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Home » Diets that Work » The Best Pre-Made and Prepared Meal Delivery Services – Thrillist

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Prepared meals have historically had a bad reputation: frozen entres conjure images of freezer-burned beige TV dinners, whereas refrigerated packaged meals bring to mind bland protein shakes or mystery-meat deli slices. But before you click away, let us introduce you to a new world of pre-made delivery servicesfully prepared meals that are delicious, nutritious, and ready in minutes.

Prepared delivery services often appeal to individuals looking to save time in the kitchen, since they allow people to streamline their routine and enjoy meals that require virtually no preparation or cleanup. Just follow the instructions to pop the meals into the oven, microwave or a saucepan. Pre-portioned meals and snacks come straight to your door, and different services offer rotating menus that appeal to various diets and preferences.

Whereas many popular meal kit delivery services offer ingredients that need to be prepared, chopped, and cooked, the options in this roundup are all ready to eat in mere minutes. Whats more, most of these plans offer meals in flexible bundles and a la carte, meaning you can select a service that fits seamlessly into your busy lifestyle.

When deciding which prepared delivery service is right for you, its important to keep in mind your current lifestyle. Individual prepared meals are most beneficial when they simplify the busier and more stressful parts of your daily routine. Maybe youre all set with lunch but you cant be bothered to cook after work. Or maybe you love getting creative for dinner but are bored with your offices midday options. Whatever the case, its important to identify the areas youd like to upgrade.

Another consideration is slightly more obvious: your food preferences and dietary restrictions. The options below adhere to various lifestyles, so you can feel free to try out a gluten-free dinner or experiment with a vegan lunch. Organic options abound, as do menus conscious of macronutrient requirements and food sensitivities. Importantly, youll want to pay attention to whether the meals come fresh or frozen, since they may require different reheating options. If you choose frozen meals, keep in mind that youll be slightly more limited in the types of foods youll receive, since things like salads and sandwiches dont do well frozen.

Finally, youll want to consider price. As you might expect, fully prepared meals tend to be on the expensive side, since youre paying for preparation and delivery in addition to the ingredients themselves. That said, many find that the time and energy saved is well worth the price.

Services that deliver refrigerated meals package meals thoughtfully to ensure they arrive on your doorstep as fresh as possible. Some services, like Epicured, Territory, and Home Bistro, offer twice-weekly deliveries so that meals are never sitting in your refrigerator for more than a few days. Many services also ship meals with insulating liners and frozen gel packs, as well as cold chain transportation wherever possible. If youre curious about specific services practices, check their website FAQs.

Frozen meals are packaged to preserve taste and nutrition as well as ensure that reheating is safe and simple. The Good Kitchens TB12 Performance Meals, for example, use a cryovac process that reduces the amount of oxygen in the package, eliminating the need for preservatives. Services also go to great lengths to ensure temperature regulation during shipping; Veestro, for example, ships meals in an insulated shipping container with dry ice.

Different services have different plans that can fit a variety of lifestyles and needs, whether you hate cooking altogether or are just looking to replace an occasional meal. A la carte options are often more expensive than meals that are part of a bundle, but theyre a great option if youre looking to test the waters without commitment.

A closer look at the best meal kits in each category

Customers love: Delicious, hearty meals that save time and appeal to any type of eaterFresh or Frozen: Fresh, and you can select weekly or twice-weekly deliveries so that youre enjoying meals at their freshestBest for: Those looking for flexibility and transparent nutritional informationAvoid if: Youre not located within the delivery regionAverage price per meal: $11Territorys menu rotates weekly and seasonally and avoids ingredients like dairy, gluten, and refined sugarsbut the meals dont skimp on flavor. You can filter among a variety of dietary needs such as Paleo, Vegan, Whole30, Low Fat, Low Carb, Mediterranean Diet, and each meal is accompanied by transparent information like macronutrient ratios and exact ingredients. Ready after just ninety seconds of reheating, these convenient and filling meals require no subscription commitment and zero effort, making them a great option for anyone looking to streamline their mealtime.

