The best senior meal delivery services take into account the unique health concerns that may arise for this age group. Fortunately, many companies are dedicated to filling this need; whether you’re looking for yourself or an older adult in your life, you’ll find great options to take the pressure off of mealtime.
Best Senior Meal Delivery Services of 2022
Best Overall: Freshly Best Value: Mom’s Meals Best Variety: Magic Kitchen Best Gourmet: CookUnity Best for Dietary Restrictions: BistroMD Best Gluten-Free: ModifyHealth Best Plant-Based: Mosaic Best for Groceries: Hungryroot
Key SpecsStarting Price: $9.58 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try ItFreshly offers a broad range of pre-made meals with a variety of cuisines and a flexible subscription program for a stress-free senior meal delivery service experience.ProsGood variety of cuisines and dietary preferencesMeals are ready in three minutes or lessAdd-on proteins and sidesConsRequires a subscriptionOverviewFreshly meals include flavors from many world cuisines including American, Greek, Indian, and Thai, and offer meals for those seeking dairy-free, gluten-free, peanut-free, vegan, vegetarian, and more. The meals are ready to heat and can be on the table in just minutes. Although the plan with six meals per week is the most popular option, orders can include four to 12 meals each week that can be delivered on the date you choose. Pricing and Plans4 meals: $505 meals: $626 meals: $687 meals: $758 meals: $839 meals: $9210 meals: $10011 meals: $10812 meals: $115Meals We TriedAsian-style chicken and noodlesSteak peppercornThai green curryPork chile Colorado Key SpecsStarting Price: $7.99Delivery Area: All 50 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try ItMom’s Meals offers meals that cater specifically to medical diets at an affordable price, and meals are often covered by Medicare and other health plans. ProsCovered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other plansCaters to many different medically necessary dietsMeals stay fresh for 14 days ConsNo options vegan options OverviewMom’s Meals delivers nutritious, high-quality, refrigerated meals to your doorstep. The meals are designed by professional chefs and registered dieticians and are tailored to support the nutrition needed for health conditions that most other services cannot accommodate. Some of the available menus include Cancer Support, Diabetes-Friendly, General Wellness, Gluten Free, Heart Friendly, Lower Sodium, Puréed, Renal Friendly, and Vegetarian. As an added benefit, Mom’s Meals is covered under Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid plans, Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) programs, and the Older Americans Act. Pricing and Plans10 meals for $79.9014 meals for $111.8621 meals for $167.79Renal-friendly, puréed, and gluten-free meals: $8.99 per meal Meals We Tried Curry vegetables with pineapple and brown rice, string cheese, and vanilla puddingCheeseburger and seasoned mixed vegetables, whole wheat bun, and orangeChicken and stir fry vegetables with teriyaki sauce, white rice, and applesauceSweet and sour chicken with stir fry vegetables and white rice, grape juice, and ginger spice cookieBBQ chicken with potato medley, seasoned green beans, and applesauceBeef goulash over whole wheat pasta, seasoned carrots, and orangeSalisbury steak with mushroom gravy, potatoes, seasoned vegetables, whole wheat dinner roll, and gelatinMushroom risotto and seasoned peas and carrots, whole wheat roll, and grape juiceKorean-style BBQ meatballs with white rice, seasoned broccoli, and ginger spice cookieCreamy macaroni and cheese and seasoned vegetables, mandarin orange cup, and blueberry applesauce Key SpecsStarting Price: $12Delivery Area: 50 statesProducts Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try ItMagic Kitchen lets you customize your own menu with an array of entrée and à la carte options. ProsAccommodates a variety of dietary restrictionsConvenient, heat-and-eat mealsCan order complete meals or à la carte options ConsMeals without gluten are not made in a certified gluten-free facility OverviewMagic Kitchen makes ordering easy with complete meal bundles, as well as the option to order à la carte entrées, soups, sides, and desserts. Its easy-to-reheat meals accommodate folks with conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and kidney disease. With the ability to place single orders or sign up for a