Best Diabetic Meal Delivery (2024): Healthier Eating for Better Blood Sugar Control

Between counting carbs, tracking blood sugar, managing body weight, and taking medications, it’s safe to say a lot goes into managing diabetes. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the best diabetic meal delivery services to help make the daily process a little easier.

A diabetic meal service should offer a variety of carb-conscious meals that are satisfying and easy to prepare. Our GGR team, which includes nutrition experts and certified personal trainers, has tested over 40 of the best meal delivery services to find the best options that fit the unique dietary needs of those with diabetes. 

RELATED: Best Low-Carb Meal Delivery

We’ve included honest feedback regarding each of the following topics so you can get a feel for each service. 

• Cost: How much does each meal cost?
• Ease of preparation: Can it be prepared quickly? Does it require a lot of cooking utensils?
• Ingredient quality: Are high-quality, organic ingredients used? Are the ingredients fresh?
• Variety: Do the meal options appeal to a diverse range of dietary preferences?
• Taste: Are the meals appetizing? Do they require extra seasoning?

As a registered dietitian, I’ve also included my insights regarding ingredients and nutrient content for each meal service throughout this article. Because everyone’s dietary needs with diabetes are different, consult with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian to ensure the meal service you choose is a good fit.  

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

10 Best Diabetic Meal Delivery Services

• Best Diabetic Meal Delivery Overall: BistroMD
• Best Diabetic Meal Delivery for Weight Loss: Diet-to-Go
• Best for Prepared Meals: Trifecta
• Best Budget-Friendly Diabetic Meal Delivery: Hungryroot
• Best Plant-Based Diabetic Meal Delivery: Splendid Spoon
• Best Organic Diabetic Meal Delivery: Green Chef
• Best Gluten-Free Diabetic Meal Delivery: Snap Kitchen
• Best Diabetic Meal Delivery for Seniors: Magic Kitchen
• Best Keto-Friendly Diabetic Meal Delivery: Factor
• Best Frozen Diabetic Meal Delivery: 518 Kitchen

Best Diabetic Meal Delivery Overall: BistroMD

Good for: Anyone looking for a variety of medically-tailored meals for diabetes, pre diabetes, and other health conditions.

Best Overall

BistroMD

GGR Score: 4.27

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Product Highlights

• Doctor-designed meal plans 
• May help improve metabolism and aid with weight loss
• Weekly frozen meal deliveries
• Variety of meal plans including vegan, keto, and diabetic

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Program is based on science behind metabolism correction
• Options to skip a week
• Packed in oven-safe, BPA-free trays
• Support from registered dietitians

Cons

• Programs don’t allow you to order less than 10 meals
• Expensive subscription
• Shipping is not free

Bottom Line

BistroMD was designed by a doctor to help folks struggling with weight loss. BistroMD addresses insulin-resistance and aids a healthy metabolism with lean protein and high-fiber foods to keep you full in addition to low glycemic carbohydrates to stabilize blood sugars. You’ll find a meal plan that works within your dietary restrictions including gluten-free, vegan, or keto.

BistroMD offers doctor-designed, chef-prepared meals that support diabetes, weight loss, and heart health. Their diabetic-friendly program is designed for those with diabetes and prediabetes to help control carbs and lose weight. 

BistroMD diabetic-friendly meals include an impressive 30 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per meal on average. They are carb-controlled, with only 25 grams or less of net carbs per entree. Net carbs are the number of carbs in a meal excluding fiber since fiber is indigestible and passes through the body mostly intact. Studies show¹ that fiber can also help promote regular bowel movements, reduce cholesterol, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. 

Lauren Strong, GGR staff writer and certified personal trainer (CPT) thought the portions were too small and rated them a 3.5 out of 5. “This is the drawback to this meal service. Most meals are under 400 calories, with most being in the mid-300s for calories. I just don’t think that’s enough for active folks.”

As BistroMD meals are designed for weight loss, they are lower in calories and should be consumed with healthy snacks in between; otherwise, you wouldn’t consume enough energy to support a healthy metabolism. Consider working with one of their registered dietitian nutritionists—available for consultations via email—to determine how many calories you should aim to eat each day. 

There are 32 breakfast options and 39 lunch/dinner options on the diabetic-friendly plan at the time of writing, giving you plenty of diverse choices. Lauren says, “I thought there were tons of options. Lots of homestyle meals in addition to very healthy looking options and everything in between.” She rated meal variety a solid 5 out of 5.

