Meal Delivery for Seniors: Our Top 8 Picks
According to Pew Research, there are about 62 million seniors in the U.S. today, making up 18% of the population. By 2054, that number is expected to grow to 84 million, representing 23% of the population. As a society, it’s important for us to take care of our aging population and ensure they have access to good, nutritious meals.
Many seniors prefer to cook for themselves because it helps them maintain their independence. That’s why the best meal delivery services for families include seniors!
Wondering what a meal kit is? Meal kits and meal delivery services offer a convenient way to prepare and enjoy delicious, healthy meals without having to leave the comfort of your home. When comparing meal delivery vs. grocery shopping, meal delivery is a no-brainer for seniors who may have limited mobility or transportation options.
But with a growing number of services available, home delivery meals for the elderly are becoming one of the easiest ways to ensure that seniors eat well and stay healthy. Meal delivery for seniors is becoming one of the most popular ways for seniors to take control of their health and wellness.
Finding the right meal delivery service will depend on many factors, such as the senior’s dietary preferences, the cost of the service, and the frequency of meal delivery.
Our Picks for Top Meal Delivery Services for the Elderly
These services have been selected based on their commitment to providing nutritious, tasty, and convenient meals that cater to the unique needs of elderly individuals. Here are our top picks for the best meal delivery services for seniors and meal kits for seniors:
1. Best for Meal Kits for Seniors: Gobble
2. Best for Grocery Delivery: Instacart
3. Best for Prepared Meal Delivery: The Good Kitchen
4. Best for Frozen Meals: BistroMD
5. Best for Medicare or Medicaid: Mom’s Meals
6. Best for Restaurant Delivery: DoorDash
7. Best for People With Medical Conditions: Magic Kitchen
8. Best for Organic Meals: Sunbasket
8 Options For Food Delivery For Seniors
If you’re looking for meal delivery for seniors that has a wide range of options, a convenient delivery schedule, and reasonable prices, check out these eight services.
1. Best for Meal Kits for Seniors: Gobble
Gobble is the perfect home-delivered meal kit for seniors, offering nutritious, chef-prepared meals that only take 15 minutes to prepare.
Wondering how it works? The following are some of the benefits you will find when you get your subscription:
Nutritional Quality
One of the most critical aspects to consider is the nutritional quality of the meals. Gobble offers fresh ingredients with meals that generally range from 500 to 700 calories, ensuring that you receive balanced and health-conscious options.
With the Lean & Clean Plan, each serving has fewer than 600 calories. You can also opt for the Classic Plan for hearty, yet nutritious homestyle meals.
These meals are designed to meet dietary requirements, helping seniors maintain their health and well-being.
Menu Variety and Customization
Variety is the spice of life, and Gobble excels in this area by offering 24+ different meal options weekly. These meals make it easy to find something delicious that suits your specific dietary needs.
You’ll enjoy Gobble’s rotating menu that encourages seasonal eating habits! You’ll get to eat with the seasons and enjoy fresh, in-season ingredients for each dish.
Ease of Ordering
Navigating through meal options should be effortless, and Gobble’s user-friendly website makes it a breeze. You can easily manage your subscription, choose your meals, and even pause deliveries if needed, all with just a few clicks.
Delivery Area
Wondering if Gobble delivers to your area? Good news! Gobble is available in most of the contiguous U.S., though Montana is an exception. This widespread coverage means that many people can benefit from their convenient meal delivery service.
Price
Affordability is key, especially for seniors on a fixed income. Gobble’s meals range from $11.99 to $16.99 per serving, offering a range of prices that can fit different budgets while still providing great value for your money.
Portion Control
Gobble makes it easy to manage your portion sizes by providing pre-portioned ingredients. This helps you avoid overeating or undereating, which is important for maintaining optimal health.
Customer Support and Assistance
Reliable customer support can make a significant difference, and Gobble offers excellent support through both telephone and email (via the Contact form). Whether you have questions or need assistance with your order, their customer support team is there to help make your experience as smooth as possible.
2. Best for Grocery Delivery: Instacart
Meal kits for seniors aren’t the only way to get convenient food delivered to your home.
