I Tried Eat Clean Bro, a Meal Subscription Service for Gym Rats. Here's How It Went

7 / 10

Score

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Eat Clean Bro

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Pros

• There are over 100 meal options to choose from that feature different proteins, both animal and plant-based
• Meals can be selected by macro, diet and type
• Food lives up to the company's "clean" name with practically zero additives
• There is full transparency with nutritional labels
• Easy to prepare with only 2 to 3 minutes in the microwave
• Most meals allow for modifications to accommodate dietary needs (i.e
• swapping rice for cauliflower rice).

Cons

• Not everything tasted great
• Inconsistencies with shipping arrivals
• Substitutions are chosen for you if something is out of stock
• It's expensive with a majority of meals at $14 or more

Eat Clean Bro has emerged as one of the healthier meal delivery options, looking to entice clean eaters, protein packers and fitness enthusiasts. I strive to be in this category even if Chicago's expansive food scene tries to get in the way at every turn.

The chance to test Eat Clean Bro came at the right time, as I had begun a month-long high-protein, low-carb diet that mirrored that of my competitive bodybuilder mom. High-protein diets are particularly effective for building and maintaining lean muscle mass, increasing satiety between meals and boosting metabolism. Meanwhile, reducing carbohydrate intake can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote fat loss when done thoughtfully. 

A meal service that understands these nutritional principles can be invaluable for busy individuals who want to eat well without spending hours on meal prep. But did Eat Clean Bro live up to the hype (and the giggle-inducing name) while delivering on these nutritional promises? Read on to find out.

What is eating clean?

For those unfamiliar with "clean eating," the approach emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods while avoiding refined sugars, artificial ingredients, and heavily processed items. It's about choosing nutrient-dense meals that fuel your body efficiently -- think lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables. Clean eating isn't just a trend for athletes; it's a sustainable lifestyle that can improve energy levels, support weight management, enhance mental clarity and reduce inflammation throughout the body.

How does Eat Clean Bro work?

Customers can choose between a seven-day subscription or ordering meals a la carte (with a four-meal minimum required to be eligible for delivery). 

Meals are broken down into categories, such as Macro (Under 500 Calories, Low Carb and High Protein) and Diet (Gluten Free, Vegetarian, and Pescatrian) with over 100 unique meal options to choose from. They're also dietitian-approved, chef-prepared