Meal delivery services are a convenient solution for busy individuals looking to eat healthily without the hassle of planning, shopping for, and preparing meals. They can be particularly helpful for those trying to transition to a plant-based diet, which has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. (1)
To help you narrow down your choices, our team tested dozens of vegetarian meal delivery services. We rated them based on ingredient quality, taste, price, and more, providing key features and expert insights for each so you can make an informed decision when choosing the best service for your lifestyle.
Best vegetarian meal delivery service overall
Trifecta’s vegetarian meals are high in protein and crafted with whole-food ingredients, including whole grains, beans, legumes, and organic vegetables. All meals arrive fully prepared and ready to enjoy after just a few minutes in the microwave. Plus, we love that the service provides an app with access to tracking tools, personalized guidance, and community support.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Our picks for the best vegetarian meal delivery service
- Best overall: Trifecta
- Best variety: Home Chef
- Best for families: Hungryroot
- Best vegan: Purple Carrot
- Best ready-to-heat: Factor
- Best eco-friendly: Green Chef
- Best budget: Dinnerly
Compare vegetarian meal delivery services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Trifecta | Home Chef | Hungryroot | Purple Carrot | Factor | Green Chef | Dinnerly | |
| Rating | |||||||
| Cost per meal | Starts at $15 | Starts at $9.99 | Starts at $9.69 | Starts at $11 | Starts at $11.49 | Starts at $11.99 | Starts at $4.99 |
| Delivery cadence | Weekly | Weekly | Weekly | Weekly | Weekly | Weekly | Weekly |
| Diet options | Standard, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian, Classic, Keto | Low-calorie, low-carb, high-protein, vegetarian | Low-calorie, low-carb, high-protein, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian | Vegetarian, vegan, high protein, low-calorie, gluten-free | Low-calorie, low-carb, vegetarian, vegan, keto | Gluten-free, Mediterranean, low calorie, plant-based, high protein, keto | Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, low carb, low calorie |
Best vegetarian meal delivery service overall: Trifecta
Key product features
What you should know
Trifecta’s vegetarian meal delivery service offers convenient access to macro-balanced meals designed by dietitians to support health and fitness goals. All meals come fully cooked, so all you have to do is throw them in the microwave before enjoying.
- Our testers didn’t specifically try the vegetarian plan, but they were pleased with their overall experience with Trifecta. However, they found the portions and taste of the meals to be hit or miss.
- On average, you can expect to pay around $15 per meal, which is more expensive than most meal delivery services. However, Trifecta offers more, including an app with tracking features, a library of educational content, and meals that don’t require preparation.
- We recommend Trifecta for busy people who want to track macros yet don’t have time to plan or prepare balanced meals.
Why we like Trifecta as best overall
Trifecta is a meal delivery service known for its wide variety of meals made with fresh, organic ingredients. We appreciate Trifecta’s approach to a comprehensive wellness routine, offering meals, tracking tools, and community support to help you reach your goals.
All meals from Trifecta are pre-cooked and shipped directly to your door. They arrive fresh and ready to eat within minutes, perfect for busy people who don’t have time to plan, shop for, and prepare balanced meals.
We love the variety of vegetarian meals offered by Trifecta, with up to 25 options to choose from each week.
All vegetarian meals from Trifecta are high in protein, with an average of 20 grams per meal. This can be especially helpful for people who are looking to add more protein to their vegetarian diet.
Trifecta stands out from competitors by offering lower sodium vegetarian meal options. Most meals contain 300-500 milligrams of sodium, which is lower than other services we’ve tested. This can make it easier for people to cut back on sodium and stay within the recommended limit of 2,300 milligrams per day. (2)
If you’re unsure whether you’re meeting your nutrient needs, consider downloading the free Trifecta app. The app allows you to track your nutrition, exercise, water intake, and more. It also has access to a large library of workouts, recipes, and educational content to guide you toward healthier choices.
Data suggests that people may be more likely to reach their health and fitness goals faster when using an app to track food. (3)
“Accountability is one of many tools to achieve success. While personal accountability, like a friend, partner or co-worker are all fantastic, research has also shown that apps can support outcomes as well” adds Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD.
Note that most meals are designed for weight loss and contain between 350 and 550 calories. So, if you’re very active or trying to maintain or gain weight, you may need to incorporate more healthy snacks between your meals.
Our product tester noted that, while she loved the flavor of most of her meals, some portions were smaller than she had hoped. “I felt like the portions were a little on the small side, which left me always feeling hungry shortly after eating,” she said.
