Based on kid testing and dietitian and mom approval, Nurture Life is our pick for the best meal delivery service for kids. See the other six services that made our list, including options for families.
Share on PinterestA quick look at the best meal delivery services for kids
- Best meal kit for busy families: Home Chef | Skip to review
- Best for kids and toddlers: Nurture Life | Skip to review
- Best for babies and picky eaters: Little Spoon | Skip to review
- Best for infants on purees: Square Baby | Skip to review
- Best for babies starting to eat more solid foods: Tiny Organics | Skip to review
- Best for pouches: Serenity Kids | Skip to review
- Honorable mention: Cerebelly | Skip to review
By providing products such as organic baby foods and family-style meals, meal delivery services can help make mealtime easier for parents who are short on time.
Healthline nutrition editor and registered dietitian Kelli McGrane reviewed more than 15 of the most popular meal delivery services for kids. Next, along with her sons, she tried 11 of those companies, as well as a handful of family-friendly meal kit delivery services.
See which companies ultimately made her list of the seven best meal delivery services for kids and families.
How we chose
When selecting the best meal delivery services for kids and families, we considered several factors:
- Nutrition: We looked for services offering nutritionally balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. We also prioritized services that limit the amounts of added sugar and salt in their products.
- Ingredient quality and freshness: We chose services that use mostly whole food ingredients and are free from, or contain minimal amounts of, artificial additives. We also paid attention to the freshness of the products during taste testing.
- Products offered: We included a wide range of product types, from pouches and snack bars to full meals.
- Ease of preparation: We prioritized services offering easy-to-prepare meals.
- Taste: A mom and toddler taste-tested every service’s offerings.
- Texture: We included services to suit a wide range of texture needs and preferences, so you’re likely to find one that works for you whether you have an infant, toddler, or school-aged kid.
Disclaimer: All the services tested below were provided to our tester for free. All opinions are our own.
Why you should trust us
In addition to being toddler-tested and mom-approved, every service on our list has been reviewed by registered dietitians and vetted to ensure that it aligns with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being.
Each service in this article:
- complies with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety and manufacturing regulations
- uses a trusted shipper to handle its food products
- lists all ingredients, allergens, and nutrition facts on its website or product packaging
- promotes a healthy approach to well-being
- doesn’t make unsupported health claims on its website or marketing materials
Healthline tester
There’s no denying that meal subscription services aren’t cheap. To ensure that we’re recommending services that are worth the money, we put each one to the test.
During the initial round of testing, Healthline nutrition editor Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, and her son (who was 18 months old at the time) tried more than 10 of the most popular meal delivery services for kids and families to find the ones that are kid-, mom-, and dietitian-approved.
Most recently, McGrane tested an additional service, this time wither her 8-month-old and, now, 3-year-old.
Share on PinterestLearn more about how we test meal kits.
Healthline’s picks of the best meal delivery services for kids
Best meal kit for busy families
Home Chef
- Price per serving: $9.99 to $13.95
- Delivery area: contiguous United States
- Shipping: $9.99 to $11.99
Healthline's review
- Recommended age: children and adults
- Types of meals: meal kits, oven-ready meals, and prepared meals
Known for its line of easy-to-prepare meal kits and oven-ready entrees, Home Chef is a great option for busy families who could use some help getting homemade meals on the table.
The service offers multiple meal plans to choose from, including its new Family Menu. This meal plan features a rotating menu of 10 or more family-friendly recipes, all of which include fresh ingredients and are designed to feed a family of 4.
While a few vegetarian and calorie- and carb-conscious options are available, Home Chef’s Family Menu doesn’t cater to specialized diets or allergies.
Every Home Chef meal kit is delivered in a recyclable cardboard box that contains insulated liners and gel packs to keep your food cool during transport.
Most Home Chef meal kits start at $7.99 per serving. However, with the Family Menu, prices start as low as $3.77 per serving, making it also one of the most affordable services for families.
What our tester says
Photo by Kelli McGraneI tried three recipes from Home Chef’s family menu, including the One-Pan Pork and Broccoli Stir-Fry, One-Sheet Butter Cracker-Crusted Chicken Cutlet, and Cheesy Beef Enchilada Bake.
