The 5 Best Oven Ready Meal Delivery Services in 2023

What to Look For in an Oven Ready Meal Delivery Service

While you’d think most meal delivery services offer the same kinds of options, you’d be surprised to learn that’s not the case. In fact, while this post is dedicated to oven ready meal delivery, the options for companies that offer true oven ready meal delivery kits are actually slim pickings, so we’ve included some other convenient alternatives within this list too. 

Ease of use – What are other convenient meal types that aren’t fully oven ready?

The first thing to note is that not all ready made meals are oven ready made meals. Some of them are heat and eat style that are meant to be cooked in a microwave. However, the microwave options are going to be your fastest option. Oven ready meals can still take anywhere from 15-30 minutes (or more) to cook and most microwavable meals only require about 5 minutes. (For instance, Purple Carrot’s ready made meals are only microwavable, but Freshly’s ready made meals can be microwaved OR cooked in the oven.)

Then, somewhere between these two, you have meals that can be cooked in the oven that require minimal prep work. For instance, you might have to simply transfer the ingredients to an oven safe dish (like some of Blue Apron’s sheet pan meals) or chop an ingredient or two before microwaving (like some of Home Chef’s Express meals). 

We recommended the services on this list because you get different kinds of quick and easy options within each service. For example, if you’re really pressed for time, throw that Freshly meal into the microwave, but on days when you have some extra time, try their meals in the oven. Or give Sunbasket a try, whose service allows you to mix and match different meal types, so you can order some easy meals, as well as traditional meal kits for nights you have extra time.

Budget – How expensive are meal kits?

You might be surprised to find out that the price per serving can vary from service to service quite drastically. However, this doesn’t mean all services are going to be outside of your budget. In fact, some meal kits offer servings that come out to less than your average fast food meal. 

Conversely, you should be aware that ready made meals tend to be some of the more expensive options on different services menus. Unfortunately, convenience never comes for free. This is another reason why we recommend services that offer a variety of meal types. Often times, that’s a way to save a little bit of money, even if it means a night or two a week, you end up cooking a meal that takes around 30 minutes or so.

Serving Size – Do all meal kit delivery services offer the same size meals?

No! And this is especially important to take note of for these particular recommendations. All of Freshly’s meals are 1 serving each, so if you’re attempting to feed your family using this delivery service, make sure you pick the plan size that comes with enough meals to do so.

Additionally, Sunbasket’s Fresh & Ready meals are only single servings, but the rest of the meal kits do come with two servings each. You can mix and match the different meal types, but again, make sure you’re being mindful of this when you’re ordering.

Dietary Preferences – Do any meal kit delivery services cater to specific diets?

Yes! The best oven ready meal delivery kits for those who have specific dietary preferences is Sunbasket. They cater to specific diets like paleo, pescetarian, mediterranean and more. However, if you’re vegan or vegetarian, Purple Carrot is literally made for you. You’ll have the most options with that service. 

Conversely, most of the meal services on this list aren’t suitable for individuals with severe food allergies or intolerances. However, nearly all of Freshly’s meals are certified gluten-free and are made in kitchens that are 100% certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). So, if you’re someone who suffers with gluten intolerance, fortunately you’re not completely out of luck when it comes to meal kits!

(If you’re interested in learning more about each of these specific diets, just click the name of each one and you’ll be brought to high quality sources for more information, studies and/or fun facts.)

Nutritional Quality – Are meal kit delivery services healthy?

As far as health goes, for the most part, meal delivery services can be worked into a healthy diet. Most services do a decent job at balancing meats, veggies and grains in their meals. However, where some fall short is the calorie count of each meal. 

This is why we recommend services like Sunbasket (who’s meals are dietitian approved or have been approved by the American Diabetes Association) or Purple Carrot (meals have been clinically proven to help people lose weight and lower LDL cholesterol in just 4 weeks). 

At the very least, look for services that offer calorie conscious meals/menus, to make eating healthy easier. 

Benefits of Oven Ready Meal Delivery Kits 

• Oven ready meal delivery kits can be a time saver. They are ready made meals that require zero prep work.
• Some services that offer oven ready meals offer other speedy options and allow you to mix and match so you get a good variety for nights when you have more time than others.
• If you have specific dietary restrictions, you still have some options amongst services that offer oven ready meal delivery kits.
• The oven ready meals from every service on this list use fresh ingredients and aren’t frozen!
• Oven ready meal delivery kits come pre portioned and ready to go, pretty much eliminating food waste. 

Final Thoughts 

Using a meal kit service is a great option for those looking to save time and effort, but still have a delicious dinner every night. When looking for the best oven ready meal delivery kits, remember that oven ready meals aren’t the only way to save time. There’s also ready-made meals that can be microwaved when you have very little time or express/speedy meal kits that require very little prep before going into the microwave/oven. 

You simply need to ask yourself what you’d like from the service. Do you want all ready made meals? That’s the name of the game at Freshly. However, if you’d like to mix and match different styles of meals, Home Chef is an excellent option. Furthermore, if you’re vegan and are looking for ready-made meals, head on over to Purple Carrot. You cannot go wrong with any of the services on this list!

FAQs 

What is the cheapest oven ready meal delivery?

Home Chef’s standard meals start at $8.99 per serving depending on their current available menu and options. Meal types can vary in price. So, if you’re looking for true oven ready meals, they’re going to be the cheapest. However, if you’re just looking for easy and fast meals, Blue Apron’s meals start at a dollar cheaper per serving. However, it should be noted, they don’t over true oven ready meals.

Do oven ready meals come fresh or frozen?

Every single meal kit delivery service on this list delivers fresh meals/ingredients. Even the oven ready and/or ready made meals are fresh, not frozen!

Are oven ready meal delivery kit services cheaper than regular grocery shopping?

Typically no. However, oven ready meal delivery can be a lot cheaper than ordering take-out. And even though you might spend a little less at the grocery store on ready made meals, they’ll usually be frozen and packed with preservatives. All the services on this list deliver fresh meals and/or fresh ingredients to cook with. Furthermore, meal kits help you eliminate food waste. When you have lots of food waste, you end up spending more than you needed.