We like Trifecta’s generous refund policy, which allows for a full refund for up to seven meals on your first order if you’re unsatisfied.
To learn more, visit our full Trifecta meals review.
What customers are saying
Overall, customers seem satisfied with Trifecta. Positive reviewers are happy with the flavor of the meals. However, several customers would like to see improvements within the app itself.
Apple App Store customer identified as Doctor Cup loves the flavor and quality of Trifecta’s vegetarian meals.
“I absolutely love the meals provided by Trifecta! I am not a vegetarian in my everyday life, but decided to try the vegetarian meal option with Trifecta. I have been so pleasantly surprised at how delicious the food has been. I look forward to lunch and dinner.”
Username “Doctor Cup,” Apple App Store
However, opinions on the app’s functionality are divided. While many users on the Google Play Store like the app’s tracking features, several wish the app included beginner workouts and a more user-friendly interface.
“Trifecta is a good app for tracking food intake, but the interface could be a little more user-friendly,” Google Play Store customer Michelle H. writes. “Haven’t used the workout part of the app much because it’s primarily targeted at CrossFit people, and I can’t even begin to go there.”
Specs
| Meal options | Breakfast, lunch, and dinner |
| Diet options | Paleo, keto, vegetarian, vegan, classic |
| Weekly shipping cost | $9.99 |
| Meal types | Prepared |
| Meals per week | 5 to 14, with 5 to 7 optional breakfast add-ons |
Best variety vegetarian meal delivery service: Home Chef
Key product features
What you should know
Home Chef’s meal kits include everything you need to make delicious vegetarian meals at home in around 30 minutes.
- Our product tester loved the flavor and convenience of the meals she received.
- Home Chef meal kits start at $9.99 per serving and include everything you need to prepare delicious vegetarian meals.
- The company’s vegetarian meal kits are ideal for busy people who don’t have time to plan meals or shop for groceries but still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal.
- Home Chef provides ongoing discounts to first responders, healthcare workers, military workers, teachers, government officials, and students.
- Several of Home Chef’s vegetarian meals contain over 1,000 milligrams of sodium, which may not be appropriate for people with high blood pressure or heart, kidney, or liver problems. (4)
Why we like Home Chef as best variety
While not exclusively vegetarian, Home Chef stands out for its unique selection of vegetarian meal kits that include pre-portioned, fresh ingredients. This can help reduce food waste, especially for ingredients that you may not use often. (5)
“Food waste is unfortunately a major issue globally,” Mohr adds. “And often when making new recipes, you may need just a small portion of one ingredient or another and the rest can be wasted. Food kits, with pre-portioned ingredients, may help with reducing that excess, which is a bonus when trying unique recipes and recipes.”
The service typically offers at least 15 breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and dessert options each week. However, selection varies, and the company only guarantees a minimum of three vegetarian meal options each week.
To view Home Chef’s weekly vegetarian choices, simply apply the vegetarian filter when selecting your meals after signing up. The menu changes weekly, rotating through nearly 300 vegetarian recipes, including customer favorites like lasagna bianca, Mexican street corn flatbread, and Mexicali cheesy penne, to keep your meals exciting.
If you don’t see anything appetizing on Home Chef’s weekly menu, we love that you can use the service’s “Customize It” option. This feature allows you to substitute plant-based proteins for meat in many recipes.
All Home Chef meals come with easy-to-follow recipe cards that cater to all skill levels, from beginner chefs to seasoned pros. Plus, most meals can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, which we know busy people will appreciate.
If you have a large family, you’ll appreciate that Home Chef’s meal kits can serve up to six people per meal, unlike many other meal delivery services.
Our product tester appreciated Home Chef’s meals’ simple recipes and flavor.
“My husband and I love these meals because they are so easy to make and delicious.”
Team Product Tester
She also found the recipe cards helpful and said the service helped her become more comfortable in the kitchen. “The recipe cards are great, and we’ve even made some dishes on our own. The wonderful sauces make each meal perfect, and we’ve learned a lot about cooking from trying different recipes,” she added.
Visit our complete Home Chef review for more insights.
What customers are saying
Customers love Home Chef for its fresh ingredients, large recipe selection, and flavorful meals. Trustpilot reviewer Karen W. appreciated the easy-to-follow directions and the quality of her meals.
“The meals were generally delicious to very good, with fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow directions.”
