Best Meal Delivery Services for Busy Parents

This newer meal delivery service caters to busy people who want to eat healthy, so it’s a natural fit for new mamas. The selection is very specific to you and even accounts for half portions for the little ones. Diet choices are a priority, so if you eat strictly gluten free or Paleo, PlateJoy can accommodate you. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and dessert can all be included or you can choose just two. The unique thing is PlateJoy will shop at your local grocery store for the ingredients and gives you a choice of where. If you choose a conventional grocery vs. Whole Foods you even get a discount. They also have an algorithm that helps you share ingredients across meals to save additional money and time. All breakfast and lunch options take less than 10 minutes to prepare; dinner less than 30. There are dozens of choices — smoked salmon bagel with scallion cream cheese, tilapia with quinoa, feta and cucumber -- for each meal, which is ideal for picky eaters.

How it works: Answer the quick preferences survey and you are off to select your meal choices. If you don’t like what you see at first you can choose to show more meals. The system eventually gets to know you and your diet preferences and can get more specific in their offerings. Since the shopping is done at the local grocery, next day delivery is available seven days a week from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Cost: The minimum order is $69. For four breakfasts and dinners for two plus a child is $139. Prices will vary based on your combinations of meals.

Delivery area: Currently in Boston and San Francisco and have plans to rapidly expand to most major cities across the U.S.

Online: platejoy.com