Food & Nutrition These Are the Best Weight Loss Meal Delivery Services for Easy, Nutritious Dinners Green Chef is our top pick when it comes to weight loss meal delivery services By Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT Owner and founder of Genki Nutrition and practicing registered dietitian nutritionist Certified personal trainer with specializations in sports nutrition, diabetes, weight loss, and managed long-term care New York City and Long Island Media Rep for the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Shape's editorial guidelines Updated on March 6, 2023 Medically reviewed by Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN, RYT Medically reviewed by Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN, RYT Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN, RYT manages mid and upper-funnel content on Shape. She is a registered dietitian, a registered yoga teacher, and a published author. learn more Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Maintaining a nutritious eating style can be challenging, especially if you a11re trying to lose weight. There are multiple health-related reasons why a person may want to embark on a weight loss journey. For example, research shows that a sedentary lifestyle, excess abdominal fat (also known as visceral fat), and poor eating habits can increase your risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation. But it's important to note that weight loss is not a sprint — it’s a slow and steady marathon. And, as such, it's crucial to do it in a safe and healthy way. If you’re seeking assistance with portion control and nutrient intake, a weight loss meal delivery service can come in handy. And if you need help choosing the best one for your needs, check out the following list of the top meal delivery services on the market. Best Weight Loss Meal Delivery Services of 2023 Best Overall: Green Chef Best Variety: Epicured Best Doctor-Designed Program: bistroMD Best Meal Kits: Blue Apron Best for Dietitian Support: Factor Best Frozen: Revive Superfoods Best Prepared: CookUnity Best Vegan and Vegetarian: Purple Carrot While on your weight loss journey, always seek out a health care professional, specifically a registered dietitian nutritionist, to plan the best methods for weight loss and supervision. Also, it’s important to note that weight loss is not for everyone, especially if you have a history of (or are at risk for) eating disorders. If you need to re-evaluate your relationship with food, seek a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in intuitive eating and/or eating disorders to help guide you on your journey. These Are the Best Weight Loss Meal Delivery Services for Easy, Nutritious Dinners View All These Are the Best Weight Loss Meal Delivery Services for Easy, Nutritious Dinners Our Top Picks Green Chef Epicured bistroMD Blue Apron Factor Revive Superfoods CookUnity Purple Carrot See More (5) Final Verdict Compare the Best Weight Loss Meal Delivery Services Guide to Choosing the Best Weight Loss Meal Delivery Service FAQs Methodology Best Overall : Green Chef Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $11.99 per servingDelivery Area: 47 states except Hawaii, Alaska, and LouisianaProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It Green Chef is the first USDA-certified organic meal kit in the U.S., and it features a large selection of meals that incorporate organic produce and high-quality ingredients, including wild-caught seafood. The company also provides detailed information about its meals and nutrition standards to help you navigate your weight loss journey. Pros and Cons Pros Great selection of plant-based and gluten-free meals Menu rotates weekly Detailed information about meals and nutrition Cons No ingredient substitutions or meal add-ons available Overview As the first USDA-certified organic meal kit service on the market, Green Chef provides fresh, high-quality meals using organic produce and eggs, along with sustainably sourced proteins. The company also offers detailed nutrition information about its meals to better inform you about the food you are eating without the “for weight loss” component, which can lead to feelings of guilt surrounding food. The dishes testers tried were delicious, balanced, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Pricing and Plans 2 people, 3 meals per week: $13.49 per serving2 people, 4 meals per week: $12.99 per serving4 people, 3 meals per week: $12.49 per serving4 people, 4 meals per week: $11.99 per serving6 people, 3-4 meals per week: $11.99 per servingShipping is $9.99 per box Meals Testers Tried Harissa-spiced