Are you considering signing up for a diet-focused meal delivery service? Meal delivery services like BistroMD take the guesswork out of healthy eating. Plus, it saves you time counting macros and going grocery shopping for healthy ingredients.
While BistroMD is a premium choice with many diet programs, there are a few more lined up for you to consider as BistroMD’s alternatives. All are fuss-free, nutrition-focused meal delivery services worth subscribing to.
Keep reading if you’d like to find out what those alternatives are and how they compare to BistroMD.
What Is BistroMD?
BistroMD meals favor a diet-focused weight loss program, most convenient for people who want to lose weight but do not have the time to cook nutritious diet meals. It’s a subscription-based meal delivery service that focuses on dietician- and nutritionist-approved meals.
They have several diet programs besides weight loss such as heart-healthy, gluten-free, keto, diabetes, menopause, and specialized programs for men and women. BistroMD allows you to compare these health plans to find the one that’s better suited to your dietary needs.
The meal plans are divided into two main categories: the full program and lunches & dinners. Plus, you get to select from a fixed number of days, either a 7-day or 5-day meal plan. The meals take less than 5 minutes to heat and eat.
The menu consists of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, so it’s varied and customizable once you’ve selected a meal program that’s right for you.
The meals are packed using diverse packaging materials such as cotton, fiber, plastic, and cardboard. The insulation and wrappings, including the large cardboard box, are recyclable and easy to unpack.
How Much Does BistroMD Cost?
BistroMD offers several different meal programs so you can explore your meal options before you invest in their meal delivery service.
You can easily compare different meal programs before signing up and placing an order. All the necessary details about each meal program are available to you, along with how many meals you’ll receive every week.
They offer tons of exciting subscription options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
You can pick the full program if you want BistroMD to send you not only lunch and dinner but breakfast for 5 or 7 days a week. The cost per serving for this program is less – between $11 and $13 per serving.
Alternatively, the Lunch and Dinner program features healthy and delicious lunch and dinner meals for 5 or 7 days per week. The cost per serving for this program is higher than the full program – between $13 and $15 per meal.
First-timers, that is, new customers, are eligible for free shipping and have 40% off on the first order. This brings the per-serving cost to an even lower rate, ideal for people on the lookout for a weight-loss-friendly meal delivery service.
BistroMD charges a shipping fee of up to $20 per delivery after the first order. Plus, if you want to add snacks to your menu, each snack item costs extra. The $20 shipping fee is a problem for most people because it is twice as much as the typical shipping fee of most meal delivery services.
BistroMD Pros
- Satisfying portion sizes.
- Meals contain fewer carbs and no trans fats for weight loss goals.
- Higher content of lean proteins in each meal.
- It supports gluten-free and keto diets.
- More than 150 different recipes.
- Meal programs for regulating blood sugar, menopause, and diabetes.
- Packaging is well-insulated with recyclable plastics.
- You can pause your subscription at any time.
BistroMD Cons
- Not suited for people with several allergies.
- Very calorie-restrictive.
- The shipping fee is too expensive.
- None of the ingredients is organic.
- Not vegan- or vegetarian-friendly.
BistroMD Meal Options
The wide variety of BistroMD’s meal plans and programs may confuse or overwhelm some people. But before we take a step further to list down all benefits of the diet-focused meal plans, it’s worth mentioning that unlike many meal delivery services, BistroMD packs frozen meals.
This means that the meals are freshly cooked and immediately flash-frozen to preserve the natural texture and flavor of the meals. Freshly prepared meals frozen in this way come without any preservatives. This also makes it easier and healthier to eat meals one at a time.
Here are the different meal programs on BistroMD’s menu.
This diet caters to women’s nutritional needs that benefit weight loss and appetite control. The diet includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and healthy snacks.
For women, the Women’s Weight Loss program is an effective strategy for weight loss and weight management. The nutrition palate boasts more proteins, lean calories, healthy fats, and balanced carbs. The meals are also high in other essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, etc.