Karen W., Trustpilot
Karen also noted that she’s lost weight and saved money on her grocery bill, adding, “Since using Home Chef, my grocery bill is much less, and I’m making fewer trips to the store. The meals are healthy and satisfying, so I’m not getting hungry and snacking as much. I’ve lost weight, too!”
The most common customer complaints mention receiving incorrect meals and missing recipe cards or ingredients.
Specs
| Meal options | Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with optional add-ons |
| Diet options | Low-calorie, low-carb, high-protein, vegetarian |
| Weekly shipping cost | $10.99 |
| Meal types | Meal kits, prepared meals (not available on vegetarian plan) |
| Meals per week | Up to 6 meals per week; up to 6 servings per meal |
Best vegetarian meal delivery service for families: Hungryroot
Key product features
What you should know
Hungryroot is a grocery delivery service that ships full-size groceries along with meal plans tailored to your lifestyle.
- According to our product tester, Hungryroot’s ingredients always arrive fresh, and the recipes are quick and easy to prepare.
- Hungryroot starts at just under $10 per meal. This may be more expensive than researching your own recipes and doing a grocery pickup. However, its large recipe selection, quality ingredients, and convenience may be worth it.
- We recommend Hungryroot to anyone who wants to streamline meal prep, saving time and energy each week.
Why we like Hungryroot as best for families
Hungryroot is a grocery delivery service that simplifies meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking by recommending groceries based on your needs and providing recipes to transform them into quick, healthy dishes.
You’ll get started by taking a quiz that asks questions about you and your family’s health goals, eating habits, and budget. From there, Hungryroot will recommend a customized weekly eating plan along with suggested groceries and recipes that fit your family’s needs.
If you’re not happy with your suggested recipes, you can edit your plan to get exactly what you’d like. Hungryroot has one of the most extensive recipe databases, with over 3,800 vegetarian recipes to choose from. You also have the option to add grocery staples, including veggie ketchup, salad kits, fresh fruit, bread, plant-based proteins, and more.
We appreciate that Hungryroot caters to vegetarian families with children by offering a large selection of kid-friendly meals, including plant-based chicken tenders, lentil meatballs, and creamy cauliflower mac.
“Introducing kids to different foods has been shown to improve the likelihood and experience with dietary choices. As a parent of two young kids, we’ve seen this first hand and it’s also supported in the literature with studies showing interventions with different foods can enhance outcomes,” Mohr shares. “One easy way to do this could be with food kits, to explore different options that you may not otherwise consider.” (4)
Unique to Hungryroot are its Family Meals recipes, designed to feed both vegetarians and non-vegetarian family members. These meals use overlapping ingredients to create two similar dishes—one for you and one for others, for those who might prefer different flavors.
For example, the Roasted Chicken or “Chicken” Tenders with Broccoli and Rice include two servings of roasted chicken and two servings of plant-based chicken tenders, along with four servings of broccoli and rice.
We love that Hungryroot uses fresh, whole foods but reduces prep time by offering pre-portioned ingredients. Further, some ingredients, including grains, arrive pre-cooked, saving you time cooking.
Our tester loved the convenience of Hungryroot, saying, “I only spent around 10 minutes prepping and baking meals. Hungryroot is something I would definitely like to continue using.”
But, we don’t like the sodium content of some meals. For example, the vegetarian Zesty Beef Burrito Bowl packs over 2,000 milligrams of sodium, 90% of the Daily Value (DV). Over time, consistently high intakes of sodium may not support cardiovascular health and blood pressure. (6)
Note that some foods may be processed in the same facility as major allergens. You can check the item’s description to see if a food labeled as free from an allergen is processed in a facility that handles allergens.
Check out our comprehensive Hungryroot review to see everything this brand has to offer.
What customers are saying
Customers love Hungryroot for its ingredient quality, meal variety, and generous portion sizes.
“Hungryroot provides an expansive list of options each week. The ability to sort recipes by various criteria (e.g. food allergies, nutrition, chef picks) sets Hungryroot out from the rest of the services. Most of the ingredients can be edited if you want to customize a recipe. With other delivery services, I found myself throwing away ingredients that I didn’t like or couldn’t eat, which is a tremendous waste.”
Wendy B., Trustpilot
However, several customers, including Trustpilot reviewer Elle, find the setup process annoying.
“Setup is a little confusing. The food is flavorful, and the vegetables are very fresh. So far, good. We have had only one delivery so far. It would be excellent to speak to a person, not just chat,” Elle writes.
