7 Best Meal Delivery Services in Maryland 2024

It can be challenging to find the time to cook every day, but meal delivery services can help. Instead of spending hours shopping for groceries and prepping and cleaning up meals, you’ll be able to enjoy the nature and amenities that Maryland has to offer.

My team has tested many meal delivery services, and I’ve rounded up the 7 best in Maryland this year. I evaluated each service based on menu variety, quality of ingredients, customization options, convenience, affordability, and more. The result is something for everyone on this list, no matter what your dietary preferences, lifestyle, or budget.

Factor came out on top after extensive review. Its microwavable dishes are surprisingly delicious while also offering convenient meals to suit a number of diets. Whether you want diet-friendly prepared meals or wholesome meal kits to feed a family, there’s something on my list for you! 

The Best Meal Delivery Services in Maryland Reviewed

1. Factor – Best Healthy Prepared Meals in Maryland

Factor is a great choice for those short on time since it only offers prepared meals. The menu has a wide variety of cuisines that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, including keto meals. The dishes take just minutes to heat in the microwave, making them perfect for a desk lunch or as post-gym fuel.

What’s on the Menu?

Besides keto meals, you’ll find high-protein, veggie, vegan, and low-calorie dishes on the menu. When you sign up, you can pick the plan that works best for your lifestyle and dietary preferences. Or you can choose to mix and match across the wider menu. All the meals are single-serving, which means this service is probably best suited to individuals.

There’s plenty of pre-cooked protein add-ons, too. Pick from bratwurst, pan-seared salmon, chicken wings, shrimp, chicken breast, and more. These are great for anyone bulking up or who wants extra portions to see them through the week.

You can also add a range of add-ons to your box each week. From smoothies and cold-pressed juices to high-protein breakfasts and even keto-friendly sweet treats, there’s lots to choose from.

What Makes It Special?

Factor is particularly good for those looking to meet specific health goals. You’ll get a free 20-minute virtual consultation with 1 of the company’s in-house dietitians when you sign up. There are also optional nutrition coaching programs that can help you form healthier eating habits. These come at an extra cost, but they could be useful if you find yourself wanting to eat better.

Factor’s ready-made meals are unlike anything you’ll pick up at the grocery store. The focus on high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients – plus the fact that they’re chef-prepared – means they taste great and super fresh, as we discovered when we tried Factor at home.

As for dietary plans, you can choose 1 or more of the following options:

• Keto

• Protein Plus

• Calorie Smart

• Chef’s Choice

• Vegan & Veggie

• Flexitarian

Is It Good Value?

You'll always get fresh food from Factor, never frozen. These meals can stay fresh in the refrigerator for approximately 7 days. The company advises against freezing its meals, so make sure you have adequate refrigerator space before you place an order.

Factor’s prices vary depending on how many single-serving meals you need each week. The larger the order, the lower the cost per meal. For example, its best-value box gives you 18 meals for just $103.41 on your first order if you use our link.

2. Green Chef – Best Organic Meal Kits in Maryland

Green Chef has become the first meal kit provider to achieve organic certification. This commitment is further solidified by its USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) certification. By collaborating closely with selected farmers, the service ensures that its meals are flavorful and sustainably sourced. 

What’s on the Menu?

The menu is varied, exciting, and packed with colorful and flavorful combinations that you might not have tried before. Plus, cooking these sophisticated meals is easier than expected, thanks to the clear recipes and Green Chef’s prepared ingredients.

You’ll get chopped and portioned veggies and ready-mixed seasonings and marinades. Most of the dishes take 30-40 minutes to make, though the Quick & Easy meals promise to be ready in 25 minutes or less. 

There are extras to order each week, too. You can pick up breakfasts for the entire week. Some examples are Southwest Potato Breakfast Bowls, Apple-Cinnamon Dutch Baby Pancakes, Blueberry Oatmeal, and Banana Nut Muffins. The service also has brunch dishes, colorful salads, keto cookies, and extra proteins like wild-caught salmon and organic ground beef in its assortment.

What Makes It Special?

