Best meal delivery services in Australia ranked: Find the best option for you

Ready-made meals have come a long way since the 1990s, when Bird's Eyes Cod Mornay was the cream of the crop.

Today, meal delivery services are fresher and more customisable than ever, with an increasing number of Australians are discovering the ease and benefits of pre-packaged meal delivery.

For time-poor professionals, dieters or those wanting to save money without sacrificing taste, pre-packaged meal delivery can be a no-brainer.

But these services aren't just for busy professionals or fitness enthusiasts - they're also incredibly value for seniors. For those who no longer enjoy cooking, have dietary restrictions, or need portion-controlled, easy-to-heat meals, pre-packaged food delivery can provide a stress-free option.

Below, we rate the top pre-packaged meal delivery services based on quality, taste, customisation and service, so you can assess whether pre-packaged meal delivery is right for you.

YouFoodz is a popular pre-packaged meal delivery service known for its convenience, affordability, and focus on heath-conscious options.

Each week, customers can choose from a rotating menu of over 40 meals, including classic favourites and exciting new dishes, as well as a range of add-ons like snacks and drinks.

Designed to make healthy eating easier, the meals are high in protein, low in calories and prepared with fresh, whole ingredients - never frozen.

The meals are delivered ready to heat and eat in as little as three minutes, eliminating the need for meal prep or clean up. This makes YouFoodz an excellent option for those with busy lifestyles, particularly people looking to lose weight or maintain their fitness goals.

Nutritional details like macros and calories are clearly labelled and allow users to stay on track with their health plans.

YouFoodz features no-lock-in contracts, offering flexibility for those who prefer not to commit to long-term subscriptions.

In addition to direct delivery, YouFoodz meals are available for purchase at select supermarkets across Australia, should you wish to try their range of meals before committing to a subscription.

However, YouFoodz does have some drawbacks. The range of vegan and vegetarian options is limited, and the packaging sustainability could be improved. Some meals also contain preservatives and additives, which may not suit everyone.

While the company generally receives praise for its value for money and timely deliveries, some customers have reported occasional issues with incorrect orders, though these are typically resolved quickly by their customer service team.

To learn more, read YouFoodz example menu and their Aussie Summer Meal Trends research.

Price: $10.95 per serve

Best for: Busy individuals aiming to eat healthily, lose weight, or save time without compromising on quality and taste.

Try YouFoodz here.

ChefGood is a pre-packaged meal delivery service designed to support health and wellness goals and help people to lose weight.

Each meal is developed by professional dietitians and handcrafted by chefs to ensure they are both flavourful and filled with nutritional value.

With plans tailored to different lifestyles, ChefGood offers variety and flexibility with over 50 weekly meal options.

Choose from their "Slim & Trim" menu for weight loss focused options, "Personal Best" for balanced meals, or build your own weekly selection. These meals are made from seasonal produce, complete proteins and contain no hidden nasties like preservatives.

All meals on the Slim & Trim menus are also under 400 calorie meals made with no hidden sugars.

ChefGood prides itself on a friendly, self-managed weekly subscription with no lock-in-contracts. They also deliver to over 1200 postcodes (mostly in metro areas) across Australia.

While ChefGood excels in taste and convenience, it is worth nothing they don't currently cater to specific allergens or gluten or dairy-free, nor do they offer keto or FODMAP-friendly plans.

They could also reduce the amount of packaging in each box, as it ends up contributing to much more waste than a trip to the grocery store.

Price: $9.95 to $15.90 per meal

Best for: Health-conscious individuals seeking fresh, dietitian-designed meals.

Try ChefGood here.

MACROS is a meal delivery service designed for those with specific fitness and dietary goals, offering high-protein, macro-optimised meals tailored to support bulking, shredding and balanced eating.

With over 50 ready-made meals to choose from, MACROS provides options for a variety of lifestyles, including keto, balanced, plant-based, gain, sculpt, weight loss and perform plans. For example, the 'gain' menu contains is calorie-loaded with protein and carbohydrates for muscle gain.

There are no-lock-in contracts and users have reported great customer service when issues have been raised. Meals are also crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and are free from genetically modified soy products.

Each meal prioritises clean proteins and slow-release carbohydrates, such as brown rice, quinoa, and pumpkin, for sustained energy and optimal nutrition.

MACROS has also donated over 27,000 meals to food banks and composts 2,000kg of food scraps monthly, and maintain a commitment to community and sustainability.

While the meals are easy to heat in the microwave and have good flavour, texture and generous servings of vegetables, there are a few drawbacks.

Some plant-based meals contain secondary preservatives and additives, and delivery options can be limited depending on your location in Australia. The plant-based menu is also limited in comparison with other menus.

Additionally, while the packaging is mostly recyclable, the plastic films are not.