Specs
| Meal options | Lunch and dinner with optional add-ons |
| Diet options | Low-calorie, low-carb, high-protein, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian |
| Weekly shipping cost | $6.99; orders over $70 ship free |
| Meal types | Prepared meals, meal kits |
| Meals per week | Up to 8 recipes per week; up to 4 servings per recipe |
Best vegan meal delivery service: Purple Carrot
Key product features
What you should know
Unique to Purple Carrot is its 100% vegan menu, which offers a variety of meal kits and premade vegan meals that you don’t have to search for like you would with other meal delivery services. Plus, we love that you can add snacks, smoothies, and beverages through Purple Carrot’s “Plantry.”
- Our product tester was happy with Purple Carrot’s meals’ portion sizes and flavor. However, she did mention that the pre-made meal selection was pretty limited.
- Meal kits run on the high end for meal delivery services. However, the company is 100% vegan and offers more options, which increases its value for many customers.
- We recommend Purple Carrot to those who follow a vegan diet and are looking to try new and unique recipes while saving time.
Why we like Purple Carrot as best vegan
Purple Carrot stands out for its high-quality, fully vegan meal options, offering 15+ weekly options. We love that most meals are balanced, featuring complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
Research shows that nutritionally balanced diets, combined with appropriate supplements where necessary, and/or fortified foods containing B12 and other nutrients, may help reduce the risk of nutrient deficiencies, which are common in those who follow vegan diets. (7)
We appreciate that Purple Carrot offers high-protein options, which contain at least 15 grams of protein per serving, though they typically contain more. For example, the French Lentil Bowls boast 32 grams of protein per serving.
The service also prioritizes organic ingredients when possible. You’ll notice that most non-produce items, such as beans, nut milk, and vegan yogurt, are organic.
Purple Carrot caters to a variety of needs, offering both ready-made meals and meal kits. Ready-made meals arrive fresh and can be heated and ready to eat in less than five minutes. Plus, you can mix and match both meal types to accommodate your schedule.
When selecting your meals, you can filter by diet type, with various options, including gluten-free, low-sodium, nut-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and under 600 calories.
A complete nutritional label, including a full ingredient list with allergen information, is clearly provided online for all meals. Note that the facilities that process meals handle allergens and are not certified to be gluten-free. Therefore, they aren’t appropriate for someone with a severe food allergy.
Our product tester, who tried Purple Carrot’s meal kits, was happy with his meals, saying, “The ingredients were fresh, and the meals were really flavorful. The portions were also generous.” However, he did note that he’d like to see a larger selection of pre-made meals.
Purple Carrot also has an app where you can schedule and manage deliveries, access dozens of recipes, and get order reminders.
For more information, check out our Purple Carrot review.
What customers are saying
Reviews on Trustpilot are mixed. Most customers seem pleased with the flavor of Purple Carrot meals, with several commenting that their food arrives quickly, is fresh, and tastes delicious.
“I am so happy I found this meal service. They literally have something for everyone, and it makes me feel great that I am making delicious meals quickly that are actually great for me!”
Shanna P., Trustpilot
However, a few customers have complained about the difficult sign-up process, foods arriving past their expiration date, and billing issues.
“The recipes are pretty good. The meal preps are good, with the exception that most fruit is not ripe. My complaint is that when the ready-made meals get to me, they are either expired or will expire in 2 to 3 days. I can’t eat 10 to 15 meals in 2 to 3 days,” writes Angelico J., another Trustpilot reviewer.
Specs
| Meal options | Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the option to add on grocery staples |
| Diet options | Vegetarian, vegan, high protein, low-calorie, gluten-free |
| Weekly shipping cost | $10–$20, depending on your location; orders over $100 ship free |
| Meal types | Prepared meals, meal kits |
| Meals per week | Up to 4 recipes per week; up to 4 servings per recipe; up to 10 prepared meals |
Best ready-to-heat vegetarian meal delivery service: Factor
Key product features
What you should know
Factor makes following a vegetarian diet easy by delivering freshly made, filling meals to your door each week. The meals are never frozen and can be heated and ready within two minutes.
- Our product tester, a registered dietitian, loved the convenience of Factor meals. I’ve personally tried one of Factor’s vegetarian meal options and was surprised at how flavorful and filling it was.
- With prices starting at $11.49 per meal, Factor meals cost slightly more than other meal delivery services. However, their large portions and quality ingredients may make it worth it. I planned on canceling after my first shipment, which was substantially discounted, but I opted to continue to receive meals to fill in on days when I was busy.
