals | Meal kits, prepared meals | 30-60 min meal kits | 30-minute meal kits |
Prep Time | |||||||||
Prep Time | 2-3 min | 25-40 min | 5-45 min | 5-50 min | 5-50 min | 2-3 min | 3-40 min | 20-40 min | 20-45 min |
Active Deals | |||||||||
Active Deals |
If you feel confused by the wide range of services, here’s how I created my list:
Pay attention to the menu size: To choose the best menu size for your needs, you should know the number of people you’ll feed each week, their culinary preferences, and whether or not they like routine. Services like Home Chef have a wide range of options with up to 6 meals for 6 people per week.
Check menu rotation and diversity: Most meal delivery services find ways to bring new recipes almost every week, like Factor. However, the overall composition of the menu doesn’t change much. So, try to think a few weeks ahead and see if the service can provide for your needs in the long term.
Think about your budget: The cost of a meal isn’t the main factor, but it can influence your decision. So, before you start considering other factors, such as the number of dishes on the menu, cuisine variety, and ingredients, check out the price per serving. Some services, like HelloFresh, cater to a range of budgets.
Consider any dietary restrictions: If you follow a specific diet, such as keto, vegan, or gluten free, it’s best to choose a meal delivery service that has a dedicated meal plan for your dietary needs like Green Chef. Otherwise, you may get bored rather quickly if there aren’t enough options to keep things interesting.
I highly recommend Factor as the healthiest meal delivery service in St. Louis. With its focus on delivering fresh, never frozen, fully-cooked meals, it offers a wide variety of nutritious options to cater to different dietary needs. Whether you're looking for vegetarian, calorie-smart, keto,flexitarian, high-protein, or vegan meals, it’s easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If you’re a working parent trying to feed a household, you’ll appreciate Blue Apron’s selection of Prepared & Ready meals. These microwaveable dishes get dinner on the table in minutes. Blue Apron also has Oven-Ready dishes and other recipes for nights when you can spend some extra time in the kitchen.
For the most affordable meal delivery service in St. Louis, I highly recommend Dinnerly. With its incredibly low price per serving, Dinnerly offers a varied menu with well-prepared meal kits featuring fresh ingredients. Despite its affordability, Dinnerly doesn't compromise on taste or quality, making it the perfect choice for budget-conscious families.