Article
Best Meal Kits in 2026
Cook restaurant-quality meals at home with fresh ingredients delivered to your door. We tested the leading meal kit services to find which ones offer the best recipes, value, and cooking experience.
Meal kits transform home cooking by delivering pre-portioned fresh ingredients with chef-designed recipes, eliminating meal planning and grocery shopping. Whether you’re learning to cook, expanding your culinary skills, or simply saving time, meal kits make restaurant-quality dishes achievable at home.
Our team tested and compared the top meal kit services of 2026, evaluating recipe quality, value, ease of cooking, and variety. From budget-friendly basics to gourmet experiences, here are the best options for every skill level and preference.
Quick Comparison
| Service | Best For | Price/Meal | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. HelloFresh | Best Overall Meal Kit | $8.99-$12.49 | ★4.9/5 |
| 2. Blue Apron | Best Recipe Quality | $7.99-$12.49 | ★4.7/5 |
| 3. Home Chef | Best for Customization | $3.77-$9.99 | ★4.6/5 |
| 4. Green Chef | Best for Special Diets | $10.99-$12.99 | ★4.6/5 |
| 5. Gobble | Best for Speed | $11.99-$13.99 | ★4.5/5 |
| 6. EveryPlate | Best Budget Option | $4.99-$6.99 | ★4.4/5 |
| 7. Dinnerly | Best Value Alternative | $4.99-$7.04 | ★4.3/5 |
| 8. Sun Basket | Best for Health Focus | $10.99-$14.99 | ★4.5/5 |
| 9. Purple Carrot | Best Plant-Based | $11.00-$13.00 | ★4.4/5 |
| 10. Marley Spoon | Best Recipe Creativity | $9.99-$12.99 | ★4.3/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
HelloFresh
HelloFresh dominates the meal kit industry with unbeatable variety, value, and accessibility. Offering 40+ weekly recipes across multiple dietary preferences, competitive pricing starting at $8.99, and beginner-friendly instructions, HelloFresh makes home cooking achievable for everyone. With flexible subscriptions, one-pot options, and quick meals under 30 minutes, it's the ideal choice for busy families, couples, and anyone looking to reduce grocery shopping while enjoying diverse, home-cooked meals.
Pros
- ✓40+ weekly recipe choices with excellent variety
- ✓Beginner-friendly instructions with photos
- ✓Competitive pricing at $8.99-$12.49 per serving
- ✓Flexible subscription—skip, pause, or cancel anytime
- ✓Quick & Easy meals under 30 minutes available
Cons
- ✗Limited strict dietary options (keto, vegan, gluten-free)
- ✗Cooking takes 20-45 minutes plus prep
- ✗Some ingredient freshness inconsistency reported
Blue Apron
Blue Apron revolutionized meal kits as the original industry pioneer, perfecting the balance between culinary education and convenience. With no subscription requirement and 80+ weekly chef-designed recipes delivering genuine restaurant quality, Blue Apron appeals to food enthusiasts who want flexibility. While prep time runs 35-45 minutes, the cooking experience teaches valuable skills. Ideal for couples, cooking hobbyists, and anyone seeking culinary growth without culinary school commitment.
Pros
- ✓No subscription required—order only when needed
- ✓Restaurant-quality recipes from professional chefs
- ✓80+ weekly menu options for variety
- ✓Non-GMO, sustainably sourced ingredients
- ✓Educational cooking experience builds skills
Cons
- ✗Longer prep and cooking time (35-45 minutes)
- ✗Limited accommodations for dietary restrictions
- ✗$10.99 shipping fee on every order
Home Chef
Home Chef stands out with unmatched customization that competitors don't offer—mix serving sizes within a single order and swap proteins freely. Owned by Kroger since 2018, they deliver to 98% of the U.S. with family-friendly options at budget prices starting at $3.77 per serving. With 35+ weekly meals, Fresh & Ready prepared options, and in-store pickup at Kroger locations, Home Chef provides maximum flexibility for households with varying needs and schedules.