BistroMD ingredients are sourced from local, family-owned farms as often as possible. The company makes meals using environmentally responsible seafood, beef free of genetically-engineered hormones, and hormone-free chickens. Many, but not all, of their ingredients are certified organic, so Lauren gave BistroMD a 4 out of 5 in the ingredient quality category. 

Regarding taste, Lauren says, “Pretty darn good for these being both health-conscious and frozen. I liked the Chicken Florentine Cannelloni the best so far and the Sloppy Joe with Cabbage Slaw was my least favorite.” Overall, she was pleased with the flavor of most of the meals she tried and gave this category a 4 out of 5. 

Best Diabetic Meal Delivery for Weight Loss: Diet-to-Go

Good for: Individuals with diabetes who want to improve their condition by eating healthy meals that support weight loss. 

Best for Weight Loss

Diet-To-Go

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Meal delivery service with 5 diet plans
• Ready to heat chef-prepared meals
• Mediterranean diet and low-carb options
• Choose up to 21 meals per week
• Customized meal plans available
• New meals every 5 weeks

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Appeals to a variety of diets
• Meals are ready to eat in 3 minutes
• Can order all 21 meals for the week
• Meal plans are curated for you, but you have the option to customize it

Cons

• Very limited customization
• Doesn’t offer any organic options
• Calories are very low on the standard plan

Bottom Line

Diet-To-Go accommodates a number of dietary preferences and restrictions, but the menu doesn’t have as much variety as some of the other programs. These are heat-and-eat meals, so they’re ready to eat in three minutes.

Diet-to-Go aims to simplify diabetes management and weight loss by delivering carb-conscious, high-protein meals to your doorstep. Their ready-made meals make eating healthier easy by eliminating meal prepping and cleanup.

Being overweight or obese is linked to insulin resistance², when the body does not respond effectively to insulin. Insulin is the hormone that allows sugar in the blood into cells to be converted to energy. Insulin resistance leads to higher blood sugar, but weight loss in those with type 2 diabetes can attenuate insulin resistance³. 

The Balance-Diabetes plan is tailored for those with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes who are trying to lose weight and control their blood sugar. These meals contain more than 15 grams of protein, which helps slow the absorption of glucose⁴ (sugar) into the bloodstream and prevent spikes in blood sugar. 

Meals contain no more than 45 grams of total carbs and contain between 300 and 500 calories each. Meals are lower in calories to help you maintain a caloric deficit for weight loss. However, you’ll want to eat high-protein snacks between meals to help control blood sugar and ensure you’re getting enough energy throughout the day. 

RELATED: How to Get More Protein

Lindsay Scheele, GGR lead tester, rates variety at a high score of 5 out of 5. “Lots of variety! They have Italian flavored dishes, Indian dishes, keto, vegetarian, balanced, etc.”

Meals are delivered frozen and require minimal preparation, so Lindsay gives this a 3.5 out of 5 and says, “Super easy, but will need to plan ahead. All of their meals need to be thawed before you heat them up, either in the microwave or the oven.” However, cleanup is a breeze because you don’t need to worry about a sink full of dishes. 

The taste of the meals was a bit unpredictable. Lindsay says, “Man this was super hit or miss, some meals were amazing and perfectly seasoned, others were really bland and fell short.” She rated taste at a 3 out of 5. 

RELATED: Best Meal Delivery for Weight Loss

Best for Prepared Meals: Trifecta

Good for: Individuals who are tired of spending hours in the kitchen prepping carb-conscious meals. 

Best for Prepared Meals

Trifecta

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Meal plans or bulk meal options available
• All food is pre-made and arrives fresh (but you can freeze it)
• Six different menu plans, including clean, Whole30, paleo, keto, high-protein vegan, and high-protein vegetarian
• Meals are delivered weekly, but you can cancel anytime
• High-quality ingredients, with a focus on organic, locally sourced, and sustainable ingredients whenever possible

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Several types of meal plans available
• Can also choose a bulk meal prep option
• Can get breakfasts as well as entrees
• The company prioritizes high-quality ingredients
• Some customization available

Cons

• Expensive, but ingredients are high-quality
• Limited personalization available

Bottom Line

Trifecta combines convenience with healthy eating. While all meals are pre-cooked and pre-portioned, the ingredients are high-quality and preservative-free.

