Looking to eat healthier without the hassle? Here's a quick rundown of the top portion control meal services for 2024:
- BistroMD: Doctor-designed meals for weight loss
- Trifecta Nutrition: Organic meals for fitness enthusiasts
- Factor: Fresh, chef-prepared meals with dietitian support
- Diet-to-Go: Calorie-controlled plans for various diets
- Fresh N' Lean: Organic, sustainably-sourced ingredients
- Nutrisystem: Pre-portioned meals for easy weight loss
- Blue Apron: Cook-it-yourself meal kits with portion guidance
- Sunbasket: Organic ingredients with diverse diet options
- HelloFresh: Flexible meal kits with calorie-smart choices
- Green Chef: USDA-certified organic meals for specific diets
These services offer:
- Pre-portioned ingredients or ready-to-eat meals
- Calorie-controlled options (typically 300-800 calories per meal)
- Various diet plans (keto, paleo, vegan, etc.)
- Time-saving convenience
- Expert-designed menus for balanced nutrition
Prices range from $7.99 to $15.99 per serving, with most falling between $9-$13.
Quick Comparison:
| Service | Price/Serving | Prep Time | Diet Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| BistroMD | $10.99-$14.99 | 2-3 min | Many |
| Trifecta | $10.50-$15.86 | Ready-to-eat | Keto, Paleo, Vegan |
| Factor | $11.19-$12.99 | 2 min | Keto, Low-Cal |
| Diet-to-Go | $8.57-$9.71 | Ready-to-eat | Low-carb, Vegetarian |
| Fresh N' Lean | $8.49-$15.49 | Ready-to-eat | Keto, Vegan, Paleo |
Choose based on your budget, dietary needs, and whether you prefer to cook or just heat and eat.
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1. BistroMD
BistroMD is a standout in portion control meal services. Founded by Dr. Caroline J. Cederquist and her husband Ed, it takes a scientific approach to healthy eating, focusing on weight loss and wellness.
Meal Plans and Variety
With over 150 weekly meal options, BistroMD caters to various diets:
- Signature
- Gluten-Free
- Heart Healthy
- Diabetic
- Menopause
- Keto Flex
- Vegan
There's a plan for almost everyone, no matter your health goals or dietary needs.
Nutrition and Portion Control
BistroMD's meals are designed for weight loss and healthy eating:
- About 300 calories per meal
- High protein (25-30 grams)
- Low in calories, fat, and sodium
- Balanced with low glycemic carbs
For weight loss, they suggest about 1,200 daily calories for women and 1,400 for men.
BistroMD offers flexible pricing:
| Meal Plan | Price per Meal | Weekly Total |
|---|---|---|
| Full program, 7 days | $10.99 | $239.80 |
| Full program, 5 days | $12.66 | $209.95 |
| Lunch and dinner, 7 days | $13.56 | $209.95 |
| Lunch and dinner, 5 days | $14.99 | $169.90 |
Don't forget the $20 shipping fee on all orders.
What Customers Say
Rick O., a BistroMD user, shared:
"Food tastes great. Usually I have a problem with portion control and with other things I would eat 2 meals, but these are satisfying. Crazy being able to feel full after eating only 300 calories."
Expert Support
BistroMD subscribers get access to registered dietitians. It's like having a personal nutrition coach in your pocket!
Convenience and Flexibility
BistroMD meals come frozen. Just thaw and eat. Plus:
- No contracts or commitments
- Customize based on your diet and goals
- Skip weeks or cancel anytime
BistroMD might cost more than some other services, but you're paying for doctor-designed meals, variety, and nutritional balance. If you're serious about portion control and weight management, it's worth considering.
2. Trifecta Nutrition
Trifecta Nutrition is a big deal for fitness buffs and athletes who want to eat right without the hassle. They're all about organic, pre-made meals that help you lose weight and crush your fitness goals.
What's on the Menu?
