7 Best Dairy-Free Meal Delivery Services in 2024

Sticking to a dairy-free diet can be difficult, even with the surge in dairy alternatives and vegan choices. And with meal delivery services growing in popularity, the question is how well they cater to a dairy-free lifestyle.

The good news is that you have plenty of dairy-free options, whether you’re lactose intolerant, have a dairy allergy or sensitivity, or simply want to reduce your dairy consumption. You just need to know where to look.

My colleagues and I have tested the best dairy-free meal delivery services on the market. Green Chef is my top pick. Its menu includes a wide range of meals that are free from dairy, including a dedicated plant-based plan.

Read on for the rest of my top recommendations to help you find the best dairy-free meals to suit your needs.

The Best Dairy-Free Meal Delivery Services Reviewed

1. Green Chef – Best Organic Dairy-Free Meals

Green Chef offers a variety of meal plans with many recipes suitable for a dairy-free diet. Its Plant Based plan primarily features dairy-free options. Additionally, the service is USDA-certified organic, ensuring high-quality ingredients.

What’s on the Menu?

Most meals on Green Chef's Plant Based plan are dairy-free. You need to check the Veggie meals for dairy content. The Keto and Protein Packed plans also include several dairy-free recipes, and many recipes can be adapted by making an ingredient swap at home, such as using a dairy-free butter or cream.

Green Chef uses tags on the menu to highlight specific diets. You’ll see tags such as vegan, keto, gluten free, and sodium smart. However, there's no specific code for dairy-free options, requiring ingredient checks.

The service offers 8 meal plans, but you can choose from the entire menu each week. This flexibility allows for mixing and matching between plans. The menu is nutritionally balanced and caters to various dietary needs. Find out more about the various diets in our tested Green Chef review.

What Makes It Special?

Green Chef is the first meal kit service with USDA certification for organic ingredients. This means most ingredients, like eggs and produce, are organic. The company also selects its meat suppliers carefully for quality.

Meal kits from Green Chef take 25 to 35 minutes to prepare. Some ingredients come pre-measured and prepped. The service includes signature sauces and spice blends, adding flavor to each recipe.

Green Chef provides detailed recipe cards for each meal. This gives you the option to omit ingredients like cheese during meal prep. If you’re worried about wasting ingredients, look for recipes where the only dairy product is butter. Since you need to supply this, you can use a dairy-free alternative, and nothing goes to waste.

Is It Good Value?

The minimum order at Green Chef is 3 meals for 2 people per week. The maximum is 4 meals for 6 people per week. At the maximum order, the price per serving is $9.99, offering good value for larger families.

2. Purple Carrot – Best Vegan Meal Kits

Purple Carrot offers a fully plant-based and dairy-free menu, with a focus on allergen transparency. It's a top choice for those on a plant-based diet, offering both meal kits and ready-made meals. This flexibility caters to various dietary preferences and busy lifestyles, and it’s my favorite choice for vegans.

What’s on the Menu?

Purple Carrot's meal kit plan includes breakfasts, lunches, and pantry items. You can mix and match meal kits with prepared meals in 1 order. This flexibility allows you to customize your meal plan to your lifestyle.

Both meal kits and prepared meals feature innovative recipes and flavors. These meals are appealing even to those who usually eat meat. The menu is diverse, satisfying a range of taste preferences. Find out more in our tested Purple Carrot review.

The menu changes weekly but is more limited compared to larger services. Purple Carrot doesn’t offer meat or fish options, focusing solely on plant-based dishes. Each recipe is labeled for dietary preferences like high-protein, low-calorie, or gluten-free.

What Makes It Special?

Purple Carrot focuses on celebrating plant-based ingredients. It avoids relying on meat substitutes or processed ingredients. Dishes like Creamy Peanut Noodles and Louisiana Style Red Beans are both hearty and satisfying.

Most meal kits from Purple Carrot take about 30 minutes to prepare. Some recipes are labeled Less Prep for quicker cooking times. The prepared meals only require 2 minutes in the microwave, offering convenience.

