Green Chef has this nutritionist's full endorsement. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Green Chef)
When it comes to losing weight, what you eat is a major piece of the puzzle. And if you're short on time — or unsure of where to start — the best weight loss meal delivery services can be a real game changer. From veggie-forward meal kits to preportioned, ready-to-eat meals, these services can save you hours spent planning, shopping and cooking — removing one of the biggest obstacles people face when trying to improve their diets.
Many people find weight loss challenging because they burn out or feel that eating healthy isn't sustainable, says registered dietitian Gabriella Nowicki. "I believe these meal services can help alleviate that," she adds. And research seems to agree. One large (though older) study found that meal planning makes it more likely for people to stick to their diet consistently — a key factor for successful weight loss.
Healthy meal deliveries take the guesswork out of planning balanced meals. "Many of the meal delivery services provide a 'Nutrition Facts' label with their recipes so that when selecting meals, a customer knows exactly what they are getting and can better support their macronutrient, micronutrient and caloric needs," says dietitian Rebecca Blake of Fay Nutrition. This is especially beneficial for folks just learning how to prepare healthy foods and can be an excellent introduction to mindful eating, Blake adds.
And it's not just about the number on the scale. Losing weight — when deemed appropriate by a health care professional — can greatly improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of certain chronic diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. It may even have a positive effect on your gut health, fertility and mental health.
There's no one "best" diet for everyone, so when hunting down the best weight loss meal delivery services, we made sure to include something for everyone, whether you're into keto, low-carb, Mediterranean or plant-based vibes.
As a multicertified personal trainer and nutritionist, I'm all about helping people live healthier, more balanced lives without the stress. So, with the help of Yahoo editors (and a whole lot of taste-testing), I dug into 17 of the top meal kits and premade deliveries to see which ones actually walk the talk. Ready to find meals that support your goals and taste like something you'd actually want to eat? Let's dig in.
Update, July 14, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best meal delivery service for weight loss remains unchanged. We added additional testing data for the nine meal delivery services we tried that didn't make our final list.
Price per serving: varies by plan | Meal type: Meal kits | Weekly menu choices: 40+ weekly menu selections; add-on breakfasts, lunches, appetizers | Dietary options: Calorie-smart, delicious discoveries, gluten-free, keto, Mediterranean, plant-based, protein-packed, quick and easy, gut & brain health
Green Chef is a premier choice for organic meal delivery kits for weight loss thanks to its commitment to providing earth-friendly, flavorful dishes catering to various dietary programs. Blake recommends the service, saying, "Green Chef even offers free 20-minute nutrition sessions with a registered dietitian (RD) to help make menu selections and discuss nutrition and health goals. This is especially helpful for people hoping to lose weight healthily and sustainably," she says.
Price per serving: Starts at $15.86 per meal | Meal type: Freshly prepared meals | Weekly menu options: 20+ entree and breakfast meals; add-on protein and vegetable options | Dietary options: Clean, keto, paleo, Whole30, high-protein vegetarian, high-protein vegan
Trifecta won our pick for best overall prepared meals for its comprehensive weight loss and health approach. The company offers a variety of prepared meal plans, including keto, paleo and plant-based, all designed to support weight loss and overall health with balanced, portion-controlled meals that align with dietary preferences and needs. Registered dietician Megan Huff of Nutrition by Megan explains that services providing portion-controlled meals and nutrition information are ideal for weight loss. "Additionally, having these meals on hand minimizes one's intake of processed foods and decreases the likelihood of eating or ordering out," she says. A few favorite weekly menu options are the teriyaki chicken with avocado and broccoli, spiced turkey with cauliflower rice and tofu fried rice with pineapple and vegetables.
Price per serving: $5-$8 including shipping | Meal types: Meal kits | Weekly menu options: 100+ recipes to choose from each week | Dietary options: Gluten-free, low-calorie, plant-based, low-carb, quick-and-easy, picky-eater-approved
Dinnerly earns the top spot for the best budget-friendly weight loss meal service because of its affordable pricing and user-friendly approach to meal kits. As Huff says, "Dinnerly is affordable and offers low-calorie and low-carb meal options that can help you meet your weight loss goals; ingredients are pre-portioned for each recipe and nutrition facts are provided." Plus, you'll find the service offers a wide variety of meal-kit menu options each week, such as dairy-free, low-calorie, low-carb, healthy and vegetarian. The meal kits are designed to be beginner-friendly, with an average of only five ingredients and simple instructions, which is ideal if you're new to cooking or pressed for time. The meals feature familiar flavors despite the simplicity and are generally ready in under 30 minutes. We liked the Teriyaki Beef With Coconut Rice, Low-Cal Pork and Feta Meatballs With Crispy Romaine and Pita Salad, and Turkey Enchilada Bowl.
