10 Best Meal Delivery Services for Diabetics (2024 Review)

Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT
Published by Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT | Staff Writer
Last updated: December 4, 2023
We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guides. By ordering products anonymously and getting a group of independent testers, we are able to get first-hand experience and provide data-driven recommendations. Learn more.

Preparing and sticking with a diabetic diet plan is overwhelming, especially if cooking isn’t your cup of tea.

Still, the risk is serious if you neglect your health condition and fail to keep your diabetes under control or hopefully prevent it.

Luckily, you can enjoy a diabetes-friendly diet without the hassle.

We’ve spent months testing all the top-rated meal delivery services for diabetics. We checked their meal selection, taste, price, and more.

Here's our selection of the top 10 best meal delivery services for diabetics.

Editor's Choice
Diet-to-Go CTA
Diet-to-Go
Meal Selection
5.0
Taste
5.0
Price
4.8
Overall Score 4.9
4.9
Click For Best Price
2nd Best Choice
Sun Basket CTA
Sun Basket
Meal Selection
4.8
Taste
4.8
Price
4.8
Overall Score 4.8
4.8
Click For Best Price
3rd Best Choice
Fresh n Lean meal delivery
Fresh n Lean
Meal Selection
4.0
Taste
4.4
Price
4.8
Overall Score 4.4
4.4
Click For Best Price

The Top Diabetic Meal Delivery Services (March 2024)

1 - Diet-to-GoEditor's Choice

Diet-to-Go CTA
5.0
Meal Selection
5.0
Taste
4.8
Price
Overall Score 4.9
Click For Best Price

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Mainly uses local organic produce and ingredients
  • Sodium levels in their diabetic meal plan average at 2000mg per day as the USDA recommended
  • No harmful additives or preservatives
  • Flexible subscription plan without a long-term commitment or hidden fees

Cons

  • Shipping only to the continental US

Having tried Diet-to-Go myself, I can vouch for the balance and thought that goes into their diabetes-friendly meals.

The company states that their economical and highly customizable Balance-Diabetes plan is in line with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Guidelines - low in sodium, fat, cholesterol, carbs, and without red meat, unless you want it [1].

You can opt for 2-3 daily meals for 5-7 days a week.

The average cost per meal on their full plan is currently around $8. They regularly offer discounts and exclusive deals via email and social media, as well as a referral award.

Sample meal: Sliced Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans with Almonds

2 - Sun Basket

Sun Basket CTA
4.8
Meal Selection
4.8
Taste
4.8
Price
Overall Score 4.8
Click For Best Price

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Organic seasonal ingredients from trusted suppliers
  • Flexible subscription plan lets you skip weeks, swap recipes, or cancel subscriptions without much hassle
  • 100% money-back guarantee within seven days of delivery

Cons

  • A limited number of fully-prepared diabetes-friendly meals, and may not be best for people with a serious food allergy or intolerance

My evenings were transformed with Sun Basket's meal kits. The recipes were straightforward, and the oven-ready options were a godsend on my busiest days, making it simple to stick to my diabetic diet.

Their mouth-watering chef-designed meal plans for 2 or 4 people fit various tastes and lifestyles from vegan, vegetarian, paleo, and many others. See our paleo-friendly meal delivery service article for our recommended picks [2].

Sample meal: Seared Pork with Blueberry-Apricot Sauce and Sautéed Greens

3 - Fresh n Lean

Fresh n Lean meal delivery
4.0
Meal Selection
4.4
Taste
4.8
Price
Overall Score 4.4
Click For Best Price

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Organic, regional ingredients
  • Gluten-free without additional colors or preservatives
  • Meals delivered fresh, not frozen

Cons

  • You can’t choose meals but get what’s on your selected weekly menu plan

I appreciated Fresh n Lean for their no-fuss approach. While their meals aren't specifically diabetic-focused, my clients report they helped them maintain stable blood sugar levels with their balanced ingredients.

The pre-prepared meals are made for people who want a solid support for their weight loss journey - low in salt, fat, carbohydrates, and rich in protein and nutrients.

You can choose one to 3 daily meals from their weekly plans or customize your plan from their A la Carte menu.

So, people with diabetes may need to call the company and customize the order based on the dietitian’s advice.