Trifecta's got something for everyone:
- Clean
- Keto
- Paleo & Whole30
- Plant-Based (Vegan and Vegetarian)
- Classic
They switch things up every week, so you won't get bored. One day you might be chowing down on Salmon and Wild Rice with Dried Cranberries and Rosemary. The next? Roasted Chicken Breasts with a Citrus Glaze and Asparagus.
Nutrition That Packs a Punch
Trifecta doesn't mess around when it comes to nutrition:
- Meals are usually 350-500 calories
- You're getting 21-32 grams of protein per serving
- They go easy on the salt (300-500 mg per meal)
- They use organic, local ingredients when they can
Plus, they've got this macro balance thing down pat. Each meal has just the right mix of proteins, carbs, and fats to keep you in top shape.
What's It Gonna Cost Me?
Here's the breakdown:
| Meal Plan | 7 meals | 10 meals |
|---|---|---|
| Plant-based | $14.99 each | $10.50 each |
| Clean, Keto, Whole30/Paleo | $15.86 each | $11.01 each |
| Classic | $17.00 each | $11.95 each |
Shipping's a flat $9.99 if you're in the lower 48 states.
What's the Word on the Street?
Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD, a Healthline writer and dietitian, gave Trifecta a whirl for a week. Here's what she had to say:
"Trifecta meals are tasty, filling, and nutritious. Trifecta is a good fit for people athletes or individuals tracking their macronutrients to reach certain fitness goals [and] people following certain diet patterns, including keto, Whole30, or paleo."
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
Trifecta meals show up fresh and vacuum-sealed. They'll stay good in your fridge for up to 10 days, or you can freeze 'em for later. Heat 'em up in the microwave, on the stove, in the oven, or in an air fryer. It's perfect if you're always on the go.
One thing to keep in mind: you can only say no to two ingredients in your weekly menu. That might be a bit limiting for some folks.
So, is Trifecta Nutrition worth it? If you're all about portion control and nutrient-dense meals, especially if you're fitness-focused or following a specific diet, it could be a game-changer. But if you're on a tight budget or like to customize every little thing, you might want to think twice.
3. Factor
Factor stands out in the portion control meal service world. They focus on fresh, balanced meals for busy people. Let's see why Factor is a top pick in 2024.
Meal Options and Variety
Factor's weekly menu has 35 chef-made dishes. They cater to different diets:
- Keto
- Calorie Smart
- Protein Plus
- Vegan & Veggie
- Chef's Choice
You'll find meals that fit your nutrition goals and taste buds. Think mango salsa salmon with coconut rice and black beans, or creamy Parmesan chicken with broccoli and tomatoes.
Nutrition and Portion Control
Dietitians design Factor meals, and chefs prepare them. Here's what you get:
- 500 to 800 calories per meal
- High protein (often 30-40 grams)
- Calorie Smart options under 550 calories
- No hormones, antibiotics, GMOs, or artificial preservatives
Heads up: some meals can pack up to 1000mg of sodium. Keep that in mind if you're watching your salt.
Pricing and Plans
Factor's prices change based on how many meals you order:
| Meals Per Week | Price Per Serving |
|---|---|
| 6 | $12.99 |
| 8 | $12.49 |
| 10 | $11.99 |
| 12 | $11.49 |
| 14 | $11.19 |
| 18 | $10.99 |
It's not the cheapest, but you're paying for quality ingredients and ready-to-eat meals.
Convenience and Flexibility
Factor makes life easy:
- Fresh meals, never frozen
- Ready in 2 minutes
- Last 7 days in the fridge
- No cooking needed
You can skip weeks or change meals before the weekly deadline.
Customer Experience
Author Lauren Vigdor tried Factor and said:
"Factor makes eating healthy, EASY. Honestly, the hardest part about eating healthy are MEAL PLANNING and MEAL PREP. Factor removes both as an excuse and is interesting enough to stick with over the long term."
This shows how Factor helps busy people eat healthy without the hassle.
