7 Best Low-Carb Meal Delivery Services 2024, According to Experts
</p><p><a href=” target=”_blank”>Carbohydrates</a>, oh, how they fuel our bodies! But when it comes to following a low-carb diet, making the right choices becomes crucial. It’s not merely about cutting carbs, but about creating a well-rounded, nutritious plate with the appropriate types and amounts of carbohydrates.<br></p><p>Luckily, you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen trying to concoct delicious high-protein, low-carb recipes. <strong>Our nutrition experts have found a handful of low-carb meal delivery services that offer a blend of convenience, nutrition and affordability.</strong><br></p><p>”<a href=” target=”_blank”>Meal delivery services</a> have evolved to cater to the needs of home cooks and accommodate various dietary preferences and lifestyles,” said <a href=” target=”_blank”>Stefani Sassos</a>, MS, RDN, CDN, Nutrition Director for the <a href=” target=”_blank”>Good Housekeeping Institute</a>. “You can choose traditional meal kits that provide fresh ingredients and step-by-step recipe instructions or fully prepared meals that go straight into the microwave from the fridge or freezer.”</p><p>To find the crème de la crème of low-carb meal delivery services, our dietitians conducted an extensive review, digging through over 50 services and involving more than 300 home chefs. That encompassed three months of evaluations, scrutinizing variety, nutrition, pricing, serving sizes, ingredient quality and availability.</p><p>But here’s a gentle reminder from our experts:<strong> Just because a dish is low carb doesn’t automatically make it healthy.</strong> To truly nourish your body, incorporate a variety of vegetables, <a target=”_blank” href=” fruits</a>, whole grains and lean proteins like fish, chicken, turkey and whole forms of soy. </p><ul></ul>”/>
Pros
- USDA-certified organic
- Cooking takes 30 minutes or less
- Meals are flavorful and satisfying
Cons
- Some meals may be high in sodium
While Green Chef doesn’t specifically offer a low-carb meal plan, its keto menu contains less than 20 grams of carbs per serving with no added sugar. This company is USDA-certified organic and focused on sustainability.
How it works: The weekly menu includes more than 40 recipes (about 10 meals fall under the keto category) that you can cook in 30 minutes or less. Choose to feed two, four or six people, and pick three or four meals weekly.
Keto options include Caribbean-Spiced Tilapia with Coconut-Lime Cauliflower “Rice,” Shrimp and Bacon Squash-Noodle Bowls and Spiced Pork Chops with Creamy Chimichurri.
Lab results: Our testers gave this service high scores for quality ingredients, generous portion sizes, freshness and variety of meals and recipes. “I liked the portion size of the meals. The flavor creativity was great,” reported one tester. Other testers commented that the recipes were straightforward to follow with clear instructions and that they could try dishes they would typically not prepare at home. Our nutritionist did note that a few people may find some meals high in sodium.
RELATED: The Best Healthy Meal Delivery Services, Tested by Experts
| Pricing | Meals cost $11.99 to $13.49 per serving; plus $9.99 for shipping |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Most packaging is curbside recyclable. |
| Availability | Everywhere in the contiguous U.S. |
| Type | Traditional meal kit |
Pros
- Traditional meal kits and ready-to-eat options available
- High customer satisfaction rating
- Family-friendly meal options with up to six servings
Cons
- Some meals are not suitable for a low-sodium diet
Home Chef offers a “Carb Conscious” menu containing less than 35 grams of carbs per serving. The brand’s offerings are available online and at over 2,000 Kroger grocery stores nationwide. Home Chef offers prepared options ready to reheat and low-prep meals with pre-portioned ingredients that you can cook or assemble at home.
How it works: The full menu offers 30 meals, which you can filter for about a dozen “Carb Conscious” options. Select how many people you’re feeding — two, four or six — and how many recipes you would like to receive — between two and six. You can indicate foods you want to avoid, including peanuts, mushrooms or pork.
Low-carb options include Roasted Garlic Butter Sirloin with Bacon-Cheddar Broccoli, Marsala Mushroom Smothered Pork Chop with Green Beans and Spicy Gojuchang-Glazed Salmon.