It’s a scientific fact that weight loss diets for men look slightly different than for women. This meal program includes a wide variety of meals, ease of ordering, and better dietician-approved meals that curb unhealthy food cravings, boost metabolism, and provide stamina for an active lifestyle.
The meals delivered in this program adhere to the US Dietary Guidelines and the American Heart Association. The meals are prepared without any trans fats, MSG, and preservatives. The nutrition breakdown of heart-healthy meals includes less than 600mg of sodium and 3.5 grams of saturated fat in a single meal.
Whether it’s due to a gluten allergy or intolerance, if gluten is not part of your diet, you can opt for the gluten-free program of BistroMD. The meals are prepared without wheat, rye, or barley, and you have over 100 different gluten-free meals to choose from.
However, it must be said that BistroMD is not a certified gluten-free meal delivery service. The company’s USDA-certified kitchen ensures that none of the meals contains gluten, so it’s fit for people with celiac diseases and gluten-related disorders.
Keto means low carb and high fats. It boosts the body’s ketosis, which means your body is burning fat instead of carbohydrates for fuel, resulting in weight loss. The meals contain less than 500mg sodium and are packed with proteins, 25–30g per meal.
A diet for diabetes is very carb-conscious and more protein-packed and fiber-rich. The meals are very satisfying and filling with complex carbs and a minimum of 30g of proteins per meal. The meals are also prepared without any trans fats, preservatives, or additives.
A menopause diet for women includes foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, one providing the body with sufficient calories and fiber that aid digestion. The key components of BistroMD’s menopause-friendly program include fewer than 25g carbs, no trans fats, more lean proteins, and controlled complex carbohydrates.
BistroMD Alternative #1 – Fresh N Lean
Similar to BistroMD, Fresh N Lean’s meals are focused on promoting healthy eating habits. They offer diverse meal plans tailored to keto, paleo, organic, and plant-based diets. It’s a subscription-based meal delivery service that delivers precooked meals in vacuum-sealed containers. Most of their meals contain organic ingredients.
Upon signing up, you get to select any one of seven meal plans on their menu:
- Protein Plus
- Keto
- Paleo
- Vegan
- Whole30
- Mediterranean
- Low-Carb
- Vegan
Each meal plan consists of a nutrition breakdown, providing you with all the macronutrient values of each meal.
You can then proceed by selecting the number of days per week you want the meals to be delivered and the number of meals per day. The menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals exclusively.
Fresh N Lean has a customizable feature for you to choose from a la carte bulk meals with a variety of items including meat, premium proteins, and organic vegetables. This includes breakfast, snacks, entrée, proteins, and side dishes. If you want to customize your meal plan from scratch, the a la carte meal plan is better suited for you.
Since the meals are already cooked, they are stored in durable single-serve containers and wrapped with insulation and ice packs. You can refrigerate the meals and eat them within 10 days. You can also freeze them for up to 8 weeks without compromising the taste and nutrients.
Fresh N Lean Pricing
The price you pay for Fresh N Lean’s meals depends on the meal plan and frequency of meals you choose. Different plans have different prices, and it varies according to the number of meals per week you select.
You can schedule your meal plans every week, bi-weekly, or monthly. And you can select anywhere from one to three meals per day. The price per serving reduces as you increase the total quantity of meals per week.
Each diet category consists of breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals. And the cost alters depending on the number of meals you select for 5 or 7 days at a time.
What you need to know, however, is that the starting price of Fresh N Lean’s meals is $8 per serving. And it goes up to $15.5 per serving for select diet plans with premium ingredients like a keto or paleo diet. Vegetarian meals are a lot more affordable than meals with high-quality meats like antibiotic-free chicken, seafood, and grass-fed red meat.
Shipping is free, which means you do not have to pay any hidden charges during checkout.
Fresh N Lean Pros
- Superior ingredient quality with organic produce.
- It is certified gluten-free.
- Vegan and vegetarian options are included.
- It prioritizes healthy eating with portion control.
