We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why trust us?

Our experts share their picks for top-tested meal kits and prepared meal deliveries.

Whether you're looking to change things up with your usual dinner routine or want to save yourself a trip to the grocery store, a meal delivery service can be the perfect weeknight solution. These convenient and practical options offer either pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe cards or fully-prepared meals delivered directly to your door.

What's more, finding a healthy meal delivery service can be extremely helpful if you're trying to follow a certain dietary lifestyle. Having curated meals that are nutritionally balanced and delicious can give you something to look forward to and keep you motivated to maintain those healthy habits. Plus, they tend to be a healthier and more affordable alternative to take-out and can even cut down on food waste in the long run. But with the growing number of meal delivery services available, it can be difficult to find the very best option for you and your dietary preferences.

That's why the food and nutrition experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute conducted a three-month-long meal delivery services study with real-life home chefs just like you. We evaluated over 40 kits and prioritized options that we deemed healthy including balanced meals and brands that prioritized premium high-quality ingredients as well as offerings for options that kept calorie, sodium, sugar and carb counts in mind. Below, we've rounded up the top-tested healthy meal delivery service options, ranging from the best low-carb meal delivery services to the best plant-based kits.

The first USDA-certified organic meal kit company, Green Chef offers a variety of healthy meal plans and a rotating menu of 30 weekly meals that can all be prepared in about 30 minutes. From keto to paleo to vegan offerings, Green Chef has something for every health-conscious consumer and features a wide variety of organic ingredients.

How it works: You can choose from six different meal types, including: • Keto + Paleo: Carb-conscious, high-protein recipes without gluten, grains, soy or legumes • Vegetarian: Meatless recipes • Mediterranean: Features tons of veggies and healthy fats • Fast & Fit: Calorie-conscious fare made in 25 minutes or less • Vegan: Utilizes plant-based proteins, grains and veggies • Gluten-Free: Recipes free from gluten and soy.

Lab results: Our food and nutrition pros were impressed with the high-quality organic ingredients that are sustainably sourced and the delicious recipes, too. If you're looking for meals with lower carbs and calories, our experts say the Keto + Paleo plan is the best way to go; each serving contains on average less than 20 net grams of carbohydrates and ranges from 600 to 800 calories. Testers loved the "perfect portion sizes" and "high-quality fresh produce." Some pointed out how many ingredients were already prepped, which they said was a great time-saver in the kitchen.

Pricing & plans: Plans start at $11.99 per serving + $9.99 shipping, and each delivery contains all of the essentials to create three or four nourishing meals for two, four or six people.

Packaging: All of Green Chef's packaging is made from recyclable, reusable and/or compostable materials, except for when it cannot be for food safety and quality reasons. They use ClimaCell, a curbside recyclable insulation.

Availability: Green Chef delivers almost everywhere in the continental United States. They are currently unable to deliver to Alaska, Hawaii and parts of Louisiana.

This completely vegan service offers traditional meal kits with weekly recipe booklets so you can re-create the meals again on your own. Most meals can be made in about 30 minutes, and the service incorporates flavors from a variety of international cuisines. The menu rotates on a weekly basis, and prepared meals are also available.

How it works: For the meal kits, everything is already plant-based but you can also filter recipes to choose high-protein options, meals under 600 calories, nut-free, gluten-free and soy-free offerings. You'll also have the option to add on additional plant-based items like vegan cream cheese and crackers from their Plantry offerings.

Lab results: Our registered dietitians love that the service caters to a plant-based lifestyle and that each meal is balanced with complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and vegan proteins for a satisfying entree. Each meal contains between 500 and 800 calories per serving. Plus, the service has been clinically proven to help people lose weight and lower LDL cholesterol. Testers loved that the "inventive" and "flavorful" meals didn't take very long to prepare.

Pricing & plans: Meal kit pricing starts at $11.99 per serving for dinner meals and you can choose two or four servings per meal and three or four meals per week. The service does offer a select few options for breakfast and lunch that start at $4.49 to $8.99 per serving. For prepared meals, the cost is $12.99 per serving. Shipping is free on your first order and orders over $85. For orders below that price, you'll be charged an $8 shipping fee.

Packaging: Most packaging is recyclable, including the box and TemperPack Climacell Liners.

Availability: Purple Carrot ships meal kits to the contiguous 48 states. Purple Carrot Frozen is available in Whole Foods Market, Target and other grocers across the U.S.