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Customers love: Affordable, ingredient-conscious mealsFresh or Frozen: FreshBest for: Those looking to save time and money without sacrificing qualityAvoid if: You tend to be hungrier than the average personAverage price per meal: $9High quality ingredients, careful preparation free from allergens, and timely delivery can make fresh meal delivery an expensive habit. Fortunately, Freshlys meals come in at around $9 each, making them a more budget-conscious choice for any type of eater. Choose from a certified gluten-free menu of fresh meals ready in seconds. Personalize your delivery with additional options from the multi-serve Proteins & Sides lines designed to simplify meal prep. [Read our Freshly review]

Customers love: Vegan meals abundant in superfoodsFresh or Frozen: FreshBest for: Wellness fiends or those looking for a short-term diet cleanseAvoid if: Youre looking for a more affordable service for the long termAverage price per meal: $25Looking to splurge on nutritious meals or recover from a wild vacation? Sakara has you covered with a menu of organic superfoods that promise numerous health benefits in addition to time saved in the kitchen. Sakara offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, as well as detox teas and advice from wellness coaches. Meals like Anti-Inflammatory Veggie Masala and Classic Superfood Granola with spirulina-infused green goddess mylk are sure to have you feeling glowy in no time. One thing to note is that while many fresh delivery services can be frozen for later consumption, Sakaras meals wont handle freezing well.

Customers love: Time-saving meals adhering to special dietsFresh or Frozen: FreshBest for: Low-carb eaters looking to streamline meal planning and cookingAvoid if: Youre looking for more creative meals that arent centered around certain dietsAverage price per meal: $11Fresh N Lean offers a wide variety of plans for different diet preferences, especially for carb-conscious eaters. You can subscribe or select a la carte meals from menus like Protein+ (for high-performance athletes), Keto, Paleo, Low-Carb Vegan, and Bulk. Avoid the hassle of counting macronutrients with fresh meals catered to your lifestyle. Organic ingredients, flexible plans, and satisfying meals make Fresh N Lean a service unmatched in convenience for low-carb lifestyles.

Customers love: Delicious plant-based meals that save time and energyFresh or Frozen: FrozenBest for: Transitioning to a plant-based diet with minimal effortAvoid if: You prefer plant-based meals without meat alternativesAverage price per meal: $10If youre looking to increase your vegetable intake but youre overwhelmed at the prospect of planning and cooking meals, consider Veestro. This service offers three organic plansA La Carte, Chef's Choice, and Weight Lossno chopping vegetables required. Ready to serve after a quick defrost, Veestros frozen meals incorporate meat alternatives and vegan proteins that can help omnivorous eaters easily transition to a less meat-centric diet.

Customers love: Plant-based, gluten-free meals from a rotating menuFresh or Frozen: FreshBest for: Vegans who want to eat healthy without stressAvoid if: You prefer more protein-heavy vegan optionsAverage price per meal: $9Vegans and vegan-curious eaters will appreciate the ease and flexibility of Splendid Spoons delivery service. A versatile menu of over fifty ready-to-eat meals means youll never get bored of these plant-based meals and snacks. Customize your order according to your lifestyle and flavor preferences, choosing among breakfast smoothies, grain bowls, soups, and noodle dishes, all of which are vegan and gluten-free. With a rotating menu, seasonal options like the Pumpkin Spice Smoothie and Roasted Brussels Sprouts Grain Bowl, and a full selection of delicious soups, Splendid Spoon is making it easier than ever to eat vegan.

Customers love: Chef-prepared entres that bring restaurant-quality meals to your doorstepFresh or Frozen: FreshBest for: Those looking to upgrade their mealtimeAvoid if: Youre on a budget or dont want meat-heavy meals every nightAverage price per meal: $25Ever wished you had a professional chef whipping up delicious, personalized meals in your kitchen? When it comes to prepared meal services, Home Bistro is your best bet. Home Bistros gourmet meals are prepared by world class chefsincluding famous names like Iron Chefs Cat Cora and Daina Falk from Hungry Fanand delivered fresh to your doorstep. You can select restaurant-quality dinners like Mediterranean Chicken with Orange Honey Labneh Sauce, Israeli Couscous and Honey Roasted Carrots a la carte or as part of a larger package, and choose weekly or biweekly delivery with no commitment.