shrimpSesame ginger bavette steak and shrimpMiddle Eastern-style chickpea bowlsMaple glazed carrots with figs Best Variety : Epicured Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $10.65 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It Epicured specifically caters to low-FODMAP diets and digestive conditions like IBS and IBD. The company offers multiple cuisine styles, a diverse menu, and a range of meal add-ons. Pros and Cons Pros Meals come with nutritional facts All meals are gluten-free and approved by dietitians Meals made by Michelin-star chefs Cons Not suitable for families (single-serving meals only) Static menu that doesn’t rotate often Overview Epicured caters specifically to those with digestive conditions such as IBS, IBD, and GERD, and all of the company’s menu options are low-FODMAP, which is effective for IBS. The meals also offer nutritional information to keep you informed of the calories and other nutrients you consume. Additionally, Epicured provides a variety of meal add-ons and allows ingredient substitutions if necessary. All recipes are created by Michelin-star chefs and verified as low-FODMAP and gluten-free by a registered dietitian nutritionist on staff. Pricing and Plans Entrées start at $10.65Salads start at $12.76Soups start at $3.20Sides start at $3.99Snacks start at $5.99Breakfasts start at $7.50Beverages start at $5.35Meal bundles start at $75Shipping costs are calculated based on your location Meals Testers Tried Vietnamese rice noodlesPad Thai with chickenGrilled salmon (sesame-crusted)Pulled BBQ chicken Best Doctor-Designed Program : bistroMD BistroMD Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $10.99 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try It BistroMD’s physician-designed program includes easy, no-fuss meals that take the guesswork out of weight loss, along with the option of additional support from a registered dietitian nutritionist. Pros and Cons Pros All meals are designed to help with weight loss Multiple meal programs for various dietary restrictions Dietitian support available Cons Single servings only All meals are frozen Not suitable for people who have or are at risk for eating disorders Overview With a team of doctors and registered dietitians on staff, bistroMD’s motto of “Healthy Weight Loss Delivered” is not a dream but a reality. The team curates weekly meal programs that accommodate multiple dietary needs and preferences. There are 150 meals to choose from, all ready within five minutes. However, because of the “weight loss” labeling that can be seen all over the bistroMD website, this service is best for people who don’t have a history of, are at risk for, or currently have an eating disorder. Pricing and Plans 5 days of lunch and dinner: starting at $149.997 days of lunch and dinner: starting at $189.99 Meals Testers Tried Chicken, rice, and cheddar casseroleSalmon with dill mustard sauceTurkey breaks with cranberry apple chutneyOven-fried catfish with spicy tomato leek sauceBaked pasta marinara with chicken sausageMeatloaf with honey bourbon glazeMojo pork with black beans and riceChicken pad ThaiGrilled salmon with creamy pestoLasagna with garden marinara Best Meal Kits : Blue Apron Blue Apron Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $7.99 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Prepared meals are frozen; meal kits are fresh Why You Should Try It With its easy-to-cook meal kits as well as prepared, re-heatable meal options, Blue Apron is the stepping stone to learning how to cook independently. Pros and Cons Pros Meal kits help develop cooking skills Recipes are easy to follow and enjoyable Option to purchase prepared Heat & Eat meals Cons Requires kitchen utensils to prepare Not suitable for people with dietary restrictions Overview Blue Apron provides flexibility in your weekly meal planning, offering prepared, frozen Heat & Eat meals in addition to fresh meal kits that help you develop cooking skills. You can choose from four to 16 meals per week, plus a variety of add-ons including wine, kitchen tools, and pantry staples from the Market section of the company’s website. Lastly, Blue Apron has a “Wellness” section of its menu consisting of “balanced, nutritionist-approved recipes” that include “carb-conscious and WW Recommended options.” Pricing and Plans 2 meals for 2 people: $11.99 per serving2 meals for 4 people: $9.49 per serving3 meals for 2 people: $9.99 per serving3 meals for 4 people: $8.49 per serving4 meals for 2 people: $9.99 per serving4 meals for 4 people: $7.99 per serving Meals Testers Tried Meal Kits Togarashi shrimp and vegetable fried rice Space Ranger chicken enchiladas