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The 8 Best Low-Carb Meal Delivery Services of 2024

Explore the savory side of low-carb with these delivery services.

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VerifiedMedically reviewed by Nutrition Lab Director
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Green Chef

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Carbohydrates, oh, how they fuel our bodies! But when it comes to following a low-carb diet, making the right choices becomes crucial. It's not just about cutting carbs but about building a balanced and nourishing plate with the right kind of carbs and the proper amount.

Luckily, you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen trying to concoct delicious high-protein, low-carb recipes. Our nutrition experts have found a handful of low-carb meal delivery services that offer a blend of convenience, nutrition and affordability.

Our top picks:

  • 1
    Green Chef

    Best Overall Low-Carb Meal Delivery Service

    Green Chef

    Shop at greenchef.com
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  • 2
    Home Chef

    Best Value Low-Carb Meal Delivery Service

    Home Chef

    Read more
  • 3
    Fresh N Lean

    Best High-Protein Low-Carb Meal Delivery Service

    Fresh N Lean

    Read more
  • 4
    Factor

    Best Keto Low-Carb Meal Delivery Service

    Factor

    Read more
  • 5
    Sunbasket

    Best Low-Carb Meal Delivery Service for Diabetics

    Sunbasket

    Read more

"Meal delivery services have evolved to cater to the needs of home cooks and accommodate various dietary preferences and lifestyles," says Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CDN, Nutrition Director for the Good Housekeeping Institute. "You can choose traditional meal kits that provide fresh ingredients and step-by-step recipe instructions or fully prepared meals that go straight into the microwave from the fridge or freezer."

To find the crème de la crème of low-carb meal delivery services, our dietitians conducted an extensive review, digging through over 50 services and involving more than 300 home chefs. That encompassed three months of evaluations, scrutinizing variety, nutrition, pricing, serving sizes, ingredient quality and availability.

But here's a gentle reminder from our experts: Just because a dish is low-carb doesn't automatically make it healthy. To truly nourish your body, incorporate a variety of vegetables, lower-sugar fruits, whole grains and lean proteins like fish, chicken, turkey and whole forms of soy.

You can learn more about how we evaluate meal delivery services at the end of this article and find our comprehensive guide to the best meal delivery services by diet, such as keto-friendly meals. Looking for more options? Check out our favorite food subscription boxes to have everything from specialty meats to seafood delivered to your door.

    1
    Best Overall Low-Carb Meal Delivery Service

    Green Chef

    Green Chef
    Shop at greenchef.comShop at Amazon
    Credit: Green Chef
    Pros
    • USDA-certified organic
    • Cooking takes 30 minutes or less
    • Meals are flavorful and satisfying
    Cons
    • Some meals may be high in sodium

    While Green Chef doesn’t specifically offer a low-carb meal plan, its keto menu contains less than 20 grams of carbs per serving with no added sugar. This company is USDA-certified organic and focused on sustainability.

    How it works: The weekly menu includes more than 40 recipes (about 10 meals fall under the keto category) that you can cook in 30 minutes or less. Choose to feed two, four or six people, and pick three or four meals weekly.

    Keto options include Caribbean-Spiced Tilapia with Coconut-Lime Cauliflower “Rice,” Shrimp and Bacon Squash-Noodle Bowls and Spiced Pork Chops with Creamy Chimichurri.

    Lab results: Our testers gave this service high scores for quality ingredients, generous portion sizes, freshness and variety of meals and recipes. “I liked the portion size of the meals. The flavor creativity was great,” reported one tester. Other testers commented that the recipes were straightforward to follow with clear instructions and that they could try dishes they would typically not prepare at home. Our nutritionist did note that a few people may find some meals high in sodium.