Instacart is an online grocery delivery service that allows you to order your groceries online in the comfort of your own home. Here are some of Instacart benefits:
Nutritional Quality
Dependent on selected grocery items, the nutritional quality from Instacart varies based on what you choose to purchase. You have the flexibility to select nutritious options that fit your dietary needs and preferences.
Menu Variety and Customization
Instacart excels in providing a wide variety as it includes multiple grocery stores. This allows you to access thousands of products across various categories, ensuring you can find everything you need in one place.
Ease of Ordering
One of Instacart’s strong points is its user-friendly app and website. These platforms make it incredibly easy to browse, select, and order your groceries, providing a seamless shopping experience.
Delivery Area
Instacart is available in thousands of cities across North America, making it accessible to a vast number of households. Whether you live in a bustling city or a more remote area, chances are Instacart can deliver to your doorstep.
Price
The price varies by grocery selection, and additional delivery fees apply. Although the costs can differ based on what you buy, Instacart often provides promotions and discounts, adding value to your shopping experience.
Portion Control
As Instacart is a grocery delivery service, portion control is not applicable. However, you can manage portion sizes by purchasing pre-portioned items or ingredients.
Customer Support and Assistance
Instacart offers phone and online support to assist you with any questions or concerns. Their customer support team is readily available to help ensure a smooth and convenient shopping experience.
And it gets better—Instacart offers a senior and specialized support line for customers who may need additional help with their account or order. That’s one of the reasons Instacart made our list!
3. Best for Prepared Meal Delivery: The Good Kitchen
The Good Kitchen offers a comprehensive solution for seniors seeking healthy, prepared meals that require minimal effort to enjoy.
Known for their focus on high-quality ingredients and chef-crafted dishes, The Good Kitchen stands out as an excellent choice for those who prefer convenience without compromising on nutrition.
Nutritional Quality
The Good Kitchen places a strong emphasis on offering high-quality, nutritious meals. Each meal is crafted with carefully sourced ingredients to ensure it meets rigorous nutritional standards. Their meals are designed to support a healthy lifestyle, providing balanced macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals.
Menu Variety and Customization
With The Good Kitchen, you won’t be short of options. They offer a diverse menu that includes Paleo, Low-Carb, and Keto-Friendly meals, catering to various dietary preferences and restrictions. This flexibility allows you to easily find meals that fit your specific dietary plan.
Ease of Ordering
One of the standout features of The Good Kitchen is its simple and straightforward online ordering system. You can select your meals, customize your order, and set your delivery schedule, making the process as hassle-free as possible.
Delivery Area
The Good Kitchen boasts a nationwide delivery area within the continental U.S., ensuring that a vast number of households can benefit from their nutritious and convenient meals.
Price
Affordability paired with quality defines The Good Kitchen’s pricing model. Meals start around $10.99 for bowls and up to $19.99 for specialty items, offering a reasonable price point for the high-quality, nutritious options they provide.
Portion Control
Portion control is seamlessly integrated into The Good Kitchen’s service, with all meals including clear portion sizes to help you manage your calorie intake. This feature is particularly beneficial for those looking to maintain or achieve specific health and fitness goals.
Customer Support and Assistance
Exceptional customer support is a cornerstone of The Good Kitchen’s service. They offer a Zendesk support center as well as a support email to take your inquiries.
4. Best for Frozen Meals: BistroMD
BistroMD offers frozen meals specifically tailored to support a variety of health goals. Known for their doctor-designed meal plans, BistroMD provides a convenient way to enjoy nutritious and balanced meals without the hassle of cooking.
With an emphasis on weight loss and overall wellness, BistroMD stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking ready-to-eat, health-focused frozen meals.
Nutritional Quality
Designed by dietitians, BistroMD meals are crafted with balanced nutrition in mind. Each meal is carefully composed to provide essential nutrients while supporting various health goals. Whether you’re looking to manage weight, improve heart health, or maintain balanced blood sugar levels, BistroMD ensures that nutritional quality is never compromised.
Menu Variety and Customization
BistroMD excels in offering a wide range of meal plans to cater to different dietary needs. Their options include specialized plans such as diabetic, heart-healthy, and menopause-friendly menus.
This level of customization allows you to choose meals that align perfectly with your personal health requirements and taste preferences.