Lab results: Testers reported that the portions were generous for two, and the quick-and-easy preparation made it great for dinner. One tester said, “These are a perfect variety to satisfy everyone.” Our nutrition pros appreciate the ingredients’ freshness, although some meals may contain high sodium counts. Always read nutrition labels, especially if you are following a low-sodium diet.
| Pricing | Meals cost $9.99 to $11.99 per serving; plus $10.99 for shipping |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Most packaging is curbside recyclable. |
| Availability | Everywhere in the contiguous U.S. |
| Type | Traditional meal kits; prepared meals ready to heat and eat |
Pros
- Many keto-friendly options
- Complimentary consultation available with a registered dietitian
Cons
- Single-serving meals only
Factor’s ready-to-eat, single-serve meals are designed by registered dietitians and chefs using high-quality and nutrient-dense ingredients that are GMO-free and contain no refined sugars. This service caters to various dietary preferences, including Calorie Smart, Protein Plus, Keto and weekly Carb Conscious selections.
How it works: Choose a dietary preference, then select six to 18 meals per week. Factor also offers free 20-minute nutrition consultations to help you select the best meals for your tastes and needs. The weekly menu includes nearly 30 meals each week, but you can filter for categories, like keto, which contains less than 10% of total calories from carbohydrates, and Calorie Smart, which includes meals at 550 calories or less.
Low-carb menu options include Jalapeño-Lime-Cheddar Chicken with Spicy Cilantro Cauliflower “Rice,” Philly-Style Chicken Thighs with Roasted Green Beans and Turkey Chili and Zucchini.
Lab results: Our testers loved the convenience, with one who commented that the meals made their busy life easier, “especially when I don’t always have time to cook a meal.” Other testers highlighted the freshness of the ingredients and how well-balanced the meals were. Our nutrition pros appreciate that subscribers can schedule a consultation with a registered dietitian.
RELATED: The Best Keto Meal Delivery Services
| Pricing | Meals cost $11 to $15 per serving; plus shipping for $11 |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Packaging is curbside recyclable. |
| Availability | Everywhere in the contiguous U.S. |
| Type | Prepared meals ready to heat and eat |
4
Best for Diabetics
Sunbasket
Pros
- Organic fresh produce and responsibly sourced proteins
- Most meals are high in protein and fiber
- Offers both meal kits and fully prepared meals
Cons
- Not yet available everywhere in the U.S.
With easy-to-follow recipes, pre-measured ingredients and ready-to-eat meals, Sunbasket simplifies the enjoyment of healthy low-carb meals. The company’s menu features diverse dietary options, including a diabetic-friendly menu with recipes that are approved by the American Diabetic Association. Each serving contains healthy fats in addition to 20 to 70 grams of carbs (or fewer), more than 10 grams of protein and at least 5 grams of fiber. Chefs and registered dietitians work together to create the meals using organic fresh produce and responsibly sourced proteins.
How it works: Opt for meal kits with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes that you can cook in 40 minutes or less or “Fresh & Ready” meals that are already prepared and can be heated in as little as four minutes. Meal kits offer two or four servings, and prepared meals are single servings. You can further select from specific dietary preferences, including Mediterranean, Paleo, Carb-Conscious, Gluten-Free, Diabetes-Friendly, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Keto-Friendly and more.
Low-carb and diabetes-friendly menu options include Braised Chicken with Mushrooms, Artichokes and Almond-Olive Relish, Black Angus Steaks with Brussels Sprouts and Shrimp Fattoush Salad.
Lab results: Our testers liked that meals are customizable, with one who said that “there was a great variety of options for my week based on the amount of time I had each day.” Another tester noted that the portions were generous, and the ingredients were fresh and creative. A third tester said, “My family does low-carb a few days a week, and this kit was customizable for our specific dietary needs.” The downside is that the delivery service is not yet available everywhere in the U.S.
| Pricing | Prepared meals start at $9.99 per serving and meal kits start at $11.49; plus shipping for $9.99 |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable. |
| Availability | Most zip codes in the U.S. except AK, HI, MT, ND and parts of NM |
| Type | Traditional meal kit; prepared meals ready to heat and eat |
5
Best Prepared
Territory Foods
Pros
- Sustainably and locally sourced ingredients
- Generous portions
- Detailed nutrition information for each meal
Cons
- Delivery area is limited
Territory Foods uses sustainable and locally sourced ingredients to create conveniently packaged meals developed by registered dietitians and local chefs. The menu includes options that meet individual dietary needs, including menus dedicated to a low-carb lifestyle and diabetes-friendly meals. The brand also offers meals by registered dietitian Ilana Muhlstein and a Mediterranean diet menu, both of which offer low-carb picks.
