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The best meal delivery services can be beneficial tools for supporting a healthy diet and proper nutrient intake, according to a 2021 study1. One popular service available to convenience-seeking athletes is BistroMD—a subscription offering frozen prepared meals catering to a range of diet types and palates.
According to Perry Nix, MS, RD, LD, “There is a wide selection of ready-made entrees available at BistroMD that caters to a variety of dietary preferences and health conditions. They will help you determine the right program for you by asking you a few simple questions.” So, is this tailored meal delivery service a good fit for your weekly menu? Our team of experts just had to find out.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
Nearly 50 Meal Kits Tested By Our Team of Registered Dietitians and Fitness Pros
Over the years, our team of experts—which includes competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and dedicated fitness enthusiasts—have tested multiple meal kits from the best healthy meal delivery services to family-friendly subscriptions, meal kits for kids, and more. For this BistroMD review, Lauren Strong, CPT dined on the prepared meal subscription for multiple weeks, examining the service’s qualities like taste, portion sizes, ease of preparation, and overall value.
Using our nutrition testing methodology, Lauren gave scores on a scale of 1 to 5 based on categories including:
- Price per serving: These scores were determined by comparing the cost per meal to other meal delivery kits with a similar format and style. The more affordable the meal, the higher the rating.
- Ease of preparation: How long did the meals take to prepare and how difficult was the recipe? We gave a lower rating to meals that required lots of equipment or those that took more than 20 minutes to prepare, while fully prepared meals received a higher score.
- Taste: While we understand that taste can be subjective, these ratings were influenced by internal test results and what real customers said in online reviews about the meal options.
- Portions: We assessed whether or not our testers were still hungry after having their meals as well as if the portions were accommodating enough for a range of appetites. High scores were given to dishes that left us satisfied post-consumption.
- Ingredient quality: We looked at how high-quality the ingredients were, regardless of their preparation—a frozen meal can still stand out with worthwhile ingredients. We also examined the condition the ingredients were in upon delivery.
- Menu variety: Even if a meal kit service is convenient, we provided a rating based on the full program. This is to assess if there is a wide variety of meals in order to prevent the entrées from becoming repetitive over time.
We also sought insight from Perry Nix, RD, LD, registered dietitian and nutrition expert, for further understanding of what BistroMD brings to the table. Given that some of the meal plans are aimed to help manage nutritionally-related chronic conditions like diabetes, getting input from Perry was invaluable.
BistroMD
Diet Type
Accommodates multiple diet types, including keto, diabetic, vegan, and gluten-free
Options
More than 150 weekly meals
Shipping Costs
$19.95 standard shipping costs
Prep Time
Meals ready in 5 minutes or less
Budget-friendly
Our testers rated BistroMD a 4 out of 5 for price, with meals averaging between $10.99-$14.99
Doctor-designed
BistroMD’s registered dietitians create a custom diet program based on your preferences
Pros of BistroMD
Cons of BistroMD
Shipping Costs
$19.95 (first order is free)
Price Per Serving
$10.99-$14.99, depending on how many meals are in your delivery
BistroMD was designed by a doctor to help folks struggling with weight loss. BistroMD addresses insulin-resistance and aids a healthy metabolism with lean protein and high-fiber foods to keep you full in addition to low glycemic carbohydrates to stabilize blood sugars. You’ll find a meal plan that works within your dietary restrictions including gluten-free, vegan, or keto.
A Quick Look at BistroMD
Perry Nix summarized what’s great about BistroMD perfectly. “You can find a meal plan that helps you lose weight, manage blood sugar, or improve your heart health. As BistroMD knows, weight loss isn’t easy, and everyone’s body is different, so ‘eat less, exercise more’ doesn’t necessarily work for all athletes,” Perry says.
“Rather than focusing on burning more calories and utilizing energy efficiently, these meal plans are designed to fuel your metabolism, stabilize blood sugar levels, and keep you feeling full and satisfied.”
Instead of pre-portioned ingredients that require cooking and prep, BistroMD meals are prepared entirely prior to delivery, arriving frozen and ready for storage until your next serving. This can be ideal for athletes less enthusiastic about spending hours in the kitchen, or those with busy schedules in need of quick, nutrient-dense food options.
Before You Buy
- BistroMD can be perfect for singles looking for balanced, low-calorie meals, but if you’re looking for calorie-dense meals to support specific activities, this may not be a good fit
- Meals are frozen and meant to be thawed overnight, so keep that in mind when considering your eating schedule
- This meal kit can be great for those dealing with celiac disease, are in menopause, or who need diabetes-friendly meals
Is BistroMD Worth It?
