Meal subscription services are now becoming the go-to option for many people living in America. These meals contain highly nutritious ingredients that taste utterly delicious, and the Freshly vs BistroMD argument has been going around for quite a time now.

Because of weekly meal deliveries, you eat healthy food without having to spend any more time in the kitchen than needed. Also, you don’t have to be an expert or professional chef either!

The trick, however, lies in finding the best meal delivery service -one that’s affordable as well as one that uses wholesome, fresh ingredients. Most importantly, these meals should be tasty no matter your choice of diet plan. Be it paleo, keto, gluten-free, low-carb, etc., the meal plans ought to be exciting in order to make your mealtime a thing you look forward to in the day.

Now, let’s talk about the most controversial comparison of Freshly and BistroMD. Freshly offers quite a diverse and extensive range of chef-made, well-balanced, healthy meals. On the other hand, BistroMD has its weight loss-focused meals that are equally variety-driven and well-rounded.

However, it’s pretty clear that the former is the best healthy meal subscription service. As for the latter, it’s the perfect choice for some of the most common dietary needs/demands, for example, promoting weight loss, weight management, heart health, diabetes control, and even dealing with menopause.

In this article, or should I say, a comparison showdown, we will go through Freshly and BistroMD’s capabilities of supporting your fitness goals, as well as helping you choose what’s the best for you. Let’s start!

(Read our complete Freshly review here)

(Read our complete BistroMD review here)

Why Choose Prepared Meal Subscription Services Like Freshly and BistroMD?

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to plan and cook healthy meals can feel like an impossible task. That’s where prepared meal subscription services come to the rescue, offering a convenient solution to your dining dilemmas. Among the top contenders in this growing industry are Freshly and BistroMD.

Effortless Convenience

Picture this: You arrive home after a long day at work, feeling tired and hungry. Instead of spending precious time chopping vegetables and slaving over a hot stove, imagine having a gourmet meal ready in minutes. That’s the convenience Freshly and BistroMD bring to your table.

With these services, you can bid farewell to tedious meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking. Their fully prepared meals are delivered straight to your doorstep, saving you time and energy. Simply heat them up, and you’re ready to indulge in a hassle-free dining experience.

High-Quality Ingredients

When it comes to food, quality matters. Both Freshly and BistroMD understand the significance of using top-notch ingredients. Freshly takes pride in sourcing natural, whole ingredients, avoiding artificial additives, preservatives, and added sugars.

Their talented chefs work their culinary magic to create meals that are not only healthy but also bursting with flavor. BistroMD goes the extra mile by collaborating with registered dietitians to ensure that their meals are not just delicious, but also nutritionally balanced. You can trust that these services prioritize your well-being by providing meals made from the best ingredients available.

A World of Culinary Delights

One of the highlights of opting for a prepared meal subscription service is the variety they offer. Freshly boasts a rotating menu with over 30 options, catering to diverse palates and dietary preferences. Whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or need low-carb alternatives, Freshly has a delectable meal waiting for you.

BistroMD elevates the dining experience further by offering customizable meal plans tailored to your specific dietary needs and goals. They believe that healthy eating should never be boring, and their extensive menu reflects this philosophy. With Freshly and BistroMD, you can embark on a culinary journey without leaving your home.

Nutritional Well-being

Eating well is not just about satisfying your taste buds; it’s about nourishing your body. Freshly and BistroMD are committed to providing meals that are both delicious and nutritious. Freshly meals are portion-controlled, ensuring you get the right balance of nutrients without the hassle of counting calories or measuring servings.

BistroMD takes a scientific approach to nutrition, focusing on meals that support weight loss, enhance overall health, and manage chronic conditions. Whether you’re looking to shed a few pounds or simply maintain a healthy lifestyle, these services have your nutritional well-being in mind.

Flexibility and Value

When it comes to pricing and flexibility, Freshly and BistroMD have options to suit different needs. Freshly offers affordable per-serving costs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Their subscription plans also allow you to customize the number of meals per week according to your schedule. BistroMD may have a slightly higher price point, but it comes with added value.

With personalized meal plans and access to dietitians for guidance and support, BistroMD offers a comprehensive meal delivery experience tailored to your individual needs. The extra investment can be well worth it for those seeking a holistic approach to their well-being.

