Best Meal Delivery Services for Fitness of 2021

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Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Trifecta Nutrition
Best for Bodybuilding: Pete’s Paleo
Best for Variety: Sunbasket
Best for Low Sugar: Snap Kitchen
Best for High Protein: Fresh n' Lean
Best for Plant-Based: Veestro

When you're increasing your workout regimen and incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine, it is important to focus on meals that offer a balance of the three macronutrients: protein, fats, and carbohydrates. So, depending on your goals or desired fitness outcome, you may want to focus on delivery services that offer high protein meal plans or meal plans lower in carbohydrates.

For the most part, though, adequate protein intake is a primary focus when increasing physical activity. Protein is an incredible macronutrient; it satisfies hunger, builds muscle, supports tissue health, and is necessary for the majority of the body’s reactions and processes. Per a Dietary Reference Intake Report, on average, "a sedentary adult should consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight." Daily, that means people should consume between 46 and 56 grams per day.

Meal delivery services can ensure that you're eating balanced dishes that help you stay on track when it comes to achieving your fitness goals, whether you're a carnivore, vegetarian, or vegan. Because of the transparency surrounding their nutritional information and the options that these services provide catered to specific diets, it makes it easy to make sure you're getting the proper nutrients.

If this is the route you choose to go, look for meals that source their protein from real, whole food sources (such as meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, or seafood), rather than highly processed ingredients that promise mega high amounts of protein. When it comes to processed proteins, natural carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and fiber are frequently removed, and nutrients, herbs, and even sweeteners can be added. In addition, when looking for meals with a balanced macronutrient ratio, prioritize meals that provide complex carbohydrates, or carbohydrates that are barely processed and still contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Here, we've rounded up the best meal delivery services for fitness.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Trifecta Nutrition

Key Specs

Lowest Price per Serving: $12.99
Number of Diets Served: 5
Number of Recipes: 60

Pros & Cons

Pros

The Trifecta kitchen is gluten-free and peanut-free and has meal plan options that include dairy-free, and soy-free.
The meals last 10 days in the refrigerator and three months in the freezer
Money back guarantee offered

Cons

Meal plans are all chef's choice; they cannot be customized

Overview

If keeping tight control of your macronutrients is important to you, Trifecta Nutrition is the meal delivery service for you. All of their plans are low calorie, high protein, and range from moderate to low carb: averaging 350 to 500 calories and over 20 to 40 grams of protein per dish. If you are looking for strict control of your macro diet, you can build your own menu using their meal prep ingredients.

But if you're looking for more of a mix-and-match situation, you can pick and choose individual dishes from a low-fat, high protein classic meal plan. Trifecta’s meals are delivered fresh, never frozen, and are fully prepared which is great for busy athletes or gym-goers. Trifecta uses organic ingredients and all protein is level-5 humanely raised (animals that spend their whole lives on a single farm), grass-fed, and wild-caught. Meal plans cover a variety of diets including Keto, vegan, and a classic clean meal plan.

Trifecta uses its in-house team of professionals, including a physician and dietitian, to construct their meals. The company aims to have 100 percent biodegradable trays and packaging by 2022.

Pricing and Plans

For a la carte ordering, depending on the items you choose, meals can be as low as $6 per meal. The minimum per delivery is $119—about 20 meals.
Keto, clean, and paleo meal plans start at $109 per delivery
Vegan and vegetarian meal plans start at $91 per delivery
Classic Meal Plans: starting at $119 per delivery
Shipping is free
Weekly and biweekly delivery options

Best for Bodybuilding: Pete’s Paleo

Key Specs

Lowest Price per Serving: $16
Number of Diets Served: 2
Number of Recipes: 10

Pros & Cons

Pros

Emphasis is placed on large vegetable portions in addition to high quality protein
Facilities are completely free of gluten and soy
Anti-inflammatory oils (avocado oil, animal fat, coconut oil, olive oil) are used to prepare the food

Cons

Not appropriate for vegetarian bodybuilders
More expensive than other meal delivery options
No substitutions available other than requesting no pork

Overview

Peter Servold is a Le Cordon Bleu graduate and owner of Pete’s Paleo, one of the few Paleo-only meal delivery services. This service is great for those looking to build muscle as meals are well-balanced and packed with muscle-fueling protein, which satisfies hunger and builds muscle. Customers also have the option to double protein portions in all meals.

Consumers ordering from Pete’s Paleo can expect pre-prepared meals featuring seasonal, organic produce. According to the website, each week there are over 20 kinds of vegetables prepared in their meals, meaning consumers will not only enjoy the meals' taste but its nutrients as well. Most meals on the menu contain five ounces of protein and seven ounces of veggies. (A daily protein intake should be between 0.73 grams and 1 gram per pound of body weight) Aside from Paleo lunches and dinners, consumers can order breakfast options if purchased in the “new you” bundle. Other program offerings include a 21-day sugar detox and a Pete’s Paleo Lite, which includes the same meals packed in smaller portions.