Sample meal: Roasted Cod with Veggies and Brown Rice

4 - Magic Kitchen

Magic Kitchen CTA
4.2
Meal Selection
4.4
Taste
4.6
Price
Overall Score 4.4

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Reliable service tailor-made for individuals with diabetic or prediabetic conditions
  • Flexible, personalized programs and one-time deliveries
  • Their dieticians can pick your meals based on your diet needs and preferences.

Cons

  • Some users found their meals bland, but you can always add extra seasoning

Magic Kitchen's approach to diabetes-friendly meals aligns well with my holistic view on nutrition. The meals are thoughtfully prepared with the right balance, which is crucial for my clients managing their diabetes.

Plus, the convenience of flash-frozen meals means they can focus on lifestyle changes without worrying about meal prep.

All their diabetic meals include one main dish and 1 or 2 sides, while their fast delivery covers the continental US.

Magic Kitchen has frequent discounts, and you can cancel your subscriptions at any time before your plan renewal.

Sample meal: Grilled Chicken with Florentine Rice, Asparagus & Carrots

5 - BistroMD

BistroMD CTA
4.2
Meal Selection
4.4
Taste
4.4
Price
Overall Score 4.3

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Perfectly balanced and calculated diabetic meal plans customized for men and women
  • With no nitrates, phosphates, or additives
  • Their team of registered dietitians provides customers with individual consultations

Cons

  • Pricey shipping fees

My clients report BistroMD Meal Delivery Services felt like having a personal chef who understood their diabetic needs. Our tests found their doctor-designed meals were a perfect blend of science and flavor.

BistroMD meals are ready to heat up and serve, whereas their subscription plan is pretty flexible. You can choose from over 100 meals and order two or three meals with or without snacks five or seven days a week. Besides their meal plans, you can order one-off meals throughout the US.

Sample meal: Grilled Salmon With Creamy Pesto

6 - Martha's Senior Gourmet

Martha's Senior Gourmet CTA
4.2
Meal Selection
4.3
Taste
4.3
Price
Overall Score 4.3

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Fresh seasonal ingredients, no canned veggies
  • Their subscribers can get a monitoring service for seniors
  • 5-day trial period, no contracts or long-term commitments

Cons

  • Cancellation fees and delivery restrictions

In my practice, I've recommended Martha’s Senior Gourmet to many senior clients. Their focus on diabetic-friendly meals has made a significant difference in their blood sugar management. The variety in their programs also caters to other dietary needs, which is essential for holistic health.

You can order one to three diverse pre-prepared meals designed by registered dieticians, four to seven days a week for four weeks, plus create some other customized options.

Their moderate-sized diabetic portions include lean protein, whole grain, grilled or raw veggies, and fish at least once a week.

Sample meal: Ginger Chicken

7 - Mom's Meals

Mom's Meals CTA
4.2
Meal Selection
4.3
Taste
4.2
Price
Overall Score 4.2

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • High-quality seasonal ingredients
  • No pre-set packages, you can choose every individual meal and order from their selected menu which meets ADA guidelines
  • More affordable than other options

Cons

  • Some ingredients they use may contain preservatives and nitrates

Mom's Meals resonates with my approach to nutrition, offering wholesome, ready-to-eat options. My clients appreciate the 'home-cooked' feel of their meals, which complements the dietary advice I provide in our sessions.

Their various healthy meal plan options with nine menus and around 60 meals enable you to manage different health conditions and specific nutritional requirements you may have.

Although some users say their dishes aren’t the most impressive, others claim they have that “home-cooked” taste and are certainly far healthier and more delicious than any frozen meals from a nearby supermarket.

Sample meal: BBQ Chicken with Potato Medley and Seasoned Green Beans and Whole Wheat Dinner Roll

8 - Home Bistro

Home Bistro CTA
4.2
Meal Selection
4.3
Taste
4.1
Price
Overall Score 4.2

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Highly flexible and customizable subscription without commitments
  • One-time purchases of individual meals or featured meal combos available
  • Fast delivery

Cons

  • A bit pricey, but users say their flavors are unique

Home Bistro's quick and nutritious meals have been a lifesaver for my busy clients. I tried their meal plans myself and was reassured by their adherence to ADA guidelines. Moreover, I could spend less time cooking and more time moving.