Overall, all of the recipes were incredibly easy to make — my now 2.5-year-old was even able to help — and each dish was very flavorful. What’s more, despite being designed for four people, we had enough leftovers to easily feed two to three adults for lunch the next day.
My only complaint is that I wish two of the recipes had larger servings of vegetables. Instead, I ended up adding avocado and fresh tomato to the enchilada dish and a bag of frozen mixed vegetables to the stir-fry.
Photo by Kelli McGraneI tried three recipes from Home Chef’s family menu, including the One-Pan Pork and Broccoli Stir-Fry, One-Sheet Butter Cracker-Crusted Chicken Cutlet, and Cheesy Beef Enchilada Bake.
Overall, all of the recipes were incredibly easy to make — my now 2.5-year-old was even able to help — and each dish was very flavorful. What’s more, despite being designed for four people, we had enough leftovers to easily feed two to three adults for lunch the next day.
My only complaint is that I wish two of the recipes had larger servings of vegetables. Instead, I ended up adding avocado and fresh tomato to the enchilada dish and a bag of frozen mixed vegetables to the stir-fry.
Pros & cons
- budget-friendly
- specializes in quick, easy-to-prepare meals
- new Family Menu with 10+ rotating options
- available throughout the contiguous United States
- doesn't offer meals specifically for kids
- offers limited options for certain dietary patterns
- some meals low in vegetables
- budget-friendly
- specializes in quick, easy-to-prepare meals
- new Family Menu with 10+ rotating options
- available throughout the contiguous United States
- doesn't offer meals specifically for kids
- offers limited options for certain dietary patterns
- some meals low in vegetables
Product details
- Menus: Calorie-Conscious, Carb-Conscious, Protein-packed, Keto-friendly, Pescatarian, Paleo-friendly, Vegetarian, Family, Gluten-Smart
- Diet friendliness: vegetarian and carb- and calorie-conscious
- Ingredients: some organic ingredients
- Packaging: most packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable
- Menus: Calorie-Conscious, Carb-Conscious, Protein-packed, Keto-friendly, Pescatarian, Paleo-friendly, Vegetarian, Family, Gluten-Smart
- Diet friendliness: vegetarian and carb- and calorie-conscious
- Ingredients: some organic ingredients
- Packaging: most packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable
Best for kids and toddlers
Nurture Life
4.8 (1.1k+) from Nurture Life- Delivery area: contiguous United States
- Price per serving: $6.55 - $7.49 ($3.83 per smoothie)
- Shipping: $8.99
Healthline's review
- Recommended age: babies, toddlers, and kids from 10 months to 12 years old
- Types of meals: smoothies, snack bites, fresh and fully prepared kids’ meals, finger foods, and crustless sandwiches
From finger foods for toddlers to pasta dishes for older kids, Nurture Life is one of the best meal delivery services for kids and toddlers. The meals are designed by registered dietitians to be nutritionally balanced and to include at least one serving of vegetables per meal.
What’s more, Nurture Life is a good option for parents who are short on time, as the meals come fully prepared and can be reheated in 2 minutes or less.
All Nurture Life entrees are made in a facility that’s free of peanuts and tree nuts, and customers can use the dietary filter option to find meals that are free of wheat, eggs, milk, soy, fish, gluten, sesame, coconut, or pork. However, cross contamination is still possible.
The meals are made using organic produce and whole grains, antibiotic-free animal proteins, and sustainably sourced seafood.
Meals are shipped in insulated boxes and last up to 1 week in the fridge or 90 days in the freezer. Except for the seals and the interior of the freezer gel packs, all the packaging is recyclable.
What our tester says
Photo by Kelli McGraneNurture Life scored major points for being easy to reheat and nutritionally balanced, with every meal containing a vegetable, a whole grain or starchy vegetable, and a protein.
My son seemed to be a fan of the textures and flavors of each meal. He particularly loved the smoothies, all of which are free of added sugar and contain a blend of fruits and vegetables.
His other favorites were the egg bites with sweet potato and the mac and cheese with hidden cauliflower.
