Healthy Meal Delivery Services for One: A Comprehensive Guide

Cooking for one can often feel like a chore, leading to uninspired meals and potential food waste. Fortunately, numerous meal delivery services cater specifically to individuals, offering convenient, healthy, and delicious options. These services not only save time and money but also provide a variety of recipes and culinary inspiration. This article explores some of the best meal delivery services for singles, highlighting their unique features, menus, and value propositions.

How Meal Kits for One Work

The process is simple and convenient:

  1. You Decide: Choose from a wide array of delicious and affordable meals that change every week. Many services offer up to 80+ weekly options.
  2. We Deliver: Pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe cards are shipped directly to your door, containing everything needed to cook a satisfying dinner.
  3. You Devour: Home-cooked meals are ready in approximately 30 minutes. Since many meal kits provide two servings per recipe, the second serving makes for a convenient and tasty lunch the next day.

The Benefits of Meal Delivery Services for Singles

Meal delivery services offer a multitude of advantages for individuals:

  • Time-Saving: These services eliminate the need for grocery shopping and meal planning, significantly reducing time spent in the kitchen.
  • Cost-Effective: By providing pre-portioned ingredients, meal kits minimize food waste, helping you save money.
  • Recipe Inspiration: Meal delivery services introduce you to new recipes and cuisines, expanding your culinary horizons.
  • Convenience: With meals delivered directly to your doorstep, you can enjoy home-cooked food without the hassle of shopping and prepping.
  • Flexibility: Many services allow you to skip weeks, change your delivery day, or cancel anytime, offering maximum flexibility.

Top Meal Delivery Services for Singles

Here's a detailed look at some of the best meal delivery services tailored for individuals:

1. Factor

Factor stands out with its convenient, single-serving prepared meals that combine quality with convenience. These meals are crafted from premium ingredients and are dietitian-approved, ensuring a superior dining experience.

Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.

  • Menu: Factor's menu is diverse, catering to various dietary needs with dedicated plans for keto, low-carb, flexitarian, high-protein, high-fiber, GLP-1, and low-calorie diets. The meals are designed to be both nutritious and satisfying.
  • Special Features: The service is characterized by its no-prep, microwave-ready meals. All dishes are delivered fresh, eliminating the need for thawing, and can be heated in about 3 minutes. Factor also offers dietary support through nutrition coaching programs, including a free 20-minute virtual session for new subscribers.
  • Value: Factor is an affordable option for premium, single-serving meals, with pricing dependent on the number of meals ordered each week. They often have new-customer deals to make the first order even more affordable.

2. BistroMD

BistroMD provides a convenient solution for those aiming to lose weight or manage health conditions through diet. This service offers single-serving meals for every day of the week, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner (plus snacks), eliminating the need for cooking and calorie counting.

  • Menu: BistroMD's menu predominantly features American cuisine, with a focus on meat-based dishes. For breakfast, they offer a selection of both sweet and savory options. They also provide BistroMD EATS, a range of essential and tasty snacks high in protein and fiber.
  • Special Features: BistroMD meals are cooked by in-house chefs and delivered flash-frozen to ensure freshness. Each meal only requires heating for a few minutes. The meals are doctor-designed, guaranteeing a balance of macronutrients and the absence of trans fats, artificial sweeteners, and additives. The service also offers separate plans for men and women, as well as specialized programs for specific medical conditions.
  • Value: BistroMD's pricing starts at $5.50 per serving, with options to order 2 or 3 meals per day for either the full 7 days or 5 days per week.

3. Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot is ideal for singles who follow a plant-based diet or anyone looking to add more vegetarian options to their repertoire. The service offers both meal kits and prepared dishes that are not only vegan but also rich in flavor and variety, catering to a range of dietary preferences.

  • Menu: The menu at Purple Carrot features dishes that emphasize whole, natural plant-based ingredients. Meal kits typically require 30 to 35 minutes of cooking time, but Purple Carrot also offers Less Prep options. In addition to meal kits, Purple Carrot provides prepared meals that are quick to heat and serve.
  • Special Features: Purple Carrot stands out by celebrating plant-based ingredients in their natural forms rather than relying on meat substitutes. For those looking for quicker meal options, Purple Carrot offers lunch and breakfast dishes that take only 5 to 15 minutes to prepare.
  • Value: Purple Carrot’s pricing starts at $11.00 per serving, based on the largest plan size. The service requires a minimum order of 3 meal kits that serve 2 per week.