Crucial Factors in Choosing Prepared Meal Subscription Services

Choosing a prepared meal subscription service can be a game-changer for individuals seeking convenience, delicious flavors, and a healthier lifestyle. With the increasing popularity of these services, it’s important to consider several crucial factors before making a decision.

Menu Variety and Customization

One of the most important factors to consider is the menu variety offered by the service. Look for a company that offers a diverse range of meals to cater to different dietary preferences, including options for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free diets, or specific health requirements.

The ability to customize your menu according to your personal taste and dietary needs is a significant advantage. It ensures that you not only enjoy the convenience of prepared meals but also find options that align with your individual preferences.

Ingredient Quality and Sourcing

When it comes to your meals, you deserve the best ingredients. Research the prepared meal subscription service’s commitment to using high-quality, fresh, and preferably organic ingredients. Transparency in ingredient sourcing is crucial, as it allows you to make informed choices about the food you consume. Look for companies that prioritize sourcing from trusted suppliers and emphasize the absence of artificial additives, preservatives, and unhealthy processed ingredients.

Nutritional Considerations

Healthy eating goes hand in hand with a well-balanced diet. Ensure that the prepared meal service you choose focuses on providing nutritious meals that meet your dietary goals.

Look for information about the nutritional content, including macronutrient distribution and portion sizes. It’s also helpful to find a service that offers meals designed by nutrition experts, such as registered dietitians, to ensure you’re receiving optimal nutrition with each meal.

Delivery Options and Packaging

Convenience extends beyond the meals themselves—it also includes the delivery process. Consider the delivery options provided by the prepared meal service. Are they able to deliver to your location? Do they offer flexible delivery schedules that align with your routine?

Additionally, pay attention to the packaging. Look for eco-friendly and sustainable packaging materials to minimize the environmental impact. Efficient insulation and cooling methods are also crucial to ensure that the meals arrive fresh and in perfect condition.

Cost and Value

The cost of a prepared meal subscription service is an essential factor to consider. Evaluate the pricing structure, such as the cost per serving or meal, and compare it with your budget. Additionally, consider the value you’ll receive for the price.

Does the service offer additional benefits, such as discounts, loyalty programs, or added services like nutritional consultations or educational resources? Weigh the cost against the convenience, quality, and overall experience provided by the service to determine the value it offers.

Customer Reviews and Reputation

To gain insights into the reliability and quality of a prepared meal subscription service, take the time to read customer reviews and testimonials. Look for feedback on the taste, portion sizes, customer service, and overall satisfaction. A service with a positive reputation and consistently excellent reviews is more likely to meet your expectations and provide a delightful experience.

Personal Benefits of Choosing High-Quality Prepared Meal Subscription Services

Are you tired of spending countless hours in the kitchen, struggling to find time to cook nutritious meals? Look no further than high-quality prepared meal subscription services. These services offer a convenient and delicious solution to your dining dilemmas. In this section, we’ll explore the personal benefits of choosing a high-quality prepared meal subscription service.

Time-Saving Convenience

One of the most significant personal benefits of opting for a high-quality prepared meal subscription service is the invaluable gift of time. Imagine no longer having to plan meals, make grocery lists, or spend hours in the kitchen. With prepared meal services, you can reclaim those precious hours and redirect them towards activities that truly matter to you. Whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or simply enjoying some well-deserved relaxation, these services free you from the burden of meal preparation, giving you more time for the things you love.

Consistent Nutritional Balance

Maintaining a balanced diet can be a challenge, especially when life gets hectic. High-quality prepared meal services take the guesswork out of nutrition by providing carefully crafted meals that offer the right balance of nutrients.

These services often collaborate with nutrition experts to ensure that each meal is nutritionally balanced and portion-controlled. By choosing such a service, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re nourishing your body with wholesome, well-balanced meals without the hassle of meal planning and calorie counting.

Culinary Exploration and Variety

We all have our go-to meals, but sometimes our taste buds crave something new and exciting. High-quality prepared meal subscription services offer a delightful culinary adventure right at your doorstep. These services often have diverse menus with a wide range of options to suit various dietary preferences and preferences.

From international flavors to creative twists on classic dishes, you can explore a variety of flavors and expand your culinary horizons. Say goodbye to food monotony and embrace the excitement of trying new and delicious meals each week.

