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If you’re a bodybuilder (or just prefer bodybuilding workouts), you likely know that your nutrition plays a huge role in gaining muscle, leaning out, and sustaining energy. If you’re looking to skip the hassle of the full-day meal-prepping experience, then it’s time to check out our top picks for bodybuilding meal delivery services.
Your friends at Garage Gym Reviews aren’t just a bunch of fitness knuckleheads; we’re staffed with certified personal trainers, professional athletes, and nutrition coaches. We’re a group of industry experts who care about what we eat. And collectively, we tested over 40 different meal delivery services, from budget-friendly options to the best meal delivery service for families.
For the best bodybuilding-style meal delivery, we wanted to consider certain factors that are specific to bodybuilding diets, such as:
- Macronutrient profile
- Portion size
- Price per meal
- Overall taste and texture
Additionally, our top picks for bodybuilding meal delivery were also reviewed by our Garage Gym Reviews expert panelist, registered and licensed dietitian Perry Nix, RD, LD, to help us break down the pros and cons of each meal service.
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 Bodybuilding Meal Prep Delivery Services
- Best Overall Bodybuilding Meal Delivery: Trifecta
- Best Organic Bodybuilding Meal Delivery: Fresh N Lean
- Best Bodybuilding Meal Delivery for Bulk Food: ICON Meals
- Best Paleo Bodybuilding Meal Delivery: Ice Age Meals
- Best Fresh Bodybuilding Meal Delivery: Muscle Meals 2 Go
- Best Bodybuilding Meal Delivery For Variety: Factor
- Best Prepared Bodybuilding Meal Delivery: Snap Kitchen
- Best Bodybuilding Meals for Dietary Restrictions: BistroMD
- Best Budget Bodybuilding Meal Delivery: Clean Eatz
Best Overall Bodybuilding Meal Delivery: Trifecta Nutrition
Good for: Bodybuilders and athletes tracking macros to maximize muscle size
Best Overall
Trifecta
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 is our top pick for the best overall bodybuilding meal delivery service, with a 4.1-out-of-5-star rating overall from our expert product tester and GGR head of content, Kate Meier. Kate thought ordering was a cinch, and pre-made, fresh meals were delivered right to her door.
When it comes to overall taste, variety, portion size, and customization on meal plans, Trifecta scored 4- and 5-star ratings across the board. You can read more about all these categories in our in-depth Trifecta meal delivery review.
Many of the ingredients Trifecta uses are organic and sourced sustainably whenever possible. The meals always arrive fresh in vacuum-sealed containers with a best-buy date of five days after delivery (and the option to freeze them for up to three months).
When it comes to portion sizes, tester Kate gives Trifecta a 5-out-of-5-star rating, even though she found them a tad on the small side.
However, these meals are designed for optimizing macronutrient balance for athletic performance, muscle growth, and fat loss. “If you are really strict about your macros, these meals are a good option,” Kate adds.
Trifecta also helps you get more protein into your diet with a focus on lean proteins. Registered dietitian, Perry Nix, notes “Trifecta markets their meals towards athletes wanting to achieve a fit aesthetic by eating balanced and nutritious foods.”
“Meal prepping can help you achieve a more chiseled physique, but it’s tedious and time consuming. Using a service like Trifecta takes the struggle out of meal prepping,” Perry adds.
RELATED: How to Get More Protein
| Price per serving | $13.99 |
| Type (meal kit or prepared) | Prepared, fresh |
| Meals per week | 10 meal minimum |
| Delivery area | Nationwide USA |
| Meals we tried | Egg Scramble and Potato, Salmon, Sweet Potato, Mixed Vegetables, and Beef Patty, Sweet Potato, Mixed Vegetables |
Best Organic Bodybuilding Meal Delivery: Fresh N Lean
Good for: Bodybuilders who prioritize organic ingredients without preservatives
Best Organic
Fresh N Lean
Product Highlights
- Meal delivery featuring 7 different meal plans
- Gluten-free options
- Non-GMO, no artificial ingredients
- Paleo, Keto, high protein, and vegan plans
- A la carte options with a $85 minimum
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free shipping in the Contiguous U.S.
- Low minimum of meals
- Over 100 meals to choose from
Cons
- Very little customization when choosing meal plans
- Meals can be pricey
Bottom Line
Fresh N Lean is a prepared meal delivery service that has a variety of meal plans to choose from. From those plans, you can choose how many meals you’d like weekly, and notify anyone of food preferences. In addition, you can select exact meals from their A la carte section.
