Best Meal Kits for One Person: Your Ultimate Guide
It's hard to find the motivation to grocery shop, meal prep, and cook for just one person - yourself. With the rise in popularity of meal kits delivered to your door, you might find yourself asking: Are meal kits worth it for one person?
Navigating the world of meal kits can be overwhelming, especially if you're cooking just for yourself. Luckily, there are numerous options designed to cater to singles, ensuring you can enjoy fresh, delicious, and convenient meals without the hassle of meal planning and grocery shopping. This guide will walk you through the best meal delivery services for a single person, highlighting their unique features, benefits, and tips to make the most out of your subscription.
Why Choose Meal Kits for One Person?
Meal Kits are a great way to simplify your life, reduce food waste, and ensure you're eating healthy meals. They offer pre-portioned ingredients, easy-to-follow recipes, and often cater to various dietary needs. Whether you're a busy professional, a student, or someone who simply prefers home-cooked meals without the hassle, meal kits can save you both time and money.
Is It Cheaper to Eat Out or Buy Groceries for a Single Person?
Generally, it’s cheaper to buy food at the grocery store and cook at home than to eat out, especially if you’re mindful of your food budget and make healthy meals. However, meal services can bridge the gap between the convenience of eating out and the cost-effectiveness of cooking at home. Services like Green Chef and Blue Apron offer fresh ingredients and delicious meals that can be more budget-friendly than frequent dining out.
What Is a Realistic Grocery Budget for One Person?
A realistic grocery budget for one person can vary, but a good starting point is around $200-$300 per month. This allows for a mix of healthy eating options and occasional indulgences. If you're using meal kits, this budget might be slightly higher, but you’re also paying for the convenience and quality of pre-portioned, fresh ingredients in your weekly meals.
Are Meal Kits Worth It for One Person?
Absolutely, a meal kit delivery service can be a great option for single people. They offer portion control, ensuring you don't end up with leftovers that go to waste. Meal kits like those from Home Chef or Daily Harvest provide pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, making cooking for one convenient and fun. Plus, you get the benefit of trying new recipes without having to buy a ton of groceries you might not use again.
Benefits of Meal Kits for Singles
Convenience: No more meal planning or grocery shopping. Everything you need arrives at your doorstep.
Portion Control: Meal kits are pre-portioned, reducing the temptation to overeat and minimizing waste.
Variety: With rotating menus, you can enjoy a wide variety of tasty meals without the monotony.
Health: Many services focus on nutritious meals made with high-quality ingredients.
Recipe Meal Kits vs. Prepared Meal Delivery Services
When it comes to meal delivery services, there are two main types: those that deliver fresh ingredients along with recipes and those that provide prepared meals.
Services like Blue Apron and Green Chef fall into the first category, offering pre-portioned ingredients and detailed recipes that allow you to create home-cooked meals from scratch. These kits are ideal for individuals who enjoy cooking but want to avoid the hassle of grocery shopping and meal planning. They often come with high-quality ingredients and offer a variety of meal plans to cater to different dietary preferences.
On the other hand, services like Fresh N Lean and Daily Harvest deliver ready-made meals that require minimal preparation—usually just heating. These are perfect for those with busy schedules who want the convenience of nutritious meals without the time commitment of cooking. Prepared meal services cater to different needs such as vegan diets, keto, or low-calorie meals, ensuring there are options for everyone.
While both types of services aim to provide healthy eating solutions, the choice between them depends on whether you prefer the act of cooking or the convenience of quick, delicious meals.
Top Meal Kits for One Person
For those who enjoy cooking but are crunched for time, subscribing to a meal kit that delivers fresh ingredients is a great choice. This is an easy way to make delicious, home-cooked meals in a fraction of the time!
Best Meal Kits for Single Who Enjoy Cooking
Home Chef
Home Chef is a great option for singles, offering a wide range of meal plans that cater to various dietary preferences. Their meals are designed to be easy to prepare, with many taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Features:
Pre-portioned ingredients
Weekly menu with a variety of options
Meal upgrades like premium proteins
Fresh ingredients
Pros:
Customizable meal plans
Easy-to-follow recipes
Great for beginners
Cons:
Limited vegetarian options
Average Price Per Meal:
$6.99 - $9.99
Blue Apron
Blue Apron is one of the best meal delivery services known for its chef-inspired recipes and high-quality ingredients. It's perfect for those who want to enjoy delicious meals without spending much time on prep.
