{"id":1820440,"date":"2022-11-08T14:52:21","date_gmt":"2022-11-08T14:52:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?post_type=listicle&p=1820440"},"modified":"2025-08-27T16:03:31","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T21:03:31","slug":"best-meal-delivery-service","status":"publish","type":"listicle","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/best-meal-delivery-service\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Meal Kit Delivery Services of 2025, According to Taste of Home Editors"},"content":{"rendered":"[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"BEST OVERALL\" product_name=\"Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon\" pros=\"Strong recipe variety\" pros1=\"Flavorful finished products\" pros2=\"Ingredients packaged by recipe\" pros3=\"Dessert and breakfast options\" pros4=\"Option to select exact delivery day\" cons=\"Occasional inclusion of extra ingredients\" cons1=\"Somewhat time-consuming meal prep\" cons2=\"More expensive than other options\" cons3=\"Meals not bagged separately\" image=\"2065683\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Marley Spoon\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fmarleyspoon.com%2Fselect-plan\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Marley Spoon\" \/]\r\n\r\nQueen of the kitchen, Martha Stewart, is the face of Marley Spoon<\/a> meal kit delivery service, which offers an impressive selection of meals each week. Choose from more than 100 recipes, including vegetarian, vegan and family-friendly options, as well as meals that take fewer than 30 minutes to make. In addition to a wide variety of entrees, Marley Spoon also offers some breakfasts and desserts, as well as protein add-ons. Overall, it's the best meal kit delivery service. Here are a few more best vegetarian meal kits<\/a>, we tested, read on for our top picks.\r\n\r\n[quote-card quote=\"Who would ever dream that I could make such delicious chef-inspired dishes? These step-by-step recipes are easy to follow, and everything timed out perfectly. If you have big eaters or enjoy leftovers, the portions are generous and oh, so tasty!\" name=\"Sheri Kaz\" title=\"Product Tester\" \/]\r\n\r\nTo order, start by selecting the number of people you'll be cooking for (either two or four as well as the number of meals you'd like to receive per week (between two and six). At this step, you can also select if you'd like to make your box vegetarian. Next, you'll enter your zip code and email address, set up delivery details and payment information\u2014and then it's time to choose your meals. Your cart will automatically populate with their suggestions, but you can change it to fit your personal taste.\r\n\r\n\"Martha\r\n\r\nMeal selections range from no added gluten to low carb, low calorie, under 30 minutes, nutritious, dairy-free, kid-friendly and more. The ingredient listings provide calories, fat, protein, carbs, allergens and other information. Meals do not provide info on sodium or sugar, so this may not be the best choice for people with specific dietary needs. Add-ons include desserts, fresh produce (e.g., greens, lemons and onions), breakfast items and snacks.\r\n\r\nOne tester, Molly Allen<\/a>, tried the Sheet Pan Piri Piri Chicken. \"The flavor of the seasoned vegetables and chicken, paired with the drizzle of piri piri vinaigrette, was incredible,\" she says. \"I ended up eating every single piece of the roasted veggies in one serving\u2014they were that good.\" Next up was the\u00a0Italian Sausage Ragu Pasta. \"This kit was quick and easy,\" Molly says. \"The prep for this recipe was super simple, as well as the cooking method. I was shocked by just how flavorful this dish was with so few ingredients. It easily stacked up to a restaurant-quality bowl of pasta.\"\r\n\r\nOverall, our experience was exceptional, with secondary tester Sheri Kaz<\/a> only noting one area of concern: the packaging. While her box kept everything well insulated, she did note that the meals don't come separated in different bags as they do with most of the other services we tested. One of her boxes also had some leaking ice packs. That said, she was able to determine the ingredients for each dish on her own, and nothing arrived ruined (not even the recipe cards).