12 Companies That Deliver Ready-made Meals

When you don't feel like leaving the house, meal delivery services do most of the work for you. However, with so many options, it can be hard to find a service that suits your diet. Here's a rundown of the most popular meal delivery programs with prices, pros and cons, and example menu items.

For the record, this is NOT a paid promotion of any of these brands. Also, menu items and prices are subject to change. Check out the companies' websites for up-to-date information.

Want to save money on your order? Browse this list of 40+ meal kit discounts that don't require a coupon.

HelloFresh

HelloFresh is famous for its meal kits, but they've recently launched Ready Made Meals that you can heat up in minutes. Just add them to your box when you're choosing your meals. The selection is limited compared to the meal kits, but if you already have a HelloFresh subscription, this will help you save some time.

Price: Starts at $10.99 per serving

Pros: Convenient, ready in a few minutes

Cons: Limited selection

Example menu items: Southwest-style chicken bowl, tomatillo pulled pork with rice, beef bolognese with rotini

Purple Carrot

In addition to meal kits, Purple Carrot sells vegan ready-to-eat meals that take inspiration from a variety of cuisines. Their selection includes breakfasts, lunches, sides, dinners and snacks. You can also order vegan grocery items, such as plant-based cheese and potato chips, and pick up Purple Carrot-branded frozen food at participating retailers.

Price: Starts at $11 per serving

Pros: 100% vegan, lots of variety, snacks and desserts available

Cons: Frozen meals are only available in-store

Example menu items: Green chile burrito, mango fried rice, pistachio apricot oats

Sunbasket

Sunbasket sells meal kits, pre-made meals and grocery items. The pre-made meals have a small selection, but the gluten-free, soy-free and vegetarian options make them suitable for a variety of diets. Stock up on prepared meals, then add pasta, salads, breakfast burritos, lunch meats and other essentials to your fridge.

Price: Starts at $9.99 per serving

Pros: Gluten-free options, lots of grocery essentials, drinks and snacks available

Cons: Small selection, limited vegetarian options

Example menu items: Gyro-spiced chicken bowl, Korean shrimp japchae, beef pot roast

Factor

Factor meals are heavy on meat and vegetables, fortifying your body with protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats. Breakfast meals and overnight oats are popular add-ons. If you prefer to drink your nutrients, they also sell juices and protein shakes.

Price: Starts at $11.49 per serving

Pros: Hearty meals, lots of variety, drinks and breakfast items available

Cons: Few vegetarian options

Example menu items: Fiesta salmon, blue cheese filet mignon, triple berry jam pancakes

Methodology

Methodology is a luxury service that delivers meat, seafood and vegan meals made from Michelin-quality ingredients. Most boxes contain ceremonial matcha and protein truffles, plus meals for 1-5 days depending on your selection.

Price: Starts at $275 per box

Pros: Creative dishes, healthy ingredients, snacks and drinks included

Cons: High price tag, small breakfast portions, meat is more expensive

Example menu items: Lemon turmeric roasted wild cod, Korean BBQ braised jackfruit bibimbap, strawberry covered chocolate chia parfait

Sakara

Sakara focuses on light, airy dishes, such as salads, veggie bowls, broths and granola. Some of the dinner options are a little heartier, but they're still fully vegan. Instead of choosing your meals, you'll receive weekly deliveries with pre-planned menus.

Price: Starts at $140 per week

Pros: 100% vegan, nourishing ingredients, eclectic dishes

Cons: High price tag, small portions, limited menu

Example menu items: Chia and coconut protein waffles, root vegetable enchilada, vegan burger with chili cashew creme

Mosaic

Mosaic specializes in oat bowls, veggie bowls, pizza, family meals and soup that you can reheat in the oven or microwave. Most of their dishes are vegetarian, and they pull inspiration from a variety of cuisines. Once you sign up, you'll build a box with 6, 12 or 18 items.

Price: Starts at $6.99 per dish

Pros: Hearty meals, mostly vegetarian, lots of variety

Cons: Family meals are pricey, no snacks or desserts

Example menu items: Golden milk and blackberry oats, butternut squash and sage pasta, curried lentil shepherd's pie

FireRoad

FireRoad serves a variety of vegan meals, drinks and snacks. Many recipes are keto-friendly and loaded with protein. Try their granola or overnight oats for breakfast, enjoy a soup or harvest bowl for lunch, and enjoy a pizza, pasta bake or keto meal for dinner.

Price: Starts at $5.99 per serving

Pros: Vegan, large variety, keto-friendly options

Cons: No meat options, heavily protein-oriented

Example menu items: Strawberry matcha overnight oats, mango ginger turmeric smoothie, golden Moroccan spice bowl

Thistle

Thistle only delivers to select areas in the United States, but if you're one of the lucky residents, you can subscribe to a pre-planned menu of salads, curries and vegetable bowls. Their colorful dishes emphasize vitamins and minerals. If you're still hungry, Thistle sells snacks as add-ons.

Price: Starts at $9.50 per meal

Pros: Nutritious meals, vegan ingredients, snacks and desserts included

Cons: Limited range, different menus for West and East Coast

Example menu items: Golden tahini salad, mocha oats with coconut latte cream, okinawan sweet potato bar

CookUnity

CookUnity operates a chef collective that prepares a wide range of meals, including paleo, vegan, low-carb, keto and GLP-1 options. Once you sign up, you'll choose your preferences and select your meals. CookUnity learns what you enjoy and sends you recommendations before your upcoming deliveries.

Price: Starts at $11.09 per meal

Pros: Large selection, freshly prepared meals, options for a variety of diets

Cons: Different menus for each location

Example menu items: Quinoa and veggie enchiladas, white vegetable lasagna, kung pao fish

Splendid Spoon

Splendid Spoon specializes in noodles, soups, bowls, shots and smoothies, all made from plants. They're also dairy- and gluten-free. Once you choose your plan, you'll load up your box with meals and beverages. If you want to dive in, try their 5-day detox plan.

Price: Starts at $9.99 per meal

Pros: Gluten-free, dairy-free, 100% vegan

Cons: No family meals or desserts

Example menu items: Blackberry basil smoothie, kimchi fried quinoa, spiced lentil and chickpea stew

Tovala

Tovala is a little unconventional. You don't just receive meals--you'll order a special Smart Oven that you'll use to cook the ingredients in minutes. Once you choose your oven, you'll select meals from their weekly menu.

Price: Starts at $9.99 per meal, plus a one-off cost for the oven

Pros: Hearty meals, decent variety, meat and vegetarian options

Cons: Need the oven to cook the food, oven is sold separately, limited breakfast options

Example menu items: BBQ bacon cheddar chicken sandwich, sesame-crusted salmon, cheesy chipotle bean tacos

Have you tried any of these services? Would you add any to the list? Sound off in the comments.