Trifecta provides ready-prepared meals designed to help improve physical performance and energy levels. While the company doesn’t have a meal plan designated for diabetes management, the clean meal plan may help those with high blood sugar lose weight and obtain better glucose control. 

RELATED: Prepared Meal Delivery

Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, and GGR Head of Content, acknowledged the wide range of meal choices, rating variety at a 5 out of 5. “I really like the convenience and the macro-targeting Trifecta offers. There is a big selection of meals to choose from, so I didn’t have any issues finding something I thought I would like.” 

Trifecta’s macro-balanced meals include protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Meals contain around 45 grams of total carbs and 29 grams of protein. Many people with diabetes aim to eat between 30-60 grams of carbs per meal; however, this varies based on activity level, gender, and body weight. A registered dietitian can help you determine how many carbs to consume per meal. 

Meals only contain 350 to 500 calories, which may leave active individuals like Kate wanting a snack soon after. “I felt like the meals were a little on the small side. I was always hungry afterward.”

Kate rated sustainable packaging a 3 out of 5, saying, “I feel like the box and ice packs produce a lot of waste. The boxes are large, the insolation is pretty significant in the box, and the ice packs are large. It produces a lot of garbage after delivery.”

Trifecta meals are incredibly easy to prepare. Kate rates ease of preparation at 5 out of 5. “It is recommended that you use a skillet or a pan to heat the meals to have the best taste. I just put them in the microwave, and they came out fine. Probably better in the skillet, but I didn’t want to dirty the pan,” she says. When finished, Kate simply tossed out the meal tray and cleaned her fork.

Ultimately, meals got a thumbs up from Kate regarding taste, which she rated at a 4 out of 5. “I tried multiple egg scrambles, a salmon meal, a chicken and broccoli casserole—and I really liked the taste of all of them. I do think these are great for quick, healthy options.”

For more, read our in-depth review of Trifecta Meal Delivery 

Best Budget-Friendly Diabetic Meal Delivery: Hungryroot

Good for: Individuals wanting a one-stop shop for groceries and meal kits that won’t break the bank. 

Best Budget-Friendly

Hungryroot

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Grocery delivery meets meal kit
• Meal delivery service that sends you ingredients based on recipes you like
• Many recipes only take 10 minutes to prepare
• Starts at $70 per box

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Simple and quick
• Caters to many styles of eating
• Can add on groceries to your order

Cons

• You do have to cook
• Have to meet plan minimum each week (though you can adjust your minimum on a weekly basis)

Bottom Line

Hungryroot offers a unique take on meal delivery, in that you find a recipe you like, and the company will send you all of the ingredients to make it. There are many options for types of food to choose from, and you can even order extra groceries that you might need as well. You do have to cook though, so if that's not interesting to you, this won't be the right plan.

With Hungryroot, you can order both affordable meals and groceries at the same time. Although Hungryroot doesn’t offer a low-carb or diabetic meal plan option, they have an extensive list of meals suitable for those trying to manage their blood sugar and improve their health. 

The nutrition information for each meal is clearly visible on the website, so you can choose entrees that fit your specific dietary needs. Plenty of options contain minimal added sugar and are lower in carbohydrates, which may fit into a diabetes-friendly meal plan. Unfortunately, these specific filters aren’t available, so you’ll need to click through meals to find what you’re looking for. 

Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, and GGR Head of Content, rates meal variety a 5 out of 5, and says, “You essentially grocery/meal shop every week and pick things you like.” Your options include grain bowls, tacos, stir-fries, salads, wraps, sandwiches, and more. 

That said, the ordering process was a little puzzling and was therefore rated a 3 out of 5. Kate says, “It’s honestly a little confusing—I feel like I need to [look over] the order to understand what’s happening and how many meals I’m actually getting because it looks like I’m getting four recipes and then a bunch of groceries.” 

For those hoping to reduce time spent prepping and cooking in the kitchen, some meals can be made in as little as 10 minutes. Kate rated ease of preparation a 4 out of 5, adding, “I used a skillet and a pan for most meals; I didn’t have to chop anything. Love that.”

Hungryroot meals don’t disappoint in the taste arena. Kate gives these meals a 5 out of 5, “Everything is so fresh, and you don’t need to do any seasoning because most foods are prepared already for you with spices.” A convenient meal service AND flavorful meals? Yes, please.

There’s a minimum fee of $65 per box, much less than most other services charging $80 or more per order. Because you’re ordering groceries and meals, there’s a good chance you could save a little money on food by ordering from Hungryroot, so Kate rated the cost at a 4 out of 5. 

