Best Picky Eaters Meal Kits For 2024 – Reviewed By A Picky Eater’s Desperate Mom

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Feeding picky eaters can feel like an endless struggle, especially when you’re juggling the demands of school lunches on top of your regular meal prep routine. But fear not because, in this ever-busy 2024, there’s a solution that’ll save you time, money, and your sanity: kid-friendly meal kits delivered right to your doorstep.

Imagine saying goodbye to the hassle of planning, shopping, and cooking separate meals for your little ones. With these specially curated meal kits, you can kiss mealtime battles goodbye and say hello to stress-free lunches and dinners.

Designed with kids in mind, the following meal delivery services (including 3 more services we added this year) offer a variety of picky-eater-approved recipes that are both nutritious and delicious. From familiar favorites to exciting new flavors, there’s something for every palate.

So why waste time fretting over meal planning when you could be spending quality time with your family? With this updated review for the best meal kits for picky eaters, including two more brands at your fingertips, you can finally enjoy mealtime without a headache. 

To ensure reliability, we’ve tapped into the knowledge and experience of our chief editor, a mother to two picky eaters. Continue to read to learn more about it.

 

Short On Time? Quick Review On The Top Picky Eaters Meal Delivery Kits:

  • Best For Classic Meals With Protein Customization: Martha and Marley Spoon 
  • Best For: Family-Friendly Meal Kits and Desserts: Hello Fresh
  • Best For: Low-Cost Quality Picky Eaters Meals: Dinnerly
  • Best For Most Affordable Meal Kits For Pickey Eaters: Everyplate
  • Best For Easy To Cook Picky Eaters Meal Kits: Home Chef
 
 

Here Is The Full Review For Top Meal Kits For Picky Eaters For 2024:

1. Martha and Marley Spoon

Martha
Full Pricing:
$8.99
Shipping:
$10.49 to $8.20 per person
Updated In:
December 26, 2023

Best For: Classic Meals With Protein Customization

This meal kit service, created by Martha Stewart, features plenty of “home cooking” classics inspired by the domestic diva herself. You can select your recipes each week, and there are plenty of choices—meaning you can choose something your picky eater will like.

Among the recipe collection, which spans 100+ selections each week, there are under-30-minute offerings, kid-friendly recipes, and dairy-free plates. 

We’d recommend dishes like tortellini casserole—the peas hide inside—and buffalo glazed chicken breast for picky eaters.

Another new feature on the menu is the customization options. Each week, various meals are marked with customizable options, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred protein or side. For instance, you can opt for pork loin, chicken breast, or salmon when selecting an Italian dish. This is a great feature for picky eaters!

Does It Give Good Value?

Martha and Marley Spoon offers excellent value, particularly for tough eaters. Emphasizing top-notch ingredients, the service ensures that each meal is a culinary delight for everyone. Freshness and quality are paramount, sourced from trusted suppliers to guarantee premium meats, fresh produce, and flavorful spices.

To begin, you can opt for a minimum order of 2 servings of 2 Meal Kits per week. Subscription plans offer even better value, with prices decreasing per serving for families. Families can enjoy up to 4 servings of 6 meals per week, ensuring everyone’s needs are met. 

Additionally, Martha and Marley Spoon provide various add-ons, including delightful desserts and breakfast options, to enhance your culinary experience further. 

Some Popular Martha & Marley Spoon Kid-Friendly Meals:

  • BBQ chicken thighs with creamy cauliflower salad
  • Pulled Pork Tacos with Warm Tortillas
  • Lemony Chicken Scampi 
  • Crispy coconut chicken with peanut sauce & rice

 

Martha and Marley Spoon box

Martha
2024 Deal! Get up to 40% off through 5 orders

2. Hello Fresh

HelloFresh
Full Pricing:
$9.99 First shipping is FREE
Shipping:
$7.99-$9.49
Updated In:
February 21, 2024

Best For: Family-Friendly Meal Kits and Desserts 

Hello Fresh offers many family-friendly meals that are ideal for fussy young eaters. The meal kits arrive with fresh ingredients that are individually packaged. The recipes are simple and easy to follow, and even the most basic cook will have fun getting dinner on the table. All Hello Fresh meals take 20-40 minutes to cook.

All of the above makes Hello Fresh a perfect fit for those who have a busy family life and little time to spare in the kitchen. 

With Hello Fresh, there is an excellent range of choices for kid-friendly meals, and the menu includes tempting options with flavors that will please mature audiences.

The Hello Fresh recipes are generally quite classic but often incorporate a delicious modern twist (great for kids and adults alike). The service pay extra attention to ensuring that their meals include lots of healthy vegetables.

The Hello Fresh menu offers a large variety of over 40 meal choices every week. Some other highlights on their menu are – vegetarian meals, gourmet-style meals, low-calorie dishes, and more. 

Does It Give Good Value?

HelloFresh offers excellent value for both individuals and families alike. With a focus on high-quality ingredients, HelloFresh ensures that every meal is fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. The service provides a variety of meal plans to suit different preferences and dietary needs, making it convenient for customers to find options that work for them.

Additionally, HelloFresh offers competitive pricing – especially if you are option for the Family and kids-friendly meal plan. 

