9 Best Meal Delivery Services for Athletes in 2024 

When your days are structured around workouts, it can be hard to find time to plan balanced meals, shop for groceries, and focus on meal prep. Thankfully there are plenty of modern-day meal kits out there that contain all the protein, fiber, and healthy fats you need to help you fuel and recover from your training sessions. 

To help you out, my colleagues and I have put many meal delivery services through their paces to pull together a list of the top 9 specifically for athletes. No more struggling to count macros and calories – these services do it for you! 

Factor is my top choice. Offering prepared dishes made from high-quality ingredients, this service takes care of all the prep work, so you can have lunch or dinner ready in minutes, whether you’re at your desk or just getting home from the gym. It also caters to diets such as keto and has plant-based options.

There’s something for every kind of athlete on this list – whatever your taste, budget, or preferences. 

The Best Meal Delivery Services for Athletes Reviewed

1. Factor – Best Prepared Meals for Athletes

Factor is a standout choice for athletes with targeted prepared meals. It offers diet-friendly, fuss-free meals that are perfect for those with a busy lifestyle, requiring minimal preparation time. Choices include meals with high protein and lower carbs. 

What’s on the Menu?

Factor's menu features a dynamic lineup of low-carb, keto-friendly dishes, with many options also focusing on low-calorie and high-protein content. This variety caters to a range of dietary preferences, and health and fitness goals.

The service also includes plant-based meals, like the Three Bean Vegan Chili with Cornbread Casserole and Tofu Crema or the Peanut Buddha Bowl. These dishes offer delicious ways to incorporate meat-free days into your week while still maintaining a high protein intake for sustaining energy and repairing muscle tissue.

What Makes It Special?

Factor stands out with its range of add-ons, including smoothies, cold-pressed juices, keto-friendly snacks, and high-protein breakfast options. These extras provide additional convenience and variety to your fitness-focused meal plan.

The service offers extra pre-cooked proteins like salmon and chicken filets, as well as no-cook picnic packs. These options vary weekly, adding to the flexibility and diversity of the meals you can choose from. We tested Factor and were impressed with the quality.

A unique aspect of Factor is the complimentary 20-minute session with an in-house nutrition coach upon sign-up. This session gives you the opportunity to tailor your meal plan according to your specific nutritional goals and training requirements, enhancing the personalized support essential for your performance and health.

Is It Good Value?

Factor's prices drop with larger orders. You can get 18 meals for just $103.41 on your first order using our link. While it’s one of the more expensive services, the premium ingredients, high-protein dishes, and convenience justify the cost for many.

The service’s focus on health, combined with the quality of its meals and the convenience it offers, makes Factor a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing nutritious, hassle-free dining options that support your training schedule.

2. Green Chef – Best for Keto Meal Kits

Green Chef’s specialty is organic meal kits. This service is dedicated to helping customers craft their own healthy meals with easy-to-follow recipes and high-quality, handpicked ingredients. It’s a great choice for athletes following a keto or high-protein diet. Learn more about it in our Green Chef review.

What’s on the Menu?

Green Chef's menu is rich in variety, featuring recipes inspired by global cuisines. Dishes like Peanut Chicken with Udon Noodles and Middle-Eastern Style Beef Bowls offer a culinary journey around the world. This diverse menu can help athletes enjoy a wide range of nutrients and flavors, keeping their diet nutritionally balanced and exciting, essential for long-term dietary adherence and satisfaction.

Each plan, including Keto, Plant-Based, and Mediterranean, caters to different dietary needs, ensuring there's something for everyone. The range of options means you can enjoy a diverse diet while adhering to your dietary preferences or unique nutritional requirements.

What Makes It Special?

Green Chef’s plans are designed as a guide to recommend meals that suit your lifestyle, but you always have access to the wider menu when placing your order. This flexibility gives you the ability to choose higher protein or calorie-dense options as needed to meet your specific training demands.

The quality of the dishes is a standout feature. Many recipes come with prepped ingredients like chopped veggies and ready-to-use seasonings, streamlining the cooking process. This level of preparation not only saves time but also allows athletes to focus more on their training and recovery.

Is It Good Value?

Servings from Green Chef start at $9.99 for the largest plan size, catering to up to 6 people. This pricing makes it a great option for larger households, offering a balance between quality and cost.