This frozen, plant-based prepared service takes only one step to prep and is ready in minutes. The food is built around organic produce and is always gluten-free and dairy-free. They are frequently adding new items to the menu, including their latest Crumbles which are a plant-based meat alternative, and often bring back limited-edition bestselling items.

How it works: Choose from over 100 menu options which include smoothies, harvest bowls, harvest bakes, flatbreads, crumbles, soups, forager bowls, scoops, bites, lattes and mylk. You can switch up your picks before each delivery and skip a week as needed. When your box arrives, pop everything in the freezer and then either blend, soak or heat according to the instructions for each item when ready to eat.

Lab results: Our registered dietitians praise the high-quality ingredients and stellar nutrition profiles of Daily Harvest's food, noting that it's a great way to incorporate unique nutrient-rich fruits and veggies into your diet. Since the meals are frozen, we love that they won’t go to waste and can be prepared at a later date if you can’t get to them immediately. Testers loved that the service encouraged them to try new food and raved about the freshness of the ingredients. "Great quality, sturdy packaging, good variety, flavorful and easy," a tester said.

Pricing & plans: Pricing varies depending on the product. You can get forager bowls and lattes for as low as $5.99. Some of the more substantial items like Harvest Bakes come in at $11.99. Shipping is always free and the service offers three delivery options; a small box of nine items of your choice, a medium box of 14 items of your choice or a large box of 24 items of your choice.

Packaging: The cardboard box, item cups and insulation surrounding the dry ice are all recyclable.

Availability: Daily Harvest currently delivers to 95% of the continental U.S.

These nutritious meals are fully-prepared and delivered fresh to your door. They are never frozen along the way and can be conveniently heated in the microwave or oven. The brand caters to a variety of dietary lifestyles.

How it works: All subscriptions include one complimentary consultation with a registered dietitian. Choose from over 29 meals each week created by registered dietitians and chefs. Meal options include: • Chef's Choice: A variety of healthy chef-crafted meals • Keto: Low carb, high-fat meals • Calorie Smart: Dietitian-approved meals at 550 calories or less per serving • Vegan & Veggie: Veggie-forward, meat-free meals.

Lab results: Our registered dietitians like that most of the meals are protein-packed and quite substantial. There is a great selection of calorie-controlled and low-carb meals too. Both testers and experts found the meals flavorful with generous portion sizes. Testers said the meals were delivered in great condition, with one saying, "I really appreciate the quality of the meals and how well-balanced they are."

Pricing & plans: Meals range from $11 to $15 depending on how many you order. You can choose anywhere from 4 to 18 meals per week. Standard shipping is $9.99.

Packaging: Boxes can be broken down and placed with curbside recycling.

Availability: Factor delivers to the 48 contiguous states.

Fresh, ready-to-eat meals are prepared in Anaheim, CA and delivered straight to your door. Every meal is vacuum-sealed in a container and is ready in three minutes in the microwave or five to seven minutes on the stovetop.

How it works: Select from a variety of set diet plans including Protein+, Keto, Whole30 Approved, Paleo, Standard Vegan, Mediterranean Diet, Low Carb Vegan and Bulk. Meals from the Protein+, Keto and Paleo plans offer an array of high-protein options with an average of 30 grams or more protein per serving. You'll also have the option to build your box à la carte where you can select from a variety of breakfast and snack options, bulk meal items and sides and a few entrees.

Lab results: Our nutrition pros appreciate that most meals average about 550 mg sodium, which is substantially lower than other pre-made meals. They also point out that company caters to a wide variety of diets that are based on goals like optimizing fitness, cutting out meat, and more. Testers loved the variety and gave the service top scores for portion sizes and satiety of meals. "The convenience is amazing, it really doesn't get much easier for those that are short on time but still want to eat a meal that fits into their diet plan," one tester said.

Pricing & plans: Standard pricing comes out to about $10 per meal. Choose if you want meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner and opt for either five or seven days' worth of food. Shipping is free.

Packaging: The cardboard box, plastic trays and seal can all be recycled. The padding/insulation is biodegradable.

Availability: Fresh N Lean ships to the continental U.S.

The service features delicious meals that are crafted by chefs and registered dietitians. The brand focuses on nutrient-dense produce, whole grains, high-quality protein and healthy fats, all without processed ingredients. They prioritize sustainability as well, from their packaging to recipes.

