Best Prepared Meal Delivery Services in the UK:-As of April 9, 2025, the demand for prepared meal delivery services in the UK has never been higher. With busy schedules, a growing focus on healthy eating, and a desire for restaurant-quality meals without the hassle of cooking, these services have become a lifeline for many. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast tracking macros, a vegan seeking plant-based perfection, or a time-strapped parent needing a quick dinner fix, the UK’s prepared meal delivery scene has something for everyone. But with so many options—Chefly, COOK, Allplants, and more—how do you choose the best one? This article dives deep into the top prepared meal delivery services in the UK, answering the questions buzzing on YouTube and Google while spotlighting the latest trends, standout providers, and practical tips to make your meal subscription work for you.
The UK meal kit and prepared meal market is projected to hit £1.96 billion by 2029, growing at 6.04% annually (Statista). Prepared meals, in particular, are stealing the show for their zero-prep convenience—pop them in the microwave or oven, and you’re dining in minutes. From gourmet offerings to budget-friendly bites, this guide uncovers the best prepared meal delivery services in the UK for 2025, based on taste, variety, value, and what real users are raving (or ranting) about online.
What Are Prepared Meal Delivery Services?
Prepared meal delivery services send fully cooked meals straight to your door, ready to heat and eat. Unlike meal kits (think HelloFresh or Gousto), which provide raw ingredients and recipes, these services eliminate cooking entirely. You’re not chopping, sautéing, or even seasoning—just reheating and enjoying. In the UK, options range from frozen meals that stock your freezer to fresh, chilled dishes that feel like they’ve come from a chef’s kitchen.
The appeal is clear: convenience without compromise. A 2025 Glamour UK review notes that prepared meals cater to “busy-working lives,” offering balanced nutrition and chef-crafted flavors in as little as 2–3 minutes. Whether it’s a high-protein chicken dish from The Good Prep or a vegan curry from Allplants, these services promise variety, quality, and ease—perfect for a nation where 68% of adults say they’re too busy to cook from scratch daily (per a 2024 YouGov poll).
Why Prepared Meal Delivery Services Are Booming in 2025
The UK’s love affair with prepared meals isn’t just a fad—it’s a response to modern life. Inflation may have cooled to 2–3%, but food costs remain a concern, and takeaway prices are climbing (a Deliveroo order now averages £20+). Prepared meals offer a middle ground: cheaper than takeaways, healthier than ready meals from Tesco, and far less effort than cooking. British GQ (2024) highlights their rise among “wellness crowds” who want nutritious options without the faff.
Sustainability is another driver. Services like COOK and Planty use recyclable packaging and locally sourced ingredients, tapping into the UK’s growing eco-consciousness. Plus, with remote work still prevalent—36% of Brits work hybrid schedules (ONS, 2024)—people crave quick, quality lunches that don’t involve a sad desk sandwich. YouTube searches like “best prepared meal delivery UK 2025” and Google queries like “healthy meal delivery near me” reflect this hunger for convenience and quality.
How We Chose the Best Prepared Meal Delivery Services
To crown the UK’s best prepared meal delivery services for 2025, we leaned on the latest reviews, expert tests, and user chatter from Vogue UK, Glamour UK, GQ, Bon Appétit, CNET, and more. Key factors included:
Taste and Quality: Do meals taste fresh and chef-made, not like bland microwave mush?
Variety: Are there options for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or family diets?
Convenience: How fast can you go from box to plate?
Value: Is the price per meal worth it compared to cooking or takeaways?
Sustainability: Are packaging and sourcing eco-friendly?
Availability: Do they deliver nationwide or just to London elites?
We also scoured YouTube comments and Google trends—“Which meal delivery is healthiest?” “Are prepared meals worth it?”—to ensure we’re tackling what you’re asking. Here’s what we found.
The Top Prepared Meal Delivery Services in the UK for 2025
Chefly: Speed Meets Flavor
Cost: £6.50–£9 per meal (discounts on larger orders).
Delivery: Nationwide, weekly.
Standout Feature: 2–3 minute prep time.
GQ UK (2024) calls Chefly “a wildly good job at shaking the microwave meal rap.” These single-serving, chef-prepared meals arrive fresh (not frozen), last 10 days in the fridge, and heat up in under three minutes. Think grilled bavette steak with roasted carrots or chicken breast with black dahl—balanced with protein, carbs, and greens, free of refined sugars. Testers rave about the vibrant flavors, though some note a spicy kick that might not suit all palates. With 100% recyclable cardboard packaging, it’s eco-friendly too. Perfect for solo diners or busy professionals needing a quick, tasty fix.
