Best Healthy Meal Delivery Services of 2023
Healthy meal delivery services have come a long way from the days of Nutrisystem and WeightWatchers. Today, consumers can be overwhelmed by the huge number of meal delivery services targeting weight loss and healthy living as goals of joining their programs. Meal delivery companies, like HelloFresh and Martha Stewart’s Marley Spoon, are focusing on providing consumers with nutritious, clean ingredients that naturally provide energy and, in many cases, factor in weight loss.
Whether you’re specifically looking for a meal plan that supports your dietary restrictions, a subscription to fit the whole family, or a service to help you increase your protein intake for workout recovery, this list has something for everyone.
Top 10 Healthy Meal Delivery Services
- Best Overall: Green Chef
- Best for Superfoods: Sakara Life
- Best Paleo-Friendly: Pete’s Paleo
- Best Plant-Based: Thistle
- Best for Active Lifestyles: Factor
- Best for In-store and Online Delivery: Snap Kitchen
- Best for Buying in Bulk: Clean Eatz Kitchen
- Best for Kids: Nurture Life
- Best for Families: One Potato
- Best Multi-Diet-Friendly: Splendid Spoon
What We Like
- Wide variety of diet preferences (including certified organic)
- Mix-and-match meals
- Clear recipe times
What We Dislike
- Have to cook (not heat-and-eat ready)
- Shipping not included ($9.99 per box)
- Pricier than other options
Green Chef is a meal delivery service that provides a little something for everyone between feeding bigger families, catering to various dietary options, and providing nutritional information alongside their healthy menu options. The brand is also the first meal kit company to be certified CCOF-organic, a heavily competing factor with many delivery services today.
Each meal comes with simple instructions that anyone can follow (and includes pictures), and most of the meals can be ready in approximately 30 minutes — perfect for even the busiest nights. The meals come with two, four, or six servings, making it an option even for bigger families. Plus, the wide range of dietary options means there is something for everyone. With several recipe options to choose from each week, you surely won’t get tired of the meals.
Those opting for Green Chef need to be ready to get in the kitchen, though, as the meal kits require cooking and don’t arrive with heat-and-eat simplicity.
Dietary Preferences: Keto, paleo, gluten-free, Fast & Fit, Mediterranean, vegan, vegetarian, low-carb, organic
Free Trial or First-Order Discount: Get up to $358 off your first 5 boxes
What We Like
- Packed with a variety of important superfoods
- A cleansing detox leaves you feeling refreshed
- You can choose your start date, length of program, and how many meals you want to receive for each day
What We Dislike
- Expensive
- Meals are not customizable
- May not appeal to picky eaters
Sakara is one meal delivery service that will leave you feeling like royalty after participating in one of its five programs. From antioxidants to superfoods and cleansing nutrients, Sakara is hands-down one of the top detoxifying resets on the market. As a 100% whole-food, plant-rich diet, Sakara focuses on consuming highly nutritional ingredients.
Don’t worry, though. Sakara’s program isn’t just salads and small bites. The service offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus teas, super bars, granola, nuts, and powders to snack on throughout the day.
The one drawback is that Sakara’s programs can be quite pricey (especially the bridal program). The signature nutrition program, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner for just two days, is $195 ($169 if you subscribe weekly). While this may be out of budget for some shoppers, it’s worth browsing reviews from happy customers — the price may be well worth it.
Dietary Preferences: Plant-based, organic
Free Trial or First-Order Discount: Receive $25 off your first Signature Nutrition Program or Metabolism Super Powder purchase when you sign up to receive emails
What We Like
- Menus change every week
- Good variety of dietary preferences
- Lots of meal plans to choose from
What We Dislike
- Somewhat pricey
- Not all orders ship free
- Ingredients list not available online
Pete’s Paleo is the perfect healthy meal delivery option for those who follow paleo-, keto-, or AIP-friendly food guidelines. The guidelines consist of foods such as lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds — exactly what you get when you order one of Pete’s five available meal plans.
Each plan offers something different as far as the number of days, meals, and the frequency you want your meals. Customize your deliveries by choosing between three to five days of meals for four weeks, five to 14 meals to feed the whole family, or even a set of frozen meals to make healthy eating a breeze for those always on the go. The company also just launched Pete’s Breakfast Bundle, offering healthy breakfasts that are easy to reheat and eat but nutritionally dense enough to keep you going for hours.
Our favorite thing about Pete’s Paleo delivery kit is the constantly changing menu based on what its farmers are growing. Fresh, in-season foods will always be part of your delivery.
Dietary Preferences: Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), paleo, Low FODMAP, keto
Free Trial or First-Order Discount: Up to 3 free meals with your first week's purchase
What We Like
- Shows breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and dessert for each day
- You can see a preview of current and next week's meals
- Offers high-quality ingredients and superfoods
What We Dislike
- Only delivers to some parts of the Western US
- Shipped meals are preset (can not be customized)
- No option for specific menu plans based on dietary restrictions, serving sizes, etc.