Unique Features
Factor offers some extra perks:
- Free 20-minute chat with a nutritionist when you sign up
- Add-ons like smoothies, shakes, and desserts
- Detailed nutrition info for each meal, works with popular tracking apps
Factor isn't the cheapest option out there. But it offers high-quality, balanced meals without the cooking hassle. With fresh ingredients, variety, and diet options, Factor is a strong choice for portion control meals in 2024.
4. Diet-to-Go
Diet-to-Go is a portion control meal service that's been around for over 25 years. They're all about helping you lose weight without making your taste buds suffer.
What's on the Menu?
Diet-to-Go offers five different meal plans:
- Balance (Classic)
- Balance-Diabetes
- Keto-Carb30
- Vegetarian
- Mediterranean
Each plan is designed to keep you healthy and satisfied. For example, if you're watching your carbs, the Balance-Diabetes menu keeps it under 45 grams per meal. And if you're going full keto, the Keto-Carb30 plan caps it at 30 net carbs a day.
Counting Calories
Diet-to-Go takes portion control seriously. Their popular Balance menu gives you:
- 1,200 calories a day for women
- 1,600 calories a day for men
These meals are also low in sodium, carbs, and fat. Perfect if you're trying to shed some pounds or manage a health condition.
What's It Going to Cost Me?
Meals start at $121.99 per week. Here's a quick look at some popular plans:
| Plan | Meals per Week | Price per Week |
|---|---|---|
| Balance (Women) | 10 (5 days, 2 meals) | $138.99 |
| Balance (Women) | 21 (7 days, 3 meals) | $203.99 |
| Balance (Men) | 10 (5 days, 2 meals) | $147.59 |
| Balance (Men) | 21 (7 days, 3 meals) | $225.99 |
| Keto-Carb30 | 10 (5 days, 2 meals) | $151.99 |
| Keto-Carb30 | 21 (7 days, 3 meals) | $225.99 |
Just remember, there's a $19.98 shipping fee each week for delivery across the country.
Easy as Pie
Diet-to-Go meals come ready to eat. Just heat them up and you're good to go. And if you're not feeling a particular meal, you can swap it out for free. They usually have about a dozen alternatives for each meal.
Plus, the food stays fresh for a week in the fridge or a month in the freezer.
But How Does It Taste?
In a blind taste test by NextAdvisor, Diet-to-Go came out on top among diet meal-delivery programs. Polina Polishchuk, NextAdvisor lifestyle editor, said:
"We had no input from the diet companies and the tasters had no way of knowing which brand they were trying. This was a completely independent taste test."
But not everyone's experience is perfect. One reviewer, Kristin Currin-Sheehan, noted:
"Proteins were fresh and good, but vegetables and eggs tended to be mushy or lack the ideal texture compared with a home-cooked meal."
Extra Help
Diet-to-Go doesn't just drop off food and disappear. They give you free access to health coaches by phone or email. It's like having a personal cheerleader for your weight loss journey.
While Diet-to-Go is great for many, it's not for everyone. They don't cater to severe food allergies or offer gluten-free, vegan, or kosher options. But if you're looking to kickstart your weight loss or keep those pounds off, Diet-to-Go could be your new best friend in the kitchen.
5. Fresh N' Lean
Fresh N' Lean is a standout in the portion control meal service world. They're all about fresh, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients. If you're health-conscious and like options, this service might be right up your alley.
What's on the Menu?
Fresh N' Lean doesn't mess around when it comes to variety. They've got seven different meal plans:
- Protein+
- Keto
- Paleo
- Mediterranean
- Whole30
- Vegan (Standard and Low-Carb)
With over 100 meals to pick from each week, you won't get bored. Fancy some Thai Curry Salmon with Coconut Rice and Green Beans? Or maybe Mediterranean Herb Chicken with Roasted Broccoli and Quinoa? They've got you covered.
Nutrition That Counts
Fresh N' Lean takes portion control seriously. Most meals pack 400-500 calories - enough to satisfy without going overboard. They're big on organic ingredients and support local farmers too.
