Evidence based 
Table Of Contents
Introduction
Picture this: you’re standing in your kitchen, refrigerator door ajar, staring into the abyss of ingredients and leftovers, unsure of what culinary experience to essay on next. The clock ticks, your stomach grumbles, and inspiration seems miles away. In our increasingly demanding lives, where time is as precious as a perfectly ripe avocado, meal planning becomes both an art and a challenge. But what if a digital sous chef was ready to show you through this gastronomic journey?
From the bustling life of a career-driven urbanite to the nurturing heart of a family’s home cook, an app is tailor-made to complement your individual rhythm of life. These aren’t just simple recipe books confined within your smartphone; they’re personalized nutritional plans and time-saving planners rolled into one intuitive package.
In our in-depth review, we’ll whisk you through various digital solutions, each catering to different tastes, goals, and dietary needs. Whether you’re a vegan warrior, a fitness fanatic, or a comfort food lover, we’ve scoured the app stores and simmered down the options to present you with the crème de la crème of meal planning technology.App Ease of Use & UX Customization & Dietary Preferences Recipe Variety & Creativity Grocery List Integration Price & Subscription Options Community & Support Features Lasta ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★☆☆☆ Subscription ★★★★★ Eat Wise App ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ Free/Paid ★★★☆☆ Noom ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ Subscription ★★★★☆ BetterMe ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ Subscription ★★★☆☆ Paprika ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ Free/Paid ★★★☆☆ Platejoy ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ Free/Paid ★★★☆☆ Yummly ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ Free/Paid ★★★☆☆ Eat This Much ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ Free/Pro ★★★☆☆ Cozi ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ Free/Paid ★★★☆☆ Mealime ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ Free/Pro ★★★★☆ Prepear ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ Free/Paid ★★★☆☆ Plan To Eat ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ Subscription ★★★☆☆
Lasta
- Rating: 9.7/10
- Award: Best Overall Meal Planning App
- Nominations: Most Holistic Nutrition Guidance, Highly Customizable Plans
Eat Wise App
- Rating: 9.5/10
- Award: Top Nutrition Expert Collaboration
- Nominations: Accurate Nutritional Insights, Innovative Diet Plans
Noom
- Rating: 9.4/10
- Award: Best Psychological Approach to Meal Planning
- Nominations: Behavior-Oriented Meal Planning, Expert Coaching
BetterMe
- Rating: 9.2/10
- Award: Best for Fitness Integration
- Nominations: Tailored Meal Plans for Workouts, Health and Wellness Support
Paprika
- Rating: 9.0/10
- Award: Top Free Recipe Organizer
- Nominations: Seamless Grocery List Integration, Efficient Recipe Management
PlateJoy
- Rating: 8.9/10
- Award: Best Free Customizable Meal Planning
- Nominations: AI-Powered Meal Suggestions, Diet Compatibility
Yummly
- Rating: 8.8/10
- Award: Most User-Friendly Free App
- Nominations: Personal Taste Preferences, Excellent Recipe Curation
Eat This Much
- Rating: 8.6/10
- Award: Best Free Automated Meal Planner
- Nominations: Versatility in Diet Types, User-Centric Planning
Cozi
- Rating: 9.1/10
- Award: Best Family Collaboration Tool
- Nominations: Synchronized Schedules, Organized Shopping Lists
Mealime
- Rating: 9.0/10
- Award: Most Family-Friendly Meal Ideas
- Nominations: Kid-Friendly Recipes, Efficient Grocery Planning
Prepear
- Rating: 8.7/10
- Award: Most Innovative Family Planning
- Nominations: Interactive Cooking Modes, Simplified Meal Prep
Plan To Eat
- Rating: 8.5/10
- Award: Best for Family Budgeting
- Nominations: Cost-Effective Meal Planning, Organized Pantry Management
How to Find the Right Meal Plan for One Person?
You’re no longer satisfied with the occasional home-cooked meal; you’re yearning to create a meal plan that reflects your unique tastes and needs.
- Understanding Your Tummy’s Terrain
Before you start whipping up anything, look at what you love eating and what your body needs. Do you have any allergies? Are there foods that don’t sit well with you? If you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or follow a specific diet, keep those in mind too!
- Fueling Your Day with the Right Nutrients
Our meal plan should perfectly balance proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Think of yourself as a masterful painter, mixing different colors to create the ideal palette for your masterpiece of meals!
- Planning Your Meal Experience
Start by planning your meals for the week. Yes, you’ve read that right: A whole week! This doesn’t mean you’re shackling yourself to the stove but giving yourself the freedom to explore and create.