\r\n\r\nCanceling is as easy as skipping a week of service. Answer a multiple-choice question about the reason for cancelation and end the service with just a few clicks\u2014easy peasy! Read our Marley Spoon review<\/a> for the full scoop on this top-rated service.\r\n\r\nPrice:<\/strong> Starting at $11.99 per serving | Shipping cost:<\/strong> $11.99 | Availability:<\/strong> Contiguous U.S.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best for Families\" product_name=\"HelloFresh\" pros=\"Affordable price point\" pros1=\"HelloFresh market\" pros2=\"Strong recipe variety\" pros3=\"Easy-to-follow recipes with accurate cook and prep times\" pros4=\"Appropriate portion sizes\" pros5=\"Abundant sides and add-ons available\" cons=\"Not always the freshest ingredients\" cons1=\"Considerable cleanup and prep time\" cons2=\"Hard to find low-sodium meals\" cons3=\"Premium dishes are on the pricey side\" image=\"2065681\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"HelloFresh\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/click-9070496-13881856\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on HelloFresh\" \/]\r\n\r\nHelloFresh<\/a> is one of the most trusted meal kits, and it's been around for years. It offers a variety of meals for both novices and kitchen veterans. Plus, the servings are on the more affordable side. What's newer, though, is the HelloFresh market, which elevates a HelloFresh subscription to a truly custom experience. The HelloFresh Market also includes apps and sides, desserts, breakfast and brunch, lunch, snacks and drinks, pizza and pasta, proteins, healthy dog food and Beyond the Box, which provides food to community members in need. These add-ons then arrive in the same box as the other recipes and come from an array of popular brands and vendors.\r\n\r\n\"Hellofresh\r\n\r\nOrdering is easy\u2014and highly customizable. First, you select meal preferences such as \"meat and veggies,\" \"family-friendly\" or \"quick and easy.\" At this step, you'll also select whether you're cooking for two or four people, as well as how many meals you'd like per week (between two and six). You'll then create an account, checkout and select your meals.\r\n\r\nMost recipes are customizable for an additional cost, and nutrition information like calories, fat, carbs, sugar, fiber, protein, cholesterol and sodium is all listed. We love that recipes call out the items \"not included in your delivery\" and the utensils you'll need. You also have the option to add \"premium\" dishes that cost around $10 more per serving.\r\n\r\nThe app is another handy tool that shows your current and upcoming orders and offers buttons to change meals or edit delivery. You can skip any time, and cancellation is relatively simple once you navigate through the \"are you sure?\" messages. Attempting to cancel prompts alternatives to keep your subscription, and subsequent emails offer big incentives to come back.\r\n\r\n[quote-card quote=\"The thing I love most is that HelloFresh saves time. I don't have to spend time searching for new recipes and shopping. Although I might not be the most effiicient cook, the quoted prep times didn't align for me. None of the recipes I chose were considered 'difficult,' they were more time-consuming than I anticipated.\" name=\"Sheri Kaz\" title=\"product tester\" \/]\r\n\r\nBoth Sheri and I tested this service over several weeks. HelloFresh texts you once the box is delivered, which allows for a quicker response and, therefore, less time for ingredients to sit unrefrigerated.\r\n\r\nI was really impressed with the Street Cart-Style Turkey Bowls. All the components came together for an interesting, unexpected and texturally exciting dish. Maybe it\u2019s because I\u2019m partial to Middle Eastern food, but this meal was easily my favorite of the bunch. The same goes for the Creamy Dreamy Mushroom Cavatappi.\r\n\r\nIn all, we were blown away by the service's flavorful meals. (Read my full HelloFresh review<\/a> for the full scoop.) It's ideal for busy weeks when you want the convenience of takeout but the nutrition of a home-cooked meal.