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Senior Meals

Senior Meals

We’ve found the best senior meal delivery providers in Australia offering time-saving and effortless solutions to those needing a helping hand around mealtimes! Compare providers and key information to make the right decisions for your next prepared meal service.

By
Alex Hamlin

Written by

Alex Hamlin
Certified Nutritionist

Alex Joy Nutrition supports busy individuals with health goals, offering holistic nutrition guidance to reduce stress and foster balanced, healthy habits. Specialising in empowering high achievers, Alex emphasises a preventative and management-focused approach to health. As a clinical nutritionist, Alex provides individuals with tools and education for taking control of their health. She advocates for optimal nutrition as the cornerstone of wellness, employing a food-first approach complemented by holistic treatments. With evidence-based practices, Alex offers personalised guidance to help individuals reach their health goals, prioritising health at the forefront. In health content creation, Alex delivers concise, informative, and engaging material rooted in evidence-based practices, educating, inspiring and guiding others on their wellness journey.

Updated September 1, 2024
Fact checked Fully qualified and expert nutritionists have reviewed and checked this content to ensure it is as accurate as possible at the time of writing.
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What are senior meals?

Senior meal delivery encompasses pre-prepared meals or meal kits, that are flavoursome, texture-friendly and nutritionally balanced. They often will include a range of options that cater to dietary requirements including low salt, diabetic friendly, gluten-free and dairy-free.

Senior meals often will allow for alternate delivery options allowing for delivery to be made to aged care and retirement homes. They also will typically offer senior discounts, or be an approved Home Care Package provider, passing on these benefits to individuals.

Best senior meal delivery in Australia

Everyone’s meal preparation is different, it’s important to find a company that caters to your needs, dietary requirements, financial position, and of course your taste preferences! 

When it comes to reliable and nutritious ready-made meals, The Good Meal Co stands out as one of the most trusted providers in Australia. The Good Meal Co specialises in delivering ready-made meals that are not only delicious but also tailored to meet the nutritional needs of older Australians. Their meals are approved for Home Care Packages (HCP) and NDIS plans, making them an accessible and affordable option for many households.

Meals are designed to support healthy ageing, featuring low-sodium, low-fat, high-fibre, and high-protein options. Their menu is generous and includes all the classics, along with dishes from around the globe. Individuals only pay the food cost (typically $2–$4 per meal), with the rest covered by the HCP or NDIS.

If you are looking for a great senior-friendly meal kit, Hello Fresh offers senior discounted meal services on their range of meal kits. At the time of writing this (March 2022), Hello Fresh offers 10% off every box for the elderly and for new customers they’ll receive 40% off their 1st Box & 30% off their 2nd box.

Hello Fresh Meal Kits
Check out Hello Fresh here!

Nutrition for older adults

As we age, our nutritional needs change, but eating well remains just as important for maintaining energy, strength, and independence. For older adults, good nutrition supports everything from bone health and immune function to brain health and disease prevention.

Key Nutritional Considerations for Seniors:

  • Protein: With natural muscle loss occurring as we age, higher-quality protein sources (like lean meats, legumes, eggs, and dairy) help maintain muscle mass, support healing, and reduce frailty. The Australian Eat For Health guidelines state 46g/day for women aged 51-70 and 64g/day for men aged 51-70.

  • Calcium and Vitamin D: Essential for preventing osteoporosis and reducing fall risk. These nutrients are found in dairy, fortified plant milks, canned fish with bones, and through safe sun exposure or supplements.

  • Fibre Fibre-rich foods like wholegrains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes help prevent constipation and support a healthy gut microbiome.

  • B Vitamins: B12 and folate are vital for memory and cognitive health, especially as absorption decreases with age. These can be found in animal products, leafy greens, and fortified foods.

  • Hydration: Older adults often experience a reduced sense of thirst, increasing the risk of dehydration. Sipping water regularly, and including hydrating foods like soups, fruits, and herbal teas, is key.

Proper nutrition in later years can reduce the risk of chronic disease and enhance overall wellbeing. It is important to first consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet.

Senior meal delivery service costs

The cost of senior meal delivery services in Australia can vary based on the provider, type of meals ordered, and eligibility for government funding. While many seniors may choose to pay privately, there are also subsidised options available through Home Care Packages (HCP) and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

1. Home Care Package (HCP) Funding

If you receive a government-funded Home Care Package, you’re eligible to use a portion of your budget for meal delivery services. Typically 70%-80% of the cost is covered, with only 20%-30% of the remaining cost paid out of pocket. Many providers including Dineamic, Gourmet Dinner Service, and The Good Meal Co offer HCP-approved meals and can invoice your care provider directly.

2. NDIS Meal Funding

Seniors under 65 who are living with a disability may be eligible for meal support under the NDIS. If meal preparation and delivery are included in your plan, NDIS can cover the cost of preparing and delivering meals, while you pay only for the food ingredients. NDIS-registered providers such as The Good Meal Co, Gourmet Dinner Service, and A Life Plus make the process seamless by billing directly to NDIS.

3. Private Payment and Senior Discounts

If you’re paying privately, senior meal delivery services usually range from $8.50 to $13.50 per meal, depending on portion size, ingredients, and delivery region. Some providers may also provide senior-specific discounts or concessions, so it’s worth checking if your provider offers special pricing for Seniors Card holders in your state.

Most popular senior meal delivery in NSW

Tender Loving Cuisine offers food delivery for seniors that offer a wide range of selections catering to different tastes, a range of dietary restrictions and offer senior discounts. At the time of writing (July 2025), savings of 5% for those with a senior card. They offer delivery for a range of suburbs throughout Sydney Metropolitan, Canberra, Melbourne Metro, Gold Coast, Tweed Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, NSW North Coast, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Central Coast, Southern Highlands and NSW South Coast.