Portion Control and Healthy Eating

Maintaining portion control is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but it can be challenging to do so consistently. High-quality prepared meal services take the guesswork out of portion control by providing pre-portioned meals.

This feature helps you manage your calorie intake and avoid overeating, promoting healthy eating habits. By eliminating the need for measuring and portioning your meals, these services make it easier for you to make mindful choices and achieve your health and wellness goals.

Reduction of Food Waste

Food waste is a significant environmental concern, and high-quality prepared meal subscription services contribute to its reduction. These services carefully plan their meal quantities based on demand, resulting in minimal food waste.

Additionally, the ingredients used in their meals are often sourced sustainably, further reducing the environmental impact. By choosing a prepared meal service, you can play a part in promoting sustainability and reducing your carbon footprint.

Stress-Free Dining Experience

Mealtime should be a moment of enjoyment, not stress. High-quality prepared meal services provide a stress-free dining experience. With these services, there’s no need to worry about grocery shopping, meal prep, or washing up piles of dishes.

Instead, you can sit back, relax, and savor a delicious meal without any of the associated stress. By taking care of the meal preparation and cleanup, these services allow you to fully immerse yourself in the joy of dining.

Why Choose Freshly?

In the realm of prepared meal subscription services, Freshly stands out as a true culinary gem. With its commitment to quality ingredients, chef-crafted meals, and unparalleled convenience, Freshly has captured the hearts and taste buds of individuals seeking a seamless dining experience. Get ready to discover the unique advantages that Freshly brings to the table!

At Freshly, every meal starts with high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers. From succulent meats to vibrant produce and wholesome grains, Freshly ensures that each ingredient meets their rigorous standards. They prioritize real, whole foods and avoid artificial additives, preservatives, and added sugars. By choosing Freshly, you can enjoy meals made with ingredients you can trust, providing both peace of mind and a flavorful dining experience.

Freshly’s commitment to culinary excellence shines through in every dish. Their team of talented chefs takes pride in crafting meals that are not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor. From comforting classics to bold and adventurous flavors, Freshly offers a diverse menu that caters to various palates and dietary preferences. Each meal is thoughtfully designed to ensure a satisfying dining experience that leaves you craving more.

When it comes to convenience, Freshly takes the crown. With Freshly, there’s no need to worry about meal planning, grocery shopping, or cooking. The meals arrive at your doorstep fully prepared, saving you precious time and energy. The microwave-friendly packaging makes it incredibly easy to enjoy a hot, delicious meal in just a few minutes. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply someone looking for more free time, Freshly brings the convenience you need without compromising on taste.

Freshly understands that everyone’s needs are different, which is why they offer flexible subscription options. You have the freedom to choose the number of meals per week that suits your lifestyle, from four to 12 meals. Additionally, you can easily skip a week or pause your subscription whenever necessary. This flexibility ensures that you have control over your meal choices and can adapt the service to your schedule, making it a truly personalized dining experience.

Freshly recognizes the importance of catering to various dietary preferences and restrictions. Whether you’re following a gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-carb lifestyle, Freshly has you covered. Their menu features a wide selection of meals that cater to different dietary needs, allowing you to enjoy delicious options that align with your personal choices. Freshly also provides the option to filter meals based on your preferences, ensuring a customized and satisfying dining experience.

Freshly prioritizes customer satisfaction and continuously strives to exceed expectations. Their friendly and responsive customer support team is available to address any questions or concerns you may have. Freshly values feedback from their customers and actively incorporates it into their menu and service improvements. With Freshly, you can trust that your dining experience is not only delicious but also backed by a company that genuinely cares about your satisfaction.

How BistroMD Works

When it comes to prepared meal subscription services, BistroMD stands out as a premium choice for individuals seeking a gourmet dining experience combined with a focus on health and wellness. With its unique approach to nutritionally balanced meals and personalized plans, BistroMD has earned a reputation for excellence. Now, we’ll delve into the reasons why BistroMD is a top contender in the prepared meal subscription market. Get ready to discover the exceptional benefits that BistroMD brings to the table!

What sets BistroMD apart is its foundation in science and medical expertise. BistroMD’s meals are meticulously crafted by a team of registered dietitians and physicians who understand the importance of balanced nutrition. Each meal is designed to provide a precise balance of macronutrients and portion control to support healthy weight management and overall well-being. By choosing BistroMD, you can trust that your meals are not only delicious but also nutritionally optimized.