We’d say BistroMD is worth it for the right people. It really depends on your wellness and weight management goals, as well as how much convenience you’re looking for. Their meals are tasty despite arriving frozen, and the value is impressive given the assortment of available cuisines and dietitian-approved recipes.
RELATED: Best Meal Delivery Service for Families
Healthy food options that can be kept in the freezer may be perfect for those who are too busy for the grocery store or traditional meal prep regimens. The meals are also well-balanced with veggies and carbohydrates, but if you’re looking for large portions, lots of lean protein, or calorie-dense foods, this probably won’t be worth it for you.
Great for:
- Busy individuals without much time for meal preparation
- Those struggling with insulin resistance and weight loss
- Individuals with chronic dietary restrictions such as celiac disease
Not recommended for:
- Families wanting large portions with each serving
- People who enjoy cooking meals
- Those who have high calorie needs
BistroMD Meal Delivery Service Specs
| Price per meal | Starting at $10.99 |
| Meal type | Prepared meals |
| Max servings per week | 20 |
| Available meal plans | Gluten-Free, Heart Healthy, Keto Flex, Diabetic, Menopause, Vegan, Breakfast, Snacks |
| Meal options per week | Roughly 150 entrées and roughly 25 snack items |
| Delivery range | Contiguous United States |
| Some meals we’ve tried | Chicken Florentine Cannelloni, Sloppy Joe with Cabbage Slaw, Cranberry Harvest Turkey Meatballs, Mojo Pork with Black Beans & Rice, Hickory Smoked BBQ Beef with Yukon Gold Potatoes |
Experience Using BistroMD
As mentioned above, we had our very own Lauren Strong, CPT sign up to receive BistroMD meals for multiple weeks. We then asked her to report back with her experience. Overall, she rated her experience at 4.33 out of 5, with her main complaint concerning portion sizes.
“In the end, I do think these meals are good, but most people need a few more calories than what these offer,” Lauren explains. “For people with weight loss goals, I think they will end up snacking between meals. A person may find it difficult to adhere to a weight loss meal plan like this without snacks for 21 meals in a week.”
RELATED: Best Meal Delivery Service for Singles
“There are macros and nutritional information detailed on every box, and you can preview the information on the website before you choose each selection,” Lauren adds. Accordingly, she gave a rating of 5 out of 5 for access to nutritional information.
She also rated BistroMD’s variety a 5 out of 5, noting, “The ‘Signature program’ was what I selected, and I thought there were so many options. There are a lot of home-style meals, healthy meals, and everything in between.”
Price Per Meal
“The prices start at just $10.99 per week, so it’s very affordable,” Lauren points out. “Smaller orders can cost more up to $14.99, which incentivizes you to stock up with larger quantities.” This makes BistroMD meals a thrifty option for big appetites or fitness buffs looking for some super easy meal prep. Thus, we gave a 4-out-of-5 rating for price.
Ease of Preparation
Lauren awarded a 5-out-of-5 rating for BistroMD’s preparation because, well, there’s virtually no prep work involved—simply place your dish in an oven or microwave and heat to the suggested time. “Easy peasy!” she proclaims.
RELATED: Best Frozen Meal Delivery
“According to the instructions, you should de-thaw each meal the night before, but I only did this once,” Lauren notes. “You could totally microwave most meals if you started with a completely frozen state. I really enjoyed the fact that there wasn’t any cookware involved, too, which cut my clean-up duties down tremendously.”
Taste and Ingredient Quality
Now, the rating most of you are (probably) waiting for. You’ll be pleased to know that Lauren gave BistroMD meals a solid 4 out of 5 for the category. She came up with this score after testing the following prepared meals:
- Chicken, Rice and Cheddar Casserole
- Sloppy Joe with Cabbage Slaw
- Turkey Breast with Cranberry Apple Chutney
- Merlot Meatballs with Grits
- Chicken Florentine Cannelloni
- Firecracker Chicken Meatballs with Asian Salad
- Hickory Smoked BBQ Beef with Yukon Gold Potatoes
- Cranberry Harvest Turkey Meatballs
- Meatloaf with Honey Bourbon Glaze
- Mojo Pork with Black Beans & Rice
“Considering these are healthy meals that are also frozen, they are pretty darn good,” Lauren raves. “Among the meal options I have eaten so far, the Chicken Florentine Cannelloni is the best while the Sloppy Joe with Cabbage Slaw is my least favorite.” If you’re curious as to how she came to this conclusion, she was kind enough to explain her assessment.