To view an example menu from MACROS, click here.

Price: $9.40 to $15.60 per meal

Best for: Fitness enthusiasts and those seeking high-protein, macro-balanced meals to support specific health goals.

Try MACROS here.

A Life Plus specialises in providing nutritional support for individuals in recovery, delivering fresh, handcrafted meals tailored to their specific dietary needs and goals, including for preferences such as keto, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and high-protein.

As an NDIS Registered Provider, A Life Plus is committed to helping people regain health and wellbeing. Whether you're focused on recovery, weight loss, or improving overall health, their menu is designed to meet your needs and contains options like keto, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free.

Meals are prepared fresh daily using local ingredients free from artificial chemicals, sugars, or preservatives, and are delivered to your door within 24 hours.* They also deliver to an impressive range of metro and regional towns in Australia.

With calorie-controlled tasty plans ranging from 900 to 1800 calories, A Life Plus ensures that every dish provides great taste and balanced nutrition to support healing and energy levels.

Their flexible, no-lock-in subscription means you can adjust or cancel your orders. Free shipping is also available for orders over $50, and their calorie calculator lets you track intake for personalised results.

However, while the customer service team has been praised for their knowledge and support, some users report that the website can be hard to navigate. There have also been isolated incidents where some meals have not been included in the package.

To view an example menu, click here.

Price: $13 per meal

Best for: Individuals in recovery or those seeking high-quality, personalised nutrition to achieve health and wellbeing goals.

Try A Life Plus here.

*Delivery times may differ depending on your location

Each meal delivery service brings unique strengths to the table - some prioritise fresh, locally sourced ingredients, while others focus on specific dietary plans like keto or plant-based.

The good news is that most popular meal delivery services are relatively affordable, especially once you factor in the cost of transport, groceries and the convenience of these services.

Ultimately, the key to choosing the right service for you is to work out which one aligns with your goals, whether that's saving time, improving health or fitness, or simplifying your meal routine.

What are meal delivery services, and how do they work?

Meal delivery services provide pre-portioned ingredients or fully prepared meals delivered to your doorstep. Customers can choose their preferred meal plans, dietary requirements, and portion sizes through a subscription or one-time purchase. Meals are designed to save time and effort, offering convenience for busy lifestyles. Additionally, using apps to order food from a variety of local and national restaurants makes the process even more effortless and versatile.

Are meal delivery services healthy?

Many meal delivery services focus on providing nutritionally balanced meals made with fresh ingredients. They often cater to specific dietary preferences like low-carb, high-protein, vegan, or gluten-free. The health benefits depend on the menu options and your specific dietary needs.

How much do meal delivery services cost in Australia?

Meal delivery prices in Australia range from about $9-15 per meal, depending on the type of service, portion size, and level of customisation. Budget-friendly options tend to offer simpler recipes, while premium services include gourmet meals or specialty dietary plans.

Are meal delivery services good for weight loss?

Yes, many meal delivery services offer calorie-controlled options tailored for weight loss. These plans typically include meals with balanced macronutrients to help manage portion sizes and support a healthy diet. Always check nutritional information to ensure the plan fits your weight loss goals.

Can meal delivery services cater to dietary restrictions or allergies?

Some meal delivery services cater to dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free. However, not all can guarantee allergen-free meals due to shared kitchen facilities. It's essential to review allergen policies and menus carefully before ordering.

Do meal delivery services deliver to rural areas in Australia?

Many meal delivery services in Australia deliver to metro areas and regional towns. However, availability may be limited in remote or rural locations. Always check the service's delivery zones before signing up.

Can I cancel or pause a meal delivery subscription?

Yes, most meal delivery services offer flexible subscriptions, allowing customers to skip weeks, pause, or cancel at any time. Ensure you check the cut-off times for making changes to avoid being charged for unwanted deliveries.

Are meal delivery services sustainable?

Sustainability practices vary across meal delivery services. Some use recyclable packaging and source ingredients locally to reduce their environmental footprint. Others may rely on single-use plastics. Look for providers that prioritise eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing.

How long do meal delivery meals last?

Meals from delivery services typically stay fresh for 3-7 days when stored in the refrigerator, depending on the ingredients and preparation methods. Frozen options often last for several months. Be sure to check storage instructions for each meal.

Are meal delivery services worth the cost?

Meal delivery services are worth the cost if you value convenience, reduced food waste, and the ability to stick to a healthy diet without the hassle of grocery shopping or cooking. While they can cost more than cooking from scratch, they save time and reduce meal preparation stress, making them a practical choice for busy individuals.

A top meal delivery service should offer the following key features:

Choosing the best meal delivery service can have numerous benefits, including:

By considering these factors, you can choose a meal delivery service that aligns with your goals and lifestyle, ensuring a satisfying and convenient dining experience.