The service allows you to choose between 2, 3, or 4 recipes per week for 2, 4, or 6 people. This range of options provides flexibility in both the number of meals and the size of the servings, accommodating different budgets and household sizes.

3. Blue Apron – Best Wellness Plan for Athletes

Blue Apron is perfect for athletes who are short on time with meal kits and prepared meals. It further stands out with its Wellness plan, offering meals that are ideal for an athletic diet. These meals are not only nutritionally balanced but also cater to specific dietary needs, with a focus on veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Learn more in our tested Blue Apron review.

What’s on the Menu?

Blue Apron offers Meal kits and Prepared & Ready meals as well as an Add-Ons section. The menu caters to both omnivores and those preferring plant-based alternatives, with some customization of proteins available.

The menu draws inspiration from the Mediterranean diet, known for its abundance of fruits, vegetables, seafood, legumes, and nuts. This approach ensures meals are rich in unsaturated fats, like olive oil, and high in protein. This nutritional profile is especially beneficial for athletes, as it supports heart health, reduces inflammation, and provides essential nutrients for muscle repair and energy.

What Makes It Special?

Blue Apron's prepared meals are designed for convenience, requiring just a few minutes in the microwave. These are great for a quick and nutritious meal between training sessions. Most meal kits, on the other hand, take about 30 to 40 minutes to prepare.

The recipes provided by Blue Apron are incredibly user-friendly. Our reviewer tried Blue Apron and noted that the step-by-step instructions, complete with photos and follow-along videos via the Blue Apron app, make cooking simple and enjoyable. This straightforward approach can help reduce the stress and time commitment associated with meal preparation, so you can focus on your dietary needs without compromising your training schedule.

Is It Good Value?

Blue Apron's pricing starts at $4.00. Subscription options start at 2 meal kits for 2 people or 4 prepared meals per week. This competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for those seeking quality meals at an affordable rate.

You can choose from a range of plans, including 2, 3, 4, or 5 Meal Kits for either 2 or 4 people, or 4, 6, 8, or 10 Prepared & Ready meals per week. This flexibility allows individuals and families to select a plan that best fits their lifestyle and budget, ensuring value for every meal.

4. HelloFresh – Best Healthy Meals for Families

HelloFresh offers a large menu of family-friendly meals. With over 100 weekly recipes and market items, it caters well to the nutritional demands and varied palates of sports enthusiasts. This service provides a convenient way to plan diverse meals without the hassle of ingredient shopping, and we were very impressed when we tested HelloFresh.

What’s on the Menu?

Family-friendly choices are a hallmark of HelloFresh, with dishes designed to please even the pickiest eaters. Each dish is crafted to be both appealing and nourishing, with some allowing for customizations. For athletic families, this customization feature is particularly valuable, enabling them to tweak meals to increase protein content or calorie counts to support their active lifestyles and recovery needs.

For those with specific dietary needs, HelloFresh offers tailored plans. These include Meat & Veggies, Pescatarian, and Fit & Wholesome options. Each plan caters to different lifestyle and dietary preferences, from balanced meals to protein-rich dishes for active individuals.

What Makes It Special?

In addition to meal kits, HelloFresh’s online marketplace offers a variety of food items. Customers can purchase quick-cook lunches, breakfasts, sides, and additional proteins like steak and salmon. This selection allows athletes to conveniently supplement meal plans with extra protein and nutrient-rich options, ensuring the necessary fuel for optimal performance and recovery.

Accessibility to the full menu is a standout feature, regardless of the chosen plan. Whether it's Meat & Veggies, Pescatarian, or Fit & Wholesome, subscribers have full menu access. This includes a range of carb- and calorie-smart options, making it easy for athletes to select meals that best fit their specific dietary needs, such as higher protein or lower carbohydrate options.

Is It Good Value?

Larger meal boxes come at a higher overall cost but offer better per-serving rates, while smaller boxes cost more per serving. For instance, if you order 6 meals for 4 people, your first box costs $107.75 with our link.

This price point makes it an attractive choice for those seeking both quality and value. The affordability extends to various plan options, catering to different household sizes and preferences.

5. Home Chef – Best for Customizable Proteins

Home Chef caters to those seeking quick, familiar meals with a customizable touch. This service is ideal for individuals aiming to meet specific dietary goals with ease. Athletes will find this flexibility beneficial as it allows them to adjust meal components, such as increasing or switching protein options.