\r\n\r\nPrice:<\/strong> Depends on location, typically starts at $9.99 per serving | Shipping cost:<\/strong> $1o.99 | Availability:<\/strong> Contiguous U.S. and select areas of Alaska and Hawaii\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"BEST BUDGET\" product_name=\"EveryPlate\" pros=\"Tasty recipes with high-quality ingredients\" pros1=\"Easy-to-follow instructions on comprehensive recipe cards\" pros2=\"Large portions\" pros3=\"Lowest cost per serving on this list\" pros4=\"Easy-to-use app\" cons=\"Limited meal selection\" cons1=\"May not be beginner-friendly\" cons2=\"Requires you to have some ingredients\" cons3=\"Lack of recipe filters\" image=\"2065679\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"EveryPlate\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.jdoqocy.com\/click-9070496-13519175\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on EveryPlate\" \/]\r\n\r\nEveryPlate<\/a> provides the cheapest meals (by serving) around. It narrowly beats out Dinnerly<\/a>, with costs as low as $4.99 per person. What gives? The company claims it's able to offer low prices thanks to a limited meal selection and packaging adjustments, but we still wanted to make certain that the quality was on par with the other services.\r\n\r\nThe ordering process is standard. You can choose between a variety of preferences, like \"meat and veggie,\" \"family faves\" or \"nutrish and delish,\" then select your box size. You can order for two, four or six people and between three and six meals per week. After that, you know the drill. It's on to creating an account, filling out your address and payment details and selecting meals.\r\n\r\n\"Everyplate\r\n\r\nEven though navigating through all the options is a bit cumbersome due to the lack of recipe filters, Everyplate offers a pretty good variety. The site has 25+ different meals, and each recipe offers a full nutritional value label. Every recipe you select has an option for add-ons with an upcharge. Add-ons are usually sides they think would pair well with the recipe, such as garlic bread, mac and cheese or veggies. One thing to note is that, unlike some of the services on this list, EveryPlate expects you to have some ingredients on hand. These are pantry basics like salt and pepper, cooking oil, mayo and other odds and ends.\r\n\r\n[quote-card quote=\"EveryPlate definitely expects a little more from the customer, both in terms of skill level and on-hand ingredients. But the end results are meals that feel more robust and bring more complex flavors.\" name=\"Dylan Fischer\" title=\"product tester\" \/]\r\n\r\nWe were wowed by the delicious flavors and intentionality of the Creamy Bacon and Corn Chowder. The cream cheese added a tanginess where other corn chowders sometimes fall flat. The combination of textures with the crispy bacon, tender corn, semi-mashed potatoes and raw jalapeno was delightful.\r\n\r\nThe Sticky Soy Pork Burgers didn't disappoint, either. The glaze, made of soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, lime, ginger and a couple of other ingredients, really took things up a notch. The potato buns were a fluffy, tender complement to the equally tender pork. This service scored high marks across the board in my EveryPlate review<\/a>.\r\n\r\nLike the other best meal kit delivery services on this list, skipping a week or canceling is easy. Simply click on your account at the top right, then click \"Plan Settings.\" From there, we scrolled down and found the option to deactivate our plan. A pop-up window gives you options to skip, pause or adjust the delivery schedule.\r\n\r\nPrice:<\/strong> Starting at $5.99 per serving | Shipping cost:<\/strong> $1o.99 | Availability:<\/strong> Most of the contiguous U.S.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best for Beginners\" product_name=\"Gobble\" pros=\"Easy-to-follow recipes\" pros1=\"Short cook time\" pros2=\"All ingredients included\" pros3=\"Recipes get you out of your comfort zone\" cons=\"Could use more flavoring\" cons1=\"Tricky to cancel\" image=\"2065669\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Gobble\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/gobble.sjv.io\/dOyV6K\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Gobble\" \/]\r\n\r\nGobble<\/a> is a newcomer to our list of the best meal kit delivery services. But that doesn't stop it from landing a spot as the best meal kit delivery service for beginners! Easy-to-prep meals coupled with under 15 minutes of prep time required make this our favorite service for those with limited time on their hands.\r\n\r\nTo get started, Gobble offers three options: Standard, Vegetarian and Lean and Clean. Subscribers choose between two and four servings and two, three, four or five meals per week. Not every recipe has customization, but about 70% do. Customization is mainly limited to choosing the type of protein you want. That said, most changes are free unless it's a premium option.