    PricingMeals cost $11.99 to $13.49 per serving and $9.99 for shipping.
    PackagingMost packaging is curbside recyclable.
    AvailabilityEverywhere in the contiguous U.S.
    TypeTraditional meal kit.
    2
    Best Value Low-Carb Meal Delivery Service

    Home Chef

    Home Chef
    Credit: Home Chef
    Pros
    • Traditional meal kits and ready to eat options available
    • High customer satisfaction rating
    • Family-friendly meal options with up to six servings
    Cons
    • Some meals are not suitable for a low-sodium diet

    Home Chef offers a "Carb Conscious" menu containing less than 35 grams of carbs per serving. The brand's offerings are available online and at over 2,000 Kroger grocery stores nationwide. Home Chef offers prepared options ready to reheat and low-prep meals with pre-portioned ingredients that you can cook or assemble at home.

    How it works: The full menu offers 30 meals, which you can filter for about a dozen "Carb Conscious" options. Select how many people you're feeding — two, four or six — and how many recipes you would like to receive — between two and six. You can indicate foods you want to avoid, including peanuts, mushrooms or pork.

    Low-carb options include Roasted Garlic Butter Sirloin with Bacon-Cheddar Broccoli, Marsala Mushroom Smothered Pork Chop with Green Beans and Spicy Gojuchang-Glazed Salmon.

    Lab results: Testers reported that the portions were generous for two, and the quick-and-easy preparation made it great for dinner. One tester said, "These are a perfect variety to satisfy everyone." Our nutrition pros appreciate the ingredients' freshness, although some meals may contain high sodium counts. Always read nutrition labels, especially if you are following a low-sodium diet.

    PricingMeals cost $9.99 to $11.99 per serving, plus $10.99 for shipping.
    PackagingMost packaging is curbside recyclable.
    AvailabilityEverywhere in the contiguous U.S.
    TypeTraditional meal kits; prepared meals ready to heat and eat.
    3
    Best High-Protein Low-Carb Meal Delivery Service

    Fresh N Lean

    Fresh N Lean
    Credit: Fresh N Lean
    Pros
    • Locally sourced and organic ingredients
    • Suitable low-carb options for vegans
    • Option to add a la carte snacks and meals
    Cons
    • Some testers found packaging difficult to open
    • Single meals are not suitable for family dining

    Fresh N Lean sources grass-fed, free-range and cage-free animal proteins. Their low-carb single-serving meals are delicious, portion-controlled and can be heated with a few minutes in the microwave. The menu features low-carb vegan options and keto, paleo and Whole 30-approved meals.

    How it works: Start by choosing your plan or pick from the a la carte options. Diet plans include Protein+, Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean Diet, Whole 30, Plant Based, Low-Carb and Low-Cal Plant Based. Keto meals offer the lowest carbs, averaging about 15 percent per serving and 30 grams of protein. Paleo meals average 21 percent net carbs and 33 grams of protein per serving, while meals from the Low-Carb Vegan plan keep carbs around 28 percent per serving.

    Low-carb options include Green Bean and Turkey Casserole, Steak with Mushroom Gravy and Asparagus and Chicken Tikka Masala with Cauliflower Rice.

    Lab results: Our testers loved the convenience of meals and that everything just needed to be quickly reheated; no additional preparation was necessary. However, some testers had difficulty opening the packaging after it was heated. They loved the variety of meal plan choices. One tester remarked on the variety along with "delightful" surprises. Another tester commented that the "food was not heavily seasoned, so it allowed for personal tastes."

    PricingMeals start at $11. Free shipping for orders over $100 in the contiguous U.S. (Shipping can cost up to $9.99 on orders below $100.)
    PackagingPacking is recyclable; insulation is biodegradable.
    AvailabilityEverywhere in the U.S., including HI and AK.
    TypePrepared meals ready to heat and eat.
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    4
    Best Keto Low-Carb Meal Delivery Service

    Factor

    Factor
    Credit: Factor
    Pros
    • Many keto-friendly options
    • Complimentary consultation available with a registered dietitian
    Cons
    • Single-serving meals only

    Factor's ready-to-eat single-serve meals are designed by registered dietitians and chefs using high-quality and nutrient-dense ingredients that are GMO-free and contain no refined sugars. This service caters to various dietary preferences, including Calorie Smart and Keto and weekly Carb Conscious selections.