What’s on the Menu?

Home Chef's menu features a variety of meals, including carb- and calorie-conscious options. These meals contain less than 35 g of carbs and less than 625 calories per serving. This focus on specific nutritional content is especially useful for athletes who manage their energy intake meticulously to balance their rigorous training schedules and dietary needs.

Home Chef also provides a selection of extras, including smoothies, sides, snacks, and salads with pre-cooked proteins. Additionally, protein packs like ground turkey, chicken breast, salmon filets, and Italian sausages can be added to orders. These options are ideal for athletes looking to easily increase their protein intake.

What Makes It Special?

Home Chef's standout feature is the Customize-It option, which allows customers to adjust protein types and quantities. This flexibility makes it a convenient option for larger households or those looking for leftovers to meet weekly nutritional goals. Learn more in my our tested Home Chef review.

Home Chef's diverse range of meal options caters to different cooking times and skill levels. From quick microwaveable dishes to more elaborate meal kits, there is something for every schedule, making it a practical choice for athletes who need flexibility in meal preparation times to accommodate their training and competition schedules.

Is It Good Value?

Home Chef's pricing starts at $9.99 per serving, and meals are individually priced. The largest box size you can order is 6 meals for 6 people. This pricing structure offers value, especially for families or those seeking bulk meal options.

However, it's important to note that certain protein customizations can affect the overall cost. While these customizations provide flexibility and variety, they may lead to a higher price per serving, depending on the choices made.

6. BistroMD – Best Meal Plan for Weight Loss

BistroMD specializes in prepared meals for simple weight loss. If you're aiming to manage your calorie intake and are seeking a structured approach to your meals, BistroMD might be worth considering. It offers calorie-controlled dishes designed to take the guesswork out of meal planning so you can stick to your fitness schedule.

What's on the Menu?

BistroMD offers a variety of meal plans, all following either a 1,200 or 1,400 calories-per-day plan. It caters to both men and women, ensuring a balanced nutrition profile with approximately 40% lean protein, 30% complex carbohydrates, and 30% healthy fats. For athletes in weight management phases or who need precise calorie control, BistroMD’s structured meal plans provide an effective way to manage diet.

Program options include Keto-Flex, which is rich in meat, cheese, and eggs, as well as Heart Healthy, Vegan, Diabetic-Friendly, and Gluten-Free plans. The Gluten-Free option is tested to FDA standards and excludes wheat, rye, or barley.

Additionally, BistroMD provides a 100% Vegan meal plan, offering more protein than typical vegan meals while remaining carb-conscious.

What Makes It Special?

BistroMD sets itself apart by providing comprehensive meal plans covering all your daily dietary needs. It even offers the flexibility to include snacks like whey protein bars, nut mixes, and shakes, ensuring you can maintain your energy levels and receive adequate protein intake for muscle recovery and growth.

Its diverse menu features high-protein options like the Artichoke, Spinach, and Roasted Red Pepper Frittata, as well as Smoked Chipotle Pork and Eggs. Moreover, BistroMD offers the convenience of substituting dishes you may not prefer. You can find out more about the menu in our tested BistroMD review.

Beyond meals, subscribing to BistroMD grants you access to online tools and registered dietitians who can support you in achieving your fitness goals. If you're seeking a community-oriented space to stay on track with your fitness journey, BistroMD offers more than just meal delivery.

Is It Good Value?

BistroMD offers pricing starting at $6.59 per serving. You can choose between 5- or 7-day plans, with options for 2 or 3 meals per day, including snacks. However, it's important to note that the 2-meal-per-day plan doesn’t include breakfast.

Whether BistroMD is a good value depends on your specific dietary needs, budget, and preferences. If you value the convenience of pre-planned, calorie-controlled meals and access to registered dietitians, the cost may very well be justified!

7. Eat Clean – Best for Healthy Fast Food

Eat Clean offers prepared meals, ideal for athletes looking for nutritious meals. Its menu features a range of organic ingredients and premium proteins, tailored to fit various dietary preferences. Find out more about it in our Eat Clean review.

What’s on the Menu?

Eat Clean’s menu boasts a wide range of cuisine types, including globally inspired dishes. Each meal is crafted to be balanced and nutritious, focusing on health and taste. Options like Ground Turkey Italian Bolognese and 12-Hour Pulled Pork with Plantain Mash exemplify the menu's diversity.