Price per serving: Starts at $10.99 per meal plus $19.95 shipping fee | Meal type: Prepared single-serve meals arrive frozen | Weekly menu options: Over 150+ entrees across multiple programs | Dietary options: Diabetic, heart-healthy, keto, low-calorie, menopause, men's health, plant-based, vegan, women's health
BistroMD stands out for its chef- and doctor-designed meal plans, which cater to various health goals. Nowicki says BistroMD is a top pick not just for weight loss but also for managing various health conditions. "Their meals are well-balanced and flavorful," she says. The company was co-founded by Dr. Caroline Cederquist and her husband, Edward, with one goal: To provide healthy, wholesome, balanced nutrition and assist with weight management. This focus on health and the convenience of fully prepared meals makes BistroMD an excellent choice.
Price per serving: Starts at $6.79 per meal | Meal type: Prepared meals that arrive frozen | Weekly menu options: Over 40 options per week | Dietary options: Low-carb, low-sugar, low-calorie, heart-healthy, Whole30, 5-Day Jumpstart, diabetes-friendly, Mediterranean, gut-friendly, breakfast, plant-protein
Daily Harvest's combination of health-focused meals, convenience and sustainability makes it our top pick for the best weight loss meal delivery kit for one person. The service offers plenty of meal options each week, such as smoothies, soups, grain bowls and more, making it a versatile and convenient choice for a weight loss meal delivery service.
Type: Prepared meals | Weekly menu choices: 35+ entrées | Add-ons: Breakfasts, snacks, smoothies, juices, proteins | Meal plans: Calorie Smart, Chef's Choice, Keto, High Protein, Carb Conscious, GLP-1 Balance, Fiber Filled, Flexitarian | Servings: 1 | Shipping: $10.99
Factor, which made our top overall pick for the best keto meal delivery service, offers a unique, free 20-minute virtual coaching session with a registered dietitian, setting the service apart from competitors. Along with expert support, you'll find meal options for a range of diets — all crafted for maximum convenience.
Meals arrive fresh and fully cooked. Simply place them in the microwave for two minutes, and voilà! A nutritious meal with zero prep work. Since the meals are crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, they taste like they could be made in your own kitchen, and nothing like many of the frozen meals you'll find at the grocery store.
We tested a variety of options — including nonketo ones — and particularly enjoyed the Pulled Chicken Taco Bowl, Caribbean-Spiced Tofu With Black Beans and Rice, and Mango Salsa Salmon With Coconut Rice, Black Beans and Roasted Broccoli. Most of the meals are higher in protein than competitors' options, and you can filter your meal selections by protein, calorie and carb content. Nowicki warns that many meals are high in sodium, which may not be suitable for everyone, so ask your doctor if you're concerned.
Pricing for meals ranges from $10.99 to $13.49 per serving, depending on the number of meals ordered per week. Factor also offers assorted add-ons like breakfast items, snacks, smoothies, juices and cooked proteins.
A distinctive feature of Factor is its unwavering commitment to using high-quality ingredients. The company has an "Every Meal Matters" policy. It carefully sources premium ingredients and works closely with food suppliers and animal welfare experts to prioritize ethical and humane practices.
The majority of the packaging can be recycled. Factor's food tray material is CPET (crystallizable polyethylene terephthalate), a BPA-free plastic labeled No. 1 for recycling. The company also provides instructions on properly recycling the packaging, ensuring you can enjoy your meals guilt-free.
Read our full review of Factor meal delivery service, and how it holds up in 2025.
Price: $11 to $13.59 per meal | Meal type: Prepared meals | Weekly menu options: 100+ | Dietary options: Paleo, keto, Mediterranean, gluten-free, pescatarian, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan, family-friendly
CookUnity is an excellent choice for busy foodies focused on weight loss due to its diverse menu options and convenience. The service stands out because it offers a variety of meals to cater to different dietary needs, such as keto, gluten-free and plant-based options, which makes it easier to follow a healthy eating plan. The meals are crafted by award-winning chefs, bringing an exciting and diverse culinary experience to your weight loss journey, something that is often missing from traditional diet food.