While most meal delivery services cannot provide menu options with 100% organic ingredients, we picked Fresh N Lean for the ability to cater towards organic-conscious eaters.
Kate Meier, CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, and GGR Head of Content, tested Fresh N Lean and rates the meal delivery 5 out of 5 stars for ingredient quality. “It’s all whole foods, catered to your diet preferences. The steak is grass-fed, with a large number of organic ingredients,” she says.
In fact, we hand selected Fresh N Lean for our best organic meal delivery roundup for the best prepared meal category.
Additionally, if you’re a bodybuilder, you’ll like knowing you can opt for extra protein. Perry Nix, our expert panelist and registered dietitian, notes that one of the standout features of Fresh N Lean is the fact it offers a Protein+ plan for individuals wanting to optimize their fitness.
“Protein+ meals contain a whopping 36 grams of protein on average, which falls well within the recommended 20 to 40 grams of protein per meal needed to maximize muscle protein synthesis.” says Perry.
Not only will you hit your protein goals and have fresh, quality ingredients to enjoy, Kate says the meals are darn good, too. Kate gave Fresh N Lean a 5-star rating for taste.
“I was pleasantly surprised,” says Kate. “The Paleo Bearnaise Grass-Fed Steak With Roasted Sweet Potatoes—wow. The steak was cooked medium and was perfect. Even the Brussels sprouts, which looked a little mushy after microwaving, were still a little crispy.”
| Price per serving | $8.49 to $11 |
| Type (meal kit or prepared) | Prepared, frozen |
| Meals per week | Choose 1-3 per day (for 5- or 7-day plans) |
| Delivery area | Nationwide |
| Meals we tried | Red Pepper Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Bearnaise Grass Fed Steak with Roasted Sweet Potato |
Best Bodybuilding Meal Delivery for Bulk Food: ICON Meals
Good for: Anyone seeking prepared meals or bulk food without a subscription plan
Best for Bulk Food
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 offers a bodybuilding-style meal service that doesn’t force you to commit to a subscription plan or stick to a certain type of diet.
Expert product tester and certified nutrition coach Anthony O’Reilly tested ICON Meals and mentions this was the best overall experience out of the meal services he tried. One thing Anthony appreciated about ICON was the fact you create your own meal plan and choose from an a la carte menu.
GGR expert panelist and registered dietitian Perry Nix says, “I like that ICON Meals helps you select entrees based on your health and fitness goals. You can choose high-protein meals if you’re looking to gain muscle or calorie-conscious meals if you’d like to lose weight.”
RELATED: High-Protein Foods
“Something that makes ICON Meals unique is that you can create custom meals to suit your dietary needs and preferences. 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 Perry.
You’ll also have the option to choose bulk food items (like bulk chicken, beef, or roasted vegetables) so you can create your own plates from bulk orders—ideal if you have more than one athlete in your home.
We even selected ICON Meals for the high-protein category in our best gluten-free meal delivery list.
When it comes to both customization of meal plans and the ordering process as a whole, Anthony gives ICON a 5-out-of-5-star rating in both categories.
Not only can you customize your meal plans, the high-protein meals are ideal for bodybuilders and athletes alike. Perry Nix notes, “ICON is especially appealing for athletes wanting to cut fat and gain muscle. Not only do they offer high-protein meals, but snacks are also protein-packed to promote muscle growth and rev up metabolism.”
| Price per serving | Meals start at $10.50 |
| Type (meal kit or prepared) | Prepared, frozen |
| Meals per week | No limits, a la carte menu |
| Delivery area | Nationwide |
| Meals we tried | Titan Breakfast Burrito, Beef Chimichurri With Carrots And Squash, Cajun Seafood Pasta, and Honey Habanero Mac And Cheese |
Best Paleo Bodybuilding Meal Delivery: Ice Age Meals
Good for: Athletes and bodybuilders looking for a paleo meal plan
Best Paleo
Ice Age Meals
Product Highlights
- Frozen meal delivery
- Caters to Paleo and Keto-friendly diets
- High protein content
- No subscription plans, order whenever you like
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High-protein meals with whole-food ingredients
- Macros provided on each meal
- Free shipping
- No subscriptions
Cons
- No customization on ingredients
- Only offered in 16-, 30-, or 60-meal increments
Bottom Line
When you order from Ice Age Meals, you are in control when it comes to choosing what you want to eat and how much you order. Nearly every menu item is gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. Plus, all meals offer high-quality proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. There are no subscriptions or strings attached—order in increments of 16, 30, or 60 meals and receive your box in two days.