- Shopping like a Seasoned Explorer
Make a list of ingredients and head to the store. Choose fresh and seasonal produce if possible, as they are often tastier and more nutritious. Don’t forget to explore the international aisle; you might find exotic treasures that become your new favorite ingredients.
- Cooking Joyfully
Enjoy the process of meal planning for one! Put on your favorite tunes and dance around the kitchen if you like! Experiment with herbs, spices, and cooking techniques. If a dish doesn’t turn out perfect, that’s OK; it’s all part of the culinary adventure.
- Tracking Your Tasty Trials
Keep a journal of the meals you loved and those that didn’t tickle your taste buds. This way, you can continually refine your meal plan and take note of new dishes to try.
- Be Flexible, Be You
Remember, YOU are the most necessary ingredient in any meal plan: your preferences, your creativity, your whims, and your fancies. Be flexible with your meal plan and allow yourself the spontaneity to try new things or indulge in a treat now and then.
Finding the right meal plan isn’t just about following rules but exploring, enjoying, and welcoming your culinary curiosities.
Also, read – 15 Best Nutrition Apps of Today – Fueling Your Wellness Journey
How Can a Monthly Meal Planner Revamp Your Eating Habits?
One of the major benefits of monthly meal planning is that it allows you to be more intentional about your nutritional intake. By mapping out meals in advance, you can ensure a balanced diet that includes all the necessary vitamins and minerals. According to a study, people who plan their meals are likelier to have a balanced and nutritious diet than those who don’t.
Monthly meal planning also encourages portion control, which is necessary for weight management. Planning and preparing meals makes it easier to adhere to portion sizes that align with individual health goals. A research article in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that spending time on meal preparation was linked to better adherence to dietary guidelines.
And the last, convenience rather than nutritional needs often drives impulse eating. A monthly meal planner eliminates the last-minute scramble for meals, reducing the likelihood of reaching for unhealthy, processed foods. A publication in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics showed that home-cooked meals are generally healthier and contain fewer processed ingredients than take-out or convenience meals.
Best Meal Plan App – What Criteria Should You Consider?
Before you set sail, let’s ensure you’re equipped with the proper navigation tools to find the meal plan app that’s the perfect fit for your taste buds, wallet, and lifestyle.
A Mouthful of Variety: Diverse Recipes
Your taste buds deserve a dance across the globe, don’t they? Look for an app that offers a wide array of recipes.
Diet-Friendly Delights: Accommodating Your Dietary Needs
Your meal planning app should be your understanding culinary companion if you’re vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or have specific allergies. Check if the app allows you to filter recipes based on your dietary preferences or restrictions.
Smooth Sailing: User-Friendly Interface
The best meal-planning apps have an intuitive, user-friendly interface that makes planning a breeze. You want to cook, not decipher hieroglyphics, right?
Nutritional Navigation: Detailed Nutritional Information
Your app should be able to tell you! Look for detailed nutritional information to ensure your meals align with your health goals.
Your Culinary Clock: Meal Prep Time
Not all of us have the luxury of spending hours in the kitchen, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy fabulous food. Look for an app that filters recipes by prep and cook time.
Customizable Courses: Personalized Meal Plans
Find an app that offers customization, allowing you to set preferences for ingredients, cuisines, portion sizes, and more.
Savor the Social Experience
Sometimes, cooking can feel like a solitary experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Some apps offer community features where you can share recipes, tips, and experiences.
Fair Fare: Cost and Subscription Plans
While we’re all for splurging on a fancy dinner, your meal-planning app shouldn’t break the bank. Review the cost, free features, and subscription plans to ensure they align with your budget.
Which Best App for Meal Planning Are Nutritionists Recommending This Year?
These are apps that not only tantalize your flavor buds – they align with your health, lifestyle, and of course, your cravings for deliciousness. Ready to determine which app has captured the top of the nutritional elite this year? Let’s discover!
Lasta: More Than a Diet – Revolution in Meal Planning
Eating healthily while maintaining a fast-paced lifestyle can be a challenge. But thanks to the Lasta Meal Planning App, it’s now more accessible than ever to keep track of meals and remain committed to your dietary goals.
From exploring food addictions to savoring every bite, it stands out in a crowded marketplace of wellness apps. Although there are areas for improvement, particularly concerning weight loss claims and user customization, Lasta is a valuable asset for cultivating healthier eating habits. As the saying goes, “You are what you eat,” with Lasta, you can eat well and feel great.
Strengths
- Diverse Meal Plans
With meal plans created by registered dietitians, Lasta makes it easy to find dishes that align with popular diets like Keto, Paleo, Vegan, etc. Their approach to balanced and flexible eating helps prevent the frustration often associated with restrictive diets.
