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The Best Meal Delivery Services for Seniors in 2025

Meal delivery for seniors is a growing niche that offers numerous benefits, from convenience to sustainability. These services provide practical solutions, ensuring seniors receive nutritious, ready-to-eat meals or easy-to-cook kits without the hassle of shopping or complex meal prep.

With this in mind, we created a comprehensive shortlist of nine meal delivery companies, carefully considering a range of needs, including dietary preferences, budget, and more. As our goal was to provide the Healthnews readers with in-depth reviews, we compared these delivery services by exploring their features and scrutinizing the companies behind them.

Best meal delivery for seniors: a shortlist

What is meal delivery for seniors?

Meal delivery services for seniors are designed to meet their unique nutritional needs and accommodate common dietary restrictions, such as low-sodium, heart-healthy, diabetes-friendly, or gluten-free meals.

These services provide a convenient solution for seniors who may find cooking difficult or time-consuming, ensuring they receive balanced, nutritious meals that promote overall health and well-being. There are three main types of meal delivery services for seniors: prepared meals, meal kits, and automatic subscription plans. Prepared meals arrive fully cooked and ready to eat, requiring only reheating.

Meal kits contain pre-portioned ingredients and recipes, allowing seniors to cook with minimal preparation. Automatic subscription plans offer regular deliveries of meals tailored to specific preferences or dietary needs, often delivered weekly or monthly.

These services may help maintain independence while ensuring seniors receive nutritious, tailored meals.

How we chose the best meal delivery services for seniors

Currently, with the vast selection of meal delivery services available, we aimed to create a truly valuable and comprehensive shortlist by focusing on several key criteria:

Menu varietyFlexibilityCost
Range of meals and optionsPossibility to change the delivery frequency or cancel the subscriptionPrice range per meal
  • Menu variety. Seniors who order meal delivery might be facing different dietary needs—vegan, vegetarian, diabetes-friendly, heart-healthy, or other criteria — which might be a deciding factor when choosing the right company.
  • Flexibility. We have looked into the subscription option and how flexible the deliveries are, and the overall policy on changing preferences.
  • Cost. Last but certainly not least, we have looked into a spectrum of prices and tried to create a transparent shortlist including meal prices.

Best meal delivery for seniors: an overview

We’ve compiled a versatile shortlist of meal delivery services that cater to a variety of needs, from budget-conscious options to those specifically designed for certain health conditions.

Our list includes premium services, as well as options for vegans, pescatarians, and those focused on weight management. Each service is carefully reviewed, with detailed insights into the pros and cons, company overviews, and key features.

This standardized list is designed to help you make a well-informed decision, whether you’re seeking meals for health needs, dietary preferences, or budget considerations.

1. Marley Spoon — best overall meal delivery service for seniors

Marley Spoon Meals

Marley Spoon offers meal kits that focus on fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. These kits are ideal for seniors who still enjoy cooking but prefer not to shop for groceries.

They also have a Martha Stewart collaboration, with her approved recipes included. It is possible to choose from three price ranges, and although it requires a subscription, any week can be skipped if needed.

Who might benefit the most from Marley Spoon?

Seniors who love the process of cooking and prefer control over their meal ingredients but want to skip the grocery store. It’s also great for couples or individuals who want balanced meals without the hassle of planning.

Key features

  • Over 45 recipe options weekly.
  • Options for various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, low-carb, and diabetes-friendly meals.
  • Pre-portioned ingredients to reduce food waste.
  • Easy-to-follow recipes designed for minimal preparation time (usually 3040 minutes).

Company review

Marley Spoon is a trusted meal kit company, co-founded by Martha Stewart, known for its commitment to quality ingredients and diverse recipe options.

It has built a strong reputation for delivering fresh, flavorful ingredients with reliable service, although there have been occasional delivery mishaps. The company is generally well-reviewed and appreciated for its wide variety of meal choices and customizable plans.

Brief summary about Marley Spoon

Marley Spoon is an excellent option for seniors who still enjoy cooking but want to skip the hassle of meal planning and shopping. With an impressive variety of recipes, fresh ingredients, and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s a convenient way to prepare healthy meals at home.

