Final Verdict
Sunbasket is our top pick for the best diabetes-friendly meal delivery service. The company features a diverse menu of both meals and meal kits, which can be filtered by numerous dietary preferences, including gluten-free and diabetic-friendly. We like the emphasis on organic, nutrient-dense ingredients, as well as the company’s eco-friendly approach. All of Sunbasket’s packaging is either reusable, recyclable, or compostable, and the company even donates food to charitable organizations like Farmers Against Hunger and Hope Food Pantry of Monroe County, California.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How Much Do Diabetes Meal Delivery Services Cost?The per-meal cost ranges from around $5 to $17, however, the average is around $10 or less. Cost will vary depending on the type of ingredients used (for example, animal protein costs more than plant-based meals and organic animal protein will cost even more) as well as the volume ordered. Most companies offer value plans, so the more meals you get per week, the less each meal will cost. Some companies offer free shipping while others add a flat rate for all deliveries.
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What Are Meal Delivery Services for Diabetes?Meal delivery services for diabetes vary based on the company. In general, they are lower in total carbohydrates (or more specifically “net carbohydrates,” which are calculated after accounting for fiber) and emphasize minimally processed vegetables, fruits, and whole grains plus contain a source of lean protein. Some companies have designated menus that are aligned with dietary recommendations from the American Diabetes Association, while others rely on internal criteria developed by their own team of nutrition professionals and medical experts.
If a company does not have a meal plan specifically for diabetes, we made sure that the nutrition information was available prior to ordering and that the menu contained a good variety of balanced meals that emphasize complex carbohydrates. It is important to keep in mind that each individual may need different amounts of carbohydrates per meal, so even if a meal plan is labeled as diabetes-friendly, customers should review the nutrition information for the meal plan and each recipe and determine if it’s in line with their personal needs (some may actually be too low in carbs).
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Are Diabetes Meal Delivery Services Worth It?Meal delivery services that cater to those with diabetes can be helpful for individuals who are newly diagnosed and unfamiliar with how to plan meals for blood sugar control. These services can also assist those with limited time for meal planning and preparation as well as people who feel overwhelmed counting carbohydrates. Having pre-portioned meals on hand can be extremely beneficial and may be a huge support for someone trying to manage their diabetes since blood sugar is directly impacted by food choices.
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How Do I Choose a Diabetes Meal Delivery Service?First and foremost, before choosing a meal delivery to help manage your diabetes, it will be valuable for you to have information from a registered dietitian or physician about the ideal range of carbohydrates, per day and per meal, to help you with meal planning. You will also need to consider whether you have any other needs for therapeutic diets, such as a heart-healthy or gluten-free diet, to help narrow down which companies are right for you. Some important considerations include:
- Cost: If this is going to be used as a regular service, long-term costs need to be considered, including shipping.
- Serving Sizes: Some meal delivery services may only offer single servings while others offer bulk ordering or meals with multiple servings for larger households.
- Variety: If you plan on ordering regularly, consider the variety within the menu as well as how frequently the menu changes if you don’t want items on repeat.
- Meal Types: Some meal delivery services focus solely on lunch and dinner while others include breakfast and snacks and beverages.
- Other health goals: Consider whether you have any other dietary needs such as a low-sodium or heart-healthy diet. Some low carb menus may just focus on lowering carbs for each meal but have higher amounts of sodium or saturated fat or inadequate fiber.
Methodology
We ordered, cooked, and evaluated meals from 40 different meal delivery services to rate each one’s offerings, nutrition profiles, prices, sustainability, and, of course, flavors. We contacted the customer service teams at each of the companies, collected data, and rigorously reviewed each one.
Our Verywell Fit writers are all registered dieticians who relied on their research and its resulting data to inform their reviews.