Pros
- ✓Unique ability to adjust serving sizes per recipe
- ✓Customize It feature allows protein swaps
- ✓Family meals starting at $3.77 per serving
- ✓35+ meals plus 18 extras weekly
- ✓Available at Kroger stores for pickup
Cons
- ✗Higher minimum order requirements
- ✗Some report repetitive flavor profiles
- ✗Delivery reliability issues in certain areas
Green Chef
Green Chef earns its position as the only USDA-certified organic meal kit service, setting the standard for clean eating and specialized diets. With 8 dedicated meal plans including Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean, Plant-Based, and Gluten-Free, they cater to specific dietary needs with organic ingredients. Owned by HelloFresh, Green Chef combines sustainable practices with premium ingredients. While pricier than conventional options, the organic certification and dietary specialization justify the investment for health-conscious consumers with specific nutritional requirements.
Pros
- ✓Only USDA-certified organic meal kit service
- ✓8 specialized plans including Keto and Paleo
- ✓Sustainable, recyclable packaging
- ✓Pre-measured sauces and spices included
- ✓As low as $6 per serving with promotions
Cons
- ✗Higher pricing for organic certification
- ✗Prep times vary widely (10-45 minutes)
- ✗Smaller menu than mainstream competitors
Gobble
Gobble revolutionizes meal kits with their 15-minute cooking guarantee—chefs handle all chopping, dicing, and sauce preparation before delivery. This smart meal kit concept delivers sophisticated recipes with minimal time investment and fewer dishes. While priced at $11.99-$13.99 (premium for a meal kit), the time savings appeal to busy professionals who want home-cooked quality without extended prep. With Classic, Lean & Clean, and Vegetarian options, Gobble bridges the gap between meal kits and prepared meals.
Pros
- ✓15-minute cooking time on most meals
- ✓Chefs do all chopping and sauce-making
- ✓Fewer dishes to clean
- ✓Sophisticated recipes despite speed
- ✓Lean & Clean option for health-conscious
Cons
- ✗Higher pricing at $11.99-$13.99 per meal
- ✗Smaller menu selection than competitors
- ✗Less cooking skill development
EveryPlate
EveryPlate delivers unbeatable value as the most affordable meal kit service, with pricing as low as $4.99 per serving (promotional rates at $2.99). Owned by HelloFresh, they maintain quality while cutting costs through simpler packaging and comfort food recipes. While you won't find organic ingredients or exotic cuisines, EveryPlate provides fresh, tasty, family-friendly meals that beat fast food prices. Perfect for budget-conscious families, students, and anyone wanting to reduce grocery bills without sacrificing home cooking.
Pros
- ✓Lowest pricing at $4.99-$6.99 per serving
- ✓Owned by HelloFresh for reliable quality
- ✓Promotions as low as $2.99 per serving
- ✓Simple, approachable recipes
- ✓Great for families on tight budgets
Cons
- ✗Not organic or premium ingredient sourcing
- ✗Smaller menu selection (20+ vs 40+)
- ✗Less exotic or adventurous recipes
Dinnerly
Dinnerly competes directly with EveryPlate as the budget meal kit champion, offering $4.99-$7.04 per serving with an impressive 100+ weekly recipes. As Marley Spoon's budget brand, they cut costs through digital-only recipe cards and minimal packaging while maintaining fresh ingredients. Recipes use 5-6 ingredients for simplicity, perfect for beginner cooks. With vegetarian and low-carb options despite the budget focus, Dinnerly proves healthy home cooking doesn't require premium prices.
Pros
- ✓Extremely affordable at $4.99-$7.04 per serving
- ✓100+ weekly recipes despite low price
- ✓Digital-only recipes reduce waste
- ✓Sister company to Marley Spoon
- ✓Vegetarian and low-carb options
Cons
- ✗Fewer ingredients per recipe (5-6 vs 8-10)
- ✗Basic recipes without fancy techniques
- ✗Minimal packaging can mean less protection
Sun Basket
Sun Basket blends organic sourcing with nutritionist-designed menus focused on health and wellness. Offering classic meal kits and Fresh & Ready prepared options, they cater to Mediterranean, Paleo, Carb-Conscious, Vegetarian, and Diabetes-Friendly diets. With organic produce and sustainably sourced proteins, Sun Basket appeals to health-conscious consumers who prioritize clean ingredients and balanced nutrition. While premium-priced at $10.99-$14.99, the quality sourcing and professional nutrition guidance justify the investment for wellness-focused eaters.
