The best gluten free meal delivery services don’t only eliminate gluten, they also prioritize high-quality ingredients and sustainable sourcing and packaging practices. There’s also enough variety on their menus to keep your palate happy so your gluten-free diet doesn’t feel like a sacrifice. A gluten-free diet is an eating plan that completely eliminates the protein, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, triticale, and contaminated oats. While there are more obvious sources, like breads and cereals, gluten is often hiding in packaged and processed foods, too. (For example, soy sauce is one unlikely culprit). Because of this, transitioning to a gluten-free diet can be an undertaking. As such, healthcare providers don’t globally recommend that all individuals restrict gluten, according to Jessica DeLuise, MHS, PA-C, CCMS. However, if you have an allergy, sensitivity, or autoimmune disorder, following a gluten-free diet could be essential for managing your symptoms and feeling your best. “The benefits of doing so would be less gastrointestinal distress, avoiding micronutrient deficiency, and damage to intestinal lining, among other negative consequences of Celiac disease, and less risk of allergic reaction and possible complications,” she says. The simplest plan only sends dinners your way, but you can also add on breakfasts and lunches to drop the overall price per meal. If you prefer to throw your own meals together, there’s also a bulk option, where you can choose from various pre-cooked proteins and sides like seasoned salmon, bison, and mashed sweet potatoes. The only caveat of Fresh n’ Lean is that you can’t choose which entrées are sent your way with the curated meal plans. If you’re a picky eater, opt for an à la carte order; it gives you full control over your meals with a minimum $85 spend. Example Meal: -Tomatillo shrimp fajitas with white rice and black beans -Southwest turkey chili with roasted cauliflower Sustainability & Quality: Fresh n’ Lean’s meals are built around locally grown and seasonal produce, which boosts nutrition and contributes to sustainability. Most produce is organic, beef is grass-fed, and fish is sustainably sourced whenever possible. Most of the packaging, including the trays and plastic wrap, is recyclable with the exception of the insulation, which is biodegradable. You can pick and choose from over 50 entrées, plus almost two dozen breakfast options and plenty of health-conscious snacks, like dried chicken breast and honey mustard pretzels. While the company isn’t certified gluten-free, a batch from each meal is tested after cooking to make sure that it meets Federal Drug & Food Administration (FDA) standards of less than 20ppm (percents per million) of gluten before the meal makes it onto the official menu. Example Meal: -Blackened chicken with creamy smoked paprika sauce -Mediterranean quinoa salad Sustainability & Quality: BistroMD equally values your health and the health of the environment. Ingredients are sourced from local, family-owned farms whenever possible, and animal proteins are free of antibiotics and hormones. All packaging, from cardboard box to the plastic trays (as long as they’re clean), is recyclable. Sign up for a dedicated gluten-free plan, which lets you choose from about 14 meals per week. If you have gluten-eating family members, you can also mix and match meals from other meal plans, which include keto and paleo, vegetarian, mediterranean, vegan, and fast and fit. FYI, Green Chef uses the same facility to package all of its meals though, regardless of allergens, so if you have a severe intolerance, it may not be suitable for you. Example Meal: -Harissa-spiced sweet potato and mushroom bowls -Garlic-thyme pork chops Sustainability & Quality: All produce and eggs in Green Chef’s meals are 100% organic. Proteins aren’t organic, but they’re sourced from farmers and ranchers that are committed to humane treatment of their animals. Green Chef is also a true eco-friendly meal delivery company, offsetting 100% of its carbon footprint from operations and shipping. Most packaging is made from recyclable, compostable, and/or reusable materials, with the exception of some of the plastic wrap on the ready-to-heat meals. There are several options for ordering. You can browse an à la carte menu, or sign up for a 3- to 6-month flex subscription that lets you commit to a specific monthly price and fill your box as needed. You can also try out a 15-meal trial kit before committing to a bigger order. Just note that gluten-free meals are not tested and are packaged in the same facility as other meals. Example Meal: -Classic short rib (sous vide) -Cheese omelet and salsa, broccoli, and hash browns Sustainability & Quality: Magic Kitchen uses organic produce whenever possible; all other ingredients are hormone-, antibiotic-, and pesticide-free. The biggest downfall is that the brand uses non-recyclable packaging, including the coolers. However it recommends repurposing these elements or donate to organization in need of them, like Meals on Wheels. One important note: While Sunbasket is careful not to add any gluten-containing ingredients to its gluten-free meals, they are packaged in the same facility as the other meals. Because of that, this meal plan may not be a good fit for anyone with gluten allergies or Celiac disease; it depends on your level of tolerance. Example Meal: -Chili-spiced tofu biryani with cauliflower, brown rice, and raisins -Smokehouse sausage jambalaya Sustainability & Quality: When preparing meals, chefs aim to include at least 99% USDA-certified organic produce, eggs, milk, and yogurt, sourcing as many ingredients as possible from small, local farms. All packaging is made with recycled materials and is either reusable, compostable, or safe to recycle again. As far as ordering goes, you have the option to choose from curated bundles, or you can build your own box from various entrees, soups, bowls, salads, breakfasts, and snack items. Each meal is freshly prepared by Michelin star chefs and arrives at your door ready to heat. Example Meal: -Lasagna alessandra -Chicken cacciatore with polenta Sustainability & Quality: Epicured sources organic versions of all produce that’s on the Dirty Dozen list. All other ingredients are non-GMO and locally sourced whenever possible. Meat is the highest quality available, too; beef is grass-fed, poultry is organic, and fish is wild caught. All animal proteins are free of antibiotics and hormones. Most of Epicured’s packaging—including the plastic cups, containers, and lids—are safe for curbside recycling. Even if you don’t have a gluten allergy, it’s possible that you have a non-celiac wheat or gluten sensitivity. “In this case, a celiac test will come back negative, but they may still have noticeable reactions when eating wheat or gluten,” says Volpe. For others, going gluten free can naturally eliminate a lot of processed foods, also upping your intake of lean proteins and fresh produce in the process.