Price per serving: $11-$13.25 | Meal type: Meal kits, prepared meals; add-ons for juices, breakfast and lunch | Weekly menu options: 16 recipes along with menus for breakfast (4) and lunch (4) | Dietary options: Vegetarian, vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, nut-free
Purple Carrot specializes in the weekly delivery of plant-based meal kits you cook yourself or fully prepared heat-and-eat meals. The dietary options include meals under 600 calories, gluten-free, high-protein, low-sodium, high-fiber, nut-free and soy-free. Meals range from breakfast, lunch and dinner for both the kits and prepared options. There are also “Plantry” add-on options, such as matcha cold brew coffees, fresh juices, instant lentils homestyle chili, plant-based crab cakes, juice shots, chocolates, nuts, crackers and vegan cheeses.
Price per serving: Starts at $9.70 per meal | Meal type: Prepared meals | Weekly menu options: Five meal plans with chef-selected menus | Dietary options: Balance, diabetes, keto-carb30, vegetarian
Diet-to-Go's focus on nutritionally balanced, calorie-conscious meals makes it our top choice for people managing diabetes while losing weight. Specific meal plans designed for individuals with type 2 diabetes are a unique feature of this service, along with the convenience of fully prepared meals that can be warmed in the microwave in two to three minutes. Registered dietician and certified diabetes educator Sheila Patterson recommends Diet-to-Go because it provides blood sugar-friendly meal options that simplify portion control and nutrient balance, which she says are important for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. "With meals aligned to recommended carb counts (e.g., ~45g for women and ~60g for men), the service offers both high and moderate carb options that allow flexibility and customization, such as adding healthy sides like a serving of fruit or Greek yogurt — the meals also avoid overcompensating with high sodium and excess saturated fat, supporting better overall health," she explains.
Price: $9.69-$11.39/serving (plus the cost of groceries) | Variety: ~5,000 recipes to choose from | Diet choices: Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, allergen-free, 500 calories or less, carb-conscious, kid-friendly | Skill level: Beginner-friendly | Taste: 6/10
Type: Meal kits | Weekly menu choices: 40+ entrées | Add-ons: Breakfasts, lunches, appetizers | Meal plans: Mediterranean, Keto, Protein Packed, Calorie Smart, Plant Based, Quick & Easy, Gluten Free, Gut & Brain Health | Servings: 2, 4 or 6 | Shipping: $9.99
Green Chef was our overall favorite meal kit delivery service for weight loss thanks to its high-quality ingredients — many of which are organic — and flavorful dishes, including options for specialty diets like Mediterranean, keto and plant-based. While many recipes require basic knife skills and multitasking, they're generally easy to prepare. Some even come with pre-chopped or even precooked items to help cut down on prep time.
Another highlight? Your subscription includes access to expert advice. "Green Chef even offers free 20-minute nutrition sessions with a registered dietitian (RD) to help make menu selections and discuss nutrition and health goals. This is especially helpful for people hoping to lose weight healthily and sustainably," says Blake.
The service has an expansive menu, with over 40 new meal options each week. A few of our favorites were the Coconut Shrimp Soup, Chicken Fajita Tacos With Creamy Chimichurri and Truffle Linguine. Just be aware that some meals are considered "premium" and add $7 to $10 per serving to your bill. You'll also want to keep an eye on nutrition stats, as some menu items are high in calories and saturated fat.
The company, which is owned by the meal kit service HelloFresh, has earned certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an organic company, ensuring that, at the very least, all the produce provided in your meal kit is organic unless stated otherwise. Additionally, the company is accredited by California Certified Organic Farmers.
Read our full review of Green Chef.
Type: Freshly prepared meals | Weekly menu choices: 20+ entrée and breakfast meals | Add-ons: Bulk proteins and vegetables | Meal plans: Chef Selected, My Choice | Servings: 1 | Shipping: $9.99
Trifecta earned our pick as the best overall prepared meal delivery thanks to its comprehensive approach to weight loss and overall wellness. In addition to macro-balanced prepared meals, the service offers tracking tools and community forums to support your weight journey. The meals themselves are impressive, featuring high-quality plant- or animal-based proteins, healthy fats and plenty of fresh produce, most of which is organic.