If you’re looking for a paleo-specific meal plan, Ice Age Meals makes it super easy. You won’t need to sign up for a subscription, but you will have to buy meals in bulk (in increments 16, 30, or 60 meals to be specific).
The entire menu is a la carte and no matter what meal you’re interested in, you can rest assured it’s paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. Some menu items are even keto-friendly. While this type of plan isn’t going to work for everyone because it’s a pretty niche diet diet, I think this an ideal choice for pre-made, frozen meals that will help you stay on track for all things paleo.
We not only think Ice Age Meals is suitable for bodybuilders, we also selected Ice Age Meals for the gluten-free category in our best paleo meal delivery roundup.
Because this meal planning service is super niche, I give Ice Age Meals a 4-out-of-5-star rating. That said, if you’re a paleo dieter, you won’t have to sift through a bunch of menu items you can’t have. You’ll be able to enjoy the entire lineup of meals.
Perry Nix, registered dietitian and expert GGR panelist, notes, “With Ice Age Meals, you have to prepare to order in bulk. However, meals are frozen, so they’ll last much longer than the refrigerator meals you get from many other meal services.”
Lastly, when it comes to portion sizes, Ice Age Meals gets a 4-out-of-5-star rating. I honestly think the portions are pretty big and would suggest this meal service for bodybuilders during a bulking phase or for large athletes who generally eat more calories per meal.
| Price per serving | Meals start at $11.99 |
| Type (meal kit or prepared) | Prepared, frozen |
| Meals per week | Order 16, 30, or 60 meals (no subscriptions) |
| Delivery area | Nationwide |
| Meals we tried | Chipotle Chicken Tinga with Rice, Chicken Chile Colorado with Rice, Elk Shepherd’s Pie, and Grass-Fed Barbacoa with Tomatillo Salsa and Squash |
Best Fresh Bodybuilding Meal Delivery: Muscle Meals 2 Go
Good for: Bodybuilders looking for a basic meal delivery with fresh, prepared meals
Best Frozen
Muscle Meals 2 Go
Product Highlights
- High-protein meal delivery service
- Fresh, ready-to-eat meals
- Standard and extra protein meal options
- Meals stay fresh for 8 days after delivery
Pros & Cons
Pros
- One-time purchase option
- Weekly or biweekly subscription
- Gluten-free, low-carb, keto, and extra protein meal options
- Breakfast and entree options available
Cons
- Shipping is not included
- Expensive per meal cost (price break when you order more meals)
Bottom Line
Bodybuilders and gym rats take notice: Muscle Meals 2 Go offers fresh, high-protein, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. You’ll have the option to choose from a weight loss, muscle maintenance, or muscle gain meal plan with a macronutrient profile to support each goal. Choose from a one-time delivery or a recurring weekly (or biweekly) subscription plan.
If you think Muscle Meals 2 Go sounds like a bodybuilding meal delivery service, you’re absolutely right. I personally tested this meal delivery service and thought it looked a lot like my own meal prep when I used to cook ahead for my 14-hour days as a personal trainer in a gym.
Honestly, this service would have been absolutely clutch back then. And Muscle Meals 2 Go arrives in a vacuum-sealed container with fresh, pre-made, and ready-to-eat meals.
These are true, bodybuilder-style meals. And what I mean by that is the ingredients are pretty basic and pretty much all whole foods, including lean protein sources, vegetables, and whole grains. I will admit there are minimal sauces and seasonings, too. Because I thought these were on the bland side, I give Muscle Meals a 4-out-of-5-star rating for taste, and suggest having your favorite hot sauce nearby.
That said, Muscle Meals has three different tracks to choose from: Lean, Maintain, or Gain. No matter what track you choose, all of your meals come fresh and ready. There’s no dethawing or microwaving for over five minutes (or more).
RELATED: High-Protein Meals
Registered dietitian Perry Nix mentions that the Gain meal plan, “Includes extra protein to support muscle growth and increase metabolism. Plus, several meals are made with chicken, turkey, and salmon for those who want to reduce their saturated fat and cholesterol intake.”