Green Chef promises only high-quality, certified organic produce – and it really delivers. You’ll find organic produce and eggs, plus organic, hormone- and antibiotic-free beef and chicken, and wild-caught seafood in your box each week. Plus, every ingredient is sourced from local family-run farms and craft economies to ensure your convenient meal delivery is offering as green a footprint as possible.

Green Chef meals typically last around 5 days. But if you have seafood on your menu, make sure to eat it within 3 days of receiving the box. If you wish to store food for later, freeze the meals before their expiration date.

Find the recipe cards online and in your box. They include all the relevant nutrition information, as well as a list of the ingredients that are organic, the essential pantry items you’ll need to complete the dish, and the prep and cook times. We tried Green Chef for ourselves and were impressed with how the meals turned out each time.

Is It Good Value?

Green Chef is a meal kit service that caters well to a wide range of dietary needs. You can choose between the Keto, Plant Based, Mediterranean, Gluten-Free, Quick & Easy, Calorie Smart, Protein Packed, or Gut & Brain Health plans. Or you can mix and match the tasty, nutritionist-approved recipes across the wider menu to fit your lifestyle.

The company crafts dishes inspired by renowned global cuisines. If you sign up, you can enjoy flavors from Mexican, French, Italian, Middle Eastern, and Asian, among many others. Naturally, the organic meal kit delivery service has American dishes on offer.

Green Chef prices start from $9.99 per serving. You can order 3 or 4 meals per week for 2 or 6 people. If you have to feed 4 people, choose between 2, 3, or 4 meals.

3. Blue Apron – Best Gourmet Meal Delivery Service in Maryland

Blue Apron has meal kits and ready-to-eat options on its menu, catering to individuals, couples, and families. To my delight, I discovered that the company sources its ingredients from farms. It also invests in a sustainable future by being a carbon-neutral company.

What’s on the Menu?

Blue Apron’s chef-designed meal kits and prepared meals feature exciting international flavors. As well as comfort-food classics like craft burgers, barbecue pork chops, baked pasta, and tacos, you’ll find lots of global-inspired dishes like Indian-Style Paneer Wraps (pictured) and Honey-Ginger Shrimp and Rice, some of which can be customized. 

There are around 4-5 vegetarian options to choose from each week, plus low-calorie and low-carb options. There are family-friendly options, too, though Blue Apron’s gourmet-style dishes might not appeal to particularly picky eaters. A crowd-pleasing service like HelloFresh could work better in that case.

In addition to meal kits and prepared meals, you can choose from a ton of extras, as discussed in our review. Weekly-changing add-ons include brunch dishes like PB&J-Stuffed French Toast, desserts, sides, protein bundles, and more. Besides kits, the online Market allows you to shop seasonal holiday and prepared meal bundles.

What Makes It Special?

The ingredients are of incredibly high quality. The meals use only sustainably raised hormone-free proteins. And everything is sourced from small, family-run farms and ranchers. Everything arrives fresh, chilled, and ready to store in the refrigerator. 

This meal delivery service lets you substitute ingredients in some of its dishes. For example, you can switch Thinly Sliced Beef with Flank Steaks in Spicy Glazed Beef & Snow Peas. On top of that, you can make selected vegetarian meals suitable for meat eaters and vice versa. Peach & Fontina Grilled Cheese and Wonton Noodle Stir-Fry are some examples.

Tailor your meal plan by indicating your choices in the Plans section. Available Meal Kits categories are Veggies, Wellness, Fast & Easy, Chef Favorites, and Family Friendly. If you’re more into Prepared & Ready recipes, choose between Keto Friendly, 600 Calories or Less, 30g of Protein, and Carb Conscious.

Is It Good Value?

All the recipes come with clear instructions. There are even cook-along guides on the website and the Blue Apron app. Most meals will take around 30-40 minutes to cook. The service’s selection of prepared meals is great for super-speedy meals on days when you’re just short on time.

Note that you can’t mix and match meal kits and prepared meals. You can, however, place 2 separate orders for both types. Alternatively, you could switch up the type of meals you order each week.

