The Best Healthy Meal Delivery Services, Expert-Tested and Dietitian-Approved (2025)

Why We Like It

For athletes wanting a meal kit delivery service offering an impressive range of nutritious dishes, it’s tough to find a subscription as well-rounded as Home Chef. The platform’s weekly rotating menu has an abundance of premade meals and bundled recipes, giving you room to cater your orders to your available time each night.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, also appreciates the ingredient quality of this service, rating Home Chef at 4 out of 5 for the category. “The ingredients all seem fresh, and I appreciate the recommended timeframes for safe keeping. Yes, the three to six days of storage may mean that some items go bad before cooking, but that’s sort of expected when you’re dealing with fresh produce and proteins.” That said, we have had some instances with less-than-fresh produce, particularly spring onions, but the brand is quick to resolve any issues via the Customer Service portal.

We also like the variety of each weekly meal, scoring the service at 5 out of 5. Each week, you can choose between 44 different entrees and up to 24 ‘extras’ like side dishes, soups, breakfast items, and more. Plus, while Home Chef doesn’t cater to specific dietary needs, we have been able to locate dishes with tags such as Vegetarian, Calorie-Conscious, Carb-Conscious, Keto-Friendly, and Gluten-Smart. “You also have the option to swap certain proteins out prior to purchase, which can be beneficial for athletes following a vegan diet,” adds our tester.

Preparation can vary with Home Chef depending on your meal style of choice. Premade dishes just need a few minutes in the oven or microwave for cooking, while some of the recipe cards do call for 20+ minutes between prep, cooking, and cleanup. Be sure to plan accordingly before adding meals to your order.

Finally, we appreciate that Home Chef offers nutritional information for each meal online but rate the subscription at 4 out of 5 for the category since the information is not available on the provided recipe cards. If you prefer to choose your nightly meals based on the nutritional info, consider a service with on-packaging specs like Factor or BistroMD.

Read our full Home Chef Review.

Why We Like It

Perhaps your schedule just doesn’t allow for home-cooked meal prep. Rather than trying to scarf down dishes when you can and relying on the best protein powders for in-between macronutrients, BistroMD’s menu of frozen, ready-to-heat meals can help ensure each plate is as convenient as ever. We also like this service given its dietitian-approved roster of dishes covering multiple cuisine types including vegan-friendly, heart healthy, diabetes-friendly, and more.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, scores the variety at 5 out of 5, stating, “The meal options are robust and I really appreciate the quantity of options available for each order. Plus, I like how BistroMD gives you the control of choosing your ordered dishes even outside your original meal plan.”

Upon signing up for the subscription, you’re instructed to choose a specific meal plan from the listed options — Signature, Gluten-Free, Heart Healthy, Keto Flex, Diabetic, Menopause, or Vegan. Next, you’ll select your preferred number of meals each week, which can range from 10 to 20 servings. While these totals may be a detriment for those with limited freezer space, our tester does note that eating multiple servings per session isn’t out of the question. “Each serving is roughly 400 calories or less, so you do feel less satiated with these meals,” they state in reference to their 3.5 out of 5 portion size rating. “I think this is a good option for those counting calories, but the low-calorie dishes, in my opinion, are a less sustainable option for those with higher macronutrient needs each day.”

Preparing BistroMD meals is a breeze given the premade nature of each dish. Simply follow the instructions listed on the packaging and get ready for a quick, hot meal within a few minutes. We rate the taste at 4 out of 5, too, but be logical when comparing it to your favorite prepared meals. After all, a microwaveable dish is likely to have less flavor than a meal prepared in the oven or atop a stove. If you’d prefer that home-cooked vibe, consider a meal kit subscription such as Home Chef or Purple Carrot.

Why We Like It

Meal prepping on the go can be a hassle between heading to the grocery store, preparing your meals at home, and ensuring you’re utilizing the most nutrient-dense foods before their expiration dates. Heat-and-serve meal kits can take the hassle out of your wellness regimen with quick-convenient servings that take just a few minutes to heat up. Our favorite of the bunch is Factor given its impressive menu of available dishes along with elevated flavor profiles that take this subscription beyond what you’d classify as a TV dinner.

We score the taste at a 4 out of 5 and do feel that the available servings are a nice method to tackling better nutrition. “I had a steak filet that was pink in the middle — what I’d expect from a restaurant or what I’d be able to achieve on my stovetop,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer. “It was a definite surprise considering it took just a few minutes in the microwave. The other Factor dishes I tested seemed to have high-quality ingredients, too.”

If you’re just getting a grip on how to count macros, Factor can also be a worthwhile healthy meal delivery service thanks to the clear nutritional information plastered across the packaging. We rate the available information at 5 out of 5, too, since you can log your data as you eat meals without any scrolling or swapping between apps. This, in turn, can help ensure you remember to log each dish for better data tracking.