- Factor meals are great for anyone who is looking to enjoy healthy, filling meals without cooking. However, they may not be ideal for large families since each meal contains only one serving.
- Factor offers ongoing discounts to first responders, healthcare workers, military workers, teachers, government officials, and students through ID.me.
Why we like Factor as best ready-to-heat
Over the past several years, Factor has become an incredibly popular choice among folks looking to simplify their cooking routine. As a dietitian, I appreciate that all meals, including vegetarian options, are nutritionally balanced and contain vegetables, grains, and protein.
Last month, I decided to try Factor myself to see what the hype was about. While I didn’t test the vegetarian plan, I did incorporate a few vegetarian meals into my shipment.
Overall, I was very satisfied with my meals and found most of them to be flavorful, including my vegetarian-friendly meal. I’m not a big snacker and prefer eating fewer larger meals throughout the day, so I appreciated the larger-than-average portions.
My only complaint is that I wish the broccoli in some of my meals were more seasoned, as it was pretty bland. Otherwise, the green beans and other veggies tasted great.
Factor offers over 35 vegetarian meal options that rotate each week. Customer favorites include Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Fusilli, Three-Bean Chili, and Peanut Buddha Bowl. You also have the option to add on breakfast and snacks, including vegetarian-friendly breakfast bowls, pressed juices, and desserts.
Unfortunately, you probably won’t find any more than a handful of vegetarian meals on the menu most weeks. As such, Factor meals may be better suited for someone looking to substitute a couple of meals a week rather than relying on it for all of their meals, which could be a nice introduction to enjoying plant-forward meals.
However, since Factor only offers single-serving meals, it may not be cost-effective for large families.
If you have any questions about your meals or nutritional needs, you can schedule a 20-minute phone consultation or chat with one of Factor’s dietitians free of charge.
For more information, see our full Factor meals review.
What customers are saying
Many customers are satisfied with the flavor, quality, and convenience of Factor meals.
“I usually don’t review a lot of things, but I had to say this. Factor does one thing very right. If you have dietary restrictions, they take that into account when preselecting meals for you. I’m vegetarian. They only preselected vegan and vegetarian meals. I love that! (I tried “every plate,” and they don’t do that.) The premade meals are easy to pop in the microwave for those days. I’m just too tired to cook. They’re pretty good, too!”
Kaitlin, Google Play Store
However, some users note the limited selection as a drawback and say the flavor of the meals could be better.
“The food isn’t terrible, but it isn’t tasty yet high in sodium. The vegetarian selection is limited and repetitive, with 4 options per week, 3 of which are repeated from a few weeks ago,” wrote Daniel C., a Google Play Store customer. “Several dishes feel like just rehashing the same ingredients. Tastes much closer to frozen food than fresh food.”
Specs
| Meal options | Lunch and dinner, with optional add-ons |
| Diet options | Low-calorie, low-carb, vegetarian, vegan, keto |
| Weekly shipping cost | $10.99 |
| Meal types | Prepared |
| Meals per week | 6-18 meals |
Best eco-friendly vegetarian meal delivery service: Green Chef
Key product features
What you should know
As one of the only USDA-certified organic meal delivery services, Green Chef stands out for its selection of high-quality, organic foods that support human and environmental health.
- Our tester loved the flavor of her meals, though she mentioned that the portion sizes seemed small compared to other meal delivery services.
- Meals start at just under $11.99 per serving, which is slightly higher than other meal delivery services. However, it may be worth it if eating organic is a priority for you.
- Green Chef may be a good option for individuals or families who want to enjoy vegetarian meals but are willing to cook.
Why we like Green Chef as best overall
Some evidence suggests that organic foods contain higher levels of micronutrients and antioxidants; other studies show that organic is equal to conventional options. Other research indicates that organic options are better for the environment for the environment. Further studies are needed to determine whether eating organic foods provides significant health benefits compared to conventionally grown foods. (8)
If you’re interested in incorporating more organic foods but lack the access or time to source them, you’ll be happy to learn about Green Chef—a USDA-certified organic meal delivery service that ships organic food to your door. Most of Green Chef’s packaging is recyclable, except when it poses a safety or quality concern.
Green Chef offers plans to accommodate a variety of diet restrictions, including vegetarian and vegan options. Its nine menu options rotate each week. Customer favorites include Fish-less Pie, Oven-Baked Pesto Risotto, and Vegan Sheesy Smash Burger Tacos.
