8 Best Bodybuilding Meal Prep Delivery Services

Table of Contents

Build muscle under a budget with ready-cooked meals and an extensive menu that features non-GMO recipes when you subscribe to MealPro.
If you want to have more control over how your food is prepared, both SunBasket and GreenChef allow you to cook your protein-rich meals at home.
Serious bodybuilders focus on three core ingredients with each meal: optimal lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.

9 Best Bodybuilding Meal Prep Services (List for 2024)

MealPro

Trifecta Nutrition

Muscle Meals 2 Go

Factor 75

Sun Basket

Pete’s Paleo

ButcherBox

Megafit Meals

Green Chief

Committing to an effective bodybuilding diet isn’t easy. The meal requirements alone will have you spending most of your day in the kitchen instead of at the gym where you’re supposed to be shredding to get your muscles primed and buffed up.

So when my clients come to me asking if I have any tips to make meal easier, I recommend looking into meal delivery services. Take a look at my favorites so you can find the right one.

1. MealPro - #1 Best Choice Overall

MealPro is an affordable ready to heat meal delivery service that doesn’t require a subscription. Their meal plans are flexible and prioritize GMO-free food that can be customized to fit your nutritional needs. I like how their menu focuses on an a la carte model, which keeps everything transparent and allows you to plan out your meals per week yourself instead of having to rely on a professional to do it for you.

Popular Dishes

Bean chicken
Sizzling steak
Skillet meatballs
Lean beef lasagna
Turkey casserole

What Kind of Food Do You Get?

MealPro focuses on highlighting healthy food meant for athletes that you do not have to cook. Their menu consists of protein-rich food with a complete drop down of nutritional information that allows you to understand exactly what will go into your body.

Cost per Meal

Around $8 a meal on average

Best For

Serious athletes with highly demanding physical activities. It’s also a good choice for you if you want to be able to clearly see exactly what food you’re going to get and what’s in it.

Summary: The MealPro meal delivery service delivers ready to heat and eat meals straight to your doorstep so you don’t have to worry about heating up a pan and prepping a bunch of ingredients before you can eat. You’ll like how the company doesn’t require a subscription. Instead, you’re able to choose your exact box size and pick which meals you want delivering through their rotating weekly a la carte menu.

2. Trifecta Nutrition - Best for Dietary Restrictions

Trifecta Nutrition offers meal plans for a variety of dietary preferences such as keto, vegetarian, paleo, clean eating, gluten-free, and more. The company focuses its efforts on delivering never-frozen food to bodybuilders specifically which includes moral support and lifestyle advice for their customers. All seafood is wild caught and meats are grass-fed, which statistically have lower fat content.

Popular Dishes

Pineapple coconut loaf
Salmon and wild rice
Flat iron steak
Tuna cakes
Meatloaf with cauliflower mash

What Kind of Food Do You Get?

There are six meal plans to choose from, such as vegetarian, classic, vegan, keto, paleo, and clean plan. Each plan features different meals that cater to specific dietary preferences like plant-based proteins or minimally processed food.
The meals are pre-cooked and ready to heat. They will keep in the refrigerator for over 10 days and last up to a month in the freezer.

Cost per Meal

Around $12 for each portion

Best For

Bodybuilders who like to follow very specific diets.

Summary: Trifecta Nutrition caters to various dietary preferences. This makes it ideal for you if you find it difficult to select meals that comply with your diet and your goals for building muscle mass. Their meals are pre-cooked, which lessens the amount of work you do. Plus, they’re ideally portioned to help you meet your goals.

3. Muscle Meals 2 Go - Focuses on Building Muscle

Muscle Meals 2 Go is specially designed for athletes who want a meal plan to accompany your muscle-building gym workouts. Expect to see ready-made meals that are freshly prepared, with an option to double the protein so you can customize it according to your diet plan.

The company was founded by Shadd Daugherty, a professional athlete dedicated to delivering an effective meal solution to serious bodybuilders who have no time to spend planning out their meals in the kitchen.