three-, six-, or nine-month subscription, Magic Kitchen provides a convenient option for food delivery. Pricing and Plans7 days (1 complete meal per day): $82–$907 days (2 complete meals per day): $164–$1807 days (3 complete meals per day): $246–$275 Meals We TriedVegetable caponata with orzo and spinachBeef and broccoli over noodles and vegetable blendBalsamic glazed chicken with roasted potatoes and green beansChili with beans with carrots and broccoli florets Key SpecsStarting Price: $10.39Delivery Area: 45 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try ItCookUnity’s meals garnered high praise for flavor and variety, making it our top pick for gourmet-style meal delivery. ProsChef-crafted mealsVegan and vegetarian optionsLots of menu options ConsLimited delivery areaDoesn’t cater to specific health conditions or dietary restrictions OverviewCookUnity offers a unique approach to meal delivery, sourcing from chefs from across the country to develop its menus. This approach means that menus will vary depending on your region, and it’s ideal for seniors who want variety and flavor minus the prep time. The menu rotates weekly, so there’s always something new to try. Pricing and Plans 4 meals per week: $13.596 meals per week: $12.298 meals per week: $11.6912 meals per week: $11.1916 meals per week: $11.09Meals We Tried Coconut lime hanger steakCarnitas street tacosButternut squash ravioliChili roasted shrimp Key SpecsStarting Price: $10.99Delivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try ItBistroMD offers physician-designed programs that support a variety of dietary restrictions. ProsDoctor-designed programs and dietitian supportMeals are ready to eat in five minutes or lessOffers over 150 meals ConsDoes not disclose sourcing informationNo vegetarian option OverviewBistroMD offers a variety of plans to choose from, including one that features meals low in saturated fat and cholesterol to promote a healthier heart. Meals align with the American Heart Association’s recommendations for calories, sodium, total fat, and saturated fat, and the programs are designed in collaboration with registered dietitians to ensure that the meals are nutritionally balanced. BistroMD also offers individualized dietitian support to its customers, along with a wealth of additional resources on its website. Pricing and Plans5 days of lunch and dinner: Starting at $149.907 days of lunch and dinner: Starting at $188.86Meals We TriedChicken, rice, and cheddar casseroleSalmon with dill mustard sauceTurkey breaks with cranberry apple chutneyOven-fried catfish with spicy tomato leek sauceBaked pasta marinara with chicken sausageMeatloaf with honey bourbon glazeMojo pork with black beans and riceChicken pad thaiGrilled salmon with creamy pestoLasagna with garden marinara Key SpecsStarting Price: $11.75 Delivery Area: 50 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try ItModifyHealth takes its gluten-free status seriously, producing all of its meals in a 100% gluten-free facility. ProsAll meals are gluten-free and low-sodiumMeals developed in collaboration with physicians, dietitians, and chefsMeals stay fresh for up to 10 days in the refrigerator ConsHigher price per serving than many plansOnly Mediterranean and low-FODMAP diets are available OverviewModifyHealth offers fresh, ready-to-heat meals that are entirely gluten-free and low in sodium. It stands out as one of the few companies offering meals made in a 100% gluten-free facility, making it ideal for customers with gluten allergies or sensitivities. Customers also have the option to consult with a dietitian as part of some plans. Pricing and PlansLow-FODMAP Entrées (6 meal minimum): $81 and upLow-FODMAP Program (10 entrees plus expert support): $180 and upMediterranean Plan Entrées (6 meal minimum): $81 and upMediterranean Get Well Program (10 entrees plus expert support): $129 and up Meals We TriedGreek chicken and riceLongevity stew with black-eyed peas and kaleShrimp chimichurri with black beans and riceLemon thyme chicken with tahini cauliflower and za’atar quinoaBlackened salmon with quinoa, broccoli, and red bell pepperRoasted pistachio salmon with white beans and kale Key SpecsStarting Price: $9.99Delivery Area: Must check zip code for availability Products Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try ItWhether you’re already a vegan or vegetarian, or simply looking to explore the benefits of a plant-based diet, Mosaic has a wealth of tasty