10 Best Meal Delivery Services in New York in 2024

Eating out in NYC is great, but it can be a lot more expensive than cooking at home. Yet cooking in a NYC apartment can be tricky thanks to small kitchens with limited appliances and counter space. Getting rid of piles of packaging can also be an issue in apartment buildings. 

My colleagues and I have tested every meal delivery service on this list. They turned to me (as the resident New Yorker) to narrow in on the top 10 and tell you why I think they’re the best services for NYC living.

Blue Apron is my top meal delivery service in New York right now, thanks to its easy meal kits and line of prepared meals. This service made it easy for me to whip up delicious dinners from the comfort of my apartment – and at a much lower cost than a NYC eatery!

Even if Blue Apron isn’t the right fit for you, I’ve compiled 9 more options to suit every type of NYC kitchen space (and budget!). Read on to see the best meal delivery services for all kinds of lifestyles.

The Best Meal Delivery Services in New York Reviewed

1. Blue Apron – Best Internationally-Inspired Meals in NYC

Blue Apron provides a large array of dishes influenced by global cuisines. It offers New Yorkers and others the opportunity to enjoy international flavors from the comfort of their homes. The service is designed to make cooking fun and accessible, even for those new to these diverse culinary traditions.

What’s on the Menu?

Blue Apron's menu features 80+ meal kits and prepared meals each week, encompassing a wide variety of choices. Options range from vegetarian meals and family-friendly dishes to lower carb/lower calorie Wellness recipes that are nutritionist-approved.

Internationally-inspired dishes like Moroccan-Style Chicken and Spanish Trout allow you to explore new flavors. These recipes are a great way to experience the culinary diversity of different cultures right in your kitchen.

In addition to main dishes, Blue Apron offers extras such as desserts, breakfasts, and appetizers. Items like Soppressata, Egg and Cheese Sandwiches, and Salted Caramel Rice Pudding add variety to your weekly meal plan.

What Makes It Special?

Each recipe card from Blue Apron includes photos and clear instructions, making the cooking process straightforward and enjoyable. You can see the photo steps online when choosing dishes, which makes it easy to pick recipes that suit your kitchen space and available utensils. Learn more in our tested Blue Apron review.

If you like the idea of easy meal kits but feel limited by your kitchen, I’d recommend the Ready to Cook range. You don’t even need to own a baking sheet, as these dishes come with an aluminum tray and require minimal prep and cleanup. 

Blue Apron also includes a plan for single-serving Prepared & Ready meals if cooking isn’t an option. It doesn’t get simpler. The tray can go straight into the microwave – you just need a clean fork to eat with. Prepared & Ready meals always arrive fresh and are never frozen.

Is It Good Value?

Starting at $4.00 per serving for 5 meal kits per week for 4 people, Blue Apron offers competitive pricing, especially beneficial for families or larger households. You can easily add extra meals to your weekly order.

The Prepared & Ready plan allows you to subscribe to 4, 6, 8, or 10 weekly meals. This is one of the lowest minimum orders out there, which can be useful if you have restricted storage space. It’s simple to switch between plans, depending on how busy your week is looking.

2. Factor – Best Prepared Meal Delivery Service in NYC

Factor stands out for its combination of great flavors and convenience. It offers microwavable prepared meals that defy the stereotype of bland, quick-fix food. This service is a testament to the fact that quick meals can indeed be delicious and restaurant-quality without the cost of food delivery.

What’s on the Menu?

Factor's menu caters to various dietary needs, including a strong selection of keto dishes. Each week, about 15 high-protein, low-carb options are available, appealing to those following a keto diet. We tested Factor ourselves, and I recommend checking out our review.

The menu also features a balanced Chef’s Choice plan, well-suited for busy lifestyles. This plan provides a variety of dishes, ensuring that there's always something new and exciting to try.

While Factor offers vegan and vegetarian meals, the selection is more limited, with about 5 plant-based options each week. These meals are a great way to incorporate meat-free days into your diet, adding diversity to your meal plan.

What Makes It Special?

Factor stands apart from other prepared meal delivery services by delivering fresh, not frozen, meals. Not only does this enhance the flavor of each meal, but it means you can store meals in the fridge, as many NYC apartments have limited freezer space.

Factor is one of the best services for New Yorkers with limited time or kitchen space. You only need a microwave or oven to heat each meal – there’s no need to chop ingredients or use a hob. It’s also ideal if you want to be in and out of a shared kitchen quickly, as the meals just take a few minutes to heat in the microwave.

