Food Shopping and Storing Best Frozen Meal Delivery Services Blue Apron is our top pick for frozen meal delivery By Irvin Lin Irvin Lin Irvin is a critically acclaimed cookbook author and food blogger. His cookbook "Marbled, Swirled, and Layered" was chosen as one of the best baking cookbooks of 2016 in the New York Times. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on January 31, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Photo: Group4 Studio / Getty Images Frozen meals have come a long way from the grocery store freezer aisle selections that we all grew up with. Meal delivery services have made it even more convenient, delivering top-quality frozen meals right to your doorstep. Though there is a wide range of meal delivery service options out there, the ones that focus on frozen meals offer some of the most convenient options, allowing you to store the meals in your freezer to eat whenever you want, as opposed to eating a freshly prepared meal before it spoils. Our top picks cover a variety of categories so you can find a frozen meal delivery service that works for you. Best Frozen Meal Delivery Services of 2023 Best Overall: Blue Apron Best for Budget: Daily Harvest Best for On the Go: Revive Superfoods Best Gluten Free: Splendid Spoon Best Vegetarian: Mosaic Foods Best for Seniors: Magic Kitchen Best for Weight Loss: bistroMD Best for Keto: Clean Eatz Kitchen 01 of 08 Best Overall: Blue Apron Blue Apron Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $7.99 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Frozen and fresh options Why You Should Try It Though it is known for their meal kits, Blue Apron also offers flavorful Heat & Eat options each week that bring globally inspired flavors to your home, minus the prep work. Pros and Cons Pros Heat & Eat meals are globally inspired and upscale in flavor profile Easy and flexible delivery day choices Optional wine delivery as well Cons Limited options for Heat & Eat meals each week Finding Heat & Eat options on website menu challenging Overview Blue Apron is one of the dominant names in meal delivery services, and it’s easy to see why, with its popular meal kits, fresh, interesting ingredients, and recipes that are easy to re-create at home. The company offers Heat & Eat frozen meals as an optional add-on to its meal kits, making it a convenient choice when you don’t feel like cooking. The meals that Blue Apron offers are a mix of accessible comfort food and internationally inspired cuisine. Each week its selection of ready-to-eat meals offers dishes like Sichuan-style beef with yakisoba noodles and vegetables, Mexican-style chicken and rice with pinto beans, and lemon chicken with brown rice, asparagus, and peas. Pricing and Plans 2 meals with 2 servings each is $57.952 meals with 4 servings each is $85.913 meals with 2 servings each is $69.933 meals with 4 servings each is $111.874 meals with 2 servings each is $85.914 meals with 4 servings each is $137.83 Meals We Tried Sweet and spicy beef bowl with rice, peppers, and edamame Chicken Alfredo pasta with peas 02 of 08 Best for Budget: Daily Harvest Daily Harvest Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $6.79 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try It Daily Harvest is known for its smoothies and harvest bowls, but it also has a wide variety of other meals, including soups, flatbreads, and bakes, all made with plant-based ingredients and frozen for optimal nutrition. Pros and Cons Pros Most ingredients used are organic or transitioning to organic Each meal has key ingredients listed to showcase its nutritional benefits Optional add-ons like snack bites, creamy scoops, lattes, and more Cons All meals are plant-based, which might not suit everyone’s tastes No traditional “main with two sides” meals option Overview Daily Harvest offers a wide range of plant-based meals for everyone’s tastes, with an emphasis on smoothies packed with superfoods like spirulina, sacha inchi, and açai berry. But beyond the smoothies lies a variety of other options like harvest bowls, harvest bakes, flatbreads, and soups. Each meal is naturally gluten free, dairy free and vegan, making it allergy friendly as well. Sample meals include a portobello and artichoke flatbread with cashew-based pesto and all-vegetable broccoli-based crust; an herbed squash and asparagus brown rice risotto with sage and leek; and a carrot and coconut curry soup with tomatoes, bell pepper, and galangal. Pricing and Plans Per-Item Pricing: Lattes: $5.99Forager Bowls: $6.79Mylk & Bites: $7.99Smoothies & Soups: $8.49Scoops: $8.99Harvest Bowls & Flatbreads: $9.79Harvest Bake: $11.99 Volume Discounts: 9-11 items: $5 discount12-23 items: $10 discount24-26 items: $25 discount Meals We Tried Mint and cacao smoothieMango papaya smoothieHazelnut and chocolate bitesTomatillo and pepper flatbreadPortobello and pesto flatbreadSweet potato and wild rice hashBrussels sprouts and tahini harvest bowlSpinach and shiitake gritsTomato and zucchini minestrone soup 03 of 08 Best for On the Go: Revive Superfoods Revive Superfoods Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $6.99 per servingDelivery Area: 50 statesProducts Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try It Revive Superfoods’ signature