Popular Dishes

Spinach and Goat Cheese Fritatta
Chocolate Cherry Protein Pudding
Garlic Roasted Chicken Breast with Ratatouille vegetables
Lean ground beef, napoli sauce, low-fat mozzarella classic lasagna
Salmon fillet with wild rice, brown rice and green beans

What Kind of Food Do You Get?

The muscle-building menu features meals that have an average of 650 calorie count per serving. The plan focuses on high quality proteins, whole grains, carbs and veggies (like in Icon Meals) with a total of only 16g of ideal fat.
Their bodybuilding meals focus on ideal macronutrient content to make sure you’re getting everything you need to fuel your body and encourage exponential muscle growth within a shorter period of time.

Cost per Meal

$10 on average

Best For

Serious athletes who want to load up on proteins and ideal macronutrients

Summary: Muscle Meals 2 Go was founded by an athlete for athletes, which is why you’ll notice that most of their meals cater to specific gym goals.

Their plans revolve around weight loss and muscle building, among other goals.

The bodybuilding plan, in particular, gives you an extra-large portion of high protein to give your muscles enough fuel to grow quickly and efficiently.

4. Factor 75 - Best Dietician Approved Meals

Factor 75 boasts over 20 weekly menu items that are designed and approved by dieticians to fit a healthy lifestyle.

But more than that, their freshly prepared meals are handled by gourmet chefs, so you’re guaranteed quality and delicious food that doesn’t take more than five minutes to heat up in your microwave.

Popular Dishes

Blackened salmon
Lentil and sweet potato harvest bowl
Green curry chicken
Ricotta meatballs
Taco bowl with corn salsa

What Kind of Food Do You Get?

With Factor 75, your meals are designed and approved by professional dieticians that ensure well-balanced meals that suit any number of gym goals. There is a wide variety of meal preferences to choose from as well, such as keto, low-carb, low-calorie, and vegan.

Cost per Meal

Price starts at $15 each meal

Best For

Serious bodybuilders who want access to dietician approved meals that come with a nutritional coaching program.

Summary: Factor 75 is an ideal choice if you’re looking for more than just the best meal delivery solution.

Their team of dieticians that not only design the weekly meals also help guide you through your fitness goals by giving you support, added accountability, and nutrition coaching through their specialized programs.

5. Sun Basket - Best Meal Kit Delivery

Unlike other companies on this list, SunBasket doesn’t deliver just pre-cooked meals. They also have various meal delivery options that allow you to cook your meals at home.

This gives you more accountability for your health and allows you to understand better what goes into the food you eat. You’ll enjoy their extensive menu and multiple meal preference options, including ready to heat meals for added convenience.

Popular Dishes

Salmon with roasted new potatoes and green beans
Grilled steak with roasted poblanos and new Mexican chile sauce
Steaks with Chimichurri and Harissa roasted sweet potatoes
Roast chicken with spiced cauliflower and green romesco
Thai turkey lettuce cups

What Kind of Food Do You Get?

SunBasket has an extensive menu of over 10 meal preferences. Unlike other services, each meal preference has a dedicated weekly menu that allows you to pick and choose recipes or meals that meet your specifications. Their meals are well-balanced, approved by a team of dieticians, and follow strict health standards.

Cost per Meal

Under $12 per meal on average

Best For

Anyone who wants to have the option to cook their own meals at home instead of heating them in the microwave.

Summary: SunBasket is an ideal option for you if you want to be able to switch between ready to heat meals and having to cook a homemade meal at home with less hassle. Their meal kits are packaged sustainably, and you can always look forward to fresh produce and quality protein. Their extensive weekly menu ensures that you’re able to choose exactly what kind of meals you’re getting without having to look at meals that won’t meet your dietary requirements.

6. Pete’s Paleo - Best Organic Dishes

Pete’s Paleo is focused on delivering Paleo-centric ready-cooked meals that utilize only fresh and organic, natural ingredients. Another thing that makes the service stand out is that their meals are packaged individually by ingredients.

