It’s all too easy to fall into the takeout trap. When you’re tired and hungry, ordering from your favourite app feels like the simplest solution. But the costs add up quickly, and it’s not always the healthiest choice. Meal delivery services offer the perfect middle ground: all the convenience of takeout, but with the health benefits and satisfaction of a home-cooked meal, often at a lower price. Whether you want to cook a fresh meal in 30 minutes or heat a chef-prepared dish in three, there’s an option for you. We’ll walk you through the top contenders to find the best meal delivery service for singles that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Cooking for one comes with its own unique set of challenges. It’s easy to get stuck in a recipe rut, and even easier to let fresh produce go bad when you’re the only one eating it. That’s why so many singles turn to meal or grocery delivery services. They offer a simple way to eat well without the hassle of detailed meal planning or the expense of constant takeout.
The right service can feel like a personal assistant for your kitchen, saving you time, reducing food waste, and making it easier to stick to your budget. But not all services are created equal, especially when you’re a household of one. When you’re looking for the perfect fit, there are a few key things to consider. A great meal service for singles nails the portions, offers a flexible plan that moves with your schedule, provides fair pricing, and keeps things interesting with plenty of variety.
If you’ve ever thrown out a half-used bag of spinach or a shriveled bell pepper, you know how frustrating food waste can be. Grocery stores often package items for families, not individuals, which can lead to a lot of waste. Meal and grocery services solve this problem by providing perfectly portioned ingredients for your meals. You get exactly what you need, so nothing gets pushed to the back of the fridge and forgotten.
This is a huge win for both your wallet and the environment. Many services offer plans with two servings per meal, which is ideal for singles. You can enjoy one portion for dinner and have a ready-made lunch for the next day. It’s an effortless way to reduce food waste at home while still enjoying fresh, delicious meals.
A single person’s schedule can change in an instant. One night you’re planning a quiet dinner at home, and the next you’re out with friends. The best meal services offer the flexibility you need to keep up. You should be able to easily skip a week, pause your subscription, or change your delivery day without having to jump through hoops or call customer service.
Look for a service that puts you in control of your deliveries. A truly convenient grocery subscription should work around your life, not the other way around. This freedom ensures you’re only paying for food when you actually need it, making the entire experience stress-free and adaptable to your lifestyle.
At first glance, the cost of a meal service might seem higher than a traditional grocery run. But when you factor everything in, it’s often more affordable than you think. You’re not just paying for food; you’re paying for convenience, reduced waste, and the time you save on planning and shopping. Plus, it’s almost always cheaper than ordering takeout.
Many services are designed with smaller households in mind, offering plans that are budget-friendly for individuals. When you stop buying spices you’ll only use once or ingredients that will spoil before you can finish them, the savings add up. It’s about finding a service that offers fair, transparent value for high-quality food and a simplified cooking routine.
Eating the same three meals on rotation gets old fast. A great meal service keeps things exciting by offering a wide variety of recipes and cuisines to choose from each week. This is your chance to try new dishes and explore different flavors without having to buy a whole pantry’s worth of new ingredients. It’s a fantastic way to expand your culinary horizons from your own kitchen.
Whether you follow a specific diet or just like to mix things up, look for a service with a diverse menu. Most companies cater to various dietary needs, offering everything from vegetarian and vegan to low-carb and calorie-conscious options. This ensures you can always find delicious meals that align with your health goals and taste preferences.
Shopping and cooking for one can feel like a puzzle. You want delicious, home-cooked meals without buying ingredients that will go bad before you can use them. Meal delivery services have caught on, and many now cater specifically to single-person households. While they might not always be labeled "solo plans," they offer key features that set them apart from family-sized boxes. Understanding these differences helps you find a service that fits your lifestyle, budget, and appetite perfectly, ensuring you get the most value out of every box.
One of the biggest challenges of cooking for one is dealing with food waste. Family-sized grocery packaging just doesn't make sense. Most meal services solve this by offering two-serving meal plans. While it might sound like too much, it’s actually a clever solution. You can cook once and have a delicious dinner tonight, plus a ready-made lunch for the next day. This approach means you get the variety of a meal kit without letting fresh ingredients wilt in your fridge. It’s a practical way to minimize food waste while saving you time on future meal prep.
