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If you’re in the midst of making changes to your lifestyle and diet to get a better grasp on your overall heart health or understand your target heart rate, you’re in the right place. Garage Gym Reviews is staffed with fitness industry experts ranging from Olympic-level athletes to certified nutrition coaches. We’re a group of people who care deeply about using food as fuel and understand that everyone’s needs are different.
According to several resources, including the American Heart Association1 and the Mayo Clinic2, if you’re seeking a diet change that will help optimize heart health, you’ll need to consume more vegetables and fruits, choose lean (low-fat) proteins, limit unhealthy fats, and prioritize whole grains over refined grains. Many heart healthy diets also consist of a low sodium intake to help manage blood pressure3.
Our expert product testers have tried over 40 of the best meal kits and prepared meal services available on the market. Our extensive hands-on testing helped inform our final heart-healthy list, and we selected our top picks based on factors such as:
- Price per meal
- Meal taste and ingredient quality
- Diet types supported
- Ingredient sourcing
- Sustainability efforts
- Packaging and shipping
- Nutritional profile
- Delivery areas
We also spoke with nutritionist and registered dietitian Perry Nix, RD, LD, to help us determine the good and the not-so-good aspects for each meal delivery. We included her thoughts on each service below.
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.
Best Heart-Healthy Meal Delivery Services
- Best Overall Heart-Healthy Meal Delivery: BistroMD
- Best-Tasting Heart-Healthy Meal Delivery: Modify Health
- Best Plant-Based Heart-Healthy Meal Delivery: Purple Carrot
- Best Heart-Healthy Meal Service for Variety: CookUnity
- Best Budget Heart-Healthy Meal Delivery: Hungryroot
- Best Prepared Heart-Healthy Meal Delivery: ICON Meals
- Best Organic Heart-Healthy Meal Delivery: Green Chef
Best Overall Heart-Healthy Meal Delivery: BistroMD
Good for: Quick, ready-to-heat meals that optimize heart health
Best Overall
BistroMD
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 co-founder Dr. Caroline Cederquist, MD, designed the meal delivery service to help correct metabolic dysfunction—something she saw frequently in her 20 years of experience as a practicing doctor.
While all meal plans are designed with weight loss in mind, there are also meal plans to accommodate diabetes-friendly, heart-healthy, and menopause dietary restrictions. The program has gluten-free and keto options, as well.
GGR expert panelist and registered dietitian Perry Nix says, “By answering a few quick questions, BistroMD helps you determine the best program for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a diet to help you lose weight, improve heart health, or manage blood sugar, there’s a meal plan for you.”
Overall, BistroMD is an ideal resource for anyone with a heart condition looking to consume healthier foods without the hassle of cooking three times a day. It’s also easy to get started. I personally tested BistroMD and I give the meal service 4 out of 5 stars for the overall ordering process.
I like that it’s easy to select a plan—you can choose from Signature, Gluten-Free, Keto Flex, Diabetic, Vegan, Menopause, or Heart Healthy—and then you’ll select how many meals you’d like per week. You can choose from the full program which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner or you can choose lunch and dinner only. With either selection, you’ll then need to choose food for five or seven days per week.
While I’m not someone who would choose a frozen meal service for all 21 meals I eat in a week, it’s a nice option if you just don’t want to cook or don’t have the means to do so.
When selecting meals, I gave BistroMD a 5-out-of-5-star rating for variety because there were tons of options. I also liked that this service offered many traditional homestyle meals in addition to standard bodybuilding-style meals with lean protein, complex carbs, and vegetables.
It’s worth noting that the Heart Healthy meal plan offers mostly soy-free menu options featuring lean means and fish suitable for pescatarians. BistroMD does offer a vegan meal plan, though.
While I think this service offers an easy ordering system and plenty of variety, the drawback is the portion size of each meal. I give BistroMD a 3.5-out-of-5-star rating when it comes to portion sizes because most meals are under 400 calories. And for this reason, you’ll find BistroMD as one of our top picks in our best low-calorie meal delivery roundup.
