12 Best Healthy Meal Delivery Services, Tested by Experts (2024)

Created by registered dietitian and author Ilana Muhlstein, M.S., R.D.N, this meal service checks all the healthy boxes, making it our best overall. The meals are full of flavor and high in fiber, protein and non-starchy vegetables. Most of the carbs come from veggies with no more than 50 grams net carbs in every meal.

How it works: All menu items are dairy-free, gluten-free and contain more than 5 grams of fiber per meal. Meals are plant-forward with a generous portion of non-starchy veggies, provide a range of 17 to 40 grams of protein and contain moderate calorie and sodium counts. There are approximately two dozen meal choices to choose from, including family-style veggie sides and individual proteins.

Lab results: The nutrient-dense meals packed with non-starchy veggies and high-fiber counts are what stood out to our registered dietitians. Testers expressed that the food was fresh and satisfying with one saying, "I could never make such healthy and creative meals at home myself. These are a real game changer." Another tester said they were "happily surprised at how satisfying and fresh the meals were."

With generous portion sizes, well-balanced meals, a nice variety of diet plans and an affordable price per meal, this service is our pick for best value.

How it works: Select from a variety of set diet plans including Protein+, Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean Diet, Whole30, Plant Based, Low-Carb and Low-Cal Plant Based. Meals from the Protein+, Keto and Paleo plans offer an array of high-protein choices with an average of 30 grams or more protein per serving. You can also build your box à la carte by selecting from a variety of breakfasts and snacks, bulk meal items, sides and a few entrees.

Lab results: Our nutrition pros appreciate that most meals average about 550 milligrams of sodium, which is substantially lower than other pre-made meals. They also point out that the company caters to a wide range of diets that are based on goals like optimizing fitness, cutting out meat and more. Testers loved the variety and gave the service top scores for portion sizes and satiety of meals, though the single-serving meals don't make this service a good fit for families.

Green Chef offers a variety of healthy meal plans and a rotating menu of meals that can all be prepared in about 45 minutes. The menus have something for every health-conscious consumer and feature a wide variety of organic ingredients. The meals are certified organic by both the USDA National Organic Program and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).

How it works: You can choose from seven different meal types, including Protein Packed, the newest menu offering which contains an average of 40 grams of protein per serving. Keto is carb-conscious with high-protein recipes without gluten, grains, soy or legumes. Plant Based and Mediterranean feature tons of veggies and healthy fats. Calorie Smart provides calorie-conscious fare you can make in 25 minutes or less and Gluten-Free recipes don't contain gluten or soy.

Lab results: Our food and nutrition pros were impressed with the delicious recipes and the high-quality organic ingredients that are sustainably sourced, though this service is a little pricey. If you're looking for meals with lower carbs and calories, our experts say the Calorie Smart and Keto plans are the best way to go; each serving contains on average less than 20 net grams of carbohydrates and ranges from 600 to 800 calories. Testers loved the "perfect portion sizes" and "delicious recipes." One tester stated, "I was so impressed with the portions and freshness of the products. All meals were super easy to prepare."

The service features delicious meals that are crafted by chefs and registered dietitians. The brand lives up to the Mediterranean diet ethos in that it focuses on nutrient-dense produce, whole grains, high-quality protein and healthy fats, all without processed ingredients. They prioritize sustainability as well, from their packaging to recipes. Produce is USDA organic and proteins are responsibly sourced.

How it works: Choose from traditional meal kits with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes that can be made in 40 minutes or less or Fresh & Ready meals that are already prepared and can be heated in as little as four minutes. You can further select from specific dietary preferences including Mediterranean, Paleo, Carb-Conscious, Gluten-Free, Diabetes-Friendly, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Keto-Friendly and more.

Lab results: Our nutrition experts love that the brand uses organic fresh produce, responsibly sources its proteins and caters to many different types of dietary lifestyles, but all that does come at a more expensive price. Meals range from 400 to 800 calories per serving and are typically high in protein and fiber and with less than 800 milligrams of sodium per serving. Testers liked the creative and unique recipes of both the meal kits and ready-made options. "The innovative, global cuisines are yum!" one tester exclaimed. Another tester said, "The Fresh & Ready meals were dynamite and we felt good after each meal."