Another unique aspect of Factor is the inclusion of a free 20-minute nutrition coaching session. This session, conducted by an in-house dietitian, adds value, particularly for those looking to improve their eating habits or health goals.

Is It Good Value?

The minimum order is 6 single-serving meals per week, with the option to order up to 18 meals. Pricing depends on how many meals you order each week. The best-value box offers 18 meals for just $103.41 for first-time customers using our link.

While Factor is considered a premium service, the quality of the meals and additional services like nutrition coaching justify the cost. For those prioritizing convenience, health, and taste, Factor may well be worth the investment, especially for busy New Yorkers.

3. Home Chef – Best Customizable Meal Delivery Service in NYC

Home Chef is renowned for its extensive customization options, offering a diverse menu of over 35 meals each week. This flexibility, combined with additional protein choices, makes it a versatile choice for New Yorkers with various dietary preferences and needs.

What’s on the Menu?

The menu at Home Chef allows for a wide range of customization. Almost every dish can be tailored to your preference, from upgrading proteins to swapping out different types of meat, adding a personalized touch to each meal.

Home Chef also caters to vegetarians with options like Customize It swaps to the Impossible Burger. However, the service may not be as accommodating for vegans, as many vegetarian dishes include dairy products.

What Makes It Special?

Home Chef offers a variety of cooking and prep options to suit different culinary skills, kitchen spaces, and time constraints. For those seeking simplicity, Home Chef provides quick, Express meal kits and oven-ready options that require minimal assembly and come with an oven-ready dish. The Fast & Fresh meals in particular require the least prep and clean up.

Home Chef's uniqueness also lies in its approach to meal pricing. Unlike most services with a flat rate per serving, Home Chef prices its meals individually, allowing for more tailored meal planning and budgeting. Find out more in our tried and tested Home Chef review.

Is It Good Value?

Starting at $9.99, Home Chef's pricing varies depending on the meal choices, offering flexibility in order size and frequency. You can choose between 2 and 6 meals per week for 2, 4, or 6 people, catering to different household sizes and preferences.

The option to add extras like snacks, salads, and soups for an additional fee further enhances the service's value.

4. HelloFresh – Best Family-Friendly Meal Delivery Service in NYC

HelloFresh is celebrated for its vast array of recipes, offering more than 100 dishes and market items each week. Meals appeal to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, and its popularity stems from its family-friendly approach and diverse menu options.

What’s on the Menu?

HelloFresh's menu features a variety of dishes, including Beef and Cheese Tostadas, Italian Chicken over Lemony Spaghetti, and Roasted Garlic and Zucchini Flatbreads. These meals cater to various tastes, ensuring something for everyone.

Each meal is labeled with a difficulty ranking, mostly falling under Easy or Medium. This system helps users select recipes based on their cooking skills and time availability.

The service offers a substantial number of vegetarian recipes weekly, along with calorie- and carb-smart options. Plant-based New Yorkers won’t find many vegan options on the menu. I recommend checking out Factor instead.

What Makes It Special?

HelloFresh allows up to 6 recipes per week in its orders, more than many other meal services. This quantity makes it possible for households to plan almost all weekly dinners through HelloFresh, which is especially beneficial for New York families who value variety and convenience in their busy schedules. 

HelloFresh has a huge menu, so you may need to do some browsing to make sure you’re getting the right meals to suit your kitchen and time. If prep space is an issue, look out for the following tags: Easy Prep, Quick, and Easy Cleanup. Also, recipes with Sheet Pan and One Pot in the recipe name require fewer pots and pans.

I personally also love the HelloCustom feature. It provides the flexibility to swap out sides or proteins in certain dishes, allowing for personalized meal experiences. Learn more about it in our tested HelloFresh review.

Is It Good Value?

The minimum order is 2 meals for 2 people per week, offering flexibility for smaller households or those looking to supplement their weekly meal planning. 

Pricing is reasonable, especially with larger orders that reduce the per-serving cost. For example, a box of 6 meals for 4 people costs $107.75 for your first purchase when you use our link. 

5. Green Chef – Best for Healthy, Organic Ingredients

Green Chef is renowned for its commitment to organic ingredients and its ability to cater to various diets. The service's menu, featuring over 45 recipes weekly, offers something for every New Yorker's palate and dietary requirements.

What’s on the Menu?

Green Chef’s menu offers a diverse range of recipes each week, suitable for different lifestyles like keto, gluten-free, vegan, and Mediterranean. These options ensure that there's something for everyone, regardless of dietary preferences.

