What to Buy The Best Dairy-Free Meal Delivery Services To Make Mealtime Easy Blue Apron is our recommendation for the best dairy-free meal delivery service. By Will Franke Will Franke Will is a seasoned adventurer and traveler with a knack for storytelling based out of Chicago. If he isn't exploring new places or trying new foods or drinks, then he's probably writing about them. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 28, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: Claudia Totir / Getty Images While it may come as a surprise, some research suggests that as much as 36% of Americans have lactose malabsorption or intolerance. That means that over one in three Americans require at least some level of dairy aversion in their diet, and yet, the American diet still seems to have very little flexibility in accommodating those who either cannot have dairy or choose not to for health reasons. Fortunately, if you are dairy-free or lactose intolerant, there are several options out there that can accommodate your diet — especially in the form of meal delivery services. Regardless of what your reasons are for looking for more dairy-free options, we put together a list of the best dairy-free meal delivery services for every type of consumer. Best Dairy-Free Meal Delivery Services of 2023 Best Overall: Blue Apron Best for Organic Meals: Daily Harvest Best Prepared Meals: The Good Kitchen Best for Weight Loss: Factor Best for Gluten-Free: Pete’s Real Food Best for Kids: Nurture Life Best for Individuals: ModifyHealth Best for Athletes: Trifecta Best Gourmet: CookUnity Best Overall: Blue Apron Blue Apron Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $7.99 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh and Frozen Why You Should Try It Blue Apron’s changing selection of delicious, affordable meals and variety of plans makes it our choice for best overall dairy-free meal delivery service. Pros and Cons Pros Delivers to all but two states Menus are posted four weeks in advance All ingredients are posted clearly on each item before checkout Cons All food is made in facilities that also process dairy and nuts Shipping not included Overview With Blue Apron, you never have to run the risk of accidentally getting an item that includes dairy ingredients. The company posts all of its ingredients for each menu item clearly on its website, so you can put your mind at ease knowing there won’t be any surprises. Best of all, each of the menu items is posted nearly a month in advance, which makes meal planning much easier. And if you have a food allergy or diet restriction, this really comes in handy. Keep in mind, however, that Blue Apron prepares all of its food in facilities that also process dairy and nuts. So, if you are dairy-free because of a severe allergy, Blue Apron may not be the best choice for you. Pricing and Plans Two servings, twice per week: $57.95Two servings, three times per week: $69.93Two servings, four times per week: $85.91Four servings, twice per week: $85.91Four servings, three times per week: $111.87Four servings, four times per week: $137.83 Meals We Tried Meal Kits Togarashi shrimp and vegetable fried rice Space Ranger chicken enchiladas One-pan white bean and poblano shakshuka Baked meatballs and romesco mayo Heat and Eat Sweet and spicy beef bowl with rice, peppers, and edamame Chicken Alfredo pasta with peas Best for Organic Meals: Daily Harvest Daily Harvest Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $6.79 per servingDelivery Area: 95% of U.S.Products Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try It Not only is Daily Harvest a great dairy-free meal delivery service, but it’s one of the best sources of organic food out there. Pros and Cons Pros Shipping included Customers can purchase meal items à la carte Affordable options with volume-based discounts Cons Meals are delivered frozen Items are not customizable Overview While Daily Harvest uses some conventional ingredients, the majority of ingredients on its current menu are from certified organic farms. Additionally, Daily Harvest’s entire menu is both plant-based and gluten-free, with dishes including grain and veggie bowls, oat bowls, flatbreads, soups, smoothies, and more. So, if your dairy-free diet is a result of your vegan lifestyle, you’ll be in good hands. When ordering, you have the option to purchase menu items à la carte, but if you’re buying in bulk, Daily Harvest offers volume-based discounts to make its products more affordable. While Daily Harvest’s items are not