The Best Meal Kit Delivery Services in Calgary [2023]
I’m a Vancouver-based mom and writer who loves to cook. Hope you enjoy! Meal kit delivery services make the lives of busy professionals and young families easier. They remove the effort of deciding what to eat, reduce food waste and the hassle of grocery shopping from your daily to-do list. Meal deliveries allow you to spend less time preparing food and more time enjoying delicious, healthy meals with loved ones.
Meal kit services exploded in popularity in the United States in the past few years and because of their endless benefits, meal kit services are booming south of the border and Canadian coastal cities are quickly adopting the trend, too. While our friends south of the border may have a myriad of meal kit delivery service options to choose from, there are plenty of proven, hometown meal kits to choose from.
So, if you’re not sure which one is best for you, we’ve broken down the differences of the top five meal kits in Calgary, Alberta.
Alberta’s Meal Kit Industry
| Alberta | All of Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Population Size | 4,601,314 | 39,292,355 |
| Total Food Spending per Year (2015 – 2019) | $11,333 | $10,311 |
| % of Population Consuming 5 Servings of Fruits or Vegetables | 38% | 40% |
| Red Meat Consumption (grams/day) | Adult Male: 83 grams/day Adult Female: 46 grams/day | Adult Male: 73 grams/day Adult Female: 40 grams/day |
Alberta is one of the fastest-growing provinces in Canada, with a 3% increase in population size between 2021 and 2022. With the rising cost of food, many Albertans are starting to experience trouble with food budgeting.
Meal planning using a meal kit company is one simple way to map out a food budget, as families are able to choose their meal kits weekly and order the exact amount of ingredients needed, leading to less food waste. With the help of local meal kit companies, making delicious and affordable meals is easy. Nowadays there is a meal service with delicious food for just about any diet.
Read on to discover our take on each meal kit company:
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Best Meal Kit Companies in Calgary
| Company | Ideal For | Cost Per Week (including shipping) | Cost Per Plate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrimeals | Pre-made individual meals | $92.93 - $145.43 | $8.99-16.99 | Visit Site |
| Rooted | Local vegetarians | $85-140 | $12.08-14.16 | Visit Site |
| HelloFresh | Reliable variety | $78.93-$186.60 | $8.83-$11.49 | Visit Site |
| Chef's Plate | Budget-conscious | $45.96-143.84 | $8.99-9.99 | Visit Site |
| Lean On Meals | Losing weight | n/a | $10.99+ | Visit Site |
| Better Prep | Pre-made family meals | $84.00 | $14 | Visit Site |
| Fresh Prep | Environmentally conscious | $49-$116 | $10-$12.25 | Visit Site |
Fresh Prep
British Columbia’s popular meal kit service, Fresh Prep, now services Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton!
Founded in 2014 by 3 childhood friends who were tired of constantly ordering fast food on their packed schedules, Fresh Prep offers busy young professionals and families the ability to cook wholesome meals at home in under 30 minutes.
Fresh Prep takes all the time-consuming planning and prepping that comes with cooking at home, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and sustainable practices.
Subscription plans are available for 2 people (2 servings per meal) or a family (4 servings per meal), with up to 4 recipes each, ranging from $10-$12.25 per plate.
If you have dietary preferences, you can customize your taste settings, as well as select and deselect ingredients like meat, lamb, fish, chicken, dairy, and gluten. Along with 10 recipes each week to choose from, you’ll also get access to Fresh Prep’s Add-ons market, where you can add healthy treats, sustainably-sourced meats and fish, free-range eggs, and ready-to-eat meals for you’re super pressed for time.
Fresh Prep’s commitment to the environment is clear. Some recipes are packaged in Zero Waste Kits, which take sustainability to a whole new level. Ingredients are separated into reusable cups, and fitted into an airtight container. Once you’ve cooked your meal, Fresh Prep will pick up the kit for free to sanitize and reuse, cutting down on packaging waste significantly.
Delivery is free, and you’ll get 3 free meals with your first order.
Nutrimeals
Calgary-owned and operated Nutrimeals offers pre-made meals that are delivered right to your doorstep. Individually portioned, they are perfect for those ordering for one or couples looking to enjoy the convenience of pre-cooked healthy meals.