Each recipe is clearly tagged, indicating if it's high-protein, quick-to-cook, and more. This labeling system aids in selecting meals that align with your dietary needs and cooking time preferences. Find out more about Green Chef’s menu in our tested review.

The service allows you to order meals from any plan at any time, giving you full access to the entire menu. This flexibility is perfect for those who enjoy a variety of dishes, from plant-based meals to indulgent keto options like Pecan-Crusted Salmon or Mongolian BBQ-Style Ranch Steak.

What Makes It Special?

Green Chef simplifies meal preparation with kits that include prepared sauces and spice blends, and some vegetables come washed and chopped. This approach reduces kitchen time and means you need to use fewer utensils.

Its green ethos expands to its packaging. Small NYC apartments don’t have the space to store bulky recycling (or trash, for that matter). Green Chef aims for the most eco-friendly packaging possible. The insulation is usually the most annoying element to get rid of, but Green Chef’s proprietary plant-based insulator ClimaCell is curbside recyclable.

Is It Good Value?

Starting at $9.99 per serving for the largest order size, Green Chef's pricing reflects its use of high-quality, organic ingredients. This price point is justified for those who prioritize health and quality in their meals.

Green Chef's minimum order size is 3 meals for 2 people, with the option to order up to 4 meals for 6 people. This scalability makes it a viable option for larger families, offering value for those who can afford the premium for organic, health-focused meals. 

6. BistroMD – Best Prepared Meals for Weight Loss

BistroMD stands out as a weight loss meal delivery service. Meals are doctor-designed and aimed at providing a convenient and nutritionally balanced approach to weight loss. This service takes the hassle out of cooking and calorie counting, simplifying the dieting process.

What’s on the Menu?

BistroMD’s menu includes a range of cuisines, featuring American classics like Meatloaf with Honey Bourbon Glaze. These familiar dishes provide comfort while adhering to nutritional guidelines for weight loss.

Internationally-inspired flavors are also part of the menu, such as Stuffed Grape Leaves with Tomato Sauce. This variety ensures that meals remain interesting and diverse, catering to different palates and introducing New Yorkers to global cuisines right from their own kitchens.

The service offers frozen, single-serving meals that are rotated weekly, along with snacks like high-protein bars and shakes. This rotation keeps the menu fresh, although new recipes are only added occasionally. The meals are easy to heat up without needing any specialist kitchen equipment.

What Makes It Special?

BistroMD provides comprehensive meal programs that cover all daily meals and snacks, depending on the chosen plan. This can include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for 5 or 7 days a week, offering a full dietary solution. Learn more about the variety of plans in my colleague’s tested BistroMD review.

The service caters to various lifestyles and dietary needs, with specialized programs for conditions like diabetes and menopause, as well as heart-healthy plans. These targeted programs make BistroMD a versatile choice for different health goals.

BistroMD has expanded its offerings to include Gluten Free, Keto Flex, and even Vegan plans. The Vegan plan, with over 25 options containing 13 grams of plant protein per meal, broadens the service’s appeal.

Is It Good Value?

Starting at $6.59 per serving for the largest plan, BistroMD is priced for its comprehensive and specialized service. The plans, including up to 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners per week, offer a full dietary regimen.

While BistroMD may not be the most cost-effective option for every household, its value lies in the convenience of frozen ready meals and the support it offers to those struggling with dieting. 

7. Purple Carrot – Best Vegan Meal Delivery in NYC

Purple Carrot offers 100% plant-based meal kits and prepared meals. Its focus on celebrating vegetables in their natural form, rather than relying on processed meat substitutes, sets it apart and makes it a personal favorite for many, including vegans and non-vegans alike.

What’s on the Menu?

The menu at Purple Carrot features a diverse array of international cuisines, showcasing creative plant-based takes on traditional dishes. Examples include Stir-Fried Miso Ramen with Maple-Glazed Radishes and Nashville Hot Fried Tofu Sandwiches.

Subscribers have the choice between meal kits and microwaveable prepared meals, and you can mix and match between them. This flexibility is ideal for New York City dwellers who want to do some hands-on cooking 1 night and have a quick, convenient meal the next.

In addition to main meals, Purple Carrot’s Pantry section offers a variety of extras like cashew cream cheese, almond cookies, and black bean burgers. These items provide additional options for enhancing or diversifying your weekly meal plan.

What Makes It Special?

Purple Carrot offers Less Prep meal kits, which are great for limited kitchen spaces as well as limited time. These kits include shortcuts like prepared sauces and pre-chopped vegetables, reducing cooking and cleanup time. Check out our tested Purple Carrot review for more information.

