9 Best Meal Subscription Boxes 2024: Reviewed

There are many meal subscription services on the market, but not all will suit your needs. In my opinion, the best way to learn about something is to try it out. Or, you could save some time and headache and read my list of the best meal subscription boxes for 2024.

I worked with our team of expert reviewers to identify the top meal delivery services. I’ve taken various considerations into account, including the menu variety, flexibility, taste, type of meals, costs, and long-term satisfaction.

I think Factor is one of the few services that checks all the boxes, and I recommend you check out Factor’s impressive weekly menu for yourself. However, there are other noteworthy brands that deserve your attention, too. So keep reading to find your perfect match!

The Best Meal Subscription Boxes Reviewed

1. Factor – Best for Fresh, Nutritious, and Filling Ready-Made Meals

Factor delivers a varied selection of ready-made meals to your doorstep. The menu is designed by Factor’s registered dietitians and culinary experts to create premium and nutritious dishes based on science-backed methods. The overall menu is designed to fit the American palate, but there are many dishes inspired by international cuisine as well.

What’s on the Menu?

I’m usually skeptical of microwave meals, but Factor manages to create dishes that taste good. Recipes like Indian Butter Chicken, Italian Ground Beef and Marinara Bowl, and Coconut Lime Curried Tofu are just a few of the many culinary experiences you enjoy with Factor. 

Check Factor's recipe tags to discover meals that align with your preferences. Tags such as Calorie Smart, Protein Plus, Carb Conscious, and Keto help you navigate their offerings. These informative tags are not limited to meals; they also apply to additional items.

I also found Factor’s add-ons menu impressive. Here, you can find a wide range of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, breakfasts, cookies, and various snacks. Plus, some of the snacks are vegetarian or vegan, while others fit the requirements of the keto diet.

What Makes It Special?

Factor offers its prospective subscribers free 20-minute consultations with an expert dietitian. You can use this consultation to ask questions about your dietary restrictions, inquire about your current eating habits, or create a personalized nutrition plan.

Factor’s food containers don’t take up much space in the fridge. Also, the meals stay fresh for about 7 days, so you can buy enough meals to last you until the next shipment arrives.

Is It Good Value?

If you don’t like cooking at home, Factor’s high-end ready-made meals are ideal. You can expect fresh ingredients free of hormones, antibiotics, refined sugars, and GMOs. However, all this quality does come at a premium price, as our reviewer discovered in their Factor analysis.

With Factor, the minimum order is 6 single-serving meals per week. But if you want to get the best bang for your buck, you’ll have to order the maximum amount, which is 18 single-serving meals per week. If you make your first order using our link, you can get 18 meals for just $103.41!

2. Green Chef – Best for Different Dietary Preferences

Green Chef offers options for people on keto, high protein, and Mediterranean diets. But you can find several options for vegans and vegetarians, too. This is a great service for anyone who follows a specific diet and has trouble finding a menu to fit their needs. Plus, the add-ons menu has a good selection of breakfasts, snacks, salads, pre-cooked proteins, and quick lunches.

What’s on the Menu?

Green Chef is a good option if you have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity. To give you an idea, the Keto meal plan is mostly gluten-free, and across all meal plans, you can find 15+ gluten-free meals each week. 

Most meal kits take around 20 to 35 minutes to prepare and cook, depending on your speed and skill in the kitchen. And if you’re looking for faster recipes, there are a few 10-minute lunches each week. With these recipes, you can have a serving of Cranberry-Walnut Chicken Salad Wraps or Caprese Tossed Salad with Prosciutto in no time.

However, make sure to factor in the time it takes to prepare the ingredients. Green Chef doesn’t send all its ingredients pre-prepped, so you’ll have to do some peeling, chopping, slicing, and dicing. The only pre-prepped ingredients are sauces, spice blends, and dressings, which Green Chef chefs curate to fit each meal.

What Makes It Special?

Green Chef also received a Gluten-Free Certification through the Gluten Intolerance Group’s Gluten-Free Food Service program. This means that all meals marked gluten-free meet or exceed the required gluten-free standards. 