Blue Apron prices start from $4.00 per serving. Subscription sizes start at 2 kits for 2 people, or 4 single-serving prepared meals per week. It also doesn’t appear as though there’s a hard limit to the number of meals you can order at a time.

4. HelloFresh – Best Family-Friendly Meal Kits in Maryland

HelloFresh offers a huge range of hearty yet healthy meals that even the pickiest of eaters are sure to love. The menu boasts 100+ meal kits and market items each week. And you can even customize various meals to some extent.

What’s on the Menu?

Many of the meals are American fare with a twist. Think Cheesy Smashed Burgers with Roasted Asparagus, Caramelized Onion, and Special Sauce, or Chicken Sausage Pomodoro Penne Bake with Mozzarella and Herbed Ricotta. That said, you will find a range of cuisine types to choose from each week, including Japanese, Middle Eastern, and French-inspired.

HelloFresh categorizes its dishes into 3 difficulty tiers – Easy, Medium, and Hard. Click on any meal image to see its difficulty level. Also, check popular recipes labeled as Hall of Fame and Best Recipe 2024 and chef-recommended Premium Picks.

HelloFresh subscribers have access to the HelloFresh Market, which offers grocery items like fresh proteins, spices, produce, and desserts. These kinds of extras, combined with HelloFresh’s extensive menu, mean you might not even need to set foot in a grocery store to complete your weekly shop.

What Makes It Special?

Subscribers can choose from 6 plans, which are Meat & Veggies, Veggie, Family Friendly, Fit & Wholesome, Pescatarian, and Under 20 Minutes. However, you’ll always be able to choose from the full menu no matter which plan you choose. We tested HelloFresh and had a great experience both with the cooking and the eating.

As mentioned, some of the meals can be customized. The HelloCustom feature allows you to swap or remove the protein from some entrees, as well as switch out some of the sides. For example, you might want to swap potatoes for a healthy portion of broccoli instead or add steak or chicken to an otherwise vegetarian pasta dish. You can do this for around 12+ recipes each week.

Is It Good Value?

HelloFresh’s massive menu can cater to a variety of dietary needs. Look for recipe tags to identify categories such as low-calorie, low-carb, vegetarian, and vegan. If you have severe allergies, note that the service can’t guarantee against cross-contamination.

HelloFresh prices are affordable and place it around the middle of the pack for meal kit services. Although larger boxes will cost more overall, you’ll get the best per-serving value for a larger order, with higher per-serving prices for smaller orders. For example, 6 meals for 4 people cost just $107.75 for the first order if you use our link. Shipping costs are the same no matter the size of your weekly box. 

5. Home Chef – Best Customizable Meal Delivery in Maryland

Home Chef is great for anyone wanting easy-to-cook, crowd-pleasing meals. Its wide range of meal types means you can flex your kitchen skills with a Culinary Collection recipe like the Balsamic Rosemary Beef Burger (pictured). Or you can stick with something simple like an oven-ready meal or an Express meal kit for those nights when you need something fast.

What’s on the Menu?

The menu boasts a range of tasty-sounding dishes – everything from tacos and meatballs to rice bowls and quesadillas. After taste-testing several Home Chef meals, we can confirm it consistently delivers on flavor.

There are some calorie- and carb-conscious offerings, but Home Chef doesn’t accommodate specific dietary needs well. You won’t find many purely plant-based offerings, but at least there appears to be a growing number of veggie meals, and meals with Keto-Friendly and Gluten-Smart tags, which is nice to see.

There’s a solid number of sides, snacks, and desserts available, too. Expect indulgent treats like the Red Velvet Cookie Skillet, as well as cheesecakes, mac and cheese side dishes, crunch rolls, garlic bread, smoothies, soups, and even canned coffee products like ready-to-drink lattes. Much of the menu is kid-friendly.

What Makes It Special?

Home Chef’s Customize It feature is where this service really shines. If you don’t like steak, you can replace your filet mignon with mahi-mahi, salmon, or chicken breast, for example. In some cases, you can also upgrade to organic or USDA-choice meats.

And you also frequently have the option to double-up on the protein if you want bigger portions. Customize It is available on almost all Home Chef’s entrees, so it’s easy to get the meal you crave.

