How To Choose The Best Meal Service For Seniors

It’s no secret that enjoying nutritious meals is important to our health! Having a good variety of foods in your diet will help reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses. But, as you age, it can become more challenging to do all the shopping and cooking yourself. That’s where a meal delivery service can come in handy!

Today, there are various companies that ship fresh ingredients, premade meals, and whole kits right from their kitchens to your front door. They offer convenience and boast affordability. But, how do you know which service is right for you?

So – You’re in search of the perfect meal delivery service…

Every company is going to be a little different. However, most stick to a pretty basic formula: one-box-fits-all and weekly menus. Costs and other features will vary, so it’s important to first know what you’re looking for and then, check out available options and compare.

Let’s take a look at some considerations to keep in mind!

Prepared Meals or a Kit?

Prepared meals are precisely as they sound – meals that are prepped, cooked, and delivered to you fresh! It usually works like this: there will be a different menu to order from each week. Meal selections typically consist of a main course and one or two sides. When your meals are delivered, they will come fully prepared in individually packaged portions. The only thing you have to do is pop them in the oven or microwave!

Companies that offer prepared meals:

• Home Chef
• Sunbasket

Box kits come with everything you need to cook your own meal. First, you choose a few options from the current menu. Next, you’re sent a box full of fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and recipe cards. Then, you cook! Recipes are usually simple and boxes come with exactly what you need, save for maybe some salt, pepper, and cooking oil.

Companies that offer box kits:

• HelloFresh
• Mom’s Meals 
• Silver Cuisine

Dietary Needs & Preferences

Most meal delivery services offer menu options for those with specific needs, but there are some that aren’t as flexible. Know who offers what before signing up!

Gluten-free options:

• Silver Cuisine
• Mom’s Meals
• Magic Kitchen
• Snap Kitchen
• Sunbasket
• Veestro
• BistroMD

Vegetarian options:

• Blue Apron
• Veestro
• Sunbasket
• Green Chef
• Magic Kitchen
• Mom’s Meals
• Silver Cuisine

Diabetic diets:

• Silver Cuisine
• Mom’s Meals
• Magic Kitchen
• BistroMD

Dairy-free options:

• Silver Cuisine
• Magic Kitchen
• Sunbasket

Variety

Whether you’ve signed up with a prepared meal service or a box kit company, menus typically change every week to offer more variety. However, some companies overall will have more options than others that will appeal to your particular pallet. If you’re wondering how diverse they get with their menus, you can simply check the companies’ websites! Most of them post multiple menus (complete with ingredient lists and/or recipes) at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance!

Price

After introductory prices (deals and discounts which are typically offered for the first few deliveries), actual costs will range depending on which company you’ve chosen. Prices are anywhere from $4.99 per meal to $12 per meal, but flat-rate shipping is often featured. Box kits tend to be on the less-expensive end of the spectrum and specialty foods are usually more expensive.

Billing & Delivery

We’ve looked at a lot of meal delivery services (and ordered from some too)! Billing and delivery typically work like this:

• Choose meals from the week’s menu. Changes can usually be made up until the day you’re scheduled to be charged.
• You are automatically charged a few days in advance of the next week’s delivery.
• Boxes come within a few days of being charged, and shipping is usually flat-rate, and overnight.

• Most services allow you to skip weeks with no penalties. You won’t be charged for weeks you skip, as long as you make the choice before your regularly scheduled billing occurs.
• Shipping costs are not usually included in the price per meal.

How To Choose The Best Meal Delivery Service For YOU

Are you looking to make dinner time more convenient? Do you have difficulty getting out and about to go shopping on your own? Then, a meal delivery service might be just what you need! If you’re looking for a service, then check out some of our recommendations here: 8 Best Meal Services for Seniors to Order From in 2023.

Related: 8 Tips For Hiring The Best Housekeeping Or Cleaning Services For Seniors Aging In Place

Still not what you’re looking for? Then, browse our other retirement living articles!

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