In today's fast-paced world, meal delivery services have become increasingly popular, offering a convenient solution for busy individuals and families seeking to enjoy home-cooked meals without the hassle of grocery shopping and meal planning. As we enter 2024, the market is filled with numerous options, each promising delicious, easy-to-prepare meals delivered right to your doorstep.

This comprehensive review will explore the top 5 meal delivery services of 2024: HelloFresh, Blue Apron, Home Chef, Sunbasket, and EveryPlate. We'll delve into their unique offerings, pricing structures, menu variety, and overall user experience to help you make an informed decision about which service might best suit your needs and preferences.

Whether you're a culinary novice looking to expand your cooking skills or a seasoned home chef seeking inspiration and convenience, join us as we navigate the world of meal delivery services and discover how these top contenders stack up against each other in the quest for convenient, delicious dining.

Our Top 5 Meal Delivery Services:

  • HelloFresh: Varied, family-friendly options.
  • Blue Apron: Complex flavors, unique dishes.
  • Home Chef: Affordable, simple recipes.
  • Sunbasket: Healthy, organic, pricier option.
  • EveryPlate: Budget-friendly, tasty meals.
Our Most Popular
1
HelloFresh
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  • Diverse, family-friendly options.
  • Easy-to-follow recipes.
  • Flexible meal plans.
2
Blue Apron
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  • High-quality ingredients.
  • Unique, chef-designed recipes.
  • Wine pairing options available.
3
Home Chef
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  • Customizable meal options.
  • Quick and easy preparation.
  • Affordable pricing.
4
Sunbasket
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  • Organic and sustainable ingredients.
  • Diverse dietary options.
  • Ready-to-eat meal choices.
5
EveryPlate
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  • Budget-friendly pricing.
  • Simple, crowd-pleasing recipes.
  • Flexible subscription options.

The Best Meal Delivery Services - An In-Depth Look

1

HelloFresh

HelloFresh is a leading meal kit delivery service founded in 2011. It offers a variety of customizable meal plans with fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. While many customers praise the convenience and quality of meals, some report issues with delivery and customer service. Pricing starts around $8-10 per serving. HelloFresh is known for its wide selection of recipes, but has mixed reviews regarding value and ingredient freshness. The service aims to simplify home cooking for busy individuals and families.

What Makes HelloFresh Stand Out?

HelloFresh’s most competitive features include:
Extensive Recipe Selection: With up to 60 recipes available weekly, HelloFresh offers one of the largest menus in the meal kit industry. This variety ensures there’s something for everyone, from classic comfort foods to globally inspired dishes.
Convenience: The service eliminates meal planning and grocery shopping by delivering pre-measured ingredients and step-by-step recipe cards. Meals are designed to be prepared in 20–40 minutes, making it ideal for busy lifestyles.
Sustainability Focus: HelloFresh emphasizes eco-friendliness by using mostly recyclable packaging materials. While some plastic is still used, it’s less than many competitors.
Affordability: Positioned as a mid-tier option, HelloFresh balances quality and cost effectively. Meals typically range from $7.49 to $11.99 per serving, depending on the plan size and frequency.
Flexibility: Customers can choose from six dietary preferences (e.g., Meat & Veggies, Veggie, Family Friendly) and adjust their meal plans weekly.

Why Choose HelloFresh?

HelloFresh appeals to a wide audience for several reasons:
For Busy Individuals or Beginners: Its simple recipes and pre-portioned ingredients make cooking accessible even for those with minimal kitchen experience or limited time.
Dietary Options: The service caters to various dietary preferences such as vegetarian, pescatarian, and low-calorie meals (Fit & Wholesome), although it doesn’t fully accommodate stricter diets like keto or vegan.
Learning Opportunity: For those looking to expand their culinary skills or try new cuisines, HelloFresh introduces creative recipes with clear instructions that often include unique techniques or ingredients.
Reduced Food Waste: By providing exact ingredient portions, HelloFresh helps minimize food waste compared to traditional grocery shopping.

Who Is HelloFresh Best For?