One-pan white bean and poblano shakshuka Baked meatballs and romesco mayo Heat and Eat Sweet and spicy beef bowl with rice, peppers, and edamame Chicken Alfredo pasta with peas Best for Dietitian Support : Factor Factor Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $11 per mealDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It With its dietitian-approved meals and complimentary consultations, Factor is an excellent choice for those looking for support on their weight loss journey. Pros and Cons Pros Fully prepared meals that can be heated in two minutes Nutrition facts and ingredient lists available Backed by dietitians, with a complimentary 20-minute consultation Cons Single-serving meals No customizations Overview Backed by dietitians, Factor provides an easy way to incorporate nutritious and flavorful meals into your daily routine. Many of Factor’s meals are lower in carbohydrates and higher in fats and protein to accommodate keto and low-carb eating styles, and plant-based options are available as well. For those who use calorie counting as a method of losing weight, Factor offers several “calorie smart” menu options each week. Additionally, customers can book a complimentary 20-minute consultation with a dietitian for added support. Pricing and Plans 6 meals per week: $13.49 per meal8 meals per meal $12.99 per meal10 meals per week: $12.49 per meal12 meals per week: $11.99 per meal14 meals per week: $11.49 per meal18 meals per week: $10.99 per meal Meals Testers Tried Mango salsa salmon with coconut rice and black beansCreamy Parmesan chicken with broccoli and tomatoesVegetable ratatouille with mascarpone polentaSmoked tofu almond stir-fry with edamame succotash Best Frozen : Revive Superfoods Revive Superfoods Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $6.99 per servingDelivery Area: 50 statesProducts Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try It Revive Superfoods offers a large selection of frozen smoothie cups that can easily be prepared with liquids at home and a blender. Oats, soups, and plant-based meals are also available, all packaged in single-serving cups. Pros and Cons Pros Frozen meals with little prep required Minimal packaging Great customer service Cons Limited selection compared to other services Overview Revive Superfoods is a great option if you’re looking to prepare meals quickly and conveniently. The frozen, single-serve meals can help with portion control, and the nutritional information on Revive’s website can help ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need. Additionally, the Revive Superfoods website includes a blog section with tips on following a nutritious eating style. Pricing and Plans Oats: $6.99Smoothies: $7.99Açai Bowls: $6.99Bites: $6.99Soups: $6.99Frozen Desserts: $7.99Supermeals: $8.99 Meals Testers Tried Hazy Cocoa smoothie Pink Dragon smoothie Acai Twist smoothie Chipotle and black bean supermeal Lentil and sun-dried tomato supermeal Avocado and quinoa supermeal Chickpea and pomegranate supermeal Guajillo tortilla soup Artisan bean and tomato soup Best Prepared : CookUnity Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $11.09 per servingDelivery Area: 44 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It CookUnity is a chef-curated virtual restaurant experience delivered right to your door. The menus are detailed with nutritional and ingredient information, and multiple eating styles are accommodated. Pros and Cons Pros Diverse and flavorful meals Meals are cooked by award-winning chefs “Less than 600-calorie” option Cons Single-serving meals only Limited delivery area Overview CookUnity purports a collection of top-notch chefs that bring the high-end restaurant experience to your home. The company’s online menu has a “less than 600 calories” filter option, as well as filters for other eating styles including keto, vegan, low sodium, gluten free, and dairy free. But that doesn’t mean the taste is compromised — CookUnity’s meals are fresh and flavorful, giving you the best eating experience possible. All meals arrive in single-serving packages that only take minutes to reheat before enjoying. Pricing and Plans 4 meals per week: $13.59 per meal6 meals per week: $12.29 per meal8 meals per week: $11.69 per meal12 meals per week: $11.19 per meal16 meals per week: $11.09 per meal Meals Testers Tried Coconut lime hanger steakCarnitas street tacosButternut squash ravioliChili roasted shrimp Best Vegan and Vegetarian : Purple Carrot Sign Up Now Key Specs Starting Price: $11 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It Purple Carrot caters to those who have a plant-forward mindset, offering an