BistroMD recognizes that each person has unique dietary requirements and goals. That’s why they offer customized meal plans tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, manage a specific health condition, or simply maintain a balanced diet, BistroMD can create a plan that aligns with your goals. Their personalized approach ensures that you receive meals designed to support your individual journey to better health.

Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure with BistroMD’s restaurant-quality gourmet meals. BistroMD’s team of chefs elevates prepared meals to a whole new level by creating dishes that are both healthy and indulgent. From succulent proteins to flavorful sauces and innovative side dishes, each meal is crafted to provide a gourmet dining experience right in the comfort of your own home. BistroMD proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.

BistroMD offers an extensive menu with a wide range of options to keep your taste buds satisfied. From delectable entrees to mouthwatering snacks and breakfast choices, BistroMD’s menu leaves no culinary desire unfulfilled. The menu is updated regularly to ensure seasonal variety and to incorporate customer feedback. BistroMD also prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to maximize flavor and nutritional value.

Choosing BistroMD means joining a supportive community focused on health and well-being. BistroMD provides access to a wealth of educational resources, including articles, recipes, and tips from registered dietitians. Their blog and newsletter keep you informed about the latest nutritional research and provide guidance for maintaining a healthy lifestyle beyond the meals. BistroMD fosters a sense of community by encouraging engagement and offering support to help you stay on track with your health goals.

How Freshly Works

The website experience is amazingly user-friendly, extending to the signup process. During signup, entering your email ID and zip code is mandatory. Using these details, Freshly will tell you whether or not they deliver to your location.

After that comes the selection of how many meals per week you’d like to eat – your options are 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12. You also have to pick your delivery date. In that case, it’s important to note that Freshly delivers as soon as 2 days or as late as 3 weeks from the day you place the order.

Then, you can choose your meals from Freshly’s long, assorted menu which contains a sufficient amount of low-carb, high-protein meals. Freshly entrees are crafted to work for a range of dietary preferences and restrictions. Every meal is labeled clearly, such as soy, dairy, gluten, low carb, low calorie, high protein, and more.

After meal selection, add your delivery address and payment details. The delivery date and order are reviewed once again, and your Freshly weekly meal box is finalized.

How BistroMD Works

Signing up for BistroMD weekly meal deliveries is a simple process. First of all, you select which program you want. The following are the meal plans offered by BistroMD:

• Signature
• Gluten-Free
• Heart Healthy
• Diabetic
• Menopause

The next step is to choose the number of meals you want to receive per week, along with picking lunch/dinner options and/or breakfast meals -all 7 days of the week or only 5 days (with breakfast and/or snacks or without). It’s all on you!

The minimum size of a weekly order on BistroMD is lunch/dinner meals for 5 days, minus snacks.

Unfortunately, unlike Freshly, BistroMD doesn’t let you select the delivery day. Nonetheless, BistroMD meals are delivered fully prepared, of course, and frozen (packed in plastic trays stored inside one large box).

Customizing your meals, however, is not an option on BistroMD, but you can substitute one meal with another. Likewise, if you don’t want a particular meal, you can remove it from the weekly rotation by going to My Menu > Preferences.

The Freshly Menu

In terms of menu variety, neither BistroMD nor Freshly has proven to be disappointing. Both prepared meal delivery services provide single-serve, well-portioned meals. More importantly, you get a host of different meals to pick from. Freshly has over 50 meal options, whereas BistroMD’s menu is a lot more extensive with over 150 dishes.

BistroMD enjoys the upper hand here because they have a menu that’s not only broader but also equipped with more around-the-world-inspired cuisine. In addition, they also offer quite a few high-fiber, high-protein snacks, and you do need to pay extra for these.

On the other hand, Freshly’s menu consists of over 50 meals. These mostly orbit around a combination of pork, chicken, turkey, etc. with rice and vegetables. Freshly is big on nutrition and traditional comfort food. So, in comparison to Freshly, BistroMD is a lot more variety-driven, for example, more meals with turkey, beef, seafood, and plant-based ingredients.

On Freshly, you get to create a whole customized weekly menu for yourself. You can add to your weekly order anywhere between 4 and 12 meals. The Freshly menu typically includes over 40-50 single-serve, microwaveable premade meals.

