TL;DR
An ex-restaurant critic for WIRED tested dozens of meal kits and delivery services to rank the best options for 2026. Marley Spoon earned the top spot for culinary technique and ingredient sourcing, while HelloFresh stood out for breadth of choices and recent product refreshes.
What happened
WIRED's reviews team, led by a former restaurant critic, re-evaluated more than two dozen meal-kit and delivery services ahead of 2026. Test criteria included recipe clarity, ingredient quality, sourcing, packaging, convenience, dietary accommodations, and overall ease of preparation. Marley Spoon was named the best overall for producing well-executed, flavorful home-cooked meals and careful ingredient sourcing; the company is tied to Martha Stewart and prints recipe developers' names. HelloFresh was singled out for offering the widest selection and a recent brand refresh that added new kits—such as grill and fresh-dough pizza options—and more international flavors. The update in January 2026 also added tests of new services from Fuel Meals and ModifyHealth and moved Wildgrain to honorable mentions. Reviewers noted typical prep times often exceed recipe estimates and that most kits assume common pantry staples like oil, salt, and butter are on hand.
Why it matters
- Meal kits can simplify home cooking while delivering higher-quality ingredients than many shoppers might assemble on impulse.
- Wide menu variety and dietary-specific plans make meal kits viable for different household sizes and eating needs.
- Understanding pricing, shipping fees, and prep time helps consumers compare subscriptions more transparently.
- Ongoing product updates and new entrants mean the market is still evolving; recent tests added new services for 2026.
Key facts
- WIRED's reviews team has tested and retested meal-kit services since 2017 and evaluated over two dozen services.
- Marley Spoon named best overall for culinary technique, ingredient sourcing, and large portion sizes.
- Marley Spoon pricing: about $9–$13 per serving, plus $11 shipping; menus list 100–140 choices weekly.
- Marley Spoon typical prep time: 30 to 60 minutes; recipes assume you have basic pantry staples.
- HelloFresh noted for the broad, cosmopolitan menu and improved sourcing; typical price around $12 per serving plus $11 shipping.
- HelloFresh weekly menu size: around 100 choices; typical prep time listed at 20 to 45 minutes.
- The January 2026 update added tests of new services from Fuel Meals and ModifyHealth and moved Wildgrain to honorable mentions.
- Some services highlight diet-specific offerings: examples include vegetarian, low-calorie, keto, Mediterranean, and plant-based plans.
- Labels such as “gluten-free friendly” do not guarantee cross-contamination protection in many services.
What to watch next
- Marley Spoon's new ready-to-heat offering called Balance, which WIRED planned to test.
- Performance and offerings from newer entrants added in the January 2026 update, including Fuel Meals and ModifyHealth.
- not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Meal kit: A subscription service that delivers pre-portioned ingredients and recipes for home cooking.
- Ready-to-heat: Prepared meals that require only reheating rather than active cooking or extensive preparation.
- Plant-based: Food plans or dishes centered on ingredients from plants; may or may not be strictly vegan.
- Shipping or box fee: A recurring charge added to meal-kit orders to cover delivery and insulated packaging costs.
- Dietary plans: Subscription filters and menu categories that target specific nutrition goals—e.g., low-carb, keto, vegetarian.
Reader FAQ
Which meal kit did the review pick as best overall?
Marley Spoon was chosen as the best overall for its cooking technique, sourcing, and portion sizes.
How much do meal kits typically cost?
Not confirmed in the source as a single average; example pricing: Marley Spoon about $9–$13 per serving plus $11 shipping, HelloFresh roughly $12 per serving plus $11 shipping.
Are meal kits safe for people avoiding gluten?
Some kits list many “gluten-free friendly” meals, but several services prepare food in shared facilities and do not guarantee no cross-contamination.
Do meal kits save money compared with grocery shopping?
Not confirmed in the source; WIRED references a related investigation on whether meal kits are cheaper than groceries but does not give a definitive conclusion here.
MATTHEW KORFHAGE GEAR JAN 2, 2026 6:34 AM The Best Meal Delivery Services and Meal Kits of 2026 From HelloFresh to Blue Apron to Marley Spoon, meal kits cater to…
Sources
- 10 Best Meal Delivery Services, Tested by an Ex-Restaurant Critic
- The Best Meal Kit Delivery Services of 2026
- The 14 best meal delivery kits, tested and re-tested for 2026
- 12 Best Meal Delivery Services of 2026, Tested by Experts
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