Dairy-free eating is rising fast in the UK as more people cut back on milk, cheese and cream for health, environmental or ethical reasons.
Around one in ten older children and adults have lactose intolerance, and many others choose to be dairy-free for improved digestion and well-being.
The good news is that going dairy-free no longer means missing out on flavour or comfort. Meal prep delivery services now make it easy to enjoy rich, balanced dishes made with dairy alternatives that are just as delicious and indulgent without any of the after-effects. Some deliver fresh or frozen meals ready in minutes, while others send ingredients so you can cook from scratch.
In this comparison, we’re taking a look at five of the UK’s leading options, including Frive, COOK and Gousto, to help you find a convenient, trustworthy dairy-free meal service that covers your needs.
| Feature | Frive | Field Doctor | Allplants | COOK | Gousto |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Fresh, UPF-free, ready-to-eat meals | Frozen ready meals | Frozen ready meals | Frozen ready meals & puddings | Recipe kits with fresh ingredients |
| Prep time | Under 5 minutes | Under 5 minutes | Around 7 minutes in the microwave | 30–60 minutes in oven; “Pots for One” are quicker | 10–50 minutes (cook from scratch) |
| Delivery | Nationwide; 4 weekly days (Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu) | Nationwide frozen delivery; free over £65 | UK mainland delivery every Monday (free) | UK-wide frozen delivery; free over £95 | Flexible UK delivery; next-day for first box |
| Price | £7.99 per meal (6-meal plan) + intro discounts | £6.99 single / £10.39 double £50 minimum spend |
£4.50–£6 per meal | From £5.75 per meal £45 minimum spend |
£18.99–£61.49 per box + £3.99 delivery |
| Trustpilot rating | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 | 3.5/5 |
Who is dairy-free meal prep perfect for? (Real-life scenarios)
- - People with intolerances or allergies: Dairy-free meals reduce the risk of hidden ingredients, with Frive’s dairy and gluten-free kitchen offering extra reassurance.
- - Anyone who suspects dairy affects their digestion: Consistent dairy-free meals make it easier to spot triggers and avoid discomfort.
- - Health-conscious eaters avoiding dairy by choice: Whole-food meals made with dairy alternatives help you stay dairy-free without feeling restricted.
- - Busy households needing quick, reliable options: Ready-to-eat or frozen meals save time and keep everyone eating safely and well.
- - Home cooks who want clarity and control: Dairy-free recipe filters take the guesswork out of cooking and keep ingredients simple.
- - Anyone trying to avoid ultra-processed foods: Frive is one of the few meal prep delivery providers focused entirely on whole ingredients with zero UPFs.
- - People working towards specific nutrition goals: Portion-controlled, nutritionist-approved meals support consistent macros, calories and protein targets.
- - Those transitioning to plant-forward eating: Natural dairy alternatives such as organic coconut milk make the shift feel familiar and easy.
What to look for in a dairy-free provider
Not all “dairy-free” meals are created equal. Some brands focus on full allergen safety, while others simply remove milk or cheese without much thought for cross-contamination or flavour.
Knowing what to look for helps you find meals that work for your dietary requirements, taste great and give you confidence in what you’re eating.
- - Certified dairy-free options: Choose providers that clearly label dishes and separate dairy-free from “may contain” items.
- - Ingredient transparency: Look for full ingredient lists to avoid hidden dairy, whey or lactose-based additives.
- - Format and freshness: Match the service to your schedule. Fresh meals save time, frozen meals last longer, and recipe kits suit those with time, who enjoy hands-on cooking.
- - Cross-contamination control: An absolute must for anyone with allergies or sensitivities. Safe kitchens and clear processes are as important as the ingredients themselves.
- - Nutritional balance: The best dairy-free meals support calcium, protein and healthy fats with nutrient-rich ingredients like nuts, legumes and tofu, along with fortified plant-based alternatives. Look for brands that limit the use of UPFs.
- - Dietary coverage: If you also avoid gluten, meat or other allergens, choose a provider that caters to multiple dietary needs.
- - Delivery and flexibility: Check delivery zones, shelf life and how easy it is to pause, skip, cancel, or edit your plan.
- - Price and value: Compare price per meal, portion size, news customer offers and discounts for subscriptions to see which offers real value for money.