\r\n\r\n\"Gobble\r\n\r\nThe meals arrive in their own plastic bags, nestled in a box with ice packs and ample insulation. Each meal comes with a large recipe card that outlines steps and required supplies. Most ingredients arrive chopped and prepped, though some ingredients (like meat) must be sliced at home.\r\n\r\n[quote-card quote=\"For anyone looking to get more familiarized with the culinary game, Gobble is an excellent starting point. All the ingredients are included, the recipe cards are easy to follow and the prep isn't too demanding.\" name=\"Dylan fischer\" title=\"Product tester\" \/]\r\n\r\nDespite the ease of the recipes, canceling the service takes a little effort. While you can call or email to cancel, there's also an option to cancel via the website\u2014but it's convoluted, according to tester Dylan Fischer<\/a>. \"Under your account settings, there's a tab for Subscriptions and Preferences. When you pull this up on your own, there are options for servings, meal preferences, number of nights per week and delivery day. But no subscription change,\" he says. Eventually, he was able to navigate to an FAQ section on Gobble's website with a link to cancel.\r\n\r\n\"When you click, it redirects you back to the Subscriptions and Preferences tab, but now there's a pop-up window that says 'Manage your Subscription' with the option to cancel the sub. From what I can tell, there is absolutely no way to access this pop-up window without having to click the link provided in that FAQ article,\" notes Dylan.\r\n\r\nDespite that slightly annoying roadblock, Dylan enjoyed the recipes overall\u2014especially the Black Pepper Chicken with Stir-Fried Vegetables and Jasmine Rice. \"The green beans, sauce and chicken were the stand-out stars of the dish,\" he says. \"The green beans were fresh and crisp, the sauce was abundant with the right balance of salty and savory, the chicken was a good portion and coating it with cornstarch added a great texture to it.\"\r\n\r\nAs for his Truffled Potato Pizza Bianca with Spinach and Caramelized Onions, he notes that it took him out of his comfort zone\u2014but in a good way. \"I've made some standard pizzas before but never flatbread ones\u2014and especially not with ingredients like this. And I gotta say, this was another winner,\" he says. \"The pizza itself was very delicious and very filling.\" Read our full Gobble review<\/a>.\r\n\r\nPrice:<\/strong> Starting at $11.99 per serving | Shipping cost:<\/strong> $9.99 | Availability:<\/strong> Continental U.S., except Montana\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Gluten-Friendly\" product_name=\"Green Chef\" pros=\"Certified organic ingredients\" pros1=\"Unique, chef-inspired flavors\" pros2=\"Easy-to-follow instructions\" pros3=\"Recyclable packaging\" pros4=\"Complimentary nutritionist consultation\" cons=\"Limited meal selection on certain plans\" cons1=\"Specialty plans, especially, are pricey\" cons2=\"Not the most family-friendly\" image=\"2065676\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Green Chef\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.jdoqocy.com\/click-9070496-13116885\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Green Chef\" \/]\r\n\r\nGreen Chef<\/a> stands out from the crowd thanks to its certified organic ingredients, sustainable packaging and diverse meal plans. It aims to be healthy for you\u2014and for the planet. Choose from standard, keto, paleo, vegetarian or \"balanced living\" plans. How do they taste, though? Sheri and I both tested this service to get the scoop.\r\n\r\nRather than meal preferences, Green Chef kicks off the ordering process with lifestyle preferences. Here, you can select options like \"gut and brain health,\" \"keto\" or \"calorie smart.\" You'll choose from two, four or six servings for two to four meals per week. After setting your details, it's time to select your meals! Meals change weekly, and ample add-ons are available, like breakfasts, desserts and side dishes. Steak, ground beef or turkey, chicken, pork, fish, snack bars and a selection of probiotics and supplements are also available for purchase.