Ease of Ordering
Ordering from BistroMD is a breeze thanks to their user-friendly online platform. Easily navigate their website to customize your meal plan, select your preferred dishes, and schedule deliveries that suit your lifestyle. The streamlined process makes managing your meals both convenient and intuitive.
Delivery Area
BistroMD provides nationwide delivery across the continental United States. (Sorry, Hawaii and Alaska!)
Price
The cost depends on the specific BistroMD program you choose. On average, BistroMD’s meals cost between $9.99 to $14.99 each. You can opt to do the full program or only lunches and dinners.
Portion Control
With BistroMD, each meal is meticulously pre-portioned to help you manage your calorie intake efficiently. This thoughtful approach to portion control supports your dietary goals, whether you’re looking to maintain, lose, or gain weight.
Customer Support and Assistance
BistroMD prides itself on excellent customer support, providing assistance through both phone and email.
5. Best for Medicare or Medicaid: Mom’s Meals
Mom’s Meals is an excellent choice for individuals looking for nutritious, dietitian-designed meals tailored to various health conditions, and it accommodates Medicare and Medicaid recipients.
Nutritional Quality
Mom’s Meals offers meticulously crafted meals designed by dietitians to support a range of health conditions. Whether you need renal-friendly, diabetic, or heart-healthy options, their meals ensure you receive the necessary nutrients without compromising on flavor.
Menu Variety and Customization
With an extensive range of menu options, Mom’s Meals caters to specific dietary needs. Their meal plans include diabetic and heart-healthy choices, providing the flexibility to select meals that align perfectly with your health requirements and personal preferences.
Ease of Ordering
Ordering from Mom’s Meals is straightforward and user-friendly. The process is designed to be as simple as possible, and they accept Medicare and Medicaid, making it accessible for a larger population. You can easily navigate their website to choose your meals, set your delivery schedule, and manage your plan with minimal effort.
Delivery Area
Mom’s Meals offers nationwide delivery across the United States, ensuring that they can reach a wide audience. This broad delivery area means more people can benefit from their nutritious and convenient meal options.
Price
Most options from Mom’s Meals start at an affordable $7.99 each, providing a cost-effective solution for those looking to maintain a nutritious diet without straining their budget. Gluten-free, renal, and pureed meals come out to $8.99 each.
Portion Control
Mom’s Meals offers meals that are portioned at just the right size, so you don’t run the risk of overeating.
Customer Support and Assistance
Mom’s Meals is committed to providing excellent customer support through phone assistance, live chat, or email via their online contact form.
6. Best for Restaurant Delivery: DoorDash
DoorDash offers convenient restaurant delivery services, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer enjoying their favorite local meals at home.
Nutritional Quality
Nutritional quality varies based on restaurant choice. Since DoorDash delivers meals from a wide range of eateries, from fast food to fine dining, the nutritional value can differ significantly depending on the selected restaurant.
Menu Variety and Customization
DoorDash provides a wide variety of menu options, with selections depending on local restaurant offerings. This extensive range allows you to enjoy diverse cuisines and dishes tailored to your taste preferences.
Ease of Ordering
Ordering through DoorDash is straightforward, thanks to their easy-to-use app and website. Simply browse local restaurants, select your desired dishes, and place your order with a few clicks.
Delivery Area
DoorDash services over 300 cities across the United States.
Price
Delivery fees apply, and meal prices vary depending on the restaurant. DoorDash often provides promotions and discounts, making it possible to enjoy restaurant meals affordably.
Portion Control
Portion control depends on the restaurant from which you order. Some restaurants provide detailed portion sizes, while others may have less specific information available.
Customer Support and Assistance
DoorDash offers live chat support via the app or you can call their support phone number.
7. Best for People With Medical Conditions: Magic Kitchen
When it comes to providing nutritious meals for individuals with specific medical conditions, Magic Kitchen stands out as a top contender.
Their dietitian-approved meals are designed to support a wide array of health needs, making it easier for people to adhere to dietary restrictions and improve their overall wellbeing.
Nutritional Quality
Magic Kitchen offers meals tailored to specific dietary needs, including low sodium, renal, diabetic, and even meals specifically tailored to seniors! Each meal is carefully designed to meet nutritional guidelines while ensuring delicious flavor, making it easier for individuals with medical conditions to stick to their dietary requirements.
