9 Best Meal Delivery Services for Athletes in 2026 

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

I’ve put these tried-and-tested meal delivery services through their paces to pull together a list of my top 9 picks for athletes. There are options out there whether you need convenient heat-and-eat dishes or meal prep solutions with balanced macros.

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

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

The Best Meal Delivery Services for Athletes Reviewed

1. Factor – Best Prepared Meals for Athletes

Factor’s tasty and balanced meals make it my top recommendation for athletes. It offers microwavable, diet-friendly meals so you don’t have to compromise between convenience and health. 

What’s on the Menu?

Factor's menu is mostly made up of low-carb, keto-friendly dishes, with many options also focusing on low-calorie and high-protein content. You can subscribe for a specific diet or select meals à la carte. This lets the service cater to a range of dietary preferences as well as health and fitness goals.

The service also has a more limited offering of vegetarian and plant-based meals. These dishes give you a way to incorporate meat-free days into your week while still maintaining a high protein intake for sustaining energy and repairing muscle tissue.

What Makes It Special?

Beyond its meals, Factor offers a range of add-ons like smoothies, cold-pressed juices, keto-friendly snacks, and high-protein breakfast options. Supplements are also available. These extras provide additional convenience and variety to your fitness-focused meal plan.

The add-ons also include pre-cooked proteins like salmon and chicken filets. The specific options vary weekly, adding to the flexibility and diversity of the meals you can choose from. We tested Factor and were impressed with the quality.

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

Is It Good Value?

While it’s one of the more expensive services, the premium ingredients, high-protein dishes, and convenience justify the cost for many. You can order between 4 and 36 meals per week, plus add-ons. Per-meal prices vary depending on the number of meals you order each week, but you'll get a discount on your first order if you sign up using our link.

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

2. Green Chef – Best for Keto Meal Kits

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

What’s on the Menu?

Green Chef's menu features flavors inspired by global cuisines. By offering a wide range of ingredients and flavors, it keeps meals exciting even when you’re focused on the macros and other dietary considerations.

Plans include Carb Smart, Plant-Based, and Mediterranean, with gourmet options available no matter your dietary needs. You can easily change between plans, so there’s a range of diverse options to explore if you’re interested.

What Makes It Special?

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

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

Is It Good Value?

You can sign up to feed households of  2, 4, or 6, ordering between 2 and 4 recipes each week. This increases after your first order to give you even more options for larger households. Servings from Green Chef start at $6.00. 

This range of options provides flexibility in both the number of meals and the size of the servings, accommodating different budgets and household sizes.

3. HelloFresh – Best Healthy Meals for Families

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

What’s on the Menu?

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

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

What Makes It Special?

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

Accessibility to the full menu is a standout feature, regardless of the chosen category. This includes a range of carb- and calorie-smart options, making it easy for athletes to select meals that best fit their specific dietary needs, such as higher protein or lower carbohydrate options.

Is It Good Value?

Even without introductory offers, HelloFresh remains competitively priced, with the best value showing in larger orders where per-serving costs drop. Shipping stays consistent for all weekly orders.

4. Home Chef – Best for Customizable Proteins

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

What’s on the Menu?

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

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

What Makes It Special?

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

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

Is It Good Value?

Home Chef's pricing starts at $4.99 per serving, and meals are individually priced. The largest box size you can order is 6 meals for 6 people. This pricing structure offers value, especially for families or those seeking bulk meal options.

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

5. Blue Apron – Best No-Subscription Option for Athletes

Blue Apron stands out for athletes who want control over calories, protein, and portion sizes without locking into a subscription. Its filtering tools, detailed nutrition labels, and mix of meal kits and prepared meals make it easy to support performance-focused eating. Learn more in our tested Blue Apron review.

What’s on the Menu?

Blue Apron offers 100+ weekly options, including meal kits, salads, soups, prepared meals, and Assemble & Bake dishes. For athletes monitoring macros, you’ll find full nutritional details for each meal, and plenty of lean meats, veggies, and nutrient-dense ingredients on the menu. 

Menu filters allow you to sort by calories, protein grams, and even cook time – helpful for identifying meals that support training goals, whether that’s fueling up or keeping things lighter on rest days.

The Customize It feature adds even more control. You can often swap proteins or adjust ingredients, making it easier to align meals with your training, whether you need extra protein, less fat, or more balanced carb portions.

What Makes It Special?

For athletes balancing nutrition with a busy training schedule, Blue Apron’s transparency and flexibility are big advantages. Clear labels for nutrition, cook time, and price make it easier to plan meals around workouts and recovery. The ability to preview menus weeks ahead helps you map out your meals in advance.

The Dish prepared-meal line offers fast, high-protein choices, ideal for post-workout refueling or busy days. Meanwhile, the classic meal kits let you cook from scratch when you have time, giving you better control over ingredients and portions compared with takeout or restaurant meals.

Is It Good Value?

Blue Apron offers strong value for athletes who want nutritional flexibility. Because you pay per serving and aren’t tied to a subscription, you can order only what fits your current training cycle or macro plan.

Optional savings programs – like autoship discounts or free-shipping membership perks – can help frequent users bring down costs, keeping performance-aligned eating affordable over time.

6. BistroMD – Best Meal Plan for Weight Loss

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

What's on the Menu?

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

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

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

What Makes It Special?

BistroMD can replace all of your daily meals with its most comprehensive plans. It even offers the option to add snacks like whey protein bars, nut mixes, and shakes. This can be a hassle-free way to maintain your energy levels and receive adequate protein intake for muscle recovery and growth.

The menu includes healthy takes on breakfast, lunch, and dinner stapes. You can substitute dishes in your weekly menu, giving you some extra leeway in personalizing your diet. You can find out more about the menu in our tested BistroMD review.

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

Is It Good Value?

BistroMD offers pricing starting at $5.50 per serving. You can choose between 5- or 7-day plans, with options for 2 or 3 meals per day, including snacks. However, it's important to note that the 2-meal-per-day plan doesn’t include breakfast.

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

7. Trifecta – Best High-Protein Prepared Meals

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

What’s on the Menu?

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

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

What Makes It Special?

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

Trifecta emphasizes high-protein dishes in all its plans, and the menu includes a distinct breakfast menu in addition to the lunch/dinner options. The service also offers a supportive community for people interested in resources beyond the meals themselves.

The Trifecta app is a key feature, offering tools to track progress and engage with other members. It includes articles, challenges, and peer support, helping you stay motivated and informed on your health and fitness journey.

Is It Good Value?

Pricing for Trifecta starts at $13.79 per serving, with options to order 5, 7, 10, or 14 entrees per week. This places the service firmly on the high end of the spectrum, with costs in line with the most premium services on the market. If it’s within your budget, however, you may find that Trifecta’s comprehensive offerings fit your needs.

8. Purple Carrot – A Great Choice for Vegan Athletes

Purple Carrot is the perfect choice for vegan athletes, offering balanced recipes centered around healthy plants. The service specializes in high-end plant-based meal kits and prepared meals, with a focus on holistic nutrition. Each meal is packed with essential nutrients, antioxidants, and minerals for optimal athletic performance for vegans.

What’s on the Menu?

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

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

What Makes It Special?

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

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

Is It Good Value?

Pricing for Purple Carrot starts at $6.83 per serving, with a minimum order of 3 meal kits, each containing 2 servings. This pricing structure positions Purple Carrot as a reasonably priced option for high-quality vegan meals.

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

9. Diet-to-Go – Best for Weight Management

Diet-to-Go delivers fully-prepared, nutritionally balanced meals straight to your door. With meal plans designed to fit different dietary needs, you can fuel your athletic performance without worrying about meal prep or portion control. Everything is ready to heat and eat, helping you stay on track with your nutrition goals.

What’s on the Menu?

You’ll get fully-prepared, microwavable meals that arrive frozen, so they’re easy to store and heat whenever you need them. This is a great option if you have a demanding training schedule and need quick, nutritious meals that don’t sacrifice quality. The Balance Menu, for example, includes meals like the Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl, giving you variety without the hassle of cooking.

If you follow a low-carb diet, the Keto-Carb30 plan might be a good fit. It keeps your net carbs under 30 grams per day, making it similar to an Atkins-style approach. Sticking to a keto diet can be challenging, but these professionally prepared meals take the guesswork out of it.

There’s also a Balance-Diabetes menu, which is designed to help naturally control blood sugar. This plan is calorie-controlled, nutritionally balanced, and heart-healthy, making it a solid choice if you’re managing diabetes or pre-diabetes while staying active.

What Makes It Special?

Instead of spending time prepping and cooking, you can focus on your workouts, recovery, and performance. Check out our tested review to find out what we thought of its convenient frozen meals.

The meals come pre-portioned, so you don’t have to worry about overeating or constant snacking. If you’re aiming to maintain a specific weight class or optimize your body composition, this built-in portion control can help.

The meals are designed by dietitians and crafted by chefs. So you’re not just getting healthy food, you’re getting flavorful, satisfying dishes. You can even customize your menu by switching out dishes for alternatives, so you’ll never get bored.

Is It Good Value?

Diet-to-Go is designed to be flexible and budget-friendly. There are no long-term commitments or hidden fees, and you can adjust the number of meals you receive per week. Prices start at $4.60 per serving. 

You’ll also get access to a team of health professionals who can offer advice and support along the way. Whether you need nutrition tips or help staying on track, this added resource can make a big difference.

Considering the convenience, portion control, and expert guidance, Diet-to-Go is a strong option if you’re looking for a simple, effective way to manage your weight while focusing on your athletic goals.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Meal Delivery Services for Athletes

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

• Make sure you’re getting enough calories: Athletes burn more calories, so they need a higher-than-average calorie count. All of the services on my list clearly list the calories in each meal, so you can stay on track. In order to keep your body fueled, choose a service that allows you to add extras to each meal. For example, Home Chef’s Customize It feature lets you double the protein for certain meals. 
• Ensure that you are consuming the correct macronutrients: Athletes require a different proportion of carbohydrates, protein, and fats compared to an average individual, particularly if you're adhering to a diet such as keto. Fitness-oriented services such as Trifecta can perform these calculations and balance each meal for you.
• Choose the right level of convenience: How much time do you have between workouts or training? If you don’t have time to cook, try some prepared meals like those from Factor. They just need a few minutes in the microwave. However, if you like to spend time in the kitchen, try a meal kit service like HelloFresh. Another benefit of meal kits is that you can order a larger size (for 2, 4, or 6 people) and batch-cook meals for when your schedule is busier. 
• Consider other dietary preferences: Beyond your nutritional needs, you might have health goals or allergies to consider. Green Chef stands out for its flexibility, offering Plant-Based, Gluten-Free, and Keto plans. 
• Look for extras to support your athletic lifestyle: Services with add-on menus can help support your fitness journey. Staying hydrated is important for athletes who sweat a lot, so as well as drinking water, consider adding extra smoothies to your order from a service like Factor. If you’re looking to bulk up, you’ll want a service where you can add extra food to your weekly order (Green Chef offers plenty of meat and fish add-ons).

FAQ

What is a good meal plan for an athlete?

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

What is the healthiest premade meal delivery service?

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

What is the best vegan meal delivery service for athletes?

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

Is there a healthy version of HelloFresh?

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

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

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

How much do meal delivery services for athletes cost?

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

Best Meal Delivery Services for Athletes in 2026 — Final Score