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Daily Harvest Review

Sunday, February 16th

2025 Diabetes-Friendly Meal Delivery Reviews

Daily Harvest Review 2.5 Star Rating

Daily Harvest

2.5 Star Rating
  • Price per serving: Starts at $6.79
  • Shipment frequency: Weekly or monthly
  • Daily meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Carbs per meal: Not specified
  • Number of recipes: 14
  • Prep time: Frozen meals requiring varying reheating methods

Daily Harvest has certainly made waves. You've likely heard their name floating around, maybe while tuning into your favorite podcast...or scrolling through headlines. Launched in 2015, this brand has quickly become a darling of the wellness and social media worlds, championing the virtues of sustainably-sourced, plant-based meals that don't just nourish the body but also look great on any Instagram feed. It's the epitome of modern luxury mixed with health consciousness - or so it seemed until a significant recall incident in 2022 put them in the spotlight for less savory reasons.

Chic boutique vs. the typical grocery store

Unlike other diabetes-friendly meal delivery services that involve picking meals from a rotating weekly menu, buying from Daily Harvest is more like shopping at a luxury grocery store - the selection consists of a small number of ready-made items, and prices are high.

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14 diabetes-friendly foods

Daily Harvest's diabetic-friendly selection, created in collaboration with Season Health, includes 14 food items that meet dietitian standards to be considered healthy for diabetics. Since this is such a short list, we'll give it to you straight. The collection consists of the following:

  • Smoothies
    • Acai + Cherry Smoothie
    • Strawberry + Peach Smoothie
    • Banana + Almond Smoothie
    • Blueberry + Cacao Smoothie
    • Passion Fruit + Greens Smoothie
  • Grains
    • Prepared Zucchini + Gigante Bean Primavera Grains
    • Cilantro Brown Rice + Black Bean Grains
  • Harvest Bowls
    • Sweet Potato + Wild Rice Hash Harvest Bowl
    • Gigante Bean + Savoy Cabbage Harvest Bowl
    • Brussels Sprouts + Tahini Harvest Bowl
  • Flatbread
    • Artichoke + Spinach Flatbread
  • Soups
    • Tomato + Zucchini Minestrone Soup
  • Oat Bowls
    • Black Bean + Tomatillo Oat Bowl
  • Bites
    • pple + Spiced Oat Bites

Not enough for a well-rounded diabetes-friendly diet

You'll notice there are no prices on this page. Before any discounts for buying in bulk, Daily Harvest charges $6.79 for Forager Bowls, $7.99 for Bites, $8.49 for Smoothies & Soups, and $9.79 for Pasta, Harvest Bowls, Flatbread & Grains. (Ouch!) While these offerings are curated and crafted with care, when we get down to brass tacks, they fall short of providing the full spectrum needed for a comprehensive diabetic-friendly diet. (Man cannot live off flatbreads alone.) This feels more like an exclusive pop-up shop rather than a go-to pantry for everyday needs, especially considering the premium price tag attached.

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Prep is a little more involved

Daily Harvest offers frozen ingredients and organic produce that is picked at peak ripeness and frozen shortly after harvest to preserve flavor and nutrients. (”Fresh, never frozen” is not necessarily the brag some meal delivery services act like it is.) Prep is not as simple as a spin in the microwave to defrost, though: Daily Harvest provides specific instructions for each collection. Examples include blending Smoothies, baking Flatbreads, and heating Forager and Oat Bowls on the stovetop or in the microwave. Overnight soaking is also recommended for Oat and Chia Bowls.

Foods are plant-based

If you have other food sensitivities, you might be glad to know that all Daily Harvest products are dairy-free and gluten-free. Most recipes are soy-free, but some contain miso and tamari. The food is made in a facility that processes dairy, nuts, soy, and gluten.

$9.99 for shipping

Daily Harvest extends its delivery services to 95% of the continental United States, allowing customers to easily check delivery eligibility through their website by entering a ZIP Code and email address. Shipping costs $9.99. For those living in select cities, same-day delivery is available via popular delivery apps. Packages can be left without a signature, containing enough dry ice for contents to remain frozen for 1-2 days afterwards. Packaging is nearly 100% recyclable, with instructions on the website for each component.

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Customers were seriously harmed by recall

Let's address the elephant in the room. In 2022, Daily Harvest became the subject of controversy when their French Lentil and Leek Crumbles were linked to serious health issues, leading to an urgent recall. This incident wasn't just a minor blip; it involved hospitalizations and even required the removal of organs for some consumers. While Daily Harvest responded quickly, the situation shook the trust of many loyal customers. It's a classic case of "all that glitters is not gold," reminding us that behind sleek branding, real issues can lurk.

Reflecting on the recall

The recall incident serves as a sobering reminder to tread carefully, asking the hard questions about where our food comes from and how it's handled. For people with dietary concerns like diabetes, trust in your food sources become even more critical. Although Daily Harvest currently has an "A+” from the Better Business Bureau, if this incident puts you off of Daily Harvest entirely, we wouldn't blame you.

Not the best choice for diabetics

We don't think Daily Harvest's diabetic-friendly line will hit the mark for most, considering the price and lack of variety. And while everything on their website looks pretty, the recall incident has turned our stomachs a bit. If you've set your heart on Daily Harvest as your diabetic-friendly meal delivery service of choice, we won't stand in your way, but we certainly won't be joining you (we like our livers intact, thanks).

