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What is for Dinner? Convenience vs. Creativity

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Meal delivery services and recipe planning websites can significantly simplify mealtime for those with busy schedules or limited cooking experience. I once tried HelloFresh, taking advantage of a 50% off promotion for three months. While it helped me get into the habit of preparing healthy meals, the full price became too much for me to sustain.


Services like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, and Freshly offer pre-portioned ingredients and ready-to-eat meals, while planning sites like Mealime, Taste of Home, and Simply Easy Meals provide helpful recipes and meal prep ideas. Whether you prefer meal kits or just need meal planning support or some new recipes, these services and websites can make it easier to prepare and enjoy healthy meals without all the hassle.


Meal Services Made Simple

With busy schedules and endless food choices, meal services offer a convenient way to enjoy home-cooked meals without the hassle of planning and grocery shopping. Whether you're looking for pre-portioned ingredients, quick and easy recipes, or gourmet dishes, there's a meal service to fit every lifestyle and dietary need. From fresh ingredient kits to ready-made meals, this section explores popular meal services available in the U.S. and Internationally to help you find the best option for your needs.

  • HelloFresh

    Hello Fresh provides pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipe cards to help simplify meal prep. They offer a wide variety of meals, including vegetarian, meat, fish, and vegan options. Available in several countries, including the U.S., Canada, the UK, Germany, Australia, and others. The meal options and delivery may vary depending on the region.

  • Marley Spoon

    Marley Spoon provides fresh, high-quality ingredients and offers a wide variety of meals, from quick family dinners to gourmet dishes. It’s a service backed by celebrity chef Martha Stewart, ensuring premium recipe options.

    Marley Spoon is available in the U.S., Australia, and several countries in Europe. It is backed by celebrity chef Martha Stewart and provides a wide range of gourmet and family-friendly meal options.

  • EveryPlate

    EveryPlate is a more budget-friendly meal delivery service that offers simple, delicious, and affordable meals. While it may have fewer options than some other services, it is a great choice for those looking to try meal kits without spending too much. Available in the U.S. only.

  • Blue Apron

    Blue Apron offers a more upscale selection of meals, including gourmet dishes and international cuisine. They also offer a variety of dietary-friendly options, such as gluten-free and paleo. Primarily available in the U.S. as of now. It does not have widespread international availability.

  • Factor (formerly Factor75) is a meal delivery service that provides fully prepared, dietitian-approved meals, focusing on healthy and fresh options. Their meals are ready to heat and eat, with options for keto, calorie smart, and other dietary preferences. Available in the U.S. only.

  • Dinnerly

    Dinnerly is another affordable meal kit option that offers simple recipes with fewer ingredients than some other services, helping keep the price down. They offer both family-friendly and healthier options and are known for their value. U.S. only.

  • Home Chef

    Home Chef offers a wide variety of easy-to-make meals, including one-pot dishes, sheet pan meals, and slow cooker recipes. They also offer a variety of dietary-friendly options, such as vegetarian, vegan, and low-carb. Currently in the U.S. only.

  • Snap Kitchen

    Snap Kitchen offers healthy, chef-prepared meals that are both nutritious and convenient. They focus on balanced, diet-friendly meals, including keto, paleo, and gluten-free options, and their meals are ready to heat and eat. Available in U.S. only.

  • Sun Basket Sun Basket offers a variety of organic and clean ingredients with options that include paleo, keto, gluten-free, and other dietary needs. They feature fresh ingredients with meals focused on health-conscious eating, including options for meat-eaters, vegetarians, and those on a plant-based diet. Operates in the U.S.

  • Green Chef

    Green Chef provides organic ingredients and is known for its diverse meal plans including keto, balanced living, and family-friendly meals. They focus on sustainable practices and offer options for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Green Chef delivers meal kits in the U.S. only.

  • Freshly

    Freshly delivers fully prepared meals that only need to be heated, making it perfect for those who want a home-cooked experience without any prep time. The meals are healthy, offering gluten-free, calorie-smart, and other dietary options. Only available in the U.S.


Simple Solutions for Mealtime

When it comes to meal planning, simplicity and convenience are key. These services offer a range of options designed to fit various dietary needs and lifestyles. Whether you're looking for healthy meals, quick and easy recipes, or just a way to simplify your daily cooking routine, there's something for everyone. From easy-to-make meals like one-pot dishes and slow cooker recipes to customizable meal plans that cater to vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb preferences, these services are here to make your mealtime stress-free and delicious. Let's take a look at some of the top choices to elevate your kitchen game.

  • Mealime 

    Mealime is a meal planning app designed to make cooking healthy and affordable meals easier. It offers a wide variety of recipes catering to dietary preferences such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb. With options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, Mealime allows users to select meal plans based on their lifestyle, creating grocery lists for convenience. It’s a great choice for busy individuals or families seeking nutritious, simple-to-make meals without the hassle of planning.

  • Taste of Home 

    Taste of Home is a trusted source for home-cooked meal ideas, offering a wide variety of recipes that cater to all tastes and preferences. From hearty dinners to snacks, and even breakfast options, the service focuses on providing affordable and delicious meals for every occasion. With a range of dietary-friendly options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices, Taste of Home brings comforting, easy-to-make dishes to your table, perfect for families or anyone looking to enjoy familiar, satisfying meals.

  • Simply Easy Meals 

    Simply Easy Meals focuses on providing quick, hassle-free recipes for busy individuals. From one-pot dishes to sheet pan meals and slow cooker recipes, it offers a variety of cooking styles that are both convenient and delicious. With a range of options such as vegetarian, vegan, and low-carb, Simply Easy Meals makes it easy to prepare flavorful meals without the stress of complicated steps, making it a perfect option for those looking to simplify their meal prep.

  • Super Easy Meals 

    Super Easy Meals lives up to its name by offering a collection of quick and simple recipes that cater to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb. Whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks, this service offers a variety of meal plans that prioritize simplicity and ease. Super Easy Meals is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy nutritious meals with minimal preparation time, making it perfect for busy lifestyles.

  • The Kitchn 

    The Kitchn provides a diverse collection of recipes that prioritize health, flavor, and convenience. Offering meals that suit various dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb, The Kitchn brings creativity to the kitchen. From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, their meal plans are designed to make cooking at home easy and enjoyable. Whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, The Kitchn offers something for everyone looking to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen.


In conclusion, both meal delivery services and recipe planning websites provide valuable options to fit various needs and lifestyles. From services like Factor and Home Chef that deliver fully prepared meals, to recipe sites like Mealime and The Kitchn that help with planning and grocery lists, there is a solution for everyone. Whether you need pre-portioned ingredients, ready-to-eat meals, or just some fresh ideas for your next breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these services and sites offer convenience and flexibility to make mealtime easier and more enjoyable.


If you have any experience with a meal delivery company, share it in the comments!

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1 Corinthians 8:8

"But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do."


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