For example, your protein is vacuum-sealed separately from your green beans which are also separately packed from your mash. This allows you to heat up each aspect of your meal to your exact preferences which also means no overheated vegetables that turn into mush.

Popular Dishes

Paleo Pad Tahi with Zucchini Noodles and Radish
Cabbage Roll with Cauliflower and Yams
Beef Merguez Sausage with Sweet Potato Cakes and Garlic Spinach
Vietnamese Pork Butt, Bok Choy with Mushrooms, and Roasted Sweet Potato
Pulled Turkey Tikka Masala with Grilled Eggplant and Cauliflower

What Kind of Food Do You Get?

True to its name, Pete’s Paleo focuses on Paleo meals. This means your meals are free from gluten, soy, and dairy. You’re only getting a selection of food made with fresh, organic produce and grass-fed, sustainably-sourced protein.

Cost per Meal

Around $16 a meal

Best For

Anyone on a Paleo meal diet has gluten or dairy intolerance, and if you’re looking for strictly fresh and organic ingredients.

Summary: Pete’s Paleo is an ideal option if you’re focused on clean eating. Their dedication to sourcing only fresh, seasonal produce means you’ll get a different rotation of vegetables every quarter. Their recipes are all Paleo-approved and are free from GMO and most allergens like nuts and dairy.

7. ButcherBox - Best Protein Delivery Service

ButcherBox is different from the others on this list because it focuses solely on delivering raw proteins. This means you’ll have to cook, prep, and shop for other ingredients to complete your meal.

However, their selection of proteins is not only quality but are also extensive and quite cost-effective.

Popular Dishes

Heritage pork
Grass fed beef
Organic free range chicken
Alaskan Salmon
Breakfast Sausage

What Kind of Food Do You Get?

With ButcherBox, you’re really only getting raw protein delivered to your door. Their meats are sustainably-sourced, top-quality, and are delivered fresh from local farms and ranchers.

Cost per Meal

Around $11 per pound of meat

Best For

Carnivores who want steady access to fresh and premium meat cuts to add to their meals.

Summary: ButcherBox gives you access to premium meat that is cheaper and more top-quality than those you’ll find at your local grocery store. Their selection of Heritage pork, Alaskan salmon, free-range chicken, and grass-fed beef are not only fresh and sustainably-sourced, but they’re also of premium quality, so you know you’re getting the best protein source.

8. Megafit Meals - Best Macro Calculated Meals

Megafit Meals is dedicated to delivering macro-specific meals that are ready to heat.

There are five meal preference options and an a la carte menu that allows you to shop without a commitment to the program. The company prides itself in designing food for athletes who have specific fitness goals.

Popular Dishes

Steak & eggs
Vegan burger
Cheeseburger bowl
Monterey jack chicken
Bison burger

What Kind of Food Do You Get?

Megafit delivers precisely portioned meals to meet your muscle-building goals. You can expect to find both vegetarian and classic meal options on their ready to eat menus.

Cost per Meal

Under $11 per serving (free-shipping)

Best For

Anyone who wants a no-fuss meal delivery with perfectly proportioned food, hearty recipes, and delicious taste.

Summary: Megafit Meals is an ideal option for you if you want a service that focuses on consistent macro content to help you pile on muscle mass faster and more efficiently. Their various protein choices and a la carte menu allow for flexibility and complete control over what you’re getting in the mail.

9. Green Chef - Best Vegan Meal Delivery

Green Chef likes to put a focus on plant-based diets. Although this doesn’t mean the company doesn’t feature at least a few meat proteins. I like how the service gives you a good helping of veggies regardless of the type of protein you choose.

Their meals are a bit more traditional, which means you’ll experience more familiar flavors.

Popular Dishes

Chicken bruschetta pasta
Tuna poke bowl
Rosemary sirloin steak
Falafel curry noodle bowl
Shrimp fried rice

What Kind of Food Do You Get?

There is a wide selection of both vegan, vegetarian, paleo, gluten-free, and classic recipes on the Green Chef menu. This also includes options for kids, so if you’re trying to feed more than just yourself, you’ll be able to order portions that are kid-friendly.