4. Home Chef

Home Chef stands out for its wide variety of meal types, catering to different culinary skills and time constraints. From quick microwaveable meals to more elaborate dishes for special occasions, Home Chef offers something for every schedule and preference.

  • Menu: Home Chef's menu includes standard meal kits, Express meal kits that can be prepared in about 15 minutes, Oven-Ready options, and microwaveable meals. The prepared lunch meals come in single servings, otherwise, the minimum portion size is 2. For those special occasions, the Culinary Collection offers more complex recipes with restaurant-quality proteins.
  • Special Features: Home Chef's Customize It feature is a major highlight, offering various protein options for each dish. In addition to meal kits, Home Chef offers extras like breakfasts, salads with pre-cooked proteins, desserts, beverages, bread, and spreads.
  • Value: Home Chef's pricing begins at $5.00 per serving, offering a range of 2 to 6 meal kits each week with 2, 4, or 6 servings.

5. HelloFresh

HelloFresh is celebrated for its family-friendly, crowd-pleasing recipes, featuring a mix of vegetarian, vegan, and classic dishes. This variety makes it a favorite for singles seeking delicious meals with the bonus of leftovers for the next day.

  • Menu: HelloFresh's menu spans a wide range of cuisines, including classic American, Indian, Italian, and Moroccan dishes. The Hall of Fame category features the best-loved recipes. The service also includes a Premium Picks collection, offering gourmet meals with high-end proteins.
  • Special Features: HelloFresh offers the flexibility to customize some dishes by swapping proteins or sides. The menu is further simplified with labels such as Spicy, Calorie Smart, Protein Smart, Easy Cleanup, and Dietitian Win. HelloFresh subscribers also gain access to the HelloFresh Market, a convenient source for pantry and fridge staples.
  • Value: Customers can order between 2 and 6 meals per week, with the option of 2, 4, or 6 servings per meal.

6. Green Chef

Green Chef is known for its USDA-certified organic meal kits, emphasizing balanced and flavorful dishes. This service focuses on high-quality ingredients and creative recipes, catering to a variety of dietary preferences and needs.

Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run

  • Menu: Green Chef's menu is varied, featuring dishes with Mediterranean, Asian, and Mexican influences. For vegans and vegetarians, Green Chef offers a range of appealing options. Most entrees from Green Chef take about 30 minutes to prepare, with some ingredients arriving ready to use.
  • Special Features: Green Chef stands out for its commitment to USDA-certified organic ingredients and balanced meals. Every dish is thoughtfully designed, featuring proprietary spice blends, marinades, and sauces. The service prides itself on high standards for sourcing ingredients.
  • Value: Green Chef's pricing starts at $6.00 per serving. The minimum order is 3 meals for 2 people per week.

7. Blue Apron

Blue Apron provides a great culinary experience for singles, offering both meal kits and prepared meals. With a variety of choices each week, this service caters to different cooking preferences and dietary needs, making it a suitable option for a wide range of customers.

  • Menu: Blue Apron's menu includes a selection of both prepared meals and meal kits each week. The meal kits are designed with ease in mind, featuring clear instructions and step-by-step photos.
  • Special Features: Blue Apron focuses on providing clear instructions and step-by-step photos to make cooking easier.
  • Value: Blue Apron offers a variety of choices each week to cater to different cooking preferences and dietary needs.

8. EveryPlate

EveryPlate aims to provide an affordable meal delivery service for one person that brings tasty value and convenience to your home.

  • Menu: EveryPlate uses less packaging and simple ingredients for delicious, filling meals that are easily doable.
  • Special Features: EveryPlate focuses on affordability and convenience. If you cook for one, the dinner for two plan is a great solution, as you’ll get an affordable dinner AND lunch. You can always change your meals in the weekly menu, or your delivery day. You can pause when you want and cancel your meal delivery service for one person at any time. Each box comes hand-packed with delicious ingredients and recipe cards.
  • Value: EveryPlate offers meal kits for one that are quick and easy to prepare and require minimal clean-up. On average, it is recommended to set aside 30 minutes to prepare the meal kits.

9. Hungryroot

Hungryroot allows you to easily choose foods that help meet nutrition goals at an affordable price.