Best Plant-Based Diabetic Meal Delivery: Splendid Spoon

Good for: Anyone looking for a variety of smoothies, meals, and soups full of antioxidant-rich micronutrients. 

Best Plant-Based

Splendid Spoon

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Meal delivery service
• Focused on bowls—soups, stews, noodles, etc.
• Plant-based meals
• Can choose between 7, 14, or 21 meals, and then customize meals
• Non-GMO, gluten-free, whole ingredients

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Non-GMO
• Gluten-free
• Whole ingredients
• No artificial sugars

Cons

• No animal protein for those that aren’t vegan
• Smoothies are included in the meal count

Bottom Line

Splendid Spoon is a meal delivery service focused on plant-based meals. You’re able to choose between 7, 14, or 21 weekly meals, and then customize those meals from there. Meal plans will include smoothies, bowls, noodles, and main dishes.

Splendid Spoon delivers 100% plant-based meals suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians. Their meals are packed with fruits and vegetables loaded with antioxidants that reduce inflammation⁵ and may help lower your risk of chronic diseases⁶, such as diabetes. 

Splendid Spoon allows you to filter out meal options that are low-sugar and blood sugar friendly. However, look at the nutrition information of the other meals, too, because many of them would likely fit into a diabetic meal plan. 

Frieda Johnson, GGR Editor and expert tester, says, “They do a good job of listing out all the ingredients, nutritional info, and potential allergens or other food restrictions. You can filter meals by dietary needs like lower sodium or lower carb, as well as by avoidances like tree nuts or soy.” She rated access to nutritional information a 5 out of 5. 

The food arrived a bit unorganized, so Frieda rated packaging and shipping a 3 out of 5. “Everything was jumbled together in the box; soup containers upside-down, cardboard sleeves on the TV dinner-style meals soaked and falling apart,” she says.

Many Splendid Spoon soups and smoothies are less than 300 calories and don’t provide enough energy to be considered a sufficient meal. So, consider pairing them with other high-protein foods. Frieda gives portion size a 3 out of 5 and says, “The smoothies did not seem very satisfying to me, but the rest of the food has all been a good amount for lunch. I think it would probably feel a little sparse for dinner, though.”

Frieda wasn’t overwhelmed by the taste of the smoothies but enjoyed the other meals she ordered, rating the taste a 3 out of 5. “The food is surprisingly good! The smoothies are hit-and-miss, though—the only one I’ve actually liked so far is the strawberry chocolate. The rest have been disappointing. But the food has all been really good, especially for gluten-free, vegan frozen meals.” She’d tried other frozen meals before she wasn’t impressed with, but these were much better comparatively. 

For more, check out our in-depth Splendid Spoon reviews.

Best Organic Diabetic Meal Delivery: Green Chef

Good for: Anyone wanting a certified organic meal service with vegan and Mediterranean meal options. 

Best Organic

Green Chef

GGR Score: 3.92

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Product Highlights

• Certified organic meal kit delivery service
• Meal kits can feed two, four, or six people
• New menus drop weekly; you can choose from 32 meals each week
• Add-ons, like prepared breakfasts and salads, available for an extra charge
• Delivers almost everywhere in the continental U.S.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Offers several specialized diet plans
• Can mix and match meal plans
• New meals drop weekly
• Most ingredients are organic and high-quality

Cons

• On the expensive side (but ingredients are organic)
• Shipping fee

Bottom Line

If you want high-quality and/or organic ingredients, Green Chef is a good option that can feed two to six people per recipe. There are several specialized diets to choose from, and you can mix and match from weekly menus to suit your needs.

Green Chef is a USDA-certified organic meal delivery service. Meaning their ingredients are grown without synthetic pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals. They offer several meal plans that may suit the dietary needs of those with diabetes, including their Mediterranean, plant-based, calorie-smart, and protein-packed plans. 

A 2020 study published in Nutrients⁷ shows that vegan and Mediterranean diets can help reduce A1C in those with diabetes. A1C measures your average blood sugar over three months and is used as an indicator to determine how well your condition is being managed. 

In addition to using organic ingredients, other sustainability efforts implemented by Green Chef include sending pre-measured ingredients to reduce food waste and using eco-friendly packaging. Certified nutrition coach, personal trainer, and GGR Senior Editor Nicole Davis rated sustainability efforts at a 5 out of 5.