Registered dietitian Perry Nix notes that the calorie count is just too low for sustainable weight loss. “If you eat three meals and two snacks per day, the average calorie intake for women and men is 1,200 and 1,500, respectively. BistroMD is much too low, and while you could see initial weight loss, you’re more likely to gain the weight back plus some,” she says.
Price per serving | $10.99 to $14.99 |
Type (meal kit or prepared) | Prepared, frozen |
Number of meals per week | 10-21 meals |
Delivery area | Nationwide |
Examples of meals we tried | Sloppy Joe with Cabbage Slaw, Turkey Breast with Cranberry Apple Chutney, Merlot Meatballs with Grits, Chicken Florentine Cannelloni, Firecracker Chicken Meatballs with Asian Salad, Hickory Smoked BBQ Beef with Yukon Gold Potatoes |
Best-Tasting Heart-Healthy Meal Delivery: Modify Health
Good for: Picky eaters who need to improve health metrics
Best Tasting
ModifyHealth
Product Highlights
- Fresh, ready-to-eat meal delivery service
- Nutrient dense, high-fiber, whole-food ingredients
- Caters to variety of health concerns including low-FODMAP diets
- Vacuum-sealed meals stay fresh 7-10 days after delivery
- Processing facility is 100% gluten-free
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Non-GMO ingredients
- BPA-free meal trays
- Macronutrient and nutrition label included with each meal
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Wide range of caloric intake per meal (250-700 calories)
- Many breakfast options are low in protein
Bottom Line
If you adhere to a low-FODMAP diet, have diabetes, or a gluten allergy ModifyHealth could be the meal delivery service you’ve been waiting for. ModifyHealth processes all meals in a gluten-free facility and commits to using non-GMO ingredients. Your subscription gains you access to a weekly delivery of fresh, vacuum-sealed meals that are ready to reheat and enjoy. Plans start as little as 6 meals per week with the option to skip a week or pause your subscription.
Modify Health is a meal delivery service that caters to anyone struggling with chronic diseases such as IBS, IBD, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or fatty liver disease. The company provides medically-tailored meals and stands behind the belief that food can be the best medicine for many chronic illnesses.
GGR expert dietitian Perry Nix, RD, LD, says, “ModifyHealth makes balanced meals consisting of protein, grains, and vegetables. Most of their meals contain a lean source of protein like chicken, fish, or tofu, which is ideal for anyone wanting to eat less saturated fat or reduce their cholesterol.”
While our expert product testers were not specifically testing their health metrics, we did test for taste, ingredient quality, and food variety, to name a few. And our tester and senior editor, Nicole Davis, found that Modify Health not only offered heart-healthy meal plans, it was actually good-tasting, too.
Because of this, Modify Health earns a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating for taste. “I was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t have high hopes (based on the other frozen meal deliveries I tried) but Modify Health was best by far,” says Nicole.
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“I tried an assortment of meals from the Mediterranean, Low-FODMAP, and Heart-Friendly plans. I enjoyed all of them but my favorite was the Paprika Salmon with Herb-Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans.”
And for ingredient quality, Modify Health earns another 4.5-out-of-5-star rating. “Although meals are frozen, ingredients seem very fresh when you’re eating them. Plus, all ingredients are gluten-free and organic when possible,” explains Nicole.
Additionally, for meal variety Nicole rates Modify Health at 4.5 out of 5 stars, since they have about 30 different entrees to choose from in each meal plan. Depending on your specific needs, you may be able to select meals from other plans, too.