Their restaurant-quality freshly and fully prepared meals are in line with ADA guidelines too. They can be reheated in under 10 minutes following the instructions you get with each item, so it’s a great time-saver.

Although their diabetic meal package currently includes only ten meals, many customers say they make it up with their superior taste.

See here for more paleo-friendly meal delivery services.

Sample meal: Spanish Cod with Mediterranean Tapenade

9 - SOS Cuisine

SOS Cuisine CTA
4.2
Meal Selection
4.1
Taste
4.1
Price
Overall Score 4.1

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Local, fresh seasonal ingredients mostly unprocessed
  • Grocery lists and action plans available with recipes depending on the chosen plan
  • One-on-one expert support available to VIP subscribers

Cons

  • No food delivery, plus not so flexible subscription plan and money-back policy

The detailed nutritional information and dietitian-verified recipes of SOS Cuisine helped me make informed choices about my meals. The added support of grocery lists and weekly updates made it easier for me to maintain a balanced diet amidst my busy life.

Their meal plans are based on the Mediterranean diet but can easily be customized with pre-defined possibilities to fit a wide range of dietary needs and preferences including diabetes and prediabetes (glucose intolerance/insulin resistance), food allergies, intolerances, etc.

Each recipe provides detailed nutritional information, while personalized meal plans with grocery lists are updated weekly.

You can select your plans, meals, number of servings, and subscription duration.

10 - Nutrisystem

Nutrisystem CTA
4.1
Meal Selection
4.0
Taste
4.1
Price
Overall Score 4.1

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Gender-specific diet plans focused on weight loss
  • All their diabetes plans offer unlimited support from Certified Diabetes Educators, dietitians, and weight loss counselors
  • Free shipping

Cons

  • Cancellation fees

Nutrisystem's comprehensive approach has been beneficial for my clients with type 2 diabetes. The mix of meal plans and resources complements the fitness and nutritional strategies we work on together, making it a full-circle solution for their health journey.

The current meal plan available for users with diabetes are 3 four-week meal plans for five days with 100+ delicious dishes (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks).

You can choose a diet and menu based on your gender or customize it to your preferences.

Although this meal delivery service tend to avoid artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors, users say their pre-prepared meals are more processed than you might expect.

Sample meal: Red Beans & Rice

How We Tested the Best Meal Delivery Services for Diabetics

Here's how we chose the best meal delivery services for diabetics:

1. Nutritional Analysis

We began by conducting a thorough nutritional analysis of each meal delivery service. Our team, consisting of certified personal trainers and nutritionists, scrutinized the macronutrient balance, focusing on the carbohydrate content and the quality of ingredients used.

We ensured that the meals adhered to the American Diabetes Association guidelines, offering a balance of fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats, which are crucial for managing blood sugar levels.

2. Taste Testing

We sampled a wide range of meals from each service to evaluate flavor, texture, and variety. Our panel included individuals with diabetes to ensure the meals were not only palatable but also enjoyable.

3. Preparation and Convenience

We assessed the preparation time and convenience of each service. Our testers, who varied in cooking experience, followed the meal preparation instructions to determine clarity and ease.

We also evaluated the packaging for its ability to maintain freshness, the ease of storage, and the environmental impact, favoring recyclable or biodegradable materials.

4. Customer Service and Support

We interacted with each company's customer support to evaluate their responsiveness, knowledge, and ability to handle special dietary requests. We also reviewed additional resources offered, such as nutritional counseling or diabetic education materials, which can be invaluable for managing diabetes.

5. Meal Selection

We meticulously combed through menus to ensure a variety of options were available to suit all tastes and dietary preferences, from vegetarian to gluten-free needs. Our team selected a range of meals across different cuisines to ensure that the offerings were not only nutritionally adequate but also culturally inclusive and exciting to the palate.

We looked for services that regularly update their menu to provide ongoing variety, which is essential for maintaining a long-term, healthy eating plan for individuals managing diabetes.

6. Cost-Effectiveness

Finally, we analyzed the cost-effectiveness of each meal delivery service. We compared the price per meal, shipping costs, subscription flexibility, and any additional value such as free consultations or educational resources. Our goal was to find services that offer the best value for money without compromising on nutritional quality or taste.

The Benefits of Using Diabetic Meal Delivery Services

A woman in the kitchen planning to buy food for diabetics from the best meal delivery services

With the help of a diabetic meal delivery service, it becomes easier to eat well, keep your blood sugar balanced, and maintain your desired weight.