Pros
- ✓Organic produce in all meal kits
- ✓Nutritionist-designed menus
- ✓Mediterranean and Diabetes-Friendly options
- ✓Both meal kits and prepared meals available
- ✓High-quality sustainably sourced proteins
Cons
- ✗Premium pricing at $10.99-$14.99 per serving
- ✗Smaller portions than some competitors
- ✗Shipping fees vary by location
Purple Carrot
Purple Carrot specializes exclusively in plant-based meal kits and prepared meals, making vegan cooking accessible and delicious. With creative recipes that go beyond basic salads, they prove plant-based eating can be flavorful and satisfying. Offering both meal kits and prepared options, Purple Carrot caters to varying time availability. While limited to vegan-only menus, the focus allows culinary excellence in plant-based cuisine. At $11-$13 per serving, pricing reflects quality ingredients and recipe development. Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores reducing meat consumption.
Pros
- ✓100% plant-based—no animal products
- ✓Creative, flavorful vegan recipes
- ✓Both meal kits and prepared meals
- ✓High protein despite being plant-based
- ✓Environmental sustainability focus
Cons
- ✗Premium pricing for plant-based ingredients
- ✗Limited to vegan only (no flexibility)
- ✗Some meals require longer prep time
Marley Spoon
Marley Spoon partners with Martha Stewart to deliver creative, seasonally-inspired meal kits that elevate home cooking. With 30+ weekly recipes featuring global flavors and fresh ingredients, they appeal to adventurous home cooks seeking culinary inspiration. While mid-priced at $9.99-$12.99, the Martha Stewart brand and recipe creativity justify the cost. As parent company to budget brand Dinnerly, Marley Spoon focuses on gourmet experiences for those willing to invest slightly more in culinary quality and creative recipes.
Pros
- ✓Martha Stewart-developed recipes
- ✓Emphasis on seasonal, fresh ingredients
- ✓Creative, globally-inspired dishes
- ✓30+ weekly recipe options
- ✓Low-calorie and vegetarian plans
Cons
- ✗Mid-range pricing without budget option
- ✗Availability limited in some regions
- ✗Some recipes more complex than competitors
How We Evaluate Meal Kits
Our comprehensive evaluation examines every aspect of the meal kit experience:
Recipe Quality and Taste
We cook and evaluate every recipe:
- Flavor profiles: Seasoning, sauce quality, overall taste
- Recipe creativity: Unique dishes versus basic staples
- Ingredient quality: Freshness and sourcing standards
- Portion sizes: Adequate servings and satisfaction
- Visual appeal: Plating and presentation potential
Ease of Cooking
We assess skill requirements and time:
- Instruction clarity: Step-by-step guidance with photos
- Prep time: Actual time needed for cooking
- Skill level required: Beginner-friendly vs advanced techniques
- Kitchen equipment: Pots, pans, and tools needed
- Cleanup effort: Dishes and kitchen mess involved
Value and Pricing
We calculate true costs:
- Per-serving pricing: Cost across plan sizes
- Shipping fees: Delivery charges and minimums
- Ingredient quality: Organic, non-GMO, premium ingredients
- Portion-to-price ratio: Value relative to portions
- First-time discounts: New customer offers
Menu Variety
We evaluate selection and options:
- Weekly recipes: Number of choices each week
- Cuisine diversity: Range of global flavors
- Dietary accommodations: Vegetarian, low-carb, gluten-free
- Recipe rotation: How often meals repeat
- Customization: Ability to swap ingredients
Subscription Flexibility
We test service management:
- Plan changes: Adjusting meals per week
- Skip or pause: Vacation management
- Cancellation: Ease of ending subscription
- Customer support: Response time and helpfulness
- Delivery scheduling: Frequency and timing options
Meal Kit Cooking Times Compared
Quick Cooking (15-30 minutes)
- Gobble: 15 minutes (pre-prepped ingredients)
- HelloFresh Quick & Easy: 20-30 minutes
- Blue Apron Fast & Easy: 25-30 minutes
- EveryPlate: 25-30 minutes
Standard Cooking (30-45 minutes)
- HelloFresh: 30-40 minutes average
- Home Chef: 30-40 minutes average
- Green Chef: 30-40 minutes average
- Sun Basket: 30-45 minutes
Longer Cooking (45+ minutes)
- Blue Apron Signature: 35-45 minutes
- Marley Spoon: 35-50 minutes
- Purple Carrot: 30-50 minutes (varies)
Budget Breakdown
Ultra-Budget ($4-6/serving)
Services: EveryPlate ($4.99-$6.99), Dinnerly ($4.99-$7.04)
Who it’s for: Families on tight budgets, students, anyone wanting to beat fast food costs
What you get: Fresh ingredients, simpler recipes, smaller menus, basic packaging
Trade-offs: Not organic, fewer exotic ingredients, limited customization
Mid-Range ($8-11/serving)
Services: HelloFresh ($8.99-$12.49), Home Chef ($3.77-$9.99), Marley Spoon ($9.99-$12.99)
Who it’s for: Most households seeking balance of quality and affordability
What you get: Good variety, quality ingredients, decent customization, flexible plans
Trade-offs: Not always organic, shipping fees add to cost
Premium ($11-15/serving)
Services: Green Chef ($10.99-$12.99), Sun Basket ($10.99-$14.99), Gobble ($11.99-$13.99)
Who it’s for: Health-conscious consumers, special dietary needs, organic priorities
What you get: Organic ingredients, specialized diets, premium sourcing, faster prep
Trade-offs: Higher cost, sometimes smaller portions
Dietary Needs Guide
Best for Keto
Top Choice: Green Chef
Green Chef offers dedicated Keto meal plan with verified macro counts, keeping net carbs under 15g per serving. All ingredients are organic and clearly labeled with nutritional information.