Overall, I would say that HelloFresh provides a convenient, affordable, and high-quality meal delivery service that offers great value for customers looking to simplify their meal planning and enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without the hassle of grocery shopping or heavy meal prep.

Some Meals From Hello Fresh That Are Ideal For Picky Eaters:

  • Chicken carnitas tacos
  • Classic spaghetti and meatballs
  • One-pan pork stir-fry tacos
  • Pork schnitzel with roasted veggies

 

Hello fresh Review

HelloFresh
16 Free Meals + First Box Ships Free + Free Breakfast for Life

3. Dinnerly

dinnerly_logo
Full Pricing:
$8.99
Shipping:
Starting at $4.99 per serving
Updated In:
December 26, 2023

Best For: Low-Cost Quality Picky Eaters Meals 

Dinnerly meals are both affordable and simple, making it perfect for a family with picky eaters! You won’t find that much culinary expertise is needed for the Dinnerly dishes, and that’s on purpose! The simpler, the better when it comes to feeding picky eaters.

Dinnerly offers two subscriptions, a two-person plan and a four-person family plan. Dinnerly is the cheapest meal kit service you could find – with meals that start at $5 per serving!

Picky eater favorites include kid-friendly dishes like turkey burgers with a side of green beans, sausage pasta, and even more innovative meals with familiar ingredients such as chicken, carrots, and potatoes in Dinnerly’s parmesan chicken pan roast.

Does It Give Good Value?

Dinnerly offers a budget-friendly option for families, with pricing starting at about $5 per serving, one of the most affordable rates in the market. Among dinner subscription boxes like Home Chef or Blue Apron – Dinnerly stands out as the most cost-effective choice. 

Dinnerly not only offers affordability but also simplicity in their recipes, making them an ideal solution for family dinners, especially with picky-eating kids. Their meals are designed to be straightforward yet delicious, with a focus on familiar flavors and easy-to-follow instructions. This simplicity is perfect for households with children who may have limited palates or preferences.

Lastly, Dinnerly’s Family Box is designed to feed four hungry individuals, and we often found there was more than enough food. In fact, many meals provided generous portions, with leftovers to spare for next day’s lunch. 

As parent with picky-eating kids, Dinnerly’s affordability and ample meal choices make it a practical and economical choice for family meals.

 

Some Dinnerly Meals That Are Sure To Please Even The Fussiest Picky Eaters:

  • Seared chicken & broccoli with mashed potatoes & gravy
  • Tonkatsu Pork Noodles with Snow Peas and Sesame
  • Herbed Beef Meatballs with Garlic Bread and Roasted Broccoli
  • Pork & Broccoli Stir-Fry

 

Southwest Turkey Burgers by Dinnerly

dinnerly_logo
2024 OFFER! Dinnerly Coupon: Up to 43% Off First Box With Free Shipping

4. Home Chef

Full Pricing:
$9.99 First shipping is FREE
Shipping:
$7.50 - $9.50
Updated In:
December 26, 2023

Best For: Easy Cooking Picky Eaters Meal Kits

Home Chef has a handful of family-friendly gems that will appeal to picky eaters in their intense menu of 25 meals per week. The ingredients are high-quality and are often local and sustainably sourced.

Home Chef plans require a minimum of two dishes per week, but you can specify servings for two, four, or six people. Each recipe takes an average of 30 minutes to prepare, but they also have 5-minute lunch recipes that are even quicker to prep.

Top picks for picky eaters with Home Chef include steak and brown rice spring roll bowls, chicken Dijonnaise (add as much or as little of the sauce as you’d like), and even Gemelli in a flavorful yet non-intimidating thyme and mustard cream sauce.

Does It Give Good Value?

The Home Chef service provide great value, particularly when considering its competitive pricing. With family plan meals averaging between $8 to $9 per serving, Home Chef offers affordability without compromising on quality. The ingredients are consistently fresh and premium, sourced from trusted suppliers, which enhances the overall value proposition. 

What sets Home Chef apart is its commitment to customization, allowing customers to tailor meals to their specific dietary needs and preferences – super important when you have picky eaters in the house. This flexibility ensures that each meal is not only delicious but also perfectly suited to individual tastes. 

Additionally, Home Chef excels in simplifying meal preparation, with recipes that are easy to follow, alongside pre-portioned ingredients. Plus, they have lots of oven-ready and express meals, that are even easier to make. This saves both time and effort in the kitchen, further enhancing the overall value of the Home Chef service.

 

Some Home Chef Meals Just Perfect For Picky Eaters:

  • One-pan crispy devilled chicken with green beans
  • Farmhouse fried chicken with mashed potatoes and corn
  • BBQ turkey burger with cheddar and sweet potato fries
  • Cheesy Sliced Pork Quesadilla

 

home chef fresh and easy salmon meal

Special 2024 OFFER: Up To 18 Free Meals - 45% OFF Your First 5 Boxes

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Related FAQ’s

When you are dealing with picky eaters, it can be exhausting finding the time and energy to come up with a weekly menu that will please everyone. Picky eaters can be incredibly stubborn when it comes to what foods they eat, refusing to eat anything but what they consider to be their favorite meals and ingredients.