Features:
Pre-portioned ingredients
Detailed recipe cards
Options for various dietary needs
Pros:
Large variety of meal choices
High-quality ingredients
Sustainable sourcing
Cons:
Some recipes may be too complex for beginners
Average Price Per Meal:
$7.49 - $9.99
Green Chef
Green Chef offers organic meal kits that cater to various dietary preferences, including keto, paleo, and balanced living. Their meals are designed to be easy to prepare and are made with high-quality ingredients.
Features:
Certified organic ingredients
Detailed recipes
Diverse dietary options
Pros:
Environmentally friendly
Customizable meals
High-quality ingredients
Cons:
Higher price point
Average Price Per Meal:
$9.99 - $12.99
Dinnerly
Dinnerly is a great option for those on a budget. It offers affordable meal kits with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, making it possible to enjoy home-cooked meals without breaking the bank.
Features:
Affordable meal kits
Simple ingredients
Easy-to-follow recipes
Digital recipe cards
Pros:
Budget-friendly
Family-friendly meal options
Flexible subscription
Cons:
Limited dietary options
Simplistic recipes
Average Price Per Meal:
$4.29 - $4.99
Marley Spoon
Marley Spoon, featuring recipes from Martha Stewart, is perfect for singles who enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes. Their meal kits come with high-quality ingredients and detailed recipe cards, making it easy to prepare gourmet meals at home.
Features:
Recipes from Martha Stewart
High-quality ingredients
Detailed recipe cards
Seasonal and varied menus
Pros:
Excellent for those who love cooking
Gourmet recipes and ingredients
Wide variety of meal options
Cons:
More time-consuming due to complexity
Higher price point compared to some other kits
Average Price Per Meal:
$8.49 - $12.00
Purple Carrot (Vegan)
Purple Carrot is the go-to for vegan singles, offering plant-based meals that are creative, nutritious, and delicious. Their meal kits make it easy to enjoy vegan cuisine without the need for extensive prep work.
Features:
100% plant-based meals
Creative and flavorful recipes
Health-focused
Ready-to-eat and meal kit options
Pros:
Vegan-friendly
Nutritionally balanced
Easy to prepare
Cons:
Limited to vegan options
Some meals require prep
Average Price Per Meal:
$9.99 - $12.99
Best Meal Delivery Services for One Person
If you don't enjoy cooking or you just don't have the time, a meal delivery service is a good choice. Purchasing ready-made meals will save you immense amounts of time that you would otherwise be spending in the kitchen.
Best Meal Delivery Service for Singles Overall: Fresh N Lean
Fresh N Lean is ideal for singles who want high quality, healthy meals without the hassle of cooking. They offer ready-made meals with organic ingredients and cater to various dietary needs like keto, vegan, and paleo.
Features:
Ready-made meals
Organic ingredients
Various dietary plans (keto, vegan, paleo)
Fresh, never frozen
Pros:
Convenient and time-saving
Healthy, balanced meals
Environmentally friendly packaging
Cons:
Limited customization options
Slightly higher price point
Average Price Per Meal:
$9.33 - $15.00
Best Meal Delivery Service for Weight Loss: Diet-to-Go
Diet-to-Go is perfect for singles focused on weight loss. They provide portion-controlled meals that are both delicious and nutritious, helping you stay on track with your health goals.
Features:
Portion-controlled meals
Nutritionally balanced
Various meal plans (Balance, Keto, Vegetarian)
Delivered fresh or frozen
Pros:
Supports weight loss goals
Variety of meal plans
Convenient and ready to eat
Cons:
Can be pricey
Limited to preset menus
Average Price Per Meal:
$8.57 - $12.19
Best Meal Delivery Service for Athletes: Trifecta
Trifecta caters to athletes and fitness enthusiasts with high-quality ingredients and meals designed to fuel performance. They offer meal plans for various dietary needs, including keto and paleo.
Features:
High-protein, performance-focused meals
Organic ingredients
Gluten-free
Various meal plans (Keto, Paleo, Vegan, Clean Eating)
Pros:
Designed for athletes
Organic and nutrient-dense
Convenient and ready to eat
Cons:
Higher price point
Limited customization
Average Price Per Meal:
$10.49 - $15.49
Best Meal Kit for Singles: Hungryroot
Hungryroot combines the convenience of a meal kit service with the flexibility of a grocery delivery service. They offer a variety of healthy meals and snacks, making it easy to maintain a balanced diet.
