The ketogenic or “keto” diet is an eating pattern that involves eating very little carbs, moderate amounts of protein, and high amounts of fat. The idea is that, by restricting carbs (the body’s preferred energy source), the body is forced to burn fat for fuel—a process known as ketosis. While there is some evidence that the keto diet may aid in fat loss and appetite suppression, people may fail to get results simply because it’s very hard to follow. (1)
Keto meal delivery services can make staying in ketosis easier by delivering convenient and tasty low-carb, high-fat meals directly to your door. Our nutrition and fitness experts tested and evaluated the best meal delivery services that cater to the keto diet and developed a list of our top picks to help you narrow your choices.
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.
Our picks for the best keto meal delivery services
- Best overall: Factor Keto Meal Delivery
- Best for fitness goals: Trifecta Keto Meal Delivery
- Best budget: Home Chef Carb Conscious
- Best chef prepared: CookUnity Keto Meal Delivery
- Best for weight loss: BistroMD Keto Flex
- Best for sustainability: Sunbasket Keto-Friendly Meal Plan
- Best organic: Green Chef Keto Meal Delivery
- Best variety: Fresh N’ Lean Keto Plan
- Best prepared: Pete’s Real Food
Compare keto meal delivery services
Factor Keto Meal Delivery | Trifecta Keto Meal Delivery | Home Chef Carb Conscious | CookUnity Keto Meal Delivery | BistroMD Keto Flex | Sunbasket Keto-Friendly Meal Plan | Green Chef Keto Meal Delivery | Fresh N’ Lean Keto Plan | Pete’s Real Food | |
Rating | |||||||||
Price per meal | Starts at $11.49 | Starts at $15.86 | Starts at $9.99 | Starts at $11.09 | Starts at $10.99 | Starts at $9.99 | Starts at $11.99 | Starts at $10.49 | Starts at $18 |
Servings | Single-serve | Single-serve | 2,4, or 6 | Single-serve | Single-serve | 2 or 4 | 2,4, or 6 | Single-serve | Single-serve |
Meals per week | 6-18 | 7-14, with up to 7 optional breakfast add-ons | 2-6 | 4-16 | 10-20 | 2-5; minimum of 4 prepared meals | 2-4 | 5-21 | 5-17 |
Type | Prepared | Prepared | Meal kit | Prepared | Prepared | Prepared, meal kit | Meal kit | Prepared | Prepared |
Frozen | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Best keto meal delivery service overall: Factor Keto Meal Delivery
Key product features
What you should know
With Factor’s Keto Meal Delivery, you’ll get prepared, keto-friendly meals delivered directly to your door.
- While our product tester didn’t try the keto plan specifically, she was pleased with the flavor of most of her Factor meals. She did note that some of the meals–especially the vegetables–were underseasoned. Having tried Factor meals, I agree that the veggies could use a bit more flavor.
- Factor meals start at $11.49 per serving. This is slightly higher than the average price of meal prep kits but similar to other premade meals.
- We recommend Factor’s Keto Meal Delivery for busy individuals who want to follow the keto diet but don’t have time to plan, shop for, and prepare low-carb meals.
- To keep you from getting bored with Factor meals, we suggest using them as fill-ins throughout the week for times when you’re busy and don’t have time to meal prep.
Why we like Factor Keto Meal Delivery as best overall
Factor’s Keto Meal Delivery is a favorite among keto-dieters, and for good reason. You can order up to 18 meals weekly and choose from over 15 lunch and dinner options, including customer favorites like Creamy Tomato-Basil Shrimp and Goat Cheese, Mushroom, and Onion Burger. Factor offers optional add-ons, including breakfast, dessert, shakes, and extra proteins.
All Factor meals labeled “KETO” provide a minimum of 60% of calories from fat, 20% from protein, and 10% or less from carbohydrates. These macros align with the standard keto diet. (2)
Factor meals arrive fresh and ready to heat in the oven or microwave within minutes, eliminating the need for cleanup. Most meals stay good in the refrigerator for around a week. Meals can also be frozen, though the company doesn’t recommend it.
Our product tester loved most of her meals, rating Factor 4.5 out of 5 stars. She liked the flavor of the proteins in her dish, though she did note that the veggies could use more seasoning.
Factor’s free 20-minute dietitian consultation is unique. It allows you to discuss your health goals and receive personalized advice and support.