Prices vary from $8 to $12 per meal, with options to choose a vegetarian or low carb meal.

2. Gobble — best for quick and easy meals

Gobble Meals

Gobble delivers meal kits designed to be ready in just 15 minutes, offering pre-prepared ingredients that save time without compromising on flavor or quality.

Who might benefit the most from Gobble?

Seniors who enjoy cooking but need a quicker and more convenient option would greatly benefit from Gobble. It’s perfect for those who want healthy, home-cooked meals but may have limited energy or time for meal prep and cooking.

Key features

  • Pre-prepared ingredients: Gobble does all the chopping, slicing, and marinating, so meals are ready to cook right away.
  • 15-minute meals: Fast meal preparation for a variety of dishes.
  • Weekly changing menus: Diverse recipe options that cater to a variety of dietary preferences (including vegetarian and gluten-free).
  • Customizable plans: You can choose the number of servings and adjust the frequency of deliveries.

Company review

Gobble is known for its focus on convenience without sacrificing quality. The service is designed for people who want home-cooked meals but need them fast, which makes it perfect for seniors who may not have the time or energy for more involved meal preparation.

The company has received positive feedback for its easy-to-cook meals and high-quality ingredients, but some minor delivery and price concerns have been noted.

Brief summary about Gobble

Gobble is an ideal choice for seniors looking for quick, easy meals that don’t require much preparation. With a focus on convenience and flavor, Gobble delivers a range of delicious, pre-prepared meals that can be ready in just 15 minutes.

Price wise, it comes around $11.99 per meal. Upon choosing the menu, it is possible to pick a vegetarian option and gluten-free.

3. Purple Carrot — best for plant-based diets

Purple Carrot Meals

Purple Carrot specializes in plant-based meal kits that deliver fresh, pre-portioned ingredients along with simple recipes to help seniors enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals without the hassle of meal planning.

And for those who do not wish to cook at all, there is an equal option to order pre-made meals. Prices are rather similar for both options.

Who might benefit the most from Purple Carrot?

Seniors who follow a vegan or plant-based diet, or those looking to transition to healthier, more sustainable meals, will benefit most from Purple Carrot. It's especially suitable for those who want to reduce meat intake or explore the benefits of plant-based eating.

Key features

  • 100% plant-based: All meals are vegan and focus on health, sustainability, and variety.
  • Weekly changing menus: Offers a variety of meal options to ensure meals are never repetitive.
  • Pre-portioned ingredients: minimizes food waste and makes meal preparation more convenient.
  • The ready-to-eat option is suitable for those looking to dig in right away.
  • Flexible plans: Choose from meal kits that require minimal preparation or opt for fully prepared meals.

Company review

Purple Carrot is a highly reputable meal delivery service focused on offering healthy, plant-based meals. It has gained trust among users who are looking for sustainable, nutritious food options.

While some meals may take longer to prepare than anticipated, the overall quality of ingredients and the variety of recipes make it a popular choice among those pursuing a plant-based diet.

Brief summary about Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot is an excellent option for seniors who follow or want to explore a plant-based diet. With fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and a focus on sustainability, it provides a healthy and convenient solution for seniors seeking nutritious, vegan meals.

The prices for the kit stand around $912 for a 100% vegan-free meal.

4. Balance by BistroMD — best for health-conscious seniors

Balance by BistroMD

Balance by BistroMD delivers fully prepared, doctor-designed meals that focus on health and wellness, making it ideal for seniors with specific dietary needs, such as heart health, diabetes, or weight management.

It is important to notice that aside from meals, BistroMD also educates its clients by providing resources to learn about healthy lifestyles.

Who might benefit the most from Balance by BistroMD?

Seniors looking for nutritionally balanced meals that cater to specific health concerns, such as diabetes or heart conditions, will benefit the most. It's also a great choice for those who prefer convenience but still want to maintain a healthy diet.

Key features

  • Doctor-designed meals: balanced, portion-controlled meals tailored to various health conditions.
  • No subscription required: Flexibility to order as needed with no long-term commitment.
  • Wide range of diets: options for diabetes, heart health, low-sodium, gluten-free, and more.
  • Ready-to-eat: Fully-prepared meals that just need to be heated.