We love that Green Chef does most of the work for you, sending everything you need to craft a delicious vegetarian meal in around 30 minutes. Each box includes pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes that are suitable for all skill levels.
We also like that every recipe is clearly labeled with the estimated cooking time, so you can save quicker meals for nights when you’re busy.
While our product tester didn’t get a chance to try Green Chef’s vegetarian entrees, she did note that she enjoyed the flavor of the meals she received. However, she was disappointed with the portion sizes, stating, “The portions seem small compared to other meal delivery services.”
Our tester also mentioned that most recipes require multiple pieces of kitchen equipment, which can increase clean-up time.
If you need help choosing the best meal plan for your lifestyle, we suggest taking advantage of Home Chef’s free 20-minute coaching session with one of their dietitians.
See our Green Chef review for more insights on this brand.
What customers are saying
Customers appreciate that Green Chef’s meal kits are easy to prepare and flavorful, though there have been some reports of spoiled produce arriving.
One anonymous customer on Trustpilot wrote, “Green Chef takes away the guesswork of figuring out what to eat for dinner/lunch and saves us time from having to go to the grocery store. Plus, it provides plant-based meals that suit our dietary needs. We’ve, unfortunately, found that some ingredients in our boxes are either spoiled (corn, bell peppers, and artichokes) or close to being done (green onion, kale). Thankfully, these instances are reportable, and the company will offer some compensation. Overall, however, we really enjoy the recipes as they are very tasty and super easy to make!”
Specs
| Meal options | Lunch and dinner, with optional add-ons |
| Diet options | Gluten-free, Mediterranean, low calorie, plant-based, high protein, keto |
| Weekly shipping cost | $10.99 |
| Meal types | Meal kits, prepared meals in the Green Market |
| Meals per week | Up to 4 meals per week; up to 6 servings per meal |
Best budget vegetarian meal delivery service: Dinnerly
Key product features
What you should know
Dinnerly keeps meals affordable by reducing packaging, paper recipe cards, and the number of meal ingredients. The service offers a rotating weekly menu with at least six vegetarian meals.
- Our tester appreciated that the recipes were simple and that the digital recipe cards made nutritional info incredibly easy to find. Although our tester didn’t have a great experience with Dinnerly’s ready-made meals, she loved the meal kits she received.
- Dinnerly is cheaper than most meal delivery services, with prices starting as low as $4.99 per meal.
- Dinnerly may be a good option for busy individuals or families who are looking to enjoy tasty vegetarian meals without spending a ton of money or time in the kitchen.
- The service primarily uses simple, conventional ingredients. We don’t recommend it for someone who prefers to eat mostly organic foods.
Why we like Dinnerly as best budget
Dinnerly prides itself in being one of the most affordable meal services, offering meal kits that start at just $4.99 per serving.
We love that most recipes are relatively quick, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare. Meals are beginner-friendly, with recipes requiring no more than five steps.
Unlike many meal delivery services, Dinnerly’s meals don’t include printed recipe cards. The company says using digital recipe cards, fewer ingredients, and less packaging helps keep costs as low as possible.
“Considering inflation and the cost of groceries today, it would be interesting to do a cost analysis to determine buying done for your meals—with the necessary ingredients—vs. shopping for specific meals themselves,” says Mohr
Dinnerly boasts an extensive menu and features at least six weekly vegetarian dishes. We didn’t like that you can’t filter meals by diet type before ordering, so you’ll likely end up scrolling through many meal options to find the ones that fit your dietary needs. Fortunately, meals are clearly labeled, which makes the process somewhat easier.
Some of the options offered on Dinnerly’s vegetarian menu include Cheesy BBQ Impossible Burger with Sautéed Onions & Smashed Potatoes, Sofrito Tofu Tacos with Guacamole, and Hoisin-Glazed Plant Chicken & Tamari Broccoli with Jasmine Rice.
Though our tester hasn’t tried one of Dinnerly’s vegetarian meals yet, she was satisfied with the meal kits she received.
“The ingredients looked fresh upon arrival, and my meals were yummy. I would order all of the meals I tried again.”
Team Product Tester
However, she didn’t have a positive experience with the ready-made meals, saying, “It tasted just like store-bought frozen meals.”
At this time, Dinnerly doesn’t appear to offer vegetarian ready-made meals.
See our complete Dinnerly review for more information.
What customers are saying
Most customer reviews highlight the service’s affordable prices and quality ingredients. Trustpilot reviewer Ciara R. also appreciates Dinnerly’s packaging.