RELATED: Best Gourmet Meal Delivery Service
According to Lauren, the cabbage slaw did not thaw as well as anticipated, resulting in a near-flavorless profile. “When I defrosted the meal instead of immediately cooking it in the microwave, the cabbage was just ‘meh,’” she adds. “Furthermore, the shredded Hickory Smoked Beef was stringy, and the shreds of beef were super long. In all honesty, I had no idea what part of the cow it came from.”
As far as ingredient quality is concerned, she gave the service a 4-out-of-5 rating, with one demerit being due to none of the ingredients being certified organic. “The majority of ingredients, however, are whole foods that can be easily identified (which is what they should be),” Lauren clarifies. “The BistroMD website states, ‘We source our seafood from sustainable sources, use rBGH-free beef, and utilize hormone-free chicken as required by law.’”
Portion Size
This was the main drawback of BistroMD, according to Lauren.
“Under 400 calories is the average calorie count for most meals, and most are between 300 and 400 calories. For active people, that’s just not enough,” she notes. “That said, I don’t think this meal service is made for highly active individuals. It’s more for those looking to introduce healthy eating into their lives and possibly manage insulin resistance—a primary area of focus for the brand, according to BistroMD’s website.”
The further proof that these meals are likely for those with wellness and weight loss goals is the fiber content, which is what promotes a longer feeling of satiety. “You chew enough to fill up on the small portions, and the fiber content from the veggies is pretty good,” Lauren adds.
“About 30 to 60 minutes after eating these, though, I usually have a protein shake.” This may be the case with most active people who choose meal delivery services like BistroMD. Accordingly, we score the portion sizes at a modest 3.5 out of 5.
Meal Plans and Customizations
Meal plans available through BistroMD include Signature, Gluten-Free, Keto Flex, Diabetic, Vegan, Menopause, and Heart Healthy. While this is an impressive assortment of options, there is no available high-protein plan that may be beneficial for more active subscribers. As such, we rate the service at 4 out of 5 for the category.
RELATED: High-Protein Dinner Options
Packaging and Shipping
As far as the shipping, BistroMD meals are shipped frozen through FedEx with “ClimaCell” insulation and dry ice. The meals are also flash-frozen, meaning they can be kept in your freezer for extended periods before consumption. Each meal is also stamped with a ‘Best By’ date on the clear film that encloses the meal.
We also appreciate the level of sustainability at play with this meal kit. In addition to the main cardboard box, the insulating materials and individual plastic containers can be recycled without much trouble. Thus, we rated a 5 out of 5 for BistroMD’s packaging and shipping for being both convenient and environmentally friendly.
BistroMD vs Factor
Factor Meals
Meal Types
6 options, including Keto, Calorie Smart, Vegetarian, and Protein Plus
Prep Time
Meals are ready to eat in 2 minutes
Price Range
$10.99-$13.49 per serving
Add-Ons
More than 65 breakfast items, smoothies, juices, snacks and more add-ons
Portion sizes
Our tester gave Factor 4.5 out of 5 stars for portion sizes, noting that it’s the only meal service she tried that had ample portions
Plenty of options
There are a variety of menu plans to accommodate different preferences, including keto, calorie-controlled, and vegetarian
Pros of Factor
Cons of Factor
Meals Per Week
6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 18
Meal Types
Keto, Calorie Smart, Vegetarian, Vegan, Protein Plus
Price Per Serving
Ranges between $10.99-$13.49
Factor75 is a heat-and-eat delivery service that works well for those on specialized diets. Boxes are delivered weekly, and you can mix and match from different menu plans to maximize your menu variety.
Factor Meals and BistroMD are two similar and popular meal delivery services. So, we thought we should see how they stack up against one another. Both offer prepared meals that are ready in minutes, and the variety of meals is also comparable. The drawback to both of these meal kit types, however, is that neither are great for families since the order totals can be too limiting.
The biggest difference between Factor and BistroMD meals, though, is that Factor meals come fresh and ready to heat-and-eat, while BistroMD meals need to be thawed before consumption. Factor is also more appropriate for those who are active due to meal plans like Protein Plus or Carb Smart, but they also offer a weight loss meal option with Calorie Smart.
That said, BistroMD is slightly less expensive per meal and contains more options for entrées. Factor Meals do offer smoothies and juices, though, which are not options to order through BistroMD. So, it looks like your calorie needs and daily eating patterns will determine which service is best for you.
