Meal planning kits, also known as meal kit delivery services, provide pre-portioned ingredients and recipes to simplify home cooking. Based on recent reviews and expert evaluations, here are the top 10 meal planning kits for 2025, focusing on variety, affordability, dietary options, ease of preparation, and overall quality. Each is assessed for its strengths, dietary accommodations, and cost, with an emphasis on reputable services that balance convenience and value.
1. **Blue Apron**
- **Why It Stands Out**: Offers over 70 weekly recipes with diverse culinary influences, clear instructions, and high-quality ingredients. Praised for its variety and consistency, it’s ideal for families and those seeking interesting flavors.
- **Dietary Options**: Vegetarian, wellness (WW-recommended), family-friendly, keto, low-calorie.
- **Cost**: Starts at $8 per serving, with a minimum of 2 meals per week for 2 or 4 servings. Shipping varies.
- **Best For**: Households wanting variety and beginner-friendly recipes.
- **Note**: Limited vegetarian options compared to specialized services, and some pantry staples (e.g., oil, butter) may be required.
2. **Hello Fresh**
- **Why It Stands Out**: Known for its vast selection (over 100 weekly recipes), family-friendly meals, and beginner-friendly instructions. It’s highly rated for taste and flexibility, with sustainable packaging.
- **Dietary Options**: Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, keto, low-calorie, gluten-free.
- **Cost**: $8.99–$11.99 per serving, plus $10.99 shipping. Discounts for larger orders.
- **Best For**: Families and picky eaters due to its extensive menu and customization.
- **Note**: No significant discounts for larger plans, but recipes are quick (20–30 minutes).
3. **Home Chef**
- **Why It Stands Out**: Offers customizable meal plans with options for 2, 4, or 6 servings, including 15-minute and oven-ready kits. Great for families and beginners due to detailed instructions.
- **Dietary Options**: Carb-conscious, calorie-conscious, keto-friendly, vegetarian, gluten-smart.
- **Cost**: Starts at $7 per serving, with shipping varying by order size. Family plans are cheaper.
- **Best For**: Larger households and those prioritizing convenience.
- **Note**: Limited vegetarian options (1–2 per week), and some users report occasional ingredient quality issues.
4. **Green Chef**
- **Why It Stands Out**: USDA-certified organic, focusing on sustainable, high-quality ingredients. Offers unique diet-specific plans and pre-prepped ingredients for faster cooking.
- **Dietary Options**: Keto, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, Mediterranean.
- **Cost**: $12–$16 per serving, with free shipping on orders over $65.
- **Best For**: Health-conscious eaters and those with specific dietary needs.
- **Note**: Pricier than competitors, but organic focus and recipe variety justify the cost for some.
5. **Sunbasket**
- **Why It Stands Out**: Combines meal kits and prepared meals with a focus on organic, sustainable ingredients. Highly customization for plant-based and meat-based diets.
- **Dietary Options**: Paleo, vegetarian, gluten-free, carb-conscious, keto-friendly, Mediterranean, diabetes-friendly.
- **Cost**: $10–$12 per serving for meal kits, $10 for prepared meals, plus $6–$10.99 shipping.
- **Best For**: Mixed households with varied dietary preferences.
- **Note**: Meat-based recipes can be bland, and it’s among the more expensive options.
6. **Every Plate**
- **Why It Stands Out**: The most budget-friendly option, with straightforward recipes and minimal prep (6 steps or fewer). Offers solid variety for its price point.
- **Dietary Options**: Vegetarian, low-calorie, family-friendly.
- **Cost**: Starts at $5.99–$7.49 per serving, plus shipping. Discounts with code NBCSELECT149.
- **Best For**: Budget-conscious households without complex dietary needs.
- **Note**: Smaller menu (dozens of options vs. competitors’ 70+) and fewer dietary accommodations.