“This is great for beginners who may not know their needs, or anyone making the switch to keto and unclear on how to navigate the new lifestyle,” says Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, an associate professor of health and human sciences at Loyola Marymount University.
And if you’re a healthcare worker, first responder, military member, or teacher, you’ll want to take advantage of Factor’s ongoing discount through ID.me.
Furthermore, some meals are relatively high in sodium. For example, the Garlic Butter Salmon provides 930 milligrams of sodium, which is 40% of the daily value (DV). The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day for optimal health, with an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 milligrams per day. (3) If you are planning to use these multiple times a day, it’s important to keep an eye on this, Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN, notes.
Visit our full Factor review for more information.
What customers are saying
Customers on Trustpilot are generally satisfied with the convenience and flavor of Factor meals.
However, not all reviews are positive. Most customer complaints involve the high price, lack of lower-calorie options (under 400 calories), and meals beginning to taste too similar.
Specs
Diet options | Keto, vegetarian, vegan, low-calorie, low-carb |
Ingredient quality | Uses organic ingredients when possible, sustainably sourced proteins |
What’s available | Prepared lunch and dinner with a large selection of add-ons |
Weekly shipping cost | $10.99 |
Delivery area | Nationwide, except Alaska and Hawaii |
Best keto meal delivery service for fitness goals: Trifecta Keto Meal Delivery
Key product features
What you should know
Trifecta’s Keto Meal Delivery offers easy access to keto-friendly meals designed by dietitians to help keep you in ketosis. All meals are pre-cooked–simply toss them in the microwave or oven (in an oven-safe dish) for a few minutes.
- Our product tester, who chose her own Trifecta meals, found them more enjoyable than the tester who let the company choose for her. However, both testers agreed that the flavor of the meals was pretty good overall.
- Trifecta’s keto meals start at around $15.86 per meal, which is a high price for a meal delivery service.
- Since Trifecta’s keto meals are designed for weight loss, we recommend them to anyone trying to lose weight on a keto diet.
Why we like Trifecta Keto Meal Delivery as best for fitness goals
Like Factor, Trifecta’s Keto Meal Delivery ships ready-made meals with organic and sustainably sourced ingredients.
Trifecta has a designated keto diet plan that offers up to 21 keto meals each week, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can receive seven to 14 entrees, with the option to add seven breakfasts each week.
On average, Trifecta’s keto meals contain 41 grams of protein, 35 grams of fat, and fewer than 10 grams of net carbs. Net carbs, the total amount of fully digestible carbs in a meal, are calculated by subtracting the total amount of fiber and half the amount of sugar alcohols from the total carbs in a food. (4)
“While this can be confusing, just choosing high fiber foods is a great rule of thumb to reduce your net carb consumption,” says Roper.
These higher protein meals are great for post-workout meals, Burgess adds, as anywhere from 20-40 grams of protein is recommended within an hour of a workout.
All meals from Trifecta are designed for weight loss, averaging between 350 and 550 calories. They contain fewer than 500 milligrams of sodium, much lower than most other meal delivery services.
Our tester received several egg scrambles, a chicken and broccoli casserole, and a salmon dish. She enjoyed their flavor but admitted that she typically eats pretty bland food.
Trifecta meals are frozen by “deep chilling,” freezing food while preserving its nutrients and flavor. They are designed to be placed in the refrigerator immediately after delivery. Although meals can be microwaved, Trifecta suggests cooking them in an air fryer, stovetop, or oven (after transferring to an oven-safe dish) for the best flavor.
Further, if you’re unsure whether you’re staying within your carb limit, consider downloading Trifecta’s app. The app lets you track your nutrition, water intake, exercise, and more. The app also offers community support and a library of recipes, workouts, and educational content to support your journey.
Check out our full Trifecta review to read more.
What customers are saying
Reviews on Trustpilot and the Google Play Store are divided. Some Trifecta customers love the service, while others are unsatisfied.
Positive reviews praise Trifecta’s app, saying that it helps keep them accountable and the company’s responsive customer service.
Unfortunately, several users have complained about the small portion sizes and lack of flavor, which aligns with the general consensus of our tester’s experience.