The service caters to several dietary needs, offering keto, paleo, and vegan-friendly options. The Traditional menu is the largest and features over 15 entrees weekly, providing ample choice. These meals are designed to suit different taste preferences while maintaining nutritional balance.

What Makes It Special?

Eat Clean stands out by offering meals that are ready-to-eat or heat-and-eat. The meals are delivered fresh, with options for microwave and oven cooking. This convenience is perfect for fitness enthusiasts or athletes who need quick, nutritious meal options due to their busy training schedules.

One unique aspect of Eat Clean is the absence of add-ons or customizations, such as extra proteins or snacks. However, it offers an upgrade to larger portions for an additional cost. This feature is particularly appealing to athletes or those with larger appetites.

Is It Good Value?

Eat Clean's pricing begins at $4.30 per serving, positioning it as a budget-friendly option in the meal delivery market. This pricing makes it accessible to a wide range of customers, particularly those mindful of their food budget.

The service offers a range of ordering options, from 6 to 20 meals per week. The value increases with larger box sizes, providing cost-effectiveness for regular customers. This structure benefits those looking to order meals in bulk. 

8. Trifecta – Best High-Protein Prepared Meals

Trifecta specializes in dietitian-approved meal plans for athletes. It offers a range of options, including Clean, Whole30 Approved, Keto, Paleo, and Plant Based, each designed to help you meet your fitness and nutrition goals. Find out more in our tested Trifecta review.

What’s on the Menu?

Trifecta’s menu caters to strict diets with specific plans like Clean, Whole30 Approved, Keto, Paleo, and Plant Based. These plans are fixed to ensure adherence to dietary guidelines, offering meals with the right balance of macros. Each plan is distinct, serving the unique nutritional needs of different lifestyles and training schedules.

The meals feature high-quality, organic ingredients, with many being gluten-free. Trifecta allows the exclusion of a disliked ingredient from a predefined list. This customization allows you to customize meals for dietary needs and performance goals.

What Makes It Special?

Trifecta emphasizes high-protein dishes in all its plans. Breakfast options like Sausage and Egg Scramble with Sweet Potatoes and lunch/dinner choices like Korean Beef Bulgogi are typical.

More than just a meal delivery service, Trifecta provides a supportive community. This community focuses on nutrition education and fitness, enhancing the overall experience. Subscribers receive personalized plans and can use the Trifecta app for tracking progress and accessing resources.

The Trifecta app is a key feature, offering tools to track progress and engage with a supportive community. It includes articles, challenges, and peer support, adding value to the meal service. This approach helps subscribers stay motivated and informed on their health and fitness journey.

Is It Good Value?

Pricing for Trifecta starts at $13.79 per serving, with options to order 5, 7, 10, or 14 entrees per week. The pricing is competitive, considering the quality and specificity of the meal plans. This affordability makes it accessible to a broad range of customers.

The service also offers the option to add a daily breakfast, allowing for comprehensive meal coverage throughout the week. This flexibility in ordering, combined with the quality of the meals, makes Trifecta a value-for-money choice for those seeking a tailored meal plan.

9. Purple Carrot – A Great Choice for Vegan Athletes

Purple Carrot stands out as an excellent choice for vegan athletes, offering meals that are both delicious and nutrient-rich. The service specializes in high-end plant-based meal kits and prepared meals. Each meal is packed with essential nutrients, antioxidants, and minerals for optimal athletic performance for vegans.

What’s on the Menu?

High-protein meals are a key part of the Purple Carrot menu, with each dish boasting over 25 grams of protein. For example, the Mango-Glazed Brussels and Chickpeas meal provides 31 g of protein and 23 g of healthy plant-based fats. These meals are designed to aid in recovery and muscle growth while also supplying ample energy for rigorous workouts.

In addition to their regular meal kits, Purple Carrot offers Less Prep meals for busy days. These meals come with premade sauces and pre-chopped vegetables, saving time and effort. For those with very limited time or hectic training schedules, Purple Carrot also provides prepared meals that only require heating before eating.

What Makes It Special?

Purple Carrot prioritizes putting vegetables at the forefront of its dishes rather than relying on processed meat substitutes. This approach ensures that meals are fresh, nutrient-dense, and focused on natural ingredients. It's a healthy alternative for those looking to eat clean and support fitness goals.