Photo by Kelli McGraneNurture Life scored major points for being easy to reheat and nutritionally balanced, with every meal containing a vegetable, a whole grain or starchy vegetable, and a protein.
My son seemed to be a fan of the textures and flavors of each meal. He particularly loved the smoothies, all of which are free of added sugar and contain a blend of fruits and vegetables.
His other favorites were the egg bites with sweet potato and the mac and cheese with hidden cauliflower.
Pros & cons
- offers options for various age groups
- fresh, never frozen high quality ingredients
- dietitian-designed meals with vegetables in every entree
- meals produced in a facility free of peanuts and tree nuts
- available throughout the contiguous United States
- suitable for picky eaters
- may not be suitable for children with severe food allergies
- offers limited options for certain dietary patterns, including vegan
- offers options for various age groups
- fresh, never frozen high quality ingredients
- dietitian-designed meals with vegetables in every entree
- meals produced in a facility free of peanuts and tree nuts
- available throughout the contiguous United States
- suitable for picky eaters
- may not be suitable for children with severe food allergies
- offers limited options for certain dietary patterns, including vegan
Product details
- Menus: Kids Meals, Finger Foods, Smoothies, Snacks, Super Sammies
- Diet friendliness: vegetarian, gluten-free, egg-free, fish-free, soy-free, pork-free, milk-free, coconut-free, sesame-free, beef-free
- Ingredients: some organic ingredients
- Packaging: most packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable
- Menus: Kids Meals, Finger Foods, Smoothies, Snacks, Super Sammies
- Diet friendliness: vegetarian, gluten-free, egg-free, fish-free, soy-free, pork-free, milk-free, coconut-free, sesame-free, beef-free
- Ingredients: some organic ingredients
- Packaging: most packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable
Best for babies and picky eaters
Little Spoon
- Delivery area: contiguous United States
- Price per serving: $3.32-$7.92 ($1.99-$2.82 for snacks)
- Shipping: $9 shipping
Healthline's review
- Recommended age: babies, toddlers, and kids from 6 months to 12 years old
- Types of meals: organic baby food, early finger foods, kids’ meals, smoothies, and snacks
Designed by chefs and neonatal nutritionists, Little Spoon meals cater to a child’s developmental stages, offering purees for babies (6 months+), bite-sized finger foods for babies transitioning to solids, and balanced meals for toddlers and bigger kids.
The extensive menu allows you to filter by dietary needs, preferences, and even protein or grain type. That being said, it’s important to note that meals are processed in facilities that process major allergens, so this still may not be suitable for littles with serious allergies.
A standout feature of Little Spoon is its approach to picky eating. Many plates contain hidden veggies to help ensure little ones are getting plenty of nutrients, but also include a present vegetable to help encourage the healthy habit of eating vegetables.
With Little Spoon, you choose the meals you want and the frequency of delivery (weekly or biweekly). You can also add snacks to your order, including options like soft baked oat bars with hidden veggies and chickpea-based crunchy snack loops.
What our tester says
Photo by Kelli McGraneDespite my best efforts to expose him to a variety of foods at a young age, my 3-year-old is firmly into the picky eating stage of toddlerhood. Because of this, I was excited to try Little Spoon, which includes both hidden and visible vegetables.
My toddler loved the pasta dishes and even took several bites of the various veggie-based bites. However, his favorite items were the smoothies, particularly the Tropical Greens pouch. He also enjoyed the chickpea-based crunchy snack loops and the oat-based snack bars, both of which contain hidden veggies.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, my 8-month-old happily gobbles down anything we give him. So, it wasn’t a surprise that he loved all of the Babyblends and the Biteable meals we tried. As a busy mom, I was very grateful to have quick and easy (and sodium-free) balanced meals to give him.
My only complaint with Little Spoon is that there isn’t an option for one-time purchases. Having yet another subscription isn’t in our budget at the moment. However, there are a few meals and snacks that I’d like to order again from time to time.
Photo by Kelli McGraneDespite my best efforts to expose him to a variety of foods at a young age, my 3-year-old is firmly into the picky eating stage of toddlerhood. Because of this, I was excited to try Little Spoon, which includes both hidden and visible vegetables.