Certified medical and culinary experts do all the heavy lifting for you. They do the calorie and carb counting to create nutritionally rich, diabetic-friendly menus.

Every respectable meal delivery service company typically uses high-quality, fresh seasonal ingredients and offers controlled portions of well-balanced meals with reduced sodium, sugar, healthy fats, and simple carbohydrates.

In this way, you can get a variety in your diet and don’t need to eat the same bland food over and over again.

If you need better support to manage diabetes, you can also opt for an all-in-one diabetes management program like MyDiabetes. It doesn't only provide a tailored meal delivery service but also gives beginner-friendly exercises, a detailed activity log, and a progress tracker.

A diet high in veggies is the secret to good blood sugar control and kicking diabetes.

 

- Barb Klingler, BSN, CDE

What Carbs Should People With Diabetes Avoid?

A person dining on a table and eating food that contains carbs

People with diabetes should avoid low-quality processed carbs that contain added sugars according to UAMS Health, because they raise your blood sugar quickly but aren’t rich in nutrients [3].

Those unhealthy carbohydrates include:

  • Refined grains like white bread, pretzels, rice, and other cereals and foods baked with white flour
  • Candies, other sweets, and foods with added sugar
  • Sweetened drinks
  • Sweeteners

But don’t worry, not all carbs are bad. They’re an important energy source, so just make sure you carefully choose the healthy carbs and spread them evenly throughout the day.

According to The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020, most adults should consume 130 grams of carbohydrates each day, of which 22.4–33.6 grams should be fiber [4].

Related articles for diabetics:

Buyer's Guide

A top view of a person unwrapping food from meal delivery service

Below are the main factors you may want to consider before choosing the ideal meal delivery service for you:

  • Do they provide ready-made diabetic meals or meal kits? - Before you order anything, make sure you’ll get fully-prepared meals you can heat up and consume (meal program/plans) or a box of ingredients and spices with a recipe for you to follow and cook your own meals (meal kits).
  • Do they use high-quality, fresh, and organic ingredients? - The diet for people with diabetes should contain all-natural ingredients and whole foods. You should avoid highly processed content and should go for a healthy menu with organic produce and ingredient options.
  • Are all the nutrients well-balanced? - People with diabetes should consider their intake of carbs, calories, and sodium, so it’s critical to pay special attention to the nutritional value of different meals you have at your disposal and ensure they meet all your daily dietary requirements.
  • Do they offer a variety of meal options? - You may want to know what’s included in the meal plan you’d like delivered to your doorstep, e.g. breakfast, lunch, dinner, one or two snacks, how many meals per week you’ll have covered, what’s the portion size, for how many people the servings are, what dishes they serve to avoid repetitive menus, and choose your favorite dish from Mexican, Italian, French or any other cuisine, and so on.

You should also consider these factors:

  • Can you customize a meal plan/plate to your taste? - Check whether they’d need the specifics of your diabetes diet to tailor pre-prepared meals to your needs, or whether you can customize your meals in case you’re allergic to something.
  • How flexible is their subscription plan? - Ask whether there are any penalties in case you’d like to cancel or pause your subscription, or perhaps skip a meal delivery.
  • Pricing - Check the price per serving (on average at least), what exactly is included in the price, the shipping fees, and whether they offer any promotions, e.g. discount coupons, referral codes, promotions for new customers, etc.
  • Do they use eco-friendly packaging? - Biodegradable or recyclable materials can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of meal delivery services.
  • Do they focus on low-glycemic-index ingredients? - An innovative meal delivery service can craft meals rich in fibers, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins, and by reducing the use of high-GI carbohydrates, such a service would not only cater to the nutritional needs of diabetics but also support sustained energy levels throughout the day.

Consider a meal replacement shake if you're constantly on the go:

What Are the Best Diabetic Foods to Eat?