options. ProsOffers meals appropriate for people with heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol Chef and dietitian-developed ConsLimited delivery area OverviewMosaic is a totally plant-based meal subscription service, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner items in both vegetarian and vegan options. The company sources its ingredients from nearby farms and even offers a “Mosaic+” menu featuring meals crafted by well-known chefs like Ereka Vetrini and Greg Baxtrom. Meals arrive frozen, and many of them will last up to three months in the freezer. Pricing and Plans6 items per box: $59.94 plus $10 shipping12 items per box: $119.88 (with free shipping)18 items per box: $179.82 (with free shipping) Meals We TriedSpicy dan dan noodlesBuffalo cauliflower pasta bake (family size)Mac and greensPozole verdeVeggie kebab platterCoconut chickpea curry Key SpecsStarting Price: $9.69 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try ItHungryroot operates as both a meal delivery and grocery delivery service, making it a great choice for seniors who may find it challenging to get to the grocery store. ProsUSDA-certified organic ingredients Accommodates many different dietary requirementsOver 3,000 recipes ConsMeal kits only offer two or four servings OverviewHungryroot is an all-in-one recipe and grocery service, making it our top pick for seniors who want to cook but may find it difficult to go to the store. Customers can select items for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts, or a combination of meals. Most recipes are designed for up to four servings, but some grocery items are available in larger family packs and the weekly meals are easily customizable. Pricing and Plans Meals start at $9.69; plan on a minimum of $70 an order per week to obtain free shipping.For orders less than $70, shipping is $6.99. Meals We Tried Spinach artichoke and mushroom tortelloniRoasted salmon and sweet potato on Brussels sproutsSouthwest chicken and rainbow veggie tacosThai peanut beef and broccoli stir-fry
How Do Senior Meal Delivery Services Work?
Senior meal delivery services deliver fully prepared meals or easy-to-prepare meal kits directly to your door. They differ from other services in that they accommodate dietary restrictions more common in older adults, offer customer service resources geared toward this age group, and sometimes provide financial benefits to make healthy eating accessible.
How Should You Choose a Senior Meal Delivery Service?
Because seniors have varying needs, it’s important to consider several factors when choosing a meal delivery service. Dietary restrictions, price, variety of food, and ease of ordering are just a few factors to evaluate.
Why Are Senior Meal Delivery Services Good for Seniors?
For some seniors, it may be difficult to meal plan, grocery shop, and cook. At the same time, eating nutritiously becomes even more important as we age. Meal delivery services provide a way for older adults and their caregivers to access food that meets their health needs.
Does Medicare Cover Senior Meal Delivery Services?
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) generally doesn’t pay for meal delivery services. Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) is a healthcare option you can choose to replace your original Medicare coverage and is purchased through a private insurance company. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer meal delivery as a benefit, but it isn’t guaranteed with every plan and is usually for a limited time. Consult your specific plan to see if it is covered.
Are Senior Meal Delivery Services Worth the Cost?
The need for a meal delivery service may range from a helping hand in the kitchen for an active senior to an absolute necessity due to a medical condition or mobility limitations. Deciding whether the price is worthwhile is up to the individual and their particular situation. Note that services like Meals on Wheels are dedicated to removing the financial barrier to nutritious meals and never turn down a senior due to inability to pay.
Methodology
Our testers ordered from, cooked, and rated 40 different meal delivery services. We carefully scored each one based on meal selection, nutritional information, sustainability, and customer service, as well as the flavor, freshness, and quality of each meal and ingredient. Our Simply Recipes tester panel includes dietitians, chefs, and longtime food writers.
