8 Best Paleo Meal Delivery Services, According to Registered Dietitians
Fill your plate with whole nutritious foods with these meal kits and prepared meal services.
Medically reviewed by Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., NASM-CPTNutrition & Fitness Lab Director
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Even if you’ve been living in a cave, you’ve likely heard of the paleo diet. Also known as the caveman diet or eating primal, this lifestyle is based on the idea that we should eat as our hunter-gatherer ancestors did during the Paleolithic era. In more practical terms, that means focusing on whole foods, such as lean protein, produce, nuts and seeds, and avoiding processed foods, grains, refined sugars, legumes and dairy. It's a simple regimen, but adhering to a paleo diet can be a challenge for busy people who don’t have time to cook all their own meals. Fast food and restaurant fare are notoriously not paleo-friendly.
"If you don’t know where to start with a paleo diet, a meal delivery service that caters to paleo meals can help familiarize you with basic foods allowed on the diet, as well as ingredient combinations and more to help inspire you in your own paleo meal planning,” says Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CDN, Nutrition Director for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Fortunately, a handful of meal delivery services we tested prove that convenient meal plans can serve up lean animal proteins with vegetables and healthy fats without sacrificing flavor and variety.
Our top picks:
Over the course of several months and with the help of over 300 at-home testers across the United States, Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab experts evaluated more than 50 different meal delivery services — including traditional meal kits that come with pre-measured ingredients and a recipe, affordable meal delivery services and ready-to-eat meals. Our registered dietitians chose the best Paleo meal delivery services based on feedback in the categories of overall satisfaction, food quality, cost, recycling efforts and availability.
Each pick here meets the requirements of the Paleo diet although some are more strict than others. Some also align with the Whole30 diet. All options cater to a wide variety of dietary needs and lifestyle preferences. At the end of this guide, you can read more about how we evaluate meal delivery services in our Lab, plus what to consider when picking out a paleo meal service. If these choices are beyond your budget, check out our affordable meal delivery services or our best meal delivery services for a more comprehensive guide.
We also want to acknowledge that weight loss, health and body image are complex subjects. Before embarking on any diet, we invite you gain a broader perspective by reading our exploration into the hazards of diet culture.
Trifecta Nutrition
Pros
- Ingredients are organic, non-GMO and locally sourced
- Dietitians and chefs work together to develop meals
- Optional breakfast add-ons
Cons
- Some users felt the variety of menu choices was limited
Trifecta is a meal delivery service that offers meal plans for several diets, including paleo. The chef-driven menu is made with organic, non-GMO, gluten-free and locally sourced ingredients. All meals arrive fully prepared and vacuum sealed, so all you have to do is heat and eat.
How it works: Choose from four meal plans including a Paleo Whole30 plan. You can select specific meals each week or let Trifecta choose (you can exclude one ingredient: beef, pork, salmon, shellfish, spice, turkey or whole mushrooms). Meals will last in the fridge for seven days or in the freezer for up to three months.
Lab lowdown: Testers reported, "the convenience is a game-changer and the meals were healthy, which is a really hard combination to get." Our food and nutrition experts appreciate the organic and locally sourced nutritious ingredients and that the meals are developed with dietitians and chefs together to create balanced meals.
| Pricing | Meals are $15.50 to $16 per serving. Shipping is $9.99 to most states. |
| Plan options | Keto, vegan, vegetarian and Paleo Whole30. Select five, seven, 10 or 14 meals per week with an option to add breakfasts. |
| Packaging | Shipping boxes and plastic food trays are curbside recyclable; insulation material is biodegradable. |
| Availability | Everywhere in the US with additional shipping fee for AK and HI. |
| Allergens | Gluten-free, peanut-free, dairy-free and soy-free options available. |
Pros
- Organic, whole foods ingredients
- Offers both meal kits and fully prepared meals
- Optional breakfast, lunch and snack add-ons
Cons
- The shipping area is limited compared to other choices
A continued tester favorite, Sunbasket offers an extensive range of dietary preferences and menu choices, including paleo. It also offers the convenience of both traditional meal kits and ready-to-eat meals. Chefs and registered dietitians create all meals. Paleo menu ingredients include organic eggs, responsibly raised meats, sustainably sourced seafood and healthy fats from nuts, seeds and avocados.