This completely vegan service offers prepared single meals that can be heated in five minutes and traditional meal kits with weekly recipe booklets so you can recreate the meals again on your own. They also offer "less prep" meal kits designed to be made in 25 minutes or less and frozen meals available in the freezer section of grocery stores nationwide.

The traditional meal kits can be made in about 30 to 40 minutes depending on the recipe, and the service incorporates flavors from a variety of international cuisines with a weekly rotating menu. This service also has company-funded clinical research behind the brand that claims their meals can help to reduce cholesterol and body weight.

How it works: For the meal kits, start by choosing two or four servings. Everything is already plant-based but you can also filter recipes to choose high-protein selections, meals under 600 calories, nut-free, gluten-free and soy-free offerings. You'll also have the option to add additional plant-based snacks and pantry items. The prepared meals can be ordered as six, eight or 10 meals per week.

Lab results: Our registered dietitians like that the service caters to a plant-based lifestyle and that each meal is balanced with complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and vegan proteins to create a wholesome and satisfying entree, though the prices are a bit steep. Each meal contains between 500 and 800 calories per serving. Testers appreciated that the "inventive" and "flavorful" meals didn't take very long to prepare with one reporting, "the meals feel much fancier and more complicated when eating than when cooking." Another tester exclaimed, "Everything was delicious and I loved the variety!"

These nutritious single-serving meals are fully prepared and delivered fresh to your door. They can be conveniently heated in the microwave or oven and the brand caters to a variety of lifestyles, including a low-carb diet.

How it works: All subscriptions include one complimentary consultation with a registered dietitian. Choose from over 29 meals each week, which fall into one of the following categories: Chef's Choice offers a variety of healthy chef-crafted meals, Keto and Calorie Smart are dietitian-approved meals at 550 calories or less per serving, Vegan, Vegetarian and Protein Plus offer 30 grams of protein or more per serving.

Lab results: Our registered dietitians like that most meals are protein-packed and quite substantial. There is a great selection of calorie-controlled and low-carb meals, too. Testers said the meals were delivered in great condition, with one saying, "I really appreciate the quality of the meals and how well-balanced they are." Another tester commented, "There was a really good assortment of options and a lot of things I actually wanted to eat!"

Sakara Life emphasizes getting enough fresh veggies and plant-based proteins at every meal, which can boost heart health. According to research and the American Heart Association, following a plant-based diet can lower the risk of heart attacks and other types of cardiovascular diseases.

These ready-to-eat vegan and organic meals are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and do not contain any GMOs, processed sugar or artificial additives. The chef-curated menu changes weekly and rotates seasonally.

How it works: All meals are prepared and don't require any meal prep or cooking. Select from a variety of programs including their signature organic meal delivery programs with an option to do a one-week trial program. Choose the number of days you want to receive meals, either three or five meals, and which meals you want.

Other plans include Metabolism Reset, The Fresh Start Cleanse, The Gut Health Reboot, Level II Detox (limited-edition program) and 20-Day Bridal Program (limited-edition program). Most programs include their daily tea and probiotic as well. You'll also receive access to Sakara Wellness Coaches.

Lab results: Although this service is pricier than the others, testers found the meals filling and loved that the food was already prepared — in fact, many items didn't even need to be heated up. One tester reported, "Overall, my experience with Sakara Life was wonderful. I felt that the ingredients, flavors and variety of the meals were lovely. As someone who cooks nonstop, I was impressed with the combinations and creative ingredients." Another tester noted, "The meals were restaurant-quality, delicious, healthy and satisfying. I appreciated the information provided on the highlighted ingredient."

Thistle doesn't focus on calorie counts or macronutrient ratios but the high-fiber meals consist of at least 90% plant ingredients by weight, depending on the protein plan. For many meals, you can choose a high-protein vegan option or add three ounces of chicken, turkey or pork. All meals are made without dairy, gluten, refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, artificial preservatives, additives or dyes.

How it works: Enter your zip code to see if you're in their local delivery or shipping area. Select the number of meals you want per week and your protein preferences. There are breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, soups, side salads and juices. Thistle will assign meals each week according to your plan but you may swap, add or remove meals. Local delivery meals arrive in a reusable tote bag and are ready to eat or heat. Shipped meals are prefixed only, including six meals: two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners (starting at $84 per box). There is also a box option with only juices ($60 per box) and a box with only snack, soups and jarred salads ($76 per box).

