My Honest Review of Meal Delivery Services (Because I've Tried Them All)
Let me just say—food is a full-time job in my house. With fast-growing kids, a packed schedule, and a house that never slows down, I rely on meal delivery services to get us through extra crazy weeks. And trust me when I say… I’ve tried them all.
While every area has its own local gems, here are the companies that are more widely available and (in my opinion) worth your time and money. Each has its pros and cons, but here’s my honest breakdown:
🌱 Hungryroot
Cons: I’m not thrilled with the food quality. Everything is wrapped in plastic, and I question the ingredients in their sauces and processed items—especially if you’re trying to eat clean or avoid chemicals. I work with clients who are actively detoxing, and this wouldn’t be my first recommendation for them.
Pros: Highly customizable, especially great for restricted diets. It’s incredibly easy and fast to prepare—plus a great way to learn to cook if you're new to the kitchen.
🥗 Thistle
Pros: One of my personal favorites! The meals are truly ready-to-go—no prep, no cleanup. Warm meals are simple one-pot dishes, and the salads are perfect for on-the-go. I think the food quality is solid (though not always organic), and you can tell they put effort into sourcing good ingredients.
Cons: Limited customization, especially if you're avoiding raw veggies (which is common with thyroid concerns). My kids enjoy the meals, but I can see how picky eaters might struggle with them. Most of the options are salad-based, and it’s definitely on the pricier side.
🍽️ Green Chef & Home Chef
Pros: Both are solid, family-friendly options with similar meal styles. Green Chef stands out for its organic ingredients and higher-quality meat and fish (yes, their fish is wild!). They’re also more eco-conscious, using paper bags instead of plastic whenever possible. Home Chef offers many of the same meals, but with fewer organic options.
Cons: Limited options for dietary restrictions and a bit more prep required. But personally, I think the food quality is worth the effort. If you're deciding between the two, I’d recommend spending a little more on Green Chef for cleaner ingredients—it's a better choice than Hungryroot in my opinion.
❌ Not My Favorites
Hello Fresh: Meals just aren’t that healthy and lots of plastic.
Sunbasket: Overpriced for what you get.
At the end of the day, you’ve got to find what works for you. But I hope this helps you narrow things down—especially if food prep is feeling like just another thing on your never-ending list.
I don’t get anything from recommending these companies—this is just my honest take after testing a ton of options over the years.
Have another service you want me to try? Let me know. We love trying new things.
Have questions? Just reply to this email or schedule a free 30-minute consultation. You’ve got nothing to lose—and you might just discover a whole new way to nourish yourself.
Stay well,
Dr. Jennette Malsbury, Ph.D.
Owner, Nutritional Restoration & Two Moons Tinctures
🌿 www.nutritionalrestoration.com