7 Best Meal Delivery Services for Pregnancy in 2024

Pregnancy is a time of huge change for your body and your eating habits. While you might be more mindful of eating nutritious food to support yourself and your growing baby, you might also be faced with nausea, tiredness, cravings, and changes to your usual digestion and appetite. 

Meal delivery can be a great way to make sure you’re getting fresh, nutritious foods without spending lots of time prepping meals, trawling around the grocery store, and standing in the kitchen cooking. I’ve found the top services that offer fresh ingredients and easy meal prep so that can you eat well during pregnancy with minimal effort. All of the services on my top list have been tested by the DeliveryRank team at home – and I’ve shared pictures of some of those meals below. 

Overall, Factor is my top choice. I rate Factor for busy pregnant women as its meals are fully prepared and just require heating. But Factor is not the only great choice. I have plenty of recommendations depending on your exact needs – where you want ready meals, easy kits, extensive customization, or organic ingredients.

The Best Meal Delivery Services for Pregnancy Reviewed

1. Factor – Best Prepared Pregnancy Meals

Factor provides fresh, prepared meals designed by chefs. These meals are balanced for nutrition, ideal for pregnancy, and include a wide variety of options. I tried Factor myself and was super impressed.

What’s on the Menu?

Factor's menu is designed with nutritional balance in mind, catering to the needs of expectant women. It offers a variety of ingredients that support overall health and well-being. This makes it a dependable choice during pregnancy.

You'll find a range of options on the menu, including keto and plant-based meals. About 5 plant-based meals are available weekly, and most meals follow a keto approach, focusing on high-fat, low-carb ingredients. This variety supports different dietary preferences and health goals.

In addition to around 35 weekly meals, Factor also offers extras like breakfasts, smoothies, snacks, and protein packs. This diversity ensures you have healthy options throughout the day. It's especially beneficial for maintaining a balanced diet during pregnancy. The smoothies can be great for those mornings when you’re feeling a bit nauseous and want something light.

What Makes It Special?

My favorite feature is the option to schedule calls with a dietitian and nutrition coach. This service, rare among competitors, helps form healthy eating habits. It's particularly valuable for expectant mothers looking to make sure they’re getting the right nutrients.

Factor's commitment to fresh, never-frozen meals sets it apart. Some ready meals, including those from grocery stores, are meant to be stored frozen. Factor arrives fresh and is stored in the fridge, and I think this is reflected in the taste when you heat the meals up.

The convenience of ready meals is ideal when you don’t have the time or energy to give too much thought to food. It’s also ideal when hunger hits and you need something fast. You can have lunch or dinner ready in minutes, which can stop you from reaching for more unhealthy snacks or takeout options.

Is It Good Value?

Factor is a great fit if you're seeking a healthy diet without the hassle of cooking. It's ideal for those with busy lifestyles, especially during pregnancy (and when you have a young baby). The convenience of having meals that are simply heat-and-eat is a game-changer.

While plant-based dieters might find options somewhat limited, flexitarians will find plenty to choose from. Prices start at $10.49 per serving. You can get the lowest per-serving price by opting for the largest order.

2. Green Chef – Best Certified Organic Meal Kits

Green Chef stands out for its organic ingredients and gourmet meal kits. The variety in cuisines caters to diverse tastes. These meals are designed for quick preparation, serving up to 6 people. Learn more in my colleague’s Green Chef review.

What’s on the Menu?

Green Chef offers a wide range of meal kits for different diets. Whether you prefer keto, plant-based, or gluten-free, there's an option for you. This versatility makes it suitable for various dietary needs during pregnancy.

The cuisine selection is extensive, including French, Italian, Asian, and more. Each meal is an adventure in gourmet cooking. This diversity ensures that your meals are not just healthy but also exciting and flavorful.

Meals are designed for ease, with prepped ingredients like pre-cut vegetables. Most dishes can be cooked in 30 to 40 minutes, while Quick & Easy meals take less than 25. This feature is particularly beneficial for expectant mothers who value both nutrition and convenience.

What Makes It Special?