If cost is a key factor for you, take a look at our guide “How much does meal prep delivery really save you?” for a clear breakdown of what you’re paying for and what you get back in time and effort.
Top 5 dairy-free meal prep delivery picks
Dairy-free eating doesn’t have to be plain or restrictive. Today’s meal prep brands use smart swaps and chef-led recipes to make creamy, balanced and satisfying food without any dairy.
Below are five of the best UK services offering meals that are either freshly made, frozen, or cook-at-home dairy-free options.
Frive
Frive makes dairy-free eating simple with fresh, chef-prepared and nutritionist-approved meals built around whole ingredients. The weekly menu offers over 40 rotating dishes, all made from 100% whole foods with no dairy, artificial additives or ultra-processed ingredients. Natural alternatives such as organic coconut milk and coconut cream create rich, creamy sauces that feel indulgent while staying gentle on digestion.
Best for: Busy professionals, gym-goers, health-conscious eaters and anyone who wants fresh, macro-balanced dairy-free meals made from whole ingredients.
Specs (at a glance):
- - Format: Freshly prepared meals. Heated in the microwave in 5 minutes or less
- - Dairy-free coverage: All meals are dairy-free
- - Cross-contamination: Meals are cooked in a dairy-free kitchen with clear labelling and thorough cleaning procedures between meal preparations.
- - What other diet plans are on offer: High-protein, low-calorie, balanced, halal, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free.
- - Ingredient quality: 100% whole foods with no UPFs, artificial ingredients, or seed oils. A minimum of 30% of ingredients are organic, and dairy-free meals are made with organic coconut-based alternatives.
- - Delivery: Four split delivery days (Sun, Mon, Wed and Thu) for fresher food and greater flexibility. Meals last up to 7 days in the fridge.
- - Price: A 6-meal plan costs £47.94 (£7.99 per meal). 40% off week 1 and 20% off weeks 2 & 3. Student and Blue Light discounts are also available.
- - Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Rated Excellent from over 10K reviews.
Why it stands out: Frive creates indulgent dairy-free meals using chef expertise, nutritionist guidance and natural coconut-based alternatives. Every dish is macro-balanced and made entirely from whole ingredients for clean, consistent eating.
Consider if:
- - You want fresh, dairy-free meals that save you up to seven hours each week and taste great in under five minutes.
- - You are avoiding dairy for health or digestion and want meals made with natural coconut-based alternatives instead of processed swaps.
- - You prioritise whole-food ingredients, zero UPFs and portion-controlled nutrition designed with nutritionist input.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fresh meals ready in under 5 minutes | Not as cost-effective as some options due to the use of non-UPF ingredients |
| Fully dairy-free range across all plans | |
| Rich, creamy flavours using natural coconut alternatives | |
| 100% whole-food ingredients with no artificial additives |
Field Doctor
Field Doctor offers dietitian-designed frozen meals made from whole foods and free from ultra-processed ingredients. Its dairy-free bundle includes seven certified dairy-free dishes, available in single or double portions, with options suited to low FODMAP diets.
Best for: People who prefer frozen dairy-free meals with clear nutritional guidance.
Specs (at a glance):
- - Format: Frozen ready meals, ready to heat in the oven or microwave.
- - Dairy-free coverage: Dedicated dairy-free range, part of 60+ meal collection. Customers can filter for allergens and health goals.
- - Cross-contamination: Field Doctor provides clear allergen labelling and produces certified dairy-free meals, but those with severe dairy allergies should check product details carefully before ordering.
- - Diets: Caters to a wide range of diets, including dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, low FODMAP, and low saturated fat options.
- - Ingredient quality: Whole-food ingredients with no UPFs or artificial additives. Meals are cooked with extra virgin olive oil and cold-pressed rapeseed oil.
- - Delivery: UK-wide frozen delivery from Tuesday to Sunday. Delivery is free for orders over £65.
- - Price: From £6.99 per single meal or £10.39 per double portion. There is a minimum order spend of £50.
- - Trustpilot rating: 4 out of 5 stars from over 2K reviews.
Why it stands out: Field Doctor provides frozen, dietitian-guided meals made from straightforward, whole-food ingredients, offering a simple option for those needing a clear nutritional structure.
Consider if:
- - You have a dairy intolerance and prefer clearly labelled frozen options.
- - You want convenient frozen meals that are easy to keep on hand.
