Best Meal Kits for Weight Loss: Reviews and Recommendations

In today's fast-paced world, finding the time to shop for fresh ingredients, plan meals, and cook can be a challenge. Meal delivery services offer a convenient solution, but with so many options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This article explores some of the best meal kits for weight loss, considering factors like meal types, suitability for various diets, ingredient quality, flavor variety, and cost.

How Meal Delivery Services Were Evaluated

Healthline experts and editors have rigorously tested over 35 popular meal prep companies to identify the best options for various budgets, diets, and lifestyles. The evaluation process included:

• Thorough Vetting: The Medical Standards and Insights team carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services, fact-checking health claims, evaluating menus and ingredients, and examining each brand's reputation.
• Personal Testing: Testers selected a week's worth of meals from multiple menus to gain a comprehensive understanding of the flavors and ingredients offered.
• Stringent Standards: Meal delivery services were assessed based on their adherence to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety and manufacturing regulations.

Top Meal Kits for Weight Loss

Here are some of the top-rated meal kits for weight loss, based on expert reviews and testing:

1. Trifecta

Trifecta is a popular prepared meal delivery service, particularly among the CrossFit community. It was also recently featured on Netflix's "You Are What You Eat."

• Pros:
  • Organic and locally-sourced ingredients
  • Well-balanced portions formulated by dietitians
  • Meals range from 350 to 550 calories
• Cons:
  • May not be as flavorful as some other services

Each Trifecta meal averages between 350 to 550 calories, depending on the chosen plan, with options for low-carb and paleo-compliant dishes. The service offers five different plans: clean, Paleo & Whole 30 friendly, keto, plant-based, and GLP-1 friendly. All meals are developed by a team of dietitians, chefs, and doctors, and come in vacuum-sealed containers that last up to seven days in the fridge or three months in the freezer. Testers praised the "variety of meals" and "convenience," reporting satisfying portions and a stress-free week with access to healthy meals. While the meals may not be the most flavorful, they offer a good balance of carbs, protein, and fat, making them ideal for weight management and staying active.

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• Type: Prepared meals
• Cost: Approximately $15 per meal, with a flat $9.99 shipping fee (except for Alaska and Hawaii, which have a $49.99 shipping fee)
• Plans: Select seven, 10, or 14 entrees per delivery
• Packaging: The plastics and ClimaCell panels are 100% recyclable
• Availability: Delivery throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii

2. Dinnerly

Dinnerly is an affordable meal delivery service with a large weekly menu.

• Pros:
  • Affordable meal kits
  • Options for low-calorie meals
  • Large selection of vegetarian items
  • Good for beginner cooks
• Cons:
  • Items don't come as organized as other services

Dinnerly offers over 100 weekly recipes, most of which can be made in 30 minutes or less. There are calorie-conscious options at 650 calories or less per meal, and the recipes have just a few ingredients, reducing chopping and cleaning time. The dedicated low-calorie meals are great for those looking to lose weight, and the service suggests recipes based on your taste profile. The vegetarian offerings are substantial, and the meals are great for beginner cooks. Testers raved about the "large portion sizes, delicious flavor, and easy-to-follow recipes." To cut costs, items don't come as organized as some other more expensive services, but the quality of ingredients remains high.

• Type: Standard meal kit
• Cost: $4.99 to $8.49 per serving + $11.99 shipping fee
• Plans: Choose two to six meals per week for two or four people
• Packaging: The box and separator inside are SFI certified and can be recycled in any curbside paper recycling bin
• Availability: Delivery to most of the contiguous United States

3. Factor

Factor is known for its calorie-conscious, individually portioned meals that are ready to eat in minutes.

• Pros:
  • Meals are designed with registered dietitians
  • Offers a complimentary nutrition consultation
  • Calorie Smart plan features meals with 550 calories or less
• Cons:
  • Meals can be high in saturated fat

Each dish is designed by registered dietitians and chefs, and the service offers a complimentary nutrition consultation with a Factor dietitian, as well as more in-depth nutrition coaching for long-term weight loss programming. While Factor offers a few different plans, they are most known for their popular Keto offerings but also have plans including Protein Plus, Calorie Smart, Flexitarian, Vegan + Veggie, Chef's Choice and more. The Calorie Smart plan focuses on meals with 550 calories or less, and all meals arrive fresh, never frozen. The meals' high protein counts help keep you full. Some of the meals, especially the keto-compliant ones, can be high in fat and sodium. Overall, meal variety and portion sizes were highly rated in tests for Factor.

• Type: Prepared meals
• Cost: Meals range from $11.49 to $13.99, with $11 shipping per delivery
• Plans: Select six to 18 dishes per delivery
• Packaging: Boxes can be broken down and placed with curbside recycling. The insulation is also curbside recyclable
• Availability: Delivery in the contiguous United States

4. BistroMD

BistroMD focuses on nutritious prepared meals specifically designed for weight loss.