Price per serving | About $13 |
Type (meal kit or prepared) | Prepared, frozen |
Number of meals per week | 6 |
Delivery area | Nationwide (with free shipping) |
Examples of meals we tried | Beef Skillet with Cabbage and Sweet Potato, Black Bean Burger with Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce, Balsamic Chicken with Quinoa, Artichokes, and Tomatoes |
Best Plant-Based Heart-Healthy Meal Delivery: Purple Carrot
Good for: Vegans and vegetarians looking for heart-healthy options
Best Plant-Based
Purple Carrot
Product Highlights
- Vegan meal kits and prepared meals
- Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and pantry items available
- Boxes ship weekly
- Quick prep options (meals that take less than 25 minutes)
- Most non-produce items are organic
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Has meal kits and prepared meals
- Can choose from the whole menu
- All meals and snacks are available
- Menus change weekly
Cons
- Can’t mix and match meal types
- No option for add-on proteins
- Maxes out at 4 meals per week
- Limited meal choices
Bottom Line
Purple Carrot offers vegan meal kits and prepared meals. There are no specific meal plans, but you can choose from the full menu, which includes breakfasts, lunches, dinners and “plantry” items—add-on products like brownie bites and salad dressing. You can’t mix and match meal types, though.
Purple Carrot is a plant-based meal kit delivery service with a small selection of pre-made meals, too. All menu options are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. While the company doesn’t have a specific heart-healthy menu, we think the veggie-centric menu is appropriate for anyone focused on heart health. We also featured Purple Carrot as our overall top pick for best plant-based meal deliveries.
GGR’s expert panelist and registered dietitian, Perry Nix says, “All meals are 100% vegan, so whether you’re eating less meat or eliminating it completely, Purple Carrot has recipes to support your dietary preferences.
“The company uses seasonal ingredients so you can add new foods into your rotation without ever getting bored. A plant-based diet can help reduce inflammation and decrease your risk of developing a chronic disease,” says Perry.
Not only will you get healthy servings of high-quality, plant-based meals, it also tastes good. Purple Carrot earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating when it comes to taste. “The meal kit used super fresh ingredients. I thought everything tasted really good, too. My favorite was the sloppy Joe, which was made with tofu instead of meat,” says expert product tester and GGR performance editor, Anthony O’Reilly.
Anthony is not a plant-based eater and was surprised just how enjoyable the meal kits tasted. “Considering this was a plant-based meal service, I was quite happy with how everything came out and the portions were quite good,” he says.
Speaking of portion size, Anthony gives Purple Carrot a 4-out-of-5-star rating. “It’s actually quite generous for a plant-based meal service. I always felt full and there were typically high-protein vegetables included,” says Anthony.
The one callout Anthony has is the cooking instructions. He notes that although the meals were pretty straightforward as far as prep work and cooking goes, he thought the instructions were a bit open-ended and too simple to accommodate novice home cooks. For this reason, Anthony gives Purple Carrot a 3-out-of-5-star rating for ease of preparation for meal kits.
That said, it’s also worth noting that Purple Carrot does have a small selection of prepared meals. Perry mentions that “Purple Carrot probably isn’t the best meal service if that’s what you’re looking for. Their pre-made meal selection is limited and you’ll run out of options quickly.”
Price per serving | $13.25 |
Type (meal kit or prepared) | Meal kit (and some prepared meals) |
Number of meals per week | 6 servings per week |
Delivery area | Contiguous U.S. |
Examples of meals we tried | Sloppy Tofu Joes, Quinoa Stuffed Peppers, Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas |
Best Heart-Healthy Meal Service for Variety: CookUnity
Good for: Anyone who wants tons of variety without all the grocery shopping
Best for Variety
CookUnity
Product Highlights
- Subscription-based meal delivery service
- Fresh meals, not frozen
- Rotating menus
- Ability to set preferences and dietary restrictions
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fresh meals delivered weekly
- Option to choose meals or let chefs choose for you
- Reminder text message to make changes to your weekly order
- Ability to skip weeks or pause subscription
Cons
- Does not deliver to all parts of the U.S.
- Different menus depending on your zip code
Bottom Line
CookUnity is a weekly meal delivery service that brings fresh meals prepared and cooked by professionally trained chefs directly to your door. You can choose between four to 16 meals per week and set preferences around your likes, dislikes, and dietary restrictions. You also have the ability to skip a week or pause your subscription.