customizable, the menu is vast enough that you’re sure to find something you enjoy. Pricing and Plans Lattes: $5.99Forager bowls: $6.79Bites: $7.99Mylk: $7.99Smoothies: $8.49Soups: $8.49Scoops: $8.99Harvest bowls: $9.79Flatbreads: $9.79Harvest bakes: $11.99 Meals We Tried Mint and cacao smoothieMango papaya smoothieHazelnut and chocolate bitesTomatillo and pepper flatbreadPortobello and pesto flatbreadSweet potato and wild rice hashBrussels sprouts and tahini harvest bowlSpinach and shiitake gritsTomato and zucchini minestrone soup Best Prepared Meals: The Good Kitchen The Good Kitchen Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $11.50 per servingDelivery Area: 50 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It The Good Kitchen crafts its menu of carefully prepared meals using sustainably sourced ingredients, and you only have to heat them for a few minutes to enjoy them. Pros and Cons Pros All meals are fully prepared prior to delivery Can filter the menu for dairy-free products and several allergens Delivers to all 50 states Cons Shipping not included Menu is somewhat limited Overview If you’re looking for a meal delivery service that fully prepares each meal for you prior to delivery, then look no further than The Good Kitchen. Not only does the company prepare a variety of hearty dishes like shepherd’s pie and Korean beef, but you have the option to filter through the menu for multiple dietary aversions and restrictions, including dairy-free, keto, paleo, and more. Unlike most delivery services, you don’t need to worry about whether or not you are in the company’s delivery area, since The Good Kitchen delivers to all 50 states. Shipping is not included in the listed costs, however, so be sure to account for that when ordering. Pricing and Plans 6 meals per week: $89.88 ($14.98 per meal)8 meals per week: $117.60 ($14.70 per meal)10 meals per week: $143.33 ($14.33 per meal)12 meals per week: $163.80 ($13.65 per meal) Meals We Tried Beef shepherd’s pieBison and beef sloppy Joe with potato leek gratinChicken satay with cilantro rice and broccoliChili lime chicken with fajita vegetables and cilantro cauliflower riceMiso-glazed wild boar meatballs and hibachi zucchiniTomato, asparagus, and spinach frittata with Yukon potato hash Best for Weight Loss: Factor Factor Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $10.99 per servingDelivery Area: 48 states Products Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It There is research that suggests that going dairy-free can help with weight loss, and if that is your aim, then Factor is a terrific choice. Pros and Cons Pros Meals delivered fresh and ready to reheat Offers nutrition coaching through the website Can customize subscription for dietary preferences Cons Shipping not included Limited plant-based options Overview Factor freshly prepares all of its meals for you prior to shipping, which makes it a super convenient meal delivery option already. However, convenience isn’t the only thing scoring the company points; each of its ready-to-eat options is packed with nutrients and protein to keep you satisfied. Go with Factor’s Calorie Smart plan if losing weight is the goal, or if you’re trying to get lean, we suggest the Protein Plus option. For extra assistance, you can even book nutrition coaching through Factor’s website. The nutritious meal delivery options combined with its coaching are sure to help you reach your weight loss goals in no time. Pricing and Plans 6 meals per week: $13.49 per serving8 meals per week: $12.99 per serving10 meals per week: $12.49 per serving12 meals per week: $11.99 per serving14 meals per week: $11.49 per serving18 meals per week: $10.99 per serving Meals We Tried Mango salsa salmon with coconut rice and black beansCreamy Parmesan chicken with broccoli and tomatoesVegetable ratatouille with mascarpone polentaSmoked tofu almond stir-fry with edamame succotash Best for Gluten-Free: Pete’s Real Food Pete's Real Food Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $14 per servingDelivery Area: 50 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It Trying to find a great meal partner to accommodate your gluten- and dairy-free lifestyle? Look no further than Pete’s Real Food. Pros and Cons Pros Customizable meal delivery plans Meals are delivered fresh and only require reheating All meals are dairy-free and gluten-free Cons Shipping not included Cannot choose delivery date Overview All of Pete’s Real Food’s options are completely free of gluten, dairy, and soy, making it the best meal