If you’re looking for a way to get more plants in your diet, Thistle is the way to go. Not only does the company support plant-based diets, but it also offers vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.
Thistle offers a wide variety of plant-based meals, smoothies, soups, salads, and snacks to keep you going when you’re at your busiest. All of its ingredients are sourced locally, with the majority being organic. With Thistle, you’ll not only be able to view the current week’s menu, but you’ll also get a sneak peek into the menu for the following week. Plus, Thistle doesn’t limit options to strictly plant-based and vegan meals — those who may be plant-based 50 to 80% of the time will still have the option to add on some meat.
Unfortunately, Thistle’s main drawback may prevent many of you from enjoying its meals. The company only offers local delivery to customers in California, and shipping is exclusive to those located in the West region of the US. Before you commit, visit Thistle’s website to see if delivery is available in your area.
Dietary Preferences: Gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, vegan
Free Trial or First-Order Discount: $120 off first 5 weeks
What We Like
- Low-calorie dishes offered, along with dietary preferences
- 29+ options to choose from each week
- Flexible meal plan
What We Dislike
- Expensive
- Limited plant-based options
- Not family-friendly
Factor focuses on encouraging healthy lifestyles and is the perfect kit for busy, active individuals looking for quick, nutritious meals readily available at any time. Each meal is designed individually by a team of dietitians to provide the perfect portion of high-quality nutritional ingredients. They are also pre-prepared, so instead of cooking over a hot stove, you can be at the gym, doing what you do best. When you’re ready to eat, it takes two minutes to reheat your fresh meal, and you’re ready to eat.
Factor offers a number of dietary options, including vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free choices, and many of the meals offer low-calorie, low-carb, and high-protein options — all of which are important choices for those targeting weight loss and muscle building.
You have the option of choosing between four and 18 meals per week, making Factor a great option for those looking to simply mix up their meals or add protein. And if you’re concerned about being restricted on Factor’s plans, don’t fret — there are plenty of options for desserts, shakes, and smoothies that will satisfy all of your cravings.
While Factor is the best for those who lead active lifestyles, everyone will benefit from the nutrition-packed foods the kits offer.
Dietary Preferences: Calorie smart, keto, vegan, vegetarian, high-protein
Free Trial or First-Order Discount: Save up to $241 across 5 boxes (first-time subscribers)
What We Like
- Free shipping
- Good variety of meal options
- Designed by registered dietitian
What We Dislike
- Pricey
- Only delivers to certain locations in the US
- Only 6- or 12-meal plan options
Snap Kitchen’s meals were developed by a registered dietitian, creating healthy meals with real ingredients, free from preservatives, antibiotics, artificial sweeteners, and hormones. Whether you order six or 12 meals per week, each comes fully prepped and cooked, making it easier than ever to pop in the microwave, heat, and eat within minutes. Many of the meals are around the 350 to 450 calorie range, so the service may be great for those looking to decrease their calories. But those who play sports or are more active would probably need a snack within a few hours.
After creating a base plan of dietary options and foods you like, you have between 35 and 40 recipes to choose from. Even though this is a decent variety, consumers have stated that the food can feel repetitive all month long, decreasing the excitement often found with meal delivery services.
This might be the perfect option for you if you’re looking for a simple delivery service that supports basic dietary options with fresh meals. Snap Kitchen is currently available in cities across 11 metropolitan areas in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. You also may be able to snag delivery if you live in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, Virginia, or West Virginia. Head to their website or app to check availability in your area.
Dietary Preferences: Gluten-free, high-protein, low-carb, keto, paleo, Whole30
Free Trial or First-Order Discount: Get $10 off each of your first 4 orders with sign up for email and SMS ($40 value)
What We Like
- Buy in bulk
- High-protein options, dessert bars, new pizza options
- Sends a variety of meals to sample
What We Dislike
- Doesn't offer subscriptions
- Meals come frozen
Clean Eatz Kitchen is great for those looking to lose weight without committing to a subscription. All of its meals are recommended for weight loss, support several dietary options, and are under 600 calories. The meals are perfect for those always on the go, as they are fully cooked and arrive flash-frozen. All you have to do is heat it in the oven, stove, microwave, or even the air fryer.
The company also offer items for breakfast, dinner for two, and a new pizza menu. (Any meal plan supporting weight loss while still being able to indulge in pizza should automatically be a must-try!)
Clean Eatz Kitchen offers several meal plans, including keto, high-protein, weight loss, or fully customized to your preferences. You can pick five different meals, including breakfast items, dinners for two, or even pizza. While you can pick the number of meals you want, customers also have the option of ordering meals in bulk, so you never have to worry about those empty stomach growls.