offering is its large selection of smoothies, but it does offer açai bowls, oat bowls, soups, and other plant-based meals, making it perfect for grab-and-go meals. Pros and Cons Pros Meals and other items are easy to transport All meals feature superfoods, packed with nutrients Adds-ons like frozen desserts and oatmeal bites are available Cons All meals are plant based, which might not suit everyone’s tastes Limited selection of meals and soups Overview Known for its wide selection of smoothies, Revive Foods also features meals, soups, and açai bowls as meal options. Each plant-based meal is naturally packed with plant protein as well as other nutritious superfoods like green lentils, tricolor quinoa, and edamame. Revive even offers oat-based ice cream and oatmeal snack bites if you want to treat yourself. Example meal options include its avocado and quinoa bowl with sweet corn and goji berries; chickpea and wild rice with edamame, sweet corn, and pomegranate; and their lentil and sun-dried tomatoes bowl with oats, wild rice, zucchini, eggplant, and red bell peppers. Pricing and Plans Pricing depends on your order. Select a box size of either nine, 12, or 24 items, then fill it with your choice of menu selections. Per-item pricing is as follows: Oats: $6.99Smoothies: $6.99Bites: $6.99Soups: $6.99Frozen Desserts: $7.99Supermeals: $8.49 Meals We Tried Hazy Cocoa smoothie Pink Dragon smoothie Açai Twist smoothie Chipotle and black bean supermeal Lentil and sun-dried tomato supermeal Avocado and quinoa supermeal Chickpea and pomegranate supermeal Guajillo tortilla soup Artisan bean and tomato soup 04 of 08 Best Gluten Free: Splendid Spoon Splendid Spoon Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $10 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try It All of Splendid Spoon’s meals, noodle bowls, soups, and grain bowls are completely plant based as well as gluten free. Pros and Cons Pros All food offered is gluten free Ability to filter meals by dietary restrictions Offers fresh smoothies and juices Cons All meals are plant based, which might not suit everyone’s tastes Limited meal options Overview Splendid Spoon’s offerings, from meals to soups to smoothies are 100% plant based and gluten free, making it a convenient choice if you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. All meals, soups, and bowls can be sorted and filtered by various dietary restrictions as well, such as lower sodium or higher protein, and you can even exclude allergens and ingredients like spicy ingredients, soy, or tree nuts via the website’s filter. Splendid Spoon also offers fresh smoothies and cold-pressed juices. Meals include roasted tomato risotto with garlicky white bean, falafel with creamy hummus and tabouli, and creamy korma with basmati rice and fried tofu. Pricing and Plans 7 soup and grain bowls are $100.4210 meals in On-Demand box are $11810 pack of soup and grain bowls is $12510 pack of noodle bowls is $13510 pack of dishes is $13515 pack of soup and grain bowls is $17715 pack of noodle bowls is $19215 pack of dishes is $19215 meals in their On-Demand box is $169 Meals We Tried Smoothies: Cacao almondBlackberry basilGreen matchaPower greensRaspberry cacao Soups: Red lentil dalGreen tomatillo chiliLentil and kaleKimchi fried quinoaCauliflower tikkaCauliflower potatoButternut turmericGarden minestrone 05 of 08 Best Vegetarian: Mosaic Foods Mosaic Foods Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $9.43 per servingDelivery Area: Major metro areas on East and West CoastsProducts Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try It Mosaic Foods offers a wide range of vegan and vegetarian meals inspired by global flavors, offering customers a unique take on frozen meals. Pros and Cons Pros Wide range of international flavors Partnered with New York chefs to create some restaurant-quality dishes Offers family meals as well as individual meals Cons Not all dishes are vegan; some are vegetarian Limited delivery area Overview Mosaic Foods was started by a flexitarian and an omnivore who both wanted to focus more on a plant-centric diet. With a wide range of elevated dishes inspired by global cuisine, the company offers veggie bowls, pizzas, soups, family meals, and more that are vegetarian or vegan. Mosaic has even teamed up with high-profile New York chefs for a Mosaic+ line of meals to bring restaurant-quality, flash-frozen meals to your doorstep. Mosaic offers meals that include cauliflower tikka masala, jerk lentil and plantains bowl, spinach and artichoke pizza on cauliflower crust, as well as family meals like Italian “sausage” pumpkin lasagna and BBQ lentil “meatloaf” and sweet potato mash. Pricing and Plans 6 items per box12 items per box gives a $10 discount18 items per box gives a $20 discountMeals vary, so prices vary per box Meals We Tried Spicy dan dan noodlesBuffalo cauliflower pasta bake Mac and greensPozole verdeVeggie kebab platterCoconut chickpea curry 06 of 08 Best for Seniors: Magic Kitchen Magic Kitchen Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $10 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try It Magic Kitchen offers a wide range of frozen meals, including a specific line of meals for seniors that are designed by dietitians to be