Nicole rated the taste of the meals at a 4.5 out of 5. “The Monterey Jack cheese-smothered chicken with mushrooms and squash was delicious. So were the chicken burrito bowls.” She tried a couple of breakfast options as well and says, “Oatmeals were just fine—good options to eat quickly in the morning. Muffins were good—my kids liked them a lot.”

These meals took around 30 minutes to cook and did include a fair amount of pots and pans. Considering the time and cleanup required, Nicole gives ease of preparation a 3 out of 5. She also wasn’t as enthused by the amount per meal. “I’m not impressed with the portion size—this is the only service I tried in which I felt this way.” Those who are active may find thee meals aren’t large enough to support their increased energy needs. 

For more, read our in-depth Green Chef Reviews.

Best Gluten-Free Diabetic Meal Delivery: Snap Kitchen

Good for: Anyone looking for pre-made, gluten-free meals with the option to choose your own carb, calorie, and protein amount preferences. 

Best Gluten-Free

Snap Kitchen

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Meal delivery service based out of Texas
• Locally-sourced ingredients
• Gluten-free kitchen
• Meals are made to order, and then picked up from select stores
• Delivery options for Houston, Austin, and Dalla only

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Gluten-free kitchen
• Locally-sourced ingredients
• Offers a membership discount
• No minimum order

Cons

• Only delivers in select cities in Texas
• Limited states that have stores for pick-up

Bottom Line

Although it is predominantly located in Texas and surrounding states, Snap Kitchen is a great choice for anyone in the area. With no required minimum of meals to order, you can order the meals, snacks, and drinks you’d like, which will then be picked up at select Snap Kitchen locations. The ingredients are locally sourced and then cooked in a gluten-free kitchen.

Snap Kitchen delivers pre-made, gluten-free meals convenient for busy individuals wanting to improve their diet without the hassle of shopping and cooking. While the service doesn’t offer specific meal plans, you can filter out meals based on the amount of carbs, protein, and calories you’d like. 

RELATED: Best Gluten-Free Meal Delivery

Many Snap Kitchen meals could be appropriate for those with diabetes. Several options include complex carbohydrates, like brown rice and quinoa, which provide longer-lasting energy than refined carbs. Complex carbohydrates are typically higher in fiber, which slows increases in blood sugar⁸ following a meal.

If you have diabetes, you’re more likely to also have heart disease. Most Snap Kitchen meals include lean proteins like chicken, which is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and better for heart health. 

You could run out of options quickly if you order weekly. Brittany Combs, GGR Social Media Manager and expert tester, says, “There are 32 meals to choose from. There’s only 3 breakfast options, which isn’t awesome. Their website says they update their menu every 6-8 weeks.” Because the menu is static for several weeks, we rated variety at a 3.5 out of 5.

Unlike some other meal services with tiny portion sizes, Snap Kitchen meals provide enough food. “I was impressed with the amount of food that comes in each container. My husband also felt satisfied after he ate. I never felt like “Oh my gosh I’m so full!” but I also didn’t feel like I needed to eat more after either,” says Brittany, who rated portions at a 5 out of 5. 

The taste of these meals didn’t disappoint, and Brittany rated this at a 4 out of 5. “Overall I really liked the flavor of the meals. They include different sauces in them that I really liked, though the ranch was almost kind of pickley, which was a bit odd. My favorite was the buffalo burger with roasted cauliflower, the Korean BBQ meatballs, and the Bison quinoa bowl.”  Her husband enjoyed the meals too, but with a little extra hot sauce. 

Best Diabetic Meal Delivery for Seniors: Magic Kitchen

Good for: Seniors looking for medically-tailored, ready-made meals that don’t require cooking or cleaning dishes. 

Best for Seniors

Magic Kitchen

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Frozen ingredients 
• Semi-prepared food 
• Easy to follow instructions
• No automatic shipping

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The food is all gluten-free and great for those with dietary restrictions
• There is a wide variety of fish, meats, carbs, and vegetables
• Products are both sold a la carte and as complete meals

Cons

• The meal bundle cannot be customized
• No free shipping
• No smartphone app to manage subscription

Bottom Line

Magic Kitchen is a meal delivery service that is entirely gluten-free with other options for those with dietary restrictions. The service allows you to individually select the meals that you would like, but you cannot choose auto shipments. Products range from $9.99 to $392.99 depending on whether you buy individual dishes or the gluten-free meal bundle.

