.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,960&ssl=1 "7 High-Protein Meal Delivery Services for Quick, Tasty Dinners")
If you’re looking to put on muscle mass, but struggle with your protein intake, Fuel Meals is about to make your life so much easier. These fresh, heat-and-eat meals come packed with up to 60 grams (!) of protein each, and they’re ready in just three minutes. There are options for hypertrophy (high-protein, high-carb), weight loss (high-protein, low-carb), and performance (higher energy meals).
When you make your picks (either 7, 10, 14, or 20 meals per week), you can easily see the macronutrient profiles. You can also opt to have the brand make selects for you, based on your fitness goals.
“Fuel Meals is great if you’re looking for a lot of protein in each meal,” says Boakye. “They offer fun combinations and fresh, high-quality ingredients.” Thanks to the substantial portion sizes, you can split some meals into two and get more bang for your buck, depending on your macronutrient needs, she adds. Another bonus: On top of lunches and dinners, Fuel Meals also offers breakfasts, snacks, bulk proteins, and sides.
Dietary options: Muscle gain, weight loss, performance
Meal examples: General Tso’s turkey meatballs, pineapple pepper stir fry, chipotle beef burger, buffalo chicken pizza, chocolate protein brownies
Cost: Meals start at $11.95. Free shipping for subscribers.
First-time customer deals: 40% off and a free pound of chicken with each order for life | Recipe options per week: 50 | Packing materials: Fully recyclable | Availability: Nationwide
Trifecta
Pros
- No cooking required
- Organic ingredients
- Low sodium levels (which is rare for heat-and-eat meals)
- Good high-protein vegetarian options
- Companion app has helpful info and access to the Trifecta community
Cons
Trifecta offers a wide variety of meal plans, including a paleo and Whole30-friendly option that has about 30-40 grams of protein in each organic, heat-and-eat dish. They also offer plant-based meals that have about 20-30 grams of protein each, a solid amount for vegetarian dishes. “They’re careful with sodium and sugar levels, which is really important if you’re watching your micronutrients or managing a chronic condition,” says Boakye.
You can choose from 7, 10, or 14 meals per week, or opt for chef’s choice and let the brand decide what meals you’ll get. Trifecta customers also get access to free nutrition advice and community support with the Trifecta app.
Dietary options: Keto, paleo/Whole30, plant-based, GLP-1, clean
Meal examples: Egg bite shakshuka, basil pesto tofu scramble, piri piri inspired chicken, dijon mustard pork, plant-based chicken cacciatore, romesco tofu
Cost: Plans start at 7 meals for $112, $9.99 for shipping in contiguous US.
First-time customer deals: 50% off your first order | Recipe options per week: 100 | Packing materials: Recyclable and biodegradable materials | Availability: Nationwide
How to choose the right high-protein meal delivery service for you
There are tons of options out there, and they’re all a little different. Here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind as you shop.
Are you looking for high-protein meals that are also plant-based or gluten-free? Not all meal delivery services accommodate these dietary needs, so make sure to look for ones that have a variety of menu options (not just one or two a week) that meet your preferences, Yaa Boakye, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and personal trainer, tells SELF. You’ll also want to check labels for things like sodium (which can be really high in pre-made, high-protein meals).
Do you struggle to eat protein in the morning, but have no problem at dinner? Look for a meal delivery service that offers high-protein breakfasts as well as other entrees, says Boakye. If snack time feels challenging, look for brands that offer tasty, satiating add-ons.
Consider how often you’d like to receive meals, how many you’d like in each delivery, how many people you need to feed in your household, and when you can receive a package. You’ll want to find a service that can meet those needs and feel convenient, not stressful.
How much do you spend on groceries or take-out currently? How many meals will you be replacing with a meal delivery service? These numbers can help you decide on a budget that makes sense for you.
Also, check for any introductory offers targeted toward new members—many services will offer discounts that make trying your first few meals less of an investment.
How we tested these meal delivery services
We asked registered dietitians to share the meal delivery services that they would recommend to their clients or have used themselves and loved. Many SELF staffers have also tested meal delivery services over the years. Taking all of these expert insights into account, along with customer reviews, we found the top high-protein meal delivery services for every dietary need and taste.
Frequently asked questions
How much protein do I need to eat?
Dietary recommendations and needs vary, but the American College of Sports Medicine recommends active folks (like those who lift weights or are training for a race) take in 0.5 to 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight every day. Boakye says this recommendation can help aid in muscle building and muscle repair and recovery. It’s even harder to maintain muscle mass as we age, she says, so older adults especially should be aware of their protein intake and make sure they’re getting enough.
Are meal kit delivery services worth it?
High-protein meal delivery services can be a game changer for many people, says Boakye, particularly those who have busy schedules. “If you’re barely getting enough sleep because of long work hours or juggling multiple responsibilities, these services take the burden off your plate—literally,” she says. And for those who are training hard, “the right meal plan can really benefit physique and performance.”
If you crave variety but don’t have a ton of know-how in the kitchen, these meals can also make your life easier and more flavorful. Boakye also points out that these services can be really helpful if you have dietary restrictions and cooking and meal prepping stresses you out—you can customize and automate your orders with many of these services, so you don’t have to think about making your own food anymore.
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