Pricing and Plans

$89 for five meals
$174 for 10 meals
$229 for 14 meals
$326 for the family plan
Free shipping on almost all orders
Delivery options are weekly or biweekly

Best for Variety: Sunbasket

Key Specs

Lowest Price per Serving: $8.99
Number of Diets Served: 8
Number of Recipes: 43

Pros & Cons

Pros

Mix and match different meal plans
Skip a week or cancel anytime
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are offered

Cons

Cannot adjust individual meals

Overview

Sunbasket offers the most variety of meal plans, including a Paleo, Mediterranean, and lean-and-clean option (lower-calorie meals) that can help supplement your fitness routine. You can order organic, oven-ready meals or classic pre-prepped ingredients that come with recipe cards to cook at home. You can also order ready-made breakfasts, lunches, and snacks.

All recipes are approved by an in–house dietitian to comply with the latest USDA dietary guidelines, so you can determine which meals will meet your specific fitness goals. Whether you are ordering for one, two, or four people, Sunbasket lets customers mix and match their boxes so that a vegetarian and a Paleo eater can eat happily ever after and each can get the nutrients they need to keep on track with their fitness goals. Since Sunbasket also allows you to cook for yourself, you can customize your meals and ingredients as you see fit to give you the support you need for your workout routines.

As an added feel-good bonus, Sunbasket donates an average of 1,000 pounds of food to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, the New Jersey Agricultural Society Farmers Against Hunger, and Hope Food Pantry of Monroe County.

Pricing and Plans

Shipping is free on the first order and then $8
Servings start at $8.99
Meal Kits start at $56 (2 meals/week + 2 servings/meal)
Fresh & Ready meals start at $48 (4 meals/week + 1 serving/meal)
Delivers weekly

Best for Low Sugar: Snap Kitchen

Key Specs

Lowest Price per Serving: $10.50
Number of Diets Served: 4
Number of Recipes: 35

Pros & Cons

Pros

Ready-made meals that just need to be reheated
Some meals have as low as four grams of sugar
Mix meals from different meal plans

Cons

Only two options for types of meals delivered

Overview

Snap Kitchen serves the continental U.S. offering fully prepared breakfast, lunches, and dinners that have been curated by registered dietitians and chefs. It is our choice for the best low sugar meals as it might work well for those who have diabetes or are trying to lose weight. Offering breakfast items such as paleo pancakes and dinners such as chicken tenders and turnip mash, consumers can reap the benefits of a low sugar diet (decreased inflammation, clearer skin, and weight loss) without missing food favorites.

Customers have the ability to filter meals based on diets (Whole 30, Paleo, and Keto-friendly) that limit added sugars. Meal plans can be designed based on the diets offered or can be filtered based on protein, fiber, or carbohydrate needs.

For those looking for quality food items, Snap Kitchen opts for organic ingredients when possible and is transparent in how they source their animal proteins. Customers can choose between 12-or six-meal boxes. Larger boxes come out to $10.50 per meal for nutrient-packed, high-quality foods.

Pricing and Plans

12 meals a week are $10.50 per meal
Six meals a week are $13 per meal
Shipping is always free
Deliveries are weekly

Best for High Protein: Fresh n' Lean

Key Specs

Lowest Price per Serving: $10
Number of Diets Served: 6
Number of Recipes: 59

Pros & Cons

Pros

Accommodates for allergies for up to three ingredients per meal without portion size changing
A La Carte menu is available offering breakfasts and snacks, bulk meal items and sides, and a limited number of entrees
Free shipping

Cons

Cannot mix and match meal plans within a box however you can choose from an a la carte menu
Not ideal for families because meals are designed to serve one person

Overview

Fresh n' Lean makes it easy to follow a high-protein diet. Plans include free shipping, and locally-grown, organic, whole-food, plenty of nutrients. Meals are prepared and delivered fresh, never frozen, and last for up to 10 days in the refrigerator.

Customers can choose from one, two, or three meals per day and can subscribe weekly or pick a la carte. Every meal is gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free and animal products are all antibiotic and hormone-free, which is beneficial to your fitness goals especially if getting enough protein is your main priority. For those with food allergies, up to three ingredients can be excluded from meals without a change in portion size.

Every ingredient that is used is free of GMOs and Fresh n' Lean’s chefs plan menus based on seasonality. The protein+ plan allows the option to choose additional meals and snacks. If the meals offered don't have enough protein for you (grams of protein in this plan range from 30 to 40 grams) you can always add foods from the protein-heavy bulk plan.

Pricing and Plans

Shipping is free
Cost ranges depending on meal plan (vegan is less expensive than those with animal proteins). Plans also range in price depending on the number of meals picked and the type of meal (breakfast vs. dinner)
Prices range from $54 (just breakfast, five days per week) to $205 (all three meals for seven days per week)
Deliveries are weekly

Best for Plant-Based: Veestro

Key Specs

Lowest Price per Serving: $9.90
Number of Diets Served: 5
Number of Recipes: 53

Pros & Cons

Pros

Meals come prepared and hold up in the freezer
High protein plant based plan available
Kosher plan available

Cons

100% plant-based
Flavor might be more bland than desired
Weight loss plan is not personalized and may not be appropriate for all

Overview

Veestro is a 100% plant-based company that delivers prepared meals using organic ingredients. Consumers can choose between 10, 20, or 30 meals per week that include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They can also filter meals by gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, and most importantly for fitness enthusiasts, high protein.