HelloFresh is an excellent choice if:
You want to simplify meal planning and preparation without sacrificing quality or variety.
You’re looking for a convenient way to cook balanced meals at home.
You enjoy exploring new cuisines but don’t have the time or expertise to plan recipes yourself.
You’re interested in reducing food waste through pre-portioned ingredients.
However, it may not be ideal if you follow strict dietary restrictions (e.g., keto or gluten-free) or prefer fully organic ingredients.

HelloFresh Pricing

HelloFresh offers competitive pricing compared to other meal kit services:
Plan Size Price per Serving Box Total
3 meals per week for 2 people $9.99 $70.93
4 meals per week for 2 people $9.99 $90.31
2 meals per week for 4 people $9.99 $90.31
3 meals per week for 4 people $9.99 $130.87
Additional shipping fees apply ($10.99 per box).

Conclusion

HelloFresh delivers on its promise of convenience and variety while maintaining reasonable pricing compared to other meal kit services. It’s particularly well-suited for busy individuals, families with children, or anyone looking to simplify their weekly dinners without sacrificing quality.

HelloFresh is an excellent option for those who value convenience and variety in their meal planning while enjoying fresh home-cooked meals tailored to their tastes.

Pros Cons
Wide Variety of Recipes
Limited Support for Specialized Diets
High-Quality Ingredients
Repetitive Ingredients Over Time
Family-Friendly Options
Occasional Quality Issues
Time-Saving
Time Underestimation
Sustainability Efforts
Shipping Costs
Educational Recipes
Limited Customization
HelloFresh
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2

Blue Apron

Blue Apron is a pioneer in the meal kit delivery industry, offering pre-portioned ingredients and gourmet-inspired recipes designed to elevate home cooking. Known for its diverse menu, Blue Apron caters to both adventurous eaters and busy individuals seeking convenience. The service emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and eco-friendly practices while providing options like "Ready to Cook" and "Prepared & Ready" meals for added flexibility. However, it may not fully accommodate strict dietary needs or those looking for low-effort cooking solutions. Overall, Blue Apron is ideal for those who enjoy exploring new flavors and improving their culinary skills.

What Makes Blue Apron Stand Out?

Blue Apron’s most competitive features include:
Gourmet-Inspired Recipes: Blue Apron specializes in unique, restaurant-quality meals with complex flavors. Its recipes often feature global cuisines, such as Miso Ramen, Tuscan Ribollita Soup, or Shrimp Fried Rice.
Diverse Meal Options: With over 70 weekly menu options, Blue Apron caters to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, pescatarian, carb-conscious, and wellness-focused plans.
Flexibility: Users can choose between meal kits requiring preparation or “Ready to Cook” options that minimize effort. There are also “Prepared & Ready” meals for those who prefer microwaveable convenience.
Eco-Friendly Practices: Blue Apron emphasizes sustainability by using recyclable packaging and sourcing high-quality ingredients responsibly.
Educational Value: Recipes are designed to teach home chefs new cooking techniques and introduce them to unfamiliar ingredients.

Why Choose Blue Apron?

Blue Apron appeals to a wide range of customers for several reasons:
For Food Enthusiasts: The service is ideal for those who enjoy cooking and want to elevate their skills with gourmet-inspired meals.
Variety of Meal Plans: With options catering to different diets and preferences, Blue Apron provides flexibility for individuals, couples, or families.
Convenience: By eliminating the need for grocery shopping and meal planning, Blue Apron saves time while still delivering a home-cooked experience.
Learning Opportunity: Recipes often include unique ingredients or techniques that help users expand their culinary repertoire.

Who Is Blue Apron Best For?

Blue Apron is an excellent choice if:
You enjoy cooking and want to explore gourmet recipes at home.
You’re looking for a convenient way to try new cuisines without extensive planning or shopping.
You value high-quality ingredients and eco-friendly practices.

Pricing

Blue Apron’s pricing is competitive within the meal kit industry:
Plan Size Price per Serving Box Total
2 meals/week for 2 people $11.99 $59.96
3 meals/week for 2 people $9.99 $59.99
4 meals/week for 4 people $8.49 $135.84
Additional shipping fees ($9.99 per box) apply unless promotional discounts are available.

Conclusion

Blue Apron delivers on its promise of providing high-quality meal kits with gourmet-inspired recipes that elevate home cooking. It’s particularly well-suited for food enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with new flavors and techniques while valuing convenience.