My toddler loved the pasta dishes and even took several bites of the various veggie-based bites. However, his favorite items were the smoothies, particularly the Tropical Greens pouch. He also enjoyed the chickpea-based crunchy snack loops and the oat-based snack bars, both of which contain hidden veggies.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, my 8-month-old happily gobbles down anything we give him. So, it wasn’t a surprise that he loved all of the Babyblends and the Biteable meals we tried. As a busy mom, I was very grateful to have quick and easy (and sodium-free) balanced meals to give him.
My only complaint with Little Spoon is that there isn’t an option for one-time purchases. Having yet another subscription isn’t in our budget at the moment. However, there are a few meals and snacks that I’d like to order again from time to time.
Pros & cons
- includes both hidden and visible veggies
- ability to filter by allergens and dietary preferences
- caters to a wide variety of ages
- plates are reusable and top-rack dishwasher safe
- creative flavor and ingredient combinations
- healthier snack options for toddlers and bigger kids
- flavorful meals and pouches that passed our baby and kid taste test
- limited serving sizes may not be enough for bigger kids
- not suitable for those with severe food allergies
- subscription required
- currently no option to add more than one kid to your account
- includes both hidden and visible veggies
- ability to filter by allergens and dietary preferences
- caters to a wide variety of ages
- plates are reusable and top-rack dishwasher safe
- creative flavor and ingredient combinations
- healthier snack options for toddlers and bigger kids
- flavorful meals and pouches that passed our baby and kid taste test
- limited serving sizes may not be enough for bigger kids
- not suitable for those with severe food allergies
- subscription required
- currently no option to add more than one kid to your account
Product details
- Diet friendliness: vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, egg-free, soy-free, fish-free, shellfish-free, wheat-free, sesame-free
- Ingredients: some organic ingredients. All meals are free from preservatives, additives, and fillers.
- Packaging: some, but not all packaging is recyclable; plates are meant to be reused and are top-rack dishwasher safe
- Menus: Babyblends, Biteables, Plates, Lunchers, Smoothies, Snacks, Puffs
- Diet friendliness: vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, egg-free, soy-free, fish-free, shellfish-free, wheat-free, sesame-free
- Ingredients: some organic ingredients. All meals are free from preservatives, additives, and fillers.
- Packaging: some, but not all packaging is recyclable; plates are meant to be reused and are top-rack dishwasher safe
- Menus: Babyblends, Biteables, Plates, Lunchers, Smoothies, Snacks, Puffs
Best for infants on purees
Square Baby
- Delivery area: contiguous United States
- Price per serving: $4.98–$7.07
- Shipping: free
Healthline's review
- Recommended age: infants 4–12+ months
- Types of meals: pureed meals
Square Baby is a baby food company that was created by a registered dietitian and genetic counselor.
The company offers meals for various stages, including single-ingredient meals for babies 4 months old and up, and “square meals,” which contain a mix of ingredients, for infants over 6 to 8 months of age.
You can filter the menu to find items suitable for your child’s age, as well as options that are smooth or chunky, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian.
Meals are also sorted by their specific source of protein and potential health benefits, making it easy to find meals that are rich in probiotics, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, or sprouted grains.
The service also offers an assortment of foods that contain common allergens to help you introduce these foods into your child’s diet early. However, keep in mind that this may not be suitable for infants who have a diagnosis of a food allergy.
The items are made using high quality organic ingredients and packaged in reusable or recyclable containers. What’s more, Square Baby meals are third-party tested by the Clean Label Project to ensure that they’re free of heavy metals, pesticide residues, and over 400 other contaminants.
What our tester says
Photo by Kelli McGraneThe meals arrived frozen and were easy to thaw in the fridge or microwave. They were also compactly packaged, so they didn’t take up valuable refrigerator real estate.
Because the purees are designed as meals for younger kids, I served my 18-month-old the purees as snacks and side dishes. While he took bites of the Mango Coconut Chicken and the Minty Greens, he particularly enjoyed the Peachy Oatmeal and the Beet Berry.
