These days, it feels like people are busier than ever—from demanding jobs, to caregiving schedules, and extracurricular activities, we are more scheduled than ever before. And that means it’s harder than ever to make time to go grocery shopping or cook nutritious meals at home. But being able to cook healthy meals at home is a cornerstone of developing a sustainable relationship with food. And quick fixes like frozen meals or takeout are often packed with processed ingredients, saturated fat, and lacking nutritional value. This is where meal delivery services come in! There are a ton of great health-conscious options out there, ranging from heat-and-serve to cook-it-yourself options for the budding home chef. Read on to learn about the top meal delivery services we recommend, and see if this approach might be right for you on your health journey!
What to consider when choosing a meal kit delivery service
The good part? There are so many meal delivery services out there. The tricky part? There are so many meal delivery services out there. But don’t let decision paralysis get you down! There are a few factors to consider that will help you narrow down the best meal kit for your budget, health goals, and lifestyle.
Convenience
Are you looking for prepared meals that just need to be heated and plated? Or are you down to get your hands a little dirty in the kitchen, just minus the guesswork of picking recipes and shopping for ingredients? Do you work from home, where you’ll be able to be present for a meal kit delivery, or would frequent deliveries be a headache for you? Do you live in the delivery area for your desired meal kit? Deciding the level of convenience you need is a crucial factor in ensuring the service you choose meets your needs.
Dietary options
Many meal delivery services allow you the option to filter your meals by dietary preference or dietary restriction—low-carb, paleo, vegan, high-protein, gluten-free, the list goes on! You can browse the list of recommended meal delivery services and see which have the most robust options to work within your dietary preferences. Many of them offer both prepared meals and cook-it-yourself options. If you’re choosing a meal plan for more than just yourself, many options offer a difference in serving size to suit a partner, roommate, or the whole family.
Nutritional transparency
Some meal delivery services offer more nutritional transparency, in terms of listing their ingredients, nutrition facts, and macronutrient info. The best meal kit for you will be an option that is clear about their foods and allows you maximum visibility into what you’re putting into your body.
Budget
Your budget is crucial in understanding whether a meal delivery service will be a sustainable choice for you, or allow you to compare prices and see which is right for your needs! Furthermore, many of these services have an introductory offer, where you can get your first month of meals at a steep discount. Definitely take advantage of the deals, especially if you’re in the exploratory phase and want to test out how something fits into your life.
Sustainability and packaging
When it comes to sustainability, not all meal services are created equal! If keeping waste and packaging materials low is something that you care about, you can look into the sustainability practices of these companies—from the packaging they use, to how they source their ingredients, and more.
Popular meal kit comparison
Top meal delivery services for specific needs
While many of our favorite meal delivery kits fulfill a range of dietary needs—in fact, many of them have specific categories to choose from to suit your needs—high-protein, low-carb, vegetarian, and more! Here are a few other plans that our patients have loved.
Low-Carb/Keto
- Factor 75 – Factor meals offer RD-approved meal plans with a full category of Keto options.
- Eat Clean 2 Go – Fitness-focused pre made meals with specific Keto and Paleo plans.
Plant-Based Diet
- Purple Carrot – Meal kits & pre-made meals focused around plants.
- HungryRoot – Ready-to-eat meals and plant-based groceries.
- Splendid Spoon– Plant-based superfoods and ready-to-eat meals.
- Green Chef – Simple, ready-to cook meals with a focus on clean eating.
Low FODMAP
- Epicure – Low-FODMAP meals for digestive health.
- Modify Health – RD-approved meals to fit a low-FODMAP eating plan.
- Methodology – High-protein meals with no refined sugar to banish gut symptoms.
Diabetes
- BistroMD – Doctor-designed meal plans with an emphasis on weight loss and Diabetes.
- Metabolic Meals – Ready-made meals suited for a diabetic meal plan.
For Seniors
- Nutrition for Longevity – Medically-tailored meals.
- Mom’s Meals – Meal delivery plan especially for seniors and caregivers.
For Kids and Families
- Nurture Life – Ready-made, nutritious meals for babies and kids
- Blue Apron – Meal kits with a family-friendly menu option
- Mosaic Foods – Plant-forward meals with family-friendly options
Dietitian tips to make the most of your meal delivery service
While meal kits are a real game-changer for so many people, they can necessitate some adjustment too. Here are some suggestions from our registered dietitians on how you can maximize what you get out of your meal kit.
Adjust delivery frequency based on your lifestyle
Maybe you only need support for a meal or two per week, or only want to lean on meal kits during busy or high-stress periods, a few times per year. Maybe sometimes you are looking for premade meals to heat and serve, but want the option of cooking when you have the time. Good news—most meal kits are ultra-customizable, allowing you to choose an amount of meals per week, and freeze your subscription. Make sure the one you choose allows this if you’re looking for more flexibility!
Customize meals or add sides for more variety
There are certain meal kits that offer add-ons or modifications—from extra side-dishes, to a double-protein option, and even a la carte grocery items. If you want more than just a meal, make sure to explore if the service you’re considering offers add-ons.
Storage and meal prep
Since meal kits are delivered in a box, you’ll need to unpack them ASAP when the products arrive to properly store and keep them fresh. If you get extra meals, or might not eat them right away, think of that week’s delivery as a meal prep. Cook them right away, and then you’ll have them ready to reheat and enjoy in a few days!
Get tailored support from a Culina Health dietitian
If you want personalized recommendations on what kind of meal kit service that would be best for your health goals, or are looking for guidance on healthy eating practices in general, get matched with a Culina Health dietitian today. You could pay as little as $0 out of pocket with insurance!
Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or application is intended for reference and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or other professional advice. If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately qualified and licensed medical services provider.