One of the main issues with Factor over a meal kit service is the fact that the pre-packaged dishes are less customizable, meaning you can’t exactly swap out a protein source or side to accommodate any dietary restrictions. “I’ll also add that the basic layout of each meal is a protein, a vegetable, and a carb like rice or noodles,” notes our tester, who rates the customizations at 4 out of 5. “While not a terrible layout by any means, it can begin to get repetitive. I strongly recommend mixing up your orders when possible to avoid any burnout.” If you are in need of diet-based alterations, consider a service like Home Chef or BistroMD that do allow for such changes prior to shipping.

Read our full Factor Review.

Why We Like It

“Protein is a critical macronutrient that serves as a building block for muscle and plays a vital role in building and repairing tissues within the body,” notes Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD. (2) As such, it can be key to ensure your meal delivery service can, well, deliver adequate protein counts with each serving. For athletes wanting a healthy high-protein meal kit, we recommend Fuel Meals. The available dishes feature protein-forward recipes like Steak Quesadilla, Salmon Broccoli and Brown Rice, and Buffalo Chicken Pizza, and the brand even offers a la carte protein bundles for extra servings of high-protein snacks to help you hit your daily intake goals.

Like other prepared meal kits like Factor and BistroMD, Fuel offers microwave-ready meals that can be prepared in an instant. “The BPA-free containers heat up well, and there’s practically no cleanup,” notes our tester, a certified personal trainer who rates the preparation at a perfect 5 out of 5. “If you’re less experienced in the cooking department, this can be a great option to ensure you’re still getting in some healthy eating each day.”

Taste-wise, our testers note that Fuel Meals are enjoyable enough for regular consumption and are an improved profile over your grocery store-bought frozen dishes. Accordingly, we rate the taste at 5 out of 5 but do give a caveat that you shouldn’t expect world-class flavors. “They’re tasty, for sure, but you can create more robust flavor notes with home-cooked meal kits like Home Chef or Purple Carrot,” our tester adds.

Each weekly menu features a few dozen entrée options alongside a la carte protein picks like chicken breast, protein brownies, or turkey burgers, among others. Unfortunately, though, Fuel Meals does not allow for recipe customizations, and there are no plant-based meals to choose from, making this a less ideal solution for those with strict dietary needs. We score the variety at 3 out of 5 and suggest other options like Factor or Tempo for those needing to plan around specific sensitivities or nutritional demands. We also score the value at 2 out of 5 since the starting price per meal ($12.95) is higher than other meal delivery services we’ve tested, which typically come in closer to $10 per dish.

Why We Like It

A solid strategy for getting down to your preferred weight is to combine some of the best exercises for weight loss with a well-rounded, nutrient-rich meal plan. Unfortunately, grocery shopping for (and preparing) weight loss-oriented dishes can be a challenge if you aren’t experienced with calorie-conscious food options. Diet-to-Go offers ready-made meal bundles in a structured menu profile, eliminating the guess work and preparation that can sideline your wellness goals.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, also likes this meal service for weight loss given its approachable price point. “With meals costing less than $10 per serving, it’s an easier solution than some of the pricey meal delivery subscriptions out there,” they add. “The convenience of the heat-and-serve dishes earns a 3.5 out of 5, too, given that reheating dishes will take some planning but there’s far less cleanup than what you’d have with a meal kit you prepare at home on your own.”

Each Diet-to-Go order gives you five weeks of prepared dishes with each recipe tailored to your desired palate. We appreciate the available vegetarian, keto-friendly, Mediterranean, and low-carb foods, scoring the variety at 5 out of 5. However, there’s little room for customization, meaning you cannot swap, say, a single serving of salmon for a top plant source of protein. If you prefer to have the power for alterations, it may be best to opt for a meal kit service like Home Chef or Green Chef that have you prepare the meals on your own, leaving you less at the mercy of the single-serving packaging.

Speaking of servings, our tester states that each Diet-to-Go meal ranges from 300 to 500 calories. While these numbers can be great for supporting weight loss journeys, they can influence your satiety and leave you wanting more. “I expected smaller portions given the weight loss theme, but some meals were tragically small while others were very filling,” they state in reference to their 3.5 out of 5 portion size rating. “I would have appreciated a little more consistency in this department.”

Why We Like It

Eating healthy on a budget does take some strategic planning, but it is still a feasible goal. EveryPlate — a popular meal kit delivery service — can make that achievement much less stressful thanks to its array of delicious meals and affordable price point of $7.99 per dish. We score the value at 5 out of 5, too, since the cost per serving does not change with your order total.

Caine Wilkes, BarBend editorial team member and former Olympian, tested EveryPlate for multiple weeks and states that flavor is not lost with this budget-friendly meal kit. “Naturally, you can play around with spices to suit your preferences, but I found the protein options and sides to be plenty flavorful from the start,” he notes in reference to his 5-out-of-5 taste rating. “I also like that you have the chance to add on a la carte items for nights where you know your appetite will be a little larger.”

