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Bistro MD Review

Sunday, November 10th

2024 Meal Delivery Company Reviews

Bistro MD Review 1.5 Star Rating

Bistro MD

1.5 Star Rating
  • Discount and free shipping on your first week
  • As low as $6.95 per meal for the first week, $10.99 per meal after the first week
  • 8 weight management programs to choose from, including one that combines prescriptions like Ozempic with the meal plan
  • 5- or 7-day meal plans
  • Includes a meal plan for women going through menopause
  • Choose from having 1-3 meals per day
  • Meals help manage diabetes
  • Receive dietitian support via email or Facebook group
  • Recyclable packaging
  • All meals between 1,200 and 1,400 calories

In 2005, physician Caroline J. Cederquist and her husband started bistroMD in an effort to help people who were struggling with weight management. The service has expanded to include meal plans that work with medications like Ozempic, where they manage your medication and meals. This meal delivery service has been featured on Dr. Phil, NBC, Lifetime, The Biggest Loser, and The Doctors.

Take the quiz

bistroMD offers a quiz that enables subscribers to easily find the right weight management program. Questions ask you about health goals, gender, food sensitivities, and what your main diet focus is. It will also ask you for your name and email address before showing results. You will be given a plan in one of the following categories:

  • Signature (over 150 meal choices)
  • Heart healthy (over 100 meal choices)
  • Keto flex (over 85 meal choices)
  • Menopause (over 100 meal choices)
  • Gluten-free (over 100 meal choices)
  • Diabetic (over 100 meal choices)
  • Vegan (over 25 lunch and dinner choices)

Once you are sorted into the category that fits best, you are directed to sign up and add your credit card information, so be sure to take a look at the menus before you take the quiz.

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5- or 7-day meal plans

We found bistroMD's website to be cluttered and difficult to navigate to find the information we needed to understand the program and make decisions about how to create a successful meal plan. After looking around, we finally confirmed the following meal plan options that go with all the weight management programs:

  • Choose from 5 or 7 days of meals
  • Choose from single servings of breakfast, lunch, and dinner or just lunch and dinner
  • Vegans only have the choice of lunches and dinners

Help for people on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic

bistroMD has developed a meal plan that includes management of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. You can see if you qualify for this prescription and food management combined plan on their website.

Help for people who like snacking

bistroMD encourages subscribers to also sign up for their snack program. They promise a myriad of healthy options to keep you from bingeing on unhealthy snacks.

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Change your meals with helpful suggestions

If you look at the menu and decide you don't want something, you can request a change; bistroMD will offer you a recommendation for a meal of equal nutritional value. You need to make all changes by Wednesday at 5pm ET the week before. You can also talk to a registered dietitian via email or the Facebook group.

Non-organic ingredients

bistroMD doesn't claim to be organic, but they are committed to responsibly sourcing their foods, especially with regard to meat and seafood. They offer rBGH-free beef and hormone-free chicken and try to source from local and family farms where possible.

Flash frozen meals

While the website claims that "frozen doesn't mean not fresh,” there is a compromise in texture for some of the ingredients and recipes. That being said, unlike other meal delivery services, bistroMD's meals can be stored for much longer. Each meal includes a best-buy date stamped on the packaging. Many reviewers said that it's best not to use the microwave for reheating but to instead use a pan or other method, as the microwave can compromise the taste and texture of the meal.

Exorbitant shipping cost

Each box from bistroMD ships at a very pricey $20. This is by and large the highest shipping cost of any meal delivery service on our list. While we are impressed with the recyclable packaging, the cost of shipping is very high.

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Unfavorable reviews

The Better Business Bureau only gives bistroMD a "B+” rating, but complaints about the company are numerous and usually related to the most important aspect of all: taste. These complaints ranged from people saying the food needed more seasoning to comparing the food to "expensive slop." One reviewer gave bistroMD points for trying but stated that the vegan options were "just plain bad.” In addition, many customers had problems with being charged for shipments that did not arrive or with cancellation requests not being honored. No matter where we searched, the message from reviewers was the same: this meal delivery company has major issues with taste, quality, and customer service. Based on the reviews alone, this program sounds like a good idea with questionable execution, and we just can't feel confident in recommending it.