Company review

Balance by BistroMD is a well-respected company known for offering nutritious, health-conscious meals designed by doctors and chefs. With a focus on catering to specific dietary needs, it’s trusted by many seniors looking for convenient, healthy meals.

Despite some concerns about price and portion size, the overall feedback is positive, especially regarding the meal quality and health benefits.

Brief summary about Balance by BistroMD

Balance by BistroMD is a great option for seniors looking for healthy, ready-to-eat meals tailored to specific dietary needs. With no subscription requirement, it offers flexibility while ensuring that meals are both convenient and nutritionally balanced.

Low-carb, diabetic or heart-healthy meals at Balance by BistroMD costs $1013/meal.

5. Silver Cuisine by BistroMD — best for seniors with special dietary needs

Silver Cuisine by BistroMD

Silver Cuisine delivers doctor-designed, chef-prepared meals that cater to a variety of dietary needs, including heart-healthy, diabetes-friendly, and low-sodium options. This makes it perfect for seniors looking for nutritious and convenient meal solutions.

Who might benefit the most from Silver Cuisine?

Seniors with specific dietary needs—such as low-sodium, diabetes, or heart-healthy diets—would benefit most from Silver Cuisine. It's also ideal for those looking to order flexible meals without needing a subscription.

Key features

  • Doctor-designed meals: Each meal is crafted to meet nutritional needs, especially for seniors.
  • No subscription required. Flexibility to order meals as needed without any commitment.
  • Wide variety of diets: includes meals tailored for heart health, diabetes, gluten sensitivity, and more.
  • Ready-to-eat: meals come fully prepared and just need to be reheated.

Company review

Silver Cuisine by BistroMD has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, healthy meals tailored to seniors' dietary needs. The company is trusted for its nutritionally balanced, doctor-designed meal plans, although some concerns about price and portion sizes have been raised.

Overall, Silver Cuisine remains a top choice for seniors seeking convenient, health-conscious meal delivery services.

Brief summary about Silver Cuisine by BistroMD

Silver Cuisine offers seniors a convenient and nutritious way to enjoy ready-made meals designed for specific health needs. With flexible ordering and a focus on balanced, doctor-designed meals, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking health-conscious meal delivery without the hassle of subscriptions.

For $812 a meal one gets a low-sodium, diabetic or/and gluten-free service.

6. Dinnerly — best for budget-friendly meal kits

meals by dinnerly

Dinnerly provides meal kits with simple recipes and pre-portioned ingredients at an affordable price, perfect for seniors who want home-cooked meals without overspending.

Who might benefit the most from Dinnerly?

Seniors who enjoy cooking but prefer straightforward recipes and minimal prep work would benefit most from Dinnerly. It’s ideal for individuals looking for cost-effective meals and basic ingredients without compromising on quality.

It also offers an option to add groceries to the delivery; this way, not only receive meals but snacks for cravings, too, without stepping a foot outside.

Key features

  • Affordable meal kits: One of the most budget-friendly options in the market, with meals priced at a lower cost per serving.
  • Easy recipes: Simple, straightforward recipes designed for minimal preparation time.
  • Pre-portioned ingredients: Comes with everything needed to cook meals, reducing food waste.
  • Customizable plans: options for two-person or family-sized meal kits.

Company review

Dinnerly is known for its affordability and commitment to making meal kits accessible to a wide audience.

Although the recipes are simple, the quality of the ingredients is generally high, and the company has built a loyal customer base by providing convenient, budget-friendly options. While there are occasional concerns about missing ingredients, the overall feedback is positive.

Brief summary about Dinnerly

Dinnerly is an excellent choice for seniors seeking affordable, easy-to-prepare meal kits. With simple recipes and fresh ingredients at a low cost, it’s ideal for those who want home-cooked meals without the complexity or high price tag.

Prices at Dinnerly might be their strongest asset, standing at $4.996.39 per meal with a vegetarian option.

7. HelloFresh — best delivery service for meal variety

HelloFresh Meals

HelloFresh delivers meal kits that focus on fresh ingredients and a diverse selection of recipes, making it a great choice for seniors who want variety and simple, home-cooked meals. It is possible to also add groceries to the delivery.

