Choosing the right meal delivery service enhances your Zone diet success. The Zone diet demands a precise balance of macronutrients and calorie control which can be daunting to manage daily. A meal delivery service can simplify the process, ensuring you get structured meal times and the right calorie intake without the hassle of planning and preparation.
I’ve reviewed various meal delivery services for the Zone diet and assessed important features such as the balance of macronutrients, meal variety, ingredient quality, and cost-effectiveness. My team and I tested all of the services on this list at home, and we’ve ranked them below.
Factor stands out as my top recommendation for Zone diet followers. Factor’s healthy, prepared meals are convenient, use high-quality ingredients, and its nutritional information is transparent, all of which are critical for adhering to the Zone diet. By exploring my top picks, you’ll find a meal delivery service that fits your lifestyle and dietary goals.
Factor – Best overall Zone diet meal delivery service
Green Chef – Best for organic Zone ingredients
HelloFresh – Best for menu variety in Zone meals
Home Chef – Best for customizable Zone-friendly meals
BistroMD – Best for doctor-designed meal programs
Focuses on nutrient-packed meals
35+ recipes per week
Dietary options include Keto, Vegan, Low-Carb
Current deal: Enjoy a total of $130 off throughout your first 6 boxes + first box ships free!
Factor’s meals align well with the Zone Diet's macronutrient ratio. You can find meals that follow the 40% carbohydrate, 30% protein, and 30% fat formula. This balance is critical for anyone following the Zone Diet, as it aims to reduce inflammation and promote weight loss.
The freshly prepared meals from Factor simplify your life. The convenience of having meals delivered to your doorstep, ready to heat and eat, can’t be overstated. I appreciated not having to spend time prepping and cooking, which is a huge plus for busy lifestyles. Factor ensures that adhering to the Zone Diet doesn't mean sacrificing convenience.
Each meal features ingredients that are fresh, and there are premium recipes too, which is essential for both nutrition and flavor. This quality is a testament to Factor's commitment to providing meals that are not only healthy but also enjoyable to eat.
The rotating menu keeps things interesting. Factor’s diverse meal options prevent your diet from becoming monotonous. The variety is refreshing, and you’ll look forward to trying different meals each week, which can be a motivational factor in sticking with a diet plan.
Managing your diet is effortless. Factor removes the guesswork from portion control. You don’t need to weigh or measure food. If you use MyFitnessPal, LoseIt, or Carb Manager apps, then you don't have to know the macros for individual meals. Factor enters the details for you, so it makes tracking your macros easy.
Starting off with a free nutrition consultation is invaluable. Factor offers a complimentary 20-minute nutrition consultation. This can help you understand how to best integrate its service with your Zone Diet plan. This guidance is very insightful and tailored to your particular dietary needs.
Our full Factor review offers a detailed perspective. My colleague covered their firsthand experience with Factor’s meal delivery service. It touches on the nuances of taste, the ease of meal preparation, and the level of customer support, giving you a clear picture of what to expect when you try the meals at home.
Factor’s pricing is competitive. The larger the order, the lower the cost per meal. For example, its best-value box gives you 18 meals for just $103.41 on your first order if you use our link.
Convenient Green Chef app available
35+ recipes per week, plus add-ons
Dietary options include keto, heart-healthy, and more
Current deal: Enjoy 50% Off + Free Shipping + 20% Off For 2 Months!
Green Chef prioritizes quality with organic ingredients. It ensures that all meals you receive are made from organic and non-GMO ingredients. This commitment not only supports your health goals on the Zone Diet but also ensures you're consuming the most nutrient-dense foods available.
Professional chefs design Green Chef’s menu. The menu options are thoughtfully crafted by experts, providing you with a gourmet dining experience that fits within the Zone Diet framework.
With Green Chef, meal monotony is never an issue. It offers a great range of cuisines, injecting excitement and variety into your Zone Diet meal plan. Some examples include Mexican-Spiced Black Bean Salad and Egyptian-Style Chicken & Rice.
If you're like me and enjoy cooking, Green Chef provides easy-to-follow instructions. However, if you're inclined towards ready-made options, consider Factor for its prepared meal offerings.
Although Green Chef offers a variety of meal plans, the Keto plan often aligns with the Zone Diet's macronutrient ratios. For a wider variety of options that adhere to Zone requirements, I suggest reading our comprehensive Green Chef review.
