Life’s busy. Between work, errands, school drop-offs, and trying to remember the last time you actually sat down for lunch, the idea of planning, shopping, and cooking three balanced meals a day can feel… laughable.
That’s where healthy meal delivery services come in. They take the stress out of mealtime by bringing fresh, chef-crafted, or easy-to-cook meals right to your door. No grocery store lines. No “what’s for dinner?” debates. No sad salads.
Whether you’re feeding your family, treating yourself, or spicing up date night, here are some of the best healthy meal delivery options in 2024 — and why they might just be the thing that finally gets you out of your takeout rut.
Best for Michelin-Chef Dining at Home: CookUnity
Starting at $8 per meal
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have a Michelin-starred chef in your kitchen — without the awkward “do I offer them water?” moment — CookUnity is it. You’ll get dishes created by award-winning chefs from across the country, each with their own culinary style.
Expect menus that range from truffle risotto to slow-braised short ribs, plus plenty of healthy options like quinoa grain bowls or miso-glazed salmon. Meals arrive fresh (never frozen) and are ready to heat and eat in minutes.
Perfect for: Foodies who want restaurant-quality dinners without putting on real pants.
Best for the Home Chef: Hungryroot
Starting at $65 per delivery
If you love cooking but hate the “what’s for dinner?” brain fog, Hungryroot is your sous chef. Each delivery is a mix of fresh ingredients and quick recipes that you can make in 10–20 minutes.
They lean heavy on nutritious, colorful foods — think rainbow veggie stir-fries, hearty grain bowls, and lean proteins — and the recipes are flexible. Swap in what you like, skip what you don’t, and still end up with a balanced meal.
Perfect for: People who want to cook but need a nudge (and a pre-filled grocery cart).
Best for Date Night: Blue Apron
Starting at $61 per week
Blue Apron is basically the “romantic playlist” of meal delivery. The recipes are curated, the portions are just right for two, and the flavor combinations feel special — without being overly complicated.
Think seared scallops with lemon butter or roasted chicken with truffle mashed potatoes. Plus, they offer wine pairings you can add to your box, which is a shortcut to impress without a lot of effort.
Perfect for: Couples who want to swap Netflix binges for cooking together.
Best for Quick and Easy Meals: Factor
Starting at $11 per meal
Factor is for those nights when cooking is just not happening. Every meal is fully prepared and can be microwaved or oven-heated in minutes.
The menu is stacked with nutritionist-approved options, including keto, high-protein, and calorie-smart meals. Portion sizes are satisfying, and the flavors hold up — even after a quick reheat.
Perfect for: Busy professionals, gym-goers, or anyone who’s been living on protein bars.
Best for Vegan & Vegetarian Options: Purple Carrot
Starting at $53 per week
Purple Carrot proves plant-based eating doesn’t have to mean tofu and sadness. They offer creative recipes like Korean BBQ jackfruit tacos, Moroccan chickpea stew, and cashew cream pasta that even meat-eaters will love.
They also have a ready-to-eat meal plan if you’d rather skip the cooking entirely.
Perfect for: Vegans, vegetarians, and anyone who wants to sneak more plant-based meals into their week.
Best for Premade Meal Kits: Sunbasket
Starting at $10 per meal
Sunbasket blends organic, sustainably sourced ingredients with ready-to-eat convenience. Their prepared meals are perfect for those who want quality and nutrition without the prep.
Options include everything from Mediterranean grain bowls to sesame-glazed chicken — all packaged in eco-friendly materials.
Perfect for: Sustainability-conscious eaters who don’t want to sacrifice flavor.
Best for Families: Gobble
Starting at $68 per week
Gobble is the weeknight lifesaver for families. The recipes are designed to be ready in 15 minutes or less — without skimping on taste.
Kids will actually eat what’s on the plate (mac and cheese with roasted broccoli, anyone?), and parents can enjoy more adventurous flavors like Thai curry shrimp.
Perfect for: Parents who want more time at the table and less time in the kitchen.
Best Customizable Recipes: Dinnerly
Starting at $5 per serving
Dinnerly is the most affordable option on the list, but they still deliver fresh ingredients and tasty recipes.
The best part? You can easily customize the meals to suit picky eaters or dietary needs. Less chopping, more eating.
Perfect for: Budget-conscious households that still want variety.
Sacramento Shortcut: Local Picks When You Miss Your Meal Kit Delivery
Even with the best intentions, sometimes the week gets away from you and your meal delivery box… doesn’t make it to your doorstep. Don’t panic — Sacramento’s got your back.
Here are a few local spots to keep your healthy streak alive without losing a whole evening to meal prep:
- Selland’s Market-Café – With three locations (East Sac, Broadway, and El Dorado Hills), Selland’s offers fresh, ready-to-eat salads, roasted chicken, and seasonal sides you can mix and match for an instant dinner.
- Nugget Markets – Beyond their gourmet grocery aisles, Nugget has a stellar grab-and-go section with options like quinoa veggie bowls, grilled salmon plates, and fresh-pressed juices.
- Pushkin’s Kitchen – 100% gluten-free and mostly dairy-free, Pushkin’s serves wholesome, flavorful meals you can pick up for lunch or dinner.
- Vibe Health Bar – If you just need a quick refuel, grab one of their nutrient-packed smoothies or acai bowls for a no-cook dinner option.
With these local back-ups in your pocket, you’ll never have to resort to cereal-for-dinner panic again.
Final Bite
Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean endless grocery runs, sad desk lunches, or yet another week of scrambled eggs for dinner. With the right meal delivery service, you can reclaim your evenings, eat better, and still have energy left for the things you actually want to do.
Pro Tip: Try one service for a month, then switch it up — variety keeps you from burning out on the same flavors.
Check out why the Croissant Never Goes Out of Style here