delivery service for those who want to avoid gluten and dairy simultaneously. Whether you are one of the millions of Americans who have some level of intolerance to gluten or dairy or you are exploring the potential health benefits of cutting these from your diet, you’ll find plenty of incredible options through Pete’s Real Food. Additionally, all of the company’s menu items are delivered fully prepared and only require reheating. One thing to consider, however, is that the delivery options are not very flexible and you are not able to choose your delivery date at this time. Pricing and Plans Paleo meal plans start at $70 for five meals per week Meals We Tried Grilled chicken with sautéed cabbage and green goddess potato saladChicken chili with oven-roasted tomatoes and spaghetti squashBeef stroganoff over sweet potato noodlesChicken meatballs with cauliflower mash and sweet potato friesTurkey burgers with lemon garlic asparagus and roasted purple potato wedges Best for Kids: Nurture Life Nuture Life Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $6.49 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It If you have a child at home who can’t have dairy, Nurture Life is a great go-to meal service. Pros and Cons Pros Can filter menu for milk-free options Delivers to almost every state Packaging includes recycling and sustainability information Cons Does not disclose sourcing information at point of purchase Milk-free options are limited Overview Nurture Life specializes in preparing fresh, kid-friendly meals that incorporate vegetables in delicious and creative ways, from beef taco pockets to mac-and-cheese with “hidden” squash. The company also allows you to filter its online menu for specific dietary needs, including milk-free, egg-free, and gluten-free, which can be crucial if your child suffers from a food allergy. If your child’s dietary restrictions are severe, however, note that the point of purchase does not include sourcing information. Make sure to check with customer service to see if any of the items you want are produced in facilities that also process dairy, nuts, or otherwise. Pricing and Plans 6 items per week: $7.49 per item9 items per week: $6.93 per item12 items per week: $6.66 per item15 items per week: $6.49 per item Meals We Tried White mac and cheese Chicken and mac Beef taco pockets Tortellini Bolognese Chicken dumplings Pesto and cheese ravioli Best for Individuals: ModifyHealth Modify Health. Modify Health Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $9.95 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It With its fully prepared single-serving meals, all of which are gluten-free, ModifyHealth is an excellent service for those who are cooking for one. Pros and Cons Pros Weekly menus are published on website ahead of time Shipping included Optional dietitian support available with full meal program Cons One of the pricier options on this list Overview A fully gluten-free meal delivery company that works in tandem with dietitians, ModifyHealth provides single-serving meals that only require minutes of reheating. The company allows you to sign up for a six-week meal program or buy meals à la carte, making it a great service for individuals. If you sign up for the full meal program, you’ll also have the choice to opt into additional dietitian support to help keep your health goals on track. One drawback, however, is that ModifyHealth doesn’t currently offer a specifically dairy-free meal plan. The two main diets that the company offers, Mediterranean and Low-FODMAP, both limit dairy, but they don’t exclude it entirely. Fortunately, you have the option to filter out items containing dairy when making your meal selections. You can also filter out things like soy, eggs, shellfish, and various proteins if needed. Pricing and Plans Mediterranean Meals: $12.95 per entreeMediterranean FIT Quickstart Program: $399 for six weeksLow FODMAP Meals: $9.95 per breakfast, $12.95 per entreeLow FODMAP FIT Quickstart Program: $399 for six weeks Meals We Tried Greek chicken and riceLongevity stew with black-eyed peas and kaleShrimp chimichurri with black beans and riceLemon thyme chicken with tahini cauliflower and za'atar quinoaBlackened salmon with quinoa, broccoli, and red bell pepperRoasted pistachio salmon with white beans and kale Best for Athletes: Trifecta Trifecta. Trifecta Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: around $11 per servingDelivery Area: 50 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It Trifecta is great for those who