Magic Kitchen delivers ready-made, medically-tailored meals for different health conditions, including diabetes and kidney disease. Additionally, they offer meals just for seniors, with balanced nutrition and easy preparation. Many of the senior meals are also low-sodium and diabetes-friendly. 

Our meal tester, Stephanie Lehner, rates the variety of meals at a 5 out of 5 and says, “They have a nice variety of foods available on their website, so you should be able to order different options each week and not get bored of eating the same meals consistently.”

You can choose as many individual meals as you’d like or pick a package that includes 8 or 15 lunches/dinners. 

The diabetes-friendly meals contain no more than 65 grams of carbs; however, most only have between 20 and 45 grams. They are also low in sodium, with most meals containing less than 500 milligrams per meal. The American Diabetes Association⁹ recommends consuming less than 2300 milligrams of sodium daily. 

It becomes more challenging to prep and cook healthy meals as we age. With Snap Kitchen, you simply pop the pre-made meals in the oven or microwave. Stephanie rates ease of preparation a 3 out of 5 and shares, “Some required more time than what was stated on the package. The few that I made in the microwave were extremely quick and easy to prepare.” What’s more, there are no dishes to clean other than the fork you ate with! 

Stephanie gives the taste of these meals a 3 out of 5 and says, “Overall, the food was very good. The corned beef, salmon, veggie stew, and chicken were very flavorful. Some foods, such as the beef bourguignon, rice with mixed vegetables, and the mashed potatoes, were bland. I did not like the strawberry milkshakes because they tasted very artificial.” 

The taste of Magic Kitchen’s shakes might not be for everyone, but they provide an easy and convenient way for seniors to get vitamins and minerals that could be lacking in their diet. 

Best Keto-Friendly Diabetic Meal Delivery: Factor

Good for: Individuals wanting fresh, pre-made meals that adhere to the keto diet. 

Best Keto

Factor75

GGR Score: 4.03

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Product Highlights

• Heat-and-eat meals that are delivered weekly
• Five menu plans, including calorie-controlled and keto
• Can mix and match from different menu plans for more variety
• New menus drop weekly
• Can order up to 18 meals per week

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Not restricted to one specific diet plan
• Meals arrive fresh and ready to heat
• Offers options for different dietary preferences
• Can cancel or skip a delivery anytime

Cons

• No options for customization
• No personalized plans for weight loss

Bottom Line

Factor75 is a heat-and-eat delivery service that works well for those on specialized diets. Boxes are delivered weekly, and you can mix and match from different menu plans to maximize your menu variety.

Factor (FKA Factor 75) delivers fresh, chef-made meals designed by registered dietitians that make eating healthier easy. They offer Keto, Vegan & Veggie, Chef’s Choice, Calorie Smart, and Protein+ meal plans. For this category, we’re focusing on the keto meal plan, as recent studies indicate¹⁰ that the keto diet may help reduce blood glucose levels, body weight, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides in those with diabetes.

Factor Keto Meals consist of at least 60% calories from fat, 20% from protein, and no more than 10% from carbs. Meals contain anywhere from 350 to 900 calories, giving you the flexibility to choose entrees based on your calorie needs and health goals.

RELATED: Best Keto Meal Delivery Service

Regarding meal variety, Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, and GGR Senior Staff Writer, rates Factor a 4 out of 5. “There are quite a lot of meals to choose from, and the menu changes at least partially each week. However, the meals all have the same format: a protein and a side of veggies and/or grains.” You may start to feel like you’re eating the same meal on repeat after a while. 

Although Amanda considered her meal delivery well-packaged, she gives Factor a 2 out of 5 for sustainability, saying, “Factor does not seem to have a focus on sustainability. Each Factor meal comes in its own plastic tray, which is definitely a bit wasteful compared to cooking at home.” Even so, the cardboard box and food containers are recyclable. 

Factor meals get a lot of hype, but Amanda found the taste of these meals to be just satisfactory, rating them a 4 out of 5. “I can make better food for sure, but the convenience makes the ‘just decent’ taste more tolerable. I was very surprised at the steak meals. The steaks actually were pink in the middle even after microwaving and didn’t turn into shoe leather, so shout out to Factor for that.” She notes the meals are well-seasoned and don’t require a lot of doctoring. 

Most impressively, Factor offers sufficient portion sizes, which can be hard to find with meal services. Amanda rates portions a 5 out of 5 and says, “This is the only meal service I tried that had ample portions! These meals can fill up a triathlete in the middle of a tough training block, so they can fill up just about anyone.” Again, some meals are higher in calories, so that’s something to be aware of depending on your goals. 

