Top 6 Meal Kit Delivery Services Tailored for Solo Diners

Top Pick

The Good Kitchen excels as a meal delivery service, offering tasty, healthy, and hassle-free options. The platform is intuitive and adaptable, allowing users to skip weeks, pause subscriptions, or cancel effortlessly. Every meal comes pre-cooked and neatly packaged, simplifying preparation. Heating each dish took under three minutes, and the microwave-safe containers added to the convenience.

The service emphasizes its commitment to premium ingredients, and during our evaluation, the quality was unmistakable. We also appreciated the subscription model, which simplified tracking protein intake and provided meals that aligned with our dietary targets. Although the portions were smaller compared to other services, the high protein content ensured they were still satisfying. 

While the weekly menu offered a variety of choices, with new additions frequently introduced, some dishes appeared repeatedly, which might feel monotonous over time for regular users. That said, every meal we sampled was flavorful, wholesome, hearty, and remarkably simple to prepare. 

Customer Favorite: Red chimichurri chicken paired with sun-dried tomato mashed potatoes

Starting Price: Varies | Delivery Area: Contiguous U.S. | Delivery Fee: $9.99

Top Choice for Variety

If variety is what you crave, Daily Harvest is an excellent choice. Over two weeks of testing, we sampled pasta, flatbreads, bowls, smoothies, dessert bites, and soups. Some items were ready to eat (like dessert bites), others required blending (smoothies), and some could be prepared on the stovetop or microwave (pasta and oat bowls). While it may not replace all our home-cooked dinners, it’s a fantastic option for a few nights each week. 

This service shines for its flexibility and ease. During your first order, you can choose a delivery date and set a recurring schedule—weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. You can also adjust or skip orders without additional charges. Most recipes only needed basic tools, like measuring spoons or cups for liquids, and a blender for smoothies. Overall, minimal kitchen equipment is required.

All meals are vegan, though the brand suggests protein additions to enhance the dishes. Some meals were satisfying on their own, while others, like the stir-fried rice, benefited from extra protein. One drawback is that some recipes require “hidden ingredients” not provided in the package. While these are typically pantry staples like milk or broth, we recommend the brand clarify all necessary ingredients upfront. 

Customer Favorite: Avocado and greens smoothie 

Starting Price: From $6.79 per serving | Delivery Area: Contiguous U.S. | Delivery Fee: $9.99

Top Vegan Option

Despite all of Splendid Spoon’s meals being vegan and gluten-free, we were amazed by their variety and taste. We sampled dishes inspired by Italian, South Asian, Mexican, and other cuisines, all expertly seasoned. The ingredients were fresh and premium, and the website provided detailed nutritional information, making it simple to understand what we were consuming. 

The preparation process was effortless. We tried entrees, pasta, and soups, all of which heated perfectly in the microwave. Each meal included straightforward instructions, eliminating any guesswork and the need for extra dishes. That’s right—no additional utensils or plates were required, just a fork. However, the smoothies didn’t impress us, so we’d suggest focusing on the main meals. 

While non-vegans might find some meals less hearty, we still valued their completeness and balance. Overall, this is an excellent choice for quick, healthy meals stored in the freezer, perfect for when you’re out of groceries or simply not in the mood to cook. 

Customer Favorite: Red lentil dal soup

Starting Price: From $9.99 per serving | Delivery Area: Contiguous U.S. | Delivery Fee: $12.99, free for orders of 10 or more items

Top High-Protein Choice

If you’re aiming to increase your protein consumption, Pete’s Real Food is an excellent choice. Each meal includes a substantial portion of protein and vegetables, which we found to be well-balanced, nutritious, and satisfying. However, this service primarily focuses on paleo-based meal plans centered around meat and vegetables, making it less suitable for vegans or those on a plant-based diet.

The brand prioritizes organic ingredients whenever possible. Their chicken, pork, and beef are raised without antibiotics or hormones, and the animals are free-range and cage-free. Despite being frozen, the meals were surprisingly fresh and high-quality, retaining excellent flavor. The frozen shelf life of up to six months is an added convenience (each item specifies its freshness duration). 

Unfortunately, one soup container had a hole, causing a messy spill in the fridge. This meal kit is also among the more expensive options we reviewed, and the $40 shipping fee was a bit startling. While it’s a splurge, we believe the convenience is worthwhile for those following a paleo diet. We recommend purchasing in bulk and stocking your freezer to maximize value. 

Customer Favorite: Roasted chicken with lemon herb caper sauce and Brussels sprouts

Starting Price: $17 per serving | Delivery Area: Nationwide | Delivery Fee: From $40

Top Healthy Choices

Factor caters to a wide range of health goals with its versatile meal subscription. The service provides a variety of regular meal options, such as breakfast, pre-cooked proteins (like chicken breasts), functional shots (for energy and immunity), on-the-go lunches, and desserts. Beyond the meals in your plan, there are over 100 additional items available weekly, and you can select between six and 18 meals per week. While protein and side swaps aren’t allowed, the extensive menu ensures you’ll find something suitable. 

The menu is organized by health goals, simplifying navigation. Options include keto, low-carb, calorie-conscious, vegan, vegetarian, pork-free, and dairy-free, among others. Most meals are lower in calories and portioned modestly, making them perfect for lunch or weight management. We appreciate that all meals are pre-prepared, requiring just a quick two-minute reheat before serving. 

Our primary concern is the cost. We tested four meals per week at $75 but often needed to buy extras. The price per meal is similar to dining out, so we recommend Factor for those aiming to reduce expenses. Bulk orders lower the per-meal cost, so purchasing more meals at once is advisable if possible. 