As usual, you’ll get detailed step-by-step instructions with the recipe cards, including the timing and pictures to make cooking easier. Plus, if the meal requires a bit more experience in the kitchen, the cards will include tips and techniques from a professional chef.

Is It Good Value?

Green Chef was the first meal kit delivery service to become a certified organic handler of fresh produce and eggs. This means that most ingredients in your meal kits come from certified suppliers and local farmers who use sustainable practices. You can find out more in my colleague's tried-and-tested Green Chef review.

3. Blue Apron – Best for Gourmet Meals and Culinary Diversity

Blue Apron’s menu includes recipes from some of the most famous world cuisines. Plus, it is one of the top gourmet meal providers I’ve reviewed so far. What’s more, it’s one of the most flexible meal subscription services on the market. 

What’s on the Menu?

The level of cooking difficulty (for meal kits) ranges from simple meals, like the Mushroom Ramen (pictured below), to more complex dishes, like the Ribeye Steak and Ginger-Orange Pan Sauce. However, the brand’s most appealing feature is that it makes it easy to simply heat and eat, or prepare and cook all kinds of restaurant-worthy meals at home.

You also have plenty of options when it comes to the types of meals you can add to the weekly box. You can choose ready-to-cook meals featuring pre-chopped ingredients and a recyclable baking tin. Also, family-friendly recipes (delicious and healthy comfort foods), classic meal kits, and Prepared & Ready meals are also available.

The add-on menu is well-stocked and varied, so it’s easy to spice things up. You can choose an Italian-style charcuterie board, which is perfect for parties, or a delicious Pear and Walnut Salad, for when you want to feel fancy.

What Makes It Special?

Blue Apron also offers some attractive customization options for some of its meals. You can either turn a meal vegetarian, add animal protein to a vegetarian dish, or swap the protein with other available options. However, not all the meals with customization options are marked, so you have to click on each one to see if it’s available.

You can order meal kits from Blue Apron's Market without a subscription. There, you’ll discover a range of themed meal kits. These include Wellness, Customer Favorites, Pescatarian & Vegetarian, and Ready to Cook meal kits. 

Is It Good Value?

In all fairness, I would’ve loved a few more vegetarian options. But I do appreciate the Wellness meal plan, which includes nutritionist-approved recipes designed for carb-conscious diets. Plus, our reviewer found Blue Apron at the sweet spot between meal variety and reasonable prices. 

4. HelloFresh – Best Chef-Created Meal Kits for Easy Prep

HelloFresh is a well-known brand that’s popular among US customers. To keep the recipes delicious and nutritionally balanced, the company uses high-quality ingredients sourced straight from the farm. Plus, whenever possible, HelloFresh uses organic ingredients.

What’s on the Menu?

I was impressed by the size of HelloFresh’s menu and the cuisines on offer. As my colleague puts it in their tried-and-tested HelloFresh review, this is a service that can help you be more adventurous in the kitchen and try new flavors and textures. 

The service has 6 meal plans. These are Meat & Veggies, Veggie, Family Friendly, Fit & Wholesome, Under 20 MInutes, and Pescatarian. You can mix and match between them when placing an order.

I like that the recipe cards contain detailed instructions with text and pictures. So, whether you’re ordering Balsamic and Fig Beef Tenderloin or One-Pan Pineapple Salsa Pork Tacos, you won’t have any issues figuring out how to get dinner on the table.

What Makes It Special?

The ingredients for each meal come in a paper bag, labeled and sealed, so you know what’s inside and which recipe card to use. This way, it’s easy to store everything in the fridge and find the ingredients you need when cooking.

HelloFresh takes a very serious approach toward environmental responsibility. The company only uses suppliers with climate-friendly practices that minimize food waste and environmental impact. Plus, animal welfare and sustainability are integral to HelloFresh’s philosophy of creating delicious and healthy meals.

There are very few packaging materials that can’t be recycled from your delivery, and HelloFresh only uses plastic wraps and containers when it’s absolutely necessary. So, this service is a good choice if you’re mindful of your carbon footprint.

Is It Good Value?