For example, Trustpilot reviewer Shandi, who tried the keto meal plan, was disappointed with her meals’ flavor and portion sizes, saying, “The meals have zero flavor, and you only get a tiny portion of meat and like three slices of vegetable. Of course, you’ll lose weight.” Shandi, Trustpilot reviewer
Specs
Diet options | Keto, paleo, vegetarian, vegan, classic |
Ingredient quality | Focuses on organic, sustainable ingredients whenever possible |
What’s available | Prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with optional add-ons |
Weekly shipping cost | $9.99; Shipping to Hawaii and Alaska costs $49.99 |
Delivery area | Everywhere in the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska |
Best budget keto meal delivery service: Home Chef Carb Conscious
Key product features
What you should know
While Home Chef doesn’t offer a specific keto plan, several meals on the service’s Carb Conscious meal plan are keto-friendly.
- Home Chef earned high taste and portion size ratings among our product testers. However, one tester noted that several dishes require multiple pieces of kitchen equipment, which may increase cleanup time.
- Meals start at $9.99 per serving, which is low to average for keto meal delivery services.
- Home Chef is a good option for people who want to reduce time planning and grocery store shopping yet still want to enjoy home-cooked keto meals.
- Military workers, health care workers, first responders, and teachers can receive ongoing discounts with ID.me.
Why we like Home Chef Carb Conscious as best budget
Home Chef is a popular and affordable meal delivery service that received high marks from our testers. The service’s Carb Conscious meal plan offers at least 14 weekly meal options that contain fewer than 30 grams of carbs per serving. Unfortunately, this means that many options will take up most of your daily allowance if you’re aiming for under 50 grams of carbs per day to stay in ketosis. (5)
However, Home Chef still offers at least four weekly options with over 30 grams of protein and fewer than 15 grams of net carbs or less per serving. We appreciate that Home Chef lets you easily find keto-friendly options by clicking “more filters” on the weekly menu. Examples of keto meals featured on the weekly menu include Pimento Cheese-Smothered Chicken, Creamy Bacon Chicken, and Spicy Italian-style beef Meatloaf.
We also love that Home Chef allows you to upgrade, swap, double-up, or add protein to many meals. For example, you may substitute non-organic chicken for organic chicken or ground turkey for ground pork.
Meal kits come with pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe cards for chefs of all skill levels. While most meals are advertised to be ready in fewer than 30 minutes, our tester noted that many require multiple pots and pans, which increases clean-up time.
Home Chef stands out for its flavorful meals and generous portion sizes, earning 5 out of 5 stars from our tester in both categories.
The service also offers pre-made meals and family meal kits, served in increments of four servings and intended to be slightly more cost-effective. However, neither are currently available in low-carb or keto-friendly options.
Check out our full Home Chef review for more information.
What customers are saying
Most customers who left reviews on Trustpilot are very satisfied with Home Chef. They love the service’s ingredient quality, price, and portion sizes. A common complaint is the lack of variety of keto meals; a few customers have complained about missing ingredients.
Specs
Diet options | Low-carb, low-calorie, high-protein, vegetarian |
Ingredient quality | Occasionally uses organic ingredients; can use the “Customize It” feature in select meals to swap conventional chicken for organic chicken |
What’s available | Lunch and dinner meal kits; prepared meals (not available on Carb Conscious plan); a la carte add-ons |
Weekly shipping cost | $9.99 |
Delivery area | Nationwide to 98% of the United States |
Best chef prepared keto meal delivery service: CookUnity Keto Meal Delivery
Key product features
What you should know
CookUnity connects customers with chefs nationwide to bring fully cooked, chef-prepared meals directly to your door.
- Our product tester appreciated the freshness and flavor of CookUnity’s meals, though she did mention that the portion sizes were on the small side.
- Starting at $11.09 per meal, CookUnity is comparable to other pre-made keto meal delivery services.
- CookUnity may be good for people who don’t want to cook and are trying to practice portion control while on the keto diet.
Why we like CookUnity Keto Meal Delivery as best chef prepared
Unique to CookUnity are its fully cooked meals crafted by various award-winning chefs. All meals arrive fresh and packed using modified atmosphere packaging technology to keep meals fresh for up to seven days. Meals can be heated in the microwave within a few minutes, though most chefs recommend using an oven for the best results.
Each week, you can choose from various keto and keto-paleo dishes, ranging from baked salmon and veggies to keto pizza with cauliflower crust and broccoli and cheese stuffed portobello mushrooms. You can receive four, six, eight, 12, or 16 keto meals per delivery.
CookUnity’s keto menu offers a variety of meals depending on your location, so you’ll want to enter your zip code to check availability. You can filter the menu by your dietary preferences to see how many keto meals are available weekly.