- Supportive of strict diets like keto, paleo, low-carb, Mediterranean, and high-protein.
- Shipping is free.
- The meals heat up fairly quickly and easily.
- Packaging is minimal and organized.
- Bulk meal plan for customized meals.
Fresh N Lean Cons
- Some of the meal plans are on the expensive side.
- You cannot pick the delivery day.
- Not the ideal choice for families.
Fresh N Lean Meal Options
Fresh N Lean offers all diet-specific meal plans including Protein Plus, Keto, Paleo, Vegan, Whole30, Mediterranean, and Low-Carb Vegan. While not specifically tailored for certain conditions like diabetes, some of their meals fit into most diet plans thanks to the macros breakdown of each meal plan.
Fresh N Lean is partially allergy-friendly as it allows you to eliminate up to three allergens from the menu during signing up. People suffering from celiac disease or severe gluten allergy will be pleased to know that Fresh N Lean is a 100% gluten-free meal delivery service. And all their meals are cooked and packed in a gluten-free facility.
The portion size of Fresh N Lean’s premade meals is satisfying and delicious. Because it’s focused on a diet-heavy lifestyle, their meals also encourage portion control and appetite regulation to stop unhealthy food cravings:
- Protein+: Consists of meals with36g protein, 43g carbs, 16g fat, and less than 500 calories per serving
- Keto: Consists of meals with 30g protein, 10g carbs, 31g fat, and less than 500 calories per serving
- Paleo: Consists of meals with 33g protein, 30g carbs, 19g fat, and 400 calories per serving
- Vegan: Consists of meals with 19g protein, 49g carbs, 14g fat, and less than 450 calories per serving
- Low-Carb Vegan: Consists of meals with 12.5g protein, 11g carbs, 33g fat, and less than 300 calories per serving
The menu across all diet plans is designed by nutritionists to ensure better taste and quality of ingredients. The meal variety is diverse and includes plenty of organic ingredients, paired with seasonal and global recipes.
BistroMD Alternative #2 – CookUnity
CookUnity offers precooked meals that are cooked and prepared closer to your area by chefs. Their chef-curated menu is divided into 4 different areas in the United States including the East Coast, West Coast, Texas, and the Midwest.
It’s a pretty straightforward meal delivery service. All you have to do is select from the meals available to you, and CookUnity delivers them to your doorstep within several days. It’s subscription-based, which means you can order as many meals as you want.
Unfortunately, CookUnity does not feature a la carte proteins. But they do feature extras like sweet treats that are healthy, quick breakfasts and nutrient-packed drinks and juices.
The fun part about their service is that you have plenty of dietary filters to pick from. You can filter the menu by ingredients, restrictions, or diets. The meals are backed by not only nutrition information but also customer reviews and ratings.
Even though CookUnity’s menu varies based on where you live, its packaging is pretty solid and foolproof. The meals are packed in single-serve containers that are microwave-friendly. The plastic is recyclable as are the rest of the packaging materials including the cardboard box, plastic film seal, and paper-based sleeve.
CookUnity Pricing
There’s no doubt that CookUnity will transform the way you eat healthy meals every day. And it doesn’t cost you a fortune either considering the way the meals are cooked and delivered. Their meals are conveniently priced if you set aside a comfortable budget for wholesome and delicious meals that you don’t have to cook yourself.
The starting price of CookUnity’s meals is $10.5 onward. While it’s relatively more than what you would normally pay for conventional meal kits and premade meals, CookUnity is worth the price.
CookUnity functions as a community of expertly trained chefs and dieticians who understand the science behind healthy eating. You can expect tons of versatile meal options in the weekly menu, plus nutritional information, dietary information, and lots more.
You can select any number of meals – 4, 6, 8, 12, or 16. There’s no limit to the number of orders you can place and how many times in a month. You can order weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending upon your convenience.