Blue Apron stands out as a premium option among meal kit services, offering creative dishes that bring restaurant-quality dining into your home while teaching valuable cooking skills along the way.

Pros Cons
High-Quality Ingredients
Time Commitment
Creative Recipes
Portion Sizes
Customization Options
Limited Support for Strict Diets
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Cost
Flexible Plans:
Packaging Waste
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3

Home Chef

Home Chef is a Chicago-based meal delivery service offering pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, designed to simplify home cooking. Founded in 2013 and now a subsidiary of Kroger, it delivers over 3 million meals monthly across the U.S. Customers appreciate its variety, with up to 30 weekly options, including customizable and quick-prep meals. Reviews highlight its convenience, tasty dishes, and family-friendly approach, though some note issues like occasional ingredient quality concerns and customer service challenges. Meals start at $7.99 per serving, making it a flexible option for busy households seeking fresh, home-cooked meals.

What Makes Home Chef Stand Out?

Home Chef distinguishes itself in the competitive meal delivery market with several standout features:
Customizable Meals: One of Home Chef’s most unique offerings is its “Customize It” feature, which allows users to swap proteins or upgrade ingredients in most recipes. This flexibility makes it easy to tailor meals to personal preferences.
Variety of Options: With over 25 weekly menu options, including calorie-conscious, low-carb, and family-friendly meals, Home Chef caters to a wide range of dietary preferences.
Convenience: The service offers various meal types, such as traditional kits, oven-ready dishes, and Fast & Fresh meals that require minimal prep or cooking time.
Affordability: Starting at $7.99 per serving, Home Chef is one of the more budget-friendly options in the meal kit industry.
Family-Focused Plans: Home Chef’s Family Plan provides cost-effective meals with kid-friendly flavors in larger portions.

Why Choose Home Chef?

Home Chef appeals to a broad audience for several reasons:
For Busy Individuals: With options like Fast & Fresh and oven-ready meals, Home Chef is perfect for those with limited time but still want to enjoy home-cooked dishes.
Customizable Recipes: The ability to swap proteins or adjust recipes makes it ideal for picky eaters or those with specific dietary needs.
Approachable Cooking: Recipes are beginner-friendly with clear instructions and pre-portioned ingredients, making cooking less intimidating.
Flexible Delivery: Users can select their preferred delivery day (Sunday through Friday) based on their schedule.

Who Is Home Chef Best For?

Home Chef is an excellent choice if:
You’re looking for customizable meal kits that cater to personal tastes or dietary preferences.
You need quick-prep options like oven-ready or microwaveable meals for busy weeknights.
You’re feeding a family and need larger portions with approachable flavors.

Home Chef Pricing

Home Chef’s pricing structure is competitive within the industry:
Plan Size Price per Serving Box Total
3 meals/week for 2 people $9.99 $49.95
3 meals/week for 2 people $8.99 $62.93
4 meals/week for 4 people $7.99 $127.84
Additional shipping fees apply ($10.99 per box) unless the order exceeds $45.

Conclusion

Home Chef delivers on its promise of convenience and flexibility while offering budget-friendly pricing compared to other meal kit services. It’s particularly well-suited for busy individuals or families looking for customizable meal solutions that save time without sacrificing quality.

Home Chef stands out as an accessible option among meal kit services, offering customizable recipes and convenient meal types that cater to diverse tastes and schedules.

Pros Cons
Wide Variety of Recipes
Limited Dietary Support
Customizable Ingredients
Ingredient Quality Issues
Convenient Meal Types
Overuse of Packaging
Budget-Friendly Pricing
Basic Recipes
Family-Friendly Options
Shipping Costs
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Home Chef
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4

Sunbasket

Sunbasket is a premium meal delivery service that offers both meal kits and fully prepared meals, focusing on healthy, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients. Catering to a variety of dietary needs, such as gluten-free, paleo, keto, and vegan options, it provides flexibility for health-conscious individuals. Sunbasket also includes add-ons like snacks, proteins, and breakfast items. While it excels in ingredient quality and creative recipes, its higher price point (ranging from $12–$18 per serving) and occasional packaging issues may not suit everyone. It’s ideal for those prioritizing health and convenience over cost.