While CookUnity doesn’t mention specifics of their keto meals, you can find the net carbs for each meal by clicking on the meal photo. Most meals typically average between 15 and 20 grams of total carbs. Unfortunately, the nutrition labels don’t include net carbs, so you’ll have to calculate it by subtracting the number of grams of fiber.
Upon arrival, our tester was impressed by how fresh the meals were, giving CookUnity 4.5 out of 5 stars for quality. She also enjoyed the flavor of her meals, though she mentioned that the portion sizes are relatively small and that she felt hungry after most meals.
Visit our CookUnity review for more information.
What customers are saying
Overall, customers seem to like the flavor and convenience of CookUnity’s meals. However, several customers mentioned that they’d like to see a larger selection on the keto menu. However, this seems to vary by region, as keto selection appears limited in Texas and the Midwest.
Specs
Diet options | Keto, low-calorie, low-carb, dairy-free, vegetarian, paleo |
Ingredient Quality | Sources seasonal and organic ingredients when possible |
What’s available | Prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner |
Weekly shipping cost | $9.99 |
Delivery area | Delivers to most states except Alaska, Hawaii, North Dakota, South Dakota, and parts of Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, West Virginia, and Wyoming |
Best keto meal delivery service for weight loss: BistroMD Keto Flex
Key product features
What you should know
BistroMD’s Keto Flex plan is not a traditional keto diet, though it is relatively low in carbs. The plan includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner for five or seven days or just lunch and dinner.
- While BistroMD’s daily plans are designed for weight loss, some have as little as 1,200 calories, which may not be sustainable or safe for many individuals.
- Meals start at $10.99, slightly more affordable than other pre-made meal delivery services.
- BistroMD Keto Flex may be a good option for people who want to enjoy the benefits of a low-carb diet while still eating moderate amounts of rice and pasta.
- Military and first responder discounts are available.
Why we like BistroMD Keto Flex as best for weight loss
BistroMD is a doctor-designed weight loss meal delivery service with recipes for various dietary needs. The service’s Keto Flex plan is less restrictive than a traditional keto diet, with many meals consisting of pasta, rice, and bagels.
Meals on the Keto Flex plan average 1,200 to 1,400 calories, 15 to 20 grams of net carbs, 25 to 30 grams of protein, and 10 to 15 grams of healthy fats. Plus, meals contain around 5 grams of fiber, which supports healthy digestion, satiety, and heart health. (6)
While this plan isn’t likely to put you into ketosis, it will allow you to sustainably enjoy the potential benefits of a low-carb diet.
A recent study indicated that low-carb diets with fewer than 130 grams of carbs daily may be more effective for weight loss and improve certain indicators of heart health, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. (7)
Further, these meals may be too low in calories for some people, especially if you’re active. To ensure you’re eating a safe amount of calories for your lifestyle, we recommend taking advantage of BistroMD’s free dietitian consultation.
“Active individuals tend to need upwards of at least 1700-2000 calories to support their metabolism and provide enough energy for their lifestyle. Of course, this is dependent on the person, their body size, and level of activity,” says Roper.
BistroMD offers five or seven-day plans with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or just lunch and dinner. Each plan comes with pre-selected meals, but you can easily swap them for nutritionally similar ones if something doesn’t appeal to you.
With nearly 30 low-carb breakfast, lunch, dinner, and add-on snack options, there’s something for every taste preference. Examples of meals offered on the Keto Flex Plan include Italian Sausage and Peppers, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and Cheese Omelet with Turkey Sausage.
Moreover, several meals on BistroMD’s Keto Flex plan are gluten-free. Unlike most other meal delivery services, BistroMD’s gluten-free meals are batch-tested to ensure they meet the FDA standard of less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. (8)
Read our full BistroMD review to see additional details.
What customers are saying
While customers are overall pleased with BistroMD’s customer service, meal variety, and convenience, reviews are mixed regarding flavor.
For example, Trustpilot reviewer Sara J. didn’t have any issues with customer service, though she did mention that most of her meals were hit or miss.
“The veggies were bland (extra salt was required on all veggies), and the carrots had a hard rubber texture. The chicken was cooked well and was tender and juicy, but the sauces were awful. I canceled after my second box arrived,” wrote Sara J.