Who might benefit the most from HelloFresh?

Seniors who enjoy cooking but appreciate the convenience of pre-portioned ingredients and straightforward recipes will benefit the most from HelloFresh. It’s perfect for those who want variety in their meals while maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.

Key features

  • Wide variety of recipes: Offers over 30 different recipes every week, catering to various dietary preferences like vegetarian, low-calorie, and family-friendly meals.
  • Pre-portioned ingredients: reduces food waste and makes meal prep easier.
  • Customizable meal plans: flexible plans to suit different family sizes and preferences.
  • Step-by-step recipes: Easy-to-follow instructions, perfect for seniors with minimal cooking experience.

Company review

HelloFresh is a trusted name in the meal delivery service industry, known for its wide variety of recipes and commitment to providing fresh, quality ingredients. The company has built a solid reputation for reliable service, although occasional delivery issues and cost concerns have been reported.

Overall, it’s a popular choice for seniors seeking a flexible, diverse meal kit option.

Brief summary about HelloFresh

HelloFresh is an excellent option for seniors who want to enjoy a variety of home-cooked meals without the hassle of meal planning. With easy recipes, fresh ingredients, and flexible plans, it’s perfect for those seeking both convenience and meal variety.

Vegetarian or low-calorie meals for $811 per meal comes as a moderate pricing at HelloFresh.

8. Factor75 — best for health-focused, ready-to-eat meals

Factor75 Meals

Factor75 provides fully prepared, chef-crafted meals designed with nutrition in mind. It’s ideal for seniors who want a healthy, balanced diet with no prep or cleanup required.

They also have their own premium supplements, making it possible to order meals and health boosters on one go.

Who might benefit the most from Factor 75?

Seniors who are health-conscious and prefer a quick, ready-to-eat meal option will benefit from Factor75. It’s also a great fit for individuals managing specific dietary needs, such as low-carb, keto, or calorie-conscious plans.

Key feature

  • Ready-to-eat meals: No cooking required; just heat and eat.
  • Health-focused menus: tailored to various dietary needs, including keto, low-carb, and high-protein.
  • Fresh, never frozen: meals are delivered fresh, preserving the taste and nutritional quality.
  • Flexible plans: You can choose how many meals you need per week, with options to customize your menu.

Company review

Factor75 is well-regarded for its commitment to healthy, fresh, and convenient meals. The company has gained trust for offering nutritious, chef-prepared meals that cater to a variety of dietary needs.

While the cost may be higher compared to some other services, the quality and health benefits are frequently highlighted by customers.

Brief summary about Factor75

Factor75 is an excellent choice for seniors who want fresh, healthy, and fully prepared meals delivered to their door. With a focus on nutrition and convenience, it’s perfect for those who want to maintain a balanced diet without the hassle of cooking or meal prep.

The company offers a standard price of $1115 for a keto, paleo or low carb meal.

9. Green Chef — best for organic and sustainable meals

Green Chef Meals

Green Chef provides meal kits with a focus on organic, sustainably sourced ingredients, offering a range of dietary preferences, from keto to plant-based, making it ideal for seniors looking for healthy, customizable options.

Who might benefit the most from Green Chef?

Seniors who prioritize organic, eco-friendly meals and enjoy preparing their own food will benefit most from Green Chef. It’s perfect for those who want healthy, home-cooked meals with sustainably sourced ingredients.

Key features of Green Chef

  • Certified organic ingredients: All meals are made from sustainably sourced organic produce and protein.
  • Dietary variety: Offers meal plans for keto, paleo, vegan, and vegetarian diets.
  • Pre-portioned ingredients: minimizes waste and simplifies meal preparation.
  • Easy-to-follow recipes: Recipes are designed to be simple yet flavorful, with minimal prep time.

Company review

Green Chef is known for its commitment to providing healthy, organic meals with sustainable practices. The company has gained a reputation for its variety of meal plans catering to different diets, although some have mentioned price points and packaging concerns.

Overall, the company is highly regarded for its quality ingredients and convenience.

