In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy diet can be a challenge. While many appreciate a lavish restaurant meal or a decadent dinner party spread, the reality of cooking at home often involves quick, convenient options that may not always align with health goals. The desire for balanced meals, packed with vegetables and protein, that leave one feeling energized rather than bloated, is a common aspiration. Meal delivery services have emerged as a popular solution, offering a way to enjoy feel-good food without the stress of meal planning and extensive cooking. However, the market is flooded with options, and not all services live up to their "healthy" promises while maintaining flavor and variety. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of some of the top healthy meal delivery services, based on hands-on testing and expert opinions.
What to Look for in a Healthy Meal Delivery Service
When choosing a meal delivery service with healthy eating in mind, several factors come into play. A registered dietitian's perspective emphasizes the importance of balanced nutrition, adequate servings of vegetables and lean protein, and minimal processed ingredients. Variety is also crucial to prevent boredom and ensure a wide range of nutrients. Transparency in sourcing, particularly regarding organic produce and sustainable practices, can be a significant consideration for some consumers. Ultimately, the best healthy meal delivery service is one that aligns with individual dietary needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
Top Healthy Meal Delivery Services
Sunbasket: The King of Variety
Sunbasket follows the blueprint of most kit-style meal delivery services, but sets itself apart with its commitment to organic produce and impressive variety of meals. While some companies offer over 100 meals every week, Sunbasket keeps a tight list of 15-20 or so (plus some additional add-ons and ready-to-eat options). The weekly menu includes 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.
One of the most appreciated features of Sunbasket is how easy it is 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-a plus if you have specific goals in mind, be they upping your protein or saving time.
The meals are easy to make, relatively produce-heavy, and quite tasty. Portion sizes are generally plenty big, and the service encourages the use of specific ingredients that weren’t previously in one's repertoire.
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
However, recipes tended to take 5-15 minutes longer to make than the stated times. Sunbasket also reserves the right to swap ingredients that were intended to be organic for non-organic subs based on availability, which did happen on multiple occasions.
Sunbasket also offers heat-and-eat meals, but one particular experience with a chicken and dumplings riff with gnocchi, was a bit of a miss.
Factor: Best Prepared Healthy Meal Delivery Service
Factor distinguishes itself by offering entirely pre-made, heat-and-eat meals that require just a short trip to the microwave. The brand positions its meals as nutritious, dietitian-approved, and “designed to support your wellness goals.”
The dishes are well-seasoned and flavorful for microwave meals, and as someone who is trying to prioritize protein in her diet at the moment, I appreciated how easy Factor made it to do just that. Because the meals are completely pre-made and labeled with nutritional information, they’re a great option for anyone with hyper-specific macro goals or dietary preferences in mind.
Some favorites include the Green Chile Chicken and Homestyle Turkey and Gravy. The Cavatelli with Pork Ragu and Chimichurri Chicken were also well received. The chicken breast was moist and the flavors were balanced in almost all of the mains.
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run
The meals tend to follow a protein plus vegetable plus starch format, which, while a bit repetitive after weeks of testing, meant they all felt balanced. Vegetable portions in particular felt generous.
While Factor meals are well executed for microwave meals, they are still, at the end of the day, microwave meals. After two weeks of eating six meals a week, there was a desire for something homecooked. With that in mind, this would be a great service to mix in with a few nights of actual cooking.
Some of the vegetable sides were both repetitive and a bit waterlogged after their trips to the microwave-though not egregiously so.
Purple Carrot: Top Choice for Plant-Based Eaters
Purple Carrot stands out as an entirely plant-based meal delivery service, offering both meal kits and ready-to-eat meals. This is an excellent meal delivery service for vegans and non-vegans alike. The experience with Purple Carrot was easily one of the better meal kits.
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.
Read also: Mobile Dining Revolution
The meat is never missed in a Purple Carrot meal. Many find themselves getting legitimately excited about their ‘healthy dinner at home’ nights, especially since they didn’t have to grocery shop. The variety of textures and colors in each meal is notable, as well as the fact that spicy meals are actually spicy-a rare occurrence in the meal kit world. 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, which was a nice change from some other meal kits.