\"Green\r\n\r\nAfter signing up, Sheri received an email notifying her of a complimentary 20-minute consultation with a nutritionist, which she took advantage of. They followed up with an email and some info sheets to help her balance her blood sugar levels. Talk about a healthy meal kit delivery service!\r\n\r\nEach meal comes pre-packaged in its own paper bag within the box to keep the ingredients separated. The recipe cards list a cooking time, which is accurate. That said, in some cases, Sheri and I found the total time to prep and<\/em> cook took much longer.\r\n\r\n[quote-card quote=\"I love that these ingredients are organic. I don't have to worry about GMOs, pesticides or antibiotics in my food. The recipes are easy to make with complex flavor profiles, and they're better than anything that I could whip up on my own without a huge investment of my time. \" name=\"Sheri Kaz\" title=\"product tester\" \/]\r\n\r\nFirst, I made the Blackened Chicken Salad with Dijonnaise. The preparation process went super smoothly. This salad was chock-full of mix-ins, yet there was hardly any chopping to be done. It was so fresh, texturally interesting and flavorful\u2014I was obsessed! Every bite was like a surprise inside.\r\n\r\nNext, I tested out the Chicken with Basil Pistou. I would\u2019ve never thought to pair artichokes, fennel, chard, red peppers and dates, but alas, it worked! That\u2019s the beauty of these meal kits: getting you and your family outside of your comfort zone without much creativity on your part. Learn more in my Green Chef review<\/a>.\r\n\r\nPrice:<\/strong> Starting at $11.99 per serving | Shipping cost:<\/strong> $10.99 | Availability:<\/strong> Contiguous U.S.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"BEST for GOURMETs\" product_name=\"Blue Apron\" pros=\"Unique recipes\" pros1=\"Fresh meat and ingredients\" pros2=\"Extremely flavorful meals\" pros3=\"Virtually no food waste\" cons=\"Time-consuming prep\" cons1=\"Some packaging issues\" cons2=\"Fewer recipe options\" image=\"2065674\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Blue Apron\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blueapron.com%2F\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Blue Apron\" \/]\r\n\r\nAmong the most recognizable names in the game, Blue Apron<\/a> is one of the brands that kickstarted the meal kit delivery service craze. Blue Apron offers 16 recipes each week, including vegetarian and wellness options, and its meals stand out for their complex and delicious flavor profiles. The fanciness is reflected in the cost, but it's a small price to pay for homemade restaurant-level meals on demand.\r\n\r\n\"Blue\r\n\r\nWhen ordering Blue Apron, the first step is picking between meal kits or their prepared meals. For meal kits, you'll pick preferences like \"chef favorites,\" \"fast and easy\" or \"veggies\" and select either two or four servings for between two and five meals a week. For prepared meals, there are only three options\u2014\"600 calories or less,\" \"30g of protein\" and \"carb conscious.\" Each meal is single-serve, and you can order six, eight or 10 per week. After that, you'll create an account and check out, then choose your meals.\r\n\r\nI enjoyed the Hoisin Pork Belly and Miso Ramen until the very last drop. It is the fanciest ramen I\u2019ve ever made at home. The miso lent a richness and sweetness, and it made the dish much more interesting. The perfectly soft-boiled egg that peeled easily, the acidic pickled radishes, and the glazed pork belly\u2014albeit slightly overcooked\u2014really took things over the top. I was thrilled to have leftovers for lunch the next day. Read my full Blue Apron review<\/a>.\r\n\r\nPrice:<\/strong> Starting at $7.99 per serving | Shipping cost:<\/strong> $10.99 | Availability:<\/strong> Contiguous U.S.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Semi-Prepared\" product_name=\"Sunbasket\" pros=\"Offers options for various dietary preferences\" pros1=\"Uses eco-friendly, sustainable packaging\" pros2=\"Includes organic produce and high-quality, fresh ingredients\" pros3=\"Provides both meal kits and premade meals\" pros4=\"Modest but satisfying range of add-ons available, including breakfast items, sides, snacks, beverages and more\" cons=\"Limited rotating menu\" cons1=\"Ready-made meals can be disappointing in flavor or quality\" cons2=\"Some meal kit options have a short shelf life; seafood options must be consumed within 3 days and cannot be