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Tempo Review

Wednesday, February 12th

2025 High Protein Meal Delivery Reviews

Tempo Review 2.5 Star Rating

Tempo

2.5 Star Rating
  • Price per serving: Starts at $10.98
  • Days of food: 4-16+ meals a week
  • Shipment frequency: Weekly
  • Daily meals: Dinners with breakfast add-ons
  • Calories per meal: 390-700
  • Grams of protein per meal: Average of 30
  • Number of recipes: 12 options a week
  • Prep time: 4 minutes

Tempo, launched in October 2023, is part of the Kroger family with Home Chef. While Home Chef offers meal kits for those who enjoy cooking but appreciate the convenience of pre-prepped ingredients, Tempo is a new player in the meal service game, focusing on microwave meals that cater to those short on time but not willing to compromise on health.

No discounts - or are there?

When it comes to discounts, the situation with Tempo is somewhat puzzling. Currently, they don't run standard promotions, which might put them at a disadvantage against competitors who do. However, an intriguing incident occurred during our checkout process: an error message about an invalid discount code, which we hadn't entered, led to an unexpected series of discounts on future orders. This could be an error or a clever marketing tactic to create a sense of fortunate timing for customers. Additionally, Tempo offers substantial discounts for military personnel, first responders, healthcare professionals, teachers, students, alumni, and government officials.

Meal overviews could be more specific

Tempo offers seven different meal plan sizes. Starting at $11 per serving, the cost per meal decreases as you increase the number of meals, ranging from $15.98 for 4 meals to $10.98 for 16+ meals weekly. Keep in mind, this doesn't include shipping and sales tax, which could add to the final bill. Tempo's highlight is its "protein-packed" meals, averaging around 30 grams of protein, though this can vary significantly. We found one meal with 49 grams of protein right next to one with 16 grams. It would be helpful if Tempo included an overview with macros or a way to easily see nutritional information like calorie count. Currently, the overviews only show prep time, but every meal is listed as "<5 min" because their main selling point is quick meals. So, it's not a very useful metric. The registration process is pretty straightforward, letting you tailor your meal preferences and dietary needs before choosing the size of your meal box.

12 options each week

Each week, Tempo offers 12 new meals of different cuisines and flavors, whether bold or familiar. A typical week of meals from Tempo might look like a Creamy Tomato Chicken Breast with Kale and Garlic Butter Sweet Potato Noodles (680 cal, 35g protein) on Monday, a Powerhouse Pesto Kale Bowl (580 cal, 16g protein) on Wednesday, and BBQ Pulled Pork with Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower(590 cal, 34g protein) on Friday. One neat feature of Tempo is that each recipe comes with a photo and the name of the chef who created it, adding a dash of warmth to your dining experience. It seems like Tempo offers a good variety of cuisines and spice levels to cater to different preferences.

Best High Protein Meal Delivery

They're vague about ingredient sourcing

When it comes to the quality of ingredients, Tempo seems to follow the same tune as its sibling company, Home Chef, maintaining a certain level of vagueness. There's a noticeable absence of detailed information about where their ingredients are sourced from. In an era where consumers are increasingly curious about the origins of their food, this lack of transparency might be a bit off-key for some. While the meals are convenient and tasty, a clearer insight into the quality and sourcing of ingredients could enhance the overall appeal of Tempo's offerings.

Shipping costs $10.99

Tempo delivers once a week. You can choose the day that works best for you, but your options may differ based on your location. Tempo is committed to using recyclable or reusable packaging that keeps food at a safe temperature. Tips for recycling Tempo packaging include curbside recycling for boxes, PET liners, and plastic containers, cutting open film for denim liners and ice packs, and recycling film with plastic bags. And shipping costs? They don't mention it anywhere upfront on their website, but if you make it to the billing step, it shows up on your order summary as $10.99. This is roughly on par with competitors.

Skipping is easy; cancellation may not be

When it comes to managing your meal deliveries, Tempo lets you march to the beat of your own drum. You have the option to skip deliveries or adjust your subscription frequency, which is a handy feature for those with fluctuating schedules. Just remember to make any changes by the Friday before your next scheduled delivery. We're not clear on how easy it is to cancel your subscription. The FAQ article we found begins with telling you that it is possible, but then proceeds to give you instructions on how to pause your orders instead. This (ahem) gives us pause. (Sorry.)

Best High Protein Meal Delivery

Tempo is still finding the beat

Tempo, still fresh in the meal delivery market since its October 2023 launch, presents a mixed picture in terms of customer engagement and service. Their Instagram presence, bustling with posts but lacking in engagement, alongside their reliance on small TikTok influencers, paints a picture of a brand earnestly trying to connect with a modern audience. However, the effectiveness of these strategies is not yet clear. They don't yet have a Trustpilot or Better Business Bureau listing, so we can't tell you much about customer experience, either.

Is it a food service or a lifestyle?

Tempo's promotional tactics at launch, like a prize package giveaway including Bluetooth headphones, also seem to blur the lines between a food service and a lifestyle brand. While this could be seen as an innovative approach to marketing, it also raises questions about the clarity of their brand identity. Looking at Home Chef, Tempo's sibling company, might give some insight into what customers can expect. Home Chef's customer service record is checkered, with a less-than-stellar reputation on Trustpilot. Despite the tastiness of Home Chef's meals, issues with delayed deliveries and lukewarm customer service responses have been noted. We hope it won't be a repeat performance with Tempo.