Specs
Diet options | Keto flex, gluten-free, heart-healthy, diabetes, vegan |
Ingredient Quality | Ingredients are free of nitrates, phosphates, and other additives |
What’s available | Prepared breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks |
Weekly shipping cost | $19.95 |
Delivery area | Nationwide, except Alaska and Hawaii |
Best keto meal delivery service for sustainability: Sunbasket Keto-Friendly Meal Plan
Key product features
What you should know
Sunbasket stands out for its commitment to sourcing fresh, organic, sustainable foods and tasty recipes delivered weekly to your door.
- Our tester loved that Sunbasket offers prepared meals and meal kits. However, she was a little disappointed with her meals’ flavor and portion sizes.
- Meals vary greatly, ranging from $9.99 to nearly $30 per serving for “upgraded meals,” such as the Black Angus steak meal kit.
- Sunbasket may be a good option for mixing and matching keto-friendly pre-made meals and meal kits.
Why we like Sunbasket Keto-Friendly Meal Plan as best for sustainability
Sunbasket is a meal delivery service that stands out for its flavorful meal kits that feature organic, sustainable ingredients 98% of the time.
We love that Sunbasket’s Keto-Friendly Meal Plan includes keto-friendly meal kits and prepared meals, allowing you to cook or enjoy heat-and-eat options.
Keto meals average fewer than 15 grams of net carbs and at least 20 grams of protein. They also include healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and seeds.
Most weeks, Sunbasket offers around two meal kits and two prepared keto meal options. However, when we contacted customer service, we were told that keto meals are not guaranteed on the menu each week.
Fortunately, you can preview meals several weeks in advance to ensure there are keto options you like before subscribing. Sunbasket also allows you to pause your subscription if the menu doesn’t suit your needs.
Sunbasket’s Fresh & Ready meals arrive ready to eat within minutes. Examples include Buffalo-Grilled Chicken Breast over Cauliflower-Potato Mash and Spicy Green Chile Chicken and Cauliflower Skillet.
Meanwhile, meal kits feature pre-portioned ingredients, with some ingredients being pre-cooked. Examples of meal kits include Chicken Over Beet and Arugula Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing and Spicy Chipotle-Rubbed Steaks with Vegetable Skewers and “Creamy” Slaw.
Our tester appreciated that her Fresh & Ready meals arrived ready to eat within minutes, though she was disappointed with the portion size and quality of some of the ingredients in her meal kits.
“My meals were so-so. Not awful, but not excellent either. I added my own seasonings and sauces to improve the flavor of most meals. The quality of my ingredients has been hit or miss. For example, one of the vacuum seals on my meal was busted, causing the steak to smell sour. Lastly, I felt the average portion in my meal kit wasn’t enough to feed one person, especially someone active,” said our team product tester.
Read our full Sunbasket review for more information.
What customers are saying
Customers are happy with the company’s customer service, packaging, and the flavor of most of their meals. Several customers mention that customer service always makes it right if ingredients arrive spoiled or they have any issues.
However, a few customers, such as our product tester, have been disappointed with portion sizes.
Specs
Diet options | Keto, gluten-free, vegetarian, pescatarian, low-carb, paleo, Mediterranean, diabetes-friendly |
Ingredient quality | Most meals feature responsibly raised meats free of antibiotics and hormones, seafood that’s wild-caught or sustainably raised, and organic produce |
What’s available | Premade meals and meal kits with lunch and dinner options; optional add-ons |
Weekly shipping cost | $9.99 |
Delivery area | Nationwide, except for Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, and parts of New Mexico |
Best organic keto meal delivery service: Green Chef Keto Meal Delivery
Key product features
What you should know
As one of the only USDA-certified organic meal delivery services, Green Chef outshines competitors, earning our top pick for best organic.
- Our product tester had a positive experience with Green Chef. She enjoyed the flavor of her meals, though she did mention that the portions were smaller than those of most other meal delivery services she’s tried.
- Meals start at around $12 per serving, which is more expensive than most other meal delivery services. However, it may be worth it if eating organic food is your priority.
- Green Chef’s Keto Meal Delivery is ideal for anyone who prioritizes eating organic food and wants to maintain a keto diet.
- An ongoing discount is available for nurses, military members, and more.
Why we like Green Chef Keto Meal Delivery as best organic
While further research is needed, some evidence suggests that organic foods have more beneficial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They also tend to be more environmentally friendly and have lower levels of synthetic fertilizers, heavy metals, and pesticide residues. (9)
Green Chef is a USDA-certified organic meal delivery service that delivers meal kits with pre-portioned, prepped ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe cards.
