Best Meal Kits for Families in Canada
Dinner time can be one of the most stressful parts of the day, especially when you’re trying to feed a family. Between school pick-ups, after-work meetings, and keeping everyone’s tastes in mind, planning a meal from scratch isn’t always realistic.
That’s where meal kits or food subscription boxes come in. Over the last few years, more Canadian families have turned to them as a way to save time, cut back on takeout, and still enjoy homemade meals with decent variety. And it’s not just about convenience — the right meal kit can actually help with picky eaters, reduce food waste, and even teach kids a thing or two in the kitchen. Let’s start with the top-rated options:
The Best Meal Kits for Families in Canada (Ranked & Reviewed)
Chef’s Plate is one of the most affordable meal kit options in Canada — and it’s built with simplicity in mind. For families, that’s a big win. Recipes are straightforward, prep is quick, and you won’t need fancy kitchen gear to get meals on the table.
It’s a great pick for busy weeknights when time is tight and you just want something everyone will eat without a fight. The portions are family-friendly, and most meals are ready in under 30 minutes. While it may not have as much variety as some higher-priced options, what you get is reliable, tasty, and well portioned.
Chefs Plate: Try Chef's Plate Meal Kits From $2.99 Per Serving!Why it works well for families:
Recipes are quick and don’t require a ton of steps — ideal for parents juggling other tasks.
Kid-friendly meals show up regularly, with options like tacos, stir-fries, and pasta dishes that aren’t overly complex or spicy.
It’s budget-friendly, which matters when you’re feeding three or more people multiple nights a week.
Flexible delivery and the ability to skip weeks or cancel easily.
Pros:
The most affordable meal kits in Canada
Very fast prep and cooking times
Simple, easy-to-follow recipes
Often includes crowd-pleasers kids will actually eat
Cons:
Less variety in dietary options (e.g., fewer gluten-free or plant-based meals)
Ingredients can be more basic compared to premium kits
No breakfast, lunch, or add-on option
Pricing & Plans:
Chef’s Plate is one of the most affordable meal kits in Canada, especially for families. Pricing typically ranges from $7.99 to $9.99 per serving, depending on how many meals and servings you choose each week.
Chefs Plate: Try Chef's Plate Meal Kits From $2.99 Per Serving!If you go with a larger plan — like four servings per meal, three or more times a week — you’ll get the lower end of the price range. Smaller plans or fewer meals per week lean toward the higher end.
Shipping is usually free on most plans, and they often run first-time customer discounts, so it’s worth checking for current offers before you sign up.
HelloFresh is one of the most well-known meal kits in Canada, and for good reason. It offers a wide range of family-friendly meals that strike a balance between variety and ease. Compared to Chef’s Plate, the recipes are a bit more elevated — think flavorful sauces, more veggies, and slightly more adventurous flavor combos — but still manageable for weeknight cooking.
For families, HelloFresh stands out by offering flexibility. You can choose from meals labeled “Family Friendly,” “Quick,” or “Veggie,” and the servings are generally generous. There’s also a broader selection each week, which helps avoid the dreaded “we’ve had this before” feeling.
HelloFresh: Get Up to $200 Off + Free Breakfast for LifeWhy it works well for families:
The “Family Friendly” tag makes it easy to spot meals that kids are more likely to enjoy.
Many meals are ready in 30 minutes or less, with simple step-by-step instructions.
Weekly variety is excellent, so even picky eaters or adventurous teens have options.
You can easily customize your box each week and skip deliveries and cancel when needed.
Pros:
Great meal variety with 30+ choices weekly
Family-specific meal tags simplify planning
High-quality ingredients with fresh produce
App and website are easy to use for managing orders
Cons:
Slightly more expensive than basic kits like Chef’s Plate
Some recipes require more prep or multiple pans
Limited dietary customization (e.g., gluten-free, vegan)
Pricing & Plans:
HelloFresh typically ranges from $9.99 to $11.50 per serving, depending on the size of your plan and how many meals you order each week. The more servings and meals you include, the more you save per portion. Shipping is around $9.99 unless there’s a promotion — which they often run for first-time users.