How it works: Choose from weekly menus that meet a variety of dietary preferences, including paleo, carb-conscious, gluten-free, diabetes-friendly, vegetarian, pescatarian, keto-friendly and Mediterranean. Select two or more dinners to serve your choice of two to four people.
Lab lowdown: Testers raved about the "flavorful and inventive global recipes and ingredients," and gave high points for the generous portions and organic ingredients. Testers also appreciate the choice of being able to order both ready-to-eat meals and meal kits. Our experts appreciate the emphasis on high-quality and whole food ingredients and the quick and easy-to-follow recipes.
| Pricing | Prepared meals are $9.99 to $15.49; meal kits are $11.49 to $24.49. Shipping is $9.99. |
| Plan options | Paleo, carb-conscious, gluten-free, diabetes-friendly, vegetarian, pescatarian, keto-friendly and Mediterranean. Choose one to four servings and two to five dinners per week. |
| Packaging | Packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable. |
| Availability | Continental United States, except for MT, ND and parts of NM. |
| Allergens | Can accommodate dietary preferences, but recipes are packed in a facility that handles gluten, milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans. |
Pros
- Non-GMO, organic, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients used
- Recipes are quick and straightforward
- Up to 6 servings per recipe makes it good for families
Cons
- Some meals are not ideal for a low-sodium diet
- No strictly paleo meal plan
Green Chef is a favorite among our food and nutrition experts because it provides high-quality organic ingredients and delicious meals that can be on the table in 30 minutes or less. The menu offers meals that use non-GMO, organic and sustainably and locally sourced ingredients.
How it works: There isn't a paleo meal plan, but you can select from eight different lifestyle preferences, including Protein Packed and Keto, which offer carb-conscious, high-protein recipes. There are also Mediterranean, Calorie Smart, Quick and Easy, Plant Based, Delicious Discoveries and Gluten-Free. You can also mix and match among these preferences. You can feed two, four or six people with three or four meals per week. The menu rotates weekly with new recipes added. Ingredients come pre-measured and prepped. Just follow the easy step-by-step cooking instructions.
Lab lowdown: Testers rave about the top-notch quality and freshness of ingredients: "The quality of the food was exceptional. I was very satisfied with the freshness and taste of the meals. Just yummy!!" Others commented on easy-to-follow instructions that cut down on prep time and "made cooking dinner easy and enjoyable."
| Pricing | Meals are $11.99 to $13.49 per serving. Shipping is $9.99. |
| Plan options | Keto, gluten-free, high-protein, Mediterranean, vegan, vegetarian and low-calorie. Select six, eight, 12, 16, 18 or 24 meals per week. |
| Packaging | Packaging can be recycled, reused and/or compostable. |
| Availability | Continental U.S. |
| Allergens | No option to customize your box for allergies. You can prescreen recipes for allergen information online. |
Pros
- Ingredients are non-GMO and organically sourced
- Option to add a la carte snacks and meals
- Allergies accommodated
Cons
- Some users found the vacuum sealed meals looked unappealing but came to life after heating
Fresh N Lean offers ready-to-eat, chef-designed meals that include paleo and Whole30-approved menus. Ingredients are non-GMO, organically sourced and include grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, and free-range eggs and chicken. All meals are also gluten-free. The company partners with suppliers committed to low-impact or more sustainable farming methods. Meals arrive fresh, not frozen, vacuum sealed and ready to eat in five to seven minutes in the oven or three minutes in the microwave.
How it works: You can choose from Protein+, keto, Whole30-approved, paleo and vegan, among others or shop a la carte. You can also choose to add bulk items, snacks and a la carte options such as smoothies. The menu is updated weekly and nutritional information for each meal is provided on the company website.