For more, check out our in-depth Factor Meals review.

Best Frozen Diabetic Meal Delivery: 518 Kitchen

Good for: Anyone looking for keto or low-carb frozen meals that are easy to prepare. 

Best Frozen

518 Kitchen

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Individually packaged frozen meals
• Suits low-carb and keto lifestyles 
• Reheat in the microwave or oven
• Gluten-free

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Entire menu is gluten-free
• BPA-free plastic tray packaging
• Plastic film is microwave and oven-safe
• Flash-frozen to preserve freshness
• No subscription plans, order at your convenience

Cons

• No app, website ordering only
• Minimum order is $75
• No package deals, meals are priced individually

Bottom Line

518 Kitchen delivers low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free meals right to your door. While there is a minimum order amount of $75, there are no subscription models and you can order food whenever you like. The company is based in the Adirondack mountain region of New York and is committed to utilizing local produce and responsibility sourced proteins.

518 Kitchen delivers keto and low-carb frozen entrees made from nutrient-dense whole foods that mimic home-cooked meals. Keto meals include no more than 5% of calories from carbs, and low-carb meals include 20 to 25% of calories from carbs. These options may appeal to those trying to control their blood sugar by reducing carb intake. 

RELATED: Best Keto Protein Powder

Regardless of the plan, 518 Kitchen meals are high in fat with moderate amounts of protein. You’ll likely feel fuller for longer—AKA satiety—which may help promote weight loss¹¹. However, meals usually contain between 500 and 800 calories, so choose meals based on your personal calorie needs. 

There haven’t been many studies on the long-term effects of a keto diet (high fat, very low carb), but we know that eating too much saturated fat for a prolonged period can increase the risk of heart disease. Aim to choose keto meals with healthy unsaturated fats whenever possible. 

Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, and GGR Head of Content, rates 518 Kitchen’s portion sizes a 5 out of 5 and says, “I was able to finish all of it, and I wasn’t hungry afterward.”

Because these meals are frozen, preparation couldn’t be any easier. Kate rates this a 5 out of 5. “Peel off the film and nuke for 4 to 5 minutes, depending on the meal.” So, when finished, just throw out the container.

Many meal delivery services pay a lot of attention to sustainability, but 518 Kitchen doesn’t mention sustainability efforts anywhere on their website. For this reason, they get a 3 out of 5, also taking into consideration that the delivery box and food trays are recyclable. 

For being frozen, Kate finds the meals tasted decent and rates them a 4 out of 5. “Overall, really good. The vegetables got soggy, as frozen vegetables often do. There was one meal—the egg bites—that were so salty, I literally couldn’t eat them. Neither could my partner. We had to throw it out. It was the first meal I tried from 518, so I was very nervous that the rest would be horrible. Luckily, it seemed contained to that one meal, as the rest had perfectly normal amounts of seasoning.”

Other Diabetic Meal Delivery Services We Researched

Sprinly: Sprinly is a plant-based meal service that provides nutritious, pre-made vegan entrees that are gluten-free. Sprinly meals are made with plant-based protein options like quinoa, mushrooms, beans, and tofu. These meals never contain added sugar, which is linked to diabetes, heart disease, and weight gain. Sprinly got high marks for taste (4 out of 5) but faltered with their shipping as some of the meals didn’t survive transit (1 out of 5).

Sunbasket: Unlike most other meal services, Sunbasket offers both meal kits and pre-made meals. This service could be a game changer for anyone wanting to learn new cooking skills without cooking every night. Many meals contain seafood like salmon, shrimp, and scallops, all sources of heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Where they scored lower with our expert testers was in the categories of ingredient quality (2.75 out of 5) and portion size (3 out of 5). 

Meal Pro: Knowing how to eat when managing a medical condition can be confusing. Meal Pro has a vast array of medically tailored meal plans to make eating well much easier. Diabetic, low-sodium, renal, heart healthy, Crohn’s, low-cholesterol, celiac, and anti-inflammatory diet plans are all available for those requiring a specialized diet. 

How We Picked and Tested the Best Diabetic Meal Delivery

As previously mentioned, our team, consisting of certified personal trainers, nutrition experts, and CrossFit coaches, has tried over 40 meal delivery services. We recognize the value of convenient, healthy meals when trying to improve your health and manage a chronic condition. Taking into account several factors, we were able to narrow down the best diabetic meal delivery options. 