The company also wins high marks for its commitment to sourcing ingredients for its meals from small, local, organic farms while ensuring all proteins are produced using free-range, humane methods and seafood is responsibly wild-caught. Trifecta also offers bulk portions of precooked meat, fish, veggies and grains for meal planning, providing even more flexibility and customization for customers who prefer to create meals to suit their individual needs and tastes. This focus on quality is echoed in user reviews, with many customers praising the taste and nutritional balance of the meals.
Trifecta makes sticking to your health goals simple with easy recipe filtering by dietary preferences such as keto, paleo, pescatarian, vegan, vegetarian and more. Some of our favorite meals were the Teriyaki Chicken With Avocado and Broccoli, Spiced Turkey With Cauliflower Rice, and Tofu Fried Rice With Pineapple and Vegetables.
Meals start at $16 each, and you can mix and match entrées or choose from one of five chef-curated plans. While the price is a bit higher than some competitors', Trifecta's premium ingredients and built-in weight loss support tools justify the cost.
Trifecta also has a focus on sustainability. Most of the packaging is either 100% biodegradable or curbside recyclable.
Type: Meal kits and prepared meals | Weekly menu choices: 16+ meal kits, 16+ prepared meals | Add-ons: Breakfasts, grocery items | Meal plans: 1 main menu with diet-specific filters | Servings: 1, 2 or 4 | Shipping: Free for orders $100+; $12 for smaller orders
Weight loss doesn't have to revolve around meat and vegetables alone. In fact, research supports plant-based diets as an effective and sustainable approach to both weight loss and long-term health. Whether you're committed to a vegan lifestyle or just aiming to eat less meat, Purple Carrot is an excellent choice.
Purple Carrot specializes in plant-based meal kits and prepared heat-and-eat meals. Unlike others on our list, the company doesn't offer different meal plans. Instead, you can filter meal options by dietary preferences, including meals under 600 calories, gluten-free, high-protein, low-sodium, high-fiber, nut-free and soy-free. Meal options include breakfast, lunch and dinner entrées. There are also "Plantry" add-on options, such as matcha cold brew coffees, fresh juices, instant lentils, homestyle chili, plant-based crab cakes, juice shots, chocolates, nuts, crackers and vegan cheeses.
This service distinguishes itself with its commitment to providing plant-based, flavorful dishes and creative ingredient combos — plant-based New England "Lobster" Rolls, anyone? Some of the standouts during testing included the Caper Dill Bagels With Everything Cream Cheese, Chipotle Tofu Tacos With Radish Escabeche and Cilantro Crema, and Crispy Lemon Chik'n With Brown Rice and Gia Lan. We also tried — and loved — the Thai Peanut Noodles With Tofu and Broccoli prepared meal and three juices from the Plantry: Eternal Life, Super Destroyer and Lean & Clean.
Purple Carrot's pricing ranges from $11 to $13.25 per serving, depending on the number of meals and servings ordered. Most of Purple Carrot's packaging is recyclable or compostable, which is a plus for those trying to reduce their carbon footprint further.
Read our full review of Purple Carrot.
Type: Meal kits | Weekly menu choices: 100+ entrées | Add-ons: None | Meal plans: Gluten-Free Friendly, Low Calorie, Low Carb, Picky Eater Approved, Quick & Easy, Vegetarian | Servings: 2 or 4 | Shipping: $10.99
Dinnerly earns the top spot for the best budget-friendly weight loss meal service because of its affordable pricing and user-friendly approach to meal kits. According to registered dietitian Megan Huff, "Dinnerly is affordable and offers low-calorie and low-carb meal options that can help you meet your weight loss goals; ingredients are preportioned for each recipe and nutrition facts are provided." Plus, you'll find the service offers a wide variety of meal-kit menu options each week, such as dairy-free, low-calorie, low-carb, healthy and vegetarian.
The meal kits are designed to be beginner-friendly, with an average of only five ingredients and simple instructions, which is ideal if you're new to cooking or pressed for time. The meals feature familiar flavors and are generally ready in under 30 minutes. We liked the Teriyaki Beef With Coconut Rice, Low-Cal Pork and Feta Meatballs With Crispy Romaine and Pita Salad, and Turkey Enchilada Bowl.