Priced at $11-$13.25 depending on your plan, Purple Carrot is on the pricier end of the meal kit spectrum. It’s also not the most beginner-friendly kit. For example, you will receive a whole russet potato or block of tofu in the kit, but the ingredient list will label it as something like ‘thinly sliced potatoes’ or ‘diced tofu.’
Green Chef: Best Organic Healthy Meal Kit
Green Chef is the first CCOF-certified organic meal kit delivery service, which means they’re committed to sourcing organic fresh produce and eggs, as well as providing organic beef, chicken, and wild-caught seafood as an option. While the company acknowledges that they reserve the right to replace a given ingredient with a high-quality conventional option if the organic option doesn’t meet their quality standards, this did not happen during testing.
Green Chef is praised for its generally tasty meals. The Italian Turkey Stuffed Squash Boats were well received, while the chicken with lemon crema was also highlighted. The ease of cooking thanks to premade sauces, stocks, and herb blends-and precut vegetables. A beginner cook could easily follow the instructions and make a delicious meal.
Green Chef also offers a free one-on-one nutrition coaching session with your first box. While this feature was not utilized during testing, it’s a great option to have for people with specific health goals.
The recipe offerings tended to be pretty formulaic, consisting of a protein, a veggie, and a carb or a starch. It's a tried-and-true combo, but there was a missing a sense of discovery and innovation with the recipes. Some of the recipes didn’t quite work, like a Spiced Salmon with Mango Salsa in which the ratio of purple sweet potatoes to black beans and bell peppers felt off, and the addition of Cotija cheese with the fish wasn’t to taste.
Sakara: For Wellness Enthusiasts
Sakara is a wellness-focused meal delivery and supplement brand with two nutrition program offerings: their Signature Nutrition Program and their Level II Detox. 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.
The Signature Program is the way to go if you’re looking for something to subscribe to long-term. Sakara's balanced, thoughtfully-designed meals were well received. The salads in particular were a highlight: “They’re 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. Just about every dressing I wished I had a full bottle of to keep in the fridge for future meals.”
As someone who puts condiments on their condiments, there was an expectation to feel the need to doctor things up to make them taste better, but 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 boredom was never an issue.
Breakfasts tend to be sweet-something to be aware of if you’re a savory breakfast person. But the main downside to Sakara is the price. At $140-$465 per week (per person!) depending on your plan, it’s the priciest option on this list. But if you’re someone who prioritizes wellness and sees food as a source of nourishment and healing, you’ll like what you get. It’s also a great option for people who are gluten-free or vegan.
Gardencup: A Salad Lover's Dream
Gardencup specializes in salads and bowls packaged in plastic jars (or cups, as the brand name suggests). 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 don’t skimp on the meat. The salads averaged around 30 grams of protein, “which left me feeling full by the time I finished eating. For even more protein, the brand’s Powercups-with a grain or noodle base-range from 30 to 46 grams per serving.
While many pre-made salads wilt quickly in the fridge, the Gardencups stayed relatively fresh through day five. Crunchy toppings are packaged separately, so there’s no need to worry about sogginess.
The vegetarian offerings didn’t feel as substantial, so those who don’t eat meat may want to look elsewhere. The cups were often so full, it was difficult to fully mix the salad with the dressing by shaking alone.
Additional Meal Delivery Services
CookUnity
CookUnity doesn't feel like your standard prepared meal delivery service; it feels more restaurant-quality. The meals are created by professional (and often award-winning) chefs, and everything arrives fresh, not frozen. Each dish comes with a use-by date and simple heating instructions. Dietary preferences, such as gluten-free or sodium-wise, make it easy to filter meals. You can choose from four to 16 meals per week, and menus are posted two weeks in advance, allowing you to either select your own or let CookUnity choose for you based on your preferences.