How it works: Chose from traditional meal kits with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes that can be made in 40 minutes or less or Fresh & Ready meals that are already prepared and can be heated in as little as four minutes. You can further select from specific dietary preferences including paleo, carb-conscious, gluten-free, lean & clean, diabetes-friendly, Mediterranean, vegetarian, pescatarian and more.

Lab results: Our nutrition experts love that the brand uses organic fresh produce, responsibly sources its proteins and caters to so many different types of dietary lifestyles. Meals range from 400 to 800 calories per serving and are typically high in protein and fiber and come in at less than 800 mg of sodium per serving. Testers loved the creative and unique recipes and that both meal kits and ready-made options were available. “Great quality, sustainable packaging, flavorful meals,” one tester noted.

Pricing & plans: Meals start at $9.99 per serving, and delivery is free on your first order (with a subsequent charge of $9.99). Meal kits serve two or four, whereas Fresh & Ready meals serve one. Opt for two or four people and choose from two to five dinners per week.

Packaging: Both our experts and testers were impressed with Sunbasket’s sustainable packaging and delivery, which is a major effort for the brand. All packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable.

Availability: Sunbasket ships to most zip codes in the United States, with the exception of AK, HI, MT, ND and parts of NM.

Enjoy fresh, ready-to-eat vegan and organic meals that are pre-portioned. All items are also gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and do not contain any GMOs, processed sugar or artificial additives. The set menu changes weekly and rotates seasonally.

How it works: All meals are prepared and don't require any meal prep or cooking. Choose from a variety of programs including: • Signature Nutrition Program: Choose up to three meals a day for two to five days a week with a menu refreshed weekly. You'll also receive teas, a choice of supplements and access to health coaching. • Level II Detox: Designed by a doctor, this program is available once a month and includes three meals per day for five days. The menu is refreshed seasonally and you'll also receive teas, set supplements and daily check-ins from a health coach. • Bridal Program: You'll receive three meals a day for five days a week for four consecutive weeks. The menu is refreshed weekly and you'll receive teas, a choice of supplements and daily check-ins from a health coach.

Lab results: Testers found the meals filling and high-quality and loved that the food was already prepared and many items didn't even need to be heated up. “I did not think that I would enjoy the foods, but they were delicious. Flavorful, satisfying and filling. I may now be a convert!” a tester said. Another tester noted that “the food was delicious, and I felt full the entire day with the three meals. They were vegan and flavorful, and I didn’t miss any meat at all."

Pricing & plans: Starts at $25 per day. Subscribers receive discounted prices and free delivery. Choose from two-, three- and five-day options. The service offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options.

Packaging: Their food containers are made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate, and the boxes are corrugated cardboard made using recycled materials. Their ice packs are water-soluble and recyclable too.

Availability: Sakara Life ships to the contiguous United States.

Farmer's Fridge started as a better-for-you fresh vending machine and expanded to deliver meals right to your door. Balanced meals and snacks are served in ready-to-use recyclable jars, and all items are made fresh in the service's Chicago kitchen.

How it works: Choose from a variety of fresh, delicious salads, grain bowls, wraps, chia pudding, desserts and more. Farmer’s Fridge has a menu of 25+ items catering to various dietary preferences from gluten-free dishes to vegetarian and vegan offerings.

Lab results: Our nutrition pros and testers both agree that the ingredient quality really stood out, and our experts appreciate that the brand actively partners with suppliers to source responsibly grown and harvested ingredients. The convenience of reusable jars was also a standout, and the salads were not soggy and surprisingly flavorful. Testers said it made the perfect healthy lunch option.

Pricing & plans: All items are $10 or less, and the delivery fee is $5.99. There is an order minimum of $25.

Availability: Farmer's Fridge ships to 40+ states, and you can input your zip code on the website to see if they deliver to your area.

Chef-prepared and nutritionist-designed meals are delivered to your door fresh and ready-to-eat in just 90 seconds. The rotating local menus feature as many as 90 items each week too. Each meal comes with easy-to-follow macronutrient ratios, portion sizing and exact ingredients. All options are free from gluten, dairy and refined sugars.

How it works: Choose between different dietary preferences like paleo, keto friendly, mixitarian (based on meat and veggies with gluten-free grains, some legumes and natural sweeteners), plant-based, vegetarian, vegan, Whole30, low fat, low carb, Mediterranean diet and more. Macronutrient ratios are clearly displayed on each meal too, and most meals come in under 700 calories.