Has potential

In conclusion, the meals from Tempo seem to be of decent quality and provide an adequate amount of protein. One thing to note is that they don't offer specific plans, which could make the decision-making and browsing process less overwhelming. However, due to the fact that Tempo is relatively new and lacks third-party reviews, it is difficult to fully recommend them at this time. It might be a better idea to try one of the more established meal delivery services that we've reviewed, unless you're willing to take a chance and be an early adopter.

What is the Best High-protein Meal Delivery Service?

Recently, high protein meals have become very popular. And why not? There are many benefits to a high protein diet - it boosts your metabolism, helps you feel fuller, and builds muscle and strength, just to name a few. But shopping for the ingredients and preparing high protein meals can be a chore.

This is where high protein meal delivery services come in. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, where convenience often trumps all, the allure of High-protein meal delivery services has captured the attention of fitness enthusiasts and time-strapped individuals alike. No more tedious meal prepping or calorie counting - these services deliver nutritious, protein-packed meals straight to your doorstep.

The Best High Protein Meal Delivery Compare High Protein Meal Delivery Compare High Protein Meal Delivery Reviews What are the best High Protein Meal Delivery Best High Protein Meal Delivery Reviews

High Protein Meal Delivery FAQ

High protein meal delivery services are a convenient solution for those looking to increase their protein intake without the hassle of meal planning and grocery shopping. These services deliver pre-prepared or easy-to-prepare meals right to your doorstep, focusing on high protein content which is essential for muscle building, weight management, and overall health. They're particularly popular among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone following a protein-rich diet.
When selecting a high-protein meal delivery service, consider factors like dietary preferences (vegan, keto), meal variety, portion sizes, and pricing. Also, look into the quality of ingredients and the flexibility of the service in terms of pausing or canceling subscriptions. It's a good idea to read customer reviews to gauge satisfaction and check if they offer a trial period.
Absolutely! High protein meal delivery services can be an excellent tool for both weight loss and muscle gain. Protein is key in promoting satiety, which can aid in weight management, and is essential for muscle repair and growth. However, it's important to choose a service that aligns with your specific caloric and nutritional needs for these goals.
Many high-protein meal delivery services offer customization options to cater to various dietary restrictions like allergies, vegetarian or vegan preferences, and low-carb diets. It's recommended to check with the service provider about their customization flexibility before subscribing.
The cost of high-protein meal delivery services varies depending on factors like meal quality, organic ingredients, and portion sizes. Typically, prices range from $10 to $15 per serving.
This depends on the service provider. Some offer fresh meals with a shorter shelf life, ideal for immediate consumption, while others provide frozen meals that last longer. Fresh meals often taste better and have a more appealing texture, but frozen meals offer convenience and a longer storage time.
Delivery times vary by service. Some offer next-day delivery, while others might take a few days to a week. It's important to check the delivery schedule, especially if you have specific dietary needs or a tight schedule.
Most high-protein meal delivery services offer flexible subscription plans allowing you to pause, skip, or cancel at any time. However, it's wise to read the terms and conditions as some services may require a minimum commitment period or have specific cancellation policies.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

High protein meal delivery services are a game-changer, especially for those with specific fitness goals. Maybe you're a bodybuilder, for whom every gram of protein is crucial in your quest for gains. Or you could be closely monitoring your macronutrient intake, aiming for a precise balance in your diet and a lean physique. These services cater to those looking to maintain a healthy diet, build muscle, or simply enjoy the benefits of a protein-rich diet.

The options provided by these online services are highly appealing. With a wide array of plans, ranging from meat-based to plant-based protein options, they have something for virtually every dietary preference and restriction. Customizable meal plans, competitive pricing, and the luxury of home delivery make these services a go-to choice for anyone looking to increase their protein intake and reduce time spent meal prepping.

However, the difficulty is in choosing the correct service from all the options available to you. With the surge in popularity of meal delivery services, it's become a daunting task to sift through the multitude and find one that aligns with your dietary preferences, lifestyle, and budget.

When choosing a high-protein meal delivery service, here's what to consider:

  • Ingredient quality. Is the focus of the meal delivery service on high-quality ingredients, and are they open about their sourcing practices?
  • Customization. Can you tailor your meals to fit specific macro goals or portion sizes?
  • Subscription flexibility. How easy is it to skip weeks or cancel? Do you need to jump through hoops, or can it be done with a click of a button?
  • Packaging and delivery. Is the service known for delivering fresh, well-packaged meals with efficient and environmentally-friendly packaging, and on-time shipments?
  • Customer reviews. What are existing customers saying about taste, freshness, and satisfaction with the meal plans?
  • Cost. What is the price per serving? Are shipping fees charged per week, or per box?

At Top Consumer Reviews, we have thoroughly explored and ranked the best high-protein meal delivery services out there. Our aim is to help you find a service that doesn't just feed you but fuels your goals, whether it's building muscle, tracking macros, or simply leading a healthier lifestyle.

The Best Reviews of High Protein Meal Delivery