Lab results: Our registered dietitians appreciate that the meals have balanced macronutrient ratios and substantial amounts of fiber and protein to help keep you full. Testers liked that the service was plant-forward but also offered up the option for high-quality animal proteins too. One tester loved that "the meals tasted really fresh and the vegetables were very good quality." One major drawback is the limited shipping area. If you live locally on the West Coast, you'll get access to Thistle's entire menu. But for the few areas the brand ships to, you'll only be able to access prefixed plans.

This service, founded by a holistic health coach, is centered on incredible flavor profiles and nutritionally balanced meals to support you on your wellness journey. The company has partnered with chefs that source from local farmers as much as possible. The founder, Caroll Lee, is passionate about incorporating wholesome ingredients from her Korean heritage into the food. Meals are delivered to your door fresh, prepared and ready to eat.

How it works: The company offers a six-day detox program with omnivore or vegan options that consist of ready-to-eat meals, superfood shakes, Ayurvedic teas and supplements. Provenance also offers a regular meal delivery service with vegetarian, vegan, paleo and low-carb menu options. There is a minimum requirement of six meals per delivery and a maximum of 12.

Lab results: The meal delivery programs offer inventive flavors and nutritionally balanced meals, which wowed our nutrition pros. There are limited-diet menu options (see above) and portion sizes are on the smaller side for this service, but everything is free from gluten, dairy and refined sugar. A tester commented, "Meals were so convenient and full of flavor, I actually looked forward to lunch and dinner and not having to clean the kitchen afterward."

Popular with the Crossfit community, Trifecta is a good choice for exercise enthusiasts in search of balanced and nutritious meals to energize their workouts. The menu is made with organic, non-GMO, gluten-free and locally sourced ingredients. There is a downloadable app that can help determine the right plan for you in addition to calculating the amount of protein, fats and carbs you need to meet the goal that you specify.

How it works: Trifecta offers a variety of meal plans including Clean, Paleo Whole30, Keto and Plant Based. You can choose five to 14 entrees per week with the option to add on breakfasts. You can also customize your order by opting to exclude one ingredient including beef, pork, shellfish, tree nuts and soy, among others.

Lab results: Meals that were healthy, convenient and fresh tasting were all big pluses for our testers. Our nutrition experts like the locally sourced, organic ingredients and that the nutrient-dense meals are developed by a team of dietitians, chefs and doctors. Testers reported, "The protein and vegetables were great. There was a well-planned balance of meats and other ingredients and everything was fresh, easy and satisfying."

Azuluna Farms is a ready-to-eat meal delivery service that offers fresh, not frozen, meals. The company practices regenerative farming and sustainable livestock and land management. The meat is antibiotic- and hormone-free, and you can even learn more about the pasture-raised lamb, chickens and pigs and what they are fed on the company's website.

All meals are chef-driven and made in conjunction with a team of registered dietitians in addition to being Non-GMO and free from gluten, soy and refined sugars. Proteins are sourced from Azuluna Foods regenerative farms and seafood is sustainably sourced, while produce is sourced from local and/or organic farmers and growers.

How it works: Take your pick from the veggie- and lean protein-packed, ready-to-eat mains, sides, soups and snacks. Customize your order by adding filters for preferences like dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, spicy and Whole30. Pick four, eight, 12, or 16 ready-to-eat meals and/or bone broth.

Lab results: Our dietitians were impressed with the restaurant-quality meals, made with fresh-tasting, wholesome and satisfying ingredients. They also valued the level of commitment Azuluna makes towards regenerative farming practices and that they source from local farmers and growers. One tester reported the meals were nutritionally dense, tasty and much better than what they could've prepared by themselves at home. Another commented that they "felt much better about eating meals that were truly sourced from farm to table."

Methodology is a high-end, sustainable meal delivery service for busy professionals and families who want high-quality prepared meals free of gluten, dairy and refined sugar. Standard meals are between 300 to 450 calories and large meals are between 600 to 1000 calories.

How it works: Upon signing up, you can indicate whether you follow any common diets. The menu offers vegan, vegetarian, Mediterranean and pescatarian options. While there are no presets for keto and Paleo, the Mix ‘n Match jars work perfectly for these diets. These protein and vegetable jars allow you to assemble meals that fit your diet or meal plan easily. Your meals are delivered every Monday and/or Thursday in an insulated box. All meals are ready to eat and can be reheated in a microwave or on a stovetop in less than 5 minutes.