Nutrition support parallels that of Factor. Much like Factor, Green Chef allows you to consult with a dietitian, helping you to tailor your meal choices to your specific Zone Diet targets and health goals.
Flexibility is a key feature of the subscription. Just as I appreciate flexibility in my meal planning, you'll find that Green Chef's subscription model is designed to suit your changing schedule and dietary preferences, which is essential for sticking to diets in the long term.
A minimum order is 3 meals for 2 people. Prices start at $9.99 per serving when opting for larger plans. The cost-effectiveness increases as you scale up your order, similar to my experience with other meal delivery services.
Offers globally inspired dishes
Over 100 recipes and other menu items per week
Dietary options include Family-Friendly, Low-Calorie, Vegetarian
Current deal: Free Breakfast for Life + 10 Free Meals + First Box Ships Free
HelloFresh commits to using quality ingredients. HelloFresh doesn't compromise on ingredients, with an emphasis on fresh produce and high-quality proteins, aligning with the prioritization of top-tier, Zone-friendly foods.
HelloFresh offers a world of flavors. Its array of cuisine options ensures that your Zone Diet is far from bland, with dishes that rotate weekly, including Hall of Fame favorites, which keep the meals exciting and varied. Top dishes include Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Apricot Pork Chops and One-Pot Beef and Black Bean Soup.
Tailored meal plans are its forte, with 6 different plans to choose from. The meal plans can easily be adapted to fit the Zone Diet's macronutrient requirements, so you can maintain your diet without sacrificing the pleasure of different meals.
Each recipe comes with detailed nutritional information, a crucial tool for Zone dieters wanting to make informed decisions about their meals.
Alongside its meal plans, HelloFresh features a Marketplace for ordering extras and groceries, which I find extremely handy for adding variety and convenience to my Zone Diet. For a deeper dive into this, check our full review.
Sustainability is a priority at HelloFresh. I appreciate that it uses recyclable packaging and offsets 100% of carbon from its deliveries, allowing you to maintain your Zone Diet in an eco-conscious way.
It’s family-friendly and cost-effective, too. HelloFresh makes feeding your family simple with its family-friendly meals. I find that ordering in larger quantities offers better value, reducing the price per serving significantly.
For instance, if you order 6 meals for 4 people, your first box costs $107.75 with our link. Shipping costs are the same no matter the size of your weekly box.
Allows for swaps, upgrades, or double proteins
30+ recipes plus extras
Dietary options include Carb-Conscious, Calorie-Conscious, Vegetarian
Home Chef excels in protein customization. It allows you to adjust the protein content in your meals to adhere to the Zone diet's recommendations. This adaptability is essential for managing your diet, ensuring you can focus on maintaining the proper protein intake that the Zone diet emphasizes.
The menu's diversity is a strong point. You’ll find a variety of meals to choose from, all featuring fresh ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, poultry, or vegetarian options, there's something that can fit into your Zone diet plan.
Low-carb options are easily found. By filtering the menu, you can select dishes that are low in carbohydrates, which makes them suitable for the Zone diet. This ensures that you maintain the right balance of nutrients without spending too much time on meal planning.
Home Chef offers meals with a Keto-Friendly tag. Some options include Roasted Red Pepper Trout and Blue Cheese-Crusted Chicken. However, for those strictly following a ketogenic diet, which has some overlap with Zone principles, Factor might provide more specialized options.
Adjusting meals to fit the Zone diet is in your hands. While there’s no Zone-specific meal plan, you have the flexibility to tailor the ingredients in your meal kits. This allows for a personalized approach to staying within the dietary guidelines. You can also swap proteins in most dishes, so you can swap out red meat for chicken to make a dish more suited to Zone principles.
Portion control is part of the package. Based on my colleague’s tested review, Home Chef's meals come perfectly portioned. This is essential for following the Zone diet, as it emphasizes control over the quantity of food consumed at each meal.
Pricing can vary depending on individual dish costs. Meals start at $9.99 per meal, which allows you to plan your expenses according to your budget. It's important to note that while prices are reasonable, they reflect the quality and customization that Home Chef offers.
Crafted by physicians for optimal health
150+ meals on rotation
Dietary options include Heart-Healthy, Diabetic-Friendly, Menopause
Doctor-designed meals are the cornerstone of BistroMD. It offers a weight loss program meticulously crafted by doctors, ensuring you get balanced and nutritious meals that align with the Zone diet's principles. You receive the right mix of proteins, carbs, and fats to promote wellness and weight management.