With Green Chef’s Keto Meal Delivery, you can receive up to four recipes each week for two to six people, and mix and match recipes on different plans, making it ideal for families.
Green Chef has a dedicated keto menu featuring 10 new weekly recipes, including customer favorites like Pineapple Teriyaki Meatloaves with Roasted Green Beans and Ancho-Lime Sweet Potato Bowls with Creamy Chimichurri. You also have the option to add on breakfast and additional proteins, which our tester loved.
On average, keto-friendly meals contain 15 to 20 grams of net carbs, 20 grams of protein, and 450-800 calories. We appreciate that most recipes feature organic ingredients and prioritize healthy fats, fresh produce, and high-quality proteins.
Further, all meals on the Green Chef’s keto plan are certified gluten-free.
Our product tester enjoyed the flavor of the meals on her plan. However, she felt that the portion sizes were small and was surprised by the amount of cleanup involved.
For more information, check out our Green Chef review.
What customers are saying
One Trustpilot reviewer, Anne W., appreciates that Green Chef meals are easy to make and that the service allows her to mix up her weekly recipes, though she notes that some meals take longer than 30 minutes.
Another Trustpilot reviewer says she loves the flavor of her keto-friendly meals but would like to see more variety.
“Every meal is surprisingly full of fantastic flavor. We love Green Chef! Wish there were more keto meals without pork! Too many ‘Chef Select’ meals that cost a lot more… my tastebuds say yes, my budget says no,” wrote Keren, a Trustpilot reviewer.
Specs
Diet options | Gluten-free, Mediterranean, low calorie, plant-based, high protein, keto |
Ingredient quality | Everything from produce to meat and seafood is organic and sustainably sourced |
What’s available | Lunch and dinner meal kits, with optional add-ons |
Weekly shipping cost | $10.99 |
Delivery area | Nationwide, except Alaska and Hawaii |
Best variety keto meal delivery service: Fresh N’ Lean Keto Plan
Key product features
What you should know
If you’re trying to follow a keto diet but struggle with cooking every day, Fresh N’ Lean’s Keto Meal Plan may help.
- Fresh N’ Lean outshined most of the competition, earning a perfect five out of five stars from our testers for flavor, ingredient freshness, and portion size.
- Prepared meals start at $10.49, around the same as other meal delivery services.
- Fresh N’ Lean may be good for anyone who wants to receive a variety of keto-friendly meals without cooking. Most meals contain 450-500 calories, which may also benefit weight loss.
Why we like Fresh N’ Lean Keto Plan as best variety
With a weekly selection of over 15 premade breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, Fresh N’ Lean’s Keto Plan takes the spot for best variety.
Meals on this keto plan average 10 grams of net carbs, 26 grams of protein, and 35 grams of fat. Plus, they’re relatively low in sodium compared to other meal delivery services, with around 600 milligrams per meal.
“This is a great option for anyone looking for a meal delivery service, but wants to watch their sodium intake since high sodium intake increases your risk of high blood pressure,” says Roper.
Unique to Fresh N’ Lean is the ability to customize your plan, with the option to omit up to three ingredients. You can also add bulk proteins from the a la carte menu. While the service is not certified gluten-free or organic, the meals are advertised as mostly organic and gluten-free.
Popular menu options include Spicy Jalapeno Shrimp and Sausage with Cheddar Cauliflower Grits,
Taco Seasoned Meat and Veggie Skillet with Cheddar Cheese, and Chicken Fajita Scramble with Zucchini and Tomatoes.
Meals stay fresh for up to 10 days in the refrigerator and up to eight weeks in the freezer.
Our product tester had an excellent experience with Fresh N’ Lean, giving the service 5 out of 5 stars for portion size, freshness, and flavor. She also notes that most of her meals contain 450-500 calories, saying, “This range works well for many people.”
What customers are saying
Customers appreciate the service’s meal flavor, user-friendliness, convenience, and portion sizes. One Trustpilot reviewer liked that she could easily order meals and said most of the food tasted good. However, she did mention that some of her Keto meals contained too many onions.
Another Trustpilot reviewer, Bob D., mentioned the meals being too spicy, saying, “Take it easy on the pepper and jalapeño. I just got my first KETO today and had the Southwest Salmon. Pepper, pepper, pepper.”
