We Tested The Most Popular Meal Delivery Services — Here Are The 4 That Are Actually Worth It
By The So Yummy Team | Last Updated: December 11, 2025
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Let’s be honest: The question “What’s for dinner?” is the most stressful part of the day. Between grocery shopping, prepping, and the inevitable cleanup, the joy of cooking often gets lost in the hassle.
That is exactly why the meal delivery industry has exploded. Whether you want to count macros, save money, or just stop chopping onions every night, there is a box for you. We tested the top contenders to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your doorstep.
Our Top 4 Picks:
- HelloFresh – Best Overall & Most Popular
- Factor – Best for Convenience (Heat & Eat)
- Green Chef – Best for Clean Eating & Keto
- EveryPlate – Best Value for Money
1. HelloFresh
Verdict: Best Overall Meal Kit
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5)
Price: From $9.99/serving
Best For: Families, couples, and anyone who wants reliable, delicious variety.
Why We Chose It:
HelloFresh is the heavy hitter in the meal kit world for a reason. It strikes the perfect balance between culinary creativity and weeknight ease. We love it because it eliminates the “mental load” of meal planning without forcing you to eat boring food.
Our Experience:
The recipes are incredibly easy to follow—usually taking about 30 minutes. We tested the “Firecracker Meatballs” and the produce was crisp, the instructions were foolproof, and the portion sizes left us satisfied. It’s the Goldilocks of meal kits: not too fancy, not too basic. Just right.
Pros:
- Massive variety (100+ weekly menu and market items).
- Pre-measured ingredients reduce food waste.
- “Quick & Easy” options for busy nights.
Cons:
- Complex recipes can result in a lot of pots and pans to clean.
- Shipping fee (usually ~$10.99) applies to most boxes.
2. Factor
Verdict: Best for Convenience (Ready-to-Eat)
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5)
Price: From $11.00/serving
Best For: Busy professionals, fitness enthusiasts, and non-cooks.
Why We Chose It:
Unlike the other options on this list, Factor isn’t a “cooking” kit—it’s a “heating” kit. These are chef-prepared meals that arrive fresh (never frozen) and are ready in 2 minutes. If you don’t own a spatula—or just hate using one—this is your winner.
Our Experience:
We were skeptical about microwave meals, but Factor surprised us. The “Jalapeño Lime Cheddar Chicken” was juicy and flavorful, not rubbery like typical frozen dinners. It is also a powerhouse for dietary needs, offering robust Keto and High-Protein plans that actually taste good.
Pros:
- Zero prep and zero cleanup.
- Dietitian-approved meals (great for Keto/Calorie Smart).
- Fresh, restaurant-quality ingredients.
Cons:
- Higher price point per meal.
- Single-serving trays aren’t ideal for family-style dinners.
3. Green Chef
Verdict: Best for Clean Eating & Special Diets
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)
Price: From $11.99/serving
Best For: Health-conscious eaters, organic lovers, and specific diets (Gluten-Free, Mediterranean).
Why We Chose It:
If you prioritize organic produce and premium ingredients, Green Chef is the upgrade you are looking for. It is the first USDA-certified organic meal kit company.
Our Experience:
You can taste the difference in quality here. The sauces came pre-made (a huge time saver), and the veggies were vibrant. We tried the Mediterranean plan, and the flavors were sophisticated and fresh. It feels like a high-end restaurant meal you made yourself.
Pros:
- Certified organic produce and eggs.
- Caters to strict diets: Keto, Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-Free.
- Eco-friendly packaging.
Cons:
- The most expensive option on our list.
- Slightly more prep work than Factor.
4. EveryPlate
Verdict: Best Value for Money
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Price: From $4.99/serving
Best For: Students, large families, and budget-conscious shoppers.
Why We Chose It:
EveryPlate proves that meal kits don’t have to be a luxury item. By skipping the fancy packaging and sticking to simple, crowd-pleasing ingredients (think carrots, potatoes, and rice), they keep the cost incredibly low—often cheaper than grocery shopping.
Our Experience:
Don’t expect exotic ingredients like truffle oil, but do expect hearty, comforting meals. We made the “Gravy Lover’s Meatballs,” and it was a hit. The recipe cards are straightforward, and while the ingredients aren’t sorted by meal in the box (you have to sort them yourself), the savings are worth the extra 5 minutes of effort.
Pros:
- Unbeatable price ($4.99/serving is a steal).
- Comfort food recipes that kids love.
- Simple, no-fuss cooking.
Cons:
- Limited dietary options (mostly standard meat & veg).
- Ingredients are not pre-sorted by recipe inside the box.
Compare the Best Meal Kits
| Feature | HelloFresh | Factor | Green Chef | EveryPlate |
| Best For | Overall Variety | No-Prep / Keto | Organic / Healthy | Budget |
| Price | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ | $ |
| Prep Time | 20-30 Mins | 2 Mins | 25-35 Mins | 30-40 Mins |
| Type | Cooking Kit | Heat & Eat | Premium Kit | Budget Kit |
| Diet Options | Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Fit | Keto, Vegan, Protein+ | Paleo, Keto, Gluten-Free | General, Vegetarian |
How We Ranked These Services
At So Yummy, we take food seriously. To create this ranking, we evaluated these four services based on the following criteria:
- Taste & Quality: Does the food actually taste good? Are the vegetables fresh?
- Convenience: How clear are the recipe cards? How long does cleanup take?
- Value: Do you get what you pay for?
- Dietary Flexibility: Can you swap proteins or switch plans easily?
Which one should you pick?
- Choose HelloFresh if: You want the classic meal kit experience with the most menu variety.
- Choose Factor if: You have absolutely zero time to cook but want to eat healthy.
- Choose Green Chef if: You eat organic, Keto, or Paleo and don’t mind paying for premium quality.
- Choose EveryPlate if: You want to fill your fridge for less than $5 per plate.