“I really like the quality of the ingredients, the organized way it is packaged, how easy the recipes are, and how good they taste.”
Ciara R., Trustpilot
Critical reviews often mention billing issues, missing ingredients, and late deliveries. One Trustpilot reviewer, John P., enjoys the meals but would like to see a larger meal selection.
“The recipes are good, but there used to be more variety. The vegetarian options are very limited now.” John P., Trustpilot reviewer
Specs
| Meal options | Lunch and dinner, with optional add-ons |
| Diet options | Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, low-carb, low calorie |
| Weekly shipping cost | $11.99 |
| Meal types | Meal kits, prepared meals (not available for vegetarian diets) |
| Meals per week | Up to 6 meals per week; up to 4 servings per meal |
How we test meal delivery services
Meal delivery services can free up your schedule, allowing you to focus on your health and fitness goals, as well as other aspects of your life. They can also provide meals that fit your dietary needs, making it easier than ever to follow a vegetarian diet.
A recent study highlighted that meal kits may support health-promoting behaviors by increasing vegetable intake and encouraging home cooking. (9)
“Cooking is a valuable life skill that’s linked with improved diet quality and improved intake of fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, it’s also a lost skill, with some surveys suggesting most people eat out more days per week than not,” Mohr comments. “While learning cooking skills at a young age is suggested, any age is a great time to start and meal kits make that more simple with the recipe cards and exact ingredients.”
We understand that people have different nutritional needs, lifestyles, and health goals. That’s why our team aims to personally try each meal delivery service we review. Our goal is to offer unbiased, honest feedback to help you choose the best service for your unique needs.
You can find our full meal delivery service testing methodology here.
Testing criteria
Meal choices—30%
The last thing you want is to end up eating the same meals repeatedly. A good vegetarian meal delivery service should have a variety of weekly options for every meal of the day. It should also offer flexibility, allowing you to control your meal selections and delivery schedule easily. Here’s what we take into account in our meal choices rating:
- Multiple options
- Substitutions
- Guidance
- Label transparency
Food quality—30%
We want you to look forward to eating every meal from your delivery service. We aim to connect you with reputable companies that consistently deliver fresh, flavorful meals you’ll love. Here’s what goes into our quality rating.
- Flavor
- Healthiness
- Freshness
Value—20%
Meal delivery services greatly vary in price, but what you receive should feel reasonable for what you’re paying. Here’s what we factor into a program’s value rating:
- Fair price
- Multiple quantity options
- Customization
Customer experience—20%
If you miss an ingredient or receive the wrong order, it’s important to trust that the company will make things right. Here’s what we consider when looking at customer experience with a meal delivery service.
- Packaging
- Ease of preparation
- Reviews
- Customer service
How to choose the best vegetarian meal delivery services
Finding the perfect vegetarian meal delivery service for your needs may take some research. Here are a few key things to look for before making your decision:
Cost
The cost of vegetarian meal delivery services can range anywhere from $5–$15 per meal. If you don’t mind cooking and want a budget-friendly option, Dinnerly and Home Chef are your best bets. On the flip side, if you don’t have time or don’t like to cook, you may find value in Trifecta or Factor, both of which offer ready-made meals that earned high marks during testing.
When factoring in the cost of your meals, you’ll also want to consider extra costs like shipping and additional groceries you may need to prepare your meals.
Most meal delivery services offer special deals for first-time users, enabling you to try meals at a significantly lower price.
Further, several services, including Factor, Home Chef, Green Chef, and Dinnerly, offer ongoing discounts to healthcare workers, first responders, teachers, and military members. To receive these discounts, you’ll likely need to go through ID.me.
Nutrient content
If you’re following a vegetarian diet, it’s important that you eat a variety of foods to ensure you get enough nutrients for optimal health.
You’ll want to pay close attention to the following nutrients: (10)
- Vitamin B12: Helps prevent anemia; Found in eggs, dairy, fortified cereals, and nutritional yeast
- Vitamin D: Important for healthy bone; Found in egg yolks and foods fortified with vitamin D, including plant-based milk, cereals, and orange juice
- Zinc: Necessary for a healthy immune system; Found in beans, nuts/seeds, dairy, and fortified cereals
- Iron: Important for blood production; Found in beans, leafy greens, whole grains, and dried fruit
- Calcium: Vital for strong bones; Found in leafy greens, oranges, tofu, dairy products, and foods fortified with calcium, including orange juice and plant-based milk
- Omega-3 fatty acids: May support brain and heart health; Found in soybeans and nuts/seeds
- Protein: Helps build and repair bones and muscles and bones; Found in beans, soy foods, meat substitutes, dairy products, and nuts
Further, you’ll want to consider a service with a plan to fit your health goals. For example, the calorie content of most vegetarian meal delivery services greatly varies, ranging from 550 to over 1,000 calories per serving. So, if you’re trying to lose, gain, or maintain your body weight, this is something you’ll want to consider.