What Makes Sunbasket Stand Out?

Sunbasket’s most competitive features include:
Focus on Organic and Clean Ingredients: Sunbasket uses mostly organic produce, responsibly sourced proteins, and clean ingredients free from artificial additives.
Diverse Dietary Options: The service offers plans for a wide range of diets, including gluten-free, paleo, keto, vegetarian, pescatarian, Mediterranean, diabetes-friendly, and carb-conscious.
Flexible Meal Types: Customers can choose between traditional meal kits (for those who enjoy cooking) or “Fresh & Ready” meals that are fully prepared and require minimal effort.
Add-On Market Items: Beyond meals, Sunbasket allows users to add snacks, proteins, breakfast items, smoothies, and more to their weekly orders.
Sustainability Commitment: The company prioritizes eco-friendly practices with recyclable and compostable packaging materials.

Why Choose Sunbasket?

Sunbasket appeals to a broad audience for several reasons:
For Health-Conscious Individuals: With its focus on organic ingredients and diet-specific plans, Sunbasket is ideal for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Convenience for Busy Schedules: Options like “Fresh & Ready” meals are perfect for individuals who want nutritious meals without spending time cooking.
Customizable Plans: The ability to switch between meal kits and prepared meals or mix-and-match dietary preferences provides flexibility for changing needs.
Global Flavors and Creativity: Recipes often feature international cuisines and creative spins on classic dishes, making it appealing to adventurous eaters.

Who Is Sunbasket Best For?

Sunbasket is an excellent choice if:
You prioritize organic ingredients and clean eating.
You follow a specific diet (e.g., gluten-free or keto) and need tailored meal options..
You want the flexibility of choosing between cooking meal kits or heating prepared meals.
You’re willing to pay a premium for high-quality ingredients and diverse flavors.
However, it may not be ideal if you’re on a tight budget or prefer larger portion sizes.

Sunbasket Pricing

Sunbasket’s pricing reflects its premium positioning:
Plan Size Price per Serving Box Total
2 meals/week for 2 people $13.99–$17.99 $55.96–$71.96
3 meals/week for 2 people $71.94–$83.94 $62.93
4Prepared Meals $9.99–$12.99 Varies

Conclusion

Sunbasket delivers on its promise of providing high-quality, health-focused meal solutions with an emphasis on organic ingredients and diverse dietary options. It’s particularly well-suited for health-conscious individuals who value convenience and are willing to invest in premium meal delivery services.

Sunbasket stands out as a top-tier option among meal delivery services, offering healthy meals that cater to diverse tastes while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability

Pros Cons
High-Quality Ingredients
High Cost
Wide Variety of Diet Plans
Ingredient Quality Variability
Convenient Meal Types
Limited Portion Sizes
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Delivery Issues
Add-On Flexibility
Complex Pricing Structure
Sunbasket
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5

EveryPlate

EveryPlate is a budget-friendly meal delivery service under the HelloFresh umbrella, offering simple, hearty meals at the lowest price point in the industry (starting at $4.99 per serving). With a focus on affordability, it provides a rotating weekly menu of over 20 dishes, including comfort foods and vegetarian options. While EveryPlate’s meals are easy to prepare and satisfying, it lacks specialized diet plans like keto or vegan and offers limited variety. Ideal for cost-conscious individuals or families, EveryPlate delivers value without compromising on taste or quality.

What Makes EveryPlate Stand Out?

EveryPlate’s most competitive features include:
Affordability: At just $4.99 per serving (plus shipping), EveryPlate is one of the cheapest meal kit services available, making it ideal for cost-conscious individuals or families.
Simplicity: Recipes are straightforward, featuring six steps or fewer, and require basic pantry staples like oil, butter, and salt. This keeps preparation easy for beginners.
Rotating Weekly Menu: With over 20 recipes to choose from each week, EveryPlate provides a variety of comfort foods and crowd-pleasing classics like pasta, burgers, and stir-fries.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: The company reduces costs by using minimal packaging, shipping all ingredients together in one box rather than separating them by recipe.
Customizable Options: Some meals allow protein swaps or upgrades for a small additional cost.