The company boasts an extensive menu and affordable prices, ranking it among the top subscription box services. Besides, it showcases its best and the most popular dishes through labels like Best Recipe and Hall of Fame. That way, you can easily identify the best dishes even if you are a new subscriber to HelloFresh.

HelloFresh offers affordable prices, especially with larger orders. For example, a 6-meal box for 4 costs $107.75 with our link. HelloFresh gets pricier the less you order, so you’ll pay a higher price per serving if you order the minimum amount (2 people for 2 meals each per week).

5. Home Chef – Best for Customization Options and Flexibility

Customization and easy-to-cook recipes are Home Chef’s main advantages over other services that offer meal subscription boxes. I was impressed with its customization feature, which allows you to choose your favorite protein for select dishes. 

What’s on the Menu?

Even though the menu isn’t as extensive as HelloFresh’s, for example, you get variety by simply changing the protein. For instance, if you order the Spicy Mustard Salmon, you can replace the salmon with 2 different types of protein, such as steak or chicken breast. 

The menu is solid for vegetarians as well. Home Chef does offer several vegetarian dishes each week, but I do believe there are better services for vegetarians. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you should find more choices at Green Chef, for example. 

Many of the dishes take less than 30 or 40 minutes to prepare and cook. Bust some of the speediest kits, like the Express Cauliflower Curry Rice Bowl (pictured below), can be made in as little as 15 minutes. These low-prep dishes are great for busy evenings.

What Makes It Special?

The menu is mainly designed for the American palate, but there are a few international options as well. Meals like Korean-Style Steak Strip Rice Bowl or Balsamic-Fig Pork Chop allow you to try new spices and sauces without extra effort.

Home Chef only works with suppliers that follow industry-aligned animal welfare standards. This is why, on some recipes, you may find that the Customize It option offers organic options, such as organic chicken breasts.

You can choose between classic meal kits, oven-ready recipes, and Fast & Fresh meals. Check out my colleague’s in-depth review for a full breakdown of Home Chef’s range.

Is It Good Value?

Home Chef uses a diverse range of products from different suppliers to ensure each meal is tasty and nutrient-rich. The menu is designed according to products’ seasonality and changes each week to keep things interesting. However, while some products are organic, Home Chef doesn’t focus too much on this aspect.

In terms of pricing, Home Chef is quite affordable. But note that each meal is priced individually, and the quantity ordered doesn’t affect the price. The cost per serving starts at $9.99. The minimum order amount is 2 meals per person for 2 people, while the largest order is 6 meals per person for 6 people.

6. BistroMD – Great for Science-Backed Weight Loss Meals

BistroMD is a specialized weight-loss meal delivery service that offers several meal plans designed for weight loss and specific diets. It has gender-specific plans and those for people following different diets. 

What’s on the Menu?

BistroMD stands out with one of the most extensive menus I've encountered in meal delivery services, offering around 150 meals. And they may fall into different meal plans. Note, though, that the menu largely remains constant without frequent rotations. 

Despite this, the vast selection effectively minimizes the chances of meal repetition. The number of meals per plan ranges between 85 (Keto Flex) and 150+ (Signature), save Vegan, which has a few dozen options.

Each meal is designed to meet different people’s needs. For instance, the 2 meal plans dedicated to weight loss (for men and women) follow the caloric and macronutrient needs of each group. Plus, these meals consider a person’s well-being in the long term and are designed to bring long-lasting results.

What Makes It Special?

The company’s philosophy is that healthy food that supports weight loss must be tasty and rich in nutrients. This way, whether you have health problems restricting your diet or want to lose weight, it won’t feel like you’re making a big sacrifice.

BistroMD works with family-owned farms. It sources high-quality animal protein, such as hormone-free chicken and environmentally responsible seafood. To learn more, my colleague’s tested BistroMD review  has more information on the ingredients and how everything tasted.

The Heart Healthy plan includes only meals that meet the American Heart Association recommendations for sodium, fat, and calories. Similarly, the Keto Flex program is carb-controlled, and you only get around 15 g to 20 g of carbs per day. And, if you have to stay away from gluten, the Gluten Free meal plan follows the FDA gluten-free standards, so you can trust you’ll have access to 100% gluten-free meals.

Is It Good Value?