I wish I had tried this service when my son was younger, as I think it’s a great way to expose infants to new flavors while ensuring they’re getting a nutritionally balanced meal.
Note: When I tried the service, they were in the middle of changing their packaging. Square Baby meals now come in reusable glass jars.
Photo by Kelli McGraneThe meals arrived frozen and were easy to thaw in the fridge or microwave. They were also compactly packaged, so they didn’t take up valuable refrigerator real estate.
Because the purees are designed as meals for younger kids, I served my 18-month-old the purees as snacks and side dishes. While he took bites of the Mango Coconut Chicken and the Minty Greens, he particularly enjoyed the Peachy Oatmeal and the Beet Berry.
I wish I had tried this service when my son was younger, as I think it’s a great way to expose infants to new flavors while ensuring they’re getting a nutritionally balanced meal.
Note: When I tried the service, they were in the middle of changing their packaging. Square Baby meals now come in reusable glass jars.
Pros & cons
- designed to meet nutritional needs for various ages
- made with high quality organic ingredients
- uses reusable and recyclable containers
- third-party tested by Clean Label Project for heavy metals and 400+ contaminants
- can be pricey
- no solid foods available
- may not be suitable for those with severe food allergies
- designed to meet nutritional needs for various ages
- made with high quality organic ingredients
- uses reusable and recyclable containers
- third-party tested by Clean Label Project for heavy metals and 400+ contaminants
- can be pricey
- no solid foods available
- may not be suitable for those with severe food allergies
Product details
- Menus: Stage 1 (4+ Months), Stage 2 (6+ Months), Stage 3 (8+ Months)
- Diet friendliness: dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian
- Ingredients: all organic ingredients (except salmon), sustainably sourced fish and seafood
- Packaging: all packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable
- Menus: Stage 1 (4+ Months), Stage 2 (6+ Months), Stage 3 (8+ Months)
- Diet friendliness: dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian
- Ingredients: all organic ingredients (except salmon), sustainably sourced fish and seafood
- Packaging: all packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable
Best for babies starting to eat more solid foods
Tiny Organics
- Delivery area: contiguous United States
- Price per serving: $4.19–$5.99
- Shipping: $6.99 for shipping
Healthline's review
- Recommended age: infants and toddlers 6 months and older
- Types of meals: frozen and fully prepared meals
Tiny Organics specializes in finger foods that are designed to encourage your little one to become an adventurous eater. The dishes offer a variety of textures and flavors and are created by a team of chefs and neonatal nutritionists to suit your child’s developmental milestones.
All Tiny Organics meals are plant-based, nutritionally balanced, made with certified organic ingredients, and free of added sugar and salt. Instead, meals are flavored with real fruits and vegetables, whole grains, herbs, and natural seasonings.
In addition to their original Tiny Meals (designed for babies 6 months and older), the company’s lineup also includes Tiny Purees and Tiny Toddler Meals.
The meals are flash-frozen and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. They’re easy to reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Tiny Organics offers 12- and 24-pack meal subscriptions, with recurring deliveries at 1-, 2-, or 4-week intervals.
What our tester says
Photo by Kelli McGraneTiny Organics is one of my favorite meal delivery services for older babies and younger toddlers because the ingredient lists are impressively short and the meals contain a good variety of seasonings and ingredients.
I also appreciate that the meals can be frozen for up to 3 months and take up very little freezer space.
My son took bites from every meal that we tried. He particularly loved the Bananas Foster, Coconut Curry, and Oat Em Gee.
Photo by Kelli McGraneTiny Organics is one of my favorite meal delivery services for older babies and younger toddlers because the ingredient lists are impressively short and the meals contain a good variety of seasonings and ingredients.
I also appreciate that the meals can be frozen for up to 3 months and take up very little freezer space.
My son took bites from every meal that we tried. He particularly loved the Bananas Foster, Coconut Curry, and Oat Em Gee.