On the Freshly menu, you can find the following categories:

• Signature Collection
• Purely Plant
• FreshlyFit
• Proteins & Sides

The menu changes every week, which is exciting because that means you don’t have to eat the same food if you don’t want to. New meals are added each week to make mealtime more diverse and enjoyable.

You’ll also find bulk protein portions, side dishes, and snack items on the menu. Meal prepping, no doubt, becomes more streamlined because of this. Gluten-free, high-protein, low-carb, and even plant-based ingredients are also part of the entire Freshly experience,and everything is correctly and accurately labeled of course.

Freshly meals come pre-portioned, some containing less than 500 calories as well. Thus, they’re good for weightloss-related diet plans.

Even the list of ingredients and nutritional information is given on every meal page, which opens the door to nutrient tracking, checking for allergy-causing foods, and finding out if the dish adheres to your specific dietary preferences (sadly, you can’t filter the menu based on any dietary or ingredient preferences).

That said, Freshly may not seem like the best choice for vegetarians and vegans or for any specific diet such as paleo, keto, etc. Meal options for a particular diet plan are quite limited. That, however, is not the case with BistroMD!

The BistroMD Menu

The BistroMD menu has over 150 items. This includes the lunch/dinner menu along with breakfast and snacks. It won’t take you too long to conclude that BistroMD offers some of the most wholesome, healthiest, and sometimes calorie-controlled meals. The macronutrient breakdown is provided. You can even filter the menu based on the following:

• Signature Program
• Gluten-Free Program
• Heart Healthy Program
• Keto Flex Program
• Diabetic Program
• Menopause Program
• Men’s and Women’s Program

Every meal is nutritionally balanced and cooked by experts or professional chefs.

How to Prepare Freshly Meals

With Freshly meals, the prepping part of the process doesn’t exceed 5 minutes, which is such a big relief. The easier and quicker such meals are to prepare, the more convenient and likable the experience of choosing and using meal deliveries!

Every Freshly entrée can be heated and thus gets ready to eat in under 3-5 minutes. Peel off the plastic, and pop the container/tray into the microwave – that’s about it!

The side dishes and proteins may take slightly longer than the entrees, but it depends on the number of servings you’ve ordered and are heating up per meal. Nonetheless, the instructions for heating are provided to you by Freshly.

Alternate heating methods can also be employed, such as stovetop, oven, etc. For example, mashed potatoes tend to taste better with stovetop heating instead of the microwave method.

Whatever the case, proteins and side dishes are accompanied by clear, simple heating instructions. They’re on the backside of the cardboard sleeves, which also mention the prep time. Speaking of which, no matter the recipe, prep time doesn’t exceed 5-10 minutes.

How to Prepare BistroMD Meals

Heat and eat – that’s the BistroMD experience for you!

Since the meals, once again, are completely cooked, you only have to reheat them, although BistroMD recommends you thaw the meals first (in the fridge) and then do the microwave heating. This process, it goes without saying, may differ or vary based on the type of meal, ingredient, etc. For instance, when heating calzone, it’s done in a toaster, but then the broccoli, which is also a part of the dish, is microwaved.

However, if you don’t have the time or interest to thaw your BistroMD meals overnight in the refrigerator, you can simply heat them the conventional oven way. However, there will be some differences in the taste and texture of the food since regular oven and microwave heating don’t work the same way.

How Are Freshly Meals Packed?

Who uses recyclable packaging materials like recyclable CPET plastic trays, containers, etc. along with recyclable cardboard (cardboard boxes, separators, etc.)? Both Freshly and BistroMD include recyclable packaging materials, which is a huge relief.

The only difference I noticed was that Freshly uses nontoxic, nonhazardous gel-filled ice packs and BistroMD keeps its prepared meals fresh and cool using dry ice. The ice packs used by Freshly, once emptied, can be recycled.

Your Freshly meal box will be delivered to you on your chosen day. You can schedule your weekly deliveries as soon as 2 days after placing the order and also 3 weeks in advance. The Freshly app allows orders to be edited, rescheduled, and skipped very conveniently, provided these changes are made before the cutoff time.

Freshly meal boxes contain enough ice packs to create the much-needed cooling effect for keeping your delicious meals fresh, even for 12 hours in the summer heat. Once opened, all the ingredients/meals should be stored in the fridge.