COOK: The Freezer-Friendly Classic
Cost: £5–£8 per meal (pots-for-one from £4.50).
Delivery: Nationwide, flexible scheduling.
Standout Feature: Award-winning frozen meals.
A staple since 1997, COOK dominates the frozen meal game, earning a spot in Good Food’s 2025 roundup. With over 100 options—lasagne, coq au vin, vegan katsu curry—these meals are handmade in Kent, flash-frozen, and delivered in recyclable insulation. Coach (2024) praises their “appetizing” post-microwave look, though portions skew small for big eaters (add a side if you’re training hard). Great for families or stockpiling, with pots-for-one ideal for calorie counters. Delivery’s free over £40, making it a budget winner.
Allplants: Plant-Based Perfection
Cost: £6–£8 per meal (bundles from £45 for 6).
Delivery: Nationwide, carbon-neutral.
Standout Feature: 100% vegan, chef-crafted.
Allplants is the vegan darling of 2025, lauded by Vogue UK (2024) for its “chef-prepared, planet-friendly” meals. Frozen dishes like mac ’n’ no-cheese or tempeh lasagne arrive in recyclable packaging, heating up in 5–25 minutes (microwave or oven). Testers love the bold flavors—herbs and spices stay punchy—and the five-a-day focus. Good Food (2025) notes a spicy lean, which might not suit mild tastes, but for plant-based convenience, it’s unmatched. Ideal for vegans or flexitarians wanting variety without prep.
The Good Prep: Fitness Foodie Favorite
Cost: £7–£10 per meal (subscriptions from £50/week).
Delivery: Nationwide, chilled.
Standout Feature: Macro-tailored meals.
For gym-goers and health nuts, The Good Prep reigns supreme, earning nods from Glamour UK (2025) as “perfect for fitness foodies.” Fresh, never-frozen meals—like peri-peri chicken with sweet potato—arrive with detailed macros, catering to weight loss, muscle gain, or maintenance. You pick your plan (e.g., 10 meals/week), and they’re ready in 2–3 minutes. Testers praise the lean proteins and hearty portions, though variety can feel repetitive. It’s pricier, but the customization and quality justify it for goal-driven eaters.
Planty: Vegan Variety on a Budget
Cost: £5.50–£7 per meal (bundles from £39 for 6).
Delivery: Nationwide, frozen.
Standout Feature: Affordable plant-based meals.
Planty’s 100% vegan, frozen meals—like pumpkin ravioli or yaki miso udon—won over HELLO! (2023, updated 2025) for their “hearty, comforting” vibes. With 30+ options, you build your box (up to 12 meals), and they arrive in eco-conscious packaging. Microwave or oven-ready in 5–10 minutes, they’re a steal for the price, though some find the carb-heavy focus less balanced. Great for vegans or anyone dipping into plant-based eating without breaking the bank.
Honorable Mentions
Lions Prep: £8–£11 per meal. High-protein, fresh meals for fitness buffs; limited variety but top-notch quality.
Mindful Chef (Prepared Range): £7–£9 per meal. Fresh, gluten-free options; smaller menu but stellar nutrition.
Fuel Meals: £9–£12 per meal. Macro-focused, fresh meals for muscle gain or weight loss; less customization.
What People Are Asking About on YouTube and Google
The online chatter about prepared meal delivery services is loud in 2025. Here’s what’s trending, with answers based on the latest insights:
“What’s the Best Prepared Meal Delivery Service in the UK?”
It depends on your needs. Chefly tops for speed and flavor (GQ), COOK for value and variety (Good Food), Allplants for vegans (Vogue), and The Good Prep for fitness (Glamour). YouTube hauls like “Best Meal Delivery UK 2025” lean toward Chefly and Allplants for taste, while Google favors COOK’s affordability.
“Are Prepared Meals Healthy?”
Yes, mostly. Services like The Good Prep and Factor (a US import gaining UK traction) use dietitian-approved recipes, free of hormones and refined sugars (Healthline, 2025). Allplants and Planty pack in veggies for your five-a-day. That said, sodium can creep up—check labels if you’re watching salt.
“How Much Do Prepared Meals Cost?”
Prices range from £5 (COOK, Planty) to £12 (Fuel Meals, Lions Prep). Subscriptions often drop costs—e.g., Chefly’s £6.50/meal for 10+ orders beats a £10 takeaway. CNET (2025) notes prepared meals cost more than meal kits (£5–£8) but less than dining out.