CookUnity has more than 200 recipes designed by award-winning chefs, including top names like Iron Chef Jose Garces and celebrity chef Esther Choi, with meals not typically found in heat-and-eat meal deliveries. Birria Enchiladas and Coconut Wasabi Cod are just two dishes that can be sent right to your door, all of which are made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Registered dietitian Perry Nix is impressed by the variety of meals for people with different diets. “These options cover a range of dietary restrictions and preferences so there’s something for everyone,” she says. “With new entrees to choose from weekly, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your palate and try different flavors from all around the world.”
After signing up and taking a quick quiz about what foods you like and dislike, you can pick between 4 to 16 meals each week that are then sent in recyclable packaging—which earns them a 5 out of 5 on sustainability. The meals aren’t frozen, though you’ll need to reheat them in the oven so they have optimal freshness come dinnertime.
Anthony O’Reilly, a certified nutrition coach, said his meals were hit or miss. He scored the overall service a 3 out of 5 on taste. He and his partner noticed most of the flavor came from the sauces. “I couldn’t tell if the beef was well-seasoned or not or if the noodles had any flavor,” he says of the Bulgogi Beef Japchae. “Asian dishes often have very complex flavor profiles, but I found this bowl was very one note and that note was the sauce.”
Furthermore, he adds, there were some problems with his ingredients. “I found a fish bone in one of my fish dishes (they’re supposed to be thoroughly deboned),” he says.
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On portion size, Anthony scored them a 3 out of 5. “I was always a little hungry after,” he says, though he is 6 feet, 3 inches tall so it might work for more average-sized people.
These meals are meant to be reheated in the oven, not microwave, though some dishes come with “chefy” instructions if you want to break out the pots and pans. Anthony also gave them a 5 out of 5 when it comes to nutritional information, all of which is easily accessible on the packaging and online.
CookUnity says it’s expanding its reach, but as of this writing it’s unavailable in Montana, South Dakota and North Dakota, as well as parts of Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, and West Virginia.
Price per meal | Starting at $13.59 per meal |
Type (meal kit or prepared) | Prepared |
Number of meals per week | 4-16 |
Delivery area | Contiguous United States, excluding some states and areas. |
Examples of meals we tried | Bulgogi Beef Japchae, Seared Shrimp with Avocado Sauce, Seared Barramundi and Moroccan Couscous, Nashville Hot Tofu Sandwich. |
Best Budget Heart-Healthy Meal Delivery: Hungryroot
Good for: Anyone looking to stock the pantry with a few heart-healthy items
Best Budget
Hungryroot
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.
At about $10 per meal, Hungryroot is one of the most affordable ways to get dishes and groceries delivered right to your door. On top of that, there are options for just about every type of eater. “They include groceries and recipes made without common food allergens like soy, nuts, shellfish, and eggs, which is hard to find in other meal service plans,” says registered dietitian Perry Nix.
Nix recommends the service for people who want to cook their own food, but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen. “Many of their ingredients, such as pasta sauce, are pre-made so you spend less time in the kitchen without sacrificing on texture and taste,” she says.
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Kate Meier, GGR senior director of content and a weightlifting coach, used Hungryroot and gave it a 5 out of 5 on variety, sustainability, customization, packaging and shipping, and most importantly, taste. “Everything is so fresh, and you don’t need to do any seasoning because most foods are prepped already for you with spices,” she says. “If you wanted more salt or whatever, you could add your own.”
We’re also big fans of any service that cuts down on waste, since they’re meant to reduce the amount of trash that ends up in landfills. “Hungryroot says sustainability is at the top of its priority list, and it very obviously is,” Kate says. “There are such clear instructions on sustainable practices for the gel packs, box, and ingredient containers,” she says.
The company tries to source as many organic ingredients as possible, though it’s not always a guarantee your order will include those items. Still, we rated it a 4.5 out of 5 for ingredient quality. “Everything is high quality,” Kate says.
