Updated September 2021: Some of the meal kit delivery services on this list are still experiencing high demand, shipping delays, or reduced menu options due to the global coronavirus pandemic. Meal kit delivery services can help you comply with social distancing guidelines set by the CDC and other health authorities. They may also be more budget-friendly than you'd expect, considering the skyrocketing price of groceries across the United States.

Meal kits aren't the only food delivery solution. If you cannot safely get to a local grocery store, you can try grocery delivery through a service like Instacart or Postmates, or through the store website directly. Grocery stores are probably not going to run out of food, so there's no need to panic-buy. If you or someone you know are facing food insecurity, visit Feeding America or this listing of food pantries to find free food near you.

Much like mattress-in-a-box companies, meal kit companies usually have some running promotions, so keep an eye out if you decide to sign up. Most meal kit pricing models offer bulk discounts: The more meals you purchase per week, the lower each serving's price will be. We go into detail on dietary restrictions and subscription costs. If you ever want to skip a week or cancel, you can find that information in the account section on your chosen service's website.

WIRED: Meal kits are convenient; I didn’t have to worry about planning dinner. Learning to cook with one of these services can instill confidence and impart basic knowledge. If you're busy, bored, or can't be bothered, meal kits may be just what you need to get cookin', and cooking at home is never a bad thing. Also, millions of Americans don't have easy access to a grocery store. These services can help bridge the gap.

TIRED: Nothing beats learning how to cook the old-fashioned way. It's cheaper and you learn more if you pick out fruit yourself or break down a whole chicken for $5, instead of dropping $12 on prepackaged chicken parts. You simply don't get that experience if everything arrives at your door. Planning and shopping is an integral part of the art of cooking. Trust me—you haven't truly lived until you've mistaken baking soda for baking powder while making a cake from scratch.

This is the best simple, no-fuss meal kit. Overall, the flavor and quality of each dish was great. The recipe cards are large and easy to follow. The service caters to lots of dietary lifestyles, it's not too expensive, and the weekly menus have plenty of choices. The company has partnered with How2Recycle, which teaches you how to recycle the various packaging materials found in your shipment. It's an excellent resource for anyone subscribing to meal kits, which have a reputation for being environmentally unfriendly.

However, some of the produce I received was a little bruised. This service runs straight down the middle—if you want to really hone your chef skills or make impressive meals, you might want to opt for something else.

Plan Details: The weekly menus have a heavy focus on Mediterranean-style meals, which feature lots of veggies and proteins. Dietary options include WW-approved, vegetarian, carb-conscious, plant-forward, diabetes-friendly, and sub-500 calories.

Cost: The lowest price per serving is $7.49. The lowest subscription cost is $48 (including shipping) for two meals per week with two servings per meal.