What Diabetes-friendly Meal Delivery Service is the Best?

So you've recently been diagnosed with diabetes, and the dietary adjustments seem like a mountain too steep to climb. You're not alone - it's a challenge for 537 million other people dealing with this condition. Balancing blood sugar levels while trying to prepare healthy, appetizing meals can be a Herculean task, especially in today's fast-paced lifestyle.

That's where diabetes meal delivery services swoop in to save the day. They can provide a lifeline to those aiming for a diabetes-friendly diet without the hassle of constant meal planning and carb counting. Are there are legitimate reasons why diabetes-friendly meal delivery services have become so popular.

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Diabetes-Friendly Meal Delivery FAQ

Diabetes-friendly meal delivery services provide pre-planned, pre-cooked meals specifically designed to meet the dietary needs of individuals with diabetes. These meals typically focus on balancing blood sugar levels with a mix of nutrients, including fiber-rich vegetables, lean proteins, and controlled carbohydrates.
Look for services that offer customizable meal plans, allowing you to tailor your menu based on your nutritional needs, taste preferences, and any other specific dietary restrictions you have. Consider the variety of meals offered, ingredient quality, and the company's ability to adhere to diabetic dietary guidelines.
Most diabetes-friendly meal delivery services are not covered by health insurance. However, some health plans may offer discounts or reimbursements for wellness programs, so it's worth checking with your provider.
A few services offer trial periods or allow you to order meals on a one-time basis before signing up for a subscription. This is a great way to test the quality of the food, the accuracy of delivery, and the overall convenience of the service.
Diabetes-friendly meal delivery services work with nutritionists and dietitians to create meal plans that adhere to the nutritional needs of individuals with diabetes. This includes monitoring carbohydrate content, ensuring meals are high in fiber, and limiting sugars and unhealthy fats.
When signing up for a service, look for options to customize your meals according to your dietary restrictions, including food allergies. Most services allow you to exclude certain ingredients or types of food from your meal plan.
Meals are usually delivered in insulated packaging to keep them fresh, and in most cases, you don't need to be home to receive them. However, it's best to refrigerate the meals as soon as possible to maintain freshness and quality.
While the cost can be higher than cooking at home, these services offer significant value through convenience, portion control, and the assurance of eating a balanced diet suitable for diabetes management. They can be a cost-effective solution for those struggling to maintain a diabetic-friendly diet on their own.
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Continued from above...

Living with diabetes means paying close attention to what you eat, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on delicious food. Diabetes-friendly meal delivery services are changing the game by offering a wide range of tasty, balanced meals right to your doorstep.

With options from classic American comfort foods to exciting international dishes, there's something for everyone. Imagine enjoying a perfectly seasoned piece of grilled chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, or exploring new flavors with a plate of stir-fried tofu and veggies in a tangy Asian sauce. These services make it easy and fun to stick to a diabetes-friendly diet without feeling restricted.

Another great thing about these meal delivery services is the quality of ingredients they use. They typically focus on using high-quality, minimally processed ingredients. Fresh, organic produce and lean proteins are staples in their meals, helping you manage your blood sugar while also eating food that's genuinely good for your overall health. This approach to ingredients means you can enjoy meals that are not only safe for your diabetes management but also delicious and satisfying.

Diabetes-friendly meal delivery services are all about making your life easier. They get that you might be swamped with work, trying to balance family life, or maybe you're not that into cooking. To fit every lifestyle, meal delivery services offer different types of meals: some are microwavable, ready to eat in just a few minutes, perfect for when you're short on time but still want a nutritious meal. Others are meal kits that come with all the ingredients you need to whip up a fresh, tasty dish without the hassle of shopping.

And, for those who want the best of both worlds, many services provide the option to choose between ready-made meals and meal kits. This flexibility means you can keep your diabetes managed without compromising on convenience or the joy of eating well, no matter how busy your schedule gets.

Moreover, embracing a diabetes-friendly diet through these meal delivery services can be a stepping stone to learning more about nutrition and how different foods affect your blood sugar levels. It's an opportunity to discover new favorite dishes and ingredients that you might not have tried otherwise. This exploration can make managing your diabetes an enjoyable journey rather than a constant challenge.

When considering a diabetes-friendly meal delivery service, keep these key factors in mind:

  • Adherence to diabetic dietary guidelines. Choose a service that designs meals based on expert nutrition advice to help manage your blood sugar effectively.
  • Ingredient quality. Look for services that prioritize organic, minimally processed ingredients to support your health and dietary needs.
  • Subscription flexibility. Go for a service that lets you easily adjust your subscription, whether you need to skip a week or cancel without hassle.
  • Customer service. Good customer service is crucial. You want a service that's responsive and helpful if you have questions or need assistance.
  • Customer reviews. Check out what others are saying about the meal taste, variety, and how well the service meets dietary needs. Positive feedback from other customers can be a good indicator of quality and reliability.

We've looked into different diabetes meal delivery services at Top Consumer Reviews to help you make the best choice. Our goal is to make it easier for you to manage your diabetes through better eating, letting you focus on living your life instead of worrying about your diet. Let us help you find the best service for your needs, combining great taste, convenience, and the right nutrition.

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