Picky eaters tend to be very specific about what types of ingredients and meals they will eat, and they can, at times, avoid trying anything new.

Meal kits delivery services like Blue Apron, Hello Fresh, or Yumble offer a stress-free solution for parents of picky eaters.

The beauty of these services today is that firstly they deliver meals or meal kits that are filled with the healthiest of pre-portioned ingredients. As a parent, you will know that you are serving meals that are well-balanced and provide all the needed nutrients.

Another great thing about these types of services is that they offer a large amount of choice and cater to almost every possible dietary and lifestyle requirement. You will be sure to find menu choices that will satisfy even the fussiest picky eater.

One of the best ways to get picky eaters to eat more is by getting them involved with their meal choices and preparation. A meal delivery service allows the picky eater to be involved from the beginning, selecting menu items that appeal to them.

The wonderful thing about meal kits and prepared meal delivery services is that they can generally encourage picky eaters to try new things with their appealing and varied menus. As most meal kit delivery companies create meal kits that have easy-to-follow recipes, your picky eater can also get involved with meal preparation.

Catering to a picky eater can be exhausting and time-consuming, but a meal kit will make life so much easier. They do much of the work for you in terms of meal planning and grocery shopping, and they also provide meal options that will please the pickiest eater! 

When it comes to meal delivery services tailored for picky eaters, I have to say that Martha and Marley Spoon stand out as the top choice. With its customizable meal options and over 100 meal items on the menu, it’s a game-changer for families like mine dealing with varying tastes and preferences.
Martha and Marley Spoon allows you to personalize your meals right from the start, ensuring that everyone in the household gets exactly what they want. Whether it’s swapping proteins, omitting certain ingredients, or choosing from a wide range of dietary preferences, Martha and Marley Spoon caters to every need. Plus, the convenience of having fresh, high-quality ingredients delivered to your doorstep makes mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.

When it comes to catering to picky eaters, finding nutritious and delicious foods that they’ll actually enjoy can be a challenge. However, there are several options that are generally well-received by even the most selective palates. Here is our list of the top five meals to satisfy a picky eater:

  • Chicken Nuggets: These bite-sized pieces of breaded chicken are a classic favorite among picky eaters. They’re easy to eat and can be dipped in various sauces for added flavor.
  • Pasta: Pasta dishes are versatile and can be customized to suit individual preferences. Whether it’s spaghetti with marinara sauce, macaroni and cheese, or buttered noodles, pasta is a comforting and familiar option for many picky eaters.
  • Pizza: With its combination of bread, cheese, and toppings, pizza is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. Plus, it can be customized with different toppings to accommodate various tastes.
  • Fruit Smoothies: Smoothies are a great way to sneak in fruits and vegetables for picky eaters who may not enjoy eating them whole. By blending fruits like bananas, berries, and spinach with yogurt or milk, you can create a delicious and nutritious drink that’s packed with vitamins and minerals.
  • Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Grilled cheese sandwiches are a comforting and simple option that appeals to many picky eaters. With gooey melted cheese sandwiched between buttery bread, it’s hard to resist this classic favorite. Plus, you can add extras like sliced ham or tomato to customize it further.

Picky eating is considered normal during early childhood, typically peaking between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. According to research published by Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Department, Western Michigan University, around 20% of children are considered picky eaters during this developmental stage (26.5% at 18 months of age, 27.6% at 3 years of age, and declined to 13.2% at 6 years of age).
The picky eating behavior is often attributed to a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors, including a natural aversion to unfamiliar foods and a desire for autonomy. However, for most children, picky eating tends to improve with age and exposure to a variety of foods.

Getting my two picky eater daughters to eat has been quite the journey, let me tell you! Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that have helped us navigate meal times with a bit more ease.

First off, involving them in meal prep has been a game-changer. From picking out ingredients at the grocery store, to choosing the meal kits i order for the week, to helping chop veggies in the kitchen, giving them a role in the process seems to make them more willing to try new foods.

Variety is also key. I’ve learned to offer a range of options at each meal, including some old favorites and some new additions. Sometimes all it takes is a little encouragement to get them to take that first bite. And speaking of encouragement, I’ve found that keeping things positive and upbeat really makes a difference. Instead of focusing on what they won’t eat, I try to celebrate the foods they do enjoy and gently encourage them to branch out.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt to make meal times fun! We’ve had some great success with creative presentations and colorful, visually appealing dishes. And let’s not forget the power of leading by example. I make sure to show my daughters that I’m willing to try new things too, and I always make sure to keep the atmosphere relaxed and positive around the table. With a little patience and persistence, we’ve made some real progress – especially with the older one – and I’m hopeful that they will continue to expand their menu over time.

If you’re looking for a meal delivery service that customizes meal options to cater to picky eaters like mine, I highly recommend Martha and Marley Spoon and Home Chef. They’ve been lifesavers in my house, allowing me to customize our meals to suit everyone’s tastes and dietary needs. I was impressed by the level of control you have over our meal selections. Being able to swap out proteins has been a game-changer, especially for my little ones, who can be quite particular about what they eat.

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