Kate Meier, GGR Senior Director of Content, says:
"The meals I tried were about 450 to 520 calories per meal. This range will work well for a lot of people."
What's It Going to Cost Me?
The price tag depends on your plan and how often you want meals. Here's a quick breakdown:
| Plan | Price per Meal (3 meals/day) | Price per Meal (1 meal/day) |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan Standard | $8.49 | $12.00 |
| Protein+ | $10.32 | $15.49 |
| Keto | $10.66 | $15.49 |
| Paleo | $10.60 | $15.49 |
You've got to order at least five meals a week. If you want to go a la carte, you'll need to spend at least $85 per box.
Convenience is Key
Fresh N' Lean delivers your meals fresh and vacuum-sealed. They'll stay good in your fridge for 7-10 days, or you can freeze them for 6-8 weeks. Perfect for those crazy-busy weeks when cooking is the last thing on your mind.
Don't like certain ingredients? No problem. You can exclude up to three from your meals.
What Are People Saying?
Taste is subjective, but many folks are fans of Fresh N' Lean. David Watsky from CNET had this to say:
"Overall, Fresh N Lean had the best-tasting meals of any service I've tried, and it's not particularly close."
Just keep in mind that some people find the portions a bit small. If you've got a big appetite, you might want to factor that in.
So, if you're after portion-controlled, nutritious meals without the hassle of cooking, Fresh N' Lean is worth a look. With their focus on fresh, organic ingredients and variety of meal plans, they're definitely a top contender in the 2024 meal service game.
6. Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem has been around for a while, and it's known for its no-fuss approach to weight loss. They send pre-portioned, calorie-counted meals straight to you. It's perfect if you want to lose weight without the hassle of meal prep.
What's on the Menu?
Nutrisystem's got over 130 different meals. They've got something for everyone:
- Regular plans for guys and gals
- Meals for people with diabetes
- Veggie options
Most meals are under 300 calories, and a lot are even under 200. They pack in protein and fiber to keep you feeling full.
Portions and Pounds
Nutrisystem is all about controlling portions:
- Women eat about 1,200 calories a day
- Men eat about 1,500 calories a day (after the first week)
They say women can drop up to 13 pounds and 7 inches in the first month. For men, it's up to 18 pounds and 8 inches. After that, they aim for 1-2 pounds a week.
What's It Going to Cost You?
Here's a quick look at some of their plans:
| Plan | Monthly Cost (Auto-Delivery) |
|---|---|
| Women's Basic | $228 |
| Women's Uniquely Yours | $269 |
| Men's Basic | $266 |
| Men's Uniquely Yours | $364 |
Auto-delivery can save you a bunch compared to one-time orders. But remember, you'll need to buy some extra groceries too.
Easy as Pie
Nutrisystem is all about making things easy. The meals are ready to go, with clear instructions. You also get access to their NuMi app, which helps with:
- Daily tips
- Tracking food and exercise
- Planning meals
Kate Meier, GGR Senior Director of Content, says:
"The convenience factor... It takes the hard work out of calorie counting and nutrient tracking."
What People Are Saying
People love how easy Nutrisystem is, but opinions on taste are mixed. Michelle Rhoads, who used the program, shared:
"Nutrisystem makes it so easy... It was such an easy program to follow that I didn't have a ton of questions, but when I did, I could call Nutrisystem and get help."
But some folks find the portions small and the meals a bit too processed.
Things to Think About
Before you jump in, consider:
- It might not teach you long-term healthy eating habits
- You'll need to transition off the program eventually
- It's not great for severe food allergies or strict diets
Nutrisystem can kickstart your weight loss and teach you about portion control. But whether it works long-term depends on you and what you're after.
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7. Blue Apron
Blue Apron mixes things up in the meal service world. They're not just about sending you food - they want to teach you how to cook it too. It's perfect for folks who want to whip up their own meals but need a little help figuring out how much to make and how to make it.
