7 Meal Delivery Services for Seniors

As our loved ones age, many of us notice that their eating habits take a nosedive. Sometimes, that’s because their appetites have changed and they no longer want to cook a full meal. Other times it happens because the spouse who handled kitchen duty is no longer able to perform that function.

The good news is that there are dozens of meal services out there that can help your loved ones eat well, without the hassle of shopping and chopping.  Many delivery services cater to different needs and dietary preferences, but I’ve rounded up a list of seven delivery services to consider for the needs of seniors. 

Meals for One: Freshly

Freshly is a great option for seniors living on their own as they offer single-serving meals (averaging 13 ounces and 300-650 calories). Every meal is designed to be popped in the microwave for convenience, so your loved ones won’t have to worry about meal prep or dishes.

Their plans range from 4-12 meals per week, with a shelf life of 3-5 days in the fridge, or longer if frozen. 

Preview their menu: https://www.freshly.com/plans-and-menu

A La Carte Options: Magic Kitchen

Magic Kitchen is a great option for seniors who prefer to graze throughout the day, rather than sit down to a full meal. Their a la carte service includes muffins, soups, or “magic cups” (like ice cream when frozen but is a pudding after thawing).

While they do offer regular meals and weekly plans, all of their meals come frozen so they can be easily stored and pulled out as needed. 

They offer senior discounts and meals nutritionally balanced for seniors: https://www.magickitchen.com/menu/senior-diet.html. 

Medicare-Sponsored Plans: Mom’s Meals

Mom’s Meals is one of the few services that focuses on older adults. They work with 500 health plans to provide access to meals for people covered under Medicare and Medicaid, and feature meals designed to nutritionally support people with chronic conditions. 

They have breakfast and dinner options, but unlike many services, you’ll have to be enrolled in the service before you see their full menu, as options vary depending on if you “self-pay” or receive meals as a Medicaid benefit. 

Learn how it works: https://www.momsmeals.com/our-food/how-it-works/ 

Fresh Food Service: Home Chef

Home Chef claims to be “more than a meal kit” as they offer ready-to-eat options, as well as meals that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. This allows for options like Chicken Banh Mi-Style Lettuce Wraps, which provides a head of lettuce and ingredients to be assembled for a light, crisp meal.

When selecting from the menus, they’ll tell you what each meal kit contains, as well as what you’ll need to have on hand - such as olive oil and a mixing bowl. It’s a good option for people that love to be in the kitchen, but may not want to put in the work to fully prepare meals. 

Preview their menu: https://www.homechef.com/our-menu. 

Vegetarian Meals: Mosaic

Mosaic was founded as “a way to make wholesome, plant-rich eating easy,” and features a variety of soups, bowls, and meals filled with fresh vegetables and wholesome grains. 

All meals are vegetarian, with fully vegan options, and shipped frozen. That allows them to offer not only their own menu, but Mosaic+ meals created by guest chefs including TikTok personalities and NYC restaurateurs. 

Worth noting is that each shipment is an individual order, rather than an on-going plan, and orders have a $70 minimum.

Find out more: https://www.mosaicfoods.com/.  

Gluten-Free Meals: Snap Kitchen

Snap Kitchen boasts flexible plans for chef-prepared meals that are ready to eat within 3 minutes. All meals are gluten-free, and they focus on clean eating by preparing meals without preservatives, antibiotics, artificial sweeteners or hormones.

Snap Kitchen offers weekly bundles of 6 or 12 meals, with delivery days of your choice. 

Preview their menu: https://www.snapkitchen.com/menu/ 

For Foodies: Home Bistro

Getting older does not mean losing the taste for fine dining, so Home Bistro is a great option for seniors that love a good meal, but don’t want to go out to get it. All meals are prepared by celebrity chefs such as Richard Blais and Ayesha Curry, and you’ll have the option to shop by meal or by chef.

They do offer combo boxes, but you might think of Home Bistro more as a special occasion dinner option, rather than a regular meal plan, and give your loved ones a gift certificate. 

Preview their menu: https://homebistro.com/collections/all-meals 

I have not tasted the food from these services so trying them may be a gastronomic adventure. Read reviews before you order and keep in mind that your “yuck” just might be another person’s “yum!”