    How it works: Choose a dietary preference, then select six to 18 meals per week. Factor also offers free, 20-minute nutrition consultations to help you select the best meals for your tastes and needs. The weekly menu includes nearly 30 meals each week, but you can filter for the categories keto, which contains less than 10 percent of total calories from carbohydrates and Calorie Smart, which includes meals at 550 calories or less.

    Low-carb menu options include Jalapeño-Lime-Cheddar Chicken with Spicy Cilantro Cauliflower "Rice," Philly-Style Chicken Thighs with Roasted Green Beans and Turkey Chili and Zucchini.

    Lab results: Our testers loved the convenience, with one commenting that the meals made a busy life easier, "especially when I don't always have time to cook a meal." Other testers commented on the freshness of the ingredients and how well-balanced the meals were. Our nutrition pros appreciate that subscribers can schedule a consultation with a registered dietitian.

    PricingMeals cost $11 to $15 per serving; shipping is $11.
    PackagingPackaging is curbside recyclable.
    AvailabilityEverywhere in the contiguous U.S.
    TypePrepared meals ready to heat and eat.
    5
    Best Low-Carb Meal Delivery Service for Diabetics

    Sunbasket

    Sunbasket
    Credit: Sunbasket
    Pros
    • Organic fresh produce and responsibly sourced proteins
    • Most meals are high in protein and fiber
    • Offers both meal kits and fully prepared meals
    Cons
    • Not yet available everywhere in the U.S.

    With easy-to-follow recipes, pre-measured ingredients and ready-to-eat meals, Sunbasket simplifies the enjoyment of healthy low-carb meals. The company's menu features diverse dietary options, including a diabetes-friendly menu with recipes that the American Diabetic Association approves. Each serving contains 20 to 70 grams or fewer carbs, healthy fats, more than 10 grams of protein and at least 5 grams of fiber. Chefs and registered dietitians work together to create the meals.

    How it works: Opt for meal kits with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes that you can cook in 40 minutes or less or "Fresh & Ready" meals that are already prepared and can be heated in as little as four minutes. Meal kits offer two or four servings, and prepared meals are single servings. You can further select from specific dietary preferences, including Mediterranean, Paleo, Carb-Conscious, Gluten-Free, Diabetes-Friendly, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Keto-Friendly and more.

    Low-carb and diabetes-friendly menu options include Braised Chicken with Mushrooms, Artichokes and Almond-Olive Relish, Black Angus Steaks with Brussels Sprouts and Shrimp Fattoush Salad.

    Lab results: Our testers liked that meals are customizable, with one commenting that "there was a great variety of options for my week based on the amount of time I had each day." Another tester noted that the portions were generous, and the ingredients were fresh and creative. A third tester said, "My family does low-carb a few days a week, and this kit was customizable for our specific dietary needs."

    PricingPrepared meals start at $9.99 and meal kits start at $11.49. Shipping is $9.99.
    PackagingPackaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable.
    AvailabilityMost zip codes in the U.S. except AK, HI, MT, ND and parts of NM.
    TypeTraditional meal kit; prepared meals ready to heat and eat.
    6
    Best Prepared Low-Carb Meal Delivery Service

    Territory Foods

    Territory Foods
    Credit: Territory Foods
    Pros
    • Sustainably and locally sourced ingredients
    • Generous portions
    • Detailed nutrition information for each meal
    Cons
    • Delivery area is limited

    Territory Foods uses sustainable and locally sourced ingredients to create conveniently packaged meals developed by registered dietitians and local chefs. The menu includes options that meet individual dietary needs, including menus dedicated to a low-carb lifestyle and diabetes-friendly meals. The brand also offers meals by registered dietitian Ilana Muhlstein and a Mediterranean diet menu, both of which offer low-carb picks.

    How it works: This service offers one of the most extensive menu plans to accommodate multiple dietary preferences such as paleo, low carb, keto friendly, plant based, Whole 30 and Mediterranean. You can order as many as 12 meals for each delivery or forego a subscription and enjoy as few as three meals in one order. All meals are ready to eat in under two minutes and free from dairy, gluten, refined sugar and grains.

    There is a rotating weekly menu of approximately 50 low-carb meals to choose from, including Roasted Chicken with Gremolata and Butternut Mash, Shredded Beef Ropas Viejas with Cauliflower Rice and Moroccan-Style Turkey Meatballs with Roasted Vegetables.