The quality of the meals stood out immediately, and everything tasted freshly made. It felt like something you’d order from a nice restaurant, not something you just reheated in a few minutes. Testers had a similar experience, with all saying they would recommend the service to a family member or friend. "The meals were simple to prepare and absolutely delicious," one tester said. "I was so excited to get meals from one of my favorite chefs, Einat Admony! Balaboosta is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. The meal made me feel like I was there," another tester commented.
Since the meals arrive fresh, not frozen, they do have a shorter shelf life (typically just a few days in the fridge). CookUnity’s delivery area is still somewhat limited, though it’s expanding. While there are plenty of lighter, health-focused options (and the brand recently brought on a staff dietitian), some meals lean more indulgent or higher in calories, so it’s worth checking the nutrition info if that’s important to you.
Daily Harvest
Daily Harvest started as a go-to for quick and easy smoothies (just blend and go). Since then, they've expanded their lineup to include an impressive variety of plant-based meals, such as harvest bowls, soups, pasta dishes, and snack bites. Everything is vegan, gluten-free, and largely organic, made from high-quality ingredients designed for simple, nutritious eating. You can easily manage your orders online or through their app, choosing anywhere from nine to 26 items per week. Additionally, you can now purchase Daily Harvest products at retailers such as Target, Kroger, and Costco.
The brand's balance of convenience with real flavor and freshness stands out, even though all meals arrive frozen. The savory pastas have become a favorite, and testers also raved about the smoothies and snack bites. One tester noted, "Despite being frozen, the food tastes really fresh." Favorites included the mint cacao smoothie, dark chocolate protein smoothie, white bean and spinach pesto, and the broccoli "cheeze" bowl. Another tester summed it up perfectly, "I would order it for the smoothies alone. So easy to have everything together and so delicious." Bonus points to Daily Harvest for its commitment to sustainable packaging.
Portions here tend to be lighter, with some meals feeling more like snacks or sides than full entrees. The frozen delivery offers flexibility, but you'll need enough freezer space to store your weekly order. It's also worth mentioning that following a 2022 recall involving their French Lentil & Leek Crumbles, Daily Harvest revamped its ingredient vetting process and discontinued the use of novel ingredients, such as tara flour.
Factor (Revisited)
Factor is a reliable go-to for ready-made meals that are both calorie-conscious and satisfying. The meals arrive fresh, fully cooked, and simply need reheating. Registered dietitians and chefs design dishes, and there's an option to book a complimentary nutrition consultation, which was surprisingly helpful. Factor offers several plans, including Keto, Low Carb, High Protein, Calorie Smart (under 550 calories), Fiber Filled, GLP-1 Support, and Flexitarian. You can choose between six and 18 meals per week, plus optional add-ons like smoothies, snacks, and desserts.
The menu offers a lot of variety, especially for low-carb and keto meals. It didn't feel repetitive, which is something I've run into with other services. Favorites included the southwestern-style turkey and mac, ginger teriyaki salmon, and gluten-free shredded chicken and pesto creamed spinach tortellini. One tester noted, "Microwaving didn't compromise the texture or taste-everything heated nicely," and I had the same experience. The optional add-ons, such as smoothies, juices, and high-protein snacks, helped make my week more complete.
While the convenience and flavor are strong, some meals are high in fat and sodium (especially in the keto category), so it's worth reading the nutrition labels if you're keeping an eye on those. There are also limited meat-free and dairy-free options, so this isn't the service for those who are exclusively vegan.
Trifecta
Recently featured on Netflix's You Are What You Eat, Trifecta offers a prepared meal subscription 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. You can select your own dishes or let Trifecta's chefs choose for you, and dishes average between 350 and 550 calories. Meals arrive vacuum-sealed and are good for six to 10 days in the fridge or can be frozen for up to three months. Add-ons, such as breakfasts and meal-prep proteins, are also available.
Trifecta makes it easy to stay on track when you're trying to stick to a specific nutrition plan. The app is surprisingly helpful for logging meals and syncing with fitness goals (it's beneficial if you're tracking macros or trying to build muscle or lose fat). The portions felt balanced and satisfying, and testers agreed. One person said, "The convenience is nice, and the meals are healthy, which is a hard combination to get." Another noted the meals were "well balanced" and appreciated the variety across keto and paleo plans. Being able to add-on proteins like grass-fed burgers, steak, and more was a game-changer for meal prep during the week.