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• Pros:
  • Over 150 meals to choose from
  • Prepared meals are ready in five minutes or less
  • All plans cater to weight loss
• Cons:
  • More expensive shipping fee

The service also has plans catering to different medical conditions like diabetes, heart health, and menopause. The menu selection is substantial, with over 150 meals per week to choose from on their Signature Program. Dishes arrive frozen and just need a quick reheating. The service even has a team of in-house registered dietitians that can create a custom diet program. BistroMD meals are balanced, satisfying, and science-backed. Testers gave the service top marks for convenience, variety, freshness of ingredients, and ease of reheating the meals, saying they loved that the dishes required no prep work which helped improve compliance.

• Type: Prepared meals
• Cost: $10.99 to $14.99 per meal, plus a $19.95 shipping fee
• Plans: Choose five or seven days worth of meals per delivery
• Packaging: Entrees arrive in a 100% post-consumer recycled shipping box with dry ice and a biodegradable liner for insulation
• Availability: Delivery to the contiguous United States

5. Green Chef

Green Chef is a USDA-certified organic meal kit service with a variety of health-conscious meal plans.

• Pros:
  • Calorie Smart plan available
  • USDA-certified organic ingredients
  • All meals can be made in 45 minutes or less
• Cons:
  • Instructions can sometimes be complex, with many pots and pans

Green Chef offers a wide variety of health-conscious meal plans, including their Calorie Smart selection which features meals at 650 calories or less. Additional options include Mediterranean, plant-based, protein packed, keto and gluten-free. Testers loved the portion sizes and great flavor. On the downside, some testers noted that the instructions could be a bit complex and required many pans and bowls, but that the pictures on the recipe cards were very helpful.

• Type: Standard meal kit
• Cost: $11.99 per serving, plus an $11 shipping fee
• Plans: Two, four or six people. Three or four meals per week
• Packaging: Most packaging is recyclable, except when it cannot be for food safety and quality reasons. Green Chef uses ClimaCell, a curbside recyclable insulation
• Availability: Delivery to the majority of the continental United States

6. EveryPlate

EveryPlate is one of the most affordable meal delivery services on the market.

• Pros:
  • Affordable and delicious meals
  • Calorie Smart plan offers recipes under 650 calories
  • Good for beginner cooks
• Cons:
  • Items don't come as organized as other services

There are over 25 dishes to choose from each week, but not every dish is low calorie. Make sure to opt for their Calorie Smart plan, which features a nice assortment of meals around 650 calories or less per serving. Multiple testers remarked on the helpful instructions, which come with pictures that made it easy to prep and plan ahead while cooking. The items aren't as carefully packaged as other kits, which cuts down on unnecessary plastic. The box itself and insulation are solid.

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• Type: Standard meal kit
• Cost: $5.99 per serving + $10 shipping fee
• Plans: Two, four or six people. Three to five meals per week
• Packaging: Boxes and separators are 100% curbside recyclable
• Availability: Delivery to the majority of the continental United States

7. Blue Apron

Blue Apron is one of the original meal delivery services, offering both standard meal kits and prepared meals.

• Pros:
  • Wide variety of plans, including premade meals
  • 600 Calories or Less meal preference available
  • Fresh ingredients and inventive recipes
• Cons:
  • Premium options come at an added cost

They consider your preferences upfront by letting you select 600 Calories or Less Meals, 30g of Protein Meals and/or Carb Conscious Meals. Testers loved the fresh ingredients and variety of proteins and spices. The lower-calorie meals didn't sacrifice flavor either, and the dishes had pretty generous portions. Sugar, saturated fats, and fiber were taken into consideration in their menus. Many said the meals were delicious and inventive and the recipe cards offered simple step-by-step instructions.

• Type: Standard meal kit, prepared meals
• Cost: $7.99 - 11.99 per serving + $11 shipping fee
• Plans: Choose two to five meals per week for two or four people on their meal kits
• Packaging: 85% of packaging is recyclable by weight
• Availability: Delivery is available to the contiguous United States

8. HelloFresh

HelloFresh is a consistent meal kit delivery service with reasonably-priced meals, well-done recipe cards, and solid packaging features.

• Pros:
  • Fit & Wholesome plan includes meals under 650 calories
  • Items are well-packaged and organized
  • Easy to follow recipe cards
• Cons:
  • Limited lower calorie options each week

If you opt for their Fit and Wholesome plan, you'll find dietitian-approved meals all under 650 calories per serving that are inventive and delicious, though the selection isn't the biggest we have seen. The instruction cards were easy to follow and the packaging proved to be superior to other services tested, in terms of both performance and sustainability. Testers gave this service top overall scores for quality, saying that the food tasted great.