Green Chef's use of certified organic ingredients sets it apart. You'll find organic vegetables, hormone-free meats, and wild-caught seafood. This commitment to quality is crucial for pregnant women seeking the best-quality ingredients.

Each meal kit includes detailed recipe cards. These cards provide nutrition facts, preparation times, and required pantry items. The availability of this information online adds to the convenience, allowing you to plan and prepare with ease.

Is It Good Value?

Green Chef is a good option for pregnant women seeking gourmet, organic meals. Its pricing starts at $9.99 per serving. You can choose from various plans, catering to different family sizes and meal preferences.

While the cost may be higher compared to non-organic options, the quality justifies it. You get what you pay for – premium, organic ingredients in gourmet recipes. This value is particularly significant for expectant mothers who prioritize organic nutrition, which is why it ranks so highly on my list.

3. Blue Apron – Best Gourmet Pregnancy Meals

Blue Apron specializes in gourmet meal kits and prepared meals, offering a diverse range of cuisines. It's a go-to for expecting mothers who appreciate Latin American, Asian, and other international flavors. Additionally, Blue Apron provides a variety of add-ons and marketplace items.

What’s on the Menu?

The weekly menu offers a wide range of cuisines, including Mexican, Japanese, French, and others. Examples like Salmon and Avocado Rice Bowls, and Sweet & Spicy Pork Belly Fried Rice showcase the culinary diversity. Dietary options include vegetarian, carb-conscious, and pescatarian.

You can also order meal kits and prepared meals – but not in the same box. For that, you’d need to order 2 separate boxes or switch your box type on a weekly basis. Find out more in my colleague’s tested Blue Apron review.

Blue Apron has 5 Meal Kit preferences: Chef Favorites, Wellness, Family Friendly, Fast & Easy, and Veggies. There are 4 Prepared & Ready preferences, including Carb-Conscious and 30 g of Protein. These plans are flexible, allowing mix-and-match options. Meal preparation times average between 30-45 minutes and Prepared & Ready meals can be ready in 3 minutes.

What Makes It Special?

Blue Apron adheres to an animal welfare policy aligned with the World Organization for Animal Health's Five Freedoms. This policy ensures ethical sourcing of meat products, which are free from growth promoters like added hormones and sub-therapeutic antibiotics. This is reassuring for those concerned about food quality during pregnancy.

Some of Blue Apron's ingredients are USDA-certified organic. While not all ingredients meet this standard, the commitment to high-quality, sustainable sourcing is evident. This aspect is particularly appealing to health-conscious expectant mothers.

Is It Good Value?

Pricing for Blue Apron starts at $4.00 per serving for the largest order. Subscriptions start at 2 meal kits for 2 people or 4 prepared meals per week. There also doesn’t appear to be a hard upper limit right now.

4. Home Chef – Best Overall Meal Customization

Home Chef is known for its hearty meal kits that cater to the entire family. It's a versatile choice and offers meal kits, oven- or grill-ready meals, and express options. You’ll even find extras like snacks and desserts that make it a comprehensive service. Learn more now in my colleague’s tested Home Chef review.

What’s on the Menu?

Home Chef's menu boasts a variety of dishes, including pasta, meatballs, rice bowls, and burgers. This diversity accommodates different taste preferences, ideal for pregnant women with changing taste buds.

Customers can add extra protein to most entrees for larger portions. This feature is great for ensuring adequate protein intake during pregnancy. Additionally, Home Chef offers a selection of sides, snacks, and desserts, catering to a wide range of tastes.

What Makes It Special?

Home Chef's "Customize-It" feature lets you swap ingredients in your meal kits. This flexibility allows for adjustments based on dietary preferences, cravings, or avoidances. If seafood currently turns your stomach, you can swap scallops for chicken. And if you're craving red meat you can swap turkey for steak.

Some meals allow upgrades to organic or USDA-choice meats for a surcharge. This option caters to those who prefer higher quality or specific types of meat. It's a valuable feature for expectant mothers focusing on quality nutrition.