Given that EveryPlate is a meal kit service, you will need to plan for meal prep with each dish. Wilkes notes that while the available recipe cards are detailed and thorough, the suggested timing is a bit misleading. “Between ingredient prep, actual cooking, and post-meal cleanup, you can easily spend over 20 minutes on a specific meal,” he states. As such, we rate the prep at a conservative 3 out of 5. If you are in a bit of a time crunch each week, it may be best to opt for a prepared meal service such as BistroMD or Factor.

When it comes to menu variety, EveryPlate earns a 4 out of 5 rating. Each week, the rotating menu features over 30 entrees along with the aforementioned side dish add-ons. You can filter through the available options to suit different dietary needs like paleo, dairy-free, nut-free, or plant-based, but the legwork is a little more intense — you’ll need to scan through the available nutritional information to ensure your dishes are accommodating to your specific palate. Other services may offer more tailored menus for a more convenient shopping experience.

Read our full EveryPlate Review.

Why We Like It

Looking to fuel your entire family with a robust meal delivery service? We recommend HelloFresh as the best meal kit for large households given its large rotating menu of over 100 different entrees and market items. Plus, the easy-to-follow recipe cards can be great for getting the whole family in on dinner preparation, which studies associated with improved dietary quality, health outcomes, and family dynamics. (3)

Our tester has subscribed to HelloFresh for multiple years and does appreciate the level of variety with each new box. “I’ve seen the brand’s offerings expand since first signing up, and I really enjoy the simplicity of trying new dishes and cuisines,” they state in reference to their 5-out-of-5 variety rating. We also score the preparation at 4.5 out of 5 since most recipes require minimal cookware and take less than one hour to complete. “I only deduct a half-point given that some meals can take up to 45 [minutes] in cooking, which is to be expected when preparing up to six servings,” notes our tester.

As impressive as HelloFresh’s menu is, we do note that the offerings are tailored to specific dietary needs and different types of diets. You will need to do some further research if planning a weekly menu around certain allergens or sensitivities. Given the scope of the available foods, though, we’re confident that you can find worthwhile dishes.

Another main callout with this family-friendly meal kit service is the ingredient quality. Our tester states that it’s not uncommon to receive bruised or wilted produce. “It’s not a major gripe, but I do wish the produce was better packaged,” they state in reference to our 3.5-out-of-5 quality rating. “I’ve yet to notice any issues with dairy or proteins, though, and I do like that HelloFresh sources everything from U.S.-based farmers.” If ingredient quality is a top concern, we recommend services like Green Chef or Purple Carrot, which have earned 4.5- and 5-out-of-5 ratings for ingredient quality, respectively.

Read our full HelloFresh Review.

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for a healthy meal delivery service to complement your supplement regimen of the best vegan protein powders, consider Purple Carrot. This subscription is entirely plant-based across its range of meal kits and prepared dishes, making it an excellent option for those abstaining from meat or athletes simply wanting some extra veggies in their routine.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, traditionally eats standard meat-based dishes, but was surprised at the flavor and portions of these vegan meals. “The ingredients are fresh, and I really was surprised at how satiated I was post-dinner,” they note. Accordingly, we rate the taste at 5 out of 5 and portions at 4 out of 5.

Purple Carrot offers both meal kits and heat-and-serve dishes, which can be great for different schedule constraints. However, this subscription service is entirely plant-based, meaning you cannot opt for a meat-based protein option. If you must have meat-centric dishes, consider other meal kits like HelloFresh, Home Chef, or Green Chef.

When it comes to preparing the meal kits, our tester found the recipe cards to be easy enough to follow. However, we rate the preparation at a modest 3 out of 5 since some of the instructions can be, let’s say, a little too simplified. “You can certainly create tasty dishes by following along to the cards,” states our tester, “But having cooked plant-based dishes in the past, I know that certain steps are missing. Take the tofu-based dish I sampled — there were no steps on drying out the tofu prior to cooking, which can help regulate moisture levels and lead to a better end result.”

Finally, we rate the value of this healthy meal delivery service at 3 out of 5 given the slightly expensive starting price of $11 per serving. However, Purple Carrot’s attention to detail and entirely plant-based menu does make up for the higher cost, in our opinion — we’re willing to pay a little extra given the breadth of assortment that’s otherwise hard to find when seeking completely-plant-based menu items.

Why We Like It

For those that value using organic ingredients in each recipe, or those that specifically search for the best organic protein powders, Green Chef can be a healthy meal delivery service worth considering. Each delivered meal is constructed from organic goods with emphasis on sourcing ingredients from local suppliers. Plus, the whole-food sources are aplenty with over 80 entrée and market items available each week.