Customers love: Gluten-free and low-FODMAP meals that dont skimp on flavorFresh or Frozen: Freshbut if you need to freeze some meals, check for freezer-friendly itemsBest for: Those looking to enjoy fresh meals that are conscious of various GI disordersAvoid if: You dont have specific dietary needs and prefer a more diverse menuAverage price per meal: $13If youre dealing with a GI disorder, you can take comfort in Epicureds precautions against cross-contamination and low-FODMAP and gluten-free meals. Chefs and dieticians have collaborated to design a menu that caters to those with irritable bowel syndrome, Crohns, Colitis, SIBO and Celiac. With thoughtful portion sizes, interesting flavors, and wholesome ingredients, Epicureds weekly deliveries are a great option for people with specific dietary needs.

Customers love: Healthy on-the-go lunches and snacksFresh or Frozen: FreshBest for: Anyone needs a fresh, convenient midday mealAvoid if: Youre looking for slightly more filling meals or have very specific dietary preferencesAverage price per meal: $9Sad-looking desk lunches are a thing of the past with Farmers Fridge, a delivery service that specializes in flavorful midday meals and snacks. The menu features a variety of salads, grain bowls, and wraps that cater to a variety of preferences including vegan and gluten-free diets. In addition to lunches like the Shawarma-Spiced Cauliflower Salad or Chicken Tikka Masala, Farmers Fridge offers snacks and breakfast options too. Unlike some other delivery services, these meals are super portable, since they come in convenient, reusable jars.

Customers love: Portable, convenient soups that make healthy eating easyFresh or Frozen: Freshthese soups are shelf stableBest for: Those who want a healthy, comforting meal anytimeAvoid if: Youre looking for solid meals or live in a warm climate and dont want hot soupAverage price per meal: $8Proper Goods stews and broths have you saying *Adam Driver voice* good soup all day long. These shelf-stable soups use whole ingredients, limit salt and sugar, and also include options for keto and vegan diets. The portability of these wholesome soups makes them a great option for an office lunch, camping meal, or weeknight dinner, since all you have to do is heat up the pouch and youre good to go. With options like classic chicken noodle, butternut squash, and Southwest chili, Proper Good makes healthy eating a breeze.

Customers love: Wholesome meals centered around an athletes nutritional needsFresh or Frozen: Frozen ready in just three minutes in the microwaveBest for: Casual gym-goers to intense athletes looking to save time in the kitchenAvoid if: You prefer fresh meals over frozenAverage price per meal: $13Peak athletic potential requires careful nutrition and thoughtful preparation. With the TB12 Performance Meals from The Good Kitchen, you can follow a regimen inspired by Tom Brady without stressing about ingredients, preparation, or recipes. These frozen entres are customizable, nutrient-rich, and fit seamlessly into a variety of dietary preferences. Meals like Chicken Satay with Cilantro and Broccoli and Citrus Shrimp with Quinoa and Spiced Cauliflower are tailored to support an athletes nutritional requirements while also prioritizing taste and convenience.

Customers love: Classic meals that adhere to special dietary and nutritional needsFresh or Frozen: FrozenBest for: Seniors with specialized dietsAvoid if: You follow a plant-based diet or prefer more modern flavor profilesAverage price per meal: $14Magic Kitchen caters specifically to the dietary needs of senior citizens, with options including low-sodium, renal, and diabetic. A far cry from nutritionally lacking freezer-aisle meals, Magic Kitchens healthful menu offers peace of mind to ensure that you or your loved ones are receiving wholesome, quality meals without the stress of grocery shopping or cooking. Tasty meals like Beef Short Ribs, Chayote Black Bean Succotash, and Oaxacan-Inspired Mole offer a balanced, convenient dinner designed by chefs and dieticians.

Customers love: Flexible meal plans that cater to different allergies, diets, and nutritional needsFresh or Frozen: FreshBest for: Those looking to avoid certain ingredientsAvoid if: You have severe allergies or are looking for plant-based or gourmet mealsAverage price per meal: $10If you want fully prepared meals delivered to your doorstep but worry your allergies make that impossible, consider Snap Kitchen. You can select meals from one of eight menusincluding high protein, balance, Whole30, and low carband view the full nutritional profile of the dish, including macro counts, ingredients, and common allergens. All of Snap Kitchens meals are free from gluten, artificial preservatives, antibiotics, added hormones, artificial colorings, and flavorings.

Caroline Curran is a Thrillist contributor.

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The Best Pre-Made and Prepared Meal Delivery Services - Thrillist

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Home » Diets that Work » The Best Pre-Made and Prepared Meal Delivery Services – Thrillist