If you’re on a low-sodium diet, you’ll also want to look closely at the sodium content. Sticking with meals that contain fewer than 600 milligrams of sodium may be a good place to start.
Number of meals/servings
Most meal delivery services, such as Factor and Trifecta, offer pre-made options and typically only provide single-serving meals. Meanwhile, meal kits offer convenient solutions for families, with some kits serving up to six people.
Prep time
The last thing you want is a refrigerator full of ingredients that go bad before you can cook them. Consider the amount of time you have to cook and whether the meal delivery service’s prep time can fit into your schedule.
Variety
Having several meals to choose from can prevent boredom with your meals. If you only need a few meals per week, a service with just a few weekly options might be sufficient. However, if you’re planning to rely on the service for most of your meals, consider choosing a service with more variety to keep your meals enjoyable.
How much do vegetarian meal delivery services cost?
On average, vegetarian meal delivery services cost between $5–$15 per meal. Depending on the number of meals you order, you may end up paying anywhere from $100 to well over $200 per week.
FAQs
What is the best vegetarian meal delivery box?
The best vegetarian meal delivery service ultimately depends on your lifestyle, health goals, and dietary preferences. For this review, we chose Trifecta as the best overall. The company delivers pre-made meals made with quality ingredients that will leave you satisfied until your next meal.
Is Purple Carrot worth it?
Purple Carrot boasts one of the largest selections of vegan meals on the market. Since it is 100% vegan, it may restrict several nutritious, vegetarian-friendly foods. However, if you’re following a strict vegan diet, Purple Carrot is 100% worth it.
Are vegetarian meal delivery services healthy?
Whether or not vegetarian meal delivery services are healthy ultimately depends on how they are made and their ingredients. For example, some meals from vegetarian meal delivery services are very high in calories and/or sodium, which may not be ideal for specific health conditions. You’ll want to look closely at each meal’s nutritional information to choose a service that aligns with your dietary needs and health goals.
What’s the difference between vegetarian and vegan meal delivery services?
Vegetarian meal delivery services typically exclude meat, poultry, seafood, and fish but include eggs and dairy. In contrast, vegan meal delivery services are 100% plant-based and exclude meat, poultry, seafood, fish, eggs, and dairy.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Our experts
Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD
Dr. Chris Mohr is an internationally recognized subject matter expert and speaker and performance coach. Through his facilitation and online resources, he works closely with some of the largest corporations in the world including Deloitte, Delta Airlines, Johnson & Johnson and more to help busy executives all over the world, develop the energy to thrive personally and professionally.
Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS
Dr. Jen Roper is an associate professor of health and human sciences at Loyola Marymount University. She received her Ph.D. in physical education, sports and exercise science in 2015 from the University of New Mexico, with a specialization in exercise science and biomechanics. She has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association since 2014.
Joana Neziri, M.S., NASM CPT
Joana is a writer, editor, and content strategist focusing on nutrition, fitness, and all things health. After earning a master’s degree in business from the University of North Florida, she began a career in research and digital marketing.
Lily Moe
Lily is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor with over seven years of experience in health media. As a former Fitness Coach, Lily’s editorial prowess has largely focused on fitness, nutrition, and weight management. She has also spent a fair share of time in testing labs, analyzing everything from protein powders to yoga mats. Her work has appeared in Verywell Fit, Verywell Mind, Health, and more.
Kelly Uhler
Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Lindsey DeSoto, RDN, LD
Fortune Recommends Nutrition Writer
About Author
Lindsey DeSoto is an experienced registered dietitian who enjoys staying up to date on the latest research and sharing her knowledge through writing. Her writing and expertise have been featured in various publications, including Verywell Health, Medical News Today, Health, and CNBC.
She specializes in healthy aging, weight loss, chronic kidney disease management, and general health and wellness. DeSoto holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Nutrition from the University of Alabama, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Southern Mississippi. Outside of healthcare, Lindsey enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, working out, and attending sporting events.