How it works: This service offers one of the most extensive menu plans to accommodate multiple dietary preferences such as paleo, low carb, keto friendly, plant-based, Whole 30 and Mediterranean. You can order as many as 12 meals for each delivery or forego a subscription and enjoy as few as three meals in one order. All meals are ready to eat in under two minutes and free from dairy, gluten, refined sugar and grains.
There is a rotating weekly menu of approximately 50 low-carb meals to choose from, including Roasted Chicken with Gremolata and Butternut Mash, Shredded Beef Ropa Viejas with Cauliflower Rice and Moroccan-Style Turkey Meatballs with Roasted Vegetables.
Lab results: Our testers and experts liked the convenience of the ready-to-eat meals and enjoyed the creative menu options. Testers commented favorably on the generous portion sizes. Our nutrition pros appreciate that every meal comes with easy-to-follow nutrition information, including the macronutrient breakdown of protein, fats and carbs. Keep in mind that the delivery area is limited, so be sure to check the website.
RELATED: Best Prepared Meal Delivery Services, Tested & Reviewed
| Pricing | Meals start at $15 per serving; options include a subscription plan or one-time order |
|---|---|
| Packaging | All packaging is recyclable or compostable. |
| Availability | 27 states and growing; check website to see if they serve your area |
| Type | Prepared meals ready to heat and eat |
6
Best for Athletes
Trifecta Nutrition
Pros
- Organic, non-GMO, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients
- Registered dietitian- and chef-driven meals
- Meals designed to support the nutritional goals of an active lifestyle
Cons
- Some users felt the variety of menu choices was limited
Trifecta is aimed at athletes and fitness enthusiasts as its primary audience, and the meal plans are designed to support the nutritional goals of an active and sporting lifestyle. The brand offers a personalized app and community support, including a Facebook Nutrition Group and access to expert nutrition coaches for personalized guidance. Registered dietitians and chefs create Trifecta’s menus. Ingredients are organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, sustainable and locally sourced. All meals arrive fully prepared and vacuum sealed, so all you have to do is heat and eat.
How it works: Trifecta offers multiple meal plans, including paleo, Whole 30, keto and plant-based. The meals on the keto plan contain 10 grams or less of net carbs and an average of 2.5 grams of dietary fiber in each meal. You can choose five to 14 entrées per week with the option to add on breakfasts. A dozen new recipes are available each week, and you can exclude up to two ingredients, including beef, pork, tree nuts and mushrooms.
Keto menu choices include Marinara Meatballs, Tex-Mex Chicken and Spiced Turkey with Cauliflower Rice.
Lab results: Testers loved that the meals tasted healthy and fresh, though some felt that the variety of menu choices was limited. Our nutrition experts gave high scores to the locally sourced, organic ingredients. They liked that dietitians, chefs and doctors developed the nutrient-dense meals.
| Pricing | Meals are $15.50 to $16 per serving; plus $9.99 for shipping to most states |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Most packaging is curbside recyclable; insulation is biodegradable. |
| Availability | Everywhere in the U.S., with additional shipping fees for AK and HI |
| Type | Prepared meals ready to heat and eat |
7
Best Paleo
Pete’s Real Food
Pros
- Generous portions, including a family plan
- Vegan paleo meal options
- Ability to mix and match meal plans
Cons
- Meals arrive frozen and require defrosting
Pete’s Real Food originates from the paleo philosophy: All entrees are free of gluten, dairy, soy and added sugar. All meals are pre-cooked and arrive frozen to be defrosted and easily reheated at home. The menu changes seasonally and includes many low-carb options that contain 25 or fewer grams of carbs per serving.