What's on the Menu?
Blue Apron's got a pretty big weekly menu. You can choose from about 16 different meals for either two or four people. They've split their meals into a few categories:
- Chef Favorites
- Wellness
- Family Friendly
- Fast & Easy
- Veggies
Now, Blue Apron isn't strictly about portion control. But they do have some "Wellness" and "WW Approved" recipes that are a bit lighter on calories and other stuff. Just keep in mind, these aren't the main focus of their menu.
How Much Food Are We Talking?
Blue Apron meals usually pack between 500 and 900 calories per serving. That's quite a range, so you'll need to pick carefully if you're watching your calories. Some meals can be pretty rich - we're talking up to 100% of your daily saturated fat in one go.
Kate Meier, who's the Senior Director of Content at GGR, says:
"The meals I tried were about 450 to 520 calories per meal. This range will work well for a lot of people."
What's It Going to Cost Me?
Blue Apron's prices are pretty much in line with other meal kit services:
| Servings per Week | Price per Serving |
|---|---|
| 2 recipes (2 people) | $12.49 |
| 3 recipes (2 people) | $10.99 |
| 4 recipes (2 people) | $9.99 |
| 2 recipes (4 people) | $9.99 |
| 3 recipes (4 people) | $9.49 |
| 4 recipes (4 people) | $8.99 |
Most orders come with a $9.99 shipping fee, but the biggest plans ship for free.
How Easy Is It?
Most Blue Apron meals take about 25 to 35 minutes to cook. Some might take longer, especially if you're new to cooking. But don't worry - they give you detailed recipe cards and even have an app with cooking tips. It's great if you want to up your cooking game.
What Do People Think?
A lot of folks love Blue Apron's interesting recipes and good ingredients. An Epicurious reviewer said:
"Blue Apron's recipes bring together complex flavors and, more than any other meal kit I've tested, produce novel and pleasantly unexpected dishes."
Just keep in mind, Blue Apron might not be the best choice if you have a special diet or serious food allergies. They don't have a ton of options for those needs.
So, while Blue Apron isn't all about portion control, it can help you learn about balanced meals and proper serving sizes. If you want to get better at cooking and eat healthier at home, Blue Apron could be a good fit for you.
8. Sunbasket
Sunbasket brings organic, sustainably sourced ingredients to the portion control meal service game. It's a hit with health-conscious eaters who want variety in their diet.
What's on the Menu?
Sunbasket offers both meal kits and ready-to-eat meals. Each week, you'll find about 15 to 17 options to choose from. They cater to different diets like paleo, vegan, gluten-free, and diabetes-friendly. Here's a taste of what you might see:
- Grilled Chicken with Cauliflower-Potato Mash (490 calories)
- Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp with Spanish Rice
- Black Angus Rib-Eyes with Warm Kale, Romanesco, and Goat Cheese Salad
Calories and Portions
Most Sunbasket meals pack between 500 and 800 calories per serving. It's enough to fill you up without going overboard. And if you're into clean eating, you'll love that 99% of their produce is organic.
What's the Damage?
Sunbasket's prices depend on what you order:
| Meal Type | Price per Serving | Minimum Order |
|---|---|---|
| Meal Kits | $11.49 - $17.99 | 2 servings |
| Fresh & Ready | $9.99 - $13.69 | 1 serving |
Shipping usually costs $9.99, but they often waive it for your first box.
Quick and Easy
Sunbasket knows you're busy. Their meals are designed to be ready in 30 minutes or less. You can choose from:
- Oven-ready (just heat and eat)
- Pre-prepped (ingredients are cleaned and cut for you)
- Classic cooking (ingredients with a full recipe)
What People Are Saying
Most folks love Sunbasket's quality and flavor. David Watsky from CNET had this to say:
"If you're interested in trying a meal kit service to make weeknight meal planning easier and money isn't a huge concern but eating healthy is, I would choose Sunbasket."