The add-ons section spices up the menu with breakfast, lunch, and snack options. Items like Almond Milk Chocolate and Cashew Cream Cheese add variety to your diet. These add-ons complement the main meals and cater to different meal times.

Is It Good Value?

Meal kit orders range from 3 to 4 meals per week for 2 or 4 people. The maximum order (4 meals for 4 people) offers a good deal at $11.00 per serving.

Prepared meals come in options of 6, 8, or 10 meals, fixed at $13 per serving. While this price point is higher, I do appreciate the convenience and quality Purple Carrot stands behind.

3. Factor – Best Prepared Dairy-Free Meals

Factor has a large selection of prepared meals and snacks that are dairy free. This meal delivery service offers a unique blend of convenience, taste, and dietary variety.

What’s on the Menu?

Factor's menu boasts international flavors with dishes like Spicy Sweet Potatoes and Peanut Sauce and Thai Roasted Vegetable Green Curry (pictured below). It offers 3 to 5 vegan recipes weekly, all dairy-free. I also found 2 non-vegan dishes on the menu that were dairy free.

Each recipe is labeled for specific diets like keto, calorie smart, and vegan. This helps you choose meals that suit your dietary preferences. There isn’t a dairy free tag, so you’ll need to check the ingredient list to see if dairy products are used.

Factor also offers an extensive add-ons menu with over 40 options. Many of these are dairy-free, suitable for breakfast, or as nutritious snacks. The selection includes dairy-free smoothies, juices, shakes, and snacks.

What Makes It Special?

Factor provides a free 20-minute session with a nutrition coach or dietitian. This service is valuable for personalized dietary advice. It's particularly helpful for those new to dairy-free eating or with specific health goals.

The company emphasizes eco-friendly packaging practices. Materials like boxes and containers are mostly recyclable. However, the plastic film sealing the food isn’t recyclable. Find out more in our Factor review.

Factor's prepared meals are praised for maintaining quality after microwaving. This convenience, combined with their international recipes, sets them apart. The focus on dietary options ensures a broad appeal.

Is It Good Value?

Factor’s pricing depends on the number of meals you order each week, with larger orders lowering the per-meal price. The best-value option offers 18 single-serving meals for $103.41 on your first purchase if you use our link.

Factor's unique offerings and dietary inclusivity provide good value. Despite the price, the quality and variety offered make it a worthy option for those not on a tight budget.

4. BistroMD – Best Vegan Plan for Dairy-Free Meals

BistroMD's offers prepared meals for weight loss, with 25 dairy-free vegan recipes each week. The company combines convenience with diverse, flavorful options. If you’re looking for effortless weight loss, BistroMD is your best bet.

What’s on the Menu?

BistroMD’s Vegan plan features a range of appetizing choices. Options like Mediterranean Quinoa Salad and Gochujang Tofu with Sweet Potato Noodle Japchae (below) are highlights. These dishes offer a mix of international flavors and healthy ingredients.

The menu is refreshed weekly with over 25 new vegan recipes. All these options are dairy-free, aligning with vegan dietary requirements. While there's no specific dairy-free label, the Vegan plan ensures that all meals are plant-based.

BistroMD’s menu includes breakfasts and snacks alongside main meals. Snacks like nuts and seeds are suitable for dairy-free diets. These can replace breakfast for those on a 2-meals-a-day plan, adding flexibility to your meal choices.

What Makes It Special?

BistroMD is more than just a meal delivery service. It offers a comprehensive dietary plan, including online consultations with dietitians. This support is invaluable for maintaining a healthy vegan lifestyle and achieving personal dietary goals. Find out more about this in our tried-and-tested BistroMD review.

Eco-friendly packaging is another key aspect of BistroMD. Most packaging materials, including boxes and containers, are recyclable or reusable. However, the plastic film used to keep food fresh isn’t recyclable, a point to consider for eco-conscious consumers.

BistroMD's meals maintain quality even after microwaving. This convenience is a standout feature, especially for vegan meals where texture and flavor are paramount. 