You can choose to omit some ingredients from a limited list when you sign up. You’ll find that most meals contain common allergens such as gluten and dairy, so if you do this, you may find your menu choices somewhat reduced. That said, most Marylanders without dietary needs will find consistently delicious, varied, and satisfying meals.

Is It Good Value?

You can tailor meal suggestions to fit your lifestyle by participating in a brief 4-question survey. For each question, you'll select from various provided options, touching on your meal preferences and enthusiasm for cooking.

Home Chef prices start at $9.99 per serving, but this is just a general guide price. Unlike other meal delivery services, Home Chef’s meals are priced individually, which means your total cost each week could vary. The minimum order is 2 meals for 2 people per week, and the maximum is 6 meals for 6 people.   

6. BistroMD – Best Weight Loss Meals in Maryland

BistroMD offers portion-controlled meals that are specifically designed for weight loss. This service could be a great option for anyone who needs to lose weight in order to help manage a specific medical condition but has previously struggled with calorie counting and dieting. The meals arrive prepared and flash-frozen for convenience.

What’s on the Menu?

The meals are designed to be low in calories but balanced in nutrients. The doctor- and dietitian-designed menu boasts more than 150 dishes. Plus, you can make some swaps if there are certain dishes you don’t enjoy.

American classics like meatloaf, roasted turkey, and barbecue pork are all lunch and dinner mainstays. High-protein breakfast options like waffles, omelets, and frittatas are available, too. The company categorizes meals under Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner, and Snacks. Note that the Vegan plan has Lunch/Dinner options only.

You can also pick up a wide range of snacks to help maintain blood-sugar levels and keep you full in between meals. There are more than 45 options on the snack menu to choose from, including whey protein bars and shakes, granola, nut mixes, protein chips, keto-friendly cheesecakes, and more.

What Makes It Special?

You might notice weight loss just days after commencing your weight-loss regimen. Some users have reported shedding pounds in under 10 days. And while I read reviews from individuals who found meals from other low-calorie services lacking in taste, BistroMD's recipes actually taste good.

BistroMD offers plans for 5 or 7 days a week. This means you could account for every single meal of the week, so you’ll never even have to set foot in a supermarket. The 7-day plan is ideal for those who want to make a more significant change to their eating habits, though you’ll get 1 night off a week where you can make your own choice for dinner.

Is It Good Value?

There are plans to suit a range of medical conditions and lifestyles. The signature programs include options for both men and women (since their recommended calorie intake is often different). You can also select meals from the Heart Healthy, Gluten Free, Keto Flex, Diabetic, Vegan, and Menopause programs. You can find out more about what each plan includes in our in-depth review.

The service delivers frozen dishes, unlike Factor, which ships fresh food. To heat the weight-loss delivery service's meals, defrost them in the refrigerator first. Once the food thaws, eat it in the next 2 or 3 days. 

BistroMD prices start at $6.59 per serving, based on the Full Plan of 3 meals per day for 6 days a week and 2 recipes for 1 day. However, you can choose from 2 or 3 meals per day (omitting breakfast if you only want 2) for either 5 or 7 days a week.

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

Purple Carrot is a plant-based service with a varied and colorful menu. While many meal delivery services rely on imitation meat products for their vegan dishes, this service celebrates veggies and less common plant-based ingredients in all their forms. 

What’s on the Menu?

We taste-tasted Purple Carrot’s meals and were impressed by the selection of globally-inspired options. The range of meal kits and prepared meals includes options like West African Peanut Stew and Tamarind Curry Noodles with Braised Tofu. 

The Less-Prep meals sit somewhere between a meal kit and a prepared meal. These easy-to-follow kits feature prepared sauces and seasonings, chopped veggies, and fewer cooking steps. They promise to take 25 minutes or less to get to the table. 

As well as dinner-time meals, you can pick up breakfast and lunch dishes, like Baklava Overnight Oats, Kale and Smoky Tempeh Scramble, and Crispy Sumac Rice Bowls with Pistachios and Cashew Cheese. There’s a “Plantry” too, where you can add snacks like crackers, brownies, and plant-based meat alternatives to your box each week.