Lab lowdown: Testers gave the service top scores for "awesome variety of options" and "super fresh and tasty meals" that were "convenient and healthy." One tester raved, "this is the best prepared meal delivery service I have used." Our food and nutrition appreciate the generous portion sizes and fresh, organically sourced ingredients.
| Pricing | Meals start at $11. Shipping can cost up to $9.99. |
| Plan options | Protein+, keto, paleo, Mediterranean diet, Whole30, plant-based, low-carb and low-cal plant based. Choose up to three meals a day for five or seven days per week. |
| Packaging | Packaging is recyclable; insulation is biodegradable. |
| Availability | Everywhere in the U.S, including Hawaii and Alaska. |
| Allergens | Allergies accommodated include eggs, sesame, dairy, shellfish, tree nuts, soy and wheat. You can also select up to three ingredients to exclude from your plan. |
Pros
- Offers a hard to find AIP menu
- Options for meal bundles and á la carte items
- Ships frozen on dry ice
Cons
- Can be expensive
Studies have indicated that AIP (Auto-immune Protocol) diets, which can serve as an elimination diet for some, may be helpful in reducing an inflammatory response in patients with IBD (irritable bowel disease) and other autoimmune diseases. This service has a chef-driven menu that uses pasture-raised meats, wild-caught seafood, healthy fats, vegetables and fruits. This service excludes nuts, seeds, grains, legumes, dairy, nightshades and eggs. All meals are single-serve and ready to heat and eat.
How it works: Choose eight, 12 or 16 items and then choose if you want to receive your box every two, four or eight weeks. All meals can be refrigerated up to five days or frozen for up to six months.
Lab lowdown: Our experts appreciate Paleo on the Go's method and commitment to providing meals that are not only healthy but can offer options for people with limited or elimination diets. There is a plethora of inventive meals to choose from that cater to international flavors too, as well as snacks and breakfast items that add variety and convenience.
| Pricing | Meals are about $19 per serving. There is a $99 minimum order. |
| Plan options | Small (8 items), medium (12 items) or large (16 items) box sizes that ship every two weeks, every month or every two months. |
| Packaging | Trays are recyclable; insulation completely dissolves in water. |
| Availability | Everywhere in the U.S, including Hawaii and Alaska. |
| Allergens | All meals are nut-free, dairy-free, nightshade-fee, soy-free, grain-free and gluten-free. If you have a food allergy or special dietary requirements, you can create a custom box. |
Territory Foods
Pros
- Large variety of menu options can accommodate many dietary preferences
- Detailed nutrition information for each meal
- Generous portions
Cons
- Delivery area is limited
This service offers one of the largest varieties of menu plans that can accommodate multiple dietary needs. If you're following a paleo diet, the Whole30 and paleo plans are for you. All meals are ready to eat in under two minutes and are free from dairy, gluten and refined sugar and grains. This service works with a network of local chefs, and meals are developed with dietitians. All ingredient details are listed and include the inspiration behind the dishes.
How it works: Choose between dietary preferences such as paleo, low carb, keto friendly, plant based, Whole30, Mediterranean, and <500 calories. Menus rotate often and include seasonal ingredients. Each meal comes with easy-to-follow nutrition information including the macronutrient breakdown of protein, fats and carbs.
Lab lowdown: Testers gave the service top scores for generous portion sizes and range of menu choices. Our food and nutrition experts appreciate that multiple dietary preferences are taken into consideration and that full ingredients lists and macronutrient breakdowns and nutritional information are easily available.
| Pricing | Meals start at $15. Choose between a subscription plan or one-time ordering. |
| Plan options | Mediterranean, paleo, vegan, Whole30 and keto-friendly. Minimum or four or six meals (depending on your area) per delivery. Local deliveries cost up to $10.99 and UPS shipping can cost up to $17.99. |
| Packaging | All packaging is recyclable. |
| Availability | 27 states and growing. Check their website to see if they serve your area. |
| Allergens | You can filter menu options to avoid, including dairy, eggs, gluten, grains, legumes, peanuts, shellfish, soy and tree nuts. Meals are made in kitchens where gluten, dairy and other allergens are present. |
Pete's Real Food
Pros
- Generous portions
- Vegan paleo meal options
- Ability to mix and match meal plans
Cons
- Some users prefer more seasoning in their meals
This service offers restaurant-quality meals made with fresh, seasonal and whole foods ingredients that follow the paleo diet. All meals arrived fresh and are gluten-, dairy- and soy-free with no sugar added. Menu offerings also include keto, vegan, low-FODMAP and AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) options. There’s also a mix-and-match plan so you don’t need to commit to just one.