The menu variety is impressive. With a 6-week rotating menu and up to 150 choices on the Signature plan, you're unlikely to hit a food rut. The breadth of options available was something our reviewer found particularly noteworthy, keeping your Zone diet both interesting and varied.
The Heart Healthy plan fits Zone dieters. This particular option from BistroMD aligns closely with the Zone diet, focusing on the perfect balance of nutrients to support heart health. It's ideal for you if you're looking for meals that cater to cardiovascular wellness while adhering to the Zone diet's guidelines. Check out our expert review for more on the BistroMD plans.
Meals come flash-frozen, so you need to ensure ample freezer space. If you're feeding a family, BistroMD’s single servings and weight loss focus might not be the best fit. For family meal solutions, I'd point you towards HelloFresh as a more suitable alternative.
Eco-friendly packaging is a plus. It sends its meals in recyclable packaging, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability. You can recycle the packaging at home, which is a relief if you’re conscious about your ecological footprint while following the Zone diet.
You can order up to 3 meals per day. You can opt for the full program, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus there are optional snacks (EATS) for in-between meals. This kind of flexibility is convenient for those strictly following the Zone diet and in need of consistent, balanced meals throughout the day.
Pricing starts at $6.59 per serving. But take account of the weekly shipping fee of $19.95. This investment in your health brings you the convenience of having Zone-friendly, doctor-designed meals delivered straight to your door, simplifying your diet management.
Exclusively plant-based menu offerings
20+ recipes per week
Dietary options include High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Low-Calorie
Purple Carrot stands out for plant-based Zone dieters. It offers a robust menu catering exclusively to vegans. If you're following the Zone diet, which emphasizes a specific balance of macronutrients, finding suitable plant-based options can be challenging. Purple Carrot fills this gap effectively, meeting your dietary preferences and the Zone diet's macronutrient ratios.
Protein-rich sources are abundant in its meals. Tofu, a staple in many of Purple Carrot's dishes, aligns perfectly with the Zone diet's requirement for a 30% daily protein intake. As a vegan, getting enough protein can be a concern, but Purple Carrot's use of tofu and other plant-based proteins makes meeting this goal straightforward and delicious.
Its menu clearly marks high-protein options. When browsing Purple Carrot's offerings, you'll notice a variety of dishes labeled as high in protein, gluten-free, or nut-free. This clarity is beneficial when you're trying to pick meals that align with the Zone diet's guidelines. It simplifies the decision-making process, making it easier to stick to your diet.
While Purple Carrot excels in plant-based offerings, if your diet is more flexible, Green Chef is an alternative worth exploring. It offers a diverse range of meals, allowing you to choose from different plans while still sticking to the Zone diet principles.
Its meal variety caters to different cooking preferences. Whether you prefer fully prepared meals, traditional meal kits, or low-prep options, Purple Carrot has you covered. This flexibility is great for busy schedules or when you're simply not in the mood to cook from scratch. It helps in maintaining dietary discipline by offering convenient choices that fit your lifestyle.
Its Plantry offers an excellent selection of extras. Beyond main meals, Purple Carrot provides a variety of high-protein burgers, milk alternatives, and vegan cheeses in its Plantry section. These extras are fantastic for supplementing your Zone diet and keeping things interesting.
The range of dishes impressed our reviewer. Even for those who aren't strictly vegan, Purple Carrot's menu is appealing. Its innovative and varied dishes break the monotony often associated with diet-specific meals. This aspect is particularly useful if you're transitioning to a plant-based diet or looking for more variety in your meal planning.
Flexible ordering options suit various needs. You can choose from a minimum of 3 meal kits of 2 servings or 6 prepared meals per week. This flexibility is useful for planning your meals according to your schedule and needs. Prices start at $11.00 per serving, and shipping is free on orders over $99.
Designed for steady weight loss
130+ meals and snacks
Dietary options include Diabetes-Friendly, Vegetarian, High-Protein
Nutrisystem provides a well-structured diet plan for weight loss. It aligns well with the Zone diet's principles by focusing on balancing nutrients and controlling portion sizes. This structure is particularly helpful if you're looking for a regimented approach to weight loss while following the Zone diet guidelines.
