The Fast Facts
- We’ve tested more than 30 popular meal kit services, and our dietitians have evaluated the menus and recipes to select the best diabetes meal delivery service.
- We chose Sunbasket as the best overall, but it’s one of the more expensive meal kits.
- Mom’s Meals is a more budget-friendly option with diabetes-specific menus.
If you have diabetes, following a nutritious diet that promotes healthy blood sugar levels is critical. But it can feel challenging to constantly shop for, plan, and prepare diabetes-friendly meals.
Fortunately, many meal delivery services offer diabetes menus or other diabetes-friendly options, such as low carb,
Here are the seven best meal delivery services for people with diabetes, plus information on how we test meal kits.
$11.49+ (for meal kits)
1 prepared meal
We know that meal delivery services aren’t a small investment, which is why we’ve taken the time to test more than 30 of the most popular meal delivery services on the market.
Testers select a week’s worth of meals from multiple menus to get a well-rounded view of the types of flavors and ingredients offered.
During testing, we consider several factors, including the ease of the sign-up and meal selection process, the variety and nutritional composition of the meals offered, ingredient quality and freshness, how easy the meals are to cook, and, of course, the taste.
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate menus and ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the meal delivery services on this page, we considered all the services that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further. Read more about how we test meal delivery services.
Need a refresher on diabetes?
There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Here are some key facts to keep in mind, as well as foods to limit:
Diabetes affects your body’s ability to use or produce insulin, a hormone that helps transport sugar from the bloodstream to the cells.- In addition to taking medications as prescribed by your doctor, making dietary changes can help keep your blood sugar levels stable.
- If you have diabetes, it’s important to
monitor your intake of carbohydrates, which are converted into sugar in your body. Also, aim to include foods lower in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars in your meals and snacks. - A doctor or dietitian can provide specific recommendations on which foods to prioritize and appropriate portion sizes, depending on your needs.
Be sure to check with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. They can adjust your medications as needed and offer additional guidance on how to manage your diabetes.
- Nutritional value: To support healthy blood sugar levels, meals should be low in refined carbs and added sugar and high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It can be helpful to choose a service that offers a menu specifically designed for people with diabetes.
- Time commitment: If you like to cook, you may prefer a meal kit delivery service, which provides pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. On the other hand, if you’re short on time, look for a company that delivers fully prepared meals. In either case, consider the recommended method of reheating and the time required. Some of our reviewers found that it can sometimes take longer to prepare meals than the service says.
- Household needs: Some companies offer meals that feed one person, which is a better choice for people who live alone or are looking for easy lunches. Other services offer meals that feed several people, which tend to suit couples or families.
- Other dietary needs: If you follow a specific diet, have allergies, or have specific food preferences, it’s important to find a meal delivery service that caters to your needs.
- Budget: Meal delivery service costs can vary widely, so be sure to consider your budget when choosing a service that works for you. Make sure to factor in shipping fees as well.
Medical Perspective“A truly diabetes-friendly meal delivery service offers adequate portion sizes of meals made with mostly whole ingredients, with an emphasis on lean proteins, heart-healthy fats, and fiber. It will also offer transparent nutrition information to help consumers make informed decisions when choosing their meals.”
— Imashi Fernando, MS, RDN, CDCES
Learn more about the best foods for people with diabetes.
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Sunbasket is our top pick overall for diabetes meal delivery. It offers a variety of meal kits and prepared meals that are nutritious and designed to support healthy blood sugar levels.
BistroMD, Mom’s Meals, and Factor are also good options to consider if you prefer ready-made meals.
Yes, you can get diabetes meals delivered. All the services on our list offer diabetes-friendly meals.
Though HelloFresh doesn’t have a menu designed specifically for diabetes, it does offer several low carb options.
In fact, all items labeled as “Carb Smart” on the menu contain around 40 g of net carbs per serving, which may be suitable for people living with diabetes.
Some insurance policies, including some Medicare Advantage plans, may cover services like healthy meal delivery for people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes. Your insurance provider can give more details on your coverage and eligibility.
High protein foods like fish, yogurt, and milk, as well as foods like beans, berries, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains, are all great choices for people with diabetes.
These foods are not only rich in important vitamins and minerals but also in fiber, which can support heart health and help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
Keep in mind that any carbohydrate intake should be portioned when living with diabetes.
Many meal delivery services provide nutritious meals that may help promote healthy blood sugar levels. Any of the services on our list offers convenient ways to improve your diet and manage your health.
Look for a service with a diabetes-friendly menu, or one with keto, low carb, paleo, or plant-based meal plans, to help make managing diabetes meal planning and prep easier.