Keep in mind that CookUnity has different menus for different locations in the United States. Enter your ZIP code to see what options are available to you.
| Number of meals | Price |
| 4 | $13.49 per serving |
| 6 | $11.99 per serving |
| 8 | $11.49 per serving |
| 12 | $10.99 per serving |
| 16 | $10.49 per serving |
CookUnity Pros
- Balanced nutrition with tons of customizations.
- Flavorful and seasonal ingredients that are appetizing.
- Delicious add-ons like sweet treats, drinks, and breakfasts.
- Packaging is eco-friendly with cooking instructions on every label.
- Beginner-friendly and adjustable delivery days.
- Best for worldly cuisines that are restaurant-inspired.
CookUnity Cons
- Does not deliver to all locations.
- Some meals have a smaller portion size.
- Not allergy-friendly.
CookUnity Meal Options
CookUnity offers a user-friendly system of selecting meals that not only vary by diet but also by ingredients. You can take a look at all their filters and choose the ones that suit your food preferences.
You can filter meals by the following options:
- Main Ingredient: Seafood, Vegetarian, Meat, Poultry, or Vegan
- Restrictions: Less than 600 Calories, Low Carbs, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Low Sodium
- Diets: Keto or Paleo
Nutrition information and an ingredient list are included for each meal dish, as well as what to expect and do once the meals are delivered to your home.
The palate of CookUnity’s meals is balanced, nutritious, and delicious. Chef-curated recipes not only encourage healthy eating but make every meal as delicious and wholesome as possible. So, you’ll never find repetitive meals every week.
They have a wide range of vegan and vegetarian meal options, prioritizing protein over carbs for supporting an active lifestyle.
BistroMD Alternative #3 – Sunbasket
On Sunbasket, you choose between Meal Kits and Fresh & Ready meals. After that, you select the diet plan you’re following or prefer, such as the following:
- Paleo
- Soy-Free
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
- Vegan
- Diabetes-Friendly
- < 600 Calories
In addition, there are more dietary preferences (e.g., high protein, low sodium, etc.). You can eliminate ingredients like shellfish, beef, grains, dairy, and other such allergy-triggering options. Then you choose how many servings per meal kit you want to add – 2 or 4 – and how many meals per week – 2, 3, 4, or 5.
The Fresh & Ready meals, needless to say, are single-serving.
Sunbasket is big on nutritionally balanced meals that are perfect for those dealing with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Professional, certified dieticians review the meals, plus Sunbasket has an entire health and nutrition team of its own.
With Sunbasket, you don’t have to be in the dark about the sourcing process/standards either. They tell you all about it on their Values and Farms & Sourcing pages. Fresh ingredients, various texture profiles, and great-smelling food sum up the whole experience of Sunbasket.
It’s one of the most popular meal delivery services for anyone who prefers healthy but not boring meals. Organic produce and lean meats take center stage, which works perfectly for most people. Also, part of the Sunbasket menu are popular diets such as keto, paleo, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, high protein, pescatarian, Mediterranean, etc.
Sunbasket Pricing
Meal kits for 2 people:
- 2 meal kits, 2 servings each = $13.99 per serving
- 3 meal kits, 2 servings each = $11.99 per serving
- 4 meal kits, 2 servings each = $10.99 per serving
Meal kits for 4 people:
- 2 meal kits, 4 servings each = $10.99 per serving
- 3 meal kits, 4 servings each = $10.99 per serving
- 4 meal kits, 4 servings each = $10.99 per serving
Fresh & Ready meals (single serving only):
| Meals per week | Cost per serving |
| 4 meals | $11.99 |
| 5 meals | $11.99 |
| 6 meals | $9.99 |
| 7 meals | $9.99 |
| 8 meals | $8.99 |
What about Sunbasket shipping? It’s $7.99 for every order.
Also, first-time customers receive a flat $90 discount + free shipping + bonus gifts that can be used for the first four orders.
Sunbasket Pros
- Very affordable meal delivery for traditional and plant-based meals.
- Fresh, organic produce.
- Good for diets like paleo, keto, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, etc.