Best for Vegetarian/Vegan
Top Choice: Purple Carrot
100% plant-based service ensures no cross-contamination with animal products. Creative recipes prove vegan cooking can be exciting and flavorful beyond basic salads.
Best for Gluten-Free
Top Choice: Green Chef
Dedicated gluten-free meal plan with certified organic ingredients. While prepared in shared facilities, ingredients are carefully selected for gluten-free diets.
Best for Paleo
Top Choice: Green Chef
Dedicated Paleo plan adheres to whole food principles: grass-fed meats, organic vegetables, no grains or legumes. Pre-measured portions make Paleo cooking simple.
Best for Mediterranean
Top Choice: Sun Basket
Nutritionist-designed Mediterranean plans emphasize olive oil, fish, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Follows established Mediterranean diet principles for heart health.
Best for Weight Loss
Top Choices: HelloFresh Fit & Wholesome, Sun Basket Carb-Conscious
Both offer calorie-controlled meals (500-650 calories) with balanced nutrition, verified macro counts, and satisfying portions that support weight management goals.
Skill Level Recommendations
Complete Beginners
Best Services: HelloFresh, EveryPlate, Home Chef
- Clear photo instructions
- Simple recipes with common ingredients
- Beginner-friendly techniques
- Minimal specialized equipment
- Customer support for cooking questions
Intermediate Cooks
Best Services: Blue Apron, Marley Spoon, Sun Basket
- More complex techniques
- Broader flavor profiles
- Some challenging recipes
- Skill-building opportunities
- Balance of familiar and new
Advanced/Adventurous Cooks
Best Services: Marley Spoon, Blue Apron, Purple Carrot
- Sophisticated techniques
- Unusual ingredients
- Global cuisines
- Creative presentations
- Culinary experimentation
Family-Friendly Features
Best for Picky Eaters
Top Choice: HelloFresh, Home Chef
- Wide variety lets kids choose
- Familiar comfort foods available
- Ability to customize proteins
- Simple, approachable flavors
- Quick & Easy options for busy nights
Best for Large Families
Top Choice: Home Chef, EveryPlate
- 4-person servings available
- Lowest per-serving costs ($3.77-$6.99)
- Bulk ordering discounts
- Generous portions
- Kid-friendly menu options
Best for Teaching Kids to Cook
Top Choice: Blue Apron, HelloFresh
- Clear step-by-step instructions with photos
- Educational about cooking techniques
- Safe recipes for supervised kids
- Confidence-building experiences
- Variety keeps kids interested
Sustainability Practices
Green Chef
- USDA-certified organic ingredients
- 100% carbon-offset shipping
- Recyclable packaging materials
- Sustainable protein sourcing
HelloFresh
- Recycling program for packaging
- Working toward 100% recyclable materials
- Insulation made from recycled content
- Carbon footprint reduction initiatives
Blue Apron
- Sustainably sourced seafood
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Recyclable cardboard and paper
- Partnership with environmental organizations
Food Waste Reduction
All meal kits reduce waste through:
- Pre-portioned ingredients (no unused produce)
- Exact recipe quantities
- Studies show 33% less waste than grocery shopping
Meal Kits vs. Grocery Shopping
Time Comparison
Meal Kits Save:
- 1-2 hours weekly on grocery shopping
- 2-3 hours weekly on meal planning
- Reduced decision fatigue
Meal Kits Require:
- 20-45 minutes cooking time per meal
- Same cleanup as regular cooking
Cost Comparison
Meal Kits:
- $5-15 per serving
- No food waste
- Shipping fees ($10-11)
- Try new recipes and ingredients
Grocery Shopping:
- $4-8 per serving (home-cooked)
- Potential food waste
- Transportation costs
- Requires planning skills
When Meal Kits Make Sense
- Earning $30+/hour (time savings justify cost)
- Learning to cook or expand skills
- Reducing food waste
- Avoiding grocery shopping
- Wanting variety without planning
Frequently Asked Questions
Are meal kits worth the money?