Pros & cons
- lower priced than similar services
- all items plant-based and organic
- larger portion sizes available
- available throughout the contiguous United States
- manufactured in a facility that processes allergens
- only offers plans with 12 or 24 meals each
- lower priced than similar services
- all items plant-based and organic
- larger portion sizes available
- available throughout the contiguous United States
- manufactured in a facility that processes allergens
- only offers plans with 12 or 24 meals each
Product details
- Menus: Tiny Purées, Tiny Meals, Lunch & Dinner, Tiny Toddler Meals
- Diet friendliness: vegetarian, peanut-free
- Ingredients: all organic produce
- Packaging: all packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable
- Menus: Tiny Purées, Tiny Meals, Lunch & Dinner, Tiny Toddler Meals
- Diet friendliness: vegetarian, peanut-free
- Ingredients: all organic produce
- Packaging: all packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable
Best for pouches
Serenity Kids
- Delivery area: United States (Alaska and Hawaii included)
- Price per serving: pouches start at $3.65 per serving, containers of grain-free puffs cost $5.49 each
- Shipping: varies by location; free for orders of $35 or more
Healthline's review
- Recommended age: infants and toddlers 6 months and older
- Types of meals: pouches, grain-free puffs
Serenity Kids is a meal delivery service that offers a variety of meat- and veggie-based baby food pouches, along with grain-free puffs and toddler formula.
The products have been third-party tested for heavy metals by the Clean Label Project, which has determined that the company meets the standards for the Purity and Pesticide Free Award.
All items are also free of gluten, nuts, grains, soy, and corn. However, items are manufactured in a facility that also processes these ingredients, so cross contamination is possible.
The pouches are shelf-stable and free of preservatives. Additionally, all pouches are made with organic vegetables, and the meat is sourced from small family farms that practice regenerative agriculture to support sustainability.
Though the pouches are not curbside recyclable, Serenity Kids offers a free recycling program, making it easy to collect and mail back the containers once you’re finished.
What our tester says
Serenity Kids is one of my favorite brands for pouches because it prioritizes herbs, vegetables, healthy fats, and even meats, making the pouches less sweet than those from other brands.
My son enjoyed pretty much all the vegetable pouches, and I appreciated having a stash of quick and easy veggie-packed snacks on hand. The grain-free puffs were also handy for keeping him busy at restaurants.
The only items he didn’t like were the meat pouches (even now at 2 years old he’s still not much of a meat eater). However, I gave the rest to my friend, and her kiddo gobbled them up.
Serenity Kids is one of my favorite brands for pouches because it prioritizes herbs, vegetables, healthy fats, and even meats, making the pouches less sweet than those from other brands.
My son enjoyed pretty much all the vegetable pouches, and I appreciated having a stash of quick and easy veggie-packed snacks on hand. The grain-free puffs were also handy for keeping him busy at restaurants.
The only items he didn’t like were the meat pouches (even now at 2 years old he’s still not much of a meat eater). However, I gave the rest to my friend, and her kiddo gobbled them up.
Pros & cons
- available throughout the United States
- third-party tested for heavy metals
- offers free recycling program
- offers pouches that are less sweet than those from many other brands
- offers both veggie- and meat-containing pouches
- subscription not required
- discounted prices with subscription orders
- more expensive than similar products
- not all products are organic
- may not be suitable for those with severe food allergies
- limited selection of solid foods
- packaging not curbside recyclable
- available throughout the United States
- third-party tested for heavy metals
- offers free recycling program
- offers pouches that are less sweet than those from many other brands
- offers both veggie- and meat-containing pouches
- subscription not required
- discounted prices with subscription orders
- more expensive than similar products
- not all products are organic
- may not be suitable for those with severe food allergies
- limited selection of solid foods
- packaging not curbside recyclable
Product details
- Menus: Baby Food Pouches, Dairy-Free Smoothies, Variety Packs, Meat Pouches, Veggie Pouches, Grain Free Puffs, A2 Formula
- Diet friendliness: vegetarian, grain-free, soy-free, nut-free, corn-free, gluten-free, rice-free
- Ingredients: some organic ingredients, locally sourced, humanely raised meat and poultry
- Packaging: all packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable
- Menus: Baby Food Pouches, Dairy-Free Smoothies, Variety Packs, Meat Pouches, Veggie Pouches, Grain Free Puffs, A2 Formula
- Diet friendliness: vegetarian, grain-free, soy-free, nut-free, corn-free, gluten-free, rice-free
- Ingredients: some organic ingredients, locally sourced, humanely raised meat and poultry
- Packaging: all packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable
Honorable mention
Cerebelly
- Delivery area: United States (Alaska and Hawaii included)
- Price per serving: pouches and smoothies start at $3.05 each, Smart Bars cost $1.02 per serving
- Shipping: $4.99, or free for orders over $45
Healthline's review
- Recommended age: infants and toddlers 4 months and older
- Types of meals: pouches, bars
Founded by a neurosurgeon and developmental neurobiologist, Cerebelly offers an assortment of purees, smoothie-inspired pouches, and bars with added nutrients to support brain health.