- Ease of Use
Lasta’s user-friendly interface ensures that tracking meals and changing goals is simple and convenient, even while on the go. A perfect fit for busy bees!
- Mood-Food Connection
One Lasta app review proved that its food addiction quiz and mindful eating strategies provide a unique approach to understanding emotional eating habits. The Lasta cognitive behavioral therapy tools are groundbreaking in their approach to cultivating mindful eating practices.
- Expertly Curated Meals
Lasta’s nutritionists and chefs design each meal with balanced nutrients in mind. No need for calorie counting or tedious tracking of every ingredient. It’s like having a personal dietitian in your pocket.
- Inclusivity
By being the best weight loss app for women and catering to anyone’s needs, Lasta’s weight loss program is accessible to a broad audience.
Weaknesses
- Potential Overemphasis on Tracking
Some users may find the food tracking aspect cumbersome, making it feel like a calorie-counting diary.
- Subscription Cost
Lasta offers a subscription service for premium features.
Eat Wise App: Nutritionist-Endorsed Meal Prep Made Simple
Eat Wise App – hailed as the dietitian’s digital dream by many in the nutrition community. It’s not just about planning meals; it’s about making wise choices.
Strengths
- Scientifically-backed Recommendations
Eat Wise doesn’t just guess your nutritional needs – it knows. 93% of the app’s meal plans align perfectly with recommended daily intakes.
- Vast Recipe Database
Offering over 10,000 recipes, from Mexico’s spicy lanes to India’s aromatic kitchens.
- Diet Flexibility
Whether you’re a keto warrior or a vegan superhero, Eat Wise bows to your dietary preferences.
Weaknesses
- Interface Overload
While variety is a strength, the abundance of options can overwhelm you.
- Requires Regular Updates
The app’s vast database means frequent updates.
Noom: Modern Solution to Nutrient-Packed Meals
For the nutrition-conscious world, Noom is more than just an app. It’s like a friendly nutritionist that lives in your pocket, always ready to help you make wise eating decisions.
If you want an app that goes beyond the superficial layers of dieting and delves into the core of mindful eating, Noom might just be the perfect dining companion.
Strengths
- Psychological Approach
Noom isn’t just about counting calories; it digs deep into the psychological aspect of eating habits.
- Personalized Coaching
A unique feature of Noom is its human touch. Personal coaches guide you through the maze of nutrition. It’s like having a friend who’s a nutrition expert!
- Food Color Coding
Noom simplifies complex nutritional information by color-coding foods into green, yellow, and red categories. It turns meal planning into child’s play!
Weaknesses
- Subscription Cost
Noom’s comprehensive services come with a price.
- Requires Commitment
Noom requires daily input and engagement, which might be burdensome for some.
- Limited Food Database Outside the U.S.
International foodie Global Gourmet Greg feels left out by the app’s focus on American foods.
Also, read – Lasta Vs. Noom Review: Navigate the best choice for you!
BetterMe: Perfect Fusion of Fitness and Culinary Guidance
With smartphones transforming every facet of life, why should meal planning be left behind? BetterMe strives to fill this gap, offering a personalized culinary journey. Let’s cut through the hype and look at this app.
It’s a versatile tool, blending the world of nutrition with a touch of digital elegance. It’s got the substance but needs a sprinkle of user-friendliness and a dash of community connection.
Strengths
- Tailored Diet Plans
Whether you’re carving a path to weight loss or muscle gain, BetterMe crafts a meal plan as unique as your fingerprint.
- Engaging Exercise Plans
BetterMe isn’t just about food; it couples meal plans with workouts – the dance between the dining table and the gym.
- Water Tracker
Hydration is key, and BetterMe’s water tracking feature ensures you don’t dry out.
Weaknesses
- Overwhelming for Beginners
With an extensive array of features, some find BetterMe a bit intimidating.
- Lack of Community Engagement
Social Butterfly Sally missed the community feels, likening it to “a party with no guests.”
Also, read – Lasta Vs. Betterme Review
What’s the Best Free Meal Planning App to Take Control of Your Diet?
Curious to know which app stands tall as the crowned jewel of budget-friendly meal planning this year? Let’s start.
Paprika App Review: Spice Up Your Diet
From the culinary enthusiast to the busy parent seeking to organize weekly meals, Paprika offers a robust solution to meal planning. But like any well-seasoned dish, it has its own blend of flavors.
While the interface may feel a tad dated, and the free version might leave you hungry for more, the app’s ability to streamline the culinary planning process is commendable.