Meals last up to eight weeks in the freezer, and up to two to three days in the fridge. Meals range in price from $9.90 to $12, depending on how many meals are picked to be delivered. In addition, if weight loss is a goal, Veestro offers a specific five- or seven-day weight loss plan based on 1,200 calories per day.

It's important to note that some consumers have claimed their meals were less flavor-filled than they had hoped. However, they were able to spice things up by adding their own condiments and seasoning.

Pricing and Plans

Free shipping on all auto-delivery orders, $10 shipping on all one-time orders
Weight loss plan: $176 for a 5-day plan or $227 for a 7-day plan
A la carte: $12 per meal for 10 meals, $11 for 20 meals, and $10 per meal for 30 meals

Final Verdict

When it comes to meal delivery services for fitness, there is one to fit every lifestyle, taste, and dietary need depending on your personal goals. Offerings range from ready-made meals to prepped ingredient boxes that come to life in your kitchen. Our top recommendation is Trifecta Nutrition because of its focus on food for fitness. But if you're looking for meals that are lower in sugar, Snap Kitchen is ideal. If you're looking to bulk up, Pete's Paleo has dishes that will help you get the nutrients you need to help you meet your goals.

Guide for Choosing the Best Meal Delivery Services for Fitness

Are Meal Delivery Services Worth It?

Meal delivery services can help ease the transition from rarely cooking or eating at home to eating at home most meals. It can sometimes be overwhelming to overhaul your entire kitchen and get into a meal-prepping rhythm, so starting with a delivery service makes choosing high-quality foods easy and seamless. Meal delivery services may be right for you if you are looking to add new foods to your diet, more plants, and more protein. They are also a great way to cut down on foods that can be inflammatory like dairy, gluten, or soy. Regardless of your eating habits, delivery services make it easy to get nutritious meals on the table, quickly.

While meal delivery services have a lot of benefits, if you're looking to consume fewer calories or limit your sodium intake, it's important to read the nutritional information provided, especially for pre-prepared meals, before taking the plunge.

Comparing Meal Delivery Services for Fitness

The number of different food delivery services that can help build strength and stamina can be overwhelming. Some companies may focus on physical fitness explicitly, while others may not necessarily, but are still fabulous options for achieving fitness goals. Here are the ways to compare different types of services:

What is your desired goal? If you are looking to add muscle, prioritize plans that focus on high protein portions. If overall physical health is the goal, look for meals that are high in fiber and protein, low in sugar, and include healthy fats.
Who is this plan for? Assess who you are planning to feed with the delivery service. Are you looking for a plan to feed your whole family or just you? Services range in meal sizes and the number of meals offered.
Diets offered: Some delivery services offer macronutrient-specific plans whereas others offer paleo or high protein plans that focus more on protein but less on a balanced plate. Choose a service based on your style of eating and goals.
Allergies: It is important to look and see if the delivery service will cater to allergies. Some services have plans in place to accommodate allergies whereas are less strict.
Price: There is a wide variety of price points when it comes to delivery services. Take a note of whether you are looking for one, two, or three meals per day and for how many days you need meals as this will affect the price.

Meal Delivery Services as Part of Your Fitness Journey

If you are new to the fitness world, it can be overwhelming to balance everything: a job, a family, an intense training routine and then fueling your body properly. Meal delivery services take the guesswork out of wondering if you are eating enough or eating the right portions. Some services are excellent for counting macros whereas others are excellent for bulking up on high quality protein. Manage your subscription based on your schedule. Order enough meals to cover long training days and off days or save money by only ordering the meals you need on busy days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Potential Health Benefits of Using Meal Delivery Services for Fitness?

Delivery services provide meals or recipes that are portion contained. They are also a way to make sure you are getting the calories, carbohydrates, and protein your body needs to balance your workouts. Prepared meals or meal boxes also provide the opportunity to try new foods that you may not normally purchase on your own. For those who are stuck in a food rut or food routine, delivery services can boost variety and flexibility. which means a greater amount of nutrients can be consumed.

How Much Do Meal Delivery Services for Fitness Cost?

The cost for meal delivery services range based on the number of meals, preferred diet plan, and types of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). We found services that offer meals as low as $6 per meal and as high as $17 to $20 per meal.

Do Meal Delivery Services for Fitness Offer Plans for Bodybuilding?

There are some meal delivery services that seem to cater to bodybuilders or feature more protein in their dishes. When it comes to gaining muscle and losing body fat, it's important to look at the nutritional information in prepared meals or consider what prepared ingredients are being provided if there's a DIY aspect.

Methodology

We assessed more than 12 companies for this article. Price, macronutrient distribution, flavor variety, shelf-life, ease, ingredient quality, and customer reviews were considered when choosing our top picks.