Brief summary about Green Chef

Green Chef is an excellent choice for seniors who value organic, eco-friendly meals and enjoy simple, home-cooked recipes. With a variety of meal plans catering to different diets, it’s a great option for those seeking healthy, convenient meal kits with sustainably sourced ingredients.

The service offers paleo, keto, vegan and vegetarian customization for a $1013 meal.

Comparing the best meal deliveries for seniors

Here’s a comparison table of the meal delivery services mentioned, based on key criteria for choosing the best service for seniors:

Best forPrice rangeMeal typeDietary optionSubscription requiredPrep timeOrganic / health focus
Marley SpoonVariety and customizationModerate($8–12/meal) Meal kitsVegetarian, low-carbYes30–40 minFresh ingredients, but not organic
GobbleQuick and easy mealsModerate ($11.99/meal)Meal kitsVegetarian, gluten-freeYes15 minFresh ingredients, but not organic
Purple CarrotPlant-based dietsModerate ($9–12/meal)Meal kits or prepared100% vegan, gluten-freeYes25–40 minFully plant-based, organic
Balance by BistroMDHealth-conscious seniorsHigh ($10–13/meal)Prepared mealsDiabetic, low-carb, heart-healthyNoReady-to-eatHealth-focused, balanced meals
Silver CuisineSeniors with dietary needsModerate-high ($8–12/meal)Prepared mealsDiabetic, low-sodium, gluten-freeNoReady-to-eatDoctor-designed for seniors
DinnerlyBudget-friendly Low ($4.99–6.39/meal)Meal KitsVegetarianYes25–30 minBasic meals, not organic
HelloFreshMeal varietyModerate ($8–11/meal)Meal kitsVegetarian, low-calorieYes25–30 minFresh, but not organic
Factory75Health-focused, ready-to-eatHigh ($11–5/meal)Prepared mealsKeto, paleo, low-carbYesReady-to-eatHealth and fitness-focused
Green ChefOrganic and sustainable mealsHigh ($10–13/meal)Meal kitsKeto, Paleo, Vegan, VegetarianYes30–40 minOrganic, sustainable ingredients

Overview of the table

  • Affordability. Dinnerly offers the most budget-friendly option.
  • Quickest meals. Gobble provides the fastest meal preparation option (15 minutes).
  • Best for health-focused seniors. Factor75 and Balance by BistroMD focus heavily on health with ready-to-eat meals.
  • Organic and sustainable. Green Chef and Purple Carrot are the best options for those who prioritize organic ingredients.

Why we think Marley Spoon is the best meal delivery service for seniors

Based on Healthnews' overview, Marley Spoon stands out as the best meal delivery service for seniors seeking variety and customization.

Offering a broad selection of over 45 recipes weekly, it caters to diverse dietary preferences, including vegetarian and low-carb options, making it ideal for seniors with specific nutritional needs.

Marley Spoon provides pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, allowing seniors to enjoy the satisfaction of cooking while minimizing effort.

Though it requires some preparation, its affordability and fresh, high-quality ingredients make it a top choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet while enjoying home-cooked meals.

How to decide on the right meal delivery service for seniors

To choose the right meal delivery service for seniors, it's important to consider several key factors:

  • Health priorities. Ensure the service offers meals that align with specific dietary needs such as heart health, diabetes, low sodium, or gluten-free options.
  • Preparation level. Decide whether ready-to-eat meals or meal kits with some preparation involved are more suitable for the senior's lifestyle and energy levels.
  • Cost. Consider budget constraints. Some services offer premium ingredients but at higher prices, while others provide budget-friendly options.
  • Delivery flexibility. Check if the service offers flexible subscription plans or one-time orders, which is important for seniors who may not want to commit to regular deliveries.

These factors will help ensure you choose a service that fits personal preferences, health needs, and budget.

Benefits of using a meal delivery service for seniors

Meal delivery services may improve the quality of life for seniors by providing nutritional support, helping to maintain independence, and allowing more free time for other activities.

Nutritional support and health monitoring

Meal delivery services offer pre-designed meals that align with seniors' specific dietary needs, such as low-sodium, heart-healthy, or diabetes-friendly options. These services ensure that seniors receive balanced nutrition, helping them manage chronic health conditions. For example, a study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics found that seniors who followed prescribed dietary plans experienced improvements in heart health and blood sugar control.