Customer Favorite: Peanut Buddha bowl with quinoa

Starting Price: Varies | Delivery Area: Contiguous U.S. | Delivery Fee: Free

Ideal for Beginners

Not everyone is a master chef, but Hungryroot caters to those who are just starting out in the kitchen. We were impressed by how tasty and straightforward the recipes were. The pre-packaged ingredients and sauces added variety without complicating the process, making it perfect for a quick weekend meal. We also appreciated the balanced mix of vegetables, carbs, and proteins in every dish. 

The service provides a combination of quick heat-and-serve meals and dishes that require a bit more preparation. This gave us the flexibility to choose something fast and healthy on busy nights, while still enjoying a more involved meal when time allowed. The instructions were easy to follow and accessible via the app, eliminating the need to keep track of paper slips. Typically, all we needed was a cutting board, knife, a pot or two, and basic utensils.

Hungryroot uses a point system, with each meal costing a specific number of points. Initially, we found this system a bit confusing, as it wasn’t always clear how many points each meal would require. Additionally, ingredients sometimes came in larger quantities than needed—for instance, one meal included eight tortillas, but the recipe only required four. However, we felt this was a good value overall. In our second week, we received 10 lunch and dinner recipes, along with plenty of snacks and desserts, and the total cost was comparable to what we’d spend on groceries.

Our Top Pick: Miso chicken and zucchini 

Starting Price: Around $10-$11 per serving | Delivery Area: Contiguous U.S. | Delivery Fee: $6.99, free for orders over $70

Final Verdict

Our top choice is The Good Kitchen, which delivered delicious, nutritious, and hassle-free meals. Every dish was satisfying, and we appreciated how easy it was to monitor our protein intake. For those seeking a meal kit service to meet specific health goals, we recommend Factor, which offers meal plans tailored to various diets, including vegan, vegetarian, low-calorie, and low-carb.

Our Testing Process

To identify the best meal kit services, we tested 13 options over two weeks, evaluating factors like ordering simplicity, ingredient quality, menu variety, cooking ease, and overall value. We began by creating accounts for each service and selecting two weeks’ worth of meals, noting whether the website was intuitive or if the sign-up process was cumbersome. 

After the meal kit package arrived, we inspected the contents to evaluate the quality of each item (e.g., whether frozen items remained frozen or if vegetables were fresh) and confirmed all components were included. We then followed the provided instructions to prepare the meals, avoiding any additional ingredients. During cooking, we noted if extra seasonings were necessary, how satisfying each meal was, and whether there were leftovers.  

Additional Options 

Mosaic: This meal service offers healthy, diverse, and convenient options—ideal for those who prefer plant-based meals without the effort of preparing fresh ingredients. However, many dishes were somewhat bland, and some options lacked sufficient portion sizes. 

Magic Kitchen: This service doesn’t require a subscription, making it perfect for those with unpredictable schedules or anyone avoiding long-term commitments. It also caters to various dietary needs. However, we found most meals somewhat small and lacking in flavor—better for those with specific dietary needs than for culinary enthusiasts. 

Thistle: Every Thistle meal we tried was high-quality, featuring diverse cuisines and options. The high protein content left us feeling full and satisfied after each meal. However, the main dishes cost around $15 per serving, which could become costly over time.

How to Choose Meal Delivery Kits

Price 

Meal delivery services are an investment, so selecting one with a clear pricing structure is essential. Prices per serving vary by item—soups or smoothies might be cheaper, while full meals could be pricier. Some services charge a flat fee per serving, while others adjust costs based on order size, often providing discounts for larger orders. 

It’s also important to consider shipping fees. While the meals from Pete’s Real Food were fairly priced, the $40 shipping fee was unexpectedly high, increasing the overall cost. Most services charge a flat shipping fee, regardless of order size, so to save money, we recommend ordering in bulk and freezing extras for later use. 

Remember that, no matter which subscription you choose, it will likely cost more than traditional grocery shopping. This is largely because you’re paying not just for the food but also for the convenience of home delivery and pre-planned recipes. 

Convenience and Flexibility 

One of the main advantages of meal kit delivery services is convenience—though some require more preparation than others. Many of the meal prep services we tested provide pre-cooked, microwave-ready meals, so all you need to do is heat them up. Others include items like pasta that require boiling water or smoothies that need blending. Fortunately, many come in microwave-safe containers, minimizing the need for extra dishes.

Beyond meal prep convenience, prioritize services with flexible scheduling. Look for options that let you adjust delivery frequency (weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc.) and skip weeks without extra charges. If you want to try without a long-term commitment, Magic Kitchen—featured in our additional recommendations—offers single meals without requiring a subscription. 

Dietary Restrictions 

Whether you’re aiming to boost protein intake or embark on a weight loss journey, many meal kit services cater to specific health goals and diets. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for dietary needs. 

Some options on our list, like Daily Harvest and Splendid Spoon, are entirely vegan, while others, like Pete’s Real Food, are ideal for those following a high-protein paleo diet. For a more personalized approach, we recommend Factor, which offers over 10 meal plans, including low-calorie, low-carb, high-protein, keto, and more.

Trust Our Expertise

This article was authored by Jamie Fischer, a contributor to Mytour. As a cooking enthusiast, she’s constantly seeking simple yet creative recipes to add to her routine. To identify the best meal kit delivery services for individuals, we tested 13 popular options, assessing them on flavor, ease, and affordability.