Is It Good Value?

BistroMD’s pricing starts at $6.59 per serving. This might seem high for smaller orders. Snacks are priced separately, and buying more doesn’t reduce the cost. However, for those prioritizing quality over budget, BistroMD offers a worthwhile choice.

Despite the price, BistroMD’s Vegan plan provides great value for its variety and quality. The inclusion of dietitian consultations adds to the overall value of the service. For those seeking convenient, high-quality vegan meals, BistroMD is a strong contender.

5. Splendid Spoon – Best Premade Plant-Based Meals

Splendid Spoon is a 100% plant-based meal service offering a dairy-free menu. This service is ideal for those seeking a holistic approach to healthy living with a variety of plant-based options.

What’s on the Menu?

Splendid Spoon's menu features a range of plant-based dishes. You'll find smoothies, light lunches, grain bowls, and noodle bowls. Options like Vegan Chick’n Parm Dish and Vegan Meatballs with Marinara Noodles are highlights.

The menu offers enough diversity to keep things interesting, even for those new to a plant-based diet. The Soup & Grain Bowls and Smoothies sections are particularly robust. They offer over 20 options each, ensuring a wide selection.

Besides the main meals, Splendid Spoon includes an Extras section. Here, you'll find smoothies, juices, and immune-boosting shots. These additions provide an easy way to include more nutrients in your diet.

What Makes It Special?

Splendid Spoon's menu is user-friendly, thanks to an advanced filtering system. This system includes a list of Avoidances, ensuring you find meals that meet your specific dietary needs. While everything is dairy-free, the filters are useful for other dietary requirements.

However, Splendid Spoon may not suit everyone’s needs. If you're looking for hearty family dinners, you might prefer services like Marley Spoon. But for those who love vitamin-rich soups and smoothies, Splendid Spoon is an excellent choice.

The service uses 100% recyclable packaging, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. Packaging innovations include dry ice instead of gel packs, recyclable ClimaCell insulation, and BPA-free plastic containers. This eco-friendly approach is a key aspect of Splendid Spoon's offerings.

Is It Good Value?

Splendid Spoon's pricing varies by plan. The most popular option, offering meals for a full week, costs $9.99 per serving. Smaller plans have a higher per-serving price, but the variety and quality of meals justify the cost. Find out more about pricing in our Splendid Spoon review.

Despite higher prices for smaller orders, Splendid Spoon offers value through its diverse, plant-based menu. This makes it a suitable choice for those prioritizing health and convenience in their diet.

6. Hungryroot – Dairy-Free Meals and Groceries 

Hungryroot stands out for its unique combination of meal kits and grocery items, focusing on dairy-free options. The service offers a diverse range of dairy-free recipes each week, all clearly labeled for ease of identification.

What’s on the Menu?

Hungryroot offers a wide selection of dairy-free meals like Green Curry Salmon and Broccoli Bowl and Garlicky Chicken Sausage and Sweetcorn. These dishes are diverse, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. Each dish's flavor profile is as delightful as it is different.

Each week, Hungryroot introduces new dairy-free recipes. This rotation keeps the menu fresh and exciting. For those with specific dietary needs, Hungryroot offers easy filtering for vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and more.

The service also provides an extensive selection of grocery items. These range from salads and stir-frys to proteins, veggies, and sides. These grocery items complement the dairy-free meal kits, adding to the overall dining experience.

What Makes It Special?

Hungryroot combines the convenience of meal kits with the flexibility of grocery shopping. This mix offers a comprehensive food solution for the week. 

Most recipes are designed to be ready in 15 minutes or less. While Hungryroot caters to convenience, it may not be the best fit for experienced cooks looking for complexity. For those seeking more challenging recipes, other services like Green Chef might be more suitable.

Hungryroot's ease of use is a major advantage. The process of choosing meals and add-ons is straightforward. Simply fill up your cart, and your week’s food needs are sorted, offering a hassle-free experience. Find out more in our Hungryroot review.