Every meal is labeled very clearly and accurately, with nutritional facts and the name of the dish printed properly, along with the ingredients list, expiration date, and cooking instructions (to be found on the back of the cardboard sleeve).

The materials that go into the recycling bin after you wash them are the plastic containers/trays, cardboard boxes, and sleeves. As for the insulation, made with recycled denim, it’s nearly completely biodegradable. Ice packs can also be recycled after removing all the contents stored inside.

The delivery areas covered by Freshly include all the 48 contiguous states of America, which means Hawaii and Alaska are not on that list – it’s only the continental United States!

How Are BistroMD Meals Packed?

The fully prepped meals of BistroMD are packed in recyclable cardboard boxes with insulation, of course (made of compostable, reusable natural fiber).

With dry ice keeping all the ingredients fresh and cool, you don’t have to worry about your BistroMD box sitting outside your doorstep if it happens to get delivered when you’re at work.

The frozen meals are neatly arranged in plastic trays, with a plastic film seal at the top. An additional cardboard sleeve is provided, which contains nutritional information, ingredients list, and heating instructions.

Even BistroMD delivers within the continental United States, all days of the week.

Are Freshly and BistroMD Diet-Friendly?

Both Freshly and BistroMD allow you to view every meal’s nutrition profile (calories, protein, carbohydrates, fats, etc.) and the list of ingredients (potential food allergens included).

On Freshly, sorting through the large menu based on your diet requirements is possible, for example, only low-calorie or dairy-free dishes. Clicking on the meal gives you all of its nutritional facts and relevant, detailed information about the ingredients used.

Freshly’s menu consists of calorie-conscious, carb-conscious, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free meals. You can explore their weekly dishes based on the following:

• Signature Collection
• Purely Plant
• FreshlyFit
• Proteins & Sides

On the other hand, on BistroMD, you must choose what diet program you want before browsing the menu. Depending on the program you select (lunch, dinner, breakfast, and snacks or just lunch and dinner), a customized weekly diet is prepared for you. You can then edit this order, meaning you get to approve, add, and remove entries.

Taste preferences and dietary specifications are also entered when signing up on BistroMD. However, the BistroMD menu is not as easy and quick to browse/filter as Freshly. The former also has a comparatively less striking or appealing design than the latter.

Recipes

Freshly Meals

The truth is that the Freshly menu stays pretty much the same, more often than not. There are a little over 50-60 dishes you get to select your weekly meals from. The same recipes may be repeated weekly, but new ones also get added, and Freshly makes it a point to rotate their meals quite frequently.

As for what to expect from Freshly meals, these are mostly readied with vegetables, meat, seafood, etc. and then paired with rice, potatoes, or pasta. You’ll find all kinds of chicken on the Freshly menu (grilled chicken, fried chicken, and more), along with more varied options such as Baked Turkey Meatballs, BBQ Bison Burger, Cuban Mojo Shrimp, and Oven-Baked BBQ Pork Chop.

You may want to have a look at the nutrition breakdown of some of Freshly’s meals.

The nutritional labels on Freshly do indicate that their dishes are prepared using a little excessive salt. Per serving might contain over 50% of your daily sodium intake. Saturated fat as well is slightly higher. Therefore, make sure to check the nutritional values at the time of deciding which meals to add to your weekly order.

Freshly offers a good number of comfort food choices. To be honest, Freshly is a healthier option than fast food, junk food, takeout, etc. The proof of this is their menu, which features cauliflower-made pasta shells instead of high-gluten semolina pasta.

In addition to that, the Freshly menu also features the Purely Plant category, so it’s not an all-meat menu. Purely Plant meals are well below 500 calories per serving, but then these plant-based dishes are limited at only 7-8 recipes every week. Hence, it’s not the best for non-meat eaters or someone on a strict plant-based or vegan diet.

Freshly also has a decent amount of low-calorie, low-carb, dairy-free, and gluten-free meals in case your diet plan requires you to consume fewer carbs and/or calories or no dairy, gluten, etc.

BistroMD Meals

These meals are specifically dialed in to promote weight loss. Why else would the protein percentage per serving be higher with lower carb and calorie content?

Here are a few examples.

The nutritional value of almost every BistroMD meal is geared toward weight loss. The macronutrient breakdown of nearly all dishes includes approximately 45% lean protein, 25% healthy fats, and 30% complex carbohydrates. About the calorie count, it usually doesn’t exceed 400.