How it works: Choose from paleo, vegan, gluten-free, keto and auto-immune protocol (AIP) meal plan options. Order five, 10 or 14 meals or choose the family plan of five meals with four portions each. Mixing and matching is allowed for those not totally committed to one diet. Users can also choose add-ons like double proteins or sides like bone broth.
Low-carb paleo and keto meals include Ajo Verde Chicken with Roasted Vegetables, Brats with Seasoned Cabbage and Braised Short Ribs with Collard Greens.
Lab results: These chef-driven meals scored big points with our nutrition experts for using fresh ingredients and being made from scratch weekly. Testers enjoyed avoiding the mess of additional preparation, with one who said that this pick is “great for busy people. The food was tasty, and portions were large. Packaged nicely.”
| Pricing | Meals start at $14 per serving; shipping and a $10 packaging fee applies to all deliveries |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Most packaging is curbside recyclable. |
| Availability | Everywhere in the U.S., including HI and AK |
| Type | Prepared meals (frozen) ready to heat and eat |
How we test the best meal delivery services
In our most recent study of meal delivery services, we recruited over 300 at-home testers nationwide. At the same time, our in-house experts also tested the services in our Labs. Overall, we evaluated over 50 different meal delivery services, ranging from traditional kits 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 on overall satisfaction and balanced nutrition profiles that include vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. We also looked at food quality, cost, recycling efforts and availability.
Our picks for the best low-carb meal delivery services cater to various special diets and dietary preferences, including gluten-free, low-carb, organic, vegetarian and more. Although taste is subjective, we ultimately chose companies that scored overall high points with testers.
The companies spotlighted above deserve recognition for their performance in their categories. That said, this is a fast-growing segment in the food industry, and we’re likely to see exciting new entrants emerge. We are constantly testing new offerings in this category to keep readers up-to-date.
What to look for when selecting the best low-carb meal delivery service
Each of the companies reviewed for this story differentiates itself in some way. Some are sports-oriented, some are paleo and some are keto-focused. Each has a distinct offering that might make it right for you. That should be a starting point when selecting a meal delivery service, followed by the factors listed below:
✔️ Type: Do you want to cook the food yourself? Are you willing to prep, or would you prefer pre-measured ingredients? Do you want to heat a fully prepared meal? Take into account the time and effort required when choosing a meal kit.
✔️ Servings: Consider whether you must cook for multiple people on a low-carb diet. Many services are geared toward two to four servings per meal, though some, such as Home Chef, go as high as six servings per recipe; others are packaged as single servings.
✔️ Fresh or frozen: Fresh meals are quick and convenient but can spoil if you can’t consume them quickly. Most services allow you to skip a week and adjust your plan along the way, which can be a strategy to help keep costs down if you can’t use the food in time. It’s also wise to consider frozen meals, like those available at Pete’s Real Food, which you can store longer and thaw as needed.
✔️ Dietary preferences: If you have any special dietary needs besides low-carb, such as a gluten restriction, you’ll want to ensure that the service you choose offers enough variety to meet your individual parameters. Some services offer many more choices per week than others. Certain services will let you customize further and swap out items you may not want, which can be beneficial.
✔️ Price: The cost per serving often decreases as you order more meals or servings. You’ll typically be able to check the price before placing your order. Companies will frequently give you a discount on the first box and additional discounts if you are a first responder or in the military. If you know a friend or family member interested in using the service, you may get a discount if you refer them.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
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 registered dietitian and working mother, Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab Deputy Director Stefani Sassos is passionate about putting healthy meals on the table for her family without spending much time in the kitchen. She uses meal delivery services to change up her family’s regular dinnertime routine and get introduced to various new foods and unique preparation methods. Sassos appreciates that more services offer nutritious options to support a healthy lifestyle.
Perry Santanachote (she/her) has more than 15 years of experience in service journalism, specializing in food and consumer goods. She tests and reports on kitchen appliances and cooking tools. She also evaluates food products and cleaning supplies. She’s an experienced writer, product tester and recipe developer who has worked in labs, test kitchens and media organizations, including Thrillist and Consumer Reports.
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.
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