When you’re looking at meal kits, you’ll notice the price is almost always listed "per serving." For solo plans, this cost can sometimes be slightly higher than the per-serving price for a four-person family plan. However, your total weekly cost will be significantly lower. Services like EveryPlate are known for being some of the cheapest meal kits available, making them a fantastic starting point if budget is your main concern. The key is to look at the total weekly price and decide if the convenience and reduced food waste offer good value for your money.
Life happens, and your dinner plans can change in an instant. Meal services designed for singles offer incredible flexibility to match an unpredictable schedule. Most companies make it incredibly easy to skip a week, pause your subscription, or change your delivery day with just a few clicks. You’re never locked into a rigid schedule. This flexibility is a core feature of modern subscription services, whether you're getting a meal kit or scheduling a recurring grocery delivery. It puts you in complete control, so you only get food when you actually need it.
Finding the right meal service is all about matching it to your lifestyle. Whether you love to cook but hate grocery shopping, need something quick and healthy for busy weeknights, or are looking for a budget-friendly way to eat well, there’s a service out there for you. We’ve gathered a few of our top picks for Canadian singles, each offering something a little different to make your solo dining experience easier and more enjoyable. From full-service grocery subscriptions to heat-and-eat meals, here are some fantastic options to consider.
If you enjoy cooking but want to skip the endless trips to the grocery store, Tredish is a game-changer. Instead of a traditional meal kit, it’s a grocery subscription service that puts your shopping on autopilot. You get high-quality, fresh ingredients, many sourced from Canadian farms, delivered right to your door. This model gives you the flexibility to cook whatever you want while ensuring your fridge is always stocked with essentials. For singles, this means less time spent planning and shopping and more time enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals. It’s the perfect way to get your groceries without the hassle.
HelloFresh is a classic for a reason. While they don’t have a specific plan for one, their two-person meal kits are a fantastic option for singles. You can simply cook the full recipe and have a delicious lunch ready for the next day. This approach is great for meal prepping and helps cut down on food waste. According to HelloFresh, this strategy allows you to enjoy their wide variety of recipes without any extra effort. With clear instructions and pre-portioned ingredients, it’s an excellent way to try new dishes and build your confidence in the kitchen. Their meal kits for one are designed to be flexible for this exact purpose.
For those weeks when you have zero time or energy to cook, Factor is a lifesaver. They deliver fully prepared, chef-crafted meals that are ready to eat in about three minutes. It’s the ultimate convenience without resorting to takeout. With a rotating menu of over 90 different meals each week, you’ll never get bored. Factor is one of the best meal delivery services for singles because it takes all the guesswork out of eating healthy. Just heat, eat, and enjoy a balanced, tasty meal without ever turning on the stove.
Eating well on a budget can be tough, but Everyplate makes it much more manageable. Known as one of the most affordable meal kits on the market, its plans often come in at around $6 per serving. This makes it a smart choice for singles who want the convenience of a meal kit without a hefty price tag. The recipes are straightforward and delicious, focusing on comforting, crowd-pleasing flavours. If you’re looking to save money and still enjoy tasty, home-cooked dinners, Everyplate is one of the cheapest meal delivery services available.
Hungryroot offers the best of both worlds by combining a meal kit service with an online grocery store. You get fresh ingredients and simple recipes that often take just ten minutes to prepare, plus you can add other grocery staples to your order. This hybrid model is perfect for singles who want a mix of quick meal solutions and the flexibility to stock their pantry. It’s a great overall choice because it adapts to your needs, whether you want a full recipe or just a few key ingredients to whip up your own creation.
One of the biggest decisions you'll make when choosing a meal service is whether you want to cook or just heat. Meal kits send you pre-portioned ingredients and a recipe card, putting you in the chef's seat. Prepared meals, on the other hand, arrive fully cooked and just need a few minutes in the microwave or oven.