healthier and lower in sodium. Pros and Cons Pros Meals designed specifically with seniors in mind You can filter meals by dietary restrictions Offers complete meals and à la carte courses and sides Cons Some meals are often out of stock Shipping can be expensive Overview Magic Kitchen offers meals that are ideal for seniors, working with dietitians to ensure that each meal is healthy and nutritionally balanced. Most meals are low in sodium, and you can filter meals by dietary restrictions. Magic Kitchen offers meals that cater to customers with dietary needs that range from dairy free, diabetic, and low-sodium to low-carb and vegetarian, with each meal clearly labeled with icons showing the specialty diet it accommodates. The service offers entire meals and meal bundles, as well as à la carte options where you can order main courses or side dishes by themselves. Sample meals include balsamic glazed chicken with roasted potatoes and green beans; beef with salsa verde, mashed potatoes, and Brussels sprouts; and salmon and vegetable linguini in a lemony sauce. Pricing and Plans Individual meals start at $10 plus shippingMeal programs with 1 complete meal per day: $78 to $85 for 7 daysMeal programs with 2 complete meals per day: $150 to $165 for 7 daysMeal programs with 3 complete meals per day: $225 to $250 for 7 days Meals We Tried Vegetable caponata with orzo and spinachBeef and broccoli over noodles and vegetable blendBalsamic glazed chicken with roasted potatoes and green beansChili with beans with carrots and broccoli florets 07 of 08 Best for Weight Loss: bistroMD BistroMD Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $10.99 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try It BistroMD offers meals with a balance of complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats, all designed to help you maintain or even lose weight. Pros and Cons Pros Meals designed by a board-certified bariatric specialist doctor Each meal is specifically designed for nutritional balance Specific weight loss programs designed for women and men Cons Meals are more American cuisine with fewer international flavors Can’t choose delivery day Overview BistroMD was founded by a board-certified bariatric specialist doctor who wanted to offer meals that were nutritionally balanced to help customers with weight loss or maintenance goals. Meals are designed with lean proteins to help maintain muscle, low-glycemic carbohydrates to stabilize your blood sugar, high fiber to help you feel full and satisfied, and healthy fats and moderate sodium for heart health. Beyond breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this service also offers snack bars and bites to help curb your appetite throughout the day. Sample meals include turkey breast with herb brown gravy, garlic cauliflower, and carrots; pork tenderloin with mushroom marsala, fontina cheese, garlic, and prosciutto mashed potatoes, and rosemary green beans; and salmon Provençal with roasted cauliflower and a vegetable medley of zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Pricing and Plans 5 days, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner: $187.355 days, Lunch and Dinner: $149.90 7 days, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner: $219.807 days, Lunch and Dinner: $188.89 Meals We Tried Chicken, rice, and cheddar casseroleSalmon with dill mustard sauceTurkey breast with cranberry apple chutneyOven-fried catfish with spicy tomato leek sauceBaked pasta marinara with chicken sausageMeatloaf with honey bourbon glazeMojo pork with black beans and riceChicken pad thaiGrilled salmon with creamy pestoLasagna with garden marinara 08 of 08 Best for Keto: Clean Eatz Kitchen Clean Eatz Kitchen Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $7.99 per servingDelivery Area: 50 statesProducts Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try It Clean Eatz Kitchen offers ready-to-eat frozen meals with a variety of different meal options that accommodate keto, gluten-free, weight loss, or high-protein diets. Pros and Cons Pros Multiple dietary options, including keto, gluten free and low-carb Can filter meals by dietary options Can buy 30 meal bulk boxes at a discount Cons Keto meals get repetitive Not subscription based, must reorder each time Overview Clean Eatz Kitchen is a chain of cafés where you can eat individual keto-friendly, gluten-free, or weight loss focused meals on-site or order and pick up a set of weekly meals to go. For those not located near one of its cafés, the company also offers ready-to-eat frozen meals that can be delivered anywhere in the United States. Meals can be filtered by various dietary restrictions, including keto, gluten free, low-carb, weight loss, and high-protein. Sample keto-friendly meals include chicken lasagna with green beans, keto meat lover’s pizza, and keto chicken pad Thai with Asian vegetables. Pricing and Plans 6 meals are $47.99Bulk box, which includes 30 meals, is $189.99 Final Verdict There is a wide range of meal delivery services, and frozen meals are one of the most convenient. Frozen meals keep in the freezer for up to six months, retain their nutrition if properly stored, and taste great. We picked Blue Apron as our top choice for frozen meals because of its