Meal Delivery Service Review for Top Chef Meals

Most Flexible Menu Options

Top Chef Meals is a leader in flexible meal delivery services. This New York-based brand offers eight special dietary categories, from diabetic to low-fat and keto. You can choose from over 75 different entrées plus 300 possible side combinations. Customers can choose their meat, starch and vegetables, with extra protein for big eaters. Top Chef Meals offers an impressive array of prepared meals suitable for seniors, families, couples and kids, which is why it’s been named one of the best meal delivery services for 2023. The company also offers prepared breakfasts, desserts, soups and shakes for even more variety.

Overview of Top Chef Meals

Top Chef Meals was founded by Westchester native Paul Ghiron, an Air Force veteran and experienced businessman with a background in corporate catering. For years, he worked alongside his father and a team of chefs providing high-quality meals to executives and their support staff. He was inspired to create Top Chef Meals when his aging father was looking for an answer to the age-old question, “What’s for dinner?” Top Chef Meals excels when it comes to menu flexibility and special diets. In addition to offering fully customizable plates featuring meat or fish and two sides, the company won’t lock you into long-term contracts. You can order just what you need or schedule ongoing meal deliveries that you can cancel or change at any time.

How Much Does the Meal Delivery Service From Top Chef Meals Cost?

When selecting a meal delivery service, pricing is one of the most important considerations after meal quality and taste. Top Chef’s prepared meals start at $10 for vegetarian entrées and classics like meatloaf, spaghetti and meatballs. You’ll pay up to $15 for premium entrées, such as salmon and filet mignon. For most items, you can request extra protein, sauce or toppings for a nominal fee.

If you want a regular supply of meals, you can earn 5% off when you place a bulk order. Seniors aged 60 and older qualify for 10% off daily meals when registering for an account. However, offers cannot be combined.

For additional savings, Top Chef Meals offers free shipping when you meet minimum order requirements based on your location. Customers in New England and the New York City tri-state area receive the most competitive rates. If you live outside the brand’s primary delivery area, you may receive a discounted shipping rate based on the size of your order.

Full Review of Top Chef Meals Features

Our full review below highlights the features of Top Chef Meals, including ingredients, dietary options and menu items. 

Ingredients

Each Top Chef meal features high-quality ingredients. The company uses locally sourced items when possible and ensures that all meat and seafood meet the highest quality standards. What’s not in the brand’s food is just as important. All meals are free from the following additives:

• Antibiotics
• Hormones
• Preservatives
• Artificial flavors
• Trans fats
• High fructose corn syrup
• Bioengineered ingredients

For convenience, ingredients, calorie information and nutrition facts are listed on each product page. The website also makes it easy to shop by meal, dietary need or protein type, such as chicken, turkey or vegetarian. Items that are suitable for dietary restrictions are clearly marked.

What Goes Into a Top Chef Meal?

Top Chef Meals prepares your food fresh the night before your package ships when you place an order. Each tray is flash frozen to lock in the flavors without needing preservatives, additives or extra sodium. Meals are placed on dry ice in insulated packaging to ensure that the food stays cold until it arrives at your door and placed in your freezer or refrigerator for convenient reheating on your schedule.

Special Dietary Options

Top Chef Meals offers eight special menu categories for seniors who need to follow a specific physician-recommended diet. All meals are nutritionally balanced and include appropriate portions for an average adult. However, you can choose from the following options if you have specialized needs.

• Low-sodium meals for a heart-friendly lifestyle.
• Low-carb meals with healthy fats and lean protein.
• Low-fat meals featuring 3% fat or less.
• Renal diets suitable for advanced kidney disease.
• High-fat keto meals to promote weight loss.
• Dietitian-created diabetic meals.
• Gluten-free meals are made in a dedicated prep area.

Menu Items

Top Chef Meals prepares more than 75 entrées plus a wide range of snacks and sides. While we can’t provide a complete list of the company’s offerings, here are a few items you can find from each category to give you an idea of what to expect.

Reheating Your Meals

Deliveries from Top Chef Meals come in BPA-free, ready-to-heat containers that are safe for use in the microwave or oven. The company recommends defrosting each meal fully before reheating, so you may need to plan ahead. Detailed reheating instructions are included with each meal. Customers are also encouraged to check their food frequently when reheating to prevent overcooking, especially when using the microwave as their heating power can vary.

Who Should Consider Top Chef Meals?

Anyone With Dietary Restrictions

The menu options offered by Top Chef Meals are suitable for anyone who is following a special diet, including paleo, renal, low-sugar or low-sodium. Heart-healthy and low-carb items are also available, and you can pick your favorite sides.

Busy Households and Family Caregivers

This meal delivery service is a great option if you don’t have time to prepare your own meals or shop for groceries. Ongoing or occasional meal deliveries can help respite caregivers and family members manage their loved one’s nutritional health.

Seniors on a Budget

Top Chef Meals offers a 10% senior citizen discount to all customers aged 60 and older, which can help make high-quality diet-appropriate meals more affordable. Free delivery is available to parts of the Northeast, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic based on the size of your order.

What Are People Saying About Top Chef Meals?

Overall, Top Chef Meals receives excellent reviews for its meal delivery services. Customers rave about the flavors of the brand’s most popular entrées, including meatloaf, flank steak and short ribs.

Families report that Top Chef Meals makes it easy to schedule meal delivery services for their parents and elderly relatives, even over the holidays. Customers with diabetes and other dietary restrictions say that the meal service helps them stick to their diet even when they’re short on time or need to shop on a budget.

Despite these positives, Top Chef Meals does have a few drawbacks. In the past, customers have reported issues with the packaging opening or becoming damaged, especially when meals are shipped long distances. Some portions may be on the small side, but you can order extra protein or toppings if you have a hearty appetite.

Frequently Asked Questions