  • Menu: The service allows you to easily choose foods that help meet nutrition goals at a price that's affordable enough to be an excellent deal for the value.
  • Special Features: In addition to the diet choices of omnivore, pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan, you can choose from nutritional plans that include anti-inflammatory, gut-friendly, immunity-boosting, carb-conscious, high protein, less sugar, and less sodium. You can also filter the recipes to include ones that are under 500 calories if you're on a weight loss journey.
  • Value: Hungryroot's most affordable plan starts at just $69 a week. With some meals, you can basically save half for another meal, and make it a two-for-one deal.

10. CookUnity

CookUnity emphasizes flavor, offering restaurant-like dishes with enough food for just one person.

  • Menu: The meals never arrive frozen, and the label even includes a photo and name of the chef that prepared your order.
  • Special Features: The service allows you to choose between four and 16 meals each week with a choice to add a number of treats, breakfasts, and drinks to your order. You can also select specific diets, including paleo and keto, or narrow down your choices based on calories or low-carb, gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-sodium options.
  • Value: CookUnity's dishes are some of the most 'restaurant-like' dishes with flavorful options like Bulgogi Beef Ramen or Blackened Shrimp and Grits.

11. Daily Harvest

Daily Harvest is a good option for smaller, more frequent meals or healthy snacks to supplement your diet.

Read also: Mobile Dining Revolution

  • Menu: Charlotte Walsh tried a huge variety of meals from Daily Harvest, including Forager bowls, meal bowls, rice dishes, smoothies, and frozen pop treats.
  • Special Features: Each week you can choose between 9+ items, 14+ items, or 24+ items, which makes this an ideal delivery service for single people since you can customize the amount of food you get.
  • Value: Daily Harvest can cut down costs by delivering just the right amount of food or ingredients you need without forcing you to spend money on any extra food that may go bad before you're able to use it.

Tips for Choosing the Right Meal Delivery Service

When selecting a meal delivery service, consider the following factors:

  • Dietary Preferences: Ensure the service caters to your specific dietary needs, whether you're vegan, vegetarian, keto, or have other dietary restrictions.
  • Cooking Skills: Choose a service that aligns with your cooking abilities and time constraints. Some services offer ready-to-eat meals, while others provide meal kits that require more preparation.
  • Budget: Compare the pricing of different services and choose one that fits your budget. Look for new-customer deals and discounts to save money.
  • Menu Variety: Opt for a service with a diverse menu to avoid meal fatigue and explore new cuisines.
  • Flexibility: Consider the service's cancellation and skipping policies to ensure it aligns with your lifestyle.

HelloFresh: A Closer Look at Meal Kits for Singles

While some services don't offer specific meal kits for one, HelloFresh provides an excellent solution for singles. Their boxes allow you to cook a little extra and stock up for the week. Cooking a recipe designed for two? Just refrigerate half and eat it another day. Cooking something bigger? Just split by portion and you can eat your favorite meal for lunch and dinner (and maybe even breakfast!).

HelloFresh meal plans for one person bring you a veritable feast of benefits. Their meal kits for one give you everything you need to get creative at dinner time without having to spend hours at your local grocery store. With their pre-prepared ingredients, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and end up with delicious meals for one that last for days. There’s less food waste since everything inside the box is perfectly portioned. Plus, you’ll get a healthy dose of inspiration each week with their easy-to-cook recipes, making meal planning for one easy!

Each of their meal kits for singles includes easy-to-follow recipes from around the world, convenient box sizes that fit easily into your fridge, and the chance to get truly creative at dinner time. They’re perfect for singles, making meal delivery for one person extra special.

Deciding what to eat is as easy as listening to your stomach. Their meal kits for one person include 100+ weekly menu and market items every week that vary from gourmet and vegetarian options to low-calorie meals that taste as delicious as they are healthy. Whatever you're in the mood for, all you have to do is point, click, and get ready to receive a tasty meal for one. It’s part of what makes HelloFresh the best meal delivery service for singles.

HelloFresh's meal delivery service for one person is as flexible as you are. Delivery times are between 8 am and 8 pm on the day you choose.

Green Chef: Quality Ingredients for Solo Meals

Green Chef also offers meal kits for singles with pre-measured ingredients, making it easy to cook delicious meals for one. You can enjoy 80+ weekly menu and market items featuring organic produce and premium proteins. You can manage your single-serving meal kits effortlessly with their app; customize your orders, track deliveries, and explore new recipes, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience tailored to your needs. Green Chef also offsets 100% of their delivery emissions and plastic in every box.

tags: #healthy #meal #delivery #services #for #one