The focus of the menu appears to be on comfort foods. Nutrisystem's menu includes familiar items like pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads. While these comfort foods are modified to fit the Zone diet framework, they ensure you don't feel too restricted while pursuing your weight loss goals.
Meals are prepared for convenience. Nutrisystem offers meals that are either shelf-stable or require freezing. This feature is convenient if you have a busy lifestyle and need quick, easy-to-prepare meals that still adhere to the Zone diet's nutritional requirements.
Our reviewer noted that Nutrisystem's menu might not meet expectations if you prefer fresher, chef-prepared meals. In such cases, exploring services like Factor, which offers freshly prepared meals, might be more aligned with your preferences within the Zone diet.
Support is readily available through the NuMi app. In addition to a user-friendly app, Nutrisystem offers access to weight loss counselors. This support network can be invaluable, especially when you're new to the Zone diet and need guidance on how to best approach your meal planning and consumption.
Customer support is easily accessible. If you're unsure about which plan is most suitable for you, contacting Nutrisystem's customer support is straightforward and helpful. It can provide insights and recommendations tailored to your Zone diet needs, making the process less daunting.
With Nutrisystem, committing to a monthly plan helps with better budgeting and ensures a consistent supply of meals aligned with the Zone diet.
Nutrisystem's plans begin at $9.64 per day. You can also get free shipping on pre-paid plans. This pricing structure makes it easier to budget for a consistent and balanced Zone diet meal plan without any surprise expenses.
Emphasizes unprocessed ingredients
30+ recipes each week
Dietary options include Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Paleo
Eat Clean is rich in whole foods and lean proteins. These ingredients are key to following the Zone diet effectively. The emphasis on whole foods ensures that the meals you receive are not only nutritious but also align with the Zone diet's focus on balancing macronutrients.
There are 4 distinct plans available. Eat Clean offers Traditional, Keto, Paleo, and Plant-Based options. This variety allows you to choose a plan that best fits your specific Zone diet requirements, ensuring you're not just eating healthy but also enjoying the foods you love.
Meals are conveniently prepared and quick to heat. For those leading a busy life, Eat Clean's pre-prepared meals are a time-saver. Just a few minutes in the microwave or oven, and you have a Zone diet-compliant meal ready to eat, making it easier to stick to your dietary goals.
Eat Clean does provide breakfast choices, don't expect additional items like those offered by Factor. If you're looking for a meal service with a broader range of extras, you might find this limitation a bit restrictive.
Nutritional information is transparent and accessible. Before ordering, you can review the nutritional content of each meal. This transparency is crucial for adhering to the Zone diet, as it allows you to make informed decisions about what you're consuming, ensuring your macronutrients are balanced.
Limited contact options might be a drawback. Our reviewer noted that Eat Clean only offers phone and email for customer service, which can be limiting. If you prefer a service with more varied contact options, Green Chef is a good alternative to consider for your Zone diet needs.
Eat Clean caters to different appetites by offering regular and larger portions, with the larger size costing approximately $1 more. This flexibility is great for managing hunger and energy levels while following the Zone diet.
Shipping with Eat Clean is always $9.99, regardless of your location. This flat rate makes it easier to budget for your Zone diet meal plan without worrying about variable shipping costs. Prices start at $4.30 per serving.
Fitness-focused meals
25+ recipes per week
Dietary options include Keto, Paleo, Vegan
Trifecta focuses on organic ingredients and sustainable proteins. This commitment aligns perfectly with the Zone diet's emphasis on high-quality, nutritious foods. By using organic and sustainably sourced ingredients, Trifecta ensures that each meal is not only healthy but also environmentally conscious.
Over 25 meal options are available on each plan. Trifecta offers a variety of plans, including Clean, Paleo Whole30 Approved, Keto, and Plant-Based. This range provides ample choice for those on the Zone diet, ensuring you can find meals that cater to your taste preferences and dietary requirements.
The Clean plan is macro-balanced. Focusing on lean proteins and high-quality vegetables, the Clean plan fits well within the Zone diet framework. This balance is crucial for maintaining energy levels and achieving nutritional goals.
A limitation of Trifecta is that you can’t mix and match meals from different plans. If you prefer a service offering more flexibility, Factor may be a better choice for those following the Zone diet.
