The 6 best vegan meal delivery services of 2024, according to a nutritionist

Transitioning to a vegan diet can be challenging, but it has benefits. A diet free from all animal products can be associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and even premature death. So, if you have limited time to research new recipes or aren’t accustomed to making meals that don’t center around animal protein but are still looking to try a vegan diet, there are other solutions. One option we're fond of is to try one of the best vegan meal delivery services on the market today. 

By now, you're likely familiar with many meal delivery services, but you may not know some are catered to specific diets. Finding the right weekly vegan meal delivery service can make the transition to a plant-based diet more accessible and enjoyable by delivering a variety of nutritious and flavorful meals right to your doorstep. Plus, you’ll experience a range of new flavors, cooking methods, and styles that can make this transition more enjoyable. To help you find the best meal delivery service for your needs, I – a multi-certified personal trainer and nutritionist – and the team here at AOL tested 15 of the best weekly meal delivery services to find which ones excel at providing delicious and nutritious plant-based meals.

To find the best vegan meal delivery companies, we rated each service based on the quality of ingredients, number of new meals offered each week, flavor combinations, ease of ordering meals, ease of preparing meals, if any extra add-ons were available, the company’s commitment to sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging, and most of all, the overall taste and presentation of the meals.

Here, you’ll learn the unique features and benefits of each of these top-rated vegan meal delivery services. However, it's important to remember that the best meal kit for you will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Always consult your doctor before making a significant change to your diet, read reviews, and consider your own nutritional needs before making a decision.

How do I choose the best Vegan meal delivery service?

Cost: When considering the cost of a vegan meal delivery service, the price per serving and the number of servings per meal should be taken into account with options for different household sizes. Prices typically range from $6 to $13 per serving, with some services offering add-ons that range in price. Considering your budget and comparing the cost per serving across different services that suit your dietary needs and preferences is essential.

Ease of Use: Vegan meal delivery kits should be easy to use from ordering to the finished meal. Kits should come with clear cooking instructions and a delivery schedule that works for you. Some services offer pre-prepared meals that only need to be heated, while others provide ingredients and recipes to cook the meal yourself. Some of these include whole produce and proteins that require a bit more prep, while others pre-chop, shred, or otherwise prepare individual ingredients.

Menu Choice: An adequate variety of vegan recipes and high-quality ingredients is something to look for with a meal delivery service, as not all have multiple meals that work for animal-free diets. Look for a service that offers a selection of recipes that fit your additional dietary needs, such as gluten-free, soy-free, or nut-free options. The ingredients should be fresh, high-quality, and plant-based.

Taste: Above all, the vegan meals should be delicious. While the flavor of the meals is a personal experience, reading reviews or trying a few different services to find one that you really enjoy will help you make the most of your subscription.

Eco-Friendly Packaging: The packaging choices of vegan meal delivery services can reduce their environmental impact if they choose recyclable or compostable materials. This is especially important if you are committed to reducing your own ecological footprint. Look for services that provide clear instructions on recycling or composting their packaging.

How we chose the best Vegan meal delivery service

Every meal kit we reviewed has different strengths and weaknesses. Some are very easy; others offer more variety; some are great for families with picky eaters and special diets, and others are geared toward noncarnivores. We also tested some heat-and-eat premade meal options (remember when we used to call them TV dinners?) to throw into the mix as the easiest to make of the bunch.

To narrow down the list of the best meal delivery services, an in-house culinary expert, AOL testers, and editors collectively tried 15 of the top delivery services with their families. We evaluated the services according to the number of weekly vegetarian menu choices offered, the quality and freshness of the included ingredients, ease of cooking, cost, eco-friendly packaging, and, most of all, taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are vegan meal delivery services?

Vegan meal delivery services prepare and deliver plant-based meals to your doorstep. These services offer meals and food items suitable for people following a vegan diet, which excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, and honey, and any foods made with animal-sourced ingredients. Many services have meals designed by chefs and nutritionists to be balanced, nutritious, and flavorful, so sticking to a vegan diet is more enjoyable.

What can I expect from a vegan meal delivery service?

When you subscribe to a vegan meal delivery service, you can expect to receive pre-portioned, ready-to-cook, or pre-cooked meals delivered to your home on your chosen schedule. These meals are typically accompanied by preparation and cooking instructions if needed. Meal delivery services allow you to choose from a selection of meals each week with different tastes and dietary needs in mind. Some services also allow you to modify the frequency of deliveries, skip a week, or cancel anytime.

Do vegan meal delivery kit services save you money?

The cost-effectiveness of vegan meal delivery services depends on several factors, including your usual grocery spending habits, dining practices, and the specific service you choose. While the cost per meal might be higher than if you were to buy the ingredients and cook from scratch, these services can cut back on food waste and save you time on meal planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. For some people, these conveniences can make vegan meal delivery services a cost-effective option, especially if you often find yourself ordering takeout during the busiest days of the week.

Can I cancel my meal delivery subscription at any time?

Most vegan meal delivery services allow you to cancel your subscription at any time, but check the specific cancellation policy of any service you’re considering to be sure it will fit your needs. Some services may require you to cancel before a deadline to avoid a charge for the next delivery. It's always a good idea to read the company’s terms and conditions before subscribing.