There’s no right or wrong answer here; it all comes down to your lifestyle, how much time you have, and whether you actually enjoy spending time in the kitchen. If you find cooking relaxing but hate grocery shopping, a meal kit might be your perfect match. If your schedule is packed and the last thing you want to do after a long day is chop an onion, a ready-to-eat meal is probably more your speed. Let's break down the specifics of each to help you figure out which style fits you best.
If you enjoy the process of cooking but could do without the meal planning and grocery store runs, a meal kit is a fantastic middle ground. You get the satisfaction of making a fresh, home-cooked meal without all the prep work. Most meal kits offer two-serving plans, which is perfect for singles. You can cook once and have a delicious lunch ready for the next day, which is a great way to reduce food waste and save time. It’s also a chance to try new recipes and maybe even pick up a few new kitchen skills along the way, all without committing to buying a full bottle of a spice you might only use once.
For those days when you're running on empty, prepared meals are a lifesaver. This is the ultimate convenience: a healthy, portion-controlled meal that’s ready in about three minutes. There’s no chopping, no cooking, and best of all, no cleanup. This is a game-changer for busy professionals, students, or anyone who simply doesn't enjoy cooking. Since these meals are designed for one, you don't have to worry about leftovers if you don't want them. It’s like having a personal chef who stocks your fridge with balanced, tasty meals you can heat up in minutes. It’s the perfect way to avoid the takeout trap while still getting a satisfying meal with zero effort.
Your schedule and comfort level in the kitchen are key factors here. Meal kit recipes are designed to be straightforward, usually taking about 30 minutes from box to plate. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, so you don't need to be a seasoned chef to create a delicious dinner. On the flip side, prepared meals require virtually no time or skill at all. If you can press a button on a microwave, you’re set.
If you want the best of both worlds, a flexible grocery subscription lets you decide. You can stock up on fresh, high-quality ingredients for the nights you feel like cooking and grab easy-to-prepare items for when you’re short on time.
One of the biggest perks of using a meal delivery service is how simple it makes sticking to a specific way of eating. Instead of spending your Sunday afternoon deciphering nutrition labels and planning every single meal, you can let a service do the heavy lifting. This is a huge win if you’re trying to manage dietary restrictions or follow a particular health plan. It frees up your time and mental energy, making it much easier to stay on track with your wellness goals.
Most services today recognize that we all have unique needs. Whether you’re eating low-carb, plant-based, or avoiding gluten, there’s likely a plan designed just for you. These specialized menus take the guesswork out of eating well, providing you with perfectly portioned, delicious meals that fit your lifestyle. It’s all about finding the right match that helps you feel your best without adding more stress to your plate. Think of it as having a personal chef who also happens to be a nutritionist.
If you're following a keto or low-carb diet, finding convenient meal options can be a challenge. This is where a service like Factor really shines. They specialize in fresh, ready-to-eat meals that are designed by dietitians to be low in carbs and high in flavour. Their keto meal plan is perfect for busy singles, with dishes ready in just two minutes. While most meals fit the bill perfectly, it’s a good idea to double-check the carb counts if you’re following a strict keto protocol, as some options can be a bit higher. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy satisfying meals without the hassle of cooking from scratch.
Eating plant-based has never been easier, thanks to the growing number of meal services offering delicious vegan and vegetarian options. Many of the most popular meal kits in Canada, like HelloFresh and Goodfood, have dedicated veggie-forward plans that make meat-free eating exciting. These services are great for discovering new recipes and ingredients, helping you break out of a cooking rut. You’ll get pre-portioned, fresh ingredients delivered to your door, so you can whip up a wholesome plant-based meal in no time. Just be sure to check the weekly menu variety to ensure there are enough options to keep you interested.
For anyone with celiac disease, a gluten sensitivity, or other food allergies, navigating mealtime requires extra care. The right meal service can be a game-changer, taking the worry out of your food prep. Many services now offer dedicated gluten-free menus or robust filtering tools that let you easily avoid specific allergens. For example, Factor provides a great selection of certified gluten-free prepared meals, which helps minimize the risk of cross-contamination. When you’re exploring options, look for companies that are transparent about their ingredient sourcing and kitchen practices to find a service you can truly trust with your health.