Granted, our tester states that not every Green Chef delivery contained all-organic produce, but they add that the brand is quick to notify of any necessary swaps. “I had one order that included some general red bell peppers, but they were accompanied by a note that stated the non-organic inclusions were due to a temporary shortage,” they state. “Other than this, I had no issues regarding the freshness and quality.”

As far as portions are concerned, Green Chef can be a suitable service for single or small households given the four meal options per week. “Some meals were plenty filling, but others did have me feeling peckish a few hours later,” our tester adds in reference to their 4-out-of-5 portions rating. “I also scored the ingredients conservatively at 3 out of 5 since some of the sizes were less than ideal when it came to fulfilling the recipes. Some veggies, like garlic cloves, were relatively small, leading to less food on my plate and the resulting hunger.”

We score the preparation at 3 out of 5, too, since the recipe cards do call for multiple kitchen items to create a single dish. “Some cards tried to keep everything to one pan or pot, but it simply wasn’t feasible for every meal,” our tester states. “Thankfully, though, the instructions are easy to follow.” If you’d prefer a more convenient meal prep, consider Green Chef’s prepared menu items, or a different service such as Factor or BistroMD.

As a final note, we do appreciate that Green Chef includes physical recipe cards over digital instructions. These pamphlets can be saved for future use and allow organic athletes to create a personal directory of their favorite meals. It’s a small detail, but one that could come in handy if the meal kit subscription sparks a new love affair with cooking.

Why We Like It

For single athletes, it can be difficult to find a worthwhile healthy meal kit that’s feasible and financially worthwhile. After all, you don’t want to be wasting money on goods that will expire in your fridge before you can get to it. However, meal subscriptions like Splendid Spoon can be a high-quality alternative to takeout orders of high-protein fast food each night thanks to the brand’s approachable price point and easy-to-prepare, microwave-ready dishes.

Having used Splendid Spoon in the past, I do appreciate the convenience of the heat-and-serve style. Rather than dirtying up multiple dishes for a quick dinner, you simply pop the sustainable packaging (I rate the recycling capabilities at 5 out of 5) in the microwave, and wait for the food to heat throughout. I also score the prep time at 5 out of 5 since the instructions are specific to each meal, meaning there are fewer chances for a cold dish or bites that vary in temperature.

For those unfamiliar with Splendid Spoon, the service is entirely plant-based, similar to Purple Carrot. This may be a detriment to those seeking meat-based dishes or those wanting high-calorie meals for bulking. Additionally, I score the portions at a modest 3.5 out of 5 since some of the meals can leave you wanting more toward the end of the night. Granted, I am an active individual and require more calories for proper fueling, but I would suggest using this service as a quick substitute or workplace lunch source over a dedicated meal plan. For those needing further sustenance from their prepared meals, consider a subscription like Factor or Fuel Meals.

Despite the smaller portions, I cannot praise the taste enough. Yes, these are microwave-ready meals, so they aren’t comparable to fresh ingredients, but the included vegetables and noodles are flavorful and a definite treat, particularly for those that enjoy plant-based, vegan-friendly meals. The brand also offers a range of soups, noodles, smoothies, and wellness shots for some added variety. Overall, I rate the taste at 4 out of 5.

Why We Like It

We at BarBend understand that every diet is different and some athletes need to take extra precautions when choosing meal options and supplements — there’s a reason we have round-ups dedicated to the best lactose-free protein powders and other specific nutrition products. For athletes wanting a healthy meal kit that can be tailored to your specific diet, we recommend Tempo. The service offers prepared dishes catering to labels like High-Protein, Fiber-Rich, Carb-Conscious, and Calorie-Conscious. Plus, the nutritional information (including all ingredients and allergens) are well-labeled across both the online recipe pages and physical packaging.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, scores the variety at 5 out of 5, stating, “There are multiple dishes I tried that were robust and enticing. I do warn, though, that this is more of a traditional menu, meaning there are no plant-based or vegan-friendly meals to choose from.” If you’re in need of plant-based options, consider a service like Purple Carrot or Splendid Spoon, which feature completely plant-based menus.

Tempo meals are crafted from fresh ingredients, but there are no details on whether they are certified organic. That said, our tester notes that reheating these meals in the microwave is a breeze, rating the ease of preparation at 5 out of 5. “Even with the microwavable makeup, each meal features solid textures comparable to other high-quality heat-and-serve options.”

This healthy meal delivery service has servings available for $10.98 and up with discounts applied for first-time subscribers and those that prefer to buy in bulk. While this price tag is enough to earn the bundle a 3-out-of-5 rating for value, we do note that Tempo is not available in as large of a delivery range as other meal services. The brand does ask to confirm that deliveries are available in your area prior to sign-up, though, so you aren’t caught off-guard prior to inputting your payment information.