7 Best Meal Delivery Services in Gainesville in 2024

Meal delivery services are versatile enough to provide delicious recipes for all kinds of people. Working professionals on the go, busy parents who need easy meals for the family, or students at the University of Florida looking to eat healthy on a budget – everyone can benefit from finding the best meal delivery services in Gainesville.

To help narrow down your options, I’ve scoured the internet for the best meal delivery service. Based on menu diversity and size, dietary preferences, quality of ingredients, and price point, I created a list of the best meal delivery services that deliver to Gainesville.

Factor is at the top of my list due to its convenience and care for high-quality ingredients. But if you’re not looking for ready-made meals or you want a service that’s leaning more toward a plant-based diet, there are other amazing services to try. Keep reading, and you’ll find the best meal delivery service for your needs!

The Best Meal Delivery Services in Gainesville Reviewed

1. Factor – Best Overall Meal Delivery Service in Gainesville

Factor brings diversity to your table with its varied menu. Featuring a mix of American-based and international cuisine, Factor’s offerings ensure you’re not stuck in a food rut.

What’s on the Menu?

The service caters to an omnivore diet, but it also covers an array of dietary needs. For instance, you can find recipes that fit diets like high protein, low calorie, vegetarian, vegan, or keto (among others). However, I found the weekly vegan and vegetarian options to be a bit limited compared to some other Gainesville meal deliveries.

Factor is transparent about the list of ingredients and nutrition facts for each meal. This means you can select meals that align with your dietary needs, even if Factor doesn’t cater to highly specialized diets.

You can also spice things up with items from Factor’s extensive add-ons menu. According to our extensive review, this menu includes a variety of cooked proteins, breakfast options, healthy desserts, smoothies, and juices.

What Makes It Special?

Factor’s meals are formulated by registered dietitians. Their main purpose is to ensure each recipe has enough nutrients and vitamins to support a healthy lifestyle. Most dishes harmoniously integrate vegetables, protein (from animal or plant sources), and starches, crafting a balanced experience.

Additionally, Factor is quite flexible when it comes to meal planning. The service offers 6 meal plans, but you can mix and match across the menu to create your own box. This adaptability ensures that you’re in control of your meals.

Subscribed members get a complimentary 20-minute online session with Factor’s dietitians. During this session, you’ll receive science-backed nutritional advice catered to your specific health goals. This resource can be an invaluable guide on your journey to achieving your health objectives.

Is It Good Value?

Through its fresh meals, Factor redefines the concept of microwave dinners. Packed fresh and sent without freezing, each ingredient maintains its integrity, ensuring you get to enjoy authentic textures and nutrients without compromise.

Even though it may seem a bit upscale, it’s important to note that these aren’t simple microwave meals. You get nutrient-dense, chef-crafted dishes that are ready to be savored upon arrival.

Factor pricing depends on how many single-serving meals you order each week. The best-value box offers 18 meals for just $103.41 for first-time customers using our link.

2. Green Chef – Best for Nourishing Meals With Clean Ingredients

Green Chef is committed to serving delicious meals that aren't just tasty but also nourishing. Featuring recipes crafted from fresh, organic produce, you can rest assured that every bite is free of GMOs, pesticides, or antibiotics.

What’s on the Menu?

Besides entrées, the company also offers 10-minute lunches and daytime bundles. This way, you can have quick and nutritious meals throughout the day. I also like the grab-and-go breakfast options (still part of the main offer), as these make your morning rush a bit more manageable.

Overall, Green Chef’s menu is a blend of American and international flavors. Recipes range from Memphis-Spiced Chicken with Bacon Jam to Spicy Shrimp Udon Noodle Soup and Baja Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Rice.

Lastly, Green Chef offers 2 options for those of you who want a little extra. First, you have the Add-ons menu that features a range of breakfasts, cooked protein, and ready-made foods. Then, there’s the Green Market – here, you’ll find everything from quick breakfast fixes to wholesome lunches.

What Makes It Special?

While Green Chef focuses on an omnivore diet, there are several other diet options on the menu. The company caters to a diverse range of dietary preferences, whether you’re looking for calorie-smart meals that come under 600 calories per serving, gluten-free delights, Mediterranean magic, or hearty plant-based dishes.