If your goal is to eat a more balanced diet or manage your weight, a meal service with a wellness-focused plan can be an incredible tool. These plans are designed to make portion control effortless, offering calorie-conscious meals that don’t skimp on nutrition or taste. Services like HelloFresh offer a "Fit & Wholesome" preference, featuring meals that are typically under 650 calories. These dishes are often packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables to help you feel full and satisfied. It’s a simple and effective way to support your health goals without the tedious task of counting every calorie yourself.
One of the biggest questions about meal delivery is, "What's it actually going to cost me?" The price per serving can swing pretty dramatically depending on the service you choose, your dietary needs, and how much cooking you want to do. To make it easier, I’ve broken down the options into three common price tiers. This way, you can find a service that fits your taste and your budget without any surprises at checkout. Let’s look at what you can expect to pay.
If you're looking to save time without spending a lot, the budget-friendly options are a fantastic place to start. These services are perfect for anyone new to meal delivery or for those who prioritize savings. Companies like EveryPlate offer some of the cheapest meal kits available, with plans that often come in at around $6 per serving. To keep costs low, these services typically feature simpler recipes with fewer ingredients. But don't let that fool you; the meals are still delicious and satisfying, and they save you the hassle of planning and shopping. It’s a smart way to get weeknight dinners sorted on a tight budget.
This is the sweet spot where many of the most popular meal delivery services land. In this price range, you’ll find a great balance of convenience, variety, and quality. You’ll have access to a wider menu with more customization options, including choices for different dietary preferences. Some services, like Factor, provide fully prepared meals that are ready in minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy days. Others, like Home Chef, offer flexible meal kits that let you swap proteins or double up on servings. This tier is ideal if you want more choice and are willing to pay a little extra for it.
For those with very specific dietary needs or a taste for gourmet ingredients, premium meal services are worth a look. These services often cater to niche diets like Paleo, AIP, or keto, using high-quality, organic, and hard-to-find ingredients. For example, some specialized meal services offer meals that start at $17.50 per serving. The higher price tag reflects the quality of the ingredients and the convenience of having diet-compliant meals delivered to your door. Think of it as an investment in your health or a way to enjoy restaurant-quality food at home without the effort.
Before you get excited about a low per-serving price, make sure you look at the final cost at checkout. The advertised price often doesn't include shipping, which can add a significant amount to your weekly bill. For instance, many services have a standard shipping fee of around $11 per box. Also, keep an eye out for taxes and potential upcharges for "premium" recipes or special ingredients. Introductory offers are a great way to test a service, but always check what the full price will be after the promotion ends. A little bit of homework upfront can save you from any budget surprises later on.
Ready to try a meal service? The best one for you is the one that fits seamlessly into your life. It’s all about matching the service to your habits, tastes, and schedule. Before you sign up, run through this quick checklist to find a service you’ll actually love and use.
First, be honest about how you like to eat. Do you enjoy the process of cooking, or do you just want a healthy meal that’s ready in minutes? This will help you decide if you want to cook meals yourself or if you prefer something that just needs heating. If you find cooking relaxing, a meal kit is perfect. If your evenings are packed, prepared meals are a better fit. A grocery subscription like Tredish offers the most flexibility, stocking your kitchen with fresh, local ingredients so you can cook on your own time.
This is a practical step people often forget. Take a look at your fridge and freezer before committing. Do you have enough room to store a week’s worth of meals or groceries? Most delivery boxes are designed to fit easily in your fridge, but they still take up space. If you live in a condo with a small kitchen, you’ll want to be mindful of how much storage you have. Some services use bulkier packaging than others, so consider how much room you can spare. You want convenience, not a cluttered fridge.
Life happens, and your plans can change. That’s why a flexible subscription is non-negotiable. The best services make it simple to pause, skip a week, or cancel your subscription anytime. Before signing up, check the account management features. You should be able to make changes online with just a few clicks. A service should work for you, not lock you in. You can create an account to see how easy it is to manage your preferences and delivery schedule.
