Blue Apron: Leading the Meal Kit Revolution

Blue Apron has established itself as a top-rated meal kit service, holding that status for over a year now. Recent changes, including the elimination of mandatory subscription requirements, have prompted us to revisit this provider along with others in the meal delivery sector. Our goal? To reassess where each service stands in 2025 and help you decide on the best fit for your dining needs.

The Surge in Meal Kit Popularity

A CNET survey revealed that U.S. adults spend, on average, $4,300 annually on dining out and takeout. Rising grocery prices, partly due to inflation, have made meal kits an increasingly attractive option for those looking to save. With steady prices despite the fluctuating costs of ingredients, services like Blue Apron appeal to many budget-conscious consumers.

Having tested numerous meal kits and prepared meal delivery services extensively as CNET’s food and kitchen expert, I hold high standards. Each kit is evaluated on factors like quality, affordability, and convenience.

In this round of testing, I enlisted colleagues for an even more comprehensive review. Our vegan wellness editor, Anna Gragert, and flex editor, Corin Cesaric, contributed their insights. The New York office was roped in as well for additional taste-testing and consensus-building.

What Makes Blue Apron Shine

After our in-depth testing, Blue Apron continues to hold the top position among our best meal kit services for 2025, offering prices that range from $8 to $14 per serving. While it may not be the cheapest option available, it consistently delivers flavorful, easy-to-make meals—featuring high-end recipes like tender steak and salmon.

Editors across the board agree that Blue Apron is the best overall service, especially for those who may have specific dietary preferences but don’t want to compromise on taste.

Exploring Other Meal Delivery Services

For individuals who aren’t keen on cooking, several companies provide fully prepared meals.

• CookUnity stands out as the best prepared meal service, boasting a wide array of exciting dishes.
• MealPro has garnered raves for taste but it’s pricier, with meals ranging from $15 to $22.

We rigorously examined over 30 options, narrowing them down to the nine best meal kits and prepared meal services for 2025, catering to various dietary needs.

Recent Updates

In July 2025, we tested and added MealPro as the best gourmet prepared meal service and Gardencup as the best salad delivery service. Simultaneously, HelloFresh was re-evaluated and emerged as the best choice for recipe variety.

Meal Kits vs. Prepared Meal Delivery: Which to Choose?

One of the first decisions to make is whether to opt for meal kits that require preparation or ready-to-eat meals. Meal kits often demand more time and energy, but they generally cost less per serving. They can even save you money over grocery shopping in some cases.

Cost Breakdown

Meal kits can start at about $5 per serving for simplistic recipes and escalate to as much as $15 for those featuring exotic ingredients and organic produce. When evaluating which service fits your financial plan, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what you’re willing to spend. There are countless affordable meal delivery options available.

Nutritional Value

Health is another significant consideration. Various services cater to different dietary preferences, from low-calorie to vegan options. If you’re conscientious about nutrition, looking at meal plans that emphasize fresh ingredients will be pivotal in your decision process.

Weekly Meal Flexibility

Consider how many meals you want per week. Many meal kit services provide plans for as few as two meals and as many as six, allowing flexibility based on your cooking habits. Prepared meals usually arrive frozen or can be frozen post-delivery, so age isn’t an issue in case you over-order.

Testing Criteria and Process

To ensure reliability in our rankings, three CNET editors sampled at least three meals from every service. The assessments included:

• Taste and portion sizes
• Ease of preparation
• Navigability of the website for easy scheduling and customization

We followed recipe cards meticulously to gain a complete understanding of each kit’s strengths and weaknesses.

Additional Meal Delivery Services We Reviewed

Here’s a quick overview of some other services we explored:

• Sunbasket: Good meals, but pricey.
• Home Chef: Popular selection but inconsistent quality.
• Factor: Previously a favorite, but recent offerings were bland and overcooked.

Is a Meal Kit Right for You?

Meal kits can cater to those looking to make home-cooked meals easily. They’re excellent for families seeking to simplify dinner planning and a viable option for anyone aiming to improve their cooking skills. With in-depth nutritional information available, many services even assist in catering to specific dietary needs like gluten-free, keto, or paleo diets.

Who Benefits from Prepared Meal Delivery?

Prepared meals are ideal for those with busy schedules who prefer the simplicity of just heating up a dish. Many prepared meal services cater to various dietary lifestyles, providing healthy options for health-conscious individuals without requiring meal prep.

In a rapidly evolving industry, Blue Apron’s recent decision to eliminate the subscription requirement has undoubtedly shifted the landscape. As meal delivery services continue to adapt, consumers will find more varied and convenient options at their fingertips than ever before.