The 12 Best Prepared Meal Delivery Services for 2024, According to Dietitians

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare healthy and delicious meals can be a challenge. That's where prepared meal delivery services come in. These services provide a convenient way to enjoy nutritious and flavorful meals without the hassle of shopping and cooking. To help you find the best option for your needs, we've consulted with dietitians and compiled a list of the 12 best prepared meal delivery services for 2024.

1. Sign-up, Delivery, and Cancellation Processes

The sign-up, delivery, and cancellation processes are crucial factors to consider when choosing a prepared meal delivery service. A seamless and user-friendly sign-up process ensures a hassle-free experience for customers. Prompt and reliable delivery is essential to ensure that meals arrive fresh and on time. Additionally, a transparent and straightforward cancellation policy gives customers the flexibility to modify or cancel their orders when needed.

2. Meal Variety

When it comes to meal variety, the best prepared meal delivery services offer a wide range of options to suit various dietary preferences and restrictions. Whether you're following a specific diet like keto, vegan, or gluten-free, or simply looking for a diverse selection of cuisines, a service with an extensive menu will ensure that you never get bored.

3. Nutrition

Nutrition is a top priority when choosing a prepared meal delivery service. The best services prioritize using high-quality ingredients that are rich in nutrients. Look for services that provide detailed nutritional information for each meal, including calorie counts, macronutrient breakdowns, and ingredient lists. This will help you make informed choices that align with your health and wellness goals.

4. Sustainability

In an era of increasing focus on sustainability, it's important to choose a prepared meal delivery service that aligns with your values. Look for services that prioritize environmentally friendly practices, such as sourcing ingredients from local and organic farms, using eco-friendly packaging, and implementing waste reduction strategies. By choosing a sustainable service, you can enjoy your meals knowing that you're making a positive impact on the planet.

5. Ingredient Quality

The quality of ingredients used in prepared meals can greatly impact the taste and nutritional value of the final product. The best services prioritize using fresh and high-quality ingredients, ensuring that each meal is packed with flavor and nutrients. Look for services that source their ingredients from trusted suppliers and maintain stringent quality control measures.

6. Ease of Preparation

One of the main advantages of prepared meal delivery services is the convenience they offer. The best services provide meals that are easy to prepare, whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen. Look for services that provide clear and detailed instructions for each meal, along with any necessary cooking utensils or equipment. This will ensure that you can enjoy your meal without any stress or confusion.

7. Taste

Ultimately, taste is what sets a great meal apart from a mediocre one. The best prepared meal delivery services prioritize flavor and ensure that each dish is delicious and satisfying. Look for services that offer a variety of seasonings, sauces, and spices to enhance the taste of their meals. Additionally, customer reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights into the taste and overall satisfaction with the meals provided by a particular service.

8. Affordability

While prepared meal delivery services offer convenience and quality, affordability is also an important consideration for many people. The best services provide options that cater to different budgets, ensuring that everyone can enjoy nutritious and delicious meals without breaking the bank. Look for services that offer flexible pricing plans, discounts for bulk orders, or subscription options that provide cost savings in the long run.

9. Meal Examples and Reviews

To give you a better idea of what to expect from the best prepared meal delivery services, let's take a closer look at some meal examples and reviews from satisfied customers.

Mexican Street Carnitas Plate

Chicken Katsu with Hot Honey

The Chicken Katsu with Hot Honey was another popular choice among customers. The moist chicken and the tasty hot honey sauce received rave reviews. However, some customers were disappointed that the Brussels sprouts slaw was substituted with broccoli, which lacked flavor.

Mission-Style Chipotle Chicken Burrito

The Mission-Style Chipotle Chicken Burrito impressed customers with its great flavors and generous serving size. However, some customers wished that the meal included a side of vegetables to make it more well-rounded.

Flank Steak Rice Bowl

The Flank Steak Rice Bowl was praised for its delicious sauce and flavorful steak. However, some customers felt that the serving size of asparagus was too small.

10. Sign-up Process and Meal Selection

The sign-up process for the best prepared meal delivery services is straightforward and user-friendly. Many services include questions during the sign-up process to understand dietary preferences and restrictions. Once signed up, customers have access to a wide variety of meals to choose from. With over 167 meals available, there is something to suit every taste bud.

11. Preparation Methods

Prepared meal delivery services often provide instructions for both microwave and oven preparation. While microwave times are usually accurate, some customers found that oven preparation took slightly longer than indicated in the instructions. However, both methods produced satisfactory results, allowing customers the flexibility to choose the cooking method that suits their preferences.

12. Overall Impressions

The best prepared meal delivery services leave a lasting impression on their customers. Customers appreciate services that offer meals crafted by talented chefs, featuring local and seasonal ingredients. While the meal selection process may be overwhelming for some, the variety of protein types, flavor combinations, and vegetables offered ensures that there is something for everyone. Customers also appreciate the convenience of the delivery service and the easy storage of meals in the fridge.

In conclusion, the 12 best prepared meal delivery services for 2024 offer a wide range of options to suit various dietary preferences and restrictions. These services prioritize sign-up, delivery, and cancellation processes, meal variety, nutrition, sustainability, ingredient quality, ease of preparation, taste, and affordability. By choosing a prepared meal delivery service from this list, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals without the hassle of cooking and shopping.