    Lab results: Our testers and experts favored the convenience of these ready-to-eat meals and enjoyed the creative menu options. Testers commented favorably on the generous portion sizes. Our nutrition pros appreciate that every meal comes with easy-to-follow nutrition information, including the macronutrient breakdown of protein, fats and carbs.

    PricingMeals start at $15. Choose between a subscription plan or one-time ordering.
    PackagingAll packaging is recyclable or compostable.
    Availability27 states and growing. Check their website to see if they serve your area.
    TypePrepared meals ready to heat and eat.
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    7
    Best Low-Carb Meal Delivery for Athletes

    Trifecta Nutrition

    Trifecta Nutrition
    Credit: Trifecta Nutrition
    Pros
    • Organic, non-GMO, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients
    • Registered dietitian- and chef-driven meals
    • Meals designed to support the nutritional goals of an active lifestyle
    Cons
    • Some users felt the variety of menu choices was limited

    Trifecta highlights athletes and fitness enthusiasts as its primary audience, and the meal plans are designed to support the nutritional goals of an active and sporting lifestyle. The brand offers a personalized app and a community-support concept. Registered dietitians and chefs create Trifecta's menus. Ingredients are organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, sustainable and locally sourced. All meals arrive fully prepared and vacuum sealed, so all you have to do is heat and eat.

    How it works: Trifecta offers multiple meal plans, including paleo, Whole 30, keto and plant-based. The meals on the keto plan contain 10 grams or less of net carbs and an average of 2.5 grams of dietary fiber in each meal. You can choose five to 14 entrées per week with the option to add on breakfasts. A dozen new recipes are available each week, and you can exclude up to two ingredients, including beef, pork, tree nuts and mushrooms.

    Keto menu choices include Marinara Meatballs, Tex-Mex Chicken and Spiced Turkey with Cauliflower Rice.

    Lab results: Testers loved that the meals tasted healthy and fresh. Our nutrition experts gave high scores to the locally sourced, organic ingredients. They liked that dietitians, chefs and doctors developed the nutrient-dense meals.

    PricingMeals are $15.50 to $16 per serving. Shipping is $9.99 to most states.
    PackagingMost packaging is curbside recyclable; insulation is biodegradable.
    AvailabilityEverywhere in the U.S., with additional shipping fees for AK and HI.
    TypePrepared meals ready to heat and eat.
    8
    Best Paleo Low-Carb Meal Delivery Service

    Pete's Real Food

    Pete's Real Food
    Credit: Pete's Real Food
    Pros
    • Generous portions, including a family plan
    • Vegan paleo meal options
    • Ability to mix and match meal plans
    Cons
    • Meals arrive frozen and require defrosting

    Pete's Real Food originates from the paleo philosophy: All entrees are free of gluten, dairy, soy and added sugar. All Pete's Real Food meals are pre-cooked and arrive frozen to be easily reheated at home. The menu changes seasonally and includes many low-carb options that contain 25 or fewer grams of carbs per serving.

    How it works: Choose from paleo, vegan, gluten-free, keto and auto-immune protocol (AIP) meal plan options. Order five, 10 or 14 meals or choose the family plan of five meals with four portions each. Mixing and matching is allowed for those not totally committed to one diet. Users can also choose add-ons like double proteins or sides like bone broth.

    Low-carb paleo and keto meals include Ajo Verde Chicken with Roasted Vegetables, Brats with Seasoned Cabbage and Braised Short Ribs with Collard Greens.

    Lab results: These chef-driven meals scored big points with our nutrition experts for using fresh ingredients and being made from scratch weekly. Testers enjoyed avoiding the mess of additional preparation, with one commenting that this pick is "great for busy people. The food was tasty, and portions were large. Packaged nicely."

    PricingMeals start at $14; shipping and a $10 packaging fee applies to all deliveries.
    PackagingMost packaging is curbside recyclable.
    AvailabilityEverywhere in the U.S., including HI and AK.
    TypePrepared meals (frozen) ready to heat and eat.