Most popular senior meal delivery in VIC

Gourmet Meals provides convenient ready-to-eat meals, straight to your door. Their meals are designed in line with the Australian Guidelines to Healthy Eating and the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand, and contain limited preservatives and additives.

All meals are gluten-free and snap frozen, locking in the nutrients of each meal.

Gourmet Meals delivers nation wide.

Most popular senior meal delivery in QLD

Lite N’ Easy offers a range of meals designed to promote healthy eating and weight management. The My Choice Meals for seniors is a selection of smaller, high-protein dinners, soups and desserts, developed specifically to meet the nutrition needs of older Australians with smaller appetites. You can choose from a variety of fresh or frozen meals.

Lite N’ Easy delivers across the country.

Most popular senior meal delivery in other states

If you are looking for an option that isn’t pre-made, Hello Fresh offers meals kits at senior-friendly discounted prices, with a wide array of options and refreshing seasonal choices. 

They offer delivery to NSW, VIC, ACT, QLD, NT, SA, WA, TAS. 

Visit Hello Fresh!

Pros & Cons of senior meal delivery services

low carb meals pros and cons

Senior Meal Pros

  • Discounted Meals - Meals are provided at a discounted rate or in some cases complimentary, as most are subsidised by schemes or programs such as Home Care Package.
  • Ready-to-eat - Some meals are pre-prepared, saving you the time and pressure to prepare ingredients or cook.
  • Supports those with limitations - For seniors who suffer from limitations, cooking their meals can be a difficult or overwhelming task. Ordering meals without having to rely on family or friends, offers an element of independence and choice. Meals can also be ordered as frequently or casually as they like.
  • Nutrition - Prepared meals often can ensure the elderly receive adequate nutrition that they may struggle to prepare or source on their own. Meals prepared by Dieticians or Nutritionists often ensure meals are nutrient-dense with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and protein to nourish consumers.

Senior Meal Cons

  • You may not be eligible - In order to receive discounted meals from certain meal delivery services, the individual may need to meet a certain criteria such as be approved for the Home Care Package program. Based on this status, the person may or may not be able to purchase meals at a discounted cost.
  • May not be budget-friendly for everyone - Some meal services may be financially prohibitive for the elderly and/or family members who are on a budget.
  • May not meet nutritional needs - When seniors rely on meal services, they may experience inadequate nutrition especially if the services they are choosing aren’t healthy and nutritionally catered to their age group and needs.
  • High salt content - Some meals may contain high amounts of sodium to improve taste. Try to choose meals that are lower in salt, especially for seniors with hypertension or heart conditions.

Key factors when comparing senior meal delivery companies

When choosing the right option for you, consider the following factors:

Meal Customisation

Are meal providers allowing for tailored meals to meet texture or dietary requirements?

Many elderly consumers may have health conditions or nutritional requirements that need catering to, such as low salt. Check out each provider to see what their stance is on meeting individual dietary needs.

Senior Discounts

Despite senior discounts, each provider will price meals differently based on delivery, quality of produce, seasonality, cost to prepare meals etc. Compare providers to see if your budget meets their price points.

If you have been approved for Home Care Package (HCP), check to see if the meal delivery service is also an approved HCP provider, as you may be eligible for larger discounts.

Nutrition

It’s important to consider the nutritional needs that differ from person to person, and this is particularly true in the elderly.

Ensure meals are nutritionally formulated with the elderly in mind, look for providers that have a Dietician-designed meals and prioritise important nutrients such as protein and fibre.

To understand how macronutrients play a role in your diet, read our guide here.

Delivery

If you require delivery to be made to a specific location such as a retirement home, aged care facility, hospital etc., ensure the provider specifies they can deliver to your preferred location. Some providers will only take meals to doorsteps of stand-alone residential homes.

Senior Meal Delivery FAQs

Yes, most meal delivery services cater to a variety of dietary requirements including gluten-free, dairy-free, low-salt, low-FODMAP. Gourmet Meals offer consumers the flexibility to explore meal ranges with filtered dietary requirements by selecting options from dairy-free, salt reduced, high fibre, high protein and more. 

Yes, Tender Loving Cuisine caters to a range of dietary needs including protein preferences such as meat, poultry, seafood, vegetarian etc. They also specify if a meal is texturally soft and palatable for those who need specification.

Tender Loving Cuisines deliver to your home, business, retirement village or Care organisations.

Yes, most services offer NDIS coverage including Tender Loving Cuisine, Dineamic, Gourmet Dinner Service and Gourmet Meals.

Hello Fresh offers meal kit options for seniors straight to their door! They offer heavily discounted meal plan options for the elderly with flexibility in plan types to meet most requirements. 

Everyone’s requirements will be different ingredients wise, nutritionally and texturally. Some safe options include slow cooked meals that are soft, including soups and broths filled with soft cooked vegetables and protein rich soft meats with shredded chicken or beans or lentils. Not only are these types of meals nourishing and full of easy to chew ingredients, they are warming and easy to digest.

As with all meal delivery services, consumers will need to analyse and compare meals between providers and determine if they meet their nutritional requirements. Most food delivery for the elderly do take into account dietary requirements like meeting recommended dietary intake for macronutrients such as protein. Consumers should ensure they check the nutritional panel and ingredient lists of meals before committing to a service. To learn how to read the nutrition panel and ingredient list read our “How to Read a Food Label in Australia” guide to help you out.

Search and compare wellness and health delivery services in Australia including meal kits, ready to eat meal delivery, vitamin subscriptions and much more at Wellhub. All content and information on this site is provided by qualified Australian nutritionists to ensure accurate representation of all products reviewed. Learn more about our expert team here.