The ingredients are organic whenever possible. And the menus for each meal plan are designed by a team of registered dietitians in collaboration with Dr. Cederquist (the creator of BistroMD), who uses proven scientific methods to create healthy meals.

If you get the Full Program (for 5 or 7 days a week), you get the best price per serving at $6.59. And you don’t have to worry about what to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Everything will be laid out for you. On the other hand, if you want some freedom, you can choose the Lunches & Dinners option (for 5 or 7 days a week).

7. Purple Carrot – 100% Plant-Based, Delicious Meals

Purple Carrot’s meals prove that there’s more to plant-based cuisine than salads. Vegetarian and vegan meals sometimes get a weird reputation among meat eaters and even flexitarians. But Purple Carrot shows you how to make veggies shine.

What’s on the Menu?

Purple Carrot’s menu is original and imaginative and includes many plant-based versions of classic crowd-pleasers. Meals like Mac N’ Cheese, Mojo Rojo Black Bean Tacos, and Almond Butter Tofu Bowl (pictured below) are a few examples. Our reviewer loved the global cuisines when they tested Purple Carrot at home.

Purple Carrot’s menu is divided into meal kits and prepared meals, and you can’t mix and match when placing an order. But you can change your preferences from one week to another, so you can alternate between individual orders. 

The main difference between the sections (besides the prep time) is the type of meals available. In the meal kits category, you get options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and extras, while the ready-made meals section only has dinners.

What Makes It Special?

All Purple Carrot meals are 100% plant-based, and most are gluten-, soy-, and/or nut-free. However, keep in mind that the food isn’t processed in a certified gluten-free facility. 

So, if you suffer from celiac disease or have a severe gluten intolerance, it may not be the right option. Instead, you can try a service like Green Chef, where you’ll find a wide range of gluten-free vegetarian meals.

Purple Carrot is an eco-friendly company that sends you food in recyclable and biodegradable packaging. It also provides comprehensive instructions on how to dispose of the packaging responsibly.

Is It Good Value?

I think Purple Carrot is a suitable option for a wide range of people, not just vegetarians and vegans. It’s great for individuals who want to generally include more plants in their diet. It also features healthy weight-loss meals since many recipes are around 500 calories or below. 

The prices per serving vary depending on the number of meals you order and whether you want kits or prepared meals. For kits, the maximum weekly order is for 4 people, 3 meals each, which brings the price per serving to $11.00. The minimum order is for 2 people, 3 meals each. If you want ready-made meals, you can order 6, 8, and 10 single-serving portions per week.

8. Nutrisystem – Best for Weight Loss and Balanced Nutrition

Nutrisystem offers dietitian-designed weight loss meal plans that can help control calorie intake and create healthy eating habits. The meals are specially created to help control hunger and manage blood sugar levels, which helps reduce cravings. Overall, the company’s main message is that you can lose weight while still enjoying nutritionally-balanced meals.

What’s on the Menu?

The menu doesn’t include meals from a wide range of cuisines like HelloFresh does, but it does offer diversity in terms of the type of foods it offers. There are frozen and non-frozen foods, vegetarian meals, diabetes-friendly recipes, meals with low sodium content, and more. Plus, you can choose between no-prep meals, microwave and oven-ready meals, or stovetop meals.

The meal plans are created to provide sustenance for the entire day and usually include 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, and 1 snack (2 snacks for men). And, according to my colleague’s review of Nutrisystem, if you stick to the plan, you’ll see results in the short term.

You can choose between fresh and frozen meals from this service. Frozen dishes are clearly labeled, so you’ll recognize these recipes with ease while browsing the menu. Note that you may get your boxes on different days if you order both fresh and frozen items.

What Makes It Special?

Nutrisystem is quite flexible when it comes to what and how much you order. If you want regular deliveries, Nutrisystem has structured meal plans you can try. On the other hand, if you don’t like the limitations of these, or you’ve met your weight-loss goal, you can opt for its non-structured plan for 6 or 12 months and order what you want on your own schedule.

There are no weekly deliveries available, but you can order meals for 1, 2, or 3 months so this makes Nutrisystem different from other plans on my list. 

Is It Good Value?

