Frequently asked questions.

Love the idea of opening the fridge to a great meal with no prep? Choose Fresh & Ready, one time or by subscription. Want more say in your combinations and portions? Explore Meals By Mel Signature: Bulk Packages, Build Your Own Packages and Custom Chef Meals with Mel's team.

Subscribe to Fresh & Ready to save 25% on meal subscription orders. The offer does not apply to one-time orders or Meals By Mel Signature, including Signature packages, Custom Chef Meals and meal add-ons purchased through the Signature cart.

Yes. Both services are shown here even when one is not open for ordering. Ordering buttons appear only for services currently accepting orders.

Open Meals By Mel Signature packages, choose Bulk or Build Your Own, add what you want to your Meals By Mel Signature cart and check out. For something custom, send a Custom Chef Meals inquiry and Mel's team will follow up.

Bulk is cooked proteins, sides and sauces by the pound. Build Your Own lets you pick a meal package and customize protein, sides and sauce. Custom Chef Meals starts with an inquiry; our team arranges the service and it appears in your dashboard.

Absolutely. Mix Bulk and Build Your Own packages in one Signature order, then add eligible ready-to-heat meal favorites to round out your week. These add-ons don't count toward your package minimums.

At checkout. Your exact total includes the delivery date's tax and delivery policy, and nothing is charged until you confirm payment.

Southern California, including Los Angeles County, Orange County, the Inland Empire and San Diego County. Your address is confirmed against current delivery zones at checkout.

We no longer offer direct pickup.

Meals use MAP packaging and stay fresh 10 to 14 days refrigerated, with no preservatives. You can also freeze them for up to 2 to 3 months.

Most meals reheat in the microwave in 2 to 3 minutes or in the oven at 350 F for 10 to 15 minutes. Containers are microwave-safe.

Yes. We offer low-carb, high-protein and gluten-friendly options, and every meal includes nutrition information. Save allergies and preferences in your Meals By Mel Signature profile.

Everything is made from scratch: seasonings, sauces and spice blends are house-made. We cook exclusively with olive oil, never use preservatives, and use MAP technology for freshness.

Call or text (949) 990-4583, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Or email support@mealsbymel.co anytime; we typically respond within 24 hours.

Yes. Contact us to purchase a gift card. If you've received one, you can redeem it from the Redeem page.