Read our full Factor Meals Review for more information on this popular meal subscription service.
| BistroMD | Factor Meals | |
| Price per meal | Starting at $10.99 | Starting at $11.49 |
| Meal type | Prepared meals | Prepared meals |
| Max servings per week | 20 | 18 |
| Available meal plans | Gluten Free, Heart Healthy, Keto Flex, Diabetic, Menopause, Vegan, Breakfast, Snacks | Chef’s Choice, Protein Plus, Calorie Smart, Keto, Carb Conscious, GLP-1 Balance, Fiber Filled, Flexitarian |
| Meal options per week | Roughly 150 entrées and roughly 25 snack items | 42 recipes and over 65 extras |
| Delivery range | Contiguous United States | Contiguous United States |
| Some meals we’ve tried | Chicken Florentine Cannelloni, Sloppy Joe with Cabbage Slaw, Cranberry Harvest Turkey Meatballs, Mojo Pork with Black Beans & Rice, Hickory Smoked BBQ Beef with Yukon Gold Potatoes | Spicy Poblano Beef Bowl, Blueberry Pancakes, Chicken Fettucine Alfredo, Garlic Pork Tenderloin with Green Beans |
Customer Experience
We rated the customer experience a perfect 5 out of 5, according to Lauren’s experience.
“Two days after I signed up, customer service called me directly to check on my experience, which I thought was odd since I hadn’t received the food yet,” Lauren notes.
Lauren adds that her initial order was either lost or damaged in transit, resulting in a delayed delivery. “As a result, I had to inform BistroMD of this directly. Once I got on the phone with customer service, it was a quick three-minute call and the same choices of meals were on my doorstep within three days.”
Ordering BistroMD Meal Delivery Service
Lauren found the ordering process fairly easy, stating that choosing a program is the first step of the routine. “Next, you can select your meal plan—either a ‘Full Program’ which includes breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for up to seven days, or the ‘Lunches and Dinners’ option for five or seven days of meals,” she adds.
Given the simple yet multi-step protocol for placing an order, Lauren rated BistroMD at 4 out of 5 for the category. Additionally, she notes, “As soon as you make your selections, the site filters available meals to match your picks. That said, you still have the flexibility to choose dishes outside of your plan, which is nice.”
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews come out to an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on roughly 5,700 responses. Most rave about the great taste and ease of preparation associated with this meal kit subscription.
Final Verdict of Our BistroMD Meal Delivery Service Review
BistroMD is a meal service not without its problems, but it can be a well-loved subscription according to our testers and customer reviews, especially if you have specific dietary needs or are trying to lose weight without spending hours in the grocery store or kitchen preparing healthy food. As a dietitian, I also love how they have specific diabetes-friendly meals. Other services typically have plans that are low in carbohydrates (like keto or paleo), but these aren’t always necessarily appropriate for those who are diabetic.
RELATED: Best Keto Meal Delivery Service
The big drawback with BistroMD meals is the portion sizes, which may be less than satisfying for larger appetites, according to our expert tester. Perry Nix, MS, RD, LD adds, “Approximately 1,200 calories are consumed by women for three meals and two snacks, and 1,500 calories by men for three meals and two snacks. While you might see some weight loss at first, you’re more likely to gain that weight back plus some.”
This doesn’t necessarily mean that having a diet meal like BistroMD won’t result in weight loss, but you’ll likely have to supplement the meal service with extra food, which may defeat the purpose of a meal service for some people. For convenience and overall taste, however, this still remains one of our favorites.
BistroMD Meal Delivery Service
BistroMD was designed by a doctor to help folks struggling with weight loss. BistroMD addresses insulin-resistance and aids a healthy metabolism with lean protein and high-fiber foods to keep you full in addition to low glycemic carbohydrates to stabilize blood sugars. You’ll find a meal plan that works within your dietary restrictions including gluten-free, vegan, or keto.
Product Brand: BistroMD
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 10.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
BistroMD Meal Delivery Service: FAQs
Are BistroMD meals fresh or frozen?
BistroMD offers prepared meals that are frozen and ready to eat in under 5 minutes.
How much do BistroMD meals cost?
BistroMD meals start at $10.99 per serving.
Is it easy to cancel BistroMD meal delivery service?
To cancel your subscription with BistroMD, all you have to do is log into your account, click the “Manage Plan” menu option, click Update Plan, and then click Cancel Subscription.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Moores, C. J., Bell, L. K., Buckingham, M. J., & Dickinson, K. M. (2021). Are meal kits health promoting? nutritional analysis of meals from an australian meal kit service. Health Promotion International, 36(3), 660–668. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32944742/
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