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Price per serving | Around $10 per meal |
Type (meal kit or prepared) | Meal kit |
Number of meals per week | 3-16 |
Delivery area | Contiguous United States |
Examples of meals we tried | Seared Chicken Breast + Corn Black Bean Rice Bowl, Everything Chicken Quesadillas, All-in-One Chicken Burrito Bowl, Turkey Meatloaf + Sweet Kale Salad |
Best Prepared Heart-Healthy Meal Delivery: ICON Meals
Good for: People on the search for pre-made, medically-tailored meals
Best Prepared
ICON Meals
Product Highlights
- Fresh, ready-to-eat meal delivery
- Vacuum-sealed for freshness
- Build custom meals or chose from menu
- One-time purchases and subscription plans available
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fresh, vacuum-sealed meals
- 35 signature meals always available
- Stays fresh up to 5 days (or freeze up to 6 months)
- 15% off for military personnel and first responders
Cons
- Limited vegetarian options
- No vegan options
Bottom Line
When you use ICON Meals, you’ll not only be able to choose from a one-time purchase or a subscription, you’ll also have the ability to customize meals or select meals from the main menu. There are 35 signature dishes that you can choose from anytime or browse the rotating weekly menu. Meals start at $12 and the minimum order needs to be at least 8 meals. Subscription meal delivery boxes come with either 12 or 24 meals and meal delivery frequency can be set anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks.
ICON Meals is a meal delivery service providing pre-made meals ready to heat and eat. What we like about this service for heart-healthy eaters is the fact that you can pick a plan that suits your needs, such as an Extreme Protein plan or a keto option. You can also customize your own meals by picking a protein or two sides that will then be made and shipped to your door.
“This is ideal for anyone trying to hit specific macros each day because you are in control of everything that’s on your plate,” says registered dietitian Perry Nix. “Not only do they offer high-protein meals, but their snacks are also protein-packed to promote muscle growth and rev up metabolism.”
We had certified personal trainer and nutrition coach Anthony O’Reilly test out ICON, and it quickly became one of his top services. “I was surprised at how well-spiced the Titan Breakfast Burrito was,” he says. “Kind of had a Middle Eastern vibe to it. And with more than 50 grams of protein, it was very filling. I could see myself ordering five of these and stocking them in the freezer.”
Overall, the taste received a 4 out of 5 because there were some meals that were less than stellar. “It was pretty typical of frozen meals in that the flavor wasn’t super present but it wasn’t offensive either,” Anthony says.
Anthony also appreciates the fact there are options for one-time purchases or recurring orders (which can be skipped or canceled at any time). You can purchase the meals, or premade protein or carbs to supplement your weekly meal prep.
And when it comes to ease of preparation, Anthony says it’s a 5 out of 5 with the heat-and-eat packing ready for the microwave. For that reason, you’ll find ICON Meals on our roundup for best prepared meal delivery services.
Although ICON’s meals hit it out of the park on macros, Nix says their lack of transparency on ingredient sourcing might turn some people away. “[It] could deter those who prefer to consume ingredients they know are ethically and sustainably sourced,” she says.
Price per meal | Starting at $13 |
Type (meal kit or prepared) | Prepared |
Number of meals per week | Unlimited |
Delivery area | Nationwide |
Examples of meals we tried | Beef Chimichurri with Carrots and Squash; Cajun Seafood Pasta; Titan Breakfast Burrito; Habanero Mac and Cheese; Vegetable Fried Rice; Lemon Cheesecake Protein Pancakes |
Best Organic Heart-Healthy Meal Delivery: Green Chef
Good for: Folks who want a meal delivery service that prioritizes organic ingredients
Best Organic
Green Chef
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 doesn’t specifically offer a heart-healthy program, but there are Mediterranean, calorie-smart, and gut/brain health menu options offered every week. Plus, they use high-quality, organic ingredients that are non-GMO.
“Green Chef’s paleo and keto meal plans are also certified gluten-free,” says registered dietitian Perry Nix. “This means they’re safe for people with celiac disease and anyone with gluten sensitivities.” It’s also worth noting that Green Chef is our top choice on our roundup of the best organic meal delivery services.