Some people find the portions a bit small, especially when it comes to protein. If you've got a big appetite or you're super active, keep that in mind.
Green Eating
Sunbasket is big on being eco-friendly. They use recyclable or compostable packaging like recycled denim and shredded recycled paper filling.
Sunbasket isn't the cheapest option out there, but it offers a solid mix of organic ingredients, diverse meals, and flexible cooking styles. If you're willing to pay a bit more for quality, convenience, and sustainability, Sunbasket might be right up your alley.
9. HelloFresh
HelloFresh has carved out its niche in the meal kit delivery world. Here's what sets it apart in 2024:
Portion Sizes and Nutrition
HelloFresh doesn't mess around with portion control. Their Calorie Smart menu dishes up meals between 500-650 calories per serving. It's perfect if you're keeping an eye on your calorie intake but don't want to sacrifice taste.
Meal Options
HelloFresh isn't playing when it comes to variety. They've got over 40 weekly recipes spread across these categories:
- Meat & Veggies
- Veggie
- Family Friendly
- Fit & Wholesome
- Quick & Easy
- Pescatarian
You won't get stuck in a rut, even if you're sticking to the lighter options.
Pricing
Here's the breakdown of HelloFresh's pricing:
| Servings per Week | Price per Serving (2 people) | Price per Serving (4 people) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 meals | $12.49 | $9.99 |
| 3 meals | $9.99 | $9.99 |
| 4 meals | $9.99 | $9.99 |
| 5 meals | $9.99 | $9.99 |
| 6 meals | $9.99 | $9.99 |
Don't forget the $10.99 shipping fee per box.
Convenience and Flexibility
HelloFresh knows how to make life easier. You can swap proteins or sides to suit your taste or dietary needs. Their app lets you track nutritional info, which is great if you're counting macros.
Quality and Taste
HelloFresh sources from U.S. farmers, so you know you're getting fresh ingredients. Many users give the taste and quality a thumbs up. As Ashley Little, GGR SEO Director, puts it:
"I'm almost always satisfied with my meals."
Sustainability Focus
HelloFresh is doing its bit for the planet. They pre-portion ingredients to cut down on food waste and use eco-friendly packaging.
Cooking Experience
Unlike some services that send ready-to-eat meals, HelloFresh delivers ingredients and recipes for you to cook. It's perfect if you enjoy cooking but want to skip the meal planning and grocery shopping. Most meals take about 25-35 minutes to whip up.
HelloFresh strikes a balance between portion control, variety, and cooking experience. It might not be the cheapest option out there, but its mix of fresh ingredients, diverse menu, and user-friendly approach makes it a strong player in the 2024 meal service game.
10. Green Chef
Green Chef is a standout in the meal service world. Why? They're all about organic, sustainably sourced ingredients. In fact, they're the first USDA-certified organic meal kit company. If you're health-conscious and want easy, nutritious meals, Green Chef might be your go-to.
What's on the Menu?
Green Chef caters to a bunch of different diets:
- Keto + Paleo
- Mediterranean
- Fast & Fit
- Gluten-Free
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
They dish out over 30 recipes each week. And here's the kicker: their portions are designed to satisfy without overdoing it. Most meals in the Calorie Smart plan are around 650 calories or less per serving. Perfect if you're keeping an eye on your calorie intake.
The Good Stuff
Green Chef doesn't mess around with their ingredients. They use high-quality, organic produce and proteins. Their meals are balanced, often featuring whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and plenty of veggies.
Following a specific diet? The Protein Packed plan offers meals with 40+ grams of protein per serving. And if you're into low-carb, check out their Keto + Paleo options.
What's It Gonna Cost?
Green Chef's prices depend on how many people you're feeding and how many meals you want per week:
| Plan Size | Price per Serving | Total per Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2 people, 3 meals | $13.49 | $90.93 |
| 4 people, 3 meals | $12.49 | $159.87 |
| 6 people, 4 meals | $11.99 | $297.75 |
It's not the cheapest option out there, but many folks think the quality is worth the extra bucks.