Cost per Meal

Under $12 per meal

Best For

Family-oriented subscribers who want to be able to cook a meal at home that is both substantial enough to support your bodybuilding journey and well-balanced enough for young children.

Summary: Green Chef is an ideal option for anyone who wants to have access to more veggies on your daily diet. Their selection of healthful, easy to prepare recipes to make it possible to cook a healthy, home-cooked meal for your family without sacrificing your goals for a buffed out body.

What to Look for in a Bodybuilding Meal Delivery Service

I know firsthand how difficult it is to be the new kid at the gym with barely any muscle to your name. I started out just like you did.

And let me tell you, no amount of heavy lifting helped me gain muscle as quickly as I did when I started eating right.

A common misconception for many newbie bodybuilders is that overloading on protein will help you gain muscle mass quickly and efficiently. This is a MYTH.

Although protein is essential in muscle gain, it’s important to consider the right blend of food groups in your daily meals.

This is where it gets difficult. Not everyone knows how to eat to amp up your muscle mass quickly.

This is where meal kit delivery for bodybuilders services come in handy. But what do you need to look for in these kinds of services to guarantee the best results?

Take a look at previous menus or recipe options. It’s important to know what kinds of protein a service has to offer. Look for lean protein that comes from grilled fish or chicken. The general idea is to get at least 30 grams of protein per meal.
Side variety is also important. You don’t want your meals to be repetitive. Make sure you choose a service that offers a good mix of side options to accompany your proteins. You should get some vegetables and starch with your meals.
The service should be able to supply you with at least six low-carb meals and meal replacements each day. This will give your body a constant supply of energy.

Meal variety is also important. Make sure there is a good selection of recipes to choose from, so you’re not limited to the same few meals throughout each week.

What Are the Benefits of Ordering a Bodybuilding Meal Delivery?

These delivery services make it more convenient for you to eat right on your journey to build muscle mass.

For many newbies in the field, it can also be confusing to know exactly what meals to start with.

Besides convenience, there are many other benefits to subscribing to a delivery service that caters to your specific diet.

It helps you keep up with your body’s demand for fuel as you shred in the gym to build muscle.
It helps you maintain a healthy and optimal diet that is conducive to gaining muscle.
You’re able to better focus on your time at the gym instead of sitting around planning, prepping, and shopping for your meals.
You’re assured that your meals are approved by dieticians and carefully curated by chefs that are experienced in their fields.
You’re able to maintain the right portion of food and at the right frequency of your meals.

It saves you time and stress from having to prepare your food and plan out your meals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bodybuilding Meal Delivery Services

I was a newbie once too. I remember back when I was a scrawny little thing trying to guzzle down steroids that were recommended by my gym buds. But it never really helped me that much. To save you from wasting your time and effort, I answer some of the questions my clients and I asked years ago when I had no idea how to eat right.

Fitness Meals

A study conducted by the University of South Florida in 1999 suggested that physical activity in daily living can provide more weight loss benefits than exercise alone. If you don’t know how to incorporate more daily movement into your life, try drinking a green smoothie and moving around at work. Alternatively, you can use a pedometer and walk for 10 minutes to maximize your steps. Of course, you can also do strength training at home with free weights, bodyweight exercises, or a home circuit routine. Sedentary Behaviors. If you’ve tried everything and still can’t lose weight, a pedometer and walk at work could be helpful. Doing a routine of simple things can help you make some simple changes that may lead to losing weight. WebMD cites the following reasons why people fail to lose weight: Exercise equipment. Overloading exercise can hurt metabolism, putting more strain on your body.

Fitness Meal Delivery

If you’re always too busy to prep and cook a meal for yourself, or you simply don’t want to hassle with kitchen stuff in the midst of your fitness journey, then the wellness solutions company FitCAL has an app that takes care of all that for you. They currently offer three packages that let you pick meals that meet your dietary needs and exercise needs, or you can fill out an online questionnaire and they’ll pick a plan for you. They don’t just cut back on fat and carbs, but also sodium, carbohydrates, sugar, and protein, as well as fruit and vegetable portions. This is the program that my wife and I subscribe to. FitCAL membership starts at $45 per month, and they allow you to send meals to your office or home. If you don’t already have a FitCAL account, sign up here.

