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For many busy Americans, experiencing a meal delivery service is becoming increasingly common; a 2021 survey indicated that approximately 48% of individuals sampled had tried a meal kit within the last year. However, individuals with digestive health issues may question whether such services can cater to their specific dietary requirements. Many gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), typically necessitate specialized diets that could be challenging to accommodate with standard meal kits.
Fortunately, the meal delivery industry has evolved, moving away from rigid menus that leave little room for customization. Today, various services offer meals specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with GI conditions, and many of these meals are notably delightful.
Our top picks
The best meal delivery services for digestive disorders
As a nutritionist interested in aiding those with digestive health concerns, I have explored and sampled numerous meal delivery options. Through my research, I identified six services that are genuinely conducive to gut health.
Best for variety: Epicured
Pros:
- Especially tailored for individuals with GI disorders
- Diverse range of cuisines and ingredients
- Multiple filters for personalized menu options
Cons:
- Heating instructions can be unclear
- Higher price point
- User experience on the website is lacking
If you have previously felt frustrated by meal delivery services that do not consider your digestive health needs, Epicured might be the answer. It stands out as one of the few meal delivery options that focus exclusively on meals crafted for individuals with GI conditions. The service offers a wide range of filters, allowing users to select meals that fit a low-FODMAP, gluten-free, vegetarian, or allergen-free diet, among other options. According to Yi Min Teo, MS, RD, CNSC, a dietitian specializing in IBD and GI health in Los Angeles, this flexibility is crucial for effectively managing symptoms. “Being able to adjust ingredients according to personal tolerance levels is essential,” she states.
In addition to its user-friendly filters, Epicured boasts a diverse menu. Among my tried-and-true favorites were chicken tikka masala and crab cakes served with potatoes and kale.
However, be prepared for a higher price tag; even with an introductory discount, my initial order of three meals cost me nearly $50 ($16.67 each). Although I froze my meals—contrary to their recommendations—finding the right reheating instructions proved a challenge, leading to a trial-and-error microwave method. Nonetheless, the meals held their flavor and freshness remarkably well.
Best for families: Hungryroot
Pros:
- Straightforward, simple recipes
- Options include groceries, snacks, and both premade and recipe-based meals
- Multiple ingredient and dietary preference filters available
Cons:
- Not all meals provide a balanced nutrition profile
- Requires some cooking
- No complimentary shipping for orders under $70
For individuals battling gut health issues, resilience can sometimes wane, making meal preparation sound daunting. In such cases, Hungryroot is a strong contender. With clear cooking instructions and pre-measured ingredients, preparing a meal becomes a straightforward task. For instance, on a hectic weeknight, I effortlessly made a flavorful fettuccine dish in less than 15 minutes, utilizing quick-cooking pasta, deveined shrimp, and jarred marinara sauce. Voilà! Dinner was ready for the entire family without the fuss. (Hungryroot also offers premade microwavable options for those who prefer even more convenience.)
Nonetheless, one must note that not all offerings from Hungryroot are wholly nutritionally balanced. To enhance my pasta dish—and several others—I found it beneficial to include a side salad for added nutrients and fiber. Teo asserts that balanced meal composition is vital, highlighting the necessity for a range of food groups—carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.
The platform does provide a variety of filters to ensure your dietary requirements are met. Individuals with IBS can opt for low-FODMAP or high-fiber choices, while those grappling with IBD can select gut-friendly or anti-inflammatory options. There are also selections for avoiding certain allergens.
For a comprehensive review of Hungryroot, click here to read more from Bon Appétit.
Best for foodies: CookUnity
Pros:
- Exceptional meals crafted by culinary professionals
- Environmentally sustainable ingredients and packaging
- Meals can be enjoyed fresh or frozen
Cons:
- Some meals may be particularly high in calories and fats
- Single-serving sizes
- Lacks comprehensive nutritional details
Cultivating a connection with chefs, CookUnity prides itself as “America’s largest chef collective.” Boasting contributions from over 100 chefs, the culinary diversity is unparalleled. Each meal includes the name and image of the chef who created it, adding a personal touch. The meals showcase restaurant-quality flavors, from Cajun salmon to Middle Eastern vegan chili accompanied by tahini and green sabzi rice, appealing directly to food lovers.
However, if your digestive health condition limits your flavor spectrum, CookUnity allows you to specify dietary restrictions and omit any disliked ingredients. This feature can be particularly useful for symptom management during dietary therapies and gradual reintroduction phases, such as the low-FODMAP diet. Additionally, the option to choose gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-spice meals can assist in managing flare-ups for those with IBD, IBS, or acid reflux.
One aspect of CookUnity that raises concerns is its limited nutritional information. Meals only disclose calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrates, lacking data on sodium, saturated fat, or vitamins, which are important for those with digestive conditions (and indeed for everyone). Additionally, certain meals are notably high in calories; for instance, a grilled chicken kale Caesar contained a staggering 740 calories and 53 grams of fat (making up 66% of the daily recommended value). This could pose challenges for individuals with conditions like UC, as they might experience symptoms from consuming excessive fat.
Source
www.bonappetit.com