BistroMD is committed to weight loss because even their snacks are protein-based:

• Glazed Cinnamon Bun: 15 g of protein, 22 g of carbs, and a total of 210 calories.
• Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake: 9 g of protein, 80 g of carbs, and a total of 190 calories.
• Salted Caramel Pecan: 15 g of protein, 9 g of carbs, and a total of 230 calories

Some of the most irresistibly delicious breakfast meals on Freshly are the following:

• Italian Style Omelet: 21 g of protein, 21 g of carbs, and a total of 230 calories.
• Caramelized Mushroom and Onion Frittata: 23 g of protein, 27 g of carbs, and a total of 310 calories.
• Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Scrambled Eggs: 14 g of protein, 29 g of carbs, and a total of 230 calories.

Freshly Pricing

In a nutshell, the cost of a single-serve Freshly meal is $8.99 when you choose 12 weekly meals. Naturally, the price per serving increases as you add fewer meals to your weekly order,with the cost reaching $11.79 per serving for only 4 meals per week.

Here’s the pricing breakdown of Freshly:

• 12-meal weekly order: $8.99 per serving
• 10-meal weekly order: $9.29 per serving
• 8-meal weekly order: $9.49 per serving
• 6-meal weekly order: $9.99 per serving
• 4-meal weekly order: $11.79 per serving

As for the cost of the bulk protein portions and side dishes, the cost range starts from $0.99 and goes up to $4.99,meaning you have to pay an additional price for additional items.

Add to that the shipping fee that Freshly charges, which can be anywhere between $5.99 and $11.99. It all depends on your delivery location and the number of meals you order per week.

BistroMD Pricing

The pricing approach of BistroMD is slightly different than Freshly in that how much your weekly meal box costs is based on which program you select. BistroMD has a 5- and 7-day program (lunch and dinner only or lunch, dinner, and breakfast meals).

Once more, the more meals per week, the more affordable the cost of your weekly order. With that in mind, the 7-day Full Program is less expensive ($9.50 per serving) than the 5-day program of only lunches and dinners ($12.95 per serving). Freshly, in comparison, charges just $9.29 for the 10-week meal plan.

Here’s the breakdown of BistroMD pricing:

• Full Program (5 days or 7 days): $10.99-$12.49 per serving (lunch, dinner, and breakfast)
• Only lunch and dinner meals (5 days or 7 days): $13.49-$14.99 per serving

The snacks you add are extra items, so you’ll be charged separately for those.

BistroMD’s delivery price is also higher – flat $19.95 for every weekly meal box!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Freshly and BistroMD

Who Should Choose Freshly Meal Delivery Service?

Freshly is made for those who don’t have the time, energy, interest, or patience to cook homemade meals from scratch!

Freshly eliminates the steps of grocery shopping, meal planning, ingredient prepping, etc. from the drawn-out and tiresome process of cooking by providing the convenient option of healthy meal deliveries. Their vast and varied menu consists of single-serve dishes ready to eat in less than 5 minutes.

All meals are nutrient-dense, no doubt about that, And also gluten-free!

Fitness-focused singles, couples, and families pick Freshly since the meals here are more in tune with their health goals. The Freshly menu includes Freshly Fit, Purely Plant, and other such categories that cater to specific dietary preferences. For example, Freshly Fit is perfect for a diet plan that just allows carb-controlled meals, while Purely Plant is more suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Who Should Choose BistroMD Meal Delivery Service?

If you’re planning on switching your takeout or fast food with healthy meals throughout the week, then BistroMD is a prepared meal delivery service you will not regret subscribing to.

They also have a pretty extensive menu that features meals that cater to specific diet programs – keto, gluten-free, heart-healthy, menopause, and diabetic. The Gluten Free Program is perfect for when you wish to minimize your consumption of whole grains, then there’s the low-cholesterol Heart Healthy and Diabetic Programs to improve blood sugar levels and more.

The most impressive thing about BistroMD is that even its Signature Program (basic meal plan) helps with weight loss. BistroMD meals, on the whole, do not contain trans fats. Thus, they’re so effective for weight loss and management. Also, these weight loss-friendly meals are both highly nutritious and delicious!

How Do I Make Changes and Cancel Orders on Freshly and BistroMD?