Easy Peasy Cooking
Green Chef wants to make healthy eating a breeze, even if you're super busy. Most meals take about 30 minutes to whip up. They give you step-by-step instructions and pre-portioned ingredients. This saves time and cuts down on food waste.
Summer, a Registered Dietitian and Home Chef, says:
"Green Chef meals have a bit more of a health focus than the HelloFresh meals. However, I was pleasantly surprised that they did not sacrifice flavor for nutrition."
Green in More Ways Than One
Green Chef isn't just about healthy meals. They've made their meal kit boxes 20% smaller and use insulation made from 85% recycled content. Plus, they offset 100% of their direct carbon emissions and plastic packaging. If you're eco-conscious, you'll dig this.
One thing to note: some people find the portions a bit small, especially if you've got a big appetite. But for most folks, Green Chef hits the sweet spot of nutrition, flavor, and convenience in the portion control meal service game.
How to Pick a Meal Service
Picking the right portion control meal service can make a big difference in your health and daily life. Here's how to find one that works for you:
Check Your Diet Needs
Your meal service should fit your eating habits. Got food allergies or following a special diet? No problem. Many services have you covered:
- Green Chef: Offers keto, paleo, Mediterranean, and vegan options
- Sunbasket: Provides meals for diabetes-friendly, gluten-free, and vegetarian diets
Watch Your Wallet
Meal services come in all price ranges. Here's a quick look:
| Service | Price per Serving |
|---|---|
| EveryPlate | $4.99 - $7.49 |
| HelloFresh | $7.99 - $11.99 |
| BistroMD | $10.99 - $14.99 |
| Fresh N' Lean | $10.49 - $15.99 |
Don't forget about shipping. It can be free or up to $13.95 per delivery.
Delivery and Storage
Think about how often you want meals and where you'll keep them. Some services deliver weekly, others bi-weekly or monthly. Fresh N' Lean meals last 7-10 days in the fridge, giving you some wiggle room.
Cooking Time and Skills
Do you like to cook or want ready-to-eat meals?
- Blue Apron: Meal kits take 25-35 minutes to cook
- Factor: Fully prepared meals, just heat and eat
Mix It Up
Look for services that let you switch things up. HelloFresh, for example, lets you swap proteins or sides.
Know Your Nutrients
Keep an eye on what's in your meals, especially if you're trying to lose weight or meet health goals. BistroMD's meals are doctor-designed and usually have 300-400 calories each.
"When one has a weight-loss goal in mind, it's normal for them to want to see results and lose weight as quickly as possible." - Food Box HQ
Try It Out
Many services offer deals for new customers. Use these to test the food before you commit long-term.
Tools for Running Meal Services
Running a portion control meal service isn't just about great recipes. It's about nailing efficiency, accuracy, and keeping customers happy. Let's dive into some key tools that'll help you level up your meal service game.
Portion Control Tools
Getting portions right is make-or-break for a meal service focused on controlled eating. Here are some go-to tools:
- Meal Measure 1 Portion Control Tool: This gadget helps you eyeball portions, keeping your servings consistent.
- 21 Day Fix Portion Control Containers: These color-coded containers make measuring food groups a breeze.
- Meal Trax Portion Control Plates: Built-in portion guides on these plates make serving balanced meals simple.
Meal Planning Software
Smart meal planning is the secret sauce of any killer meal service. Here's where tech comes in handy:
Mealime offers customizable meal plans based on what you like to eat and what you're allergic to. It's wallet-friendly too - free for basics, or $2.99/month for the fancy stuff.
PlateJoy takes it up a notch. It whips up personalized meal plans based on weight loss goals and gives you the full nutritional lowdown. At $12.99 a month, it's pricier, but you get more bells and whistles.
Order Management Systems
Managing orders like a boss can make or break your meal service. Here's where all-in-one software solutions shine:
Flex is a meal prep software that's got users raving. Peter from Penny Lane had this to say:
"Flex was the best business decision we made. It has built consistency within the business and provided transparency for our customers."