How it works: Order five, 10 or 14 meals or choose the family plan of five meals with four portions each. Choose add-ons such as double proteins or sides like bone broth. Users can also order from the kids' lunch menu, which offers smaller portion sizes of both protein and vegetables. Menus change seasonally and rotate weekly.
Lab lowdown: Testers loved the convenience factor of the meals and being able to enjoy "quick, easy and healthy meals within minutes." Testers commented the meals were "great for days when you want something healthy but don't want to think about what to cook." Multiple testers raved about the generous portion sizes and satisfying meals. Our experts appreciate the focus on local and sustainable ingredients.
| Pricing | Meals start at $14. Select five, seven or 10 meals for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. All-day bundle includes five of each meal for a discount. FedEx shipping and $10 packaging fee applies to all deliveries. |
| Plan options | Paleo, keto, AIP and vegan and kids lunches. |
| Packaging | All materials are recyclable. |
| Availability | Everywhere in the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska. |
| Allergens | Paleo and keto meals are free of gluten, dairy, soy, corn, legumes, preservatives and artificial sweeteners. All meals are made in a gluten-free facility that manufactures meals for other brands that might contain dairy and nut flour. |
Pros
- All meals are made with non-GMO ingredients
- Free consultations with the in-house dietitian team
Cons
- Not strictly paleo (some meals have dairy)
Factor offers single-serve, ready-to-eat meals that have been developed by dietitians and chefs. All meals are non-GMO and free from gluten and refined sugars. However, there is no specific paleo meal plan so it's not for those who follow a strict paleo philosophy. Some meals include dairy ingredients but some versions of the paleo diet do include full-fat dairy. This service may be a good place for some users to start if they are not ready to give up dairy. Users can schedule free consultations with the in-house dietitian team to develop a personalized nutrition plan.
How it works: The menu rotates weekly and customers can choose from more than 30 meals with more than 33 add-on options including shakes, proteins, breakfast and desserts. Users start by choosing their meal preference, including the most popular, Chef's Choice, which offers the widest variety of meals that can fit into any diet. There are also keto, flexitarian, protein plus, vegan and vegetarian and calorie-smart menus that offer dishes under 500 calories. Users then select how many meals per week they would like to receive, from six to 18.
Lab lowdown: Our testers loved that the meals were "fresh, flavorful and couldn't be easier to prepare." Others commented on how much easier it made their lives to have "fresh and delicious" prepared meals to come home to. Our food and nutrition experts appreciate the menu variety, dietitian-designed meals and that the company offers free 20-minute nutrition consults to help find the best meals for customers.
| Pricing | Meals are $11 to $13.50 per meal plus $11 for shipping. |
| Plan options | Chef’s choice, keto, calorie smart, flexitarian, protein plus and vegan/vegetarian. Choose, six, eight, 10, 12, 14 or 18 meals per week. |
| Packaging | Boxes, insulation and food trays are curbside recyclable. Gel packs are reusable. |
| Availability | Everywhere in the contiguous U.S. |
| Allergens | Allergen information is available on the website and meal packaging. |
How we test the best Paleo meal delivery services
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test various food products and services. From healthy snacks and supplements to food subscription boxes and meal delivery services, our experts are committed to bringing you the best of the best when it comes to quality, performance, flavor, nutrition and more.
In our most recent study of meal delivery services, we recruited over 300 at-home testers across the nation, while our in-house experts also tested the services in our Labs. We evaluated over 50 meal delivery services, ranging from traditional kits with pre-measured ingredients to fully prepared options.