    How we test the best meal delivery services

    line break

    At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test different food products and services. From healthy snacks and low-carb noodles to grocery and meal delivery services, our experts are committed to bringing you the best of the best when it comes to quality, performance, flavor, nutrition and more.

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    sassos testing meal delivery services at the good housekeeping institute
    Philip Friedman

    In our most recent study of meal delivery services, we recruited over 300 at-home testers nationwide. At the same time, our in-house experts also tested the services in our Labs. Overall, we evaluated over 50 different meal delivery services, ranging from traditional kits with pre-measured ingredients and a follow-along recipe card to fully prepared options.

    We made our selections based on expert evaluations and tester feedback on overall satisfaction and balanced nutrition profiles that included vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. We also looked at food quality, cost, recycling efforts and availability.

    sassos preparing stuffed peppers from home chef in her home
    Stefani Sassos

    Our picks for the best low-carb meal delivery services cater to various special diets and dietary preferences, including gluten-free, low-carb, organic, vegetarian and more. Although taste is subjective, we ultimately chose companies that scored overall high points with testers.

    The companies spotlighted above deserve recognition for their performance in their categories. That said, this is a fast-growing segment in the food industry, and we're likely to see exciting new entrants emerge. We are constantly testing new offerings in this category to keep readers up-to-date.

    What to look for when selecting the best low-carb meal delivery service

    line break

    Each of the companies reviewed for this story differentiates itself in some way. Some are sports-oriented, some are paleo and some are keto-focused. Each has a distinct offering that might make it right for you. That should be a starting point when selecting a meal delivery service, followed by the considerations listed below:

    ✔️ Type: Do you want to cook the food yourself? Are you willing to prep, or would you prefer pre-measured ingredients? Do you want to heat a fully prepared meal? Consider the time and effort when choosing a meal kit.

    ✔️ Servings: Consider whether you must cook for multiple people on a low-carb diet. Many services are geared toward two to four servings per meal, though some, such as Home Chef, go as high as six servings per recipe; others are packaged as single servings.

    ✔️ Fresh or frozen: Fresh meals are quick and convenient but can spoil if you can't consume them quickly. Most services allow you to skip a week and adjust your plan along the way, which can be a strategy to help keep costs down if you can't use the food in time. It's also wise to consider frozen meals, like those available at Pete's Real Food, which you can store longer and thaw as needed.

    ✔️ Dietary preferences: If you have any special dietary needs besides low-carb, such as a gluten restriction, you'll want to ensure that the service you choose offers enough variety to meet your individual parameters. Some services offer many more choices per week than others. Certain services will let you customize further and swap out items you may not want, which can be beneficial.

    ✔️ Pricing: The cost per serving often decreases as you order more meals or servings. You'll typically be able to check the price before placing your order. Companies will frequently give you a discount on the first box and additional discounts if you are a first responder or in the military. If you know a friend or family member interested in using the service, you may get a discount if you refer them.

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    Why trust Good Housekeeping?

    line break

    As a recipe developer and food journalist, Perry Santanachote has researched and written numerous articles about nutrition and diets. She also develops meal plans and has personally tried dozens of meal delivery services because even cooks are sometimes too busy to cook for themselves.

    As a registered dietitian and working mother, Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab Deputy Director Stefani Sassos is passionate about putting healthy meals on the table for her family without spending much time in the kitchen. She uses meal delivery services to change up her family's regular dinnertime routine and get introduced to various new foods and unique preparation methods. Stefani appreciates that more services offer nutritious options to support a healthy lifestyle.

    Lettermark
    Perry Santanachote
    Contributing Writer

    Perry Santanachote (she/her) has more than 15 years of experience in service journalism, specializing in food and consumer goods. She tests and reports on kitchen appliances and cooking tools. She also evaluates food products and cleaning supplies. She’s an experienced writer, product tester and recipe developer who has worked in labs, test kitchens and media organizations, including Thrillist and Consumer Reports.

    Headshot of Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., NASM-CPT
    Medically reviewed byStefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., NASM-CPT
    Nutrition Lab Director

    Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.

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