What Makes It Special?

Purple Carrot has 16 prepared meals and 6 frozen dishes on offer, in addition to meal kits. Creamy Peanut Noodles, Pesto Portobello Tortellini, Veggie Bowl, Meatball Marinara, and Udon Noodle Bowl are some examples. 

This is also a service that accommodates dietary needs well, with tags like High-Protein, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Gluten-Free, and <600 Calories to help you navigate the menu. Since the service is 100% plant-based, all meals are free from dairy. 

Is It Good Value?

Purple Carrot prices start from $11.00 per serving. You can choose to order 3 or 4 meal kits per week for 2 people or 2 or 3 recipes for 4 people. You can also sign up for the single-serving prepared meals and purchase them in bundles of 6, 8, or 10 per week. For a customized plan that includes both prepared meals and meal kits, you can reach out to Purple Carrot directly. 

Quick Comparison Table

Top Plans
Top Plans	See Menu	See Menu	See Menu	See Menu	See Menu	See Menu	See Menu
Our Rating
Our Rating	9.8 Read Full Review	9.7 Read Full Review	9.6 Read Full Review	9.6 Read Full Review	9.5 Read Full Review	9.5 Read Full Review	9.4 Read Full Review
Best Offer
Best Offer	$103.41 Per Box	$9.99 Per Serving	$4.00 Per Serving	$107.75 Per Box	$9.99 Per Serving	$6.59 Per Serving	$11.00 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
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
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
Active Deals
Active Deals	Get up to $130 off + free shipping on your first box. Code: WEB130FREE	Free Salads for Two Months + 50% Off Your 1st Box	Enjoy meals starting as low as $4.00 + get your first week shipped for free!	Free High Protein Item for Life + Up to 10 Free Meals	15 Free Meals + Free Shipping on 1st Box + Free Dessert for Life	Get 50% Off + Free Shipping	Get $100 Off!

Tips for Choosing the Best Meal Delivery Services in Maryland

Here’s what I took into consideration when building this list. I highly recommend keeping these points in mind when deciding for yourself! 

• Convenience: Do you want prepared meals or meal kits? Prepared meals, like those offered by Factor, just need to be warmed up in the microwave, while meal kits come with pre-portioned ingredients and a recipe for you to cook at home. Consider your cooking ability, how much time you have, and what kitchen equipment you have at your disposal to determine which option suits you best.

• Menu variety: Choose a meal delivery service like Home Chef that provides a wide and customizable menu. This service should cater to various dietary preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb options. 

• Specialized dietary plans: Pay attention to your specific dietary limitations. Some services, like Green Chef, specialize in meal plans tailored for certain diets, such as keto, low-calorie, or vegan.
  

• Affordability: Compare prices and evaluate the value for money. Consider the portion sizes, quality of ingredients, and the number of meals per week that you need, taking into account any additional groceries you might need to buy. Look for discounts or promotions that can help you save money, too, and consider if the service offers flexible subscription options to fit your budget. HelloFresh is my favorite low-cost service because of its affordable prices and menu variety.

FAQ

What is the best meal delivery service in Maryland?

My favorite meal kit delivery service in Maryland is Green Chef. Its ingredients are USDA-certified organic, and it offers a large and diverse collection of international fare. Whether you like Italian, Asian, or classic American, there’s something for everyone.

What is the cheapest meal delivery service in Maryland?

Blue Apron is one of Maryland’s cheapest meal delivery service, with prices starting at $4.00 per serving. To get the lowest price, you'll need to select the meal kit plan rather than the prepared plan.  

What is the best prepared meal delivery service in Maryland?

Factor gets my nod for best prepared meal delivery service in Maryland. The fresh and healthy, ready-made meals are unlike anything you’ll find in the supermarket – they taste great, are made with high-quality ingredients, and take just minutes to heat and eat. You’ll also find a range of meals that cater to certain diets like keto and plant-based.

Best Meal Delivery Services in Maryland in 2024 — Final Score