In addition to being certified organic, Cerebelly is the first shelf-stable baby food to receive the Clean Label Project Purity Award, which means the food has been tested for heavy metals and contaminants.
Cerebelly also offers an online quiz, which asks about your child’s age and developmental milestones to provide specific product recommendations to fit their needs.
You can purchase a six-pack of your favorite varieties or a bundle with several different products to try. All products are free of gluten and major food allergens.
Plus, Cerebelly has a free recycling program, which allows you to print a shipping label and mail your plastic pouches so they can be recycled.
What our tester says
Photo by Kelli McGraneFinding kid-friendly snack bars that are flavorful without being high in added sugar is surprisingly difficult, which is why I was very excited about Cerebelly Smart Bars.
I also appreciate that they don’t melt and aren’t super crumbly, which means they’re ideal for park days or zoo trips. Just keep in mind that the bars are a bit chewier and not as soft — or as sweet — as some others on the market.
While my son loved the bars initially, after 2 months of regularly weaving them into his snack rotation, he started to prefer chewier, date- and nut-based bars over these ones.
I was also impressed by both the nutrition stats and the ingredient combinations offered by the pouches. My son isn’t always a huge fan of pouches, but he really liked this company’s smoothie-inspired line.
Photo by Kelli McGraneFinding kid-friendly snack bars that are flavorful without being high in added sugar is surprisingly difficult, which is why I was very excited about Cerebelly Smart Bars.
I also appreciate that they don’t melt and aren’t super crumbly, which means they’re ideal for park days or zoo trips. Just keep in mind that the bars are a bit chewier and not as soft — or as sweet — as some others on the market.
While my son loved the bars initially, after 2 months of regularly weaving them into his snack rotation, he started to prefer chewier, date- and nut-based bars over these ones.
I was also impressed by both the nutrition stats and the ingredient combinations offered by the pouches. My son isn’t always a huge fan of pouches, but he really liked this company’s smoothie-inspired line.
Pros & cons
- certified organic
- tested for heavy metals and contaminants
- discounts available with recurring subscriptions
- free of gluten and major allergens
- offers free recycling program
- offers pouches and bars that are free of added sugar
- offers products formulated for specific ages to provide optimal nutrients for development
- subscription not required
- limited selection of solid foods
- doesn't offer multiple portion sizes
- pouches not curbside recyclable
- doesn't offer toddler-size meals
- some toddlers may not like the taste or texture of the bars
- certified organic
- tested for heavy metals and contaminants
- discounts available with recurring subscriptions
- free of gluten and major allergens
- offers free recycling program
- offers pouches and bars that are free of added sugar
- offers products formulated for specific ages to provide optimal nutrients for development
- subscription not required
- limited selection of solid foods
- doesn't offer multiple portion sizes
- pouches not curbside recyclable
- doesn't offer toddler-size meals
- some toddlers may not like the taste or texture of the bars
Product details
- Menus: Bundles, Variety Packs, Purees, Smoothie-inspired, Smart Bars
- DIet friendliness: vegan, gluten-free, major allergen-free
- Ingredients: all organic ingredients
- Packaging: all packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable
- Menus: Bundles, Variety Packs, Purees, Smoothie-inspired, Smart Bars
- DIet friendliness: vegan, gluten-free, major allergen-free
- Ingredients: all organic ingredients
- Packaging: all packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable
A comparison of the best meal delivery services for kids
Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:
-Types of mealsPrice per servingShippingSubscription requiredGood forHome Chef• meal kits• oven-ready meals• prepared meals$9.99+$10.99–$13.99yesfamiliesNurture Life• kids’ meals• finger foods• smoothies• snack bites• crustless sandwiches$6.55+$8 for orders under $59yes• toddlers• kidsLittle Spoon• purees• baby finger foods• kids’ meals• smoothies$2.82+$9yes• infants• toddlers• childrenSquare Babypurees$4.98+freeyesinfantsTiny Organics• purees• baby finger foods• kids’ meals$4.19+$6.99yes• infants• toddlersSerenity Kids• pouches• puffs$3.65+• varies by location• free for orders $35+no• infants• toddlersCerebelly• pouches• bars$3.05+• free for orders over $45• $4.99 for smaller ordersno• infants• toddlersHow to choose
When looking for a kid-friendly meal delivery service, there are several factors to consider:
- Age-appropriate meals: Some services specialize in purees for infants, while others cater to only school-aged kids. Be sure to choose a service that’s appropriate for your child’s age and developmental stage.
