Best Meal Delivery for Weight Loss: Compare Options

What Actually Matters When Choosing

Before comparing specific services, it helps to know what you're looking for. The weight loss meal delivery space has exploded in recent years, and the options can feel overwhelming. But the decision really comes down to a few key factors.

First, decide whether you want prepared meals (heat and eat) or meal kits (you cook). Prepared meals remove virtually all friction—open, heat, done. Meal kits require 30-45 minutes of cooking, which some people enjoy and others find becomes another obstacle between them and a healthy dinner. For weight loss specifically, prepared meals tend to work better because the portions are locked in. With meal kits, it's tempting to add a little extra cheese or serve yourself a bigger portion than the recipe intended.

Second, look at the calorie and protein content. For most weight loss plans, you want meals in the 350-600 calorie range with at least 20-35 grams of protein. Protein is especially important—it keeps you full longer and helps preserve muscle mass while you're in a calorie deficit. This is where many meal services fall short; they hit the calorie target but skimp on protein. For a deeper look at which foods support weight loss best, our complete guide to the best foods for weight loss breaks down the science.

Finally, consider the commitment level. Some services require weekly subscriptions that auto-renew, making it harder to pause or adjust. Others let you order when you want, which works better if your schedule (and appetite) varies week to week.

How the Options Compare

Here's a straightforward breakdown of the major meal delivery services marketed for weight loss:

A few things stand out in this comparison. Fresh prepared meals (Factor, Trifecta) have shorter shelf lives, which means you need to eat them within a few days of delivery. Frozen meals give you more flexibility—you can stock your freezer and eat them whenever. The tradeoff is texture; some foods simply taste better fresh.

The subscription question matters more than people realize. If you're locked into weekly deliveries, you might end up with meals piling up during busy weeks or when you travel. No-subscription options let you order when you actually need food, which often means less waste and better budgeting.

Making Meal Delivery Work for Weight Loss

Having meals delivered doesn't automatically lead to weight loss. The real benefit is that it removes two of the biggest obstacles: decision fatigue and portion control. When you're tired and hungry, having a healthy 500-calorie meal ready to heat is the difference between staying on track and ordering pizza.

The key is covering your weak spots. For most people, that's lunch (when the office orders in or the cafeteria tempts) and weeknight dinners (when cooking feels like too much effort). You probably don't need every meal delivered—breakfast and weekends might be fine to handle yourself. Start with 6-12 meals per week and see what actually gets eaten.

If you're also working on meal prep skills, our complete meal prep guide shows how to combine delivered meals with simple prep strategies for maximum results.

A Note on GLP-1 Medications

If you're taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy, meal delivery can be especially helpful. These medications reduce appetite significantly, which sounds great until you realize you still need adequate protein to protect muscle mass. When you're not hungry, it's easy to just... not eat enough of the right things.

Portion-controlled, protein-forward meals solve this problem. You get the nutrition you need without having to force yourself to eat large volumes of food. Our GLP-1 diet guide covers this in detail, but the short version is: prioritize protein and fiber, which is exactly what the Weight Loss Meal Plan is designed around.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lose weight with frozen meal delivery?

Yes. Frozen prepared meals make calorie control easier because portions are pre-set and nutrition info is accurate. Look for meals with 350-600 calories and 20-35g protein per serving to support weight loss while maintaining muscle.

How many meals should I order per week for weight loss?

Most people benefit from covering their weak spots—usually lunches and a few dinners, which means 10-14 meals per week. If you're new to meal delivery, start with 6-12 meals and adjust based on what actually gets eaten versus what ends up forgotten.

Is meal delivery worth it for weight loss?

For many people, yes. The main benefit isn't the food itself—it's removing decision fatigue and portion guesswork. When healthy meals are ready to heat, you're less likely to order takeout or overeat. The cost often compares favorably to restaurant meals and food waste from unused groceries.

What's the difference between prepared meals and meal kits?

Prepared meals arrive fully cooked—you just heat and eat. Meal kits send raw ingredients with recipes, so you do the cooking. Prepared meals offer better portion control and convenience; meal kits work if you enjoy cooking and can resist the temptation to add extra ingredients.

The Bottom Line

The "best" meal delivery for weight loss isn't about finding the perfect macros or the fanciest ingredients. It's about finding a service you'll actually use week after week. That means considering format (prepared vs. kit), commitment (subscription vs. flexible), and budget (including shipping costs that can add up).

If you want to try prepared meals without locking into a subscription, the Weight Loss Meal Plan or Value Meal Plan are solid starting points—order what you need, when you need it, with free shipping over $85.

Related reads: Top low-calorie meal delivery services · What to look for in high-protein meal delivery · Clean Eatz Kitchen cost breakdown