refrozen\" image=\"2165914\" image_credit=\"MARY HENN FOR TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Sunbasket\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsunbasket.com%2F\" pr_display_text=\"Shop at Sunbasket\" \/]\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re looking for a meal kit with fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients and minimal prep, Sunbasket<\/a> offers healthy meal kits, semi-prepared options and premade meals. Recipes are crafted by chefs and registered dietitians, featuring organic produce and responsibly sourced meats and seafood. Many kits include housemade sauces and spice blends to reduce prep time and help ensure consistent results.\r\n\r\nOrdering is straightforward and customizable. Sunbasket<\/a> allows you to set dietary preferences upfront, filtering meals to fit carb-conscious, gluten-free, vegetarian, pescatarian, Mediterranean, diabetes-friendly, paleo and keto-friendly diets. You can choose meals for two or four people and select three to five meals per week. While we didn\u2019t use it during testing, there\u2019s a companion app that makes menu selection and delivery scheduling straightforward, according to user reviews.\r\n\r\n\u201cDuring testing, I was blown away by the speed at which the meal kits went from bag to table,\u201d says Shopping Editor Mary Henn. \u201cAll I had to do was wash and cut produce, then cook any raw ingredients that required heating per the instructions. Sauces, spices, dressings and medleys were all pre-prepped, which made the whole process quick and easy.\u201d\r\n\r\n\"sunbasket\r\n\r\nMary also appreciated that most meals hover around 600 calories and praised the brand\u2019s efforts toward sustainable packaging, noting less waste compared to other services. While the rotating weekly menu includes 25 options, Sunbasket offers a variety of add-ons, including desserts, salads, sides, snacks, beverages and breakfast and lunch options like oatmeal, soups and even empanadas.\r\n\r\n\u201cI was impressed by the unique recipes\u2014like delicious fresh fusilli with pistou, charred fennel and mozzarella\u2014that felt more creative than your typical meal kit,\u201d Mary says. \u201cTheir premade sauces and spice blends added great depth of flavor, though the breakfast muffins I tried were a bit dense, and one premade meal, a chicken dish, was underwhelming with tough meat and flat flavor.\u201d\r\n\r\nHer verdict: \u201cI\u2019d definitely order from Sunbasket again, but I\u2019d stick to the meal kits and stay away from the premade meals.\"\r\n\r\nSunbasket subscriptions are relatively flexible. You can skip deliveries before the weekly cutoff, forward your box to a temporary address, change your delivery address and cancel your subscription at any time.\r\n\r\nPrice:<\/strong> Starting at $9.99 per serving | Shipping cost:<\/strong> $9.99 | Availability:<\/strong> Contiguous U.S. (with a few exceptions)\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Plant-Based\" product_name=\"Purple Carrot\" pros=\"Creative meals\" pros1=\"Fully vegan and plant-based\" pros2=\"Fresh ingredients\" pros3=\"Add-ons available\" cons=\"Strictly vegan, so may not be appealing to vegetarians\" cons1=\"Non-flexible delivery schedule\" cons2=\"Lack of price transparancy\" image=\"2065672\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Purple Carrot\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purplecarrot.com%2F\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Purple Carrot\" \/]\r\n\r\nIf plant-based meals are your go-to, we recommend trying out Purple Carrot<\/a>. This 100% vegan meal kit delivery service specializes in both meal kits and ready-to-eat options rather than offering one or the other. For the meal kits, choose between two or four servings per meal and three or four meals per week. If you have less prep time, opt for single-serve premade meals instead. Premade options are available in choices of six, eight or 10 meals per week.\r\n\r\nDespite its vegan restrictions, the menu is exceptionally creative. It had a good amount of options while maintaining some core staples each week. This offers dedicated subscribers plenty of \"go-to\" meals to count on. Since finding tasty and imaginative meals is often difficult for folks eating a plant-based diet, consider us impressed.