Lab results: Our registered dietitians love the variety of meal options for special diets and that the service utilizes a professional nutrition analysis team and commercial software program for evaluating the nutrition content of each meal. Testers gave the service top scores for portion sizes, satiety of meals, convenience and variety. “Very satisfying and wholesome meals that are tasty and extremely healthy,” one tester said.

Pricing & plans: Pricing varies based on menu items, but most meals start at about $10. Chose from two plans: A one-time ordering option or subscription ordering that automatically places your order for the following week and saves you 5% on your weekly purchase. Delivery is about $8-$9 depending on your location.

Packaging: The cardboard box, insulated liner, meal sleeve and sauce ramekins are all recyclable.

Availability: Territory delivers all across the nation and is still growing. You can check on their website if they serve your particular area.

This female-founded service offers a variety of ready-to-eat meals that are plant-based and nutrient-dense. Their weekly menu offers over 50 choices, and the brand is best known for its incredible smoothies and soups.

How it works: All meals are vegan, gluten-free and low in sugar and sodium. Choose from inventive flavor combinations like Blue Majik smoothie, kabocha congee soup, green curry noodles and more. You can also filter meals by benefits such as higher protein and lower carb, as well as dietary needs and food avoidances.

Lab results: Our registered dietitians love that the service helps create nourishing eating habits by providing high-fiber, plant-based meals void of processed and inflammatory ingredients. Both experts and testers liked that the meals don't require much prep time, and one omnivore tester commented that they were pleasantly surprised and “did not miss having meat as part of the meal.”

Pricing & plans: Four options are available. The first includes a breakfast-only weekly plan which costs $70. The Breakfast, Lunch + Reset weekly plan is $140, and the Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Reset weekly plan is $195. You can also try their non-subscription option called the On-Demand box which you can get for as low as $65. Shipping is free.

Availability: Delivery is available nationwide.

This service, founded by a holistic health coach, is centered on incredible flavor profiles and nutritionally-balanced meals like Tuscan kale and cannellini bean soup, honey-glazed steelhead trout with salsa verde and chayote carrot pancakes with poached eggs. The founder, Caroll Lee, is passionate about incorporating wholesome ingredients from her Korean heritage into the meals.

How it works: Their more robust weekly menus are available only in NYC and LA and include options for omnivore or plant-based meals, but their three-day Feel Good Fix Program is available for delivery nationwide and is entirely plant-based. This particular program includes all ready-to-eat meals for lunch and dinner plus shakes, crackers, teas and more. You'll also receive a program guide with menu details and wellness tips.

Lab results: The larger programs offered incredible flavor profiles and nutritionally-balanced meals which wowed our nutrition pros. The Feel Good Fix Program was convenient for testers and ideal for those looking for a plant-based reset. Portion sizes are on the smaller side for this program, but it is free from gluten, dairy, soy and corn. "I liked that it came with everything and that it was very simple to follow. It was also very encouraging and talked about mindful eating, and I appreciate the reminder," a tester said.

Pricing & plans: Feel Good Fix starts at $178 and provides food for a three-day cleanse program. Delivery cost varies by location but averages around $12. The Daily Essentials Weekly Menu ranges from $12 to $31 per meal.

Packaging: All of the meals come in compostable, recyclable and reusable packaging.

Availability: The three-day Feel Good Fix Program ships nationwide. Other programs ship to NYC and LA only.

The food and nutrition experts at Good Housekeeping Institute conducted a three-month-long meal delivery services study. We surveyed over 800 individuals to find out which meal delivery brands they loved. Then, we recruited over 150 consumer testers, as well as our in-house experts, to test over 40 services and make sure they lived up to the hype. We evaluated each on taste, pricing, variety, serving size, ingredients and availability. Our Registered Dietitians evaluated the nutrition profiles of popular meals for each service, as well as ingredient quality and overall nutrition transparency of the services.

As Deputy Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CSO, CDN, NASM-CPT, handles all nutrition content, product testing and evaluation. She stays up-to-date on the latest research to provide evidence-based reporting on all things diet and nutrition, and she also runs large-scale tests and analyses for products ranging from protein bars and sweet snacks to supplements and meal delivery kits. She has a master's degree in clinical nutrition from New York University and has been a registered dietitian for six years, working in the clinical setting prior to joining Good Housekeeping and obtaining advanced credentials and board certifications in the nutrition field.