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Cooking can be equal parts joyful and stressful.
Courtesy of the brands / Laneen Wells
There are so many services out there that it can be tough to tell them apart.
To decide which are really worth the cost, we tested the top brands and compared them.
Below, shop the best kits to try (and never wonder whats for dinner again).
Original photo by SELF editorial assistant Grace McCarty
Frequency
Most meal kit services deliver once a week, but some offer different cadences or even one-off deliveries.
Quantity
Are you cooking for yourself, for two, or for a numerous family?
Dont forget to factor in shipping costs too.
Original photo by SELF editorial assistant Grace McCarty
But beyond that, the time it takes to make your meals can vary widely.
If youre looking for something thats super fast and easy, look for pre-prepared, heat-and-eat meals.
If you still want to cook, there are options that prioritize quick recipes, like Gobble.
Original photo by SELF editorial assistant Grace McCarty
Is a meal kit delivery service worth it?
But if cooking for yourself or others causes stress, meal kit delivery services can be really helpful.
They can also expand your palate, teach you new kitchen skills, and make cooking more fun.
Of course, they have to fit your budget (and meal kits can be expensive).
What is the best meal delivery service of 2024?
The best meal delivery service isHome Chef, according to our rigorous kit testing standards.
So while Home Chef is our top recommendation, we highly encourage browsingand doing lots of taste tests.
The menus are set five weeks ahead, so you could plan for dinner well in advance.
But Gobble takes it a step further by doingallof the prep work for you.
Its almost as low-effort as ordering in from a local restaurantand often even quicker to put together.
Plus, we love Gobbles family-friendly options that cater to picky eaters.
She also found the lunch options to be limited and not super satisfying.
Shipping is an additional $9.
The brand also provides responsible disposal guides for its packaging whenever possible.
The recipe cards are easy to follow and designed to be made in just 30 minutes.
Youll also find there are three meal-size options: for two, four, or six people.
Shipping is an additional $10.
The enchiladas were dry and the pork sausage needed some extra seasoning.
Prepared & Ready plans start at $53 for six meals per week.
Shipping is an additional $11.
If youre looking for a well-rounded, nutrition-packed takeout alternative, Territory is a solid choice.
The UPS shipping fee ranges from $10 to $18.
SELFs tester describedEveryPlateas a relatively budget-friendly meal delivery service with clear recipes.
Shipping is an additional $10.
It also allows you to modify each meal to fit your tastes.
This easy-to-edit approach creates a customizable experience, with the ability to fully tailor meals to your liking.
Sunbasket also offers sides, desserts, and standalone proteins.
Really short on time?
Below, find a few of the most popular ones with an overview of each services offerings and availability.
Shipping is an additional $12.
Shipping is an additional $12.
Want to cut down on trips to the store?
Try ordering from the websitesGrocerysection, which includes pantry staples, sweet treats, and more.
Cost:Two-person plans start at $13 per serving.
Four-person plans start at $11 per serving.
Theres also an option for one-serving, oven-ready dishes (each meal costs $13).
Shipping is an additional $10 for orders under $99.
The only workyouhave to do is stick your dish in the oven.
The company tailors entrees for all sorts of diets (like paleo, vegan, and keto).
Best for Meal Kit Newbies:HelloFresh
HelloFresh
Meet the something-for-everyone meal delivery service.
Shipping costs depend on where you live.
Each entree has a mix of carbs, proteins, and fats, for a well-rounded dish.
Reviewers love the convenience (meals last for seven days after delivery) and filling ingredients.
Orders of 10 meals or more ship for free.
All recipes are vegetarian or vegan, with plant-based protein in each dish.
Shipping is $10 or free with 12 to 18 meals.
Deliveries are available one to two times per week.
|Availability:Limited availability, check your zip codehere.
All Petes Real Food meals are gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free.
Cold packs can be reused, donated to local food pantries, or drained into the trash.
|Availability:Nationwide
20.
All of Daily Harvests meals are gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based.
|Availability:Contiguous United States
Additional reporting by Kristi Kellogg and Meg Lappe, C.P.T.
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