Strengths
- Recipe Import Function
Importing recipes from your favorite websites is a breeze with Paprika.
- Synchronization Across Devices
Whether on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop, Paprika’s with you. It’s like having your recipe book at every culinary corner!
- Meal Calendar Integration
Planning a week ahead or even a month? Paprika lets you do it.
- Grocery List Creation
Convert recipes to shopping lists in seconds.
- Free Basic Version
Paprika’s free version offers substantial value.
Weaknesses
- Aged Interface
Though functional, the interface could use some modern spice.
Platejoy Review: A Joyful Approach to Customized Diet
In a world where fast food is king, meal planning may feel like a herculean task. That’s where PlateJoy comes in, an app designed to make meal planning a joyous occasion.
Though it might have a few wrinkles to iron out, the overall experience is both wholesome and delightful.
Strengths
- Personalized Meal Plans
PlateJoy curates a menu that’s all you based on your dietary preferences and needs, like having a nutritionist on speed dial.
- Intelligent Grocery Lists
Forget about forgetting! Your recipes translate into a shopping list.
- Waste Reduction Focus
PlateJoy ensures that your shopping leads to minimal food waste – an eco-warrior in the kitchen.
- Fitness Integration
Sync your exercise with your meal plans.
- Delicious Free Version
Get a taste of PlateJoy’s wonders without spending a dime.
Weaknesses
- Limited International Cuisine
If your taste buds are global travelers, you might find the options a bit limited.
- Occasional Technical Glitches
Like a tricky soufflé, the app might sometimes fall flat.
Yummly: Turning Everyday Ingredients into Culinary Masterpieces
Meal planning doesn’t have to be a bland chore. With the Yummly, it transforms into a delightful experience, bringing joy to the kitchen.
The app offers a delightful, almost whimsical journey through meal planning, giving you access to a rich tapestry of culinary creations. The occasional ad might distract, and the need for an internet connection might constrain, but the sheer joy of exploring endless recipes more than makes up for these minor quibbles.
Strengths
- Extensive Recipe Collection
Yummly is a feast for the eyes with thousands of recipes, like an all-you-can-eat buffet for home chefs.
- Personalized Recommendations
Yummly learns your tastes.
- Visual Appeal
Beautiful photos inspire your inner chef- a virtual feast for the eyes.
- Dietary Preferences Accommodated
Vegan? Gluten-free? Yummly has you covered. It’s a dietary chameleon that adapts to you.
- Free to Use
A sumptuous experience without the cost.
Weaknesses
- Occasional Ad Intrusions
Ads may pop up like an overzealous toaster.
- Limited Offline Capability
No internet? Yummly might leave you hungry.
Eat This Much: Your Personalized Route to Diet Discipline
Eat This Much, more than a directive, is a promise of a culinary journey tailored to your nutritional needs. It’s like having a personal chef who doubles as a dietician.
It offers a digital banquet that caters to various dietary needs and goals. While there’s a slight learning curve and the menu might occasionally feel repetitive, the robust features and personalized touch more than compensate.
Strengths
- Customized Meal Plans
Whether you’re bulking, cutting, or maintaining, Eat This Much serves it all.
- Easy Calorie Tracking
Stay in your caloric lane effortlessly – a calorie-conscious companion.
- Flexible Dietary Options
Paleo, vegan, or Mediterranean, you choose. It’s an accommodating host to dietary preferences.
- Automatic Grocery List Creation
Shopping has never been this efficient.
- Free Accessibility
A wealth of features at no cost – fine dining on a diner’s budget.
Weaknesses
- Interface Learning Curve
It may require some taste-testing – a bit like learning to cook a new cuisine.
- Occasional Lack of Variety
You might see some favorite dishes often.
Also, read – Lasta Vs. EatThisMuch Review: help yourself to simplify the choice
What’s a Good Family Meal Planning App Unite Your Loved Ones at the Dinner Table?
Read on, and discover the secret recipe for family bonding and delectable dining!
Cozi: The Cozy Way to Bring the Family Together Over Dinner
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, family meals can be a chaotic affair. Cozi seeks to be the calming kitchen breeze, orchestrating family meals like a culinary conductor. So, what for dinner app – it’s a good choice for family!
It provides a family-centered approach to meal planning that could easily become a beloved part of your daily routine. While it might not cater as well to small families or specialized diets, its collaborative and organized approach is a big win for those looking to bring the family together around the dining table.
Strengths
- Shared Family Calendar Integration
Synchronize family schedules effortlessly – the family secretary that never sleeps.
- Customized Recipe Box
Save and share family favorites. It’s a digital heirloom recipe book.
- Collaborative Shopping Lists
Everyone contributes, and nobody forgets.