Lab results: Our registered dietitians were really impressed with not only how fresh the meals were but also how filling the generous portion sizes were. It was obvious that everything was made with high-quality ingredients. The meals are nutritionally balanced, but our dietitians noticed the brand does not disclose the sodium on the meals so keep this in mind if you need to follow a low-sodium diet.

The meals received rave reviews in taste tests. "I loved the presentation; the meals were fresh and even filled up my husband," remarked one tester. Another tester loved that "even though the food was on the healthier side, everything was beyond delicious." Testers appreciated that the meals and snacks come in nice reusable containers but the menus are largely pre-set, and you'll have to commit to at least four days of meals. The cost is higher than other services we tested but the quality is definitely up there.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test all different types of food products and services. From healthy snacks and supplements to food subscription boxes and meal delivery services, our experts are committed to bringing you the best of the best when it comes to quality, performance, flavor, nutrition and more.

In our most recent study of meal delivery services, we recruited over 300 at-home testers across the nation, while our in-house experts also tested the services in our Labs. All in all, we evaluated over 50 different meal delivery services, ranging from traditional kits that come with pre-measured ingredients and a follow-along recipe card to fully prepared options.

We made our selections based on expert evaluations and tester feedback in the categories of overall satisfaction and balanced nutrition profiles that included vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. We also looked at food quality, cost, recycling efforts and availability.

Our picks for the best healthy meal delivery services cater to a wide variety of special diets and dietary preferences including gluten-free, low-carb, organic, vegetarian and more. Although taste is subjective, we ultimately chose companies that scored high points overall with testers.

Meal delivery services typically incorporate well-balanced meals and can be a great way to introduce yourself to foods you typically wouldn't try. When picking the best healthy meal delivery service, here are a few things to consider:

✔️ Health goals: Start by identifying what "healthy" means to you and the targets you'd like to achieve. Are you trying to eat more vegetables or more balanced meals? Learn better portion control? Meal delivery services may be able to help you do all these things and more but you still are in charge of selecting your meals. "A healthy meal is one that is rich in vegetables, lean proteins and incorporates fiber-rich whole grains," says Sassos. "This combination can help keep you full and satiated." Opting for meals that are lower in sodium (aim for 690 milligrams or less) and added sugar (look for no more than 2.5 grams) is important as well.

✔️ Taste: Aside from nutrition, healthy food can and should taste good! "Embrace different herbs and spices to add vibrant flavor to your dishes," says Sassos. "Incorporating a little healthy fat such as avocado or olive oil can go a long way in keeping you full and adding flavor to your meal."

✔️ Type: Do you prefer to spend time in the kitchen preparing meals guided by recipes or do you prefer the convenience of heat and eat? Many of our picks on this list include prepared meal services that can be quickly heated in a matter of minutes, though there are a few options that fall in between. Decide what works best for your lifestyle.

✔️ Servings: Are you cooking for multiple people or just one or two? Services such as Green Chef, may be better geared towards cooking for multiple people over a service such as Sakara Life that only offers single-portion servings and may be better suited for one person.

✔️ Cost: Finding the best meal delivery option can be overwhelming, and cost can be a deterrent. While some services may appear pricey at first, once you factor in the convenience they provide and the time saved grocery shopping, you may be surprised by how much your quality of life improves.

✔️ Calories and weight loss: Eating healthy doesn't necessarily mean losing weight. The quantity and quality of the food we eat both play a role in our overall health and well-being. "If you are trying to manage your weight, consider meeting with a registered dietitian to come up with a range of daily calories to meet your needs," says Sassos. "Everybody is unique and different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to weight management."

As a recipe developer and food journalist, Perry Santanachote has researched and written numerous articles about nutrition and diets. She also develops meal plans and has personally tried dozens of meal delivery services because even cooks are sometimes too busy to cook for themselves.

As a dietitian and working mother, registered dietitian and Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab Deputy Director Stefani Sassos is passionate about putting healthy meals on the table for her family without having to spend a ton of time in the kitchen. She personally uses meal delivery services as a way to change up her family's normal dinnertime routine and get introduced to a variety of new foods and unique preparation methods. Stefani appreciates that more services are offering nutritious options to support a healthy lifestyle.