A recent addition of prepared lunches just requiring heating is a game-changer. While many dishes contain common allergens like gluten and dairy, customers can exclude these during sign-up. However, this may limit the variety of menu options available.

Is It Good Value?

Pricing for Home Chef starts at $9.99 ($6.99 W/ discount) per serving. The service requires a minimum order of 2 meals for 2 people each week. Options are available to accommodate up to 6 people, providing flexibility for different family sizes.

5. HelloFresh – Best Family-Friendly Meal Options

What’s on the Menu?

HelloFresh creates each meal kit to be straightforward yet delicious. You'll find a diverse selection of meat, fish, and veggie-based meals. This ensures a balanced diet, crucial during pregnancy, with a mix of carbs, proteins, and fats. Learn more in my colleague’s tested HelloFresh review.

The menu primarily features easy-to-make dishes using familiar ingredients. This is ideal if you want to stick to plain, comfort foods. For those who prefer a bit more spice and variety, there are plenty of exciting options, too.

In addition to its vast selection of over 100 weekly meals, HelloFresh includes extras like snack boards and soups. These options are perfect for quick bites or enhancing your main meals. This variety caters to the diverse cravings (or dislikes) one might experience during pregnancy.

What Makes It Special?

HelloFresh offers a unique HelloCustom feature, allowing customization of meal kits. This option, available in over 12 meals each week, lets you change or upgrade sides and proteins. It's especially useful for tailoring meals to specific dietary needs and tastes during pregnancy.

With 6 meal plans, including Meat & Veggies, Veggie, and Pescatarian, HelloFresh caters to varied tastes. The flexibility to mix and match meals across these plans offers unparalleled variety. This adaptability is essential for pregnant women with diverse dietary preferences.

Is It Good Value?

HelloFresh is an excellent choice if you’re pregnant and already have a family, as it balances the needs of children, teens, and adults. The meal kits are both tasty and simple to prepare, saving valuable time. This aspect is crucial for busy families, especially during pregnancy.

HelloFresh pricing starts at $4.49 per serving for the largest order. Though not specifically catering to keto, paleo, or vegan diets, its affordability and variety make it a great option for most families.

6. Purple Carrot – Best Vegan Meals

Purple Carrot is ideal for expecting women who prefer a vegan lifestyle. Its prepared meals and meal kits focus on real vegetables instead of meat substitutes, which ensures a nutritious diet. It also includes plenty of extras and add-ons for other meal times, as my colleague discovered during their tested review of Purple Carrot.

What’s on the Menu?

Purple Carrot's menu features diverse options like Mac n' Cheese and Portobello Tortelloni. These dishes offer great taste and nutritional value, important for pregnancy. The Elote Corn is another example of its creative plant-based dishes.

Breakfast and lunch options are also available, ensuring a balanced diet throughout the day. Peach Melba Overnight Oats for breakfast and Green Goddess Bowls for lunch are nutritious and convenient. This variety helps you maintain a healthy diet during pregnancy.

The Plantry section allows for added variety with items like donuts and gazpacho. These extras, along with plant-based protein alternatives, enhance meal options. Meal kits require 25 to 30 minutes of prep, while prepared meals heat up in 2-3 minutes, catering to different time needs.

What Makes It Special?

Purple Carrot caters to various dietary requirements, a plus for pregnant individuals. Tags like High-Protein and Gluten-Free help you choose meals suited to your needs. This flexibility is essential for a healthy and enjoyable pregnancy diet.

The menu's international inspiration adds an adventurous touch to mealtime. Options range from Middle Eastern to Asian, offering a culinary journey. This diversity ensures you won't get bored with your meals during pregnancy.

Is It Good Value?

The convenience of plant-based meals that don't need lengthy preparation is great for pregnant women who are vegan or dairy-free. The prepared meals and Less Prep kits are ideal for those days when time and energy may be limited.

Pricing begins at $11.00, which is reasonable for the quality and convenience offered. The flexibility in ordering different meal quantities suits various needs. With a minimum order of 3 meal kits or 6 prepared meals per week, it offers versatility for different lifestyles.