- - You prefer simple, whole-food recipes with structured nutritional guidance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dedicated dairy-free and allergen-safe range | Frozen format may not appeal to those seeking fresh meals |
| Dietitian-approved recipes | £50 minimum spend |
| Whole-food ingredients with no artificial flavours, additives or preservatives | Uses cold-pressed rapeseed oil, which some may prefer to avoid |
| Flexible subscription or one-off ordering |
Take a look at our guide ‘Frive vs Field Doctor’ to learn more.
<H3>Allplants
Allplants shows that dairy-free eating can still be comforting and flavourful. Every meal is 100% plant-based, chef-made and frozen for freshness. With a focus on real ingredients and variety, the dishes offer an easy way to enjoy plant-forward meals with minimal effort.
Best for: Anyone who prefers frozen, plant-based meals that are naturally dairy-free.
Specs (at a glance):
- - Format: Frozen ready meals, single portions.
- - Dairy-free coverage: All meals are completely plant-based and dairy-free.
- - Cross-contamination: Allergens are listed on the back of each pack and online.
- - Diets: Vegan, dairy-free and plant-based.
- - Ingredient quality: 100% natural, real food ingredients with no artificial flavours or preservatives.
- - Delivery: UK mainland delivery every Monday.
- - Price: From £4.50-£6 per meal with free delivery included.
- - Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Rated Excellent from over 9K reviews.
Why it stands out: Allplants provides simple, plant-based meals made from real ingredients and naturally free from dairy. The dishes are frozen for freshness and ready quickly, offering flavour with minimal effort.
Consider if:
- - You’re fully dairy-free or vegan and want variety without cooking.
- - You like meals that feel homemade but need freezer convenience.
- - You value natural ingredients and sustainable, plant-forward living.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 100% vegan and dairy-free across the entire menu | Only one delivery day per week |
| Natural, minimally processed ingredients | Limited customisation per box (4–8 meals) |
| Free delivery and flexible one-off ordering | Main meals only — no breakfast or snacks |
Want to find out more? Take a look at our guide ‘Frive vs Allplants’ that compares both in greater detail.
COOK
COOK offers a range of frozen dairy-free mains, desserts and family-friendly dishes, all prepared by chefs in its Kent kitchen. Meals are mostly cooked from scratch, although some recipes use standard store-cupboard ingredients that may include permitted additives.
Best for: People who want convenient, family-friendly frozen meals with clear dairy-free options.
Specs (at a glance):
- - Format: Frozen ready meals.
- - Dairy-free coverage: Dedicated dairy-free range covering mains and desserts, kids’ meals and party food.
- - Cross-contamination: All equipment is cleaned between recipes and allergen meals are made on specific days to minimise risk. An allergen list is shown on every pack and online.
- - Diets: Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and low-calorie options available.
- - Ingredient quality: Hand-prepared using whole ingredients plus high-welfare meat or sustainable fish. Some dishes include standard store-cupboard items that may contain permitted additives.
- - Delivery: UK-wide frozen delivery with next-day availability in many areas, or collection from local COOK shops. There is a flat delivery charge of £3.50, but deliveries over £95 are free.
- - Price: From around £5.75 per single meal. Multi-portion dishes are priced higher, and there is a £45 minimum order spend.
- - Trustpilot rating: 4.8 stars out of 5. Rated Excellent from over 41K reviews.
Why it stands out: COOK provides a broad dairy-free range with comforting, home-style frozen options suited to households with mixed diets.
Consider if:
- - You prefer frozen meal options
- - You want reliable dairy-free options that taste homemade.
- - You’re feeding a family with mixed dietary needs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive dairy-free range including mains and desserts | Some ingredients may contain trace allergens from suppliers |
| Hand-prepared, comfort-style food made using real ingredients | No advanced filtering tool on the website |
| Certified B-Corp company with strong sustainability and ethical sourcing policies | Slightly higher prices for premium or multi-portion dishes |
Interested in learning more? Read our guide, ‘Frive vs COOK’ which compares both in greater detail.
Gousto
Gousto offers fresh, pre-portioned recipe kits with a variety of dairy-free options. Weekly menus highlight suitable dishes, making it easy to choose recipes like coconut curries, pies or stir-fries and cook dairy-free meals with full control at home.