Menu Variety and Customization
Magic Kitchen boasts an extensive menu with a variety of options that cater to specific dietary accommodations. Whether you require meals with low sodium, or you’re managing diabetes or other health conditions, their menu provides the necessary flexibility to meet your nutrition goals without compromising on taste.
Ease of Ordering
Compared to other websites on our list, Magic Kitchen has an abundance of different options to choose from. This can be overwhelming for people who don’t know exactly what they want or need.
Delivery Area
Magic Kitchen offers delivery across the continental United States. You can enjoy the convenience of having nutritious, diet-specific meals delivered right to your doorstep.
Price
The meals from Magic Kitchen range from $10 to $14.50 each for complete 1-serving meals. This pricing ensures that you can access tailored, nutritious meals that cater to specific medical conditions without exceeding your budget.
Portion Control
All meals provided by Magic Kitchen are pre-portioned, helping you manage your calorie intake efficiently. This thoughtful portion control supports you in maintaining a healthy diet, which is crucial for managing medical conditions.
Customer Support and Assistance
Magic Kitchen provides excellent customer support through both phone and email channels.
8. Best for Organic Meals: Sunbasket
Sunbasket is renowned for its commitment to delivering fresh, organic meals that cater to a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions.
Nutritional Quality
Sunbasket places a strong emphasis on nutritional quality by sourcing organic, non-GMO ingredients. Each meal is crafted to ensure that you get the healthiest, most nutritious food possible, with a focus on clean eating and sustainability.
Menu Variety and Customization
Sunbasket offers a diverse menu that includes both pre-made meals and meal kits for seniors. This variety allows you to tailor your meal plans to fit your personal nutrition goals and dietary requirements.
Ease of Ordering
Ordering from Sunbasket is straightforward with their simple online platform. Users can easily navigate the website to select their preferred meals, choose from a variety of meal plans, and manage their deliveries with ease.
Delivery Area
Sunbasket delivers to most states, excluding Hawaii, Alaska, and Montana.
Price
Meals from Sunbasket start around $9.99 per serving, but it depends on the plan you choose. You may be able to get a better price by ordering in bulk.
Portion Control
All Sunbasket ingredients and prepared meals are pre-portioned, which helps you manage your calorie intake.
Customer Support and Assistance
Sunbasket offers a variety of customer support options. You can call, text, or email them—and they even have an intelligent chatbot you can talk to 24/7!
Key Features for Seniors to Look For
When choosing a service that offers meal delivery for seniors, it’s essential to focus on aspects that truly matter to our senior community:
- Nutritional Quality: It’s crucial that meals are balanced and meet dietary requirements. Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining health and well-being as we age.
- Menu Variety and Customization: The ability to choose from a diverse range of meals and customize options is important. This ensures that you can find something you enjoy while meeting any specific dietary needs you might have.
- Ease of Ordering: Not everyone is tech-savvy, and that’s okay! A simplified ordering process can make a big difference in ensuring that you get the meals you need without any hassle.
- Delivery Area: Make sure the service covers your area, especially if you live in a more remote location. Having access to these services shouldn’t be limited by your address.
- Price: Affordability is important, especially if you’re on a fixed income. Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of a service can help you find one that offers great value for your money.
- Portion Control: Properly sized portions can help you avoid overeating or undereating, which is crucial for maintaining your health. You may want to look into meal delivery services for singles if you live alone.
- Customer Support and Assistance: Reliable customer support can be a lifeline, offering help with any questions, concerns, or special dietary needs you may have. This support can make your meal delivery experience much smoother and more enjoyable.
Try Meal Delivery Services For The Elderly Today
We hope you found this meal delivery service comparison helpful!
The best meal delivery services for seniors fulfill the criteria we shared on this list. Whether you’re looking for a chef-prepared meal, a convenient delivery schedule, or a way to save money, there is a service out there that can help you.
The benefits of meal delivery services are evident. If you are a senior looking for a new way to improve your health and stay active, try Gobble meal delivery for seniors today. You can choose from a variety of meal plans that are customized to fit your dietary needs and preferences, all ready to eat in 15 minutes or less!