Overall, I think Nutrisystem can be of great help to people who want to lose weight but don’t know where to start. However, you should do a bit of research and see if the meal plans fit your budget. Prices on Nutrisystem’s meal plans start at $9.64 per day. 

You have the option to choose between plans for men or women as well as a Partner plan (each plans your meals for 5 or 7 days).

9. Marley Spoon – Best Meal Kits for Home-Cooked Recipes

All Marley Spoon meals are designed in collaboration with Martha Stewart, and you get her unique blend of seasonings and sauces. If you’re looking for a meal kit delivery service that has options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, then Marley Spoon has plenty of options at an affordable price point.

What’s on the Menu?

I love the extensive menu, but I would’ve also loved to see some menu filters. The only way to find meals that fit your dietary needs and preferences is to search by tags. Each Marley Spoon recipe has a series of tags under its meal image, so it’s not that difficult to find what you want. For instance, if you want easy, low-prep meals, look for the Under 30 minutes and One Pot Meal tags.

The menu includes a wide range of recipes inspired by international cuisines including Korean, Japanese, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisines. I recommend trying something adventurous, like the Brazilian Tomato-Coconut Shrimp Stew or the Skillet Provençal Pork.

Due to the 6-step recipe system, you don’t have to spend much time in the kitchen. You can have a Black Bean Burger for breakfast in 30 minutes, a Garlic-Lime Marinated Sirloin Steak for lunch in 30 minutes, and a light Buffalo Chicken Salad for dinner in 20 minutes. So, you’ll only spend about 80 minutes of your day preparing these dishes.

What Makes It Special?

Marley Spoon only works with a network of select producers and family-owned businesses. As a result, all the ingredients follow the highest standards of quality. The ingredients are only harvested when in season, which encourages sustainable practices.

Most Marley Spoon meals offer customization options. Every time I check, there are 60 or so recipes on the menu allowing such adjustments. Search for the Customizable label to identify dishes that permit ingredient substitutions. 

Is It Good Value?

I always enjoy trying new and diverse recipes, and Marley Spoon didn’t disappoint. I’m not alone in thinking this. Our reviewer thought the service was a great all-rounder when they tried it. Check out their deep dive into Marley Spoon for more.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Meal Subscription Boxes

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you have access to a wide range of services that seem to do the same thing. However, if you look closer and have a set of criteria, it’ll become easier to find the best companies for your needs.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Menu variety: A good meal subscription service should offer the opportunity to try different cuisines, ingredients, and cooking methods. Choose a service that challenges your culinary adventure, while still remaining within your skill level. For instance, HelloFresh offers a large menu with dishes to suit most preferences.

• Dietary preferences: Most people have dietary preferences, whether it’s trying to lose weight, cut carbs, or deal with a health condition. Make sure the service you choose offers enough options for your specific needs. For example, Green Chef has a range of plans for different diets. 

• Prep time and effort: If you like cooking your meals at home, then a meal kit service like Blue Apron makes a lot of sense. However, if you don’t have the time or the disposition to cook, then ready-made meals (like those from Factor) are the best option.

• Cost: Choose a service that fits your budget, but don’t let the cost be the only deciding factor. Most meal delivery services nowadays are quite affordable for regular people, so you should have other criteria as well. Plus, I’ve included a list of live coupons for new customers that can make your first order cheaper. 

FAQ

Which food delivery subscription is best?

Factor is the best food delivery subscription on my list due to its diverse menu that’s rich in dishes from worldwide cuisines. Plus, there’s a wide range of add-ons to choose from, too. Factor is perfect if you’re looking for nutritious meals that you don’t have to spend time cooking at home.

Are any meal subscriptions worth it?

Yes! However, it depends on the service you choose and your own habits. If you value convenience, food variety, and high-quality ingredients, then you should give a meal subscription service like Green Chef a try.

What is America's #1 meal kit?

HelloFresh is one of the most popular meal kits in the US. It has meals for a wide range of dietary needs and even a dedicated family-friendly plan. There’s a great selection of add-ons, too, such as desserts, sides, and salads to complement your meals.

Best Meal Subscription Boxes in 2024 — Final Score