HelloFresh: Get Up to $200 Off + Free Breakfast for Life
Fresh Prep is a regional favorite, serving parts of Western Canada including British Columbia and Alberta. It’s known for eco-friendly packaging, locally sourced ingredients, and fast recipes that are genuinely doable on a tight schedule. If your family is trying to eat well while cutting down on waste, Fresh Prep stands out from the pack.
One thing that makes Fresh Prep especially appealing for families is the Ready-to-Cook Kits — pre-chopped ingredients that cut down on prep time even further. For parents trying to cook while wrangling kids or helping with homework, those extra saved minutes can make a difference.
Why it works well for families:
Ready-to-cook options reduce prep to practically zero — great for weeknights.
Portions are filling, and the meals tend to be balanced without being too “out there” for kids.
Sustainable packaging, including reusable cooler bags and containers, makes cleanup easier and reduces waste.
They focus on quality local ingredients, which many families appreciate.
Pros:
Very fast prep — some meals are done in under 20 minutes
High marks for sustainability and low-waste packaging
Ingredients are fresh and often locally sourced
Includes some ready-to-eat or pre-assembled meal options
Cons:
Only available in select provinces (mainly BC and Alberta)
Slightly smaller menu than larger national brands
Fewer explicitly labeled “kid-friendly” meals
Pricing & Plans:
Fresh Prep meals generally cost between $10 and $12.50 per serving, depending on your plan size and selections. Ready-to-cook meals can be slightly higher due to the added convenience. Shipping is included in most areas they serve, and they frequently offer new customer discounts or credits toward your first box.
Goodfood is one of the original meal kit companies in Canada and still one of the most widely available — delivering coast to coast. What sets it apart for families is the balance between variety and speed. They offer traditional meal kits, but also include ready-to-eat and 15-minute meal options, which are perfect for hectic evenings when cooking feels like too much.
Goodfood’s menu tends to lean a bit more “gourmet,” but they do include simpler, kid-friendly dishes each week. You’ll also find extras like breakfasts, snacks, and grocery add-ons — which means fewer grocery store trips for your family overall.
Why it works well for families:
Flexible plans that mix traditional meal kits with ready-made and quick-prep options.
Wider selection of add-ons like smoothies, snacks, and pantry items — convenient for busy households.
Regular family-friendly picks, though not always clearly labeled as such.
Great option for families who want variety, especially with kids who like trying new foods.
Pros:
Delivers across Canada
Large variety of meal types, including ready-to-eat
Extra grocery options help cut down on store runs
Some meals ready in 15–20 minutes
Cons:
Slightly more expensive for premium meals
Interface and app can be less intuitive compared to competitors
Fewer meals are clearly marked as “family” specific
Pricing & Plans:
Goodfood pricing varies widely depending on the type of meal you choose. Standard meal kits fall in the $9.99 to $13 per serving range. Ready-to-eat meals and add-ons can increase the total, especially if you’re building a more grocery-style box. Shipping is often included for larger orders or subscription plans, and new customers typically get generous sign-up discounts.
Why Meal Kits Are a Game Changer for Busy Families
Meal kits aren’t just about convenience — they actually solve several everyday challenges parents face during the week. Here’s what makes them such a helpful option for households:
Save time on planning and shopping: No more last-minute grocery runs or wondering what to cook.
Meals are quick to prep and cook: Most dinners take 20 to 30 minutes, with little cleanup afterward.
Reduce takeout spending: When a fresh meal is already in your fridge, it’s easier to skip delivery apps.
Kids can help out more easily: Step-by-step instructions make it simple to get older kids involved in cooking.
Less waste in the fridge: With pre-portioned ingredients, you avoid unused produce or expired sauces.
More variety, less stress: New recipes each week keep things interesting without needing to dig through Pinterest or cookbooks.
Feels homemade — without the effort: You still get the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal, minus the prep overload.
For families juggling school, work, and everything in between, meal kits can turn dinnertime from a stress point into something more manageable — maybe even enjoyable.
