How We Rank Meal Kits
Transparency matters. Here's exactly how we evaluate and score every meal kit and food delivery service on MealBox Canada.
Our Scoring Formula
Every service receives an overall score from 0-10 based on our weighted formula:
Overall Score = (Value × 0.25) + (Taste × 0.20) + (Variety × 0.15) + (Delivery × 0.15) + (Flexibility × 0.15) + (Support × 0.10)We weight value highest because we believe Canadian consumers care most about getting good quality for their money.
Scoring Categories
We evaluate price per serving relative to food quality, portion sizes, and ingredient freshness. Lower prices with good quality score higher.
What we evaluate:
- • Price per serving (CAD)
- • Portion sizes and filling factor
- • Ingredient quality relative to cost
- • Delivery fees and hidden costs
- • Promo availability for new customers
We taste-test multiple meals from each service and rate overall flavor, freshness of ingredients, and how well recipes turn out.
What we evaluate:
- • Ingredient freshness on arrival
- • Recipe flavor profiles
- • Consistency across multiple orders
- • Presentation vs. marketing photos
- • Repeat order satisfaction
We count weekly menu options, dietary accommodations, and cuisine diversity. More choice with better dietary support scores higher.
What we evaluate:
- • Weekly menu rotation size
- • Dietary options (veg, keto, etc.)
- • Cuisine diversity
- • Seasonal and special menus
- • Customization options
We track on-time delivery rates, packaging quality, and geographic coverage across Canadian provinces.
What we evaluate:
- • On-time delivery rate
- • Packaging insulation quality
- • Geographic coverage
- • Delivery window options
- • Handling of delivery issues
We evaluate how easy it is to skip weeks, pause, modify orders, and cancel without penalties.
What we evaluate:
- • Skip/pause ease
- • Cancellation process
- • Order modification deadlines
- • Commitment requirements
- • Account management UX
We contact support with real issues and rate response times, helpfulness, and resolution quality.
What we evaluate:
- • Response time
- • Support channel availability
- • Issue resolution quality
- • Refund/credit policies
- • FAQ and self-help resources
Our Testing Process
We don't just read about meal kits—we order and test them ourselves. Our process includes:
- Initial order: We sign up as new customers to experience the onboarding and first delivery.
- Multiple meals: We order at least 3-4 different meals to test variety and consistency.
- Support testing: We contact customer support with real questions to evaluate response quality.
- Cancellation test: We go through the pause/cancel process to evaluate friction.
- Ongoing monitoring: We re-test services every 6 months to catch changes.
Pricing Research
Pricing information is gathered directly from each service's website and verified monthly. We report:
- Price per serving range (minimum to maximum)
- Typical weekly box costs for 2-person and 4-person plans
- Delivery fees and minimums
- Current promotional offers (verified before publishing)
Note: Prices can vary by province and selected meal options. We display the most common ranges for Ontario/Quebec.
Update Schedule
We update our content on the following schedule:
- Pricing: Monthly verification
- Coupons: Weekly updates
- Reviews: Full re-testing every 6 months
- New services: Added within 30 days of Canadian launch
Every page shows a “Last Updated” date so you know how current the information is.
Editorial Independence
While we earn affiliate commissions when you click our links, our rankings are never influenced by these partnerships. Services cannot pay for better placement or higher scores.
Read our full affiliate disclosure for more details.