You also don’t have to sign up for a subscription, which is not how most fresh meal delivery services work, but I’m more than happy to mention this. At checkout you’ll have the option to subscribe or choose a one-time purchase. For overall ordering, I give this company a 5-out-of-5-star rating.
You’ll also find Muscle Meals 2 Go as our top pick overall for the best high-protein meal delivery.
| Price per serving | $13.50 to $16.50 |
| Type (meal kit or prepared) | Prepared, fresh |
| Meals per week | 10 meal minimum |
| Delivery area | Nationwide |
| Meals we tried | Chicken Fajita Bowl, Beef and Broccoli, Turkey Meatballs, Pork Fried Rice, Sticky Chicken, Thai Peanut Chicken, Salisbury Steak |
Best Bodybuilding Meal Delivery For Variety: Factor
Good for: Athletes who want variety within the typically bodybuilding meal formula
Best for Variety
Factor75
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.
We chose Factor (formerly Factor 75) for the best meal delivery for variety because it offers a large, rotating menu. That said, these are still traditional bodybuilding-style meals.
“There are quite a lot of meals to choose from, and the menu changes at least partially each week,” explains Amanda Capritto, GGR expert tester, senior writer, and certified personal trainer.
“However, the meals all have the same format: A lean protein with a side of veggies and grains. While you do get to enjoy different flavor profiles, you’ll eventually notice that you’re eating the same kind of meal over and over,” says Amanda.
RELATED: High-Protein Vegetables
But notice that she says the same kind of meal—not the same meal. For this reasonFactor earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating in the variety category. When Amanda tested these meals, she had the general population in mind, but she also realizes this is more than enough variety for athletes and bodybuilders.
You’ll even have the opportunity to select from a variety of meal plans like keto or high-protein to better suit your dietary needs. Plus, Amanda gave Factor a 5-star rating for access to nutritional information. “The nutrition information, ingredients, and allergens are on the website for every meal. Each meal’s sleeve has the full nutrition info printed on it, too,” she says.
Perry Nix RD, LD, chimes in and adds, “Many people don’t know where to start when it comes to shopping for nutrient-rich ingredients and cooking balanced meals,” We find this true for first-time bodybuilders, too.
RELATED: Gifts for Bodybuilders
“Factor does the shopping and cooking for you so you can improve your diet completely hassle-free. Factor meals arrive fresh, not frozen, so you can keep them in the refrigerator and simply heat them up in the microwave when you’re ready to eat,” says Perry.
We have even more details about Amanda’s hands-on, taste-testing experience in our in-depth Factor Meals review.
| Price per serving | About $12.99 |
| Type (meal kit or prepared) | Prepared, fresh |
| Meals per week | 6-18 |
| Delivery area | Contiguous U.S. |
| Meals we tried | Red Chile Pork Tamale Bowl, Honey Mustard Chicken, Loaded Bacon Shredded Chicken |
Best Prepared Bodybuilding Meal Delivery: Snap Kitchen
Good for: Athletes looking for easy, prepared, and healthy meals
Best Prepared
Snap Kitchen
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 makes meal-prepping easy with ready-to-eat meals shipped to your door. Meals arrive fresh and can be microwaved or stashed in the freezer to eat later.
“When it comes to preparing these meals, there is essentially nothing to it,” says GGR expert product tester and social media manager Brittany Combs. “Just stick it in the microwave.”
While Brittany likes the ease of Snap Kitchen’s prepared meals, she docked a half point, rating the meal service a 4.5-out-of-5-stars in the preparation category because the suggested microwave times were slightly under par. She knows it’s a minor detail, but thinks it’s worth mentioning.
However, when it comes to taste, Snap Kitchen earns a 4-out-5-star rating. Brittany enjoyed her meals and noted her husband tried some, too. She added some seasonings, and her husband added hot sauce to a handful of the meals, but other than that, the flavors were palatable, and texture was enjoyable.
We also selected Snap Kitchen as a suitable gluten-free option on our best keto meal delivery services list.
“Most Snap Kitchen Meals are made with chicken, which is a good source of lean protein low in saturated fat and cholesterol,” says Perry Nix, registered dietitian, which we think is ideal for bodybuilders and athletes alike.
“Some meals contain complex carbohydrates like brown rice and quinoa that will give you longer-lasting energy than refined carbs,” Perry adds.