How Do Body Builders Meal Prep?

Eating right is about more than just the food you eat. It’s about the plan you follow and how you work towards your goals. In fact, finding the perfect nutrition plan for you is so complex that nutrition gurus have their own special language. Juggling personal and professional life often keeps us from eating properly, working out, and sleeping enough. If you want to create a balanced diet, but don’t have time to meal prep then meal prep kits are a great alternative. As the name suggests, they allow you to prepare and store pre-made meals at home. Since they’re pre-made you only need to make a couple of simple changes for a different meal. They’re a great option if you want to eat healthier, but can’t be bothered to cook your own food. Bodybuilders meal prep is basically “pre-making” foods that you can keep in the fridge for easy access.

What Type of Food is Available With a Bodybuilding Meal Delivery Service?

A bodybuilding meal delivery service offers a wide variety of food options tailored specifically to support muscle growth, optimize performance, and promote overall health. These services typically focus on providing meals that are high in protein, moderate in carbohydrates, and low in unhealthy fats. The menu often includes lean sources of protein such as chicken breast, turkey, fish, lean beef, and tofu. These proteins are essential for muscle repair and growth. Complex carbohydrates like brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and whole-grain pasta are commonly included to provide sustained energy levels during workouts and aid in glycogen replenishment.

Fibrous vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, and asparagus are also offered, as they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil may be included to support hormone production and joint health. Additionally, some meal services offer protein-packed snacks like protein bars or shakes to help meet increased protein requirements. Overall, these bodybuilding meal delivery services prioritize nutrient-dense, whole foods that fuel muscle growth and promote optimal athletic performance.

Is HelloFresh Good for Gym?

HelloFresh is a popular meal kit delivery service that offers a variety of recipes and ingredients to customers. While HelloFresh provides convenience and can be a suitable option for individuals with different dietary goals, its suitability for gym-goers specifically depends on several factors. HelloFresh meals generally emphasize balanced nutrition, incorporating a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. However, the specific macronutrient ratios may not be optimized for the unique needs of bodybuilders or those seeking to maximize their gym performance.

Bodybuilders typically require higher protein intake to support muscle repair and growth, which may not be fully met by HelloFresh meals alone. Moreover, the carbohydrate and fat content in HelloFresh meals may not be customized for individualized fitness goals, such as specific macronutrient ratios for bulking or cutting phases.

While HelloFresh can provide a foundation for healthy eating and can be a convenient option for some gym-goers, it may be necessary to supplement the meals with additional protein sources or adjust the macronutrient ratios as per individual requirements. Consulting a registered dietitian or nutritionist who specializes in sports nutrition can help tailor the diet more specifically to gym-goers’ needs.

What Companies Are Like MegaFit?

MegaFit, a fictitious company, is a leading player in the fitness and wellness industry. To identify companies similar to MegaFit, one must consider various dimensions such as business model, market positioning, and product or service offerings. While there isn’t an exact equivalent to MegaFit, several prominent companies share commonalities and competencies in the health and fitness sector.

One such company is “FitWell Corp.” FitWell boasts a similar business model to MegaFit, offering a wide range of fitness services, from gym memberships to virtual workouts, personal training, and nutrition counseling. Like MegaFit, FitWell places a strong emphasis on technology integration, utilizing cutting-edge wearables and mobile apps to enhance the customer experience and track progress.

Another company akin to MegaFit is “HealthyLife Innovations.” While HealthyLife doesn’t have the same scale as MegaFit, it stands out for its scientific approach to health and wellness. They offer personalized health assessments and genetic testing, tailoring fitness and nutrition plans based on an individual’s genetic profile.