Some benefits but likely to disappoint

We're concerned with the problems reported with bistroMD's meal taste and quality. After all, a weight management food plan will only work if subscribers actually eat the food. But if you are experiencing a diagnosed medical issue like diabetes or heart issues or if you want to take GLP-1 medications and have a meal plan to go with it, it may be worth the risk to try bistroMD, especially considering the discounted price of the first week. While flash frozen meals are convenient, this process truly compromises texture and taste. Based on everything we've learned about bistroMD, we have given it a below-average rating.

Which Meal Delivery Service is the Best?

Like us, our food choices are distinctive and individual. The booming prepared meal delivery services industry is a reflection of that. Choosing a meal kit from all the choices available depends on a lot of factors - the most important of which is the reason why you are looking for an easier way to nourish yourself in the first place.

Perhaps you are dealing with a chronic illness that can be helped by altering your diet. Maybe you need to take a break from cooking because you are going through significant changes in your life. It is possible that your young family is too busy with extracurricular activities, playdates, and obligations to find time for menu planning and grocery shopping.

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Meal Delivery Company FAQ

With meal delivery, it is most common to have lunches and dinners delivered to your door. However, some companies give you the full spread of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, every day of the week! Different companies specialize in specific diets whether it be plant-based, gluten-free, vegetarian, or just an overall balanced diet. Some are reheat-and-eat, while others come with all the ingredients and instructions needed to create your meal from scratch.
The idea of a meal delivery service is to have a variety of meals pre-planned for the week that arrive together. Most companies have a minimum order requirement, so you'll need to at least get around 4 meals per week. You can skip weeks or plan weeks in advance, whatever works best in your schedule! Buying one meal at a time here and there isn't the point of a meal delivery service; however, you could order just a few meals and space them out during the week so that you don't use them all consecutively.
On average, you'll find that meal delivery services range from about $7 to $12 per serving. Depending on how many members are in your family and how many meals you select each week, you can calculate your total cost. You can expect to pay about $20 per week for the delivery of the meals on top of that. Overall, meal delivery is a great deal when you consider skipping a trip to the grocery store and having flavorful, healthy meals ready for you every day!
Having meals delivered to your home is one of the best ways to stick to a healthy diet! If you're trying to cut out sugar, gluten, fats, dairy, or any other type of food, you can choose the meal delivery service that will make it easy for you to have nutritious food on-hand for all your meals. If you are wanting to try a plant-based diet, but you aren't sure where to start, meal delivery companies do all the work for you. It also helps you avoid grabbing unnecessary junk foods off the shelf when you're browsing at the grocery store!
There are many reasons meal delivery is a fantastic option for individuals and families. Having your food planned ahead of time saves you the stress of having to figure out what to eat all day. It also helps you avoid going out to eat as often because you have a ready-to-go meal as soon as you're hungry. Having a variety of new meals is a great way to get introduced to new recipes and foods, and to make sure you are getting the nutrients your body needs from a well-balanced diet.
You get to choose what you want in your meal delivery from a variety of options each week. Companies know that not everyone likes the same foods and some families have kids (or adults!) who are picky eaters, so each week you'll get to see new menu items and select the ones you want to try. Sometimes you'll be able to choose these a few weeks in advance, so you won't have to go through the menus too frequently.
All of the meals you receive come in a nicely-packaged box that keeps food fresh, even if it is left outside for a few hours. You'll find dry ice containers and vacuum-sealed food and/or ingredients to preserve the meals while they are in transit. Most companies let you track your deliveries, so you know right when your food will arrive.
Yes! If you're headed out of town for a week or two and don't want your meals delivered, you can do that. If you're wanting to stop altogether or readjust your delivery schedule, it's no problem at all. Make sure you read the policies and details for subscription adjustments when you sign up with a meal delivery service.
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Continued from above...

Perhaps you are a senior who needs a fully prepared meal solution. Maybe you are just tired of takeout and food waste and only want the food you know you will cook. Or you're a rotten cook who wants to learn how to prepare a meal that isn't too dry or undercooked. Meal delivery services can help you and your family's mental and physical health, regardless of your circumstances or motivations.