One drawback Perry sees is the fact that some meals only include grains and no vegetables. “Personally, I like my plate to include protein, grains, and vegetables for a variety of nutrients,” she says.
Brittany also notes that if you live close enough to Snap Kitchen’s headquarters, the company offers a delivery option where you receive an insulated reusable cooler bag. You can keep it or leave it outside for curbside pickup, and the delivery service will replace it.
“I do not live close enough, so all the food arrived in a cardboard box with insulated liners and gel packs,” says Brittany. “All of which is recyclable.”
| Price per serving | Starts a $11.92 |
| Type (meal kit or prepared) | Prepared |
| Meals per week | 6 or 12 |
| Delivery area | Limited zip codes in contiguous US |
| Meals we tried | Bison Quinoa Bowl, Steak Street Tacos and Spanish Rice Pilaf, Texas Brisket Fried Rice |
Best Bodybuilding Meals for Dietary Restrictions: BistroMD
Good for: Bodybuilders and athletes with dietary restrictions and eating patterns
”Best
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 has one of the best meal plans for dietary restrictions. The brand offers Gluten Free, Keto Flex, Diabetic, Vegan, Menopause, and Heart Healthy meal programs. Each meal plan and menu item has been meticulously designed by co-founder Caroline J. Cederquist, M.D., and reviewed by a team of nutritionists and registered dietitians.
While BistroMD is specially designed for weight loss, I think it’s a solid option for athletes and bodybuilders who have specific dietary needs (like gluten-free or vegan).
I personally tried this meal service and signed up for the Signature Meal Plan, which isn’t diet-specific but, according to the website, uses the science of healthy weight loss and may help reduce blood sugar spikes. We also chose BistroMD for the weight loss category in our best healthy meal delivery service roundup.
Registered dietitian Perry Nix notes, “These meal plans focus on fueling your metabolism, stabilizing your blood sugar, and keeping you full and satisfied, so you can burn more calories and utilize energy efficiently.”
Overall, I rated BistroMD a 5-out-of-5-star rating for meal planning and customization because the brand offers a variety of different dietary restrictions that aren’t usually available on every meal delivery platform. Once you select a plan, the website will filter so you see meals that fit within that plan or dietary need. You will have full control of choosing your individual meals.
The meals are fairly low-calorie, but I personally think this would work well if you’re a bodybuilder on an eating schedule of more than three meals per day.
It’s also worth noting that all meals came with a healthy portion of vegetables, which are fiber-packed and increase your feeling of fullness. It’s the ideal small meal, and the menu items are more interesting than chicken, broccoli, and rice.
RELATED: Best Weight Loss Programs
Perry doesn’t disagree and says, “If you’re only eating three meals (and maybe another two snacks) the average calorie intake for women and men is 1200 and 1500, respectively. BistroMD alone is much too low.”
BistroMD also earns 5 out of 5 stars for access to nutritional information because macros and ingredients are listed on each package and you can preview all the same information as you make your meal selections on the website.
| Price per serving | $8.99 to $14.99 |
| Type (meal kit or prepared) | Prepared, frozen |
| Meals per week | 10-20 |
| Delivery area | Contiguous US |
| Meals we tried | Chicken, Rice, and Cheddar Casserole; 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; Cranberry Harvest Turkey Meatballs; Meatloaf with Honey Bourbon Glaze; Mojo Pork with Black Beans & Rice |
Best Budget Bodybuilding Meal Delivery: Clean Eatz
Good for: Bodybuilders and athletes on a budget (and a diet)
Best Budget
Clean Eatz
Product Highlights
- Budget-conscious frozen meals
- Healthy meals all under 600 calories
- Variety of meal plans including high protein, keto, gluten free
- Order meals in increments of 6
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Budget-friendly price point
- Flash frozen to preserve freshness
- Order as little as 6 meals at a time
- No subscriptions
Cons
- No customizations to menu or meals
- Meals only last up to 6 months in freezer
Bottom Line
Clean Eatz is a meal delivery service that won’t break the bank or over-complicate your health and wellness goals—including weight loss and adding muscle size. There are no subscriptions, you can order at the frequency to like. Meals are reasonably priced at $7.99 and you can order in increments of six meals at a time. There is a $5 shipping charge for orders under $85.