Eating the same meals on rotation gets old fast. A great meal service keeps things fresh with a wide variety of options each week. Look for a service that offers a diverse menu and lets you customize your orders. Can you swap proteins or choose from different dietary plans? This is especially important for picky eaters or anyone with dietary restrictions. The more control you have over what goes in your box, the more likely you are to stick with it. A good selection keeps things interesting and makes mealtime something to look forward to.
Deciding whether to sign up for a meal service is a big question when you’re cooking for one. You’re balancing your budget, your schedule, and your desire to eat well without a fridge full of wilting produce. The short answer is: it depends on what you value most. For some, the time saved is worth every penny. For others, the cost per meal is the deciding factor. Let’s break down the pros and cons to help you figure out if a meal service is the right fit for your solo lifestyle.
When you compare the cost of a meal kit to your usual food spending, the results can be surprising. Many budget-friendly meal kits start at around $6 to $9 per serving. Stack that against a $20+ takeout order, and the savings are obvious. The comparison to traditional grocery shopping is a bit more complex. While buying raw ingredients might seem cheaper upfront, single shoppers often face the challenge of food waste. That half-bunch of cilantro or extra bell pepper you had to buy for one recipe can easily go bad, driving up the real cost of your home-cooked meal. Meal kits solve this by sending you the exact amount of every ingredient, so you pay only for what you use.
The biggest selling point for any meal service is convenience, and its value is hard to overstate. Think about the time you spend each week planning meals, writing a grocery list, navigating the store, and prepping ingredients. A meal service hands all of that back to you. For busy singles, this isn't just about saving a few hours; it's about reducing the mental load of figuring out "what's for dinner?" every single night. This reclaimed time and energy can be spent on work, hobbies, or just relaxing. It’s a way to eat healthy and save time without resorting to unhealthy fast food or cooking massive meals you’ll be eating for days.
Let’s get real about some of the common concerns. A popular myth is that meal kit portions are tiny. While some services do have smaller serving sizes, many are quite generous. It’s always a good idea to read reviews if you have a bigger appetite. Another reality is that not all services are created equal. If you truly dislike cooking, a meal kit that requires 30 minutes of chopping and sautéing isn't for you. In that case, prepared meal services that you simply heat and eat are a much better fit. The key is to be honest about your lifestyle and cooking habits to find a service that genuinely makes your life easier.
Let’s be real: convenience often comes with a price tag. While meal delivery services can save you a ton of time, you want to make sure you’re getting a great deal, too. The good news is that with a little bit of savvy shopping, you can enjoy all the perks of a meal service without overspending. Many companies rely on tempting offers to get you in the door, while others build fair, transparent value right into their model so you don't have to constantly hunt for the next discount.
The key is to know what to look for. From first-box bonuses to referral codes, there are plenty of ways to cut down your costs. Think of it as a game where the prize is delicious, easy meals that fit your budget. By paying attention to introductory offers, loyalty perks, and seasonal sales, you can make your meal service work for you and your wallet. It’s all about finding the right balance between convenience and cost, ensuring you get amazing value every single week.
One of the easiest ways to save is by taking advantage of the generous discounts most companies offer to new customers. These introductory deals are designed to give you a taste of their service at a fraction of the regular price. This is your chance to try a few different options and see which one fits your lifestyle best without a major financial commitment. You can test out the recipes, check the ingredient quality, and see if the portion sizes work for you. At Tredish, for example, we include a free premium product with your first order to welcome you with a little something extra.
Once you find a service you like, see what perks they offer for sticking around. The best services for singles offer incredible flexibility, which is a money-saver in itself. Look for plans that let you easily skip a week or pause your subscription anytime. Life happens, and you shouldn’t have to pay for a box of food when you’re heading out of town or have dinner plans with friends. This flexibility prevents food waste and ensures you’re only paying for what you actually need. Some services also have loyalty programs that reward you with credits or special offers over time.