While the nutrition quality is solid, the meals aren't the most flavorful and some felt bland or didn't reheat as well as hoped. Add-on proteins, such as burgers and steak, held up much better after reheating, which made a significant difference when meal prepping. Still, if your main goal is performance or meal consistency, Trifecta delivers on that front.
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. All you need to do is heat them for five minutes or less and enjoy. You can view full nutrition details for every meal when ordering.
The meals are designed by dietitians to be balanced and focused on nutrition, with most dishes keeping sodium low and calories in check. The Heart Healthy program was a special standout, with meals that have good fiber, low saturated fat and added sugar, and mainly use olive oil. Testers appreciated how filling the meals were despite moderate calorie counts, with favorites like salmon and BBQ beef making healthy eating more enjoyable. "Good quality of food, interesting variety, and good taste," one tester said. "Plus, I actually lost weight." If the standard plans don't suit you, BistroMD's dietitians can create a customized program just for you.
Some of the meals were a bit bland but provided specific macronutrients. And because meals are frozen after fresh preparation, you’ll need freezer space to store them. And there is a minimum of 10 meals per week for delivery.
Sakara (Revisited)
This premium prepared meal delivery service is 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. Sakara used to offer more variety, but now centers around two main structured programs: Signature Nutrition Program: offers breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner for three to five days a week. Level II Detox: more intensive five-day reset with a set menu, teas, supplements, and wellness guidance. Seasonal and limited-edition programs occasionally pop up-like the Radiant Refresh Program, which I'm currently enjoying-designed to jumpstart healthy habits or reinvigorate your routine. Meals arrive fully prepared and ready to eat or heat, making it incredibly easy to stay on track with nutritious eating, even during busy weeks.
The meals genuinely feel like something you'd be served at a luxury wellness retreat. It's heavy on fresh salads, but also includes innovative stews, noodle bowls, chili, and even creative takes on comfort food classics, such as gluten-free focaccia, donuts, waffles, and enchiladas. What surprised me most was not just how flavorful everything was, but how filling the meals were, even without meat. Testers agreed, with one saying, "The food was delicious and I felt full the entire day with the three meals. They were vegan and flavorful, and I didn't miss any meat at all." Everything is very carefully packaged, too, with greens kept separate from salad toppings, for instance, so nothing gets soggy. "The packaging was done right; I could tell a lot of thought went into packaging each item," another tester noted.
Sakara is one of the most expensive options, designed for those seeking a high-end, structured meal plan. You'll be committing to a set weekly menu with limited flexibility, making it less ideal for customization. That said, testers and I never found the meals repetitive, but one or two dishes included ingredients I'm not a fan of (looking at you, olives), and with no way to swap them out, that felt like a bit of a miss given the price point. Still, if you're looking for a premium, no-effort way to eat well and feel great, Sakara does deliver and feels like an investment in your health.
Splendid Spoon
If you're looking for a low-effort way to eat more plant-based meals during the week, Splendid Spoon is one of the easiest places to start. Everything on the menu is 100% vegan, gluten-free, and made without artificial sweeteners. The meals arrive fully prepared and frozen-just heat and eat. You can choose six, 12, or 18 meals per order, and there's a wide menu to pick from, including smoothies, soups, grain bowls, and noodle dishes. I appreciated being able to filter by goals, such as high-protein or low-sugar.
Customer Experiences with Healthy Fresh Meals
Customers rave about the quality, taste, and convenience of Healthy Fresh Meals. One fan notes that the service beats out competitors like Territory, Hello Fresh, and RealEats, praising the beautiful, fresh, and tasty food. The seasoning is consistently on point, and the variety prevents boredom. Another customer appreciates the simple ordering process and the consistently delicious meals. The flexibility of choosing the number of meals each week, rather than being locked into a subscription, is also a significant advantage. The high quality of the dishes, including the seafood, and the convenient delivery process are consistently highlighted.