• Type: Standard meal kit
• Cost: $9.99 to $11.49 per serving + $11 shipping fee
• Plans: Two, four or six people. Two to six meals per week
• Packaging: You can fold and discard the box with other household recyclables, and the separator, meal kits and honeycomb paperboard are 100% curbside-friendly
• Availability: Delivery in the contiguous United States

9. Sunbasket

Sunbasket prioritizes using organic produce whenever possible and offers a good variety of meals.

• Pros:
  • Good variety of recipe options
  • Meals feel fresh and produce-forward
• Cons:
  • Organic ingredients may be substituted with non-organic
  • Price can add up, depending on your selections

Sunbasket keeps a tight list of 15–20 or so (plus some additional add-ons and ready-to-eat options). You’ll find everything from Afghan-Style Butternut Squash Stew or Mexican Street Tacos with Tomatillo Chicken, Salsa, and Lime Yogurt to Dukkah Pork Chops and Kale Salad with "Everything" Ranch Dressing. It was easy to filter recipes by dietary restriction (i.e. Paleo, Gluten-Free, etc.), nutrition (i.e. High Protein, Low Added Sugar, etc.), excluded ingredients (dairy-free, soy-free, etc.), and cook time. The meals themselves were easy to make, relatively produce-heavy, and quite tasty. Portion sizes were generally plenty big, and the service got testers cooking dishes and using specific ingredients that weren’t previously in their repertoire.

10. Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot is an entirely plant-based meal delivery service that offers both meal kits and ready-to-eat meals.

• Pros:
  • Healthy meals that are quick, easy, and genuinely delicious
  • Costs significantly less than regular takeout
  • Offers a range of difficulty levels, including fully prepared options
• Cons:
  • Requires you to read the recipe carefully
  • Entirely vegan menu may not appeal to all eaters

Every tester came to the same conclusion: This is an excellent meal delivery service for vegans and non-vegans alike. Most meals are a mix of fresh produce and packaged ingredients—think vegan cheeses, pre-cooked grains, and pre-made sauces. Everything is pre-portioned for its respective recipe, which makes prep and cooking extremely seamless. The Purple Carrot menu won’t leave you bored. One of the best reasons to use Purple Carrot is because everything is big on flavor. By and large, all of the meals are really well-seasoned.

11. Sakara

Sakara is a wellness-focused meal delivery and supplement brand with two nutrition program offerings: their Signature Nutrition Program and their Level II Detox.

• Pros:
  • Healthy, nourishing meals
  • Appealing to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free eaters
  • Curated menu means all the planning is taken care of for you
• Cons:
  • Premium price point might not fit into a lot of people’s budgets
  • Most breakfast options skew sweet, which may not suit savory fans

Meals are entirely plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free. They’re also an aesthetically-minded wellness head’s dream: think rainbow-hued salads, veggie-laden soups, and protein-rich breakfast parfaits crowned with granola. Sakara's balanced, thoughtfully-designed meals. The salads in particular were generously portioned, so you have enough fuel to power you through the afternoon, and they’re thoughtfully designed with a range of textures and colors. Everything was already packed with flavor. The dishes ranged from Indian-ish (‘clarity curry’ soup with naan) to Mexican-ish (a lavender ‘cheez' quesadilla with broccoli pesto), and there was enough range that testers didn’t get bored.

12. Gardencup

Gardencup specializes in salads and bowls packaged in plastic jars.

• Pros:
  • Fresh ingredients
  • Meat options come with generous amounts of protein
  • Super convenient for on-the-go lunches
• Cons:
  • Vegetarian/vegan salads don’t feel as substantial
  • Hard to mix thoroughly without transferring to a bowl

Their offerings are nostalgic (think Caesar, Cobb, Southwest chicken, and wedge salads), travel-friendly, and ultra convenient—just open the jar, add your dressing, shake, and eat (or transfer to a bowl if you prefer). The salads averaged around 30 grams of protein, leaving testers feeling full by the time they finished eating. Crunchy toppings are packaged separately, so there’s no need to worry about sogginess.

What to Look for in a Healthy Meal Delivery Service

When choosing a meal delivery service for weight loss, consider the following factors:

• Calorie Count: Look for services that offer meals within a reasonable calorie range for weight loss, typically between 300 and 600 calories per meal.
• Nutritional Balance: Ensure that the meals are balanced with adequate protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
• Ingredient Quality: Opt for services that prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients, ideally organic and locally sourced.
• Dietary Options: Choose a service that caters to your specific dietary needs and preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or keto.
• Variety: Look for a service with a diverse menu to prevent boredom and ensure you're getting a wide range of nutrients.
• Convenience: Consider whether you prefer meal kits that require cooking or prepared meals that are ready to eat.
• Cost: Compare the prices of different services and choose one that fits your budget.

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