A nutritious diet plays a key role in supporting health, energy and overall wellbeing. However, many people face real barriers to eating well, including limited time to cook, lack of confidence in the kitchen or low motivation when more convenient, less nutritious options are available.
For some people, a meal delivery service can help bridge this gap. With the rapid growth of the meal delivery market in recent years, there are now many high-quality options available.
When can a meal delivery service be helpful?
Meal delivery services may be useful if you:
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Work long hours and struggle to find time to cook
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Want more structure or portion control
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Are aiming to reduce takeaway meals
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Want convenience without sacrificing nutrition
Rather than reviewing these services based on marketing claims, I asked someone with firsthand experience to share their thoughts.
Now, I could tell you all about these services based on the info they provide on their websites, but I haven’t actually tried any myself. Cue introduction to my superstar reviewer, Ben… my brother! I have asked Ben to review the services he has used over the last few months to give you an insider view on what he liked and didn’t like about them.
Why did you decide to use a meal service?
It is all about convenience. They deliver in an esky with ice packs whilst you are at work once a week.
Working a minimum of 60 hours a week, it gave us an extra few hours each week where we didn’t have to shop, or prepare dinner when we get home from work.
Foober was great for weight loss & allergies. I lost 20kgs in 12 weeks before my wedding (pictured below) with Foober & gym, and didn’t feel like I was on a diet.
It actually saved us money too. It limited our dinners out to 1 or 2 per week, plus not purchasing lunch. It doesn’t matter if I have all the good intentions at the start of the day to eat healthy, once I get to lunch & cant decide what to eat, occasionally KFC in the food court wins. This takes that out of the equation!
You Foodz is a great alternative if it is for convenience & portion control. Definitely has all healthy options and some great meals like buffalo chicken pizza with ranch sauce! It didn’t feel at all like I was skimping on the foods I love. And I always felt full. The customer service was by far the best & they were always throwing in free meals to try.
|
Meal Service |
Cost |
Things you love |
Things you don’t love |
|
FOOBER
|
BREKKY: approx $5 DINNER: $10-$13 |
Dairy & Wheat Free, great for allergies etc Awesome flavour & variety Low calories & Carbs all labelled Didn’t feel like I was on a Diet |
Sometimes inconsistent with flavour |
|
YOU FOODZ
|
BREKKY: $5-$10 DINNER: $9-$10 |
Customer Service Well marketed Food was great once you knew your fav meals to order More like the food I love!!! Lots of sauces & condiments |
Great for convenience and follows a portion controlled meal plan, but not as healthy as the other two, if weight loss is the number one goal |
|
THRIVE
|
BREKKY: approx $7 DINNER: $11-13 |
Food was good for portion control & weight loss Well cooked meat |
Not as much variety No where near as much flavour as the other 2 Bland & boring accompaniments to the meat |
Are meal delivery services right for everyone?
Meal delivery services aren’t necessary for everyone, but they can be a useful tool depending on your lifestyle, goals and preferences.
They work best when used intentionally, as part of a broader approach to nutrition rather than a long-term replacement for all meals.
If you’re unsure whether a meal delivery service is a good fit for you, individual nutrition consultations can help you decide what approach best supports your health, schedule and goals.