When it comes to overall value, Clean Eatz takes the cake (Note: You won’t find cake on the menu). It’s an affordable meal delivery service that still allows you to hit your macro goals.
GGR expert product tester Chloe Eckberg gives Clean Eatz a 5-out-of-5-star rating for the price per meal category. Meals range from $6.52 to $8.20 per meal. And for all you extra-hungry bodybuilders out there, rest assured that it’s only an additional $1.50 per meal to get extra protein.
“Most Clean Eatz meals contain between 20 and 40 grams of protein, which is the recommended amount per meal to maximize muscle protein synthesis,” notes Perry Nix, registered dietitian.
Clean Eatz batch cooks meals to offer the most affordable ready-made solution for meal delivery. We even selected Clean Eatz as the best-prepared meal program for our cheapest meal delivery service roundup. That said, the company doesn’t offer any customization options if you have dietary restrictions.
For example, there are gluten-free meals, but according to their website, it’s not actually recommended for those with celiac disease because there could be cross-contamination between the gluten and gluten-free meal preparation.
Chloe gives the ordering process a 3-out-of-5-star rating, saying, “There are plenty of options for meal plans, but less options for customization once you choose the plan. It is more of a set list.”
However, when it comes to taste and texture, Chloe gives Clean Eatz another perfect 5-out-of-5-star rating. “These are so delicious,” she says.
“It was wonderful to have a low-calorie, high-protein, whole food meal without lacking flavor. I was blown away by how good everything turned out, considering it was a microwave meal,” adds Chloe.
RELATED: High-Protein, Low-Carb Foods
You’ll also be able to see a quick overview of macros on the website while selecting your meals; however, the nutritional information and list of ingredients won’t be available until you receive the actual meals.
It’s worth noting that you’ll have to order in increments of six meals a time, and when you spend less than $85, you’ll be charged a $5 shipping fee. However, that’s one of the least expensive shipping fees we’ve seen for meal delivery. Clean Eatz also delivers nationwide with a delivery expectancy between 1-3 days.
| Price per serving | $6.52 to $8.20 |
| Type (meal kit or prepared) | Prepared, frozen |
| Meals per week | Increments of 6 |
| Delivery area | Nationwide |
| Meals we tried | Salsa Chicken, Good For You Nachos, Nashville Hot Chicken Bowl, Bacon Cheeseburger Bowl, Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato |
Other Bodybuilding Meal Deliveries We Researched
Diet-To-Go: In our experience, this meal service is hit-or-miss when it comes to both portion sizes and taste. If you’re looking for a bodybuilding-style meal plan, this one is too inconsistent for us to recommend. For portion size and taste our tester, Lindsay Scheele gave Diet-To-Go a 3.5- and 3-out-of-5-star rating respectively.
Pete’s Real Food: While this a decent option for folks who adhere to paleo or plant-based diets, Pete’s Real Food doesn’t offer consistency with their macronutrient profiles. Our tester also thought the meals were quite bland. For reference, GGR writer, tester, and Olympic athlete Caine Wilks gave the taste of Pete’s Real Food a 3.5-out-of-5-star rating.
HelloFresh: This is one of the most popular meal kits among families and single folks alike. But it’s a meal kit and doesn’t take away the need to prepare food nor does it have a heavy focus on macronutrients that support muscle building or weight loss.
For more, read our in-depth HelloFresh review.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Bodybuilding Meal Delivery
For our meal delivery testing process, our entire team of expert product testers each tried at least one meal delivery service, with some taste-testers trying several over the course of about six weeks.
Our team referenced the same testing methodology that we established for equipment and supplements and peer-reviewed prior to anyone clicking add to cart. Once our methods were in place, we were tasked with answering and scoring the same categories for every single brand we tested for consistency.
RELATED: GGR Supplement Testing Methodology
Here is a sampling of what we took into consideration when picking services for the best bodybuilding meals:
Macronutrient Information
One of our testing categories is general access to nutritional information. To score a 5-out-of-5-star rating on this category, both the ingredients list and nutritional information have to be easily accessible on both the website (so you can make informed decisions) and on the label so you can track your macronutrients as needed.
RELATED: How Much Protein Do I Need?
Portion Size
In the portion size category, we tasked our testers to report how satisfied they were after eating the meal delivery. All of our testers were asked to make note if they were still hungry or stuffed to the brim (and anything in between).