Specs
Diet options | Keto, high protein, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, Mediterranean, Whole 30 |
Ingredient quality | Prioritizes organic ingredients, features grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and sustainably sourced seafood |
What’s available | Prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner |
Weekly shipping cost | $9.99; Orders over $100 ship free to the 48 contiguous states |
Delivery area | Nationwide; free shipping may not apply to Alaska or Hawaii residents |
Best prepared keto meal delivery service: Pete’s Real Food
Key product features
What you should know
Pete’s Real Food is a prepared meal delivery service focusing on fresh organic ingredients. Unlike most services, Pete’s doesn’t require a subscription.
- Our product tester was pleased with her portion sizes but noted that the flavor of some of her meals was inconsistent.
- Meals start at around $16 per serving, which is more expensive than most other meal delivery services.
- Pete’s Real Food may be good for someone looking for a prepared meal service that prioritizes quality and doesn’t require a weekly commitment.
Why we like Pete’s Real Food as best prepared
Pete’s Real Food is a meal delivery service that mainly caters to paleo and vegan diets, though the service’s Mix & Match collection does offer around 10 different keto options on its rotating seasonal menu.
All keto meals are paleo-friendly and processed in a gluten-free facility. They average 475 calories, 35 grams of protein, at least 25 grams of fat, and 10-20 grams of carbs. Meals don’t display the amount of net carbs, so if you’re keeping track of them, you’ll have to calculate them yourself.
Examples of meals on the keto plan include Sriracha-glazed chicken with Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice, Cajun BBQ-braised beef with Garlic Spinach, and Summer Ratatouille.
Your meals will stay fresh for up to six days in the refrigerator and up to six months in the freezer.
Unique to Pete’s Real Food is that all meals are available for delivery as a one-time purchase. However, they can cost as much as $23 per meal. You can receive a discounted rate on these meals by opting for a recurring subscription.
Our team product tester, an Olympic athlete, was pleased with her portion sizes but said the taste of her meals was hit or miss. Other product testers agreed, saying they often had to add salt and pepper to their meals. However, we find that this is common among meal delivery services with a lower sodium content.
Pete’s Real Food also offers meals with anti-inflammatory foods to accommodate those following the autoimmune protocol diet (AIP). The AIP diet is an extension of the paleo diet that aims to help people with autoimmune diseases. (10) The goal is to eliminate all possible food-based triggers for inflammation—including grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, and dairy—and gradually reintroduce each one back into your diet until you figure out which foods may contribute to your symptoms. Further research is needed to confirm the diet’s benefits.
“It’s important to consult a dietician before trying an elimination diet for guidance and support,” Roper notes.
Specs
Diet options | Keto, paleo, gluten-free, AIP |
Ingredient quality | Organic ingredients when possible; chicken, pork, and beef are all raised without antibiotics or hormones, and they’re cage-free and free-roaming |
What’s available | Prepared lunch and dinner with optional add-ons |
Weekly shipping cost | Varies by location |
Delivery area | Nationwide |
How to choose the best keto meal delivery service
Finding the best keto meal delivery service can be quite challenging with so many options. That’s why our mission is to provide you with top-notch, thoroughly researched product recommendations.
Here’s how we test meal delivery services so you know how we selected our top picks and why they’re worth considering. You can read our full meal delivery testing methodology here.
Testing criteria
Meal choices—30%
We understand that everyone has different taste buds and dietary needs. Our goal is to connect you with the best meal delivery services that offer variety and customization. Here’s what we consider in our meal choices rating:
- Multiple options
- Substitutions
- Guidance
- Label transparency
Food quality—30%
We want you to look forward to eating your meals every day. Our team of dietitians, personal trainers, and industry experts personally tried several keto recipes from dozens of keto meal delivery services, evaluating them based on the following factors:
- Flavor
- Healthiness
- Freshness
Value—20%
Cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best option, yet pricier doesn’t always mean better quality. That’s why it’s important to consider the overall value of the service. Here’s what goes into our value rating:
- Fair price
- Multiple quantity options
- Customization
Customer experience—20%
We want you to be impressed with your keto meal delivery service from start to finish. Here’s what we factor into a service’s customer experience rating:
- Packaging
- Ease of preparation
- Reviews
- Customer service
How to choose the best keto meal delivery service
Like restaurants, keto meal delivery services vary greatly in price, meal options, and ingredient quality. Here are the most important factors to consider when narrowing down your choices.