Their monthly rotating menu covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks. They also offer two custom meals options for those with dietary restrictions and allergies. The first is the Build Your Own options where you get to select your protein and two sides for each meal. The second is their Custom Meal Plan where you work with a Nutritionist who custom builds you a meal plan that suits your dietary preferences and helps you reach your wellness goals.
The cost of shipping your meal will vary based on your location. If you are in Calgary or Vancouver, shipping is free when you order 7 meals or more. If you are outside of Calgary or Vancouver, shipping is free on orders over $135. For orders under $135, shipping varies between $15 and $30 depending on your location.
Nutrimeals
$8.99Per Serving
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Rooted
Calgary’s very own meal kit delivery company, Rooted Meal Prep offers plant-based meals with a focus on quality ingredients and whole foods. With new good-for-you recipes available every week, including foods like plant-based mac and cheese, vegan sushi bowl, and cauliflower alfredo, Rooted makes eating healthy in Calgary a breeze. Each box comes with the 3 recipes of the week, including pre-portioned ingredients and recipe cards with directions on how to cook the meal at home.
Catering to Vegetarian and Vegan diets, you can choose from the Peas in a Pod box for 2 adults ($89) or the Bunch of Carrots for 3-4 adults ($149). Have your meals delivered anywhere in Calgary for a $5 shipping charge. Or, if you prefer to pick up your meals, nab them from UNDRCARD Boxing Studio at 349 10 Ave SW.
Although the price range for Rooted’s meal kits are higher than most, it’s worth a shot due to their emphasis on organic, locally grown ingredients.
HelloFresh
If a plant-based diet isn’t on the menu for your family, HelloFresh is a reliable option for meat-eaters and vegetarians across Alberta. Calgarians love HelloFresh because of the simple, affordable meals and sheer convenience. Their easy, delicious, and healthy meals only take 6 steps and 30 minutes to prepare. Plus, they’re known for their large portions, so they’re big-appetite approved.
Choose from up to 20 tasty meal options per week (like Korean Beef Bibimbap) including breakfast and Premium meal options. The Meat & Veggies, Family Friendly, Vegetarian, Smart Meal plans make it a breeze to choose the best meals for your needs, eliminating dinner stress. You can have 2 or 4 portions of each recipe and 3 or 4 recipes per box. With all this choice, whether you’re feeding a crowd or want to plan for left-overs, you’re prepared. Depending on the box you choose, prices start at $8.83 per serving with a $9.99 flat rate shipping fee.
This meal kit is also a favourite of solo diners–find it featured in our meal kit delivery for singles article.
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Chefs Plate
Love options but hate paying for delivery? We can relate! In that case, the free delivery and affordable, tasty meals of Chefs Plate will pique your interest and your appetite. One of the first meal kits to hit Canada, Chefs Plate constantly makes best meal kits lists due to its reliably delicious and flexible menus.
- Choose from a classic Meat & Vegetables plan, Vegetarian, or Family Friendly, with the option to pick 15-minute recipes if you’re really short on time.
Chefs Plate partners with local, small-scale farms and Ocean Wise to make deliciously sustainable meals like Speedy Southwest Turkey Chili. While their meals tend to be less flashy than other options, their simplicity and affordability are where they shine.
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Goodfood
Canadian-made Goodfood guarantees seasonal ingredients, perfect portions, and ingredients that are always fresh. In fact, not only are they committed to providing ingredients that are up to 7 days fresher than those found at the grocery store, but at least 85% of the contents in their meal kits are produced or packaged in Canada. So, if you’re strapped for time yet still want to support local, you can do so with Goodfood, guilt-free.
Goodfood also offers some of the most customizable kits on the market whether you’re cooking for one or for a family. Choose from Classic, Easy Prep, Family, Vegetarian or Clean15 recipes, available in Easy Prep, Classic, and Family Basket options. With recipes like Red Miso-Ginger Baked Trout, and Masala-Roasted Carrots with Seared Halloumi, there’s something to suit a variety of dietary needs.
Depending on the basket you choose, prices start as low as $3.98 per serve with free shipping. And if you just can’t get enough good food, you can sign up for Goodfood WOW, for free same-day and next-day deliveries with no weekly subscription management for just $9.99/month.
Goodfood
$9.46Per Serving
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Lean On Meals
When you’re super strapped for time but are making healthy eating a priority, meal prep delivery is a lifesaver. Lean On Meals is a Calgary-based company that sends pre-cooked meals straight to your door. When it’s time to eat, all you need to do is pop your pre-made meal in the microwave and dig in.
