7 of the Best Healthy Meal Delivery Services

Meal delivery services are the new takeout. While each one is a little bit different, many of them work in pretty much the same way. The companies send you a box with just enough pre-portioned fresh ingredients for each meal, as well as cooking instructions. This is great for budding chefs who don’t have time to grocery shop. It can also save money because you aren’t buying a large amount of perishable ingredients of which you only plan on only using a small amount. Here are seven services you can raise a fork to, whether they provide a fully-prepared meal or a leg up with cooking. Two services do the cooking for you, so you can get down to the most important part of the meal: eating.

1. Blue Apron

Source: Blue Apron via Facebook

Blue Apron starts at $9.99 per person. For the most part, meals are healthy enough and tasty, but skip this one if you are on a specific diet. The service offers interesting recipes you would never think to make on your own. The most recent menu includes Cumin-Sichuan Beef & Noodles, Sautéed Shrimp Sandwiches, and Fresh Linguine & Roasted Fennel. The only caveat with this service is that you can’t technically choose the meals you want. You let Blue Apron know about your dietary preferences, such as vegetarian or no red meat, and the company sends you recipes based on those desires. There is always a risk of getting stuck with a meal you aren’t interested in.

2. Plated

Source: Plated via Facebook

Plated is comparable to Blue Apron, but a little pricier, starting at $12 per person. The company offers lots of interesting choices for vegetarians (there are specific options on the menu) and omnivores alike. Past meals have included Cheesy Italian-Style Farro & Red Rice with Roasted Kale, Chicken & Swiss Chard Tacos with Chipotle Crema, and Crispy Smoked Tofu and Mushroom Egg Rolls with Scallions.

3. Terra’s Kitchen

Source: Terra’s Kitchen via Facebook

Terra’s Kitchen is one of the newer meal delivery services, priding itself on offering sustainable, fresh, farm-to-table ingredients. The company also has “Grab & Go” options that you don’t actually have to cook. Another draw of Terra’s is its environmentally-friendly packaging. The food is delivered in a reusable vessel that keeps your food cold, as opposed to a cardboard box with lots of disposable ice packs and other insulation materials. Terra’s Kitchen offers slightly more traditional meals than other services, including Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple & Asparagus, Fajita Style Street Tacos, and Spicy Southwest Steak Bowls. There are also vegetarian and paleo options. Each meal costs between $14.99 and $21.99.

4. Handpick

Source: Handpick via Facebook

Handpick is the best value, starting at just $5.99 per meal. The menu works a little differently than those of other services. Each meal is part of a bundle, with three meals per bundle. There are lots of bundles available including Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Flavors of Asia, Seafood, and Fast & Fresh. Each bundle uses several of the same ingredients throughout each meal, but surprisingly, each meal is completely different.

5. Hello Fresh

Source: Hello Fresh via Facebook

Hello Fresh offers two different options: a Classic Box, which starts at $10.75 per meal, or Veggie, which starts at $9.08. Keep in mind they require a delivery minimum of three meals per week for two people. Past offerings include Chinese Black Bean Chicken, Cauliflower Pancetta Mac & Cheese, and Tandoori Chicken. The ingredients are fresh (hello!) and high quality.

6. Freshly

Source: Freshly via Facebook

Freshly is the best option for the health-conscious person who doesn’t want to cook because all of the food is prepared for you. The company has two programs. Freshly Flex, which starts at $69 per week, allows you to choose between 12, 9, and 6 meals. Freshly Fit costs $229 per week for 21 meals, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 7 days. This option is a doctor-designed (as opposed to chef-designed) program specifically for weight loss. Freshly also gives you access to nutritional coaches with this program. Past meals include Coconut Lime Salmon with Asian Slaw, Steak Stir Fry, and BBQ Pork Chop with Roasted Carrots.

7. Munchery

Source: Munchery via Instagram

Munchery is the lazy person’s version of all of the above. It too sells healthy, tasty meals, made of quality ingredients already prepared for you. You schedule the delivery in advance or, unlike the other services, order on demand. Some of the meals are served cold, like salads, and others require reheating. The menu is constantly changing, but some meals are available for weeks at a time. Some of the current choices are Pesto Salmon, Marinated Steak with Purple Potatoes, and Chilled Somen Noodle Dip Soup. They also have a kids menu, sides menu, delicious desserts, and vegetarian options. Munchery is the perfect alternative to unhealthy takeout.

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