Social well-being

Home-bound elders usually face a lot of loneliness and other social well-being issues. The Journal of the American Geriatric Society published a study finding that meal delivery not only takes care of the nutritional needs of seniors but also can work as a monitoring service, alerting about changes in health, self-care, mobility, or personal safety.

Food safety

Frequent portioned food delivery might be helpful in ensuring food safety. The elderly face more trouble tracking their food expiration dates and thus are more prone to food poisoning. Meal deliveries may eliminate this issue and provide a fresh and nutritious diet.

Promoting independence

Strongly correlating with mental health, independence might improve the overall well-being and reduce the dependence on other family members or caregivers. This service helps elders stay in control of their daily routines.

Researcher’s insights

We have asked our in-house researcher, Paula Vaidelauskaitė, holding a BSc in Neuroscience, to give insights regarding meal delivery services. Here is what she highlighted in her comment.

Health Content Researcher

Additionally, these services can reduce the stress and effort involved in planning and cooking meals, fostering greater independence among older adults by decreasing their reliance on caregivers. Some researchers hypothesized that receiving home-delivered meals serves as a form of social interaction, which could mitigate feelings of loneliness.

Meal delivery drawbacks

Challenges exist for some users, particularly when meal delivery systems rely on digital platforms or mobile applications. This may restrict accessibility for individuals without smartphones or with limited technological proficiency. Another concern is the environmental impact associated with excessive packaging materials, such as plastic and cardboard. Consumers are encouraged to select services that prioritize eco-friendly practices.

Cost is another important consideration when selecting a meal delivery service, as these services can be expensive, posing financial challenges for seniors on fixed incomes. For individuals with specific dietary needs, such as those requiring diabetic-friendly options, choosing a service that offers specialized meal plans is essential.

Tips for integrating meal delivery into a senior's daily routine

To integrate meal delivery into a senior's daily routine, it's important to coordinate delivery times around other caregiving services, such as home health visits or physical therapy. Set a consistent delivery schedule, ensuring meals arrive during periods when someone can assist with storage if needed.

To safely store delivered meals, refrigerate perishable items immediately and freeze meals that won't be eaten within a few days. Always follow food safety guidelines by checking expiration dates and reheating meals to the proper temperature (usually 165°F).

Labeling meals with dates can help keep track of freshness. Lastly, pre-plan when each meal will be consumed to avoid waste and maintain a balanced eating schedule. This ensures that seniors can easily access nutritious meals when needed.

Comparing DIY meal preparation with meal delivery services

When comparing DIY meal preparation to meal delivery services, DIY cooking generally costs less as it involves purchasing raw ingredients in bulk. However, it requires significant time investment for shopping, meal planning, and cooking, which may be challenging for seniors or caregivers.

In contrast, meal delivery services save time and offer convenience, though they tend to be more expensive, especially for specialized diets.

DIY meal preparation offers a sense of independence and satisfaction from cooking, as it allows for complete control over ingredients and portion sizes. Meal delivery, on the other hand, provides convenience, ensuring nutritious, ready-to-eat meals without the hassle of cooking, which is ideal for those with mobility issues or busy schedules.

Each option offers distinct benefits depending on the individual's priorities for cost, time, and lifestyle.

Best meal delivery for seniors: conclusion

In conclusion, meal delivery services can greatly benefit seniors by providing convenient, nutritious, and tailored meal options. These services cater to a wide range of needs, from specialized health diets to preferences for plant-based or budget-friendly meals.

Marley Spoon stands out for seniors seeking variety and customization, offering plenty of weekly recipes that cater to various dietary preferences, including recipes from Martha Stewart and low-carb options.

The convenience of meal delivery allows seniors to maintain independence, save time, and avoid the physical strain of grocery shopping and meal prep.

Additionally, meal services help ensure food safety and reduce waste through pre-portioned ingredients. While DIY cooking offers a sense of control and independence, meal delivery provides a practical, stress-free solution for seniors who may have mobility or health challenges.

Ultimately, the best option depends on individual preferences, but meal delivery can enhance a senior’s quality of life.

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