A diabetic person eating a healthy meal

The best diabetic foods to eat are minimally processed and highly nutritious foods, including:

  • Various fresh vegetables, preferably non-starchy like lettuce, cucumber, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, garlic, tomatoes, mushrooms, etc.
  • Whole grains, beans, and other protein-rich legumes including black beans, kidney beans, green beans, chickpeas, lentils, barley, whole wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, amaranth, chia seeds, almonds, flaxseeds, walnuts, etc.
  • Low-fat dairy products without added sugar, e.g. cottage cheese, yogurt, milk
  • Protein from eggs, fish, seafood, chicken or turkey breasts, lean cuts of beef, pork, or diabetic-friendly protein powders.
  • Fruits with ‘low glycemic load’ including apples, lemons, oranges, limes, peaches, avocados, pineapple, kiwi, and dark-colored fruits like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, plums, and similar
  • Spices like turmeric and cinnamon
  • Olive oil because its high monounsaturated fatty acid amounts help keep your blood sugar levels stable.

FAQs

Are Meal Delivery Services Worth It?

Meal delivery services are worth it because they can save you time and frustration if you’re busy and often lack time for grocery shopping or have limited knowledge on the proper diet for diabetics.

These services may also benefit people who can’t or don’t like to cook but need to follow a well-balanced, healthy diet to check their blood sugar levels.

Do Meal Delivery Plans Save Money?

Meal delivery plans can save you some money, especially if you do your research before picking a program. Some companies offer special deals such as coupons or referral codes for discounts, so make sure to choose those that have them.

However, meal delivery services might not be so budget-friendly if you rely on them solely week after week. What they undoubtedly save is your time and nerves when you’re super busy.

In a nutshell:

They can save you money if you’re used to eating out, but they’re usually more expensive than ordering food. It all primarily depends on your habits, budget, and the number of family members you have to feed.

What Meats Can Diabetics Eat?

Diabetics can eat lean meats cooked, grilled, or baked with little oil. This includes:

  • Fish - fresh, frozen, or canned in water (salmon, tuna, cod, sardines, trout, haddock)
  • Seafood (shrimps, scallops, lobster)
  • Poultry with no skin (chicken and turkey breasts or thighs)
  • Lean meat like beef, pork, lamb, veal, game, and others. 

Experts also advise people with diabetes to eat moderate amounts of red meat, as well as to avoid deli or processed meat products such as sausages, bacon, hotdogs, and fatty meat cuts like ribs.

What Fruits Should Diabetics Avoid?

Diabetics should avoid dried and canned fruits with added sodium, sugar, or syrup. They should also stay away from fruit jam, jelly, sauce, and sweetened fruit drinks.

What Vegetables Should Diabetics Avoid?

Diabetics should avoid starchy vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, pumpkin, sweet peas, and anything similar because they contain more carbs and calories than the recommended leafy greens.

How Much Water Should a Diabetic Drink?

A diabetic should drink around 2 liters of water daily, equivalent to six to eight average-sized glasses. If it’s too hot outside, you’re exercising, or your body loses more water in any other way, you should increase your water intake.

What Is the Blue Box Diet?

The blue box diet is a diet made specifically for swimming athletes that aids them in achieving better performance results. Each meal should contain three main macronutrients - protein, fats, and carbohydrates, each with unique benefits. Proteins help muscle building and repair, fats deliver essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, and carbohydrates are the body's primary fuel.

Our Verdict on the Best Meal Delivery Service for Diabetics

After testing and exploring various meal delivery services, I've found that Diet-to-Go stands out as the top choice for managing diabetes.

Their meals strike a balance between health and flavor. The flexibility in meal plans and the focus on using local, organic ingredients make it a practical and sustainable option.

Their service has significantly simplified the dietary management of my diabetic clients, making it easier for them to maintain a healthy lifestyle while dealing with diabetes.

Based on our tests, I can confidently recommend Diet-to-Go to anyone seeking a reliable diabetic-friendly meal delivery service.

Our #1 Recommendation

Diet-to-Go

Diet-to-Go CTA
Meal Selection
5.0
Taste
5.0
Price
4.8
Overall Score 4.9
4.9
Pros
  • Mainly uses local organic produce and ingredients
  • Sodium levels in their diabetic meal plan average at 2000mg per day as the USDA recommended
  • No harmful additives or preservatives
  • Flexible subscription plan without a long-term commitment or hidden fees
  • Get the BEST PRICE until the end of March
Cons
  • Shipping only to the continental US
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About The Author

Christiana Mikesch, CPT
Christiana Mikesch, CPT
Senior Coach
Learn more about our editorial policy

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