Keep an eye out for other ways to save, like referral programs. Many services will give you and a friend a discount when you successfully refer them. It’s a simple way to share something you love and get rewarded for it. Seasonal sales are another great opportunity to save, especially around holidays like Black Friday or New Year's, when companies often run special promotions. While hunting for deals can be effective, some of the cheapest meal delivery services build their entire model around affordability, so you know you’re always getting a good price without needing a special code.
Jumping into the world of meal delivery can feel like a big step, but it’s all about finding the right fit for your life. With a little bit of planning, you can find a service that saves you time, reduces food waste, and makes your weeknights so much easier. Here’s how to get started on the right foot.
Before you sign up, take a moment to think about what you really need. Start with your budget. Look at the cost per meal and see if there are any introductory offers to make that first box more affordable. Often, a meal service can be a great value compared to takeout. Next, consider your diet. Whether you’re vegetarian, low-carb, or just looking for wholesome, organic options, there’s likely a service that caters to your needs. Comparing the best meal delivery services can help you see what’s out there and find a plan that fits your budget and lifestyle without creating extra waste.
Flexibility is everything when you’re cooking for one. Most services are subscription-based, so you’ll want to find one that puts you in control. Before committing, check how easy it is to skip a week or pause your deliveries online. You shouldn’t have to call customer service to make a simple change. See if you can adjust your delivery day to fit a changing schedule. A great service makes it simple to create an account and manage your preferences right from your dashboard. This way, your meal service works for you, not the other way around.
To make your service truly worthwhile, think beyond dinner. Many meal kits offer two-serving options, which are perfect for singles. You can enjoy one serving for dinner and have a delicious, ready-made lunch for the next day. This is a fantastic way to prevent food waste and get more value from each box. Don’t be afraid to shop around, either. Many companies have generous discounts on your first few orders. Trying different services with these deals can help you find your favorite while saving some money. When you're ready, you can explore our shop to see how our introductory offer can get you started with high-quality, local groceries.
I live alone, so why are most plans for two servings? Think of it as a built-in feature for a busy life. Most services design their two-serving plans with singles in mind, knowing that it’s a perfect way to cook once and eat twice. You can enjoy a fresh, home-cooked dinner one night and have a delicious, ready-to-go lunch for the next day. It’s an effortless approach to meal prepping that saves you time and ensures you get the most value out of every meal you make.
Is a meal service actually more affordable than buying my own groceries? It can be, especially when you factor in food waste. While the per-serving price might seem higher at first glance, consider how often you buy a full bunch of herbs or a bag of produce only to use a small portion before it goes bad. Meal and grocery services give you exactly what you need, which cuts down on waste and wasted money. You're paying for convenience and perfectly portioned ingredients, which often makes the total cost very competitive with a traditional grocery run, and almost always cheaper than takeout.
What if my plans change and I don't need a delivery one week? This is a key feature to look for. A great service understands that a single person's schedule can be unpredictable. Most companies make it incredibly simple to skip a week, pause your subscription, or change your delivery date with just a few clicks in your online account. You should never feel locked in. The goal is to find a service that works around your life, not the other way around, so you only pay for food when you actually need it.
What's the real difference between a meal kit and a grocery subscription? A meal kit sends you a specific recipe along with all the pre-portioned ingredients needed to make it. It’s great if you want to follow a set plan and try new dishes without much thought. A grocery subscription, like Tredish, is a bit different. It focuses on stocking your kitchen with high-quality groceries and staples on a recurring schedule. This gives you the freedom to cook your own recipes and be creative, while still saving you the time and hassle of weekly trips to the store.
I have specific dietary needs. Are these services a good fit for me? Yes, most services are very accommodating to different dietary preferences. You can typically find dedicated plans or filter menus for options like vegetarian, low-calorie, or gluten-free meals. Whether you need prepared meals that fit a keto diet or a meal kit with exciting plant-based recipes, there is likely a service that fits your needs. The best approach is to explore the weekly menus of a few different companies to see if their variety and ingredient quality align with your health goals.