For those seeking the utmost convenience, Purple Carrot provides frozen meals delivered in eco-friendly serving bowls made of plant-based fiber, aligning with the service’s commitment to sustainability and ease of use. These meals are ideal for busy, shared kitchens – you just need to heat them up in the oven or microwave.

The service also includes breakfast and lunch kits, such as Loaded Avocado Toast and Protein Power Bowls. These can be added to your weekly shipment for an additional fee, expanding the range of meal options available throughout the day.

Is It Good Value?

Purple Carrot’s pricing starts at $11.00 per serving, with the final cost depending on the specific selections made. Options include 3 or 4 meal kits per week for either 2 or 4 people, or 6, 8, or 10 single-serving prepared meals.

The value of Purple Carrot lies not just in its diverse, plant-based menu but also in its accommodation of various dietary needs, including gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free options. The service's focus on high-protein and lower-calorie meals adds to its appeal, making it a worthwhile choice for those dedicated to a plant-based diet. 

8. Marley Spoon – Martha Stewart-Approved Recipes in NYC

Marley Spoon's collaboration with Martha Stewart adds a touch of gourmet expertise to its meal delivery service. This partnership has helped Marley Spoon become 1 of the most popular options across the US, offering a variety of elevated American and international dishes.

What’s on the Menu?

Marley Spoon's menu spans a wide range of recipes, from simple dishes to more complex culinary creations. The core of the cuisine is elevated American fare, supplemented by a variety of internationally-inspired dishes.

Each week, the service features over 100 choices, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and desserts. Options range from low-carb and low-calorie meals to more indulgent dishes like Butter-Basted Steak, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.

Special tags on the menu, such as climatarian dishes, highlight meals with a lower environmental impact. These options omit ingredients like beef and lamb, known for their high carbon footprint.

What Makes It Special?

Marley Spoon offers a variety of cooking methods in its meal kits. Some of these can be more complex, so you’ll want to look for Under 30 Minutes and One Pot tags, as well as meals with “Fast!” in the title. There’s also a limited selection of microwaveable meals that require no prep.

When our reviewer tried Marley Spoon, they found it useful to check the “What You’ll Need” and “What You’ll Use” sections in each recipe online first to make sure they owned all of the pantry items and utensils necessary. This will make sure you get the right level of recipe to suit your cooking expertise and the type of kitchen you’re working with.

Sustainability is a key focus of Marley Spoon. The service uses fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from family-run producers and local farmers, emphasizing the importance of supporting sustainable practices in food production.

Is It Good Value?

Pricing for Marley Spoon starts at $4.99 per serving for the largest plan, which includes 6 meals for 4 people per week. This pricing structure makes it an appealing option for families and larger households looking for gourmet meal options.

The minimum order is set at 2 meals for 2 people per week, offering flexibility for smaller households or those wanting to try the service.

9. Dinnerly – Cheapest Meal Delivery Service in NYC

Dinnerly stands out as the most budget-friendly meal delivery service, offering an appealing balance between affordability and variety. Despite its low prices, Dinnerly doesn't compromise on the diversity of its menu, catering to various tastes and dietary needs.

What’s on the Menu?

Dinnerly's menu boasts a wide range of cuisines, from homestyle American dishes to spicy Asian-fusion meals. This variety ensures there's something to suit every palate, making mealtime both interesting and enjoyable.

Expect to find appealing options like Spinach and Ricotta Calzone and Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. These dishes demonstrate Dinnerly's commitment to providing a diverse array of recipes despite its lower price point.

The service offers more than 100 menu items, catering to multiple diets. This range is quite expansive for a budget-friendly service, reflecting Dinnerly's connection to its parent company, Marley Spoon, known for its diverse offerings.

What Makes It Special?

Dinnerly differentiates itself by offering simpler dishes with fewer ingredients, typically 6 or 7 per recipe. This simplicity makes the meals basic yet appealing, particularly for those with limited kitchen space or cooking experience. Find out what the simple recipes are like to cook in our tested Dinnerly review.

The menu features the same helpful tags as Marley Spoon, such as dairy-free, vegetarian, under 30 minutes, one pot meal, and kid-friendly options. These labels aid in navigating the extensive menu, making it easier to find meals that match specific diets or cooking needs.

Check the recipe name for low-prep clues. Some will include “No Chop!”, “Speedy Recipe!”, or “Easy Clean Up” before the name of the dish, and these recipes are your best bet if you’re working with limits on your time or kitchen space.

Is It Good Value?