When it comes to taste, GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis rated it a 4.5 out of 5. “The Monterey Jack cheese-smothered chicken with mushrooms and squash was delicious,” she says in our Green Chef reviews. “So were the chicken burrito bowls.”
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Her biggest complaints came down to the portion size, which received a 3 out of 5. “This is the only service I tried in which I felt this way,” she says. “Portions seem small. I could easily eat one and some of another, and one portion would never be enough for my husband on its own.”
The ease of preparation also scored a 3 out of 5. “The meals take about 30 minutes to cook, which is the most I’d want to spend cooking during the week,” Nicole says. “They do require multiple pieces of equipment, but it lists what you need on the recipe card.”
Price per serving | $11.99- $13.49 |
Type (meal kit or prepared) | Meal kit |
Number of meals per week | 3-4 |
Delivery area | Nationwide except for Alaska and Hawaii |
Examples of meals we tried | Monterey Jack-smothered chicken, oatmeal, egg white bites, breakfast sandwiches, muffins |
Other Heart-Healthy Meal Deliveries We Researched
Ice Age Meals: While we think Paleo is an ideal option for some folks, the overall fat content on most Paleo-style meals might be too high for folks looking to seriously improve heart health and function. Heart-healthy meals focus primarily on lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Heart Healthy Meal Delivery
Our team of expert product testers follows an extensive testing methodology to ensure that our process is the same for each meal we test and for each tester.
Additionally, our testers are fitness industry professionals including certified nutrition coaches, Olympic-level athletes, endurance athletes, certified personal trainers, and gym owners. We are a team with varied experience in sports, training, and nutrition needs—but rest assured we have the collective desire to help share our passion for using food as fuel.
Below is an example of the considerations we made during our testing process for each meal delivery company.
Overall Taste
Taste is subjective for everyone (including you) but we did use a 1-to-5-star rating system to help guide us on how likely we would recommend a certain company. Ratings under 3 stars were horrible tasting. To earn a 3-star rating, food had to be fairly neutral (not the best or worst) and to earn a 5-star rating, our testers had to think it was good enough to want it again.
Price Per Meal
In general, our team wanted to see that the price per meal on each service cost less than traditional takeout. And with 40 different meal delivery services we tested, our team found that the price per meal can range from $8 to $20.
Using our collective experience, we determined for a meal service to earn a 5-out-of-5-star rating, it needed to come in at less than $8 per meal. If a meal service earned a 1-star rating, that means the price per meal was over $16.
Access to Nutritional Information
If you’re making changes to your diet to better your overall health, it’s important that you have access to nutritional information during the meal selection process online and again when the food arrives.
5-out-of-5-star ratings were given to companies that listed both the ingredients and nutritional information on both the website and the meal itself. Points were docked if there was only one place to view the information or there was not a fully disclosed ingredient list or a traditional nutritional label.
Benefits of Heart Healthy Meal Deliveries
Paying attention to what you eat can help reduce your blood pressure and help reduce unnecessary strain on your heart. According to the Department of Health and Human Resources3, consuming less saturated fats, reducing sodium, and increasing fiber are essential to a heart-healthy diet in addition to consuming the following:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Canned or frozen fruits and vegetables without added sugar
- Whole grains (rice, oats, quinoa, barley, farro, etc.)
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats and oils
While fats like olive oil and tree nuts are considered healthy, saturated fats from fatty cuts of meat and high-fat dairy products should be consumed in small quantities. Limiting the amount of pizza, burgers, cream sauces, or gravy you consume can help reduce your saturated fat intake.
Sodium intake can increase blood pressure, which puts strain on your heart if you’re battling a chronic cardiovascular disease.
