I Tried 10 Meal Delivery Services: The Only One Worth It

Finding the best meal delivery service in the USA can feel overwhelming. With dozens of options promising convenience, affordability, and healthy eating, how do you know which one actually delivers? As someone who’s tested 10 different meal kits over six months – from budget-friendly options to premium gourmet services – I’m revealing the only service that stood out. Plus, I’ll share money-saving alternatives, the best choices for weight loss, and even how to cancel HelloFresh if you’re stuck in a subscription you don’t want.

By the end of this comprehensive guide, you’ll know:
 Which meal delivery service delivers the best overall value
 The truly cheapest meal kits that don’t sacrifice quality
 Best options for weight loss and specific dietary needs
 Step-by-step instructions to cancel HelloFresh or any service
 Pro tips to maximize savings on every order

Let’s dig into what makes a meal delivery service worth your hard-earned money!

What Makes the Best Meal Delivery Service?

Before revealing my top pick, let’s establish the key criteria for evaluation:

1. Food Quality & Freshness

There’s nothing worse than receiving wilted greens or soggy vegetables. The best services:

• Source high-quality ingredients

• Use innovative packaging to maintain freshness

• Deliver reliably without delays

2. Taste & Recipe Development

A service could have great ingredients but terrible recipes. The winners:

• Offer well-balanced flavors

• Provide clear, easy-to-follow instructions

• Include sauces and seasonings that elevate dishes

3. Customization Options

The best services accommodate:

• Dietary restrictions (keto, vegan, gluten-free)

• Protein preferences (extra meat, vegetarian swaps)

• Portion control (great for weight loss)

4. Convenience Factors

Important considerations include:

• Prep time (15-minute meals vs. 45-minute recipes)

• Recycling-friendly packaging

• Flexible delivery scheduling

5. Value for Money

We compared:

• Cost per serving

• Portion sizes

• Ingredient quality relative to price

After testing 10 services against these criteria, one clear winner emerged.

The Best Meal Delivery Service in the USA (My #1 Pick)

Winner: Home Chef

Why It Stands Above the Competition

Unmatched Customization

Home Chef offers:

• Protein swaps on nearly every recipe

• “15-Minute Meal” and “Oven-Ready” options

• Calorie-conscious and carb-conscious tags

Superior Ingredient Quality

Compared to other services:

• Produce arrives fresher and lasts longer

• Proteins are consistently high-quality

• Sauces and seasonings are restaurant-level

Best User Experience

Key advantages:

• Intuitive website and app

• Easy-to-follow recipe cards

• Most flexible delivery options

Price: Starts at $8.99/serving – cheaper than takeout but higher quality.

Best for: Busy professionals, families, and anyone who wants restaurant-quality meals at home.

Cheapest Meal Kits That Don’t Sacrifice Quality

If budget is your primary concern, these affordable options deliver solid value:

1. EveryPlate ($4.99/serving)

Pros:

• Most budget-friendly option

• Simple, comfort-food focused recipes

• Good portion sizes

Cons:

• Limited healthy options

• Few customization choices

2. Dinnerly ($5.99/serving)

Pros:

• Very affordable

• Minimalist approach (digital recipe cards)

• Good for beginners

Cons:

• Some recipes can be bland

• Few premium ingredients

Money-Saving Tip: Both services are owned by HelloFresh but cost significantly less.

Budget Service Comparison Table

Best Meal Delivery for Weight Loss

If you’re counting calories or macros, these services stand out:

1. Trifecta Nutrition

Key Features:

• Fully prepared meals (just heat and eat)

• Designed by nutritionists

• Keto, Paleo, and Vegan options available

Ideal For:

• Serious weight loss goals

• People who hate cooking

• Those tracking macros

2. Factor (formerly Factor 75)

Why It’s Great:

• Chef-prepared meals

• Calorie-controlled options

• High-protein, low-carb selections

Pro Tip: Combine with [6 High-Protein Recipes for Weight Loss] for maximum results.

3. BistroMD

Medical-Grade Benefits:

• Designed by doctors

• Portion-controlled

• Diabetes-friendly options

How to Cancel HelloFresh (Step-by-Step Guide)

Many people struggle to cancel meal subscriptions. Here’s exactly how to cancel HelloFresh without hassle:

Online Cancellation Method

1. Log into your HelloFresh account

2. Go to “Plan Settings”

3. Click “Cancel Plan”

4. Select your reason for canceling

5. Confirm cancellation

Phone Cancellation

If online doesn’t work:

1. Call 1-646-846-3663

2. Say “Cancel my account” to the automated system

3. Be prepared for retention offers

Pro Tip: Take screenshots of your cancellation confirmation. Some users report being charged after canceling.

Meal Delivery Service FAQs