Even though Green Chef meals come as kits, they’re quick to prepare. According to our in-depth tested review, most kits require only 30 to 40 minutes of your time and come with pre-portioned and prepped ingredients, along with their pre-made sauces, marinades, and spice blends.

Is It Good Value?

If you love to experiment with flavors, Green Chef won't disappoint. Due to its menu variety, you have the unique opportunity to work with ingredients you might not have encountered before. Plus, all the recipes come with clear step-by-step instructions, insightful chef's tips, and photos.

Green Chef’s pricing is both competitive and flexible. Prices start at a reasonable $9.99 per serving if you opt for 16 or more weekly servings. For fewer meals per week, the price per serving can go as high as $13.49. This structure allows you to choose based on your needs and budget.

3. Blue Apron – Great Selection of Restaurant-Worthy Meals

If you want to learn how to cook restaurant-worthy recipes, Blue Apron is a great option. The company features a selection of weekly gourmet meal kits designed to help you polish your cooking skills and deepen your understanding of how ingredients blend with each other. But if you prefer quick heat-and-eat options, check out freshly cooked Prepared & Ready meals.

What’s on the Menu?

Blue Apron is a champion for diversity with a menu that caters to several dietary needs. You have options for different diets, such as low-calorie, pescatarian, Mediterranean (via the Wellness plan), vegetarian, and carb-conscious. You can learn more about Blue Apron’s menu from our tested review.

Most meal kits have tags that indicate the dish’s main features. For instance, meal kits tagged with Ready to Cook indicate easy-prep dishes, which are great when time is of the essence. On the other hand, kits that carry the tag 600 Calories or Less indicate low-calorie meals.

The add-ons section at Blue Apron deserves a nod for its multitude of options. This includes desserts, salads, sandwiches, and soups, as well as cooked proteins. These additions provide an extra layer to your culinary adventures, ensuring every meal is a feast.

What Makes It Special?

I also value the company’s commitment to quality ingredients. Some of the ingredients are USDA-certified organic, while the rest are sourced from local farmers. To ensure maximum freshness, the ingredients are harvested at their peak, prepped, and then shipped to you.

To add to the level of diversity, Blue Apron’s menu acts as a passport to global flavors. These impressive meal kits and prepared meals give you a chance to savor the taste of many international cuisines, with recipes such as the richly flavored Korean-Style Beef and Rice Bowls or the tantalizing Vietnamese-Style Turkey Meatballs. These recipes could appeal to families, but for more kid-friendly recipes, try HelloFresh.

Is It Good Value?

Blue Apron manages to merge quality with affordability. The meal subscription service caters to singles, couples, and families. And you can preview its menu up to 4 weeks in advance. 

The brand offers prices that start at $4.00 per serving. If you opt for Meal Kits, you can choose 2 or 4 servings for between 2 and 5 people per week. If you prefer Prepared & Ready options, the preset number of weekly meals per plan is 4, 6, 8, and 10. Note that you can manually add any number of extra meals to any plan.

4. HelloFresh – Best Meal Kits for a Healthy Lifestyle

HelloFresh boasts a massive weekly menu skillfully curated to support a healthy lifestyle. The offer features easy meal kits designed by professional chefs and nutritionists. However, there aren’t many gourmet recipes since HelloFresh’s menu is kid- and family-friendly first.

What’s on the Menu?

HelloFresh’s main focus is on general dietary preferences. However, the weekly offer typically includes over a dozen veggie-forward recipes along with a robust selection of high-protein and calorie-smart dishes.

For those navigating a hectic schedule, HelloFresh curates quick and easy meal kits. These recipes usually take less than 30 minutes from preparation to plate. Plus, if you’re truly pressed for time, the menu extends further convenience with 10-minute and 15-minute lunch options.

The HelloFresh Market provides enticing options when you want a bit extra. Serving as your one-stop shop for every meal throughout the week, here you can find an interesting selection of breakfasts, lunches, snacks, desserts, and more.

What Makes It Special?

You can be a complete novice in the kitchen, and you’ll still be able to put a HelloFresh meal together. According to our tested review, the service sends out easy-to-follow recipe cards with full nutritional information and clear cooking instructions.

HelloFresh is firmly committed to advocating for a responsible and equitable food system. The company aims to align people, the environment, and business ethics and is dedicated to sustainability and ethical practices in the food industry.

Is It Good Value?