The service is not just for vegans; it's an excellent option for anyone wanting to incorporate more plant-based nutrition into their diet. Purple Carrot's meals have been enjoyed by omnivores and vegans. Find out what we thought of the meals in our tested review.

Is It Good Value?

Pricing for Purple Carrot starts at $11.00 per serving, with a minimum order of 3 meal kits, each containing 2 servings. This pricing structure positions Purple Carrot as a reasonably priced option for high-quality vegan meals.

The service also offers prepared meals in bundles of 6, 8, or 10, catering to different needs and schedules. This flexibility, combined with the quality and variety of the meals, makes Purple Carrot a good choice for those seeking convenient, nutritious vegan meals.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Meal Delivery Services for Athletes

If you’re not sure what to look for when choosing an athlete-approved meal delivery service, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Make sure you’re getting enough calories: Athletes burn more calories, so they need a higher-than-average calorie count. All of the services on my list clearly list the calories in each meal, so you can stay on track. In order to keep your body fueled, choose a service that offers larger portions, like Eat Clean, or a service that allows you to add extras to each meal. For example, Home Chef’s Customize It feature lets you double the protein for certain meals. 

• Ensure that you are consuming the correct macronutrients: Athletes require a different proportion of carbohydrates, protein, and fats compared to an average individual, particularly if you're adhering to a diet such as keto. Fitness-oriented services such as Trifecta can perform these calculations and balance each meal for you.
  

• Choose the right level of convenience: How much time do you have between workouts or training? If you don’t have time to cook, try some prepared meals like those from Factor. They just need a few minutes in the microwave. However, if you like to spend time in the kitchen, try a meal kit service like HelloFresh. Another benefit of meal kits is that you can order a larger size (for 2, 4, or 6 people) and batch-cook meals for when your schedule is busier. 

• Consider other dietary preferences: Beyond your nutritional needs, you might have health goals or allergies to consider. Green Chef stands out for its flexibility, offering Plant-Based, Gluten-Free, and Keto plans. 
  

• Look for extras to support your athletic lifestyle: Services with add-on menus can help support your fitness journey. Staying hydrated is important for athletes who sweat a lot, so as well as drinking water, consider adding extra smoothies to your order from a service like Factor. If you’re looking to bulk up, you’ll want a service where you can add extra food to your weekly order (Green Chef offers plenty of meat and fish add-ons).
  

FAQ

What is a good meal plan for an athlete?

Factor came top of my list as the best meal delivery service for athletes. As a service that delivers fresh, balanced, ready-made meals to your door each week, it works well for anyone with a busy schedule and active lifestyle. It caters to a number of dietary needs, including keto, plant-based, and high-protein diets.  

What is the healthiest premade meal delivery service?

Factor is my top pick for athletes who want super speedy and healthy prepared meals. It caters to a number of health-focused diets, like keto, and all the meals are dietitian-approved. Extra nutrition coaching is also available for an extra fee.  

What is the best vegan meal delivery service for athletes?

Green Chef has an excellent selection of vegan meals for athletes. Its Plant Based menu has vegetarian and vegan meal kits that are healthy and high in protein, and you can find gluten-free and low-calorie options, too.

Is there a healthy version of HelloFresh?

Green Chef is a premium meal delivery service owned by HelloFresh and it ranked highly on my list for athletes. It features high-quality, organic ingredients and caters to several health diets like keto, vegan, and high protein. HelloFresh still ranked highly on my list, though. Its Protein Packed category in particular is designed to support fitness goals.  

What are the potential health benefits of using a meal delivery service for athletes?

Meal delivery services for athletes are designed to provide nutritionally balanced, protein-rich, and portion-controlled meals that will support their training and recovery. Services like Green Chef can also help athletes support their active lifestyle while catering to specific dietary needs or preferences, like gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or low-carb.

How much do meal delivery services for athletes cost?

On average, you can expect to pay between $8 to $20 per meal, although the exact cost will depend on the type of service and diet plan. In general, meal delivery services specifically designed for athletes can be more expensive due to larger portions and premium ingredients. Most services offer better value for larger orders, and all of the services on my list offer discounts for new customers.

Best Meal Delivery Services for Athletes in 2024 — Final Score