array of flavorful meals inspired by global cuisines. Pros and Cons Pros Flavors from around the world Provides both meal kits and prepared meals Free shipping Cons No customization Limited menu compared to other services Overview Purple Carrot offers a flexible, high-quality meal delivery experience, allowing you to choose from either fresh meal kits or prepared meals that only require reheating. Purple Carrot doesn’t provide a specific “weight loss” option when selecting meals, but with the calories readily available with each meal that is presented, you can easily pick ones that are lower in calories. Most meals offered range between 300-800 calories. Pricing and Plans 3 meals or 4 meals per week with 2 servings: $13.25 per serving2 meals or 3 meals per week with 4 servings: $11.00 per servingShipping is $10 Meals Testers Tried Meal Kits Sesame orange tofu with roasted green beans and sticky riceCurry-roasted cauliflower with masala chickpeas and ginger cucumber salsaRajas tacos with avocado and roasted corn salsa Prepared Meals Peanut noodles with gingered edamame and braised tofuCreamy mac and cheese with peso peas and sun-dried tomatoesSpelt risotto with summer vegetable caponataChilled curried chickpea salad with dates and quinoa red pepper pilafTofu palak paneer with carrot biryani Final Verdict While there are numerous weight loss delivery meal options on the market, Green Chef is the best overall with its fresh, easy-to-prepare, high-quality, and delicious meals that don’t shove “weight loss” down your throat. The recipes are balanced, with plant-forward meals packed with protein to help you feel fuller on fewer calories. Compare the Best Weight Loss Meal Delivery Services Company Starting Price Delivery Area Products Arrive Customers Can Choose Delivery Date? Free Shipping? Green Chef Best Overall $11.99 per serving 47 states Fresh Yes No Epicured Best Variety $10.65 per serving 48 states Fresh Yes, but it’s limited depending on where you live No bistroMD Best Doctor-Designed Program $10.99 per serving 48 states Frozen No No Blue Apron Best Meal Kits $7.99 per serving 48 states Prepared meals are frozen; meal kits are fresh Yes No Factor Best for Dietitian Support $11 per serving 48 states Fresh Yes No Revive Superfoods Best Frozen $6.99 per serving 50 states Frozen Yes No CookUnity Best Prepared $11.09 per serving 46 states Fresh Yes Yes Purple Carrot Best Vegan and Vegetarian $11 per serving 48 states Fresh Yes No Guide to Choosing the Best Weight Loss Meal Delivery Service What to Consider Eating is an experience that should be both comfortable and comforting, and choosing the best weight loss meal delivery service involves a lot of considerations. These include: Price/Cost per Meal: Since meal delivery services range in price, it’s important to choose one that fits your budget.Number of Meals per Delivery: Are you looking to keep your fridge and freezer stocked with meals every week, or do you only need a few meals to supplement your usual eating routine? Flexibility: Most meal delivery services allow you to order meals whenever you need them, and many companies give you the option to skip deliveries or cancel your subscription at any time. With that said, it’s best to verify that these options exist for the service you choose before you sign up.Menu Selection: Many meal delivery companies let you view the menu before you place an order, so it’s a good idea to make sure the dishes appeal to you before committing to a subscription.Nutrition Goals/Dietary Restrictions: Do you suffer from any food allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances? If so, you’ll need to make sure the meal delivery service can accommodate them. Are Weight Loss Meal Delivery Services Right for You? If you’re looking to stray away from the sodium-laden, high-calorie takeout meals in your area, weight loss meal delivery services can be a good option. However, not all meal deliveries promising weight loss are right for everyone. People who are at risk for eating disorders, have a history of eating disorders, or are currently recovering from an eating disorder may not be the best candidates for weight loss meal delivery services. Before signing up for these services, it’s important to consult with a dietitian who can guide you in losing weight in the safest way possible. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Cheapest Weight Loss Meal Delivery Service? Meal delivery services range in price, including those designed for weight loss. Generally, weight loss meal delivery services start around $7 per serving, with Revive Superfoods being the cheapest option on this list. Blue Apron comes in second place, with meals starting around $8 per serving. Which Is Better for Weight Loss: Fresh or Frozen Meals? Weight loss isn’t determined by whether or not the food you consume is fresh or frozen. Weight loss is based on calories, protein, and fiber from your foods. Protein and fiber help you feel satiated when eating meals that are low in calories. In addition, adequate protein intake helps maintain your muscles when you’re limiting calories for weight loss.3 Externally, weight loss is affected by genetics, adequate sleep, gender, social surroundings, medications, exercise level, stress levels, and accessibility to healthy options.4 Because of the complexities involved in weight loss, a registered dietitian nutritionist should be on board to help you on your journey. Do Meal Replacement Shakes Help With Losing Weight? Research shows mixed conclusions about meal replacement shakes having long-term weight loss benefits.5 It’s important to note that meal replacement shakes don’t replace healthy habits such as adequate fruit and vegetable intake, exercise, and stress management. Furthermore, there are so many meal replacement shakes on the market that it can be hard to choose which ones are best suited for your needs. If you decide to use meal replacement shakes, it’s best to choose a shake that’s high in protein and fiber, with calories between 200-400 to keep you satiated. Is It Easier to Lose Weight With a Meal Delivery Service? There’s no research that shows that meal delivery services inherently make losing weight easier. However, from a nutrition professional’s standpoint, compared to ordering takeout from a restaurant or portioning out your own meals at home, meal delivery services can make it a bit easier to lose weight. In most cases, the portions are controlled and the calories are available to view, so you know exactly what and how much you’re consuming. Also, with so many meal delivery options to choose from, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds along with your nutritional needs. Are Weight Loss Meal Delivery Services Worth the Money? The answer to this question largely depends on your budget and your priorities. Meal delivery is a luxury, like any other delivery service, and there are costs associated with it that may be a bit steep for some. However, the convenience that these meal delivery services offer, as well as the time and energy that they save in meal planning, may make them a worthwhile investment in the long run. Methodology Shape’s team of testers ordered, cooked, and evaluated meals from 40 different meal delivery services to rate each one’s offerings, nutrition profiles, prices, sustainability, and, of course, flavors. The team also contacted the customer service teams at each of the companies, collected data, and rigorously reviewed each one before making the final selections for this list. Arx0nt / Getty Images Article Sources Park JH, Moon JH, Kim HJ, Kong MH, Oh YH. Sedentary lifestyle: Overview of updated evidence of potential health risks. Korean J Fam Med. 2020;41(6):365-373. doi:10.4082/kjfm.20.0165 Bellini M, Tonarelli S, Nagy AG, et al. Low FODMAP diet: Evidence, doubts, and hopes. Nutrients. 2020;12(1):148. doi:10.3390/nu12010148 Additional Reading Biomed. “Visceral fat and insulin resistance — what we know?” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. “Factors Affecting Weight & Health.” The Obesity Society. “Higher protein intake during caloric restriction improves diet quality and attenuates loss of lean body mass.” Related Articles The Best Keto Subscription Boxes to Fit Your Lifestyle These Are the Best Meal Delivery Services to Make Your Life Easier Best Low-Sodium Meal Delivery Services for Quick, Healthy Meals Best Mediterranean Diet Meal Delivery Services for Easy Meal Planning These Meal Delivery Services Make Gluten-Free Eating Easy The Best Vegan Meal Delivery Services to Simplify Your Cooking Routine The Best Fitness Meal Delivery Services to Help Support Your Goals The Best Low-Carb Meal Delivery Services to Make Meal Planning Easy The Best Organic Meal Delivery Services to Try Today The Best Keto Meal Delivery Services On the Market Right Now The Best Prepared Meal Delivery Services to Make Weeknight Dinners a Breeze The Best Vegetarian Meal Delivery Services to Make Plant-Based Eating Easy The Best Paleo Meal Delivery Services To Save You Time The Best Low-FODMAP Meal Delivery Services for Easy Meal Planning How to Choose the Best Meal Subscription Box for You These Online Therapy Providers Are Here For You Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 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