\r\n\r\nPurple Carrot groups meals<\/a> into different categories. Choices include high-protein, less prep, soy-free, nut-free, chef's choice, gluten-free, healthy carbs and low sodium, among others. The grocery section offers lots of plant-based add-ons such as desserts, boxed mac and cheese, meat substitutes, tofu, cereal, drinks, dips, protein bars, soups, fries and coffee beans.\r\n\r\n[quote-card quote=\"I personally am not vegan, but I was vegetarian for a while, so I'm familiar with plant-based meat and actually prefer vegetarian meals sometimes. I was pleasantly surprised by these meals; they were all creative, while still tasting good with plant-based ingredients.\" name=\"Sydney Manning\" title=\"Editorial Coordinator\" \/]\r\n\r\nWhile we don't love that deliveries only take place on Saturdays, we do appreciate the consistency. The biggest issue we encountered with Purple Carrot was price transparency. The total charge in our confirmation emails didn\u2019t always match the charges made to our card. While these discrepancies are minor (under $10), we still think it's worth noting.\r\n\r\nEditorial Coordinator Sydney Manning tried the Crunchy Cabbage Salad and was surprised by its flavors. \"I really liked this salad, especially the sauce,\" she says. The tofu wasn't bad either, but I would've done more prep on it next time to get it crispier because its texture was a little spongy. But I really loved all the ingredients together, and the sauce tasted great!\"\r\n\r\nShe was also a fan of the Elote Tacos. \"This one also surprised me\u2014it tasted better than I expected with the heavy nondairy ingredients,\" she says. \"I love corn, so this was a favorite for me.\" If you want meals and grocery items, we also recommend Hungryroot<\/a> for plant-based eaters.\r\n\r\nPrice:<\/strong> Starting at $13.25 per serving | Shipping cost:<\/strong> $12 (free for orders over $100) | Availability:<\/strong> Contiguous U.S.\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Heat-and-Eat\" product_name=\"Tempo by Home Chef\" pros=\"Easy to microwave, zero prep time required\" pros1=\"Chef-crafted, protein-rich, balanced meals\" pros2=\"Filling portions\" pros3=\"Add-on options available, like snacks, breakfasts, drinks and desserts\" pros4=\"Rotating weekly menu offers variety\" cons=\"Small menu\" cons1=\"Noticeable inconsistencies regarding taste (most meals were great, some were not)\" image=\"2172781\" image_credit=\"MARY HENN FOR TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Tempo\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.tkqlhce.com\/click-9070496-15736742\" pr_display_text=\"Shop at Tempo\" \/]\r\n\r\nWhen time is of the essence, Tempo<\/a> is our meal kit of choice. Unlike some other heat-and-eat options, Tempo\u2019s meals require zero prep. The brand, an extension of Home Chef, offers a small menu of about 20 rotating meals each week. You can add extras for breakfast, appetizers, snacks, desserts and drinks. Additionally, you can filter meals based on preferences such as fiber-rich, high-protein, calorie-conscious and GLP-1-balanced options.\r\n\r\n\u201cOne thing I love about the Tempo site is that you can see the weekly menu options in full detail before starting an order or even creating an account,\u201d says tester Mary Henn in her Tempo review<\/a>. \u201cIf you\u2019re familiar with meal delivery services, you know that this level of transparency isn\u2019t always available.\u201d\r\n\r\nMary found the website very user-friendly, with clear pricing, nutritional information, and add-on options displayed upfront. \u201cWhile I did not use the app while testing Tempo, it shares the Home Chef: Meal Kit Delivery app, which has a 4.8-star rating on Apple,\u201d she says. \u201cThe app lets you browse the weekly menu, order meals, plan your week and personalize your taste profile and diet preferences, such as keto-friendly, wheat-free, vegetarian and more.\u201d\r\n\r\n\"tempo\r\n\r\nTempo offers weekly delivery, allowing you to select the specific day you want your meals to arrive. The meals come packaged in insulated liners with ice packs, ensuring your food stays refrigerated rather than frozen.\r\n\r\nThe service offers flexibility, too. You can skip a delivery for any reason and choose to receive meals weekly, biweekly or monthly. Menus are posted up to five weeks in advance, giving you plenty of opportunity to look ahead and plan your meal schedule. Additionally, you can adjust delivery dates for individual orders or change your default weekly delivery day for future shipments.