“Can You Freeze Prepared Meals?”
Some arrive frozen (COOK, Allplants, Planty) and last months, while fresh options (Chefly, The Good Prep) last 5–10 days in the fridge but can often be frozen at home. Check provider guidance—Bon Appétit (2025) warns freezing fresh meals can affect texture.
“Which Service Has the Best Variety?”
Allplants and COOK lead with 30–100+ options. Chefly and The Good Prep offer 20–40 dishes, rotating weekly, while Planty’s 30+ vegan meals impress for a niche. YouTube reviews like “UK Meal Delivery Taste Test” highlight Allplants’ creativity.
Comparing the Best: A Head-to-Head Breakdown
| Service | Cost/Meal | Prep Time | Dietary Options | Delivery | Best For |
| Chefly | £6.50–£9 | 2–3 mins | Omnivore, balanced | Nationwide | Speed, solo diners |
| COOK | £5–£8 | 5–40 mins | Omnivore, vegan, GF | Nationwide | Families, budget |
| Allplants | £6–£8 | 5–25 mins | Vegan | Nationwide | Plant-based eaters |
| The Good Prep | £7–£10 | 2–3 mins | High-protein, keto | Nationwide | Fitness goals |
| Planty | £5.50–£7 | 5–10 mins | Vegan | Nationwide | Affordable vegan |
Regional Availability: Who Delivers Where?
Most top services—Chefly, COOK, Allplants, The Good Prep, Planty—ship nationwide, from London to the Scottish Highlands. Exceptions like Lions Prep focus on urban hubs (London, Manchester), so check your postcode on their sites. HELLO! (2025) notes rural delivery has improved, with COOK’s free shipping over £40 a game-changer for remote areas.
Pros and Cons of Prepared Meal Delivery Services
Pros
Time-Saving: No prep, no cleanup—just heat and eat.
Nutrition: Balanced options beat takeaways; macros are clear for fitness fans.
Variety: Global flavors (e.g., Chefly’s steak, Allplants’ udon) spice up your week.
Sustainability: Recyclable packaging and local sourcing are standard.
Cons
Cost: £5–£12/meal adds up vs. cooking (£3–£5).
Portion Size: Some (COOK’s pots-for-one) leave big eaters hungry.
Sodium: Pre-seasoned meals can be salty—check labels.
Limited Customization: Unlike meal kits, you can’t tweak recipes.
How to Choose the Right Service for You
Diet: Vegan? Allplants or Planty. High-protein? The Good Prep or Lions Prep. Omnivore? Chefly or COOK.
Budget: £5–£7? Planty or COOK. £8–£10? Chefly or The Good Prep.
Lifestyle: Solo? Chefly’s quick singles. Family? COOK’s multi-serves.
Storage: Freezer space? COOK or Allplants. Fridge only? Chefly or The Good Prep.
YouTube’s “Meal Delivery UK Reviews” suggest trying a small order first—most services let you pause or cancel anytime, so there’s low risk.
Maximizing Your Prepared Meal Experience
Batch Order: Bigger boxes (e.g., Planty’s 12-meal bundle) cut costs per meal.
Mix and Match: Pair a COOK pot with a side salad for balance.
Freeze Smart: Stock up during sales (Allplants’ January deals) if your freezer’s big.
Check Macros: The Good Prep’s labels help you hit fitness goals—add protein if needed.
What’s New in 2025?
AI Menus: Chefly and Factor tease personalized meal picks via apps.
Eco Upgrades: COOK’s 100% recyclable trays lead the pack; Planty follows suit.
Collab Dishes: Allplants hints at chef partnerships for limited-edition meals.
Budget Options: Planty’s £5.50 meals target cost-conscious vegans.
Real User Experiences: What the UK Says
YouTube: “Chefly’s steak was unreal for a microwave meal—3 minutes and done!” (UK Food Hauls 2025).
Reddit (r/London): “COOK’s lasagne is a freezer must, but portions are tiny for £6.”
X: “Allplants’ mac ’n’ no-cheese is my vegan holy grail—spicy but lush” (@foodieUK).
Google Reviews: “The Good Prep keeps my macros on point—pricey but worth it.”
Prepared Meals vs. Meal Kits vs. Takeaways
Prepared Meals: £5–£12, no prep, healthier than takeaways, less variety than kits.