For many people, yes. Meal kits cost $5-12 per serving compared to $4-8 for grocery shopping, but save 3-5 hours weekly on shopping and planning. The variety, reduced waste, and skill-building justify the premium. Budget options like EveryPlate ($4.99) compete directly with grocery prices while ultra-convenient options like Gobble ($11.99) save maximum time.
What’s the cheapest meal kit service?
EveryPlate and Dinnerly tie at $4.99 per serving, with promotional rates as low as $2.99. Both offer fresh ingredients and simple recipes at prices competitive with grocery shopping. Home Chef offers family meals at $3.77 per serving. While budget services skip organic ingredients and fancy packaging, they deliver genuine value for cost-conscious consumers.
Can meal kits help me lose weight?
Yes, when choosing calorie-controlled plans. HelloFresh Fit & Wholesome, Sun Basket Carb-Conscious, and Green Chef Calorie Smart offer 500-650 calorie meals with balanced nutrition. Pre-portioned ingredients prevent overeating, and verified calorie counts eliminate guesswork. Combined with exercise, meal kits simplify weight management by removing meal planning stress and providing portion control.
How long does cooking a meal kit actually take?
Most meal kits take 30-40 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking. Gobble guarantees 15 minutes, HelloFresh Quick & Easy takes 20-30 minutes, while Blue Apron Signature may require 45 minutes. Budget services (EveryPlate, Dinnerly) typically take 25-35 minutes. Consider total time including cleanup—usually 10-15 additional minutes.
Can I skip weeks or cancel anytime?
Yes, all major meal kit services offer flexible subscriptions. You can skip weeks, pause deliveries, or cancel without penalties through their apps or websites. Changes typically need to be made before the weekly cutoff (usually 5-7 days before delivery). Blue Apron even offers no-subscription à la carte ordering for maximum flexibility.
What cooking skills do I need for meal kits?
Most meal kits require only basic skills: chopping vegetables, using a stove, following instructions. HelloFresh, EveryPlate, and Home Chef are perfect for beginners with photo instructions and simple techniques. Blue Apron and Marley Spoon teach advanced skills like making sauces or working with unfamiliar ingredients. If you can boil water and follow directions, you can cook meal kits.
Are meal kit ingredients really fresh?
Yes, when delivered on schedule. Services use ice packs and insulated packaging to keep ingredients cold during shipping. Most ingredients stay fresh 3-5 days refrigerated. Occasional issues with produce freshness occur due to shipping delays. All services offer refunds or credits for damaged or spoiled ingredients—contact customer service immediately if problems arise.
How do I choose between HelloFresh and Blue Apron?
Choose HelloFresh if you want:
- Maximum variety (40+ weekly options)
- Best value ($8.99-$12.49)
- Beginner-friendly recipes
- Quick & Easy meal options
- Flexible subscription
Choose Blue Apron if you want:
- Restaurant-quality recipes
- Culinary education
- No subscription requirement
- Sophisticated cooking techniques
- À la carte ordering flexibility
Can meal kits accommodate food allergies?
Services accommodate common preferences (vegetarian, pescatarian) easily. For allergies, you can filter recipes to avoid specific ingredients, but cross-contamination is possible in shared facilities. HelloFresh and Home Chef offer the most filtering options. For severe allergies, contact customer service before ordering to discuss safety protocols and ingredient sourcing.
What happens if I’m not home for delivery?
Meal kits are left at your door in insulated boxes with ice packs. Packaging keeps food cold for 4-8 hours (varies by weather). Most services deliver during business hours (8am-8pm) without requiring signatures. Refrigerate ingredients immediately upon arrival. If concerned about timing, some services allow delivery date selection or offer cooler pickup options.