7. **Dinnerly**
- **Why It Stands Out**: Another affordable option with simple, no-frills recipes. Great for value-seekers who don’t mind basic packaging and digital recipe cards.
- **Dietary Options**: Vegetarian, low-calorie, kid-friendly.
- **Cost**: Starts at $5 per serving for larger orders, with shipping included.
- **Best For**: Cost-conscious beginners looking for quick meals.
- **Note**: Less variety and fewer premium ingredients compared to pricier services.
8. **Gobble**
- **Why It Stands Out**: Focuses on speed, with pre-prepped ingredients and 15-minute recipes. Family-friendly and flavorful, with minimal chopping required.
- **Dietary Options**: Classic dinner options, some vegetarian and kid-friendly choices.
- **Cost**: $11–$14 per serving, with $9 shipping. First-time deals available.
- **Best For**: Busy families wanting fast, tasty meals.
- **Note**: Higher cost per serving and limited dietary filters compared to others.
9. **Purple Carrot**
- **Why It Stands Out**: Exclusively plant-based, offering vegan meal kits and prepared meals. Clinically proven to support weight loss and lower LDL cholesterol.
- **Dietary Options**: Vegan, high-protein, low-calorie (under 600 calories), gluten-free.
- **Cost**: Starts at $10 per serving, $7–$9 for family meals, plus $11 shipping.
- **Best For**: Vegans and vegetarians seeking nutritious, flavorful options.
- **Note**: Pricier for non-meat kits, and portion sizes may feel small for some.
10. **Hungryroot**
- **Why It Stands Out**: A hybrid of meal kits and grocery delivery, using AI to customize plans based on dietary preferences. Quick meals (10–20 minutes) with pre-prepped components.
- **Dietary Options**: Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, low-carb, high-protein, customizable for allergies.
- **Cost**: Starts at $11.39 per serving, with free shipping on larger orders.
- **Best For**: Solo diners or those wanting flexible, minimal-prep meals.
- **Note**: Can feel like a fast-casual restaurant, but requires some assembly and planning to maximize value.
### Key Considerations
- **Affordability**: EveryPlate and Dinnerly are the cheapest (starting at $5–$7 per serving), while Green Chef and Sunbasket are pricier ($12–$16). Most fall in the $8–$12 range, comparable to grocery costs but saving time.
- **Dietary Needs**: Green Chef, Sunbasket, and Purple Carrot excel for specific diets (e.g., keto, vegan, organic). HelloFresh and Blue Apron offer a broad variety for mixed households.
- **Prep Time**: Gobble and Hungryroot are fastest (10–15 minutes), while most kits take 20–30 minutes. Prepared meal options (e.g., Sunbasket’s Fresh & Ready, Purple Carrot) require only heating (2–10 minutes).
- **Sustainability**: Green Chef and Sunbasket prioritize organic ingredients and recyclable packaging. HelloFresh also uses sustainable materials.
- **Customization**: Home Chef, HelloFresh, and Hungryroot allow protein swaps and flexible plans. Most services let you skip weeks or cancel easily online.
### Notes
- **Testing Rigor**: Rankings are based on expert reviews from sources like CNET, Epicurious, and Bon Appétit, which tested dozens of services for taste, quality, and ease.
- **Critical View**: While these services are convenient, they’re not always cheaper than grocery shopping and meal prepping yourself. Prices per serving can add up, especially for larger households, and some users report inconsistent ingredient quality (e.g., Home Chef).
- **Promotions**: Many services offer first-time discounts (e.g., HelloFresh’s 10 free meals, EveryPlate’s $1.99 per meal). Check sites like shomp.com for deals.
For the best fit, consider your budget, dietary needs, and time constraints. If you prioritize affordability, EveryPlate or Dinnerly are top choices. For dietary specificity, Green Chef or Purple Carrot shine. For variety and ease, Blue Apron or HelloFresh lead. Visit provider websites (e.g., hellofresh.com, blueapron.com) for current pricing and promotions.