You have the option to choose your own meals. As detailed in our tested Trifecta review, you can select meals yourself or opt for chef-chosen options. This flexibility is great for those who are particular about their meal choices or who prefer a variety within their Zone diet.
For macro-counting, the Meal Plan menu is ideal. If you prefer to tailor your macros precisely, Trifecta's Meal Plan menu allows you to select your protein, carbohydrate, and vegetable components. This customization is perfect for adhering strictly to the Zone diet's macronutrient ratios.
The Trifecta app offers tools and community support. It not only provides useful tools for tracking your diet and progress but also connects you with a community for additional support. This feature can be incredibly helpful for staying motivated and on track with your Zone diet goals.
Pricing starts at $13.79 per day. There’s a minimum order of 7 entrees per week. This structure makes it easier to budget for a week's worth of meals while ensuring that you have a consistent supply of Zone diet-friendly options.
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Our Rating | |||||||||
Our Rating | 9.8 | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.3 | 9.3 |
Best Offer | |||||||||
Best Offer | $103.41 | $9.99 Per Serving | $107.75 | $9.99 Per Serving | $6.59 Per Serving | $11.00 Per Serving | $9.64 Per Serving | $4.30 Per Serving | $13.79 Per Serving |
Minimum Order | |||||||||
Minimum Order | 6 prepared meals | 3 meals for 2 people | 2 meals for 2 people | 2 meals for 2 people | 10 prepared meals | 3 meal kits for 2 people/6 prepared meals | 6 meals for 4 days | 6 meals | 7 meals |
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Meal Types | Prepared meals | 10-45 minute meal kits | Meal kits, speedy kits, prepared meals | Kits, speedy kits, oven-ready | Prepared meals | Meal kits, prepared meals | Prepared meals, shelf-stable, and frozen food | Prepared meals | Prepared |
Prep Time | |||||||||
Prep Time | 2-3 min | 25-40 min | 5-50 min | 5-50 min | 2-3 min | 3-40 min | 0-3 min | 3 minutes | 0-3 min |
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I used these tips to determine the Best Zone Diet Meal Delivery service, ensuring they meet various needs and preferences.
Research thoroughly: Understanding the nutritional balance of Zone Diet meals is crucial. This diet emphasizes a specific ratio of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, aiming for hormonal balance and weight loss. I scoured customer reviews and ingredient lists to gauge the adherence to the Zone Diet principles. My research led me to recommend Factor, for its meticulously balanced meal options.
Check for customization options: Flexibility is key for maintaining long term commitment to a diet plan. The Zone Diet can vary based on individual health goals and dietary restrictions. I explored the customization options of various services. Green Chef stood out with its diverse menu and ability to cater to specific dietary needs while maintaining the Zone Diet framework.
Consider your budget: Budgeting is a critical aspect of selecting a meal delivery service. The Zone Diet can be expensive due to its specific nutritional requirements. By comparing prices and plans, I aimed to find a service that offers value without compromising quality. HelloFresh emerged as an affordable option, providing well-balanced Zone Diet meals at a reasonable cost.
Assess customer support options: Effective customer support enhances the meal delivery experience. This is especially important for those new to the Zone Diet who might have questions or require guidance. I tested support services for responsiveness and knowledgeability. Home Chef impressed me with its attentive customer support, ensuring a smooth and informative experience for Zone Diet followers.
Factor is 1 of the best meal delivery services for the Zone diet. It specializes in providing meals with a balanced ratio of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Factor offers a diverse menu with options that are nutritionally balanced, well-portioned, and convenient, especially for those new to the Zone diet.
Yes, you can lose weight on the Zone diet. It's designed to control blood sugar and reduce inflammation, leading to potential weight loss. The diet's balanced approach to nutrients encourages a steady release of energy, reducing cravings and overeating. Using a service like HelloFresh can help you achieve successful weight loss.
Green Chef is a top choice for clean eating meal delivery. Its commitment to organic, non-GMO ingredients aligns perfectly with the principles of clean eating. Green Chef offers a range of meal plans that include dishes suitable for the Zone diet, ensuring that you get meals free from processed foods and artificial additives.
Typically, the Zone diet includes 3 meals and 2 snacks per day. This meal frequency is designed to maintain stable blood sugar levels and continuous energy throughout the day. Meal delivery services like Home Chef can be especially useful, as it offers a variety of meal and snack options that fit the Zone diet's nutritional guidelines.