Meal Kits: £5–£8, 30–50 mins prep, customizable, freshest taste.
Takeaways: £10–£20, instant, tasty but often greasy, priciest long-term.
Healthline (2025) notes prepared meals beat takeaways on nutrition and cost, while kits win for cooking enthusiasts.
The Bigger Picture: Why Prepared Meals Are Here to Stay
The UK’s prepared meal market thrives on convenience, health, and value—key buzzwords in 2025. With Statista forecasting £1.96 billion by 2029, it’s clear these services aren’t a lockdown relic; they’re a lifestyle shift. Vogue UK (2024) ties their rise to “simplifying routines,” while GQ sees them as a wellness tool. For a nation balancing work, family, and self-care, they’re a no-brainer.
Your Perfect Meal Awaits
The best prepared meal delivery service in the UK for 2025 hinges on you. Crave speed and flavor? Chefly’s your pick. Need variety and value? COOK’s got you. Vegan dreams? Allplants or Planty deliver. Fitness goals? The Good Prep flexes hard. With nationwide reach, eco-friendly packaging, and meals that rival your local bistro, these services answer YouTube’s “What’s the best meal delivery UK?” with a resounding “Plenty!”
So, ditch the takeaway app, skip the chopping board, and let 2025 be the year you eat well—effortlessly. Order a trial box, heat it up, and taste the difference. Your fridge (or freezer) will thank you.
Faqs
In the UK, a variety of prepared meal delivery services cater to diverse dietary preferences and lifestyles. Below are answers to frequently asked questions to help you choose the best service for your needs:
What are prepared meal delivery services?
Prepared meal delivery services provide fully cooked, ready-to-eat meals delivered to your doorstep. These meals require minimal preparation, saving you time on cooking while offering convenience and variety.
What factors should I consider when choosing a prepared meal delivery service?
When selecting a service, consider:
Meal Variety: Look for a diverse menu that caters to your dietary preferences and restrictions.
Quality and Freshness: Choose services that use high-quality, fresh ingredients.
Nutritional Value: Opt for meals that align with your health and wellness goals.talkSPORT
Pricing: Compare costs to find a service that fits your budget.
Delivery Options: Ensure the service delivers to your area and offers flexible delivery schedules.
What are some of the best prepared meal delivery services in the UK?
Here are some top-rated services:
The Good Prep
Offers flexible plans with 100% recyclable packaging and nationwide delivery. Meals are made to order by chefs, with options to add snacks and cold-pressed juices. Meal Plan Pros+1HELLO!+1
Fresh Fitness Food
Provides personalized meal plans with ongoing nutritionist support. Offers daily deliveries to your home or office, with a 5-day trial available. Meal Plan Pros
Gousto
Delivers a wide range of recipes with pre-measured ingredients, aiming to reduce food waste. Offers family-friendly options and easy-to-follow recipe cards. HELLO!+1Cosmopolitan+1
HelloFresh
Provides a variety of meal plans, including options for families and quick recipes. Known for value for money and healthy choices. HELLO!
Mindful Chef
Offers healthy recipes catering to various dietary preferences, with a focus on nutrition. Collaborates with small-scale suppliers for quality ingredients. HELLO!
Are there services that cater to specific dietary needs?
Yes, many services offer options for specific diets, including vegan, vegetarian, keto, and gluten-free. For example, Frive specializes in healthy, chef-prepared meal prep delivery, supporting various health and wellness goals.
How do I get started with a prepared meal delivery service?
To begin:
Research: Explore different services to find one that aligns with your preferences and needs.
Sign Up: Create an account on the chosen service’s website.
Select Meals: Choose your desired meals from the available menu options.
Set Delivery Details: Provide your delivery address and select a convenient delivery schedule.
Enjoy Your Meals: Once your meals arrive, follow any reheating instructions provided and enjoy.
Are these services cost-effective?
Pricing varies among services. For instance, Gousto offers meals starting from £2.98 per serving, making it a budget-friendly option for many.
How do I manage my subscription or cancel the service?
Most services offer flexible subscription models that allow you to pause, modify, or cancel your subscription through your account settings on their website. It’s advisable to review the cancellation policy of the specific service you choose.
Are the meals suitable for families?
Yes, many services offer family-friendly options. For example, Gousto provides a Family Box designed for fuss-free dinners, and HelloFresh offers a variety of meal plans suitable for families.
By considering your dietary preferences, budget, and desired level of convenience, you can select a prepared meal delivery service in the UK that best suits your lifestyle.
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