- Recipe variety: It’s a good idea to browse each service’s menu to make sure you choose a company with recipes that fit your child’s food preferences.
- Products offered: Are you looking for help at mealtime, or do you simply need a few healthy snacks to stash in your kid’s backpack? Knowing the types of products you’re looking for will help narrow down your options.
- Food allergies: If your kid has a food allergy, make sure to choose a service that has strict standards in place to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
- Nutritional quality: Because proper nutrition plays an essential role in development, consider a service featuring meals that are developed by experts to meet the specific nutritional needs of children.
- Ingredient quality: Look for services that prioritize whole-food ingredients and limit the use of added sugar, salt, dyes, and artificial additives.
- Prep time: If you’re short on time, you may want to choose a service that provides microwavable prepared meals rather than meal kits.
- Packaging: Because most meal delivery services come with a lot of packaging, you may prefer a company that uses mostly recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable materials.
- Price: Make sure to have a budget in mind when looking at meal delivery services. Also, many companies offer discounts on bulk orders or monthly subscriptions.
Frequently asked questions
Does Home Chef have kid-friendly meals?
Home Chef offers a Family Menu that features more than 10 rotating menu items each week, which are specifically designed with families and picky eaters in mind.
Home Chef offers a Family Menu that features more than 10 rotating menu items each week, which are specifically designed with families and picky eaters in mind.
Is HelloFresh good for picky eaters?
Because HelloFresh provides meal kits rather than fully prepared meals, you can easily swap or remove ingredients as needed. This makes it a good option for picky eaters.
HelloFresh also has a large menu with more than 30 recipes to choose from each week, so you’ll likely be able to find meals that work for your family.
Because HelloFresh provides meal kits rather than fully prepared meals, you can easily swap or remove ingredients as needed. This makes it a good option for picky eaters.
HelloFresh also has a large menu with more than 30 recipes to choose from each week, so you’ll likely be able to find meals that work for your family.
Which meal service is best for kids?
The best meal delivery service for kids depends on your child’s age and dietary needs. For example, Nurture Life and Little Spoon both offer balanced toddler and kids’ meals that are designed to appeal to even the pickiest eaters. However, for babies and younger toddlers, a service like Tiny Organics might be better.
If you’re looking to feed the whole family, Home Chef is our pick as the best family-friendly meal delivery service.
The best meal delivery service for kids depends on your child’s age and dietary needs. For example, Nurture Life and Little Spoon both offer balanced toddler and kids’ meals that are designed to appeal to even the pickiest eaters. However, for babies and younger toddlers, a service like Tiny Organics might be better.
If you’re looking to feed the whole family, Home Chef is our pick as the best family-friendly meal delivery service.
The bottom line
If you’re looking for a healthy meal delivery service to save time on preparing meals for your kids or family, be sure to choose a company that prioritizes quality ingredients, nutritional content, and kid-friendly recipes.
Because babies and toddlers reach developmental milestones at different rates, it’s important to consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about whether a meal delivery service is age-appropriate for younger children.