- Groceries and add-ons are also available.
- Eco-friendly packaging and sourcing.
Sunbasket Cons
- Serving sizes are small.
- Not the most flavorful meals.
- A few of the menu items are a bit pricey.
Sunbasket Meal Options
Every week, the Sunbasket menu changes and that means lots of variety. Each week’s menu has about 15–17 options (not bad for sure). These meals can be labeled as comfort food, except for 1–2 items maybe. What adds even more credibility is that Sunbasket’s ingredients are 99% certified organic.
Unique, creative recipes are just as easily found on the menu as familiar flavors and foods. Sunbasket takes international cuisine and puts a healthy spin on it, for instance,Seven-Spice Turkey Patties with Beet Salad and Spicy Green Harissa, or if you’re vegan, then Pad Thai with Rice Noodles, Bell Pepper, and Cashews.
The menu also has a good number of keto-friendly, protein plus, and gluten-free meals that consist of lots of veggies, side salads, and slaws.
Apart from conventional meal kits, the Sunbasket menu also has oven-ready dishes, for example, Asian-Style Steak with Tamari Sauce, Broccoli, and Cauliflower Rice. And for veggie lovers, there’s this Creole Barley Veggie Bowl with Corn and Spicy Red Pepper Sauce. For gluten-free, dairy-free, and high protein is this Peruvian Fried Rice with Duck Confit, Poblano, and Pineapple.
The top priority here is to serve health-promoting, nutrient-dense meals that contain whole foods, lean proteins, and fresh, organic ingredients.
BistroMD Alternative #4 – Blue Apron
Enter your email ID and then select your meal plan on Blue Apron:
- Chef Favorites: Top picks from the Blue Apron kitchen
- Wellness: Recipes approved by nutritionists
- Family Friendly: Larger serving sizes of kid-friendly meals
- Fast & Easy: Heat & Eat and Quick Prep options to save time and effort
- Veggies: Only plant-based meals for vegetarians and vegans
2 or 4 people meals and 2, 3, or 4 meals per week – those are the options you get. Dietary preferences can also be accommodated, which means that if you’re on a special diet (such as weight loss, vegetarian, etc.), you can still go ahead with Blue Apron as your subscription-based meal delivery service.
The only disadvantage here is that the 4 portion sizes do not accommodate specific dietary preferences, but that particular plan is comparatively cheaper.
As for the Blue Apron menu, it is divided into several categories:
- Signature
- Vegetarian
- Wellness
- Signature for Four
- Add-Ons
Only the “Signature for Four” menu consists of 4 servings or family-size servings per meal. The rest offer 2 servings per meal.
The most likable trait of Blue Apron, hands down, is that it lets you customize your meals. You can opt for other protein sources and add extras like Almond Cornbread Cake, Everything Bagel & Cheddar Scones, etc. Specialty items are also available, and you’re able to switch from one meal plan to another.
Blue Apron is so popular because it’s an excellent option not just for couples but for families too.
Blue Apron Pricing
| Meals per week | Signature (2 servings) | Vegetarian (2 servings) | Wellness (2 servings) | Signature for Four (4 servings) |
| 2 meals | $9.99 per serving | $9.99 per serving | $9.99 per serving | $8.99 per serving |
| 3 meals | $8.99 per serving | $8.99 per serving | $8.99 per serving | $7.99 per serving |
| 4 meals | $8.99 per serving | – | – | $7.49 per serving |
Shipping is not free, so you have to pay separate $9.99 for it, and it doesn’t matter which meal plan you’re selecting.
Blue Apron Pros
- The menu features world cuisine and comfort food.
- Super Bowl spread and wine pairings are also included.
- Sustainably sourced seafood and GMO-free ingredients.
- Works for vegetarians and meat lovers.
- Very affordable for 4-serving meal plans.
Blue Apron Cons
- Plastic is excessively used for packaging.
- Severe food allergies are not accommodated.