In terms of pricing, Dinnerly offers meals for as low as $5.99 per serving, making it one of the most affordable options in the meal kit market. This affordability does not compromise the variety of meal options, as there are over 100 recipes to choose from each week. Since healthy eating can be more expensive, Dinnerly's commitment to affordability makes sticking to nutritious meals eaiser to manage for those on tight budgets. One unique feature of Dinnerly is its digital recipe cards. While this may be a drawback for some, it reduces paper waste and allows easy access to recipes on the go.
Dinnerly prioritizes sustainability with eco-friendly packaging and detailed recycling instructions. It works with suppliers to use paper from sustainably managed forests and biodegradable natural fiber insulation, but packaging may vary depending on where you live.
For more information, read our full review of Dinnerly.
Type: Frozen prepared meals | Weekly menu choices: 150+ entrées | Add-ons: Snacks | Meal plans: Signature, Gluten Free, Heart Healthy, Keto Flex, Diabetic, Menopause, Vegan | Servings: 1 | Shipping: $19.95
BistroMD stands out for its chef- and doctor-designed meal plans, which cater to various health goals. Nowicki says BistroMD is a top pick not just for weight loss but also for managing various health conditions. "Their meals are well-balanced and flavorful," she says. The company was cofounded by Dr. Caroline Cederquist and her husband, Edward, with one goal: to provide healthy, wholesome, balanced nutrition and assist with weight management.
On the Signature plan, meals contain about 40% protein (about 25 to 30 grams), 30% healthy fats and 30% low-glycemic carbohydrates and fiber to help you feel full and keep your blood sugar levels stable. Plans for women are roughly 1,200 calories per day, including three meals and two snacks, while plans for men come in at 1,400 calories per day, including three meals and three snacks. This daily caloric intake is on the lower side, so discuss these plans with your doctor or registered dietitian before committing, as your calorie needs may be higher.
BistroMD's meals are fully cooked and can be heated in the microwave in just five minutes, which earns it top marks for convenience. The meals come frozen to maintain freshness and can stay in the freezer until it's time to eat. We're not going to lie; these meals weren't at the top of our list for flavor or texture — many of them had softer consistencies thanks to being frozen and thawed. That said, some were tastier than others, including the Grilled Salmon With Creamy Pesto, Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken, and Tofu Pad Thai With Sugar Snap Peas.
The Signature program includes seven days of meals — seven breakfasts and lunches and six dinners — and is priced at $220 before introductory discounts. You can also choose to receive just five days of meals or only lunches and dinners.
One of the unique features of BistroMD is its team of dietitians, who provide support throughout your weight loss journey via your private client portal, where you can ask questions and set goals. This additional service enhances the user experience and provides valuable guidance on your quest to lose weight.
BistroMD's meals are insulated and shipped with dry ice. They come in microwave- and oven-safe (up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit) CPET plastic trays, sealed with light plastic covers for freshness. The trays, covers and cardboard sleeves are recyclable.
Type: Prepared meals | Weekly menu choices: 100+ entrées | Add-ons: None | Meal plans: 1 main menu with diet-specific filters | Servings: 1 | Shipping: $9.99
CookUnity is an excellent choice for busy foodies focused on weight loss, thanks to its diverse menu options — all of which are fully prepared and crafted by award-winning chefs, including some from the Food Network. The service also stands out for catering to a variety of dietary needs, including keto, gluten-free and plant-based options. Just be aware that some entrées are high in calories, saturated fat and sodium, so you'll want to pay close attention to nutrition stats before selecting your meals.
Another feature that sets CookUnity apart is that each meal not only is designed by a well-known chef, but also includes the chef's bio. After you've tried a few meals by each chef, you may find that you have a favorite chef and may be more inclined to try new meals and flavors from that chef that you might not have otherwise selected. A few of our favorite meals were the Teriyaki Tofu Bowl With Pineapple, Veggies and Brown Rice, Mongolian Salmon With Rice and Bok Choy, and West African Kale Salad With Fonio, Mango and Black-eyed Peas.
The plans offer flexible pricing based on the number of meals you choose per week. Prices start at $13.59 per meal for four meals a week, dropping to $12.29 for six meals, $11.69 for eight meals, $11.19 for 12 meals and $11.09 per meal for 16 meals a week.