Our testers also noted if their meals were balanced or featured too much of one thing and not enough of another (too much rice and not enough chicken for example).
Price Per Meal
From our initial research into our hands-on experience, we found that the price per serving ranges from $4.99 on the low end to $14.99 per meal on the high end. For a meal service to get a 5-out-of-5-star rating, the price per serving is $8 or less. For a meal delivery service to score a measly 1-out-of-5-star rating, the service will cost more than $16 per serving.
Overall Taste and Texture
While taste is subjective, we used our internal team of testers in addition to the general consensus of customer reviews online.
For a meal delivery service to score a 3-out-of-5-star rating, the taste has to be OK. The way we look at just OK: Not the best meal ever, but certainly not the worst either.
To earn a 5-star rating for taste, the general consensus had to be that it was a fantastic-tasting meal and worth ordering again.
Benefits of Bodybuilding Meal Delivery
No matter your dietary preferences, here are some of the benefits you might experience when signing up for one of the best meal delivery services for athletes and bodybuilders alike:
Skip Meal Prep
Utilizing a meal delivery service can help reduce how much time you spend in the kitchen meal prepping for every breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And even if it doesn’t totally eliminate your time spent prepping, it can help you save time while still tracking macros and clean eating.
Macronutrient Focused Eating
If you’re a bodybuilder (or aspiring to become one) tracking your food is part of the hustle. A traditionally healthy meal (say for a vegetarian or diabetic) looks different when you view it from a bodybuilding and muscle-building lens. You’re no longer just looking for low-calories, it’s all about balancing the macronutrients.
RELATED: Macros For Weight Loss
GGR expert panelist and registered dietitian Sydney Lappe explains, “Macronutrients are the three essential nutrients your body needs in large amounts to function optimally. These three main nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.”
Essentially, healthy meals for bodybuilders don’t mean low-carb casseroles or salads with almonds. Bodybuilder meals focus on a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. To some degree, all the macros need to show up at every meal.
High-Quality Ingredient Choices
Many of the meals we selected for the best bodybuilding meals offer high-quality, whole ingredients. We selected companies that prioritize organic produce, plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, which are generally high in fiber and fairly low in calories.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Bodybuilding Meal Deliveries
Consider the following when shopping for bodybuilding meal delivery services:
Nutritional Information
If you’re prepping for a bodybuilding show or just training like a bodybuilder, you’ll want the ability to see and track your macronutrients, which means you’ll need access to a full nutrition label and ingredient list.
Calorie Content
Whether you’re looking to be in a calorie deficit to lose weight or surplus to gain weight during your bodybuilding journey, you’ll want to be aware of the average calories you’re going to get in any given meal delivery service. If you’re looking to lose weight, you’ll want to focus on low-calorie meals versus someone trying to pack on weight and muscle mass.
RELATED: Guide to Bulking and Cutting
Protein Content
Regardless of which meal plan you choose, bodybuilders need high-protein foods for muscle building to support the process of muscle protein synthesis. You’ll want to be sure you’re getting at least 20 grams of protein per meal on the low end. Some meal services even offer meal options that range between 30 to 40 grams per serving.
Price Per Meal
Price per meal varies quite a bit from service to service. Most meal deliveries range from $4.99 to $14.99 per meal. A handful of the 40 meal services we tested were higher, closer to $16 or $18 per serving. Depending on what the service offers and your dietary restrictions, a higher per meal may still be worth the cost.
Best Bodybuilding Meal Delivery: FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding bodybuilding-style meal deliveries:
Is HelloFresh good for muscle gain?
HelloFresh is a popular meal kit for busy families. However, because there aren’t specific menus catering toward certain dietary restrictions, it’s not the best meal service for folks specifically looking to gain muscle or lose weight. The menu does offer high-protein or low-card options, but the website search filters don’t allow you to search for those specifically. If you’re shopping around for another option, here is our list of the best HelloFresh alternatives.
Are meal prep services worth it for bodybuilding?
If you are prepping for a bodybuilding show and you’re finding it difficult to prepare meal after meal, a meal delivery service catered to athletes and athletic performance can be worth it. However, it will also depend on your goals and your specific dietary needs.
Are Factor meals good for bodybuilders?
Factor is one of Garage Gym Review’s top picks for bodybuilding meal delivery services. It’s a terrific option for receiving fresh meals from a menu with tons of variety.
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.
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