- Meal Planning Simplicity
Planning meals becomes a family affair, as comforting as Mom’s homemade pie.
- Free Version Available
A robust experience without breaking the bank.
Weaknesses
- Limited Diet-Specific Options
Not as friendly for specialized diets.
- Some Annoying Ads in the Free Version
Ads can interrupt family fun – an unwanted guest at the dinner table.
Mealime: Simplifying Family Dinners, One Recipe at a Time
Mealime aspires to be the bridge that connects the family at mealtime. But does it hold up as the culinary link we’re all looking for?
Mealime is a versatile and intuitive meal-planning app that takes into consideration your family’s unique culinary needs. While the lack of collaborative family features and some limitations on the free version might be minor setbacks, the robust set of features and thoughtful design make it a favorite among many families.
Because it’s one of the best weight loss meal plan apps, Mealime takes the stress out of family dinner planning, transforming chaos into cherished family feasts!
Strengths
- User-Friendly Design
Ease-of-use is the main course.
- Customizable Meal Plans
Adapts to your family’s tastes and dietary needs.
- Grocery List Integration
Shopping is streamlined as “a shopping companion that doesn’t forget the milk.
- Proportion Control
Cook for two or ten, it’s all accounted for.
- A Variety of Tasty Recipes
Diverse flavors to please all palates.
Weaknesses
- Limited Free Version
Some premium recipes are behind a paywall.
Prepear: From Planning to Plate a Family Connection
Family meals are at the heart of domestic harmony, and Prepear seeks to be the digital seasoning that enhances this vital family experience.
It elegantly combines convenience, collaboration, and customization to make meal planning a joyous family affair. Although it may offer advanced features and be challenging for beginners, its wide range of tools makes it an attractive option for numerous families.
Prepear brings families together, one meal at a time, transforming kitchens into bonding spaces!
Strengths
- Visually Engaging Interface
Feast your eyes on a design that’s easy on the eyes – a visual potluck that invites you in.
- Shareable Meal Plans and Recipes
Family collaboration made easy. It’s like a family recipe book that everyone can write in.
- Meal Planning Automation
Set preferences and get personalized plans.
- Grocery Shopping Integration
Forget not the parsley again – it’s a shopping list that reads your mind.
- Recipe Scaling
Cooking for a family gathering? No sweat. You can feed an army or just the general.
Weaknesses
- Some Premium Features Behind Paywall
The free version is a little delicious but lacks the full flavor.
- Might Overwhelm New Users
A bit complicated for the kitchen novice.
Also, read – Simple and Healthy Lunch Ideas for Busy Working Moms
Plan To Eat: Family Meals for Harmony at the Dinner Table
Dinner bells are ringing, and families are gathering around tables filled with love, laughter, and luscious meals. But how does one whip up these perfect family dinners every day? That’s where the Plan To Eat app comes into play.
Plan To Eat concocts an impressive array of features aimed at families seeking convenience, customization, and community. While a limited free version and a touch of complexity might keep some at arm’s length, the app has found its way into the hearts (and kitchens) of many.
It’s a culinary compass guiding families to meaningful meals!
Strengths
- Intuitive Interface
An experience as comforting as grandma’s soup. It’s a digital recipe card box for the modern age.
- Recipe Importing Made Easy
A bookmarking tool that’s as easy as pie, like having a personal librarian for your cookbook.
- Customizable Meal Plans
Tailor to your family’s preferences, big or small – even the pickiest eaters find joy here.
- Dynamic Grocery Lists
Grocery shopping? Say goodbye to forgotten items.
- Social Recipe Sharing
Family recipes are handed down digitally – like a community potluck at your fingertips.
Weaknesses
- Limited Features in Free Version
Like a teaser plate.
- Somewhat Steep Learning Curve:
Not the most beginner-friendly, like learning to knead the dough for the first time.
To Sum Up
Through the culinary canvas of the 15 best meal-planning apps, we’ve embarked on a gastronomic journey, painting a picture of flavor, convenience, and nutrition. Each app offers a unique blend of ingredients to satisfy the diverse appetites of today’s world.
So, open your best recipe organizer app and select one that resonates with your lifestyle. Let your culinary creativity flourish, knowing that the tools to make every meal a work of art are just a tap away. It’s time to cook up your perfect life recipe!
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William is from Canada, he is passionate nutrition & wellness writer. William understands that the topic of wellness is still not well understood, so his goal is to enlighten and teach people how to live healthier and happier in their bodies.
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Wow! Great information on where to find the best free meal planning app options.
Hi, Nora 🤗
Thank you so much for your kind words!