In today's fast-paced world, the appeal of convenient, ready-made meals is undeniable. Meal delivery services have emerged as a popular solution for individuals seeking to save time and effort in the kitchen while still maintaining a balanced diet. Fit Choice Foods aims to provide nutritious, dietitian-approved meals that cater to various wellness goals. This review delves into the specifics of Fit Choice Foods, examining the ordering experience, meal quality, pros and cons, and overall value proposition.
Ordering Experience
The Fit Choice Foods ordering process is straightforward and similar to other meal kit services. Customers begin by selecting up to three goals from a list that includes options like "Improve my health," "Eat more protein," "Save time in the kitchen," "Manage my weight," "Eat a better variety of foods," and "Support my GLP-1 journey." Next, they choose their dietary preferences from options like Calorie Smart, I eat everything, Keto, High Protein, Carb Conscious, GLP-1 Support, Fiber Filled, or Flexitarian. Customers also indicate their spice preference and the number of meals they want per week, ranging from 6 to 18.
After entering address and payment information, customers can select their meals from a weekly menu of approximately 65 options. The meals are clearly labeled with specific recipe tags such as Calorie Smart, Protein Plus, Carb Conscious, and Vegetarian, making it easy to identify meals that align with specific dietary restrictions or goals. Each meal listing includes a detailed description, nutrition label, ingredient list, and allergen information.
Fit Choice Foods also offers the flexibility to pause deliveries if needed, but customers must do so before a specific cutoff day to avoid receiving the next week's box.
Delivery and Packaging
Fit Choice Foods deliveries arrive on time, neatly packed in an insulated, recyclable box with ice packs at the bottom. Each meal is packaged in a plastic tray with two or three compartments, sealed with a plastic film, resembling a more refined TV dinner. A cardboard sleeve accompanies each meal, providing the meal name, nutritional information, ingredient list, and heating instructions.
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What's Good About Fit Choice Foods
One of the most significant advantages of Fit Choice Foods is the convenience it offers. For individuals with busy schedules or those who simply want to avoid the hassle of meal planning and preparation, having a fridge stocked with ready-to-eat meals can be a game-changer. The service eliminates the need for foresight or prep and can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
The meals are designed to align with specific nutritional goals, such as increasing protein intake. Each meal is technically approved by a team of registered dietitians, ensuring that they meet certain nutritional standards.
Despite being heat-and-eat meals, many of the dishes hold up surprisingly well in the microwave. For example, the chicken breast in the Green Chile Chicken remains juicy, the pasta in dishes like Cavatappi and Meatballs and Herbed Greek Chicken and Tomato Penne retains some bite, and the Brussels sprouts in the Homestyle Turkey and Gravy avoid becoming mushy. The meals are also generally well-seasoned, often eliminating the need for additional salt or pepper.
Portion sizes are typically adequate, providing enough food to satisfy hunger without causing overeating. The meals are also relatively balanced, consisting of a protein source, a carbohydrate, and a vegetable side. This balance ensures that customers receive adequate amounts of protein, carbs, and fats.
Drawbacks
Despite its advantages, Fit Choice Foods has some drawbacks. Eating microwaveable meals out of plastic trays is not the same as enjoying fresh, home-cooked meals. While the convenience is undeniable, some people may find the experience less satisfying than preparing their own food.
Read also: Healthy Choice Meals
Some customers may find the meals too salty, as sodium levels tend to range from 700 to 1000 milligrams per meal. This can be a concern for individuals who are watching their sodium intake for health reasons. Additionally, Fit Choice Foods is not the best option for those with plant-based diets. The menu typically offers limited vegan options, with only one vegan meal available on the menu at the time of writing.
While the meals generally hold up well in the microwave, the vegetable side dishes can sometimes become waterlogged or have a squeaky texture. The limited variety of vegetables used throughout the meals can also lead to repetition. The quality of the proteins can vary, with some, like the pork chop, being tough and less enjoyable.
Fit Choice Foods lacks transparency regarding the sourcing of its ingredients. While the company provides information about chicken welfare standards, it does not offer extensive details about where its other ingredients come from. The meals also contain some preservatives, such as natamycin, which may concern some consumers.
Add-ons
Fit Choice Foods offers a range of menu add-ons, including breakfast options, cold-pressed juices, protein shakes, ready-to-blend smoothies, larger format proteins and sides, and products from their Factor Form supplement line.
Is It Worth It?
Fit Choice Foods is a convenient way to have a week's worth of balanced, tasty, and relatively healthy meals readily available. It is a particularly good option for individuals looking to achieve specific wellness goals or meet dietary needs.