Is It Good Value?

Pricing for Hungryroot starts at $8.99 per serving, with options to order from 3 meals per week for 2 people. This pricing is competitive, considering the variety and convenience offered. Keep in mind that grocery items are charged separately.

7. Marley Spoon – Best Gourmet Dairy-Free Meals

Marley Spoon offers a variety of gourmet meals, making it a great choice for dairy-free dieters. With over 20 dairy-free options on each weekly menu, the meals are clearly labeled, making selection easy. Marley Spoon combines the convenience of home cooking with the diversity of international cuisines.

What’s on the Menu?

Marley Spoon's menu features over 20 dairy-free options every week. These meals are clearly labeled for easy identification. The selection includes both comfort foods and exotic international dishes.

A notable dairy-free recipe is the Mojo Sirloin Steak Tacos with Fresh Orange Salsa and Guacamole. It exemplifies the blend of simplicity and gourmet quality in Marley Spoon's offerings. This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, requiring only 5 steps to prepare.

The service offers prepared spice blends and straightforward recipes. These components simplify the cooking process. Marley Spoon's approach ensures delicious meals with minimal effort. Learn more about its unique approach in our Marley Spoon review.

What Makes It Special?

Marley Spoon allows customization of some recipes, a feature that sets it apart from some competitors. However, this customization comes with an additional cost. The Customizable label on the menu makes these options easy to find.

The Premium Selection offers around 40 restaurant-quality meals each week. These dishes feature high-quality ingredients for an elevated dining experience. Marley Spoon also includes about 4 ready-made meals weekly for added convenience.

Marley Spoon is committed to being 100% carbon neutral. It achieves this through efforts to reduce food waste and the use of recyclable packaging. The company's website provides extensive information on sustainable practices and packaging disposal.

Is It Good Value?

Marley Spoon caters to both couples and large families, with meal plans ranging from 2 to 6 meals per week for 2 or 4 people. Prices start at $4.99 per serving for the largest order of 24 portions. This pricing structure offers good value across different order sizes.

Even for smaller orders of 4 portions, Marley Spoon maintains competitive pricing. The combination of gourmet, dairy-free options and flexible meal plans makes it a cost-effective choice for a variety of households.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Dairy-Free Meal Delivery Services

My colleagues and I have tested a wide range of meal delivery services, and I’ve narrowed down our findings for you here. Consider these factors when deciding on the right service for your needs:

• Price: The cost of specialty meal delivery services that cater to allergies can be high, but there are more affordable options. Marley Spoon is the most economical option on my list.
  

• Kit type: Meal kits, like those from Marley Spoon, require much more time than microwavable prepared meals, but they do allow you to swap in your own ingredients while cooking. This can be useful if you want more choices from a menu. For example, you can choose a recipe with dairy, then sub out regular milk for a milk alternative such as oat milk while cooking. If you just don’t have time to cook, then a service like Factor has a decent number of options for dairy-free diets.

• Allergens: Besides dairy, make sure that the service accommodates your dietary restrictions. Services such as Green Chef offer a good range of dairy-free options and have gluten-free and vegan dishes, too. 

• Portion size: Cooking for a dairy-free couple or family? Meal kits might be more appropriate for you. If you're cooking for 1 (or if you're the only person in your household avoiding dairy), single-serving prepared meals, like those from Factor, may be more convenient.
  

FAQ

Which meal delivery service is the best for dairy-free diets?

Green Chef is my top pick for dairy-free meal kits, with a dedicated plant based plan and dairy free meals in other plans that you can mix and match. Plus, there’s a great range of dairy-free add-ons.

Which meal delivery service is the cheapest?

Of the services on my list, Marley Spoon is the most budget-friendly meal kit. Its prices start at $4.99 per serving with an introductory offer.

Are there meal delivery services without subscription plans?

Splendid Spoon offers an on-demand option where you can place an order for the number of meals and smoothies you’d like at a time.

Best Dairy-Free Meal Delivery Service in 2024 — Final Score