Features:
Meal kits and groceries
Focus on healthy, whole foods
Personalized recommendations
Plant-based options
Pros:
Flexible meal planning
Wide variety of meals and snacks
Health-focused
Cons:
Subscription required
Some meals require additional prep
Average Price Per Meal:
$8.00 - $12.00
Best Paleo Meal Delivery Service for Singles: Ice Age Meals
Ice Age Meals focuses on the paleo diet, offering chef-crafted meals that are nutritious and delicious. This service is perfect for singles who follow a paleo lifestyle and want pre-portioned ingredients ready to go.
Features:
Chef-crafted paleo meals
Pre-portioned and frozen
High-protein, clean ingredients
Simple and convenient
Pros:
Ideal for paleo diet followers
High-quality ingredients
Convenient freezer storage
Cons:
Limited to paleo options
Meals are frozen
Average Price Per Meal:
$10.00 - $12.00
Best Keto Meal Delivery Service for Singles: Factor
Factor provides keto-friendly meals that are both tasty and convenient. With ready-made meals delivered to your door, staying on a keto diet has never been easier.
Features:
Ready-made keto meals
Fresh, not frozen
Balanced macros for keto diet
Weekly rotating menu
Pros:
Convenient and quick
Nutritionally balanced for keto
High-quality ingredients
Cons:
Higher cost
Limited to keto options
Average Price Per Meal:
$11.00 - $15.00
Best Plant Based Meal Delivery Service for Singles: Daily Harvest
Daily Harvest focuses on plant-based meals that are both healthy and convenient. Their offerings include smoothies, harvest bowls, and soups, all made with organic ingredients.
Features:
Single-serving meals
Ready in minutes
Nutritious meals with superfoods
Pros:
Vegan-friendly
No prep work
Great for busy lifestyles
Cons:
Limited to plant-based options
Average Price Per Meal:
$5.99 - $8.99
Other Meal Kits to Consider
Best for Seniors: Mom's Meals
Mom's Meals caters to seniors with meals that are designed to meet specific nutritional needs. They offer a variety of nutritious meals that are easy to heat and eat, making them a convenient option for older adults.
Features:
Designed to meet seniors' nutritional needs
Easy-to-heat meals
Customizable dietary options
Home-delivered
Pros:
Convenient and easy to prepare
Nutritionally balanced for seniors
Variety of dietary options (diabetic, low-sodium, etc.)
Cons:
Limited to seniors
Meals may lack variety for younger audiences
Average Price Per Meal:
$6.99 - $8.99
Best Quality: CookUnity
CookUnity delivers chef-prepared meals made with high-quality ingredients. It’s perfect for singles who appreciate gourmet meals and the convenience of ready-made meals.
Features:
Chef-prepared meals
High-quality ingredients
Fresh, not frozen
Variety of cuisines and dietary options
Pros:
Gourmet quality meals
Convenient and quick
Diverse menu options
Cons:
Higher cost compared to other meal kits
Limited customization
Average Price Per Meal:
$10.49 - $13.99
Best for Quick Prep: Tovala
Tovala offers meals that are quick and easy to prepare using their smart oven. This is a great option for singles who want a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Features:
Quick preparation using Tovala Smart Oven
Pre-prepped ingredients
Ready in minutes
Diverse menu options
Pros:
Extremely convenient
Minimal prep work required
Smart oven integration for perfect cooking
Cons:
Requires purchase of Tovala Smart Oven
Limited to Tovala meal plans
Average Price Per Meal:
$11.99 - $13.99
Tips for Choosing the Best Meal Kit for You
Choosing the right meal kit can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect match:
Dietary Preferences
Start by ensuring the service offers meals that fit your dietary needs. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or following a keto diet, services like Mindful Chef and Magic Kitchen have you covered with specialized menus that cater to various dietary needs.
Portion Sizes
If you're cooking for just yourself, single-serving options are a game-changer. Look for meal kits that offer portions designed for a single person, so you don't end up with too much food or waste.
Meal Variety
Variety is the spice of life, right? Check out the weekly menu to make sure there are enough options that you’ll actually look forward to eating. Services like Factor Meals and Fresh N Lean are great because they rotate their menus and offer a wide range of delicious choices.
Prep Time
How much time do you want to spend in the kitchen? Some meal kits provide ready meals that only need reheating, while others involve more cooking. If you’re short on time, Tovala offers meals ready in minutes with minimal prep work.