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With meals priced between $12.49 and $14.99, depending on the number ordered per week, Fit Choice Foods is less expensive than takeout but more expensive than cooking your own food. It can be a good option for weaning oneself off of a delivery habit.
Alternative Meal Delivery Services
Several other prepared meal delivery services are available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Tempo
Tempo offers chef-prepared meals designed to be healthy and convenient. Meals arrive fresh and are ready to eat in minutes. Tempo's menu includes a variety of options, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
One of the advantages of Tempo is the quality of its ingredients. The company uses fresh, high-quality ingredients in its meals. Tempo also offers a variety of dietary options, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan meals.
However, Tempo's meals can be high in sodium and saturated fat. Some meals exceed 50% of the recommended daily value for sodium. Additionally, Tempo's meals can be expensive, with prices ranging from $10.99 to $14.99 per meal, plus shipping.
CookUnity
CookUnity offers restaurant-quality meals created by professional chefs. Meals arrive fresh, not frozen, and can be heated in minutes. CookUnity's menu includes a wide variety of options, including meals from award-winning chefs.
One of the advantages of CookUnity is the quality of its meals. The company's meals are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and are designed to be flavorful and satisfying. CookUnity also offers a variety of dietary options, including gluten-free and sodium-wise meals.
However, CookUnity's meals have a shorter shelf life than other prepared meal delivery services. Meals typically last only a few days in the fridge. Additionally, CookUnity's delivery area is somewhat limited.
Daily Harvest
Daily Harvest offers a variety of plant-based meals, including smoothies, harvest bowls, soups, pasta dishes, and snack bites. Meals arrive frozen and are easy to prepare. Daily Harvest's menu is 100% vegan, gluten-free, and largely organic.
One of the advantages of Daily Harvest is its commitment to sustainable packaging. The company uses recyclable and compostable packaging materials. Daily Harvest also offers a wide variety of meal options, making it easy to find something for everyone.
However, Daily Harvest's portions can be lighter than other prepared meal delivery services. Some meals feel more like snacks or sides than full entrees. Additionally, Daily Harvest's meals arrive frozen, requiring freezer space for storage.
Trifecta
Trifecta offers prepared meal subscriptions designed with health and fitness enthusiasts in mind. The service features premium ingredients, including grass-fed beef and wild-caught seafood, with meal plans tailored to specific macro goals, such as keto, paleo, and GLP-1-friendly dishes.
One of the advantages of Trifecta is its focus on nutrition. The company's meals are designed to be balanced and satisfying, with portions that are appropriate for specific macro goals. Trifecta also offers add-ons, such as breakfasts and meal-prep proteins.
However, Trifecta's meals are not the most flavorful. Some meals can be bland or do not reheat as well as others. Additionally, Trifecta's meals can be expensive, with prices averaging around $16 each, plus shipping.
BistroMD
BistroMD was developed by a medical doctor to provide meal plans tailored to specific health goals like weight loss, diabetes management, heart health, and menopause support. They also offer gluten-free, keto-flex, and vegan options. Meals are chef-prepared, fresh, and then frozen for delivery.
One of the advantages of BistroMD is its focus on health. The company's meals are designed by dietitians to be balanced and focused on nutrition, with most dishes keeping sodium low and calories in check. BistroMD also offers customized programs for individuals with specific health needs.
However, BistroMD's meals can be a bit bland. Additionally, BistroMD's meals come frozen, requiring freezer space for storage. There is also a minimum of 10 meals per week for delivery.
Sakara
Sakara offers a premium prepared meal delivery service rooted in wellness and designed around nourishing, fresh ingredients. Every dish is plant-based and gluten-free, making it ideal for those following a vegan lifestyle or hoping to incorporate more whole foods into their diet without the hassle of preparation or planning.
One of the advantages of Sakara is the quality of its ingredients. The company uses fresh, high-quality ingredients in its meals. Sakara also offers a variety of unique and flavorful dishes.
However, Sakara is one of the most expensive options, designed for those seeking a high-end, structured meal plan. There is limited flexibility in the set weekly menu, and no customization options are available.
Splendid Spoon
Splendid Spoon offers a low-effort way to eat more plant-based meals during the week. Everything on the menu is 100% vegan, gluten-free, and made without artificial sweeteners. The meals arrive fully prepared and frozenâjust heat and eat.
One of the advantages of Splendid Spoon is its convenience. The company's meals are easy to prepare and require minimal effort. Splendid Spoon also offers a wide variety of meal options, including smoothies, soups, grain bowls, and noodle dishes.
However, Splendid Spoon's meals are lighter fare. There are no fresh salads or sandwiches available.