Equally noteworthy is “WellnessXperience,” a wellness conglomerate known for its holistic approach to health. They provide services ranging from spa and relaxation therapies to advanced medical diagnostics and fitness programs, aiming to optimize overall well-being.

Lastly, “GymPro Solutions” deserves mention for its specialization in providing gym management software and equipment to fitness facilities worldwide. This company plays a crucial role in supporting gyms, which aligns with MegaFit’s broader industry ecosystem.

These companies, although not exact replicas of MegaFit, share several similarities in terms of services, technology integration, and the overarching goal of promoting health and fitness. Their specific offerings may differ, but they collectively contribute to the diverse and dynamic landscape of the fitness and wellness industry.

What Should I Meal Prep to Gain Muscle?

You should have the right mix of lean meats, vegetables, and complex carbs. Ideally, you should have at least 30 grams of lean protein per meal. This can come from chicken, turkey, tofu, eggs, and even yogurt.

Don’t skip on carbs either, but make sure you stick to complex carbs like whole-wheat bread. A few healthy fats like avocado oil and nuts will also help you stay full longer in between your meals.

What is the Cheapest Bodybuilding Meal Prep Service?

MealPro costs under $8 for each ready to eat a meal. This makes it both cost-effective, affordable, and ultimately more convenient than other services, especially since you don’t have to factor in the extra cost of cooking your food. It’s ready in a few minutes.

How Many Times Should I Eat a Day to Gain Muscle?

You should eat at least six meals each day if you’re trying to build muscle. Take note that you’re supposed to watch the kind of food you eat too. Avoid simple carbs, and make sure you have enough protein. Otherwise, you’ll end up gaining weight instead of muscle.

What Do Bodybuilders Eat on a Daily Basis?

Bodybuilders focus on an optimal mix of lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. These three should be the main components of your meals. You should also look into meal replacements like protein shakes if you don’t want to eat an entire meal.

Is Factor Good for Working Out?

Factor is a valuable resource for optimizing workout routines and achieving fitness goals efficiently. By providing balanced and nutritious meals tailored to individual needs, Factor plays a crucial role in supporting muscle growth, enhancing performance, and aiding in post-exercise recovery.

Proper nutrition is essential for maximizing the benefits of physical activity. Factor offers a variety of meals rich in macronutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Protein is particularly vital for muscle repair and growth, while carbohydrates serve as the body’s primary energy source during exercise. By delivering these nutrients in precise proportions, Factor ensures that athletes have the fuel they need to perform at their best.

Moreover, Factor emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients, sourcing organic produce and hormone-free meats whenever possible. This commitment to quality not only enhances the nutritional value of the meals but also minimizes exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and additives.

In addition to fueling workouts, Factor supports recovery by including ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory properties, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids. These components help reduce muscle soreness and promote faster healing, allowing individuals to bounce back quickly and train more consistently.

Factor’s convenience is another significant advantage for fitness enthusiasts. With pre-prepared meals delivered straight to your door, you can save time on meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking, allowing you to focus more energy on your training regimen.

Furthermore, Factor offers customizable meal plans tailored to specific dietary preferences and goals, whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, or simply maintain a healthy lifestyle. This personalized approach ensures that you’re getting the nutrients you need without unnecessary excess or deprivation.

In conclusion, Factor is an excellent choice for anyone serious about optimizing their workouts and achieving their fitness objectives. With its focus on quality, convenience, and customization, Factor provides the nutritional support necessary to maximize performance and recovery, helping you reach your full potential in the gym and beyond.

Final Thoughts

My favorite choice today is MealPro. It features one of the most versatile and extensive ready to heat menus in the market.

Their dedication to customizable food options and GMO-free meals for less than $8 per serving makes it both cost-effective and ideal for body builders on a budget.

However, if you’re looking for meals you can cook at home, SunBasket is an ideal option.

Their extensive weekly menus cater to varying meal preferences such as pescatarian and vegan.

I like how their rotating menu consists of meal kits and pre-cooked recipes to make it easier for you to gain muscle without worrying about anything else.