We tested the services over the course of several months. We made our selections based on expert evaluations and tester feedback in the categories of overall satisfaction, food quality, cost, recycling efforts and availability.
Our top picks cater to a wide variety of dietary preferences, including gluten-free, low-carb, high-protein and more. Although taste is subjective, we ultimately chose companies that scored high points overall with testers. As a result of our testing, we believe the companies spotlighted above deserve recognition for their performance in their categories. That said, this is a fast-growing segment in the food industry and we're likely to see exciting new entrants emerging in the near future. We are currently and constantly testing new offerings in this category to keep readers up-to-date.
How to select the best Paleo meal delivery service for you
When it comes to choosing your meal kit delivery service, select the one that fits best with your lifestyle. Ultimately, a good meal delivery service should provide tools to help you learn how to create a nutritious paleo meal plan and stick with it, or offer a convenient mealtime solution to keep you consistent with your health goals.
✔ Meal kit vs. meal delivery: Think about if you want to spend more time in the kitchen cooking fresh meals with traditional meal kits like Green Chef or if you prefer to heat and eat. Or get the best of both worlds with Sunbasket.
✔ Dietary needs: If you have food allergies or additional dietary restrictions, you’ll need to find a meal service that accommodates your needs. Make sure the service lists all ingredients, allergens and nutrition facts on its website or product packaging. Pete’s Real Food, for instance, has low-FODMAP options and Paleo On the Go operates in an allergy-free facility.
Since the paleo diet is rich in animal food sources, Sassos says it is not ideal for vegans or vegetarians. Those with an increased risk of heart disease may also want to avoid this type of diet since it can be very high in saturated fat. The paleo diet also does not include abundant sources of calcium, so if you are at risk of osteoporosis or bone fractures this plan isn’t for you. If you have a history of disordered eating, any plan such as the paleo diet that eliminates certain food groups is not recommended.
✔ Price: Cost is an important factor and generally goes up if ingredients are organic and sustainably sourced. In addition to the price of the meals, consider other fees such as shipping into your budget. Often these extra charges don’t appear until you’re checking out.
✔ Variety: "It can be difficult to find delicious and inventive meals that cater to different dietary preferences but paleo meal delivery services typically utilize chefs and nutrition experts to create a marriage of both great tasting food that also caters to certain ingredients and macronutrient profiles too," says Sassos. If you get bored eating the same handful of dishes every week, look for a service that changes up their menus often with a diverse assortment of ingredients.
✔ Availability: Many meal delivery services ship across the country but some are only available locally in certain areas. Some offer shipping only on certain days of the week so make sure it aligns with your schedule as the shipments are highly perishable.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
As a recipe developer and food journalist, Perry Santanachote has researched and written numerous articles about nutrition and diets. She also develops meal plans and has personally tried dozens of meal delivery services because even cooks are sometimes too busy to cook for themselves.
As a dietitian and working mother, Stefani Sassos is passionate about putting healthy meals on the table for her and her family without having to spend a ton of time in the kitchen. Meal delivery services are something that she relies on a few times a week, especially frozen options that she can keep on hand for busy weeknights when the family is in a pinch and needs dinner on the table in minutes. She stays up to date with the current meal delivery landscape and leads category testing efforts for Good Housekeeping.
Perry Santanachote (she/her) has more than 15 years of experience in service journalism, specializing in food and consumer goods. She tests and reports on kitchen appliances and cooking tools. She also evaluates food products and cleaning supplies. She’s an experienced writer, product tester and recipe developer who has worked in labs, test kitchens and media organizations, including Thrillist and Consumer Reports.
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition and Fitness Lab, where she oversees all nutrition and fitness-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from New York University, as well as advanced certifications as a Women's Fitness Specialist and a Behavior Change Specialist. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.
The Best Cooling Mattresses
The Best Barefoot Shoes
The Best Automatic Espresso Machines
The Best Smart Refrigerators