flavorful meal options that give even its frozen offerings a gourmet twist. The company also offers add-ons like wine and pantry items, making it a great option for those who are looking for more than just a frozen meal. Compare the Best Frozen Meal Delivery Services Company Starting Price Delivery Area Products Arrive Customers Can Choose Delivery Date? Free Shipping? Blue Apron Best Overall $7.99 per serving 48 states Frozen and fresh options Yes No Daily Harvest Best for Budget $6.79 per serving 48 states Frozen Yes Yes Revive Superfoods Best for On the Go $6.99 per serving 50 states Frozen Yes Yes Splendid Spoon Best Gluten Free $10 per serving 48 states Frozen No Yes (for orders of 10+ meals) Mosaic Foods Best Vegetarian $9.43 per serving Major metro areas on East and West Coasts Frozen No No Magic Kitchen Best for Seniors $10 per serving 48 states Frozen Yes No bistroMD Best for Weight Loss $10.99 per serving 48 states Frozen No No Clean Eatz Kitchen Best for Keto $7.99 per serving 50 states Frozen Yes No Guide to Choosing a Frozen Meal Delivery Service Factors to Consider When Choosing a Frozen Meal Delivery Service Price/Cost per Meal: There are numerous factors to consider when choosing the right frozen meal delivery service. Consider the price and cost per meal, making sure that you include the shipping cost, as some companies offer free shipping and others add that on in the end. Number of Meals per Delivery: Take into account the number of meals you will receive per delivery, as not everyone has the storage in their freezer to keep large deliveries of frozen meals. Flexibility: Also consider the flexibility in ordering. Will the company allow you to cancel or put deliveries on hold?Menu Selection: Pick a company that offers meals that you will enjoy and dishes that you would want to eat, whether that means comfort food favorites or more inventive cuisines.Nutrition Goals/Dietary Restrictions: Consider companies that fit your dietary restrictions or meet your nutritional goals. Not all delivery services offer meals that will fit specialty diets, so taking the time to research various companies to find the one that fits your lifestyle and needs is key. Who Should Consider Frozen Meal Delivery Services? Frozen meal delivery services are great for folks who live busy lives. They are ideal for those who don’t like to cook or who don’t enjoy cooking but are also tired of eating out all the time. Frozen meals are also a great backup plan for those folks who like to cook but occasionally need a break, or realize the day has gotten away from them and they’re hungry and don’t have time to make a meal from scratch (we’ve all been there). A frozen meal delivery service is very convenient as the meals are delivered to your home, saving you the trouble of going to the grocery store or restaurant. Frequently Asked Questions Are Frozen Meal Delivery Services Affordable? Frozen meal delivery services vary in price with some services more expensive than others. But taking into account the ingredients, time, and effort involved in making a meal, frozen meal delivery companies can be very cost-effective. It’s worth shopping around to find a company that fits your budget. Are Frozen Meals Healthy? Not all frozen meals are created equally in terms of nutrition. Some are designed to be nutritionally balanced meals, while others are processed for maximum flavor, which can mean they are loaded with sodium, sugar, or other non-nutritious ingredients. Almost all the meals offered with frozen meal delivery services have nutritional labels and ingredient listings on the company website. Check each meal to make sure it is the best fit for your nutritional needs. What Are the Disadvantages of Frozen Meals? Frozen meals are very convenient, but they do have their disadvantages. Frozen meals often do not taste as good as freshly prepared meals. They take up space in the freezer. And though they can last a long while in the freezer (usually up to six months), the quality of the meal will degrade after a period of time. Thawing and warming them up can also be inconsistent, as microwaves vary in power and often heat the meal unevenly. Are Frozen Meal Delivery Services Good for Seniors? Frozen meals can be a great service for seniors. They offer convenient meals that can be heated up whenever you want them and they are often reasonably priced, with a variety of dishes that do not require seniors to go to the grocery store or prep and cook the meal. There are frozen meal delivery services that cater specifically to senior nutritional needs as well. Methodology We researched, tested, and tried 11 different frozen meal delivery services and 40 different general meal services to find the best frozen meals. We made sure to taste and try the frozen meals to find the best food with the biggest variety and best taste. We took into account whether the services offered meals for customers with specific diets or allergies, what sort of nutrition each meal offered, as well as the cost of each meal. We also considered how easy it was to use its website, the quality of its customer service, and how easy it was to change an order, pause a subscription, or cancel an existing order. 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