What to Look for in a Family-Friendly Meal Kit
Not every meal kit is built for family life. The right one should offer solid portions, quick recipes, and meals your kids won’t push away.
Start by checking portion sizes — some kits just don’t cut it for hungrier households. Look for menus with clearly labeled “family-friendly” meals like tacos, pastas, or stir-fries that appeal to a wider range of tastes. Flexibility also matters. Plans that let you skip weeks or adjust delivery days make it easier to stay on track when life gets busy.
If you’ve got dietary needs — like vegetarian or dairy-free — make sure the kit offers enough variety and customization. Some are better than others at handling food restrictions.
And of course, pricing plays a role. Look for per-serving rates that make sense for the number of meals you need. Cheaper kits might save money, but not if you’re constantly supplementing with groceries. Lastly, be sure the service delivers reliably in your area. A great menu doesn’t help much if it shows up late or not at all.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Meal Kit Subscription
Once you’ve picked a meal kit, a few small tweaks can help you get the best value out of it — in both time and money.
Start by planning your delivery day around your family’s busiest nights. If Wednesdays are always packed, make sure that’s when a quick-prep meal lands in the fridge. Most services let you choose the delivery day, so take advantage of it.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match. If a recipe includes a side your kids won’t touch, swap in one of their favorites from your pantry. You’re not locked into the recipe — treat it like a base, not a rule.
If your kids are old enough, get them involved. Even simple steps like stirring a sauce or assembling wraps can turn dinnertime into something they look forward to. And if they help make it, they’re more likely to eat it. Also, consider rotating between meal kits every few months. It keeps things fresh and lets you try different recipes, price points, and features without committing long term.
And finally, pause or skip boxes when you need to — don’t feel guilty. Meal kits should work around your schedule, not the other way around.
Final Thoughts: Which Meal Kit Is Right for Your Family?
The “best” meal kit really depends on your household’s needs — how many people you’re feeding, how much time you have to cook, and how adventurous your eaters are. That said, two options stand out for most Canadian families.
HelloFresh is a strong all-around choice if you want variety, solid portion sizes, and meals that balance kid appeal with adult flavor. It’s easy to use, reliable, and offers plenty of flexibility in your weekly plan. If you’re looking for a dependable, well-rounded kit with lots of recipe options, HelloFresh is hard to beat.
Click to Get up to 23 Free Meals + Free Sides for Life + Free shipping on 1st box
- Over 80 recipes and 200+ meal combinations you can choose from every week
- Fresh, pre-portioned ingredients. Cook and Enjoy your meals in under 30 minutes
- Recipes everyone will love including family friendly, meat & veggie, vegetarian, and carb & calorie smart
Chef’s Plate is a great pick if budget is your main concern or you just want to keep things simple. The meals are fast, satisfying, and often family-friendly without being bland. It’s also one of the easiest kits to use if you’re new to meal subscriptions.
Try Chefs Plate Meal Kits From 3.99/Meal + Dollar Menu
- Canada's Most Affordable Meal Kit
- Dinner for two for less than $20
- Choose from 40+ fuss-free, flavourful recipes each week including family friendly and vegetarian options
- Get dinner done with new 15 minute meals each week
Both offer solid value — it really comes down to whether you want more variety (HelloFresh) or more savings (Chef’s Plate). Whichever you choose, a good meal kit can take the stress out of dinner, free up your evenings, and make eating together feel a little easier.
Explore Our In-Depth Meal Kit Reviews
Read Our Meal Kit Comparison Articles
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- HelloFresh VS Blue Apron
- HelloFresh VS GoodFood VS Chefs Plate
- Chefs Plate VS HelloFresh
- Cook It VS GoodFood
- Fresh Prep VS HelloFresh
- HelloFresh VS GoodFood
- HomeChef VS HelloFresh
Looking for the cheapest meal kits? Use our cost comparison tool to find your best budget-friendly option now!
Not sure which meal kit is right for you? Compare Canada’s top meal kit delivery services and find your perfect match!