And lastly, eating more fiber (like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains) can promote healthy heart function. “Most people don’t get enough fiber. But fiber is known to promote regular bowel movements, but it also supports blood sugar control, and reduces cholesterol,” explains Perry Nix, RD, LD.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Heart Healthy Meal Deliveries
Whether you find a service that offers a heart-healthy plan or a meal delivery that checks a lot of heart-healthy boxes, here is what you’ll want to consider when shopping for meal deliveries:
Dietary Needs
When it comes to heart-healthy meals, you’ll not only need to consider your own personal dietary restrictions and allergies, you’ll also need to remember the key factors in what makes a heart-healthy meal.
For a meal to be considered heart-healthy, you’ll want most of the following items your plate:
- Lean protein
- Vegetables
- Fruit is optional
- Whole grains (rice, oats, quinoa, barley, or farro)
- Healthy fats and oils (like olive oil, avocado, or nuts)
Meal Frequency
Most (but not all) services featured on this heart-healthy list will require you to sign up for a subscription service. That typically means committing to a weekly delivery cadence unless you manually skip a delivery. If you plan to eat your meal deliveries frequently and consistently, this is a no-brainer option.
However, if you’re someone who just wants to supplement your diet with a few frozen meals or meal kits, you’ll want to review the subscription requirements. Some services (like MealPro) offer both subscription or one-time deliveries.
Portion Size
While browsing menu items, be sure to check the total calories. For most people, meals should be at least 400 calories or more to be considered a full, satisfying meal. Depending on which service you choose, you may still need to supplement your meals with snacks.
Best Heart Healthy Meal Delivery: FAQs
Who has the healthiest food delivery service?
Our Garage Gym Reviews team has tested over 40 meal delivery services and, lucky for you, we rounded up the best healthy meal delivery services so you don’t have to test them all. This list includes:
Best Healthy Meal Delivery Service Overall: BistroMD
Best Healthy Meal Delivery Service for Dietary Restrictions: Hungryroot
Best Healthy Meal Delivery Service for Weight Loss: Fuel Meals
Best Healthy Meal Delivery Service for Keto Diets: Trifecta
Best Healthy Meal Delivery Service for Families: Home Chef
Best Healthy Meal Delivery Service for Plant-Based Diets: Purple Carrot
Best Healthy Meal Delivery Service on a Budget: Factor Meals
Best Healthy Meal Delivery Service for Paleo Diets: Paleo on the Go
Healthy Meal Delivery Service for Singles: Daily Harvest
Best Organic Healthy Meal Delivery Service: Green Chef
Does HelloFresh have a heart-healthy menu?
HelloFresh does not have a specific menu for specific dietary needs, however there are likely some meals that are suitable for heart-healthy diets.
Does Home Chef offer heart-healthy meals?
Home Chef does not have specific dietary meal plans, but there are search filters for vegetarian, calorie-conscious, and carb-conscious.
What kind of meals are heart-healthy?
Meals that are considered heart-healthy typically offer lean protein, plenty of vegetables, and a serving of whole grains like rice or quinoa (or a starchy carb like potatoes or sweet potatoes).
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
- American Heart Association. The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations. 2021 Nov 1.
- Mayo Clinic. Heart-healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease. 2022 Apr 28.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. High Blood Pressure Symptoms and Causes. 2021 May 18.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Heart-Healthy Foods: Shopping List. 2023 Sept 19.
Further reading
If you’re looking to sculpt your back, but just can’t find a way to build the bottom of your lats, try these 10 lower lat exercises to build a bigger back. Read more
If you’re in the midst of making changes to your lifestyle and diet to get a better grasp on your overall heart health or understand your target heart rate, you’re in the right place. Garage Gym Reviews is staffed with fitness industry experts ranging from Olympic-level athletes to certified nutrition coaches. We’re a group of people who care deeply about using food as fuel and understand that everyone’s needs are different. According to several resources, » Read more about: We Tested The Best Heart Healthy Meal Delivery Services Available Now (2024) » Read more
A certified personal trainer breaks down what inner chest workout is best for increasing strength and muscle mass. Read more
We’ve got the best lever arm exercises to build upper- and lower-body strength that can be done on your squat rack at home. Read more