Mindful Chef is the UK's premium, gluten- and dairy-free meal kit - but it is expensive and capped at five recipes a week. Here are the best Mindful Chef alternatives, whether you want lower prices or a different diet focus.
Why look for a Mindful Chef alternative?
The main reasons are price - it is the priciest mainstream kit - and choice, with a smaller menu. You might also want keto, more servings, or a fully vegan option.
Mindful Chef alternatives compared
| Box | Type | Our rating | Value | Subscription | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gousto | Meal Kit | 8.4/10 | £3.84 / portion | One-off available | Read review |
| HelloFresh | Meal Kit | 8/10 | £4.06 / portion | Subscription only | Read review |
| Grubby | Meal Kit | 7.7/10 | £5.75 / portion | Subscription only | Read review |
| Green Chef | Meal Kit | 7.6/10 | £6.30 / portion | Subscription only | Read review |
| The Cookaway | Meal Kit | 7.4/10 | £9.00 / portion | One-off available | Read review |
Ratings are our own editorial scores. Value shows price per portion where a box is priced that way, or the cheapest full-price box otherwise. Prices were checked in June 2026 and exclude introductory offers.
The best Mindful Chef alternatives
- Gousto - much cheaper, with a far bigger menu, and it still offers gluten-free and dairy-free filters (though not every recipe by default).
- Green Chef - the closest on the health angle, with eight dietary plans including keto and high-protein.
- Grubby - for fully plant-based eating.
- Field Doctor - if your real need is health-condition meals (low-FODMAP, gut health) rather than cooking from scratch.
Which is the best Mindful Chef alternative?
Gousto for value with dietary filters; Green Chef for diet-specific menus; Field Doctor for genuine health-condition needs.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cheaper alternative to Mindful Chef?
Yes - Gousto is roughly half the price per portion and has gluten-free and dairy-free filters, though not every recipe is free-from like Mindful Chef. Green Chef is another healthy option.