Variety

Several different diet plans can fit the needs of those with diabetes, depending on their personal goals. We specifically sought after meal services with low-carb, high-protein, Mediterranean, diabetes-friendly, and Paleo plans because these are all options that may be suitable for a diabetic diet. Because diabetes is closely linked to heart disease and kidney disease¹³, we also aimed to choose options with low-sodium, low-fat meals. Additionally, many of the meal services chosen offer rotating menus, so you’re not stuck ordering the same meals each week. 

RELATED: High-Protein Meal Delivery

Price

We understand that everyone is working with a different budget. For some, managing a medical condition can cause financial stress. For that reason, we sprinkled in plenty of affordable options, as well as some pricier services. Depending on how much money you usually spend on groceries, some of these services may even even help you save money on food. 

Ease of Preparation

Between work, appointments, exercise, and family, there’s simply not always enough time to prep and cook a healthy meal. This is especially true for those with conditions that require medications and monitoring. You’ve got enough on your hands already, so we chose plenty of meal services that deliver ready-made fresh or frozen meals to help you save time and energy.

Benefits of Diabetic Meal Delivery

A diabetic meal delivery service can make it easier to manage diabetes and maintain a healthy eating pattern. Here are some of the key advantages:

Blood Sugar Management

Diabetic meal delivery services focus on crafting meals with the ideal balance of carbs, protein, and fiber to help stabilize blood sugar levels. This can make it easier for individuals with diabetes to avoid spikes or drops in their blood sugar levels. 

Portion Control

It’s important to be mindful of overeating when managing your blood sugar and body weight. Overeating contributes to weight gain, which makes it harder for the body to use sugar in the blood for energy. Meal services provide pre-portioned meals, helping consumers manage their calorie and sugar intake more effectively. 

Access to Nutrition Info

When you cook at home, tracking ingredients and nutrition content can be difficult. With a meal delivery service, you can get detailed nutritional information for each meal, making it much easier to track your macros and calorie intake.

RELATED: Macros for Weight Loss

Education and Support

Some services include educational blog posts, coaching services, or support from registered dietitians. Learning about diabetes and how food impacts your condition is the key to successfully managing it. That way, you know how to make informed choices when going out to eat, going on vacation, or taking a break from the meal service subscription. 

Diabetic Meal Delivery: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

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6. Boeing H, Bechthold A, Bub A, Ellinger S, Haller D, Kroke A, Leschik-Bonnet E, Müller MJ, Oberritter H, Schulze M, Stehle P, Watzl B. Critical review: vegetables and fruit in the prevention of chronic diseases. Eur J Nutr. 2012 Sep;51(6):637-63. doi: 10.1007/s00394-012-0380-y. Epub 2012 Jun 9. PMID: 22684631; PMCID: PMC3419346.
7. Martín-Peláez S, Fito M, Castaner O. Mediterranean Diet Effects on Type 2 Diabetes Prevention, Disease Progression, and Related Mechanisms. A Review. Nutrients. 2020;12(8):2236. Published 2020 Jul 27. doi:10.3390/nu12082236
8. Giuntini EB, Sardá FAH, de Menezes EW. The Effects of Soluble Dietary Fibers on Glycemic Response: An Overview and Futures Perspectives. Foods. 2022 Dec 6;11(23):3934. doi: 10.3390/foods11233934. PMID: 36496742; PMCID: PMC9736284.
9. American Diabetes Association. Making Sense of Food Labels. Accessed September 11, 2023. 
10. Dashti HM, Mathew TC, Al-Zaid NS. Efficacy of Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. Med Princ Pract. 2021;30(3):223-235. doi:10.1159/000512142
11. Rebello C, Greenway FL, Dhurandhar NV. Functional foods to promote weight loss and satiety. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2014 Nov;17(6):596-604. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000110. PMID: 25159561.
12. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, April). Diabetes, heart disease, & stroke – NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/heart-disease-stroke. 

Perry Nix, MS, RD, LD

Perry Nix, the owner of The Free RD, is a registered dietitian and freelance nutrition writer. Her passion is breaking down complex nutrition information into bite-sized pieces that are easy to digest and apply. With experience in corporate wellness, public health, and clinical dietetics, Perry has crafted engaging nutrition content for a variety of health-conscious audiences. She resides with her husband and two boys in Texas and enjoys hiking and traveling.

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