Why Choose EveryPlate?

EveryPlate appeals to a wide audience for several reasons:
Budget-Friendly Home Cooking: It’s an excellent option for those who want to save money while still enjoying home-cooked meals.
Beginner-Friendly Recipes: With simple instructions and minimal prep work, EveryPlate is perfect for kitchen novices or anyone short on time.
Family-Friendly Meals: The menu includes hearty dishes that cater to both adults and children, making it suitable for families with diverse tastes.
Convenience: Pre-portioned ingredients eliminate food waste and simplify meal preparation.

Who Is EveryPlate Best For?

EveryPlate is an excellent choice if:
You’re on a tight budget but still want the convenience of a meal kit delivery service.
You’re new to cooking and prefer simple recipes with minimal prep work..
You enjoy comfort foods and don’t require highly specialized dietary options.
However, it may not be ideal if you follow strict diets (e.g., vegan or gluten-free) or prefer gourmet-style meals with complex flavors.

EveryPlate Pricing

EveryPlate’s pricing structure is highly competitive:
Plan Size Price per Serving Box Total
3 meals/week for 2 people $4.99 $38.93
4 meals/week for 2 people $4.99 $48.91
5 meals/week for 2 people $4.99 $58.89
3 meals/week for 4 people $4.99 $68.87

Conclusion

EveryPlate delivers on its promise of providing affordable and convenient meal kits without sacrificing taste or quality. It’s particularly well-suited for budget-conscious families or individuals looking to simplify meal planning while enjoying home-cooked comfort foods.

EveryPlate stands out as one of the most cost-effective meal kit services available today, offering simple recipes that deliver great value without compromising on flavor or convenience.

Pros Cons
Low Cost
Limited Dietary Options
Simple Recipes
Basic Ingredients
Tasty Comfort Foods
Repetitive Menu Choices
Flexible Plans
Additional Costs for Upgrades
Minimal Packaging Waste
Lack of Ingredient Organization
EveryPlate
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How to Compare?

Key Selling Points

Affordability: EveryPlate leads in cost-effectiveness, while HelloFresh and Home Chef strike a balance between price and quality.
Dietary Options: Sunbasket excels in catering to specific diets like paleo and vegan, whereas Blue Apron focuses on premium flavors without extensive customization.
Convenience: Home Chef’s quick-prep meals and Sunbasket’s prepared options provide flexibility for busy schedules.
Variety: HelloFresh offers the largest menu selection weekly, while Blue Apron delivers creative gourmet-inspired dishes.

Pros Across Services

HelloFresh: Wide variety of recipes; beginner-friendly; fresh ingredients.
Blue Apron: Premium recipes; good value; inventive yet simple cooking experience.
Home Chef: Customizable meals; family-friendly; quick-prep options.
Sunbasket: Organic ingredients; diverse dietary plans; prepared meal options.
EveryPlate: Budget-friendly; simple comfort foods; easy-to-follow recipes.

Cons Across Services

HelloFresh: Limited support for specialized diets; occasional ingredient repetition.
Blue Apron: Less dietary flexibility; fewer customization options.
Home Chef: Excessive packaging; occasional ingredient quality issues.
Sunbasket: High cost; delivery inconsistencies.
EveryPlate: Basic flavors; no support for strict diets; repetitive menus.

Who Should Choose These Services?

Choose HelloFresh if you want variety and simplicity at a mid-range price point.
Opt for Blue Apron if you enjoy gourmet-inspired meals with minimal effort.
Go with Home Chef if you need customizable recipes or quick-prep options.
Select Sunbasket if you prioritize organic ingredients and health-focused eating.
Pick EveryPlate if you’re on a tight budget but still want satisfying home-cooked meals.

Whether you’re seeking affordability, gourmet flavors, or health-focused options, these top five services offer something for everyone in 2024. Evaluate your priorities—budget, dietary needs, or convenience—and pick the service that best aligns with your lifestyle!

Sharon Richardson
Sharon Richardson,I am a professional meal delivery service reviewer with extensive experience analyzing and comparing top brands. My expertise lies in evaluating convenience, ingredient quality, pricing, and dietary options to provide objective, detailed insights. I aim to help users find the best service tailored to their needs.

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