They cater to all types of dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, low-FODMAP, and vegetarian. But just because they’re healthy, doesn’t mean they sacrifice on taste, offering yummy meals like Gochujang Chicken and Calgary Classic Ginger Beef.
Their focus on health means meals are highly customizable. Choose how many ounces of protein, what starch, and what vegetables you’d like for each serving. It’s the closest you can get to a personal chef, but for a fraction of the cost.
When you buy in bulk, you’ll earn free delivery on orders over $100. Otherwise, there’s a somewhat hefty $8.50 delivery fee–still a small price to avoid Deerfoot traffic. The downside to buying local is sacrificing some perks of larger companies’ economies of scale. But if you want to keep costs down and stay local, you can pick up your meals Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings at Unit 10 1420 40th AVE NE.
Better Prep
A second Calgary meal prep delivery option is even better for a busy family of conscious eaters. Better Prep has over 60 menu options with breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks to choose for delivery. Ala carte’ options like Maple Sesame Glazed Chicken Thighs make every meal of the day a near-effortless homerun. You can choose the family meal option, which includes 4.5 servings of the recipe: plenty for hungry kids.
BetterPrep offers recipes that are suitable for all types of dietary needs, including anti-inflammatory, gluten-aware, low-carb, low-FODMAP, and vegan. Plus, their 100% satisfaction guarantee means you have complete peace of mind when you give them a shot.
Made Foods
Made Foods is the closest you’ll get to home cooked meals without spending a minute in the kitchen. Prepared fresh daily in Calgary with locally sourced ingredients, Made Foods meals contain zero preservatives, making real food accessible to all. Their ready-to-eat meals are their ‘bread and butter’, with a variety of meals ranging from Certified Angus Beef Wraps to Vegan Taco Bowls. And Made Foods also offers meal kits—although with a limited selection of recipes.
Ready-to-eat meals start at $5.99, while meal kits start at $20.99, with the option to subscribe weekly, starting at $31.95 per week for 4 meals.
If you prefer to totally customize your meal plan, you can build your meal from scratch and choose your protein, carb, vegetable and sauce. Customized meals start at $8.49 per serving.
Shipping costs will depend on your location, based on the distance between your home and Made Foods’ headquarters where the magic happens. Bulk orders of $80+ will receive free shipping, and if you prefer to pick up your order, you can do so at their retail store in the South East, or at various locations across Calgary.
How can I get a free meal delivery kit?
If you’d like to give meal kits delivery a try, you’re in luck. The majority of the companies mentioned offer steep discounts for first timers. Here are some of the options available:
Chef’s Plate: $45 off your first 2 boxes, including free shipping
HelloFresh: 16 Free Meals, 3 Surprise Gifts, and Free Shipping
Goodfood: $200 Off across your first 4 baskets
Fresh Prep: 2 Free meals on your first order
Is HelloFresh in Calgary?
Yes! HelloFresh is available and delivers to addresses in Calgary. Take advantage of their service to deliver fresh and delicious meals straight to your door.
What is the Cheapest Premade Meal Delivery Service?
Calgary’s cheapest pre-made meal delivery services include Made Foods at $5.99 per serving, Nutrimeals at $8.99 per serving, and Goodfood at $9.46 per serving.
What’s the Best Meal Kit Delivery in Calgary?
Calgary may not have every meal kit option available, but those that are thriving here are worth giving a try. These five companies stand out from the crowd as the best in their unique focus.
If you’re looking for quick preportioned meals that you can grab after a hard workout, then we recommend Lean On Meals. They are a go-to choice for athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts as they have every maco planned out.
Maybe you’re not super into meal prep but enjoy the process of cooking. If that’s the case, then we strongly recommend HelloFresh. They are the gold standard for the meal kit industry as they consistently deliver high-quality ingredients and nutritious recipes.
What if you’re in between? Maybe you like ready-made meals, but also like having the option to cook. If that sounds like you then we highly recommend GoodFood. They deliver groceries, ready-made dishes, and meal kits making them the perfect choice for people who like cooking but are very busy!
Whether you want to choose hyper-local, reliable variety, budget-friendly, weight loss, or fast family meals, there’s a meal kit service just for you!
Which Calgary meal kit delivery company is your top choice? Read our meal kit reviews here to give your own rating!