Blue Apron Meal Options
Just make sure you’re choosing your meal plan at the beginning, and leave the rest to Blue Apron. They will present you with sufficient and suitable meal options based on your diet preferences. The menu has all kinds of flavors and ingredients that are sure to be appreciated by the taste buds of the fussiest of eaters.
Blue Apron will have you cooking different types of recipes:
- Pineapple-BBQ Pork Chops
- Sweet & Spicy Chicken
- Couscous-Stuffed Poblano Peppers
- Lemon-Parsley Salmon
- Whole Grain Pesto Pasta
You can modify the meals depending on what you like and dislike. This includes swapping proteins, starch, and more.
There are breakfast recipes as well on the Blue Apron menu:
- PB&J Stuffed French Toast
- Morning Glory Muffins
- Scrambled Eggs & Cheese Quesadillas
Around 15–16 items in total on every week’s menu is what you get. And these are both vegetarian and nonvegetarian recipes, along with lunches, dinners, breakfasts, desserts, snacks, and more. For that very reason, Blue Apron seems like the best choice for omnivores (couples and families).
Why You Should Choose a Service Like BistroMD
1. For Calorie Reduction
On a weight loss diet, you consume fewer calories, though not very restrictive, to burn fat faster as fuel for keeping up with your daily activities and workout regime.
2. For Increased Protein Intake
The majority of calories you consume on a weight loss diet comes from lean proteins. This also boosts your protein intake up to 20g–30g per meal. Lean proteins also keep you full for longer and help in appetite regulation.
3. Increased Fiber Intake
Similarly, a fiber-rich diet improves digestion, reduces overall calorie intake, and curbs unhealthy food cravings by incorporating more fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
4. For No Processed or High-Sugar Foods
Processed foods contain the highest number of unhealthy calories and trans fats. They are also high in sodium, which contributes to higher blood sugar levels and weight gain. By switching processed and high-sugar foods with whole foods, you can eliminate the consumption of preservatives, excess sodium, trans fats, and additives.
5. For Eating Regularly Throughout the Day
Weight loss is not about eating fewer meals in the day, but it’s about eating a balanced combination of meals to avoid overeating and help manage hunger. With BistroMD, you can opt for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and healthy snacks that’ll keep you full all day long and eliminate the need for salty, sugary, and high-calorie foods.
Why Pick Alternatives Over BistroMD?
For Counting Macros: Fresh N Lean is a superb alternative for BistroMD if what you want is a strict and nutrition-focused meal plan. Each diet category on Fresh N Lean’s menu comes backed with accurate nutrition values for calories, proteins, fat, carbs, and sodium.
You can also customize meals by ingredients if you want to make your meal plan from scratch, which includes selecting proteins, carbs, and vegetables. Fresh N Lean does all the cooking for you – all you have to do is select your portions.
For Chef-Curated Recipes: CookUnity is a location-based meal delivery service with many dietary and ingredient customizations. The fun part about their service, in comparison to BistroMD, is that they offer chef-designed recipes only – no repetitive dishes, bland flavors, or conventional ingredients.
For Diet-Friendliness: Sunbasket has a menu with filters that allow you to narrow down your meal options depending on your dietary preferences and/or restrictions. You can sort dinners using these filters – paleo, diabetes-friendly, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and more.
For Family-Friendly Meals: Blue Apron has a separate meal plan altogether dedicated to family-friendly (that means kid-friendly) recipes. On the menu, these meals are marked/tagged “Family Friendly” so you know which ones to choose to feed even picky eaters.
Final Verdict
The number one reason to choose a service like BistroMD is weight loss. BistroMD plans and prepares meals to ensure that you meet your daily calorie requirements and nutrient goals.
But if you have more on your radar than just weight loss, BistroMD’s alternatives are worth checking out. They support varied diets like keto, paleo, high protein, organic, vegan, Mediterranean, low carb, and many more.
All these alternatives serve ready-made meals crafted by nutritionists, chefs, and dieticians for maximum nutrition and flavor – without compromising on the quality of ingredients and their shelf life.
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