A meal delivery service can alleviate the burden of preparing entirely different menus for you and your loved ones in cases where families have multiple dietary restrictions. So if you need a diet to deal with the effects of menopause but your partner is weightlifting and needs a high protein diet, a meal delivery service can cover that. You only receive the food you actually eat with these services because everything is pre-portioned. Some kits even do the prep work of chopping, slicing, and cooking grains for you.

Meal delivery services typically keep things simple while still ensuring that your food is tasty and satisfying. Some are kits that take just five or six steps to prepare. There are others who promise 30-minute meal prep time. If you are interested in learning how to cook but are short on time, a meal kit subscription could be a good option. You can even learn new cooking techniques from the gourmet meals that some services provide (sometimes for an upgraded price, but it is worth it). In no time at all, you will be able to confidently claim the title of "home chef." And, for individuals who are mindful of their budget, there are companies that specialize in delivering affordable home-cooked meals.

If you are concerned about the environment, you can find a number of meal delivery options that adhere strictly to regulations regarding responsible fishing and provide only the healthiest ingredients in their prepared meals. Although not certified organic, many businesses are now buying from local farms that follow rigorous standards for the humane treatment of animals and for healthy, delicious produce.

There are meal delivery services that will teach you new skills but will also require you to do some prep work, and there are other services that will deliver meals that only require 15 minutes to make. Incredibly detailed recipe cards and easy-to-follow instructions are provided by most brands, making meal preparation accessible to even the youngest family members. Some people find the recipes on these cards to be so useful that they opt to keep them for when they want to make the same dish on their own.

Our mouths watered while researching today's most popular meal delivery options. Before you choose your ideal service, there are a few things we think are important:

  • Options, options, options. Lots of interesting and varied options are offered by these companies. Take stock of your priorities and make a selection based on those. Always keep your must-haves close at hand so you will not give in to the temptation to try something you are probably not going to like. If variety is important to you and you really have an open mind when it comes to trying exotic ingredients or dishes, don't pick a mostly meat and potatoes service. If you love complex dishes and advanced gourmet cooking, don't choose something that is basic or for beginning cooks. If you don't like the taste of microwaved leftovers, you may not be happy with a flash frozen meal delivery service that requires reheating in the microwave. There are so many options - don't be afraid to make your wish list specific and don't compromise. Trust us, you'll find a company with a meal plan that's right for you. And if it's not exactly right, most companies allow you to mix and match plans.
  • Cost. You'll almost always get a better deal by subscribing to a service rather than choosing a one-off delivery. Many meal delivery services offer great introductory offers, too. Often, if you are a subscriber, you can receive free shipping or you will get some savings on repeat orders. Make sure you get the most bang for your buck when you sign up for a subscription with a meal delivery provider. Sometimes this includes free shipping, other times it means you may save 10-15%, and sometimes you even get a surprise gift. (One subscription we know of has sometimes surprised customers with delicious chocolate chip cookie dough. Yum!)
  • Flexibility. While there are some people who can keep to an extremely strict diet and never bend, most of us need flexibility. Make sure to check how flexible your meal delivery service is. Can you pause your subscription for weeks when you are on vacation? Can you skip a week if none of the recipes are what you are in the mood for? Can you cancel online, or do you have to call in to cancel? Can you swap proteins, customize, or upgrade meals to your liking? Can you order add-ons like breakfast or snacks if you are having friends over for a holiday? These are important things to consider.
  • Ingredient quality. Quality is everything in a meal delivery service. There is nothing worse than coming home from a rough day and seeing your meal delivery box and opening it only to discover wilted, rotten produce or bad chicken. Quality control is vital in a meal delivery service. Some people prioritize eating sustainably and buying fresh food from local farms. Services that offer non-GMO, organic food with sustainable sourcing practices are usually going to provide some of the highest-quality meals.
  • Reputation. What do other customers say about their experience with the meals from the company you're considering? Are deliveries fresh and on time? Outsourcing to cheaper shipping companies resulting in bad delivery practices is something to look out for in this industry. What are the refund or credit policies when quality is compromised? What do others say about their experiences with customer service? Since most companies deliver weekly, you don't want to have to worry about headaches trying to get credits or refunds if things go wrong.