Dietary Preferences: Keto, high-protein, weight loss, gluten-free
Free Trial or First-Order Discount: None
What We Like
- Good for picky eaters
- Good prices
- Hides veggies and other nutritious foods kids may not typically eat
What We Dislike
- Delivery meals for kids only
- Not a lot of dietary options
- Limited options for cold lunches
If you’re looking for a new approach to getting your child to eat healthy, nutritious foods without a fight, this may be it. Nurture Life was designed specifically for kids by a mother of two in the same position millions of other parents are struggling with today. Using Nurture Life removes the need to spend time and energy cooking foods from scratch by providing babies, toddlers, and kids with nutritious, delicious foods with clean ingredients.
Nurture Life focuses on giving kids organic produce, sustainable proteins, and healthy whole grains to encourage healthy development. The company offers finger foods and kids’ meals, both power-packed with protein in every meal and not shy on the vegetables. The meals start at $6.89 per serving, with a minimum order of six meals. But if you order at least nine meals, you’ll automatically get free shipping. Don’t forget to tack on smoothies and mighty bites, both of which contain protein and fiber to keep the little ones satisfied all day long.
Dietary Preferences: Allergy-friendly
Free Trial or First-Order Discount: Get 50% off for a limited time
What We Like
- Family-friendly (kids can help cook)
- Special portions and pricing for kids
- Ingredients arrive chopped, ready to cook
What We Dislike
- Not as much meal variety to choose from
- Can't customize ingredients in meals
- Doesn't deliver to all 50 states
One Potato is the perfect option for big families or those looking for quality family time around the dinner table. Life gets busy, and we all need a little help in the kitchen sometimes. One Potato shows the importance of eating together as a family and the benefits of doing so. When you sign up, they ask you how many members you have in your household, the kids’ ages, and any dietary restrictions. Once you’re finished, you can choose from the meal plans recommended or pick your own based on your family’s personal preferences.
The meal kit offers two or three meals to be delivered each week and can accommodate between two and six people. Various meals are offered, including salads, vegan pizza, and pasta dishes. It also offers seasonal dishes based on the ingredients available. For busy families that don’t always have time to prepare meals or snacks, One Potato offers lunch, dinner, smoothies, and even cookie dough for the perfect treat for a family movie.
One Potato is a solid mealtime solution created by a family for families.
Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, vegan, nut-free, organic, non-GMO, gluten-free (GF cookie dough is available as well)
Free Trial or First-Order Discount: Get 35% off your first box with code: BTS35
What We Like
- Offers bulk orders
- Free shipping
- On-demand box
What We Dislike
- A little on the pricey side
- Not all ingredients are organic
- Food delivery only on Wednesday or Friday
Splendid Spoon is a fully ready-to-go meal delivery service that focuses on resetting the body with plant-based, high-fiber meals and eliminating processed foods, animal proteins, or inflammatory dairy products that may be negatively affecting the body. The company’s resets (which are customizable when you create your box) come with light soups and snacks throughout the day for nourishment while you drink lots of water to flush out any toxins your body may be carrying.
Splendid Spoon’s main plans include breakfast; breakfast, lunch, and reset; breakfast, lunch, dinner, and reset; lunch; and breakfast and lunch. Between all of its smoothies and meals, prices range from $65 to $160, depending on which box you choose. After you choose the box you want, you can customize which smoothies, bowls, and full-day resets you’d like in your box.
This delivery service is perfect for those looking to up their intake of fruits and vegetables or who are extra health conscious. It’s also great for those who don’t have a lot of time to cook, as smoothies and wellness shots require a decent amount of shopping and preparing.
Dietary Preferences: Plant-based, gluten-free
Free Trial or First-Order Discount: Save $105 with code: GoodbyeSummer
Staying Healthy Without the Fuss
Healthy meal kit services promise healthful, nutritious meals made from real ingredients delivered to your door each week — without compromising on taste. Each of these plans offers something for everyone: those living alone following a vegan diet, others trying to lose weight, and family-friendly kits to feed everyone at the table. Take away the hassle of meal planning, grocery shopping, and hours of prep. These high-quality, healthy meal services are making lives easier one kitchen at a time.
FAQs
What is the healthiest prepared meal delivery service?
While all of these meal delivery services are considered healthy, everyone’s definition of “healthy” differs to some extent. Snap Kitchen is high on our list because it offers meals that are specifically designed by a registered dietitian and completely free from preservatives, artificial ingredients, hormones, or any other toxins we find elsewhere. Caring about the ingredients we put into our bodies is crucial to our health, and it shows over time. While any of these 10 services are great choices, Snap Kitchen is one of the healthiest.
What is the cheapest and healthiest meal delivery service?
One Potato and Clean Eatz seem to be the most cost-effective when it comes to prices, but both brands support the “save more by spending more” concept. While One Potato comes fresh, Clean Eatz is delivered frozen, making it easier to stock up and still save money by ensuring no food is wasted.
What is the best weight-loss meal delivery program?
Any of these meal services would likely be a good choice as a weight-loss meal program because of their high nutrition, clean ingredients, and healthy portions. However, our top pick is Clean Eatz Kitchen since its meals are all under 600 calories. It even has options for keto, high-protein, gluten-free, and specific weight-loss meal plans to help you stay on track with your meals.