Flex lets you juggle tons of orders in one spot, handle changes on the fly, schedule production, and crunch ingredient numbers. It's a Swiss Army knife for boosting your operational efficiency.
Eat Fresh Tech: The Whole Package
For meal prep services wanting it all, Eat Fresh Tech serves up a robust ecommerce platform. Here's what makes it stand out:
- Rotating Weekly Menus: Keep your menu fresh and exciting.
- Custom Meal Builder: Let customers play chef with their meals.
- Order Management: Streamline everything from order to delivery.
- Allergen/Diet Filtering: Cater to picky eaters with ease.
Eat Fresh Tech handles unlimited meals, recipes, ingredients, and pickup or delivery spots. It's perfect for businesses ready to grow.
The Power of Automation
Bringing these tools into your meal service can seriously up your game. By automating meal planning, order management, and portion control, you can:
- Cut down on food waste
- Serve up consistently great meals
- Make customers happier
- Free up time from admin tasks
In short, the right tools can transform your meal service from good to great. They'll help you serve up delicious, perfectly portioned meals while keeping your business running smooth as butter.
Summary
Portion control meal services are shaking up how people manage their weight and eat better. Let's dive into why these services are becoming so popular.
Save Time, Eat Well
Imagine skipping the grocery store and still having delicious, healthy meals. That's what these services offer. They deliver pre-portioned ingredients or ready-to-eat meals right to your door. It's a lifesaver for busy folks or cooking newbies.
Balanced Meals, No Math Required
Ever wonder if you're eating the right amount? These services take care of that for you. Dietitians and chefs team up to create meals that taste good and give your body what it needs. Take Factor, for example. They're all about those low-carb and keto options that health-conscious eaters love.
And here's the kicker: no more guessing about portion sizes. As one expert puts it:
"Portion control is the practice of combatting this kind of eating behavior."
Mix It Up
Bored with your usual meals? These services have got you covered. Green Chef, for instance, serves up over 42 different menu options each week. They're big on health-focused meal plans and ingredients that don't hurt the planet.
Lose Weight, Gain Control
If you're trying to shed a few pounds, these meal services can be your secret weapon. They often offer lower-calorie choices and spell out all the nutritional info. The CDC says slow and steady wins the race when it comes to weight loss - about 1 to 2 pounds a week. These services can help you hit that sweet spot.
What's It Going to Cost?
Prices vary, but there's something for every wallet:
| Service | Price per Serving |
|---|---|
| EveryPlate | $4.99 - $7.49 |
| Blue Apron | $7.99 - $11.99 |
| Green Chef | Starting at $11.99 |
Good for You, Good for the Planet
Many of these services are stepping up their green game. Green Chef, for example, is all about sustainable ingredients. Plus, when you're not overbuying at the grocery store, you're cutting down on food waste at home.
FAQs
Do meal delivery services help with weight loss?
Meal delivery services can be a big help if you're trying to lose weight. Here's why:
Pre-portioned meals: No more guessing about serving sizes. These services give you meals that fit your weight loss goals. It's like having a nutrition expert in your kitchen.
Saves time: Let's be honest, making healthy meals takes time. Meal delivery services do the work for you. Kelli McGane, MS, RD, a Healthline contributor, says:
"A meal delivery for weight loss can save time and help people reach their goal. Instead of planning meals and sourcing ingredients, meal delivery services provide people with a menu and offer no or minimal prep dishes."
Balanced nutrition: Many services work with dietitians to create meals. You get a good mix of proteins, carbs, and fats without doing the math yourself.
Calorie control: Most services offer low-calorie options for weight loss. For example, Factor's Calorie Smart meals are tasty but stay under 550 calories per serving.
Helps you stay on track: Having ready-to-eat, portion-controlled meals makes it easier to stick to your diet. No more last-minute fast food or huge restaurant portions to mess up your progress.