What is the deadline for editing/canceling Freshly’s weekly meal boxes? The cutoff time actually depends on your location and scheduled delivery day.

Any changes that need to be made should be done 5-6 days prior to the date of delivery. Just check the email notification Freshly sends to confirm your order.It provides you with the specific deadline for that particular meal delivery.

Changes can also be made 3 weeks in advance for upcoming orders.

As for skipping your Freshly order, there is a “Skip Week” option in your account’s “Deliveries” section. For altogether canceling the subscription or account, go to My Subscription > Cancel Subscription.

What about canceling an order after you’ve been charged for it? “Skip Week” works only if you cancel your order before its deadline.

Freshly customer service is very helpful. 24/7 support is available via email, chat, text, and call. Freshly has a whole FAQs page dedicated to resolving any possible queries. Through the website itself, a lot can be done like modifying weekly meal plans, skipping a week, canceling the subscription, and more.

You can skip deliveries, make changes to orders, and even cancel the plan on BistroMD very easily. But edits, such as changing the delivery address, require you to get in touch with their customer support team. The same applies when you want to pause or cancel your BistroMD subscription.

Cutoff time with BistroMD is 5 p.m. (Eastern Time) every Wednesday before the scheduled delivery week.

BistroMD offers friendly and prompt customer service. Even they have an incredibly informative FAQs section. On this page, you’ll find everything from managing your subscription and deliveries to getting to know about their meal plans, recyclable packaging, dietary/nutritional information, and more.

Freshly and BistroMD: Do They Work for Weight Loss?

If you choose BistroMD, you should look forward to low-calorie, high-protein meals. If all your daily meals are from BistroMD, then the daily calorie count won’t exceed the range of 1,200-1,400 calories, And almost half of these calories come from lean proteins (fish, meat, and eggs).

A high-protein diet, undoubtedly, works as an effective method for weight shedding. As a matter of fact, it even keeps your appetite in check by keeping you feeling full for a longer span of time.

Likewise, low-calorie meals have also proven to work in favor of weight loss goals. Many science-backed studies have proved that obesity and body fat can be tackled with a high-protein, low-calorie diet. However, you don’t need to go overboard with this since not consuming enough calories in the day can also be detrimental to your health.

At such times, meal services like BistroMD make a huge difference because they offer optimal, well-rounded nutrition. Their meals contain a wide range of vegetables, fruits, and healthy snacks, encouraging sustainable healthy eating.

Even Freshly has pre-portioned meals on its menu that contain below 500 calories per serving. Thus, promoting weight loss provided you’re cutting off unhealthy foods from your diet and are keeping up an active lifestyle.

However, for specifically losing weight, BistroMD is better,while Freshly is a more suitable option for convenient meal planning. It’s bigger on convenience than on weight loss.

Freshly Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Meals delivered are fully prepared.
• Multiple meal plans and options to pick from per week.
• Very affordable price per serving of meals.
• Delicious, nourishing blend of veggies and proteins.
• Certified gluten-free and sometimes organic ingredients are used.
• Perfect for athletes and fitness-oriented individuals.
• Meal/order customization and recyclable packaging.

Cons:

• There are no breakfast/snack items on the menu.
• Not the best for vegetarians and vegans.

BistroMD Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Frozen, microwaveable meal delivery service.
• Meals are the best for a weight loss diet.
• Adds no preservatives, artificial ingredients, sweeteners, etc.
• Lunch, dinner, breakfast, and snack meals are on the menu.
• Suitable for specific diet plans like keto, diabetes, heart health, and more.
• Very large menu with over 150 entrees every week.
• Registered, professional dieticians are a part of the BistroMD team.

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive in comparison to Freshly.
• Meals might contain common food allergens.
• Ingredients don’t fit the “organic” label.
• They are frozen meals, hence not the freshest.

Freshly vs BistroMD – Final Verdict

Accommodating certain dietary preferences and affordability is a very strong point of Freshly, whereas BistroMD is the best for calorie-controlled, high-protein weight-loss meal plans. With the latter, every meal of the day (be it breakfast, lunch, or snack) is covered without you going off-track as far as your weight-shedding diet is concerned.

If you want to know which of the two is cheaper, it’s got to be Freshly!

As for which one’s healthier, it says a lot about nutrition when you take BistroMD’s weight-loss-friendly, calorie-conscious, carb-controlled, and high-protein meals into consideration.