To give you the most worry-free experience with choosing a meal delivery service, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have spent hours looking at every aspect and facet of the most popular companies on the market today. We hope this helps you find a solution to creating healthy, delicious mealtimes - where you can create loving memories around the common, everyday act of providing a hot, home cooked meal with joy.

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Select any 2 Meal Delivery Companies to compare them head to head

best-meal-delivery-services
  • Sunbasket
  • Hello Fresh
  • Factor
  • Dinnerly
  • ModifyHealth
  • Home Chef
  • EveryPlate
  • Top Chef Meals
  • Territory
  • Marley Spoon
  • Gobble
  • Blue Apron
  • Diet To Go
  • Bistro MD
  • Green Chef
Sunbasket vs Hello Fresh Sunbasket vs Factor Sunbasket vs Dinnerly Sunbasket vs ModifyHealth Sunbasket vs Home Chef Sunbasket vs EveryPlate Sunbasket vs Top Chef Meals Sunbasket vs Territory Sunbasket vs Marley Spoon Sunbasket vs Gobble Sunbasket vs Blue Apron Sunbasket vs Diet To Go Sunbasket vs Bistro MD Sunbasket vs Green Chef Hello Fresh vs Factor Hello Fresh vs Dinnerly Hello Fresh vs ModifyHealth Hello Fresh vs Home Chef Hello Fresh vs EveryPlate Hello Fresh vs Top Chef Meals Hello Fresh vs Territory Hello Fresh vs Marley Spoon Hello Fresh vs Gobble Hello Fresh vs Blue Apron Hello Fresh vs Diet To Go Hello Fresh vs Bistro MD Hello Fresh vs Green Chef Factor vs Dinnerly Factor vs ModifyHealth Factor vs Home Chef Factor vs EveryPlate Factor vs Top Chef Meals Factor vs Territory Factor vs Marley Spoon Factor vs Gobble Factor vs Blue Apron Factor vs Diet To Go Factor vs Bistro MD Factor vs Green Chef Dinnerly vs ModifyHealth Dinnerly vs Home Chef Dinnerly vs EveryPlate Dinnerly vs Top Chef Meals Dinnerly vs Territory Dinnerly vs Marley Spoon Dinnerly vs Gobble Dinnerly vs Blue Apron Dinnerly vs Diet To Go Dinnerly vs Bistro MD Dinnerly vs Green Chef ModifyHealth vs Home Chef ModifyHealth vs EveryPlate ModifyHealth vs Top Chef Meals ModifyHealth vs Territory ModifyHealth vs Marley Spoon ModifyHealth vs Gobble ModifyHealth vs Blue Apron ModifyHealth vs Diet To Go ModifyHealth vs Bistro MD ModifyHealth vs Green Chef Home Chef vs EveryPlate Home Chef vs Top Chef Meals Home Chef vs Territory Home Chef vs Marley Spoon Home Chef vs Gobble Home Chef vs Blue Apron Home Chef vs Diet To Go Home Chef vs Bistro MD Home Chef vs Green Chef EveryPlate vs Top Chef Meals EveryPlate vs Territory EveryPlate vs Marley Spoon EveryPlate vs Gobble EveryPlate vs Blue Apron EveryPlate vs Diet To Go EveryPlate vs Bistro MD EveryPlate vs Green Chef Top Chef Meals vs Territory Top Chef Meals vs Marley Spoon Top Chef Meals vs Gobble Top Chef Meals vs Blue Apron Top Chef Meals vs Diet To Go Top Chef Meals vs Bistro MD Top Chef Meals vs Green Chef Territory vs Marley Spoon Territory vs Gobble Territory vs Blue Apron Territory vs Diet To Go Territory vs Bistro MD Territory vs Green Chef Marley Spoon vs Gobble Marley Spoon vs Blue Apron Marley Spoon vs Diet To Go Marley Spoon vs Bistro MD Marley Spoon vs Green Chef Gobble vs Blue Apron Gobble vs Diet To Go Gobble vs Bistro MD Gobble vs Green Chef Blue Apron vs Diet To Go Blue Apron vs Bistro MD Blue Apron vs Green Chef Diet To Go vs Bistro MD Diet To Go vs Green Chef Bistro MD vs Green Chef
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