Set your budget
Price can be a dealbreaker for most folks, regardless of the service’s reputation, meal variety, and customization options. That’s why we recommend setting a budget before exploring your options. Evaluating your current grocery spending and any food that goes to waste or uneaten is a good place to start. You may also want to consider how often you eat and how much you spend.
For example, if you’re someone (like me) with a busy schedule who plans meals and grocery shops with good intentions but often ends up ordering take-out, a meal delivery service may actually be more cost-effective when you factor in the amount you spend eating out and food waste.
Further, most companies in our review offer significant discounts on initial orders, allowing you to try different services while saving money.
Research the company
If your order is missing an ingredient or even an entire meal, you want to trust that the service will own up to its mistake and make it right. When researching a company, a good place to start is to look at third-party websites like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, or even Reddit.
We recommend contacting customer support directly if you have any questions or need clarification on a service’s policy.
Consider the amount of cooking required
Do you enjoy cooking and have time to cook? Or are you using a meal delivery service to free up time in the afternoons? Some meal delivery services offer meal kits that take an hour to prepare, while others partially cook ingredients that come together for a complete meal in as little as 15 minutes. Several meal delivery services, such as Factor, offer heat-and-eat meals ready in under five minutes.
Consider variety and customization options
You don’t want to get bored with your meals or stuck with ingredients that you don’t love. Customizing your meals by swapping veggies, proteins, and other ingredients can increase satisfaction and help you stay on track.
Review the nutritional information
Following a strict keto diet requires you to severely restrict your carb intake. To stay in ketosis, most people will need to consume fewer than 50 grams of carbs per day. You’ll want to consider this when choosing meals. For example, choosing a “low carb” recipe with 30 grams of carbs’ll take up most of your daily allowance, leaving little room for other meals or snacks.
FAQs
What is the keto diet?
The keto diet is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet designed to force your body to burn fat for energy rather than carbs. Typically keto diets are limited to less than 50g carbs a day, Burgess explains.
Is the keto diet healthy?
While the keto diet isn’t for everyone, the eating pattern may help people lose weight and improve risk factors for heart disease. However, there is some evidence the diet may cause adverse effects, such as the “keto flu,” causing constipation, headache, fatigue, and dizziness. (2)
Due to its restrictive nature, the keto diet may also cause nutrient deficiencies. We recommend consulting a registered dietitian or qualified healthcare provider before starting the keto diet.
Are there any keto ready meals?
Yes. Meal delivery services, including Factor, Trifecta, CookUnity, and BistroMD, all offer prepared keto meals that are ready in minutes.
What is the cheapest keto food service?
Home Chef offers the cheapest keto meal kits, starting at $9.99 per meal. Meanwhile, Fresh N’ Lean takes the top spot for the cheapest prepared keto meal, costing $10.49 per meal.
Who has the best keto meals?
Factor, CookUnity, and Fresh N’ Lean are great options if you’re looking for delicious, prepared keto-friendly meals. But if you want to enjoy a home-cooked keto meal, Home Chef, Sunbasket, and Green Chef are all solid choices.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Our experts
Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN
Victoria uses her extensive nutrition and performance knowledge every day. She has a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago and holds her NSCA CSCS and Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN). She’s an adjunct professor in the Human Performance and Nutrition department at Concordia University Chicago and Parker University, where she teaches undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level courses. She also sits on the advisory board for both the International Society of Sports Nutrition and the National Advisory Council of the First Responder Institute.
Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS
Dr. Jen Roper is an associate professor of health and human sciences at Loyola Marymount University. She received her Ph.D. in physical education, sports and exercise science in 2015 from the University of New Mexico, with a specialization in exercise science and biomechanics. She has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association since 2014.
Jessica Coulon
Jessica is a contributing editor and writer for Fortune Recommends™ who specializes in fitness, health, nutrition, and science content. Previously, she was an editor for Popular Mechanics and Bicycling, where she covered pro cycling news, wrote how-to guides, and tested all the latest and greatest bike gear. She was also a regular shoe tester and contributor for Runner’s World. You can often find her skiing or riding her mountain bike, and racing with the F1RE female enduro team.
Kelly Uhler
Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Lindsey DeSoto
RDN, LD, Fortune Recommends Nutrition Writer
About Author
Lindsey DeSoto is an experienced registered dietitian who enjoys staying up to date on the latest research and sharing her knowledge through writing. Her writing and expertise have been featured in various publications, including Verywell Health, Medical News Today, Health, and CNBC.