Dinnerly's pricing starts at just $2.12 per serving, making it an excellent option for those prioritizing budget. You can order between 3 and 6 recipes per week for either 2 or 4 people, with the largest plan offering the lowest cost per serving.

While Dinnerly's meals are more no-frills compared to pricier services, the low cost significantly compensates for this – and simpler meals can actually work better for simpler kitchen set-ups. 

10. Eat Clean – Macro-Balanced Prepared Meals

Eat Clean provides nutritious, fitness-related microwavable meals. For those leading busy lifestyles in New York City, this is truly a blessing – especially for health-conscious folks. This service is particularly suitable for anyone trying to maintain a healthy diet amidst a hectic schedule or with limited space for meal prepping at home.

What’s on the Menu?

Eat Clean offers a variety of menus, including Traditional, Keto, Paleo, and Plant-Based. This diversity ensures that regardless of your dietary preference or restriction, there's a meal for you.

The meals range from classic American recipes to international cuisines like Italian, Asian, and Latin American. Each recipe emphasizes high-quality ingredients cooked in simple yet delicious ways to highlight the flavors of meat and vegetables.

What Makes It Special?

Eat Clean meals are designed for quick and easy preparation, ready in just 3 minutes. This convenience is perfect for those with limited time and kitchen space but still want to eat healthily. Find out more about this in our Eat Clean review.

All meals are made with high-quality proteins and organic vegetables, free from added preservatives or artificial flavors. The minimal processing of these ingredients is key to maintaining their nutritional integrity and taste.

Each entree from Eat Clean clearly lists protein, fat, and carbohydrate counts on the packaging. This transparency is beneficial for those counting macros or trying to maintain a balanced diet, making it 1 of the best macro meal delivery services.

Is It Good Value?

Pricing for Eat Clean starts at $4.30 per serving, with the option to choose between regular and large portion sizes. The cost for large portions is slightly higher, catering to those with different dietary goals such as muscle building or weight loss.

You can order between 6 to 20 regular or large meals, offering flexibility in quantity (and storage). This range of options, combined with the convenience and nutritional value of the meals, makes Eat Clean a worthwhile investment for New Yorker’s prioritizing health and convenience.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Meal Delivery Service in New York

Here are some pointers from a Brooklyn-based meal delivery service pro (hi, that’s me!): 

• Set your priorities: Whether you're a vegan, a strict keto follower, or cooking for a family, your needs will differ. Services like Factor and Green Chef offer specialized menus to meet your dietary requirements, including family-friendly portion sizes and dish variety.
• Assess your kitchen: If your NYC kitchen consists of one tiny square of counter space squeezed between a fridge and a sink, you’re not alone. Whether you’re working with a small, ill-equipped space or are sharing with a lot of roommates, the meal delivery services on my NY list can still work for you. Look for prepared meals that just need heating in the oven or microwave or low-prep meal kits that require fewer pots and pans and other utensils.
• Delivery instructions: If you live in a non-doorman apartment, it's crucial that you can leave directions for your delivery driver to put your package in a safe space. I’ve had no issues with any of my deliveries in Brooklyn as services like HelloFresh allow you to write detailed instructions. They also provide parcel tracking and delivery confirmation for peace of mind.
• Packaging sustainability and disposal: With limited space for trash and recycling in NYC homes, packaging waste is important to consider. Meal delivery services that use minimal, recyclable, and compostable packaging, like Green Chef, address both environmental and space concerns, so you can keep an eye on your ecological footprint without building up a ton of recycling in your space.
• Experimenting with different services: If your initial experience with a meal delivery service doesn't meet your expectations, don't hesitate to try another. There are meal delivery options available to cater to every diet and budget. Plus, I've managed to find the latest discount deals for all of these services!

FAQ

What is the most affordable meal delivery service in New York?

Dinnerly is New York’s most affordable meal delivery service, with prices as low as $2.12 per serving. If you’re looking for hearty, family-friendly comfort food, Dinnerly could be perfect for you – and it won’t blow the budget!   

What is the best diet meal delivery service in New York?

Blue Apron’s Wellness plan is great for low-calorie, low-carb recipes, and diet tips. The recipes are balanced and have been approved by a nutritionist for holistic health.

What's the difference between meal delivery and food delivery?

Meal delivery services, such as Hello Fresh, send you ready-to-heat prepared meals or DIY meal kits, so you can cook at home. Food delivery services connect you with local restaurants, fast-food joints, and even convenience stores to bring you snacks, drinks, and hot meals.

Best Meal Delivery Services in New York in 2024 — Final Score