Best for: Home cooks who want flexible, dairy-free recipes with lots of weekly variety.
Specs (at a glance):
- - Format: Recipe kits to cook at home with fresh, pre-portioned ingredients.
- - Dairy-free coverage: Dedicated dairy-free filter and DF symbol on the menu, which varies week to week.
- - Cross-contamination: Recipes use dairy-free ingredients, but as you’ll be cooking in your own kitchen, the final dish depends on what you have at home. Check your cupboard staples to keep the final dish fully dairy-free.
- - Diets: Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
- - Ingredient quality: Fresh produce with 100% British meat and responsibly sourced fish. 11-12% of the ingredients in their total library are considered UPFs.
- - Delivery: Flexible delivery across most of the UK, with next-day often available for first boxes in some areas.
- - Price: Varies by box size, ranging from £18.99–£61.49 per box. For example, for 2 people × 5 recipes, the cost is £44.75. Delivery is £3.99 after the first free box.
- - Trustpilot rating: 3.5 stars out of 5. Rated average from over 47K reviews.
Why it stands out: Gousto offers choice and control, letting you pick dairy-free recipes and cook fresh meals at home without supermarket planning. Clear filters and rotating menus help you stay inspired.
Consider if:
- - You enjoy cooking and want a large choice of clearly marked dairy-free recipes.
- - You are managing preferences rather than a severe dairy allergy.
- - You want value on per-portion pricing and lots of weekly variety.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear dairy-free filter and DF labelling | Additional time is required to prep, cook and clean |
| Huge weekly variety and global flavours | Pantry basics are needed for most recipes |
| Good value per portion on bigger boxes | No halal or kosher certification |
| B Corp with recyclable packaging |
Read our guide ‘Frive vs Guosto’ which explores these two popular meal delivery services in greater depth.
Dairy-free meal prep providers compared side by side
Finding a reliable dairy-free meal service means looking beyond basic labels to see how each brand performs in daily life. Some prioritise fresh, chef-led cooking, while others focus on allergen safety or pure convenience. The table below gives a straightforward overview of how the UK’s leading providers compare, so you can spot the best fit for your needs.
| Feature | Frive | Field Doctor | Allplants | COOK | Gousto |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Fresh, ready-to-eat meals | Frozen ready meals | Frozen ready meals | Frozen ready meals and puddings | Recipe kits with fresh ingredients |
| Dairy-free | Full dairy-free range across all plans | Dedicated dairy-free bundle | 100% vegan and dairy-free | Dedicated dairy-free range for mains & desserts | Weekly dairy-free recipes marked “DF” |
| Prep time | Under 5 minutes | Under 5 minutes | Around 7 minutes in the microwave | Most mains 30–60 minutes in the oven; “Pots for One” are ready in minutes | 10–50 minutes (cook from scratch) |
| Cross-contamination | No dairy used | Clear allergen labelling and certified dairy-free meals | No dairy used | Allergen control and deep cleaning; not fully allergen-free | Dairy-free ingredients only; not allergen-controlled |
| Delivery | Nationwide; four weekly delivery days (Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu) | Nationwide frozen delivery; free for orders over £65 | UK mainland delivery every Monday with free delivery | UK-wide frozen delivery; free on orders over £95 | Flexible UK delivery; next-day available for first boxes |
| Price | 6-meal plan £47.94 (£7.99 per meal); 40% off week 1 and 20% off weeks 2 & 3 | From £6.99 per single meal and £10.39 per double portion; £50 minimum spend | From £4.50–£6 per meal | From £5.75 per single meal; £45 minimum spend | From £18.99–£61.49 per box (+£3.99 delivery after first free box) |
| Trustpilot rating | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 | 3.5/5 |
Frive: Dairy-free made delicious
Dairy-free eating is now more accessible, with fresh meals, frozen dishes and recipe kits available to suit different routines. Each provider offers its own style, giving plenty of choice for anyone avoiding dairy.
Frive is a strong option for those who want fresh, chef-made dairy-free meals built from whole ingredients and natural coconut-based alternatives. Meals are ready in minutes, nutritionist-guided and free from ultra-processed ingredients, making them ideal for busy, health-focused routines.
Try Frive today and discover how delicious dairy-free eating can be. Pick your meals, choose your plan and enjoy fresh dishes that support the way you live.