7. Eat Clean – Best Healthy & Nutritious Prepared Meals

Eat Clean focuses on providing simple, nutritious, and clean meals. These prepared meals are perfect for pregnant women with busy schedules. The menu includes a mix of international and classic American dishes, which you can learn more about in our tested Eat Clean review.

What’s on the Menu?

Eat Clean caters to those with hectic schedules, offering prepared meals that are healthy and convenient. This is especially beneficial during pregnancy when time and energy might be limited. The meals are designed to offer nutritional balance and simplicity.

The menu includes diverse plans like paleo, keto, and plant-based options – however, the Traditional plan may be best for pregnancy so you’re not restricted in any way. You can’t mix and match between plans, so you’ll only be able to pick meals from your chosen menu.

In addition to main meals, Eat Clean also offers snacks and desserts. These options are ideal for managing pregnancy cravings healthily. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices provide comprehensive meal planning.

What Makes It Special?

Each meal from Eat Clean is prepared by expert chefs using high-quality natural ingredients. This attention to detail ensures that meals are not only nutritious but also flavorful. This is particularly important for pregnant individuals, who need both taste and nutrition.

The service's commitment to sustainability is evident in its packaging. Using eco-friendly, recyclable, and biodegradable materials reflects a responsible approach. This aspect is crucial for those who are environmentally conscious.

Meals come individually packaged with clear heating instructions. This convenience is invaluable during pregnancy when ease and simplicity in meal preparation are essential. The clear labeling also helps in managing dietary choices effectively.

Is It Good Value?

The option to choose between regular and large portion sizes caters to varying appetites and nutritional needs during pregnancy. This flexibility is a significant advantage, especially in your last trimester where you may want more calories.

Pricing starts at $4.30 per serving, making it an affordable choice. You can order 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 20 dishes per week. The shipping fee is between $9.99 and $17.99, depending on the size of the order.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Meal Delivery Services for Pregnancy

When selecting the best pregnancy meal delivery service, consider these key factors:

• Nutritional quality: During pregnancy, nutrition is paramount. Look for services offering meals rich in essential nutrients like folic acid, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. The service should provide balanced meals that cater specifically to prenatal nutritional needs. For example, Factor offers a range of nutritious, balanced prepared meals perfect for busy expectant mothers.

• Customization options: Pregnancy often comes with specific dietary needs and sensitivities. Choose a service that can tailor meals to these unique requirements, whether it’s low sodium, gestational diabetes-friendly, or allergen-free options. Green Chef is one of my favorites thanks to its commitment to being certified organic.

• Convenience: Consider whether you prefer fully prepared meals or enjoy some level of cooking. If time and energy are limited, opt for a service offering ready-to-eat meals. For those who enjoy cooking but want to avoid the hassle of meal planning and ingredient shopping, meal kits are ideal. Blue Apron, for instance, provides nutritious, gourmet meal kits and prepared meals.

• Affordability: Pregnancy is a journey with changing needs. Select a service that offers flexible plans and pricing that fits your budget. Consider the frequency of deliveries and the ability to pause or change your plan as your pregnancy progresses. Services like HelloFresh offer flexibility and affordability, adapting to your changing requirements.

FAQ

What is a meal plan for a pregnant woman?

Pregnant women should focus on unprocessed, nutritious foods, avoiding excessive sugar, high-mercury fish, unpasteurized dairy, and excess salt. For instance, Factor aligns well with these needs. It offers prepared meals that are nutritious and convenient, saving time and effort without sacrificing taste.

How many times a day should a pregnant woman eat?

The number of times pregnant women should eat per day isn’t set in stone. Only you know your body best. If you’re looking for a meal delivery service to help you out, check out Green Chef. It offers main dinners plus tons of sides and extras for those other meal times.

What should a pregnant woman eat for lunch and dinner?

Pregnant women should always focus on eating highly nutritious foods comprising whole food ingredients. Avoiding excess sugar and salt, unpasteurized dairy, and mercury is critical. I highly recommend Blue Apron for a solid selection of lunches and dinners for pregnant women.

Best Meal Delivery Services for Pregnancy — Final Score: