Top 7 Meal Delivery Services for People with Diabetes

Key takeaways: 



  • Meal delivery kits offer a convenient way to get the nutrition you need without spending hours in the kitchen, and options are available for many different eating patterns. 
  • When choosing a meal delivery program, be sure to consider the nutritional information, flexibility, and price plans. 
  • Several meal delivery companies offer diabetes-friendly plans, which tend to be lower in carbs and higher in fiber and protein. 


Picture this: It’s 7 p.m., and you’ve just arrived home from a grueling day at work. You’re hungry, tired, and ready to plop down on the couch. Normally, you open up the refrigerator and several odds and ends stare back at you – peanut butter, eggs, and pickles. 


With relief, you realize that your meal delivery kits are waiting for you in the fridge. After just a few minutes of heating in the microwave, there will be a delicious meal ready for you. 

Managing diabetes, a job, and other responsibilities is a lot – and there might not always be time to prepare homemade meals. Fortunately, there are many meal delivery services tailored to meet the nutritional needs of people with chronic diseases, including diabetes. 


Meal delivery services are prepared meals that are delivered to your home or office. These kits come in all shapes and flavors: heart-healthy, plant-based, dairy-free, low-carb, you name it. Some meal delivery programs are more focused on taste, whereas others are more centered on nutrition. Medically tailored meals are typically created by a team that includes clinical staff, such as registered dietitians, and offer options for people with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or other health conditions. 



We spoke to Sarah Hormachea, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES) at Nourish, to understand what to look out for when choosing a meal delivery service for diabetes. 


A woman is sitting at a kitchen counter looking at her cell phone.

Pros and cons of meal delivery services 

Time and convenience


Meal delivery services are a great time-saver and a convenient option if you don’t have the time to shop for groceries and cook your own meals. Compared to ordering takeout or fast food, meal delivery kits are likely to be more nutritious and less processed. 


“I always tell people that their time is valuable and the more they can outsource those tasks they don't want to do, they're better off for it,” Hormachea said. “These programs really do take the burden off of cooking and meal prep.”


These delivery services may be especially helpful for people living alone, as they offer single-serve meals. Hormachea added that most grocery stores and recipes aren’t really tailored to cooking single portions, which can make cooking for one difficult.

 


Precise nutrition


Meal delivery kits can be beneficial for people concerned about portion control and nutrition. It can be challenging to estimate the exact number of carbohydrates or calories in a meal you cook yourself, while prepackaged meals contain exact counts. Plus, some programs offer meals specifically for weight loss. 


Meal delivery kits can also be an educational tool for trying a new eating pattern, said Hormachea. For instance, if you’re curious about the Mediterranean diet, you could subscribe to a Mediterranean meal delivery plan for a month to try new foods and get inspired. Once you find a few favorite dishes, you can try to replicate them yourself. 



Improvements in A1C and other health outcomes


Research suggests that meal delivery programs can benefit people with diabetes. Several small studies have shown that people with type 2 diabetes improved their time in range and significantly lowered their A1C while using meal delivery kits. While these programs can be expensive, meal delivery programs can be especially beneficial for improving diet quality in people with food insecurity. That is, these services offer fresh, healthy meals for people who live in areas where there is little availability of nutritious food. 




The downside: cost


Meal delivery kits are certainly more expensive than cooking food at home. A typical delivered meal ranges from about $7-15 per serving (without shipping), whereas meals you cook at home can cost as little as $3 per serving. Meal delivery kits typically charge for shipping, or must be picked up locally, which can add additional costs. 


Generally, Hormachea said that the more meals you buy, the more affordable they are. For instance, ordering 15 meals a week will cost less per meal than ordering just six meals per week. Likewise, meal delivery services with greater medical customization are likely to cost more than basic plans. 


Be on the lookout for coupons, Hormachea said, as many programs run frequent deals. There may also be discounts for new users, so another option to save money is to jump from program to program each month. 


Some insurance plans, like certain Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, may cover meal delivery for people with diabetes and other chronic health conditions. Reach out to your healthcare provider or insurance provider to learn more. 



Factors to consider when selecting a meal delivery service


Everyone has different needs when it comes to meal delivery. Some people may want ready-to-cook ingredients, while others prefer a fully prepared meal that just needs to be reheated. Flavors, price, delivery options, and the subscription model vary across programs, so it’s a good idea to read closely before committing. 




Nutritional value


The quality and nutrition of meal delivery can vary substantially, so it’s important to compare nutrition information. For instance, an investigation by STAT News found that medically tailored meals covered by Medicaid were high in sodium, saturated fat, and preservatives – exactly the types of ingredients that older people with diabetes and other health conditions should avoid. 


Many programs offer diabetes-friendly meals, low-carb options, or keto and paleo meals. In general, look for diabetes-friendly meals that contain low amounts of refined carbohydrates and added sugars. Meals should be high in fiber, protein, and heart-healthy fats. 


People with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease will also want to look for meals that are low in sodium – the CDC recommends less than 2,300 mg (about one teaspoon) of sodium each day for teens and adults. 



Your dietary and household needs


Many meal delivery services offer plans for different diets or allergies, such as plant-based, dairy-free, kidney-friendly, or gluten-free meals. You can typically choose how many meals you want to order each week; some programs may allow you to select how many people or servings. 


It’s also important to note that programs vary in flexibility and personalization – some may have set delivery dates or limited choice in meals. 



Preparation and storage



Some programs deliver frozen meals that are ready to be reheated, while others offer do-it-yourself kits containing fresh ingredients and cooking instructions. Your needs may depend on how much time you have and your comfort in the kitchen. Likewise, some meal delivery kits can only be stored for a short period, whereas others may last up to 14 days in the fridge. 


A man is delivering a bag of food to a woman.

7 top meal delivery services


Here are our top picks for meal delivery services for people with diabetes (in no particular order). In addition to the commercial options below, Hormachea noted that seniors can sign up for Meals on Wheels, which offers both home delivery and group meals. It’s also worth checking to see if there are free or low-cost options in your local community, she added. 




1. Sun Basket


Meals from Sun Basket are designed by a chef and approved by dietitians, and feature organic produce. 


Diet friendliness: Diabetes-friendly meals contain 20-70 grams of carbs and at least 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving. Other options include paleo, carb-conscious, keto-friendly, gluten-free, vegetarian, Mediterranean, pescatarian, and fresh & ready. 


Meal type: Meal kits (take 15-40 minutes to prepare) or fresh & ready meals (ready in as little as 4 minutes)


Cost per serving: $9.99 and up, plus $7.99 shipping 



2. BistroMD


BistroMD offers medically tailored meals for weight loss to fit a range of dietary needs. 


Diet friendliness: Diabetes-friendly meals contain up to 25 grams of net carbs, at least 30 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber per meal. Other options include gluten-free, weight loss, heart-healthy, keto, menopause, and vegan. 


Meal type: Prepared (ready in 5 minutes or less)


Cost per serving: $10.99 and up, plus $19.95 shipping within the continental U.S.



3. Magic Kitchen


Magic Kitchen delivers frozen meals and may be covered by Medicaid and Medicare. 


Diet friendliness: Diabetes-friendly meals contain 20-65 grams of carbs. Other options include portion-controlled, kidney friendly, dairy-free, and low-carb. 


Meal type: Frozen, ready to heat and eat


Cost per serving: $12.00 and up, plus shipping starting at $18.95 within the continental U.S.



4. Mom’s Meals


Mom’s Meals offers affordable medically tailored meals that are crafted by professional chefs and registered dietitians.


Diet friendliness: Diabetes-friendly meals contain no more than 75 grams of carbs. Other options include general wellness, gluten-free, heart-friendly, lower sodium, protein, pureed, renal-friendly, and vegetarian. 


Meal type: Prepared, ready to heat and eat


Cost per serving: $7.99 and up, plus $14.95 for shipping 



5. Factor


Factor is a popular option for meals designed by chefs and registered dietitians, particularly as the company offers frequent discounts. 


Diet friendliness: No diabetes-friendly plan. Other options include: keto, calorie smart, flexitarian, protein plus, chef’s choice, and vegan & veggie. 


Meal type: Prepared, ready to heat and eat


Cost per serving: $10.99 and up, plus $9.99 for shipping 



6. HelloFresh


If you’re looking for a pre-packaged meal kit, HelloFresh is a popular choice. Because you do some of the cooking, it tends to be more affordable than other options. 


Diet friendliness: No diabetes-friendly plan. Carb-smart recipes contain around 40 grams of net carbs per serving. Other options include meat & veggies, veggie, family-friendly, fit & wholesome, under 20 minutes, and pescatarian. 


Meal type: Meal kit with pre-measured ingredients and instructions


Cost per serving: $9.99 and up, plus $10.99 for shipping 



7. Daily Harvest


Meals from Daily Harvest are plant-based and feature organic fruits and vegetables. The diabetes-friendly plan offers meals curated by Risely Health founder Lauren Bongiorno, who lives with type 1 diabetes, and registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator Bridget Wood.


Diet friendliness: Diabetes-friendly meals contain approximately 30 to 45 grams of carbs. Other options include heart healthy, Mediterranean, plant-based protein, and gut-healthy. 


Meal type: Frozen, ready to heat and eat


Cost per serving: $9.79 and up, plus $9.99 for shipping


The bottom line


Managing diabetes can be challenging, and sometimes this leaves little time for meal prep. Luckily, meal delivery companies offer many options tailored to meet the dietary needs of people with diabetes. When choosing a meal program, be sure to consider your nutrition needs, cost, how much preparation is involved, and the flexibility of the subscription service. 


If her clients are considering meal delivery, Hormachea said she always encourages them to give it a try. 



“Order some. See what you like. See if that relieves the burden of cooking. See if that helps you stick to your intentions,” she said. “I do think it can be really helpful.”

Healthy Bites

Tech Watch: The Latest in Diabetes Tech News

April 15, 2025
With so many things happening in the diabetes tech world, it can be hard to keep up. Stay up to date here with the latest diabetes tech news and alerts.

Micronutrient Deficiencies in Type 2 Diabetes and Their Impact on Health

April 10, 2025
Type 2 diabetes, a condition marked by chronically high blood sugar levels, is a leading driver of metabolic disease in America. While conventional medical advice recommends taking medications to control blood sugar levels, this is only a temporary measure at best.  Diabetes is compounded by several factors, and recent research notes that nutritional deficiencies is a commonly overlooked aspect, and that when these deficiencies are addressed, managing and controlling this disease becomes easier.

Diabetes and Telehealth: The Pros and Cons

March 24, 2025
Telemedicine can make diabetes care less expensive and easier to access, but it may not always be a suitable replacement for an in-person visit. Learn what happens during a telehealth visit and see if you could benefit from using telemedicine for your diabetes care. The pandemic upended a lot about life as we knew it. Notably, it was responsible for a 63-fold increase in telehealth visits . For people managing diabetes, however, having a doctor visit over video brings up a host of questions and potential issues. How can a doctor properly check my eyes and feet through a computer screen? Will telehealth replace in-person discussions about my blood sugar? Will I get the same level of care through a computer? According to a 2022 article in American Family Physician , telehealth is promising for diabetes treatment and has been shown to help improve glucose management. In a separate analysis of glucose data from people with type 2 diabetes, people who received remote monitoring of their glucose levels saw significant improvements in A1C over a period of three months. That being said, no study or physician is implying that telehealth fully replaces in-person medical care for diabetes. Here’s what to consider and who might be the best candidates for telediabetes care. What happens during a diabetes telehealth visit? Telediabetes care involves two types of interactions. One is a video meeting with a physician or care team to discuss challenges and potential solutions. During this type of visit, the healthcare provider can see some physical signs or changes, such as rashes or wounds. The second type of interaction is virtual monitoring of glucose levels through a monitoring device that sends data to the care provider. The provider might also follow up with a video call to discuss the data. “Many of the things that are important for diabetes care – blood glucose data review, medication review, insulin teaching – can all happen over video,” said Dr. Varsha Vimalananda, an endocrinologist and associate professor of medicine at Boston University. “CGM data can be uploaded and reviewed remotely, which is also very helpful.” Different providers use different video platforms for telehealth appointments, but most will look and function much like a Zoom call. The benefits of telehealth in diabetes care Not all elements of diabetes care are best suited for telehealth, but many lend themselves naturally to the conversation and convenience that an electronic visit facilitates. For type 2 diabetes in particular, telehealth has been shown to be more effective than in-person care at helping people manage their condition. One reason for the improved outcomes is simply better access to care. Dr. Keta Pandit, an endocrinologist at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology in Austin, Texas, says continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), along with telehealth options, have changed the landscape of diabetes care. “One of the benefits of being able to offer telemedicine to our patient population is that it has increased the access to care, especially with any ongoing illnesses, hospitalizations, COVID, post-COVID, or any other situations when patients notice their glucose levels are going out of their standard range. Patients often contact us for these types of situations, and we can quickly get them seen via telemedicine to make adjustments to their diabetes medications,” she says. “While this was still an option prior to telemedicine days, the opportunity to see their provider on short notice, not having to worry about transportation, and not having to put in advance notice to take time off of work to travel to the doctor’s office, are some of the ways access to care has increased.” Pandit says this is particularly true for older patients who require frequent visits and women who are pregnant, as well as those who need to optimize their glucose levels before and after surgery. Jasmine Meidas, 51, of Cleveland, Ohio, is one such patient. She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 15 years ago. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was much more comfortable with telehealth than going into my endocrinologist’s office, which is in a hospital. I still am,” she says. Meidas has a one-hour telehealth visit every three months. “They can order blood work to be taken locally, [and] we review [the results] together. We also review food choices, lifestyle challenges, stressors, and more. We set action steps and goals for the next 90 days,” she says. Meidas periodically sees her endocrinologist in person as well. At Vimalananda’s clinic in Boston, specific groups are making great strides with telehealth options. “Veterans, mostly,” she says. “I have a few [Veteran patients] who have severe [post-traumatic stress disorder]. Driving out to the clinic, dealing with traffic, and navigating the hospital are all things that cause a lot of distress. It’s been a game-changer for them to be able to have the visit from home.” When is telehealth not the best option? “If you have diabetes, please remove your socks and shoes.” This type of sign is frequently displayed in doctors’ offices. How would a foot exam work in telehealth? This is a real concern for people with diabetes, as up to 15% of patients will have a foot ulcer in their lifetime. Pandit and other experts acknowledge the limitations telehealth can have. “The medical team [must depend] on the patient [to provide] data and limited access to other parameters that are needed, including blood pressure measurements or foot examinations. When visits are conducted via telemedicine…care is not as comprehensive,” says Pandit. “There are times when the telemedicine model may pose risks. The limitation is clearly noted in visits with patients who are not technologically savvy, may have hearing issues, or [have] poor [internet] connection at the time of the visit.” Telehealth can also give health care providers a direct view into the home environment, which may result in a patient’s hesitancy to share openly — with family members potentially nearby — and impede the building of relationships and rapport. For these reasons, Pandit recommends that at least every other visit be conducted in person. 
A logo for diabetic supplies inc. and eddy care

Exciting New Partnership: Diabetic Supplies Inc. and eddii-Care Join Forces to Transform Diabetes Care

March 24, 2025
We are delighted to announce a groundbreaking partnership between Diabetic Supplies Inc. and eddii-Care , the virtual endocrine care clinic hosted by eddii—the leading diabetes management platform.

Mini Spinach Ricotta Frittatas

March 11, 2025
These protein- and fiber-packed spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella egg muffins are a filling yet healthy weekday breakfast option.

How To Make Sure You Receive Critical Blood Sugar Alerts

March 4, 2025
Key takeaways The FDA has issued a warning to users of continuous glucose monitors after reports of missed urgent blood sugar alarms on smartphones. Free apps can act as a backup for CGM alerts on your phone. A secondary alert system, like a CGM receiver or the SugarPixel standalone display, can ensure critical alerts are noticed. The FDA recently issued a safety notice after receiving reports from CGM users who missed critical low and high blood sugar alerts on their smartphones. Some of the causes for the missed alerts included: changes to phone settings, operating system upgrades, and using Bluetooth accessories. The safety warning coincided with my own experience. Following an update to my smartphone, I missed two critical low blood sugar alerts during the night. After missing those notices, I realized that I could back up my CGM alarms the same way I back up photos on my phone or laptop's hard drive. I then went about researching and testing other backup options, including these apps and devices I now use to make sure alarms are heard consistently, especially at night.

Tips for Dining Out With Diabetes on Valentine’s Day

February 12, 2025
Marcia Kadanoff, who lives with type 2 diabetes, shares her top five tips for enjoying a Valentine’s Day meal out. Pink and red hearts everywhere, overpriced dinners, wondering if you’ll have a date (or if you got your partner an appropriate gift) – ah, the joys of Valentine’s Day. I’m stressed just thinking about it. As a person with diabetes, my stress may be a bit different than general Valentine’s Day anxiety. By this point, my spouse knows enough not to get me chocolates, my biggest landmine food. But the hard thing for Valentine's Day or any other romantic occasion is getting a reservation at the right kind of restaurant and – as always when living with diabetes – planning out my meal. Special occasion meals take special skills to navigate. The good news is that there are definitely strategies that can help make a romantic dinner somewhere special enjoyable without diabetes taking center stage. Where I live – the San Francisco Bay Area – many restaurants have Valentine’s Day dinner specials that consist of three to five courses. There’s nothing wrong with eating a multi-course meal, but it does make diabetes management more difficult. From bread to creamy soups and crouton-laden salads to heavy entrées to a dessert that’s potentially cake-filled, multi-course meals can quickly add up to a large amount of carbohydrates, which is a major driver of high blood sugars. The reality is that even if I choose the “healthier” set menu for a celebratory multi-course meal, I still make a point to think about what each portion is bringing (quite literally) to the table. Here are my best tips for navigating a Valentine's Day dinner out.

Pro Tips for Exercising With Diabetes

February 5, 2025
Figuring out when and how to exercise can be one of the most difficult parts of living with diabetes. Hear from experts who discuss the benefits and share strategies for safely exercising. Having diabetes doesn’t mean you have to let go of the things you love doing, which may include playing sports. Exercise is an essential part of diabetes management, leading to improved weight management, reduction in cardiovascular disease risk factors, and great mental health benefits. Experts like Dr. Lori Laffel, chief of the pediatric, adolescent and young adult section at Joslin Diabetes Center, discussed the benefits and strategies for safely exercising with diabetes. Laffel pointed to the ADA’s Standards of Care, which recommend adults get 150-300 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous exercise and youth get 420 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous exercise. But even with all of the evidence pointing to its benefits, managing exercise can be one of the most difficult parts of living with diabetes. There are multiple challenges to consider, such as abnormal insulin delivery and glucagon physiology, how stress hormones affect blood glucose, hydration, and more. The good news is that you can still stay active with diabetes and engage in the sports you love. Famous athletes who have diabetes include five-time Olympic gold medalist Gary Wayne Hall Jr., recent Super Bowl champion Noah Gray, and the Women’s National Basketball Association’s 2022 third overall pick Lauren Cox. Exercising just might mean a little more planning on your part. This includes paying special attention to the type of physical activity you’re doing, carb intake, and your insulin regimen, said Laffel. How does exercise impact blood sugar? It’s still difficult to know the degree to which exercise affects your blood glucose levels. According to Michael Riddell, professor of kinesiology and health sciences at York University, an optimal glycemic range is “unclear and very individualized for the athlete with diabetes.” Factors that influence one’s glucose response to exercise include the type of activity, time of day, whether you’ve recently taken insulin, what food was recently consumed, stress, sleep, and more. Athletes who compete may want to consider how their levels vary between training days versus competitions. While it might not always be doable in practice, Riddell recommends a time in range of 70% during training and 75% on competition days – while paying special attention to minimizing hypoglycemia to less than 1%. For competitive athletes, other important things to manage include sleep, meals, basal/bolus insulin, hydration, and workout schedules. The type, duration, and intensity of exercise are main factors that influence glucose response. Different forms of physical activity cause different glycemic trends that ultimately affect how you respond to diabetes management. For example, endurance activities (like walking, jogging, and cycling) tend to reduce glucose levels, whereas high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance training tend to vary more so. Laffel said that if you are engaging in intense exercise, know it can cause hyperglycemia and may increase your insulin needs during recovery time. The amount of carbs you should eat to maintain your desired glucose levels will depend on the intensity of your exercise. Lower-intensity exercise typically means more carbs and less insulin needed and vice versa for higher-intensity exercise, explained Riddell. For context, about 50% of recreational athletes with type 1 diabetes prefer training and sometimes competing with a moderately low (100-200 grams per day), low (40-99 grams per day), or very low (<40 grams per day) carb diet. Helpful guidelines and tech for exercise Activity monitors and devices can significantly help with diabetes management while exercising. Connected pens and insulin pumps provide timely dosage; continuous glucose monitors (CGM) let you follow trends to guide your insulin dosing and carb intake; and automated insulin delivery (AID) can protect you from hypoglycemia and possible hyperglycemia. Laffel provided a few basic guidelines if you’re engaging in aerobic exercise for more than 40 minutes. If you’re on multiple daily injections (MDI) or an open-loop pump, consider the following insulin adjustments: For those on MDI, start with a 20% reduction in basal insulin dose. For people on insulin pump therapy, reduce basal rate by about 50% (as a starting point) 1-2 hours before, during, and about one hour after exercise. Reduce bolus insulin by 50% for meals or snacks two hours before and up to two hours after exercise. At bedtime (or 7-11 hours following afternoon exercise) reduce your basal rate by 20% for up to six hours. If you are engaging in unplanned aerobic exercise, eat a few extra carbs. Use a CGM or monitor to check glucose before, during, and after physical activity. According to Laffel, an overlooked but important part of exercising with diabetes is the cool-down period, which can be any sort of exercise that you consider easy, such as walking or a slow jog. Cooling down can reduce your risk of hyperglycemia after vigorous exercise. You should cool down for about 20 minutes. If your glucose levels remain high, you can consider conservative insulin correction (greater than 220 mg/dL). Ultimately, there are many ways you can tailor diabetes management to work for your exercise plan. You should discuss your exercise regime with your doctor, as everyone’s needs are individualized and dependent on their lifestyle.

6 Diabetes-Friendly Snacks for Game Day

February 5, 2025
Game day is fast approaching. Here are six diabetes-friendly healthy snack recipes that are all sure to be instant crowd-pleasers. Are you ready for the big game? Whether you're a raving football enthusiast, solely a fan of the commercials, or just around for the food and comradery, it's impossible to deny that the Super Bowl is a big deal. It's important to make sure you'll stay healthy while helping yourself to a few delicious bites. “Traditional Super Bowl snack foods are less than ideal, even if you aren't living with diabetes,” says Heather Hanks, a certified nutritionist and medical adviser at Medical Solutions BCN. Hanks acknowledges that it's always a challenge to eat healthy on Super Bowl Sunday. “The key here is to find snacks that contain no refined sugars and fewer carbs, a good source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you full and stabilize blood sugar levels.” Diabetes-friendly snacks for game day Bearing these pointers in mind, we have six low-carb finger food options, from cheese dips to buffalo-style cauliflower bites. These healthy snack options will have you partaking in the party without feeling too full or weighed down. 

Dark Chocolate May Lower Diabetes Risk, While Milk Chocolate Adds Pounds

January 28, 2025
Story at-a-glance Consuming dark chocolate is linked to a 21% reduction in the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, while milk chocolate does not offer the same benefit and is associated with weight gain
More Posts