Cost
Let’s talk money. Compare the price per serving and keep an eye out for additional costs like shipping fees. Look for affordable prices and take advantage of special offers for new customers, like a free meals’ offer on the first box. Gift cards and promotions can also help you save.
Customer Service
Nobody wants to deal with issues, but it’s good to know the service has your back if something goes wrong. Check reviews to see how well they handle customer inquiries and problems.
Additional Restrictions
Be aware of any auto-renewing subscription purchase requirements or minimum order amounts. Knowing you can easily skip a week or cancel your subscription if needed is important for flexibility.
Ease of Use
Some services make managing your orders a breeze through their websites or apps. Look for features like QR codes for easy recipe instructions or seamless navigation to simplify meal planning.
Quality of Ingredients
High-quality, fresh ingredients make all the difference in the world. Make sure the service prioritizes ingredient quality and offers nutritious, delicious meals.
Convenience
If convenience is key, consider services that offer next day delivery or flexible delivery schedules to fit your lifestyle. Many meal kit services now cater to busy schedules, so your meals arrive when it’s most convenient for you.
Local Restaurants
Supporting local businesses while enjoying your meals? Yes, please! Some meal kits source ingredients from local restaurants and suppliers, adding a unique twist to your meals.
Dietary Needs
Ensure the service accommodates any special diets you follow, from low-carb to keto. Services like Green Chef and Purple Carrot offer menus tailored to various dietary preferences.
Flexibility
Look for services that offer flexibility in their subscriptions. The ability to skip weeks, adjust serving sizes, and choose different menu items each week is a huge plus.
Overall Value
Assess the overall value of the meal kit service. Consider portion sizes, ingredient quality, ease of preparation, and cost. Services that provide high-quality meals at a reasonable price are often the best choice for singles.
How to Save Money on Meal Kits
Meal kits can be an investment, but there are ways to save money while still enjoying the convenience and quality they offer.
Use Gift Cards and Cash Value Offers
Many meal kit services offer gift cards and cash value deals for new customers placing their first order. These can be a great way to save on your first box or even subsequent orders. Look for promotions where you can buy a gift card and get a bonus value, effectively giving you more meals for your money.
Take Advantage of Free Meals Offers
Some meal kit services provide free meals’ offers to attract new customers. This is a fantastic way to try out the service without any initial cost. Keep an eye out for these promotions and sign up during these periods to maximize your savings.
Look for Lower Costs and Affordable Prices
Choose meal kits that offer lower costs and affordable prices. Services like Dinnerly and EveryPlate are known for their budget-friendly options while still providing delicious meals. Comparing different meal kits and their pricing can help you find the best option that fits your budget.
Buy in Bulk or Choose Longer Subscriptions
Some meal kit services offer discounts if you commit to longer subscriptions or buy in bulk. If you know you'll be using the service regularly, this can be a great way to save money in the long run. Check if the service offers a discount for purchasing multiple weeks at once or for signing up for a longer-term plan.
Utilize Customer Service for Discounts and Offers
Don't hesitate to reach out to customer service for any available discounts or offers. Sometimes, customer service representatives can provide you with promotional codes or let you know about upcoming sales. This can be particularly useful if you're looking to save on your next order.
Minimize Shipping Fees
Some meal kit services offer free shipping on larger orders or as a promotion for new customers. Always check if there are any ways to minimize or eliminate shipping fees to reduce your overall cost.
By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy the convenience and quality of meal kits without breaking the bank. Whether you're a single person looking for single servings or someone with specific dietary needs, there are plenty of ways to make meal kits affordable and accessible.
Would You Try a Meal Kit?
Whether you're a busy professional, a student, or someone who simply prefers home-cooked meals without the hassle, meal kits for one person can be a game-changer. From Home Chef and Blue Apron to Daily Harvest and Green Chef, there are numerous options to suit your dietary preferences and lifestyle. By choosing the right service and taking advantage of sales and discounts, you can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.
I hope you found a meal kit on this list that's perfect for you. If you try one and love it (or don't) please let me know!
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Hi, I’m Jen!
Hi, I’m Jen, your perpetually optimistic, fun-loving, witty friend. When I’m not working at The Marketing Greenhouse, you can find me gardening in the sun, playing games with my kids or creating content that inspires people to try new things and be the best version of themselves.