Every ingredient in HelloFresh’s kits is harvested at peak nutrition. Additionally, the chefs prepare everything to ensure maximum freshness in an effort to support your health with every bite.

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.

5. Home Chef – Best for Affordable Customizable Meals

Home Chef has a diverse offer of meal kits and ready-made lunches that fit a general palate. Every meal is prepared using fresh and nutrient-rich ingredients that are pre-portioned to make your job easier. Plus, Home Chef is 1 of the few meal kit delivery services that lets you customize recipes to fit your personal taste.

What’s on the Menu?

Home Chef’s menu caters to a wide range of dietary preferences and requirements. While the offering is predominantly geared towards omnivores, it also provides a notable selection of vegetarian meals. Further, for those mindful of their carbohydrate and caloric intake, a variety of carb-conscious and calorie-conscious meals are readily available.

When you need to satisfy diverse family palates, Home Chef has the Family Menu. In this carefully curated section, recipes like Crispy Chicken Tacos and Baked Bacon-Mustard Chicken Cutlet provide flavorful, easy-to-prepare options that delight adults and children alike.

An Extras section further expands Home Chef’s offerings. Here, you’ll find a selection of cooked proteins, breakfast options, and more. Snacks, smoothies, and desserts are also available. That way, this Gainesville meal subscription service offers additions that can elevate your weekly menu and provide delightful culinary experiences from morning to night.

What Makes It Special?

Home Chef’s Customize It tool offers a great deal of flexibility in customizing meals. With it, you can alter recipes according to your preferences. For instance, if a dish originally features pork but your palate or dietary preferences lean towards poultry, you can make the swap with chicken or turkey.

You can customize your menu view by excluding certain ingredients or foods. By providing this additional layer of personalization, Home Chef ensures that the recommended dishes not only align with your cooking style but also strictly adhere to your dietary specifications.

Additionally, Home Chef uses a culinary quiz to understand your kitchen behavior and preferences. Once you've shared these insights, Home Chef curates a menu selection, recommending sections that align with your cooking style and dietary leanings. You can learn more in our tested Home Chef review.

Is It Good Value?

Home Chef stands out for its inclusive menu, accommodating people with food allergies or intolerances, as well as picky eaters. It appeals to both avid cooks and those seeking fast meal solutions. What impresses me further is Home Chef's commitment to serving individuals and groups, with portions for 1, 2, or 4 people, depending on the dish you choose.

When it comes to budget-friendliness, Home Chef offers competitive pricing. Home Chef prices its meals individually, so the price you pay depends on what you order rather than how much. Starting at $9.99 per serving, Home Chef manages to offer affordability while ensuring variety and quality in every bite.

6. BistroMD – Best Meal Plans for Weight Loss

BistroMD takes a health-forward approach to weight loss with the help of healthy foods. The company features weight loss programs for men and women and focuses on a meticulous balance of nutritious, ready-made breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

What’s on the Menu?

To reduce your effort to a minimum, BistroMD delivers all the meals ready-made. There’s no need for meal preparation and cooking, and you can focus on achieving your weight loss goals.

BistroMD boasts over 150 meals, providing a stable menu that appeals to individuals who value consistency in their diet. The menu has Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner, and Snacks sub-menus, making it easy to browse. Note that the Vegan plan is an exception, offering only Lunch/Dinner options.

BistroMD also lets you choose the best meals based on your preferences. You do this by setting taste preferences in your mybistroMD account. This feature ensures you receive meals and snacks you’ll enjoy.

What Makes It Special?

All of BistroMD’s plans are backed by science and developed by dietitians. The plans target fat loss through a strategic blend of healthy foods optimized for weight loss without sacrificing nutrients. This strategy not only aligns with various dietary needs but also prioritizes your health and wellness throughout your weight loss journey.

I like that you have access to several programs that cater to different dietary needs. Besides the programs tailored for men and women, you also have options like Gluten Free, Keto Flex, Heart Healthy, and Vegan, among others.

The dietitian team at BistroMD also offers one-on-one support via email. This means you can receive the personalized advice and encouragement you need during your weight loss journey.

Is It Good Value?

BistroMD rejects the notion that healthy food must be bland. After all, you have a dedicated team of chefs and dietitians who curate your weekly menus, so eating boring foods is out of the question. Check out our detailed opinion on BistroMD’s recipes in our tested review.