are looking for a meal service that will help keep them on track for their fitness goals. Pros and Cons Pros Delivers to all 50 states Option to exclude items and ingredients you don’t like Dietitians on staff to help keep you and your goals on track Cons Can’t view full menu before ordering Overview One of the things that makes Trifecta so appealing is that it’s a full-service meal and lifestyle program that includes support from nutrition experts. While Trifecta does not have a specific dairy-free plan listed on its website, its vegan and vegetarian meal plans are both dairy-free. After selecting the meal plan you want, you’ll choose how many entrées you’d like delivered each week (five, seven, 10, or 14). You also have the option to add on breakfasts for each day of the week if you wish. While the meals are “chef’s choice” and selected for you, you’ll have the option to exclude certain ingredients, like mushrooms, shellfish, or tree nuts. Pricing and Plans 5 meals per week: $142.90 per week7 meals per week: $104.93 per week10 meals per week: $144.90 per week14 meals per week: $195.86 per week Meals We Tried Kung pao grilled chicken with broccoli and roasted sweet potatoBeef skillet with roasted sweet potato and marinated cabbageHerb-roasted cod with walnut basil pesto and vegetablesSlow-cooked rosemary thyme beef with root vegetablesSalmon Mexican bowl with tomato salsa and vegetablesGinger shrimp with herb-marinated sweet potatoCajun chicken andouille sausage and roasted vegetables Best Gourmet: CookUnity Cook Unity Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $11.09 per servingDelivery Area: 44 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It One look at CookUnity’s extensive, regionally themed menus should make it obvious why we selected them for this category. Pros and Cons Pros Option to skip, swap, and cancel meals anytime Meals created by award-winning chefs Can filter menu to only show dairy-free meals Cons Delivery area still growing Overview CookUnity provides chef-designed meals based on culinary staples from the Midwest, Texas, and both the East and West Coasts. All meals arrive freshly prepared and ready to reheat, with tasty options like Esther Choi’s bulgogi bibimbap or Andres Mendez’s adobo-braised short ribs. The online menu includes filters for various dietary needs, allowing you to exclude all items that include dairy. You can also filter the menu for dishes that are low-sodium, low-carb, gluten-free, and less than 600 calories. Not only does CookUnity deliver fresh, gourmet meals straight to your door, but it’s one of the most flexible options on this list too. If you ever want to swap, skip, or cancel meals, you can do so with ease. Pricing and Plans 4 meals per week: $13.59 per meal6 meals per week: $12.29 per meal8 meals per week: $11.69 per meal12 meals per week: $11.19 per meal16 meals per week: $11.09 per meal Meals We Tried Coconut lime hanger steakCarnitas street tacosButternut squash ravioliChili roasted shrimp Final Verdict While all of these meal delivery services are great choices for those who are sticking to dairy-free diets, Blue Apron gets the best overall spot. The company’s flexibility, transparency, and commitment to sustainability all earned high marks from our testers. (And the food is delicious, to boot!) Compare the Best Dairy Free Meal Delivery Services Company Starting Price Delivery Area Products Arrive Customers Can Choose Delivery Date? Free Shipping? Blue Apron Best Overall $11.99 per serving 48 states Fresh and Frozen Yes No Daily Harvest Best for Organic Meals $6.79 per serving 48 states Frozen No Yes The Good Kitchen Best Prepared Meals $11.50 per serving 50 states Fresh No No Factor Best for Weight Loss $10.99 per serving 48 states Fresh Yes No Pete’s Real Food Best for Gluten-Free $14 per serving 50 states Fresh No No Nurture Life Best for Kids $6.49 per serving 48 states Fresh Yes No ModifyHealth Best for Individuals $9.95 per serving 48 states Fresh No Yes Trifecta Best for Athletes $11.42 per serving 50 states Fresh No No CookUnity Best Gourmet $11.09 per serving 39 states Fresh Yes Yes Guide to Choosing a Dairy-Free Meal Delivery Service What to Consider Price/Cost per Meal: While meal delivery services often cost less than dining out, they may be a more pricey option than shopping and preparing your own meals. Be sure that the meal delivery service you choose will fit into your budget. Number of Meals Per Delivery: When looking at the cost of a meal delivery service, keep in mind how many meals the company