\r\n\r\n[quote-card quote=\"Overall, I was genuinely impressed by the convenience and flavor of the meals. I also liked that the \u2018best by\u2019 dates for each meal were staggered, which meant I didn\u2019t feel pressured to eat everything quickly before it spoiled.\" name=\"Mary henn\" title=\"shopping editor \" \/]\r\n\r\nThe meals tend to follow a straightforward formula, usually featuring a protein, a vegetable and a grain. However, there are some standout flavor combinations, especially in the meat and seafood dishes.\r\n\r\nA few things to note: Each meal is a single serving, requires about three minutes in the microwave and typically clocks in around 500 calories. \u201cThey also include instructions for oven cooking,\u201d Mary tells us. \u201c However, I didn\u2019t try this method because it takes over 30 minutes\u2014something that goes against Tempo\u2019s promise of fast, ready-to-eat meals.\u201d\r\n\r\nPrice:<\/strong> Starting at $10.98 per serving | Shipping cost:<\/strong> $10.99 | Availability:<\/strong> Contiguous U.S. (with a few exceptions)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Keto-Friendly\" product_name=\"Home Chef\" pros=\"Tons of keto-friendly recipes\" pros1=\"Easy prep\" pros2=\"Great instructions\" pros3=\"Lots of meal options\" cons=\"Lack of price transparancy\" cons1=\"Inconsistent ingredients\" cons2=\"Pricier than other options\" image=\"2065665\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Home Chef\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/click-9070496-12472277\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Home Chef\" \/]\r\n\r\nUpon signing up for Home Chef<\/a>, you're greeted by a questionnaire about your taste and dietary preferences. Helpful labels let you choose from quick prep and gluten-smart options, among others. The meal kit delivery service's keto-friendly menu isn't lacking in variety and offers up to six portions per meal and up to six meals per week, making it one of the best keto-friendly meal services we tested.\r\n\r\n\"Home\r\n\r\nDeliveries are available Sundays through Fridays, and the helpful app allows you to skip and reschedule meals easily. \"I love being able to access everything on my phone and have the recipe card to physically look at,\" says Sydney. \"There's also a digital cookbook that keeps all your recipes. I've used Home Chef before and have canceled it since, but I still go back to the digital cookbook that's on my account to re-create yummy meals that I remember liking from when we had the subscription.\"\r\n\r\n[quote-card quote=\"The instructions were easy to follow, great selection of meals and everything was delicious. This meal kit is perfect for someone who doesn't want to do a lot of planning or prep, but also still wants a delicious, home-cooked, meal.\" name=\"sydney Manning\" title=\"editorial coordinator\" \/]\r\n\r\nAs with Purple Carrot, our biggest gripe with Home Chef was a lack of price transparency. This one was a larger discrepancy (around $50). As with any subscription, we urge anyone thinking about subscribing to take a close look at their bank statements to ensure the monthly charges are correct.\r\n\r\nWhile the price discrepancy isn't ideal, the meals themselves are delicious. Sydney's favorite was the Lemon Rockefeller Scallop Penne with Garlic Breadcrumbs. \"The sauce was amazing, and it was really easy to make because this was an express meal,\" she says. \"I've cooked scallops before, so we had an idea of how to cook them, and they weren't too rubbery. The lemon also provides a fresh taste and complements the dish well.\"\r\n\r\nAdditionally, she enjoyed the Cherry Chipotle Brisket Tacos with Corn Elote Salad. \"I loved this meal\u2014it was perfect for lunch. I personally love corn, so I really enjoyed having the corn slaw in this dish. The sauce had some spice to it, but I personally like spice, so this was great for me. If you don't want as much spice, I wouldn't add all the barbecue sauce,\" she notes. Read our full Home Chef review<\/a> for more.\r\n\r\nPrice:<\/strong> Starting at $7.99 per serving | Shipping cost:<\/strong> Typically $10.99 (sometimes free for orders over $40) | Availability:<\/strong> Contiguous U.S.\r\n\r\n
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Others We Tested<\/h2>\r\n