Lastly, BistroMD may not be the most budget-friendly option on the market. However, the price ($6.59 per serving for the 7 Days Full Program) reflects the emphasis on quality ingredients and diet-specific focus. So, if your budget allows it, this is a justified investment into your health, wellness, and dietary satisfaction.

7. Purple Carrot – Best Plant-Based Meals in Gainesville

Purple Carrot proudly features a fully vegan menu comprising meal kits and prepared meals. The company is committed to using non-GMO and organic ingredients whenever possible. For this, Purple Carrot partners with various farmers and vendors nationwide, ensuring you receive the best quality ingredients.

What’s on the Menu?

The Meal Kits section offers an array of 16 weekly dinner recipes. This offer is complemented by 4 breakfasts and 4 lunches, which are helpful if you want to build complete daily menus. Also, several kits are labeled Less Prep. These meals require less than 30 minutes for preparation, cooking, and cleaning, so they’re great when you’re in a hurry.

The Prepared Meals section offers 16 weekly recipes influenced by international cuisines. Here, dishes like Five Vegetable Dal with Curry Tofu Nuggets and Cilantro Chutney and Italian Sausage Bowl with Garden Tomato Sauce and Roasted Butternut promise a culinary journey most of us would love to embark on.

If you want to add some extras to your mealtime, check out the Plantry section. This section is available under the Meal Kits category and hides some delightful extras. From indulgent vegan desserts and nutritious breakfasts to refreshing smoothies and tasty veggie burgers, there's a myriad of options waiting to tantalize your taste buds.

What Makes It Special?

Purple Carrot pays attention to specific dietary needs. The menu offers an impressive range that meets various dietary needs, be it high-protein, nut-free, gluten-free, or low-calorie. So, whatever your dietary inclination, there's something for you.

Purple Carrot is committed to the environment and ensures its packaging is recyclable. Well, most of it – you can recycle the box, lining, and other similar components. However, the recycling of plastic jars, bottles, and bags depends on community guidelines.

Is It Good Value?

Purple Carrot’s meals are a great option for vegans and anyone interested in bringing more veggies into their diet. In fact, according to our tested review of Purple Carrot, even non-vegans can enjoy these meals.

In terms of pricing, the Meal Kits and Prepared Meals operate under separate plans. For the Meal Kits, prices begin at $11.00 per serving for the largest order (3 meals with 4 servings) and reach up to $13.25 for the smallest one (3 meals with 2 servings). If you're eyeing the Prepared Meals, they come at $13 per serving, allowing you to choose between 6, 8, or 10 single-serving meals.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Meal Delivery Services in Gainesville

After meticulous research and applying crucial considerations, I’ve pinpointed some of the finest meal delivery services tailored for the inhabitants of Gainesville. 

• Consider your price point: Cost can significantly influence your choice of meal delivery services, especially in a bustling locality like Gainesville, where cost-effective solutions are always in demand. During my assessment, I found that HelloFresh offers a variety of reasonably priced meals that don’t compromise on quality or taste, making it a commendable option for those adhering to a budget.
• Consider your dietary needs: It’s important to find meals that adhere to your nutritional and lifestyle choices. I think a service like Green Chef is a great choice for its assortment of organic, keto, and plant-powered meals, catering effectively to a wide range of dietary needs.
• Consider required prep time: If minimal preparation time is a decisive factor in choosing a meal delivery service, have a look at Factor’s menu. Factor provides meals that are not only delicious but also require virtually no prep time, aligning seamlessly with a fast-paced lifestyle.
• The availability of new recipes: The ability to explore new and exotic dishes is vital for adding a spark of variety to your dining table. This is why a service like Home Chef, which offers an enticing range of unique and diverse recipes, is a great choice.

FAQ

What is the most affordable meal delivery service in Gainesville?

If you’re feeding a family of 4, HelloFresh may be your best budget-friendly option, as 6 meals for 4 people cost just $107.75 for the first order if you use our link.

What is the best healthy meal delivery service in Gainesville?

Green Chef features health-conscious meals that aren’t just nutritious but also use organic ingredients. Even more, Green Chef features several Mediterranean meals and speedy lunch options.

What is the best diet meal delivery service in Gainesville?

If you’re looking to lose weight, check out BistroMD. It sends out ready-made recipes designed for weight loss and physical performance.

Best Meal Delivery Services in Gainesville 2024 — Final Score