provides per week, and whether that will be sufficient for your household’s needs. Flexibility: Some services are more flexible than others. Will you be able to pause your subscription for a month while you’re out of town? Do you have the option to choose your own meals? And can you choose when those meals arrive? Menu Selection: When signing up for a meal delivery service, make sure there are enough high-quality menu options to keep you interested. Nutrition Goals/Dietary Restrictions: This should go without saying, but if you have certain dietary restrictions, it’s vital that you choose a meal delivery service that can accommodate them in the long term. Quality Control: Where does your meal delivery service source its ingredients from? Is the packaging recyclable? If the company claims to be organic, can it point to its USDA organic label? These are all things to think about when choosing a meal delivery service. Are Dairy-Free Meal Delivery Services Right for You? If you suffer from lactose intolerance or any other type of sensitivity to dairy, it goes without saying that a dairy-free meal delivery service is a great option. Not only do these services take the guesswork out of figuring out what to eat, but you can be sure that the foods that the service provides will be free from dairy products that might make you sick. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Benefits of a Dairy-Free Diet? Research shows that even if you aren’t lactose intolerant, cutting out dairy still has some health benefits. These include, but are not limited to, clearer skin, reduced bloating, and possibly higher metabolism. One thing to note, however, is that dairy is a high-quality source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D, so you need to make sure that you’re getting enough of these nutrients from other sources if you’re considering cutting out dairy. Are Dairy Alternatives Used in Dairy-Free Meals? Common dairy alternatives include coconut oil, bananas, and alternative milks like soy milk, oat milk, and almond milk. Depending on whether or not your dairy-free meal delivery service is attempting to replicate the rich texture and flavor of dairy, it may be using any variety of dairy alternatives. Are Dairy-Free Meal Delivery Services Worth the Cost? Whether a dairy-free meal delivery service is worth the cost or not is subjective and depends on your circumstances, budget, and preferences. However, if you are dairy-free or lactose intolerant, having a meal delivery service that accommodates your dietary restrictions and preferences can make meal planning much easier — even if it is a little more expensive than grocery shopping. Are Dairy-Free Meals Still a Good Source of Calcium? If you’re asking this question, it means you recognize that cutting out dairy means you have to be a little more creative to find reliable sources of calcium. While dairy is one of the most efficient ways to get this important mineral, other foods, such as spinach, tofu, and beans, are also great sources of calcium. Are Dairy-Free Prepared Meals Safe for People With Dairy Allergies? Yes. Dairy-free meals are prepared with no dairy ingredients, meaning they’re safe to eat for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. However, if your allergy is severe, it’s a good idea to read the fine print and make sure the meals are prepared in a facility that does not process dairy at all. And if you have any other food allergies, keep in mind that common dairy substitutes may include other allergens, like soy or nuts. Methodology We evaluated 40 different meal delivery services on a long list of criteria, including whether or not these services had enough dairy-free options to be considered a good choice for customers with dairy sensitivities. Other criteria include, but are not limited to, price, delivery area, customer reviews, sustainability, and flexibility. No matter what kind of meal delivery service you’re after and what your preferences are, we are confident that one of these companies will be a great fit for your diet and your budget. How We Test and Rank Meal Delivery Services Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Food & Wine uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Stonehouse W, Wycherley T, Luscombe-Marsh N, Taylor P, Brinkworth G, Riley M. Dairy Intake Enhances Body Weight and Composition Changes during Energy Restriction in 18-50-Year-Old Adults-A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2016;8(7):394. 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