CookUnity uses eco-friendly packaging and has committed to reducing carbon emissions.
Type: Meal kits and prepared meals | Weekly menu choices: 5,000+ recipes to choose from | Add-ons: Large selection of grocery items | Meal plans: 1 recipe database with diet-specific filters | Servings: 1, 2 or 4 | Shipping: Free for orders $70+; $6.99 for smaller orders
Want to receive healthy groceries, like snacks and breakfast items, in addition to dinner or lunches? Look no further than Hungryroot. Its unique approach combines recipes with their preportioned ingredients along with extra (optional) grocery items, providing a wide range of meals and snacks.
Dietitian Sarah Wagner of Memorial Hermann Health System explains that this type of service may help take the mental work out of meal prepping by giving you a set menu for the week, which she says is a big barrier for people who want to start cooking more home meals but aren't used to the process. "They're a good starting place for people who are used to relying on less balanced meals, frozen dinners or fast food restaurants," she adds.
Hungryroot offers a variety of diet focuses, such as vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, allergen-free, 500 calories or less, carb-conscious and kid-friendly choices. The service offers meal kits and a variety of grocery items to fill in the gaps between meals. It has healthy snacks like baby carrots and grapes and even a ready-to-eat breakfast burrito.
Our main gripe? Because convenience is the main focus, some recipes were lacking in the flavor department or didn't seem as nutritionally balanced as those you'd get from one of the other meal kit services on our list.
When you order a Hungryroot box, it comes with recyclable cold packs called EnviroIce to keep perishable items fresh. You also receive a paper printout with your weekly recipes, making it easy to follow along, and there is a guide included to help you use up any extra ingredients.
Read our full review of Hungryroot.
When choosing the best meal delivery services for weight loss, there are several key factors to consider:
Price per serving: Meal delivery service costs can vary significantly depending on how many meals you order per week, the number of servings per meal and your dietary preferences. Prices typically range from $10 to $16 per serving. Don't forget to factor in shipping costs — most services charge around $9 to $10 per delivery, though some can go as high as $19.95.
Meal type: Some services offer fully prepared meals that require zero prep and can be reheated in minutes. Others provide meal kits that involve a bit of cooking but often come at a lower cost per serving. "The nice thing about these services is that you can customize your box with meals that require less prep or fewer dishes," says Wagner. "Some even offer completely prepared meals that may result in a more balanced plate than what people would make on their own," she adds.
Nutrition content: To support your weight loss goals, it's important to choose meals with the right balance of nutrients for your needs. Michael Hershey, MS, RDN, recommends looking for meals with at least 20 grams of protein and 8-15 grams of fiber. He explains that protein and fiber are digested more slowly and may help keep you full for longer. "If you are staying full longer, it is more likely that you'll stick to an appropriate amount of daily calories," Hershey adds. Keep in mind that nutrient needs vary by individual — if you're unsure about your ideal intake, consider consulting a registered dietitian.
Dietary needs: Some services, like Purple Carrot, cater to just one eating pattern, while others, like Green Chef, offer options for a wide variety of dietary preferences. Choosing a service that lets you filter by dietary preferences (like keto, gluten-free or plant-based) can simplify the meal selection process and save you time.
Weekly menu options: If you're a relatively picky eater or dislike eating similar recipes week after week, it's a good idea to choose a service with a large selection of rotating meals to pick from.
Taste: Above all, you want your meals to be delicious. Taste can be subjective, so it's a good idea to read reviews or try a few different services to find one that suits your palate.
Eco-friendly packaging: Meal delivery services are notorious for using lots of plastic. When possible, opt for services that use mostly recyclable, compostable or reusable packaging materials to help lessen your carbon footprint.
To create this list of the best meal delivery services for weight loss, Yahoo editors and I tested 17 different options. We evaluated cost, menu variety, ingredient quality and freshness, ease of preparation, eco-friendly packaging — and, most importantly, taste.
We also consulted registered dietitians and paid close attention to key factors that support weight loss, such as diet-specific meal plans (like keto, Mediterranean or plant-based), balanced nutritional profiles and built-in tools like food tracking, portion control or access to expert guidance. We also considered extras like breakfast, snack and dessert add-ons to help you stay on track throughout the day.
Not all the services we tested made our final list, but some may still be a good fit depending on your needs. Here's a closer look at the other contenders and what they bring to the table:
Blue Apron: Our pick as the best healthy meal delivery just narrowly missed this list. While the meals were flavorful and the nutrition on point, the company's menu is more limited than Green Chef's and not as accommodating of specialty diets.
HelloFresh: A meal kit classic, HelloFresh is a great choice for families and offers good value. While we found Green Chef to be more flavorful and Dinnerly more budget-friendly, HelloFresh was a close contender thanks to its Fit & Wholesome meal plan, which features balanced meals — all under 650 calories per serving.
Sunbasket: If ingredient quality and creative flavor combinations are your top priority, then you'll love Sunbasket. This premium meal delivery service also caters to an impressive number of diets, including diabetes-friendly, Mediterranean, pescatarian and carb-conscious. The catch? It isn't cheap. In fact, it's one of the most expensive options, with prices ranging from $10 to $30 or more per serving.
Home Chef: For those who enjoy meal kits but are short on time, Home Chef is a solid choice. The company specializes in oven-ready and quick prep meals that are ideal for busy professionals and families. While many of its entrées can fit into a healthy diet for weight loss, the service doesn't offer the same level of support, like diet-specific meal plans and nutrition coaching, as others on our list.
EveryPlate: Another budget-friendly pick, but we simply found Dinnerly's options to be more flavorful and a bit more generous in the vegetable department.
Daily Harvest: Known for its colorful smoothies and plant-based menu, Daily Harvest is unique in that it's one of the few services with items available at nationwide supermarket chains. Offering mostly organic ingredients, the service may be a good option for singles looking to boost their produce intake. That said, we found the quality varied greatly between products, and some items were too low in calories to be considered a complete meal.
Diet-to-Go: While it isn't the best-tasting prepared meal delivery we tried — trust us, you'll want to have some seasonings on hand — this service is one of the few that offers a diabetes-specific meal plan. Registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator Sheila Patterson recommends Diet-to-Go because it provides blood-sugar-friendly meal options that simplify portion control and nutrient balance, which she says are important for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Territory: Territory offers fresh, never frozen prepared meals made without gluten, dairy and added sugar. The meals were flavorful and packed with good-for-you ingredients. Honestly, if it wasn't for the hefty price tag — $14 to $18 per meal — it would've given Trifecta some serious competition.
Mosaic Foods: This fully plant-based company specializes in frozen prepared meals made from high-quality ingredients. We appreciated that most items were high in protein and featured a variety of plant-based ingredients. However, what stood out the most were the family-size meals, which feature at least four different types of vegetables and arrive in oven-safe trays. Flavorwise, Mosaic's entrées were hit-or-miss, which is why it ultimately didn't make our list.
Meal kit delivery services can support weight loss by providing portion-controlled, nutritionally balanced meals that simplify healthy eating. Many cater to specialty diets — like keto, Mediterranean and plant-based — which can help improve consistency and adherence. However, not all meal kit recipes are low in calories or focused on health. Plus, since most services supply only one meal per day, your overall daily and weekly food choices remain crucial for reaching your weight loss goals.
Meal delivery services can help you save money by reducing food waste and cutting out grocery trips. They're also generally cheaper than ordering takeout. However, whether they're cost-effective depends on your eating habits and lifestyle. If you're already a meal-planning pro who preps regularly, these services may end up costing you more.
Most meal delivery services allow you to skip a week or cancel your subscription anytime, providing flexibility to adapt to your changing needs. However, it's always a good idea to check the specific cancellation policy of your chosen service.
Gabriella Nowicki, MS, registered dietitian with additional certifications in nutrition support and oncology nutrition
Rebecca Blake, RD, clinical nutrition subject matter expert, speaker and clinical health care operations executive with Fay Nutrition
Sheila Patterson, RD, certified diabetes educator and owner of the Sugar Dietitian
Megan Huff, RDN, owner of Nutrition by Megan, specializing in managing and preventing chronic disease by taking a holistic nutrition and lifestyle approach
Sarah Wagner, MPH, LD, registered clinical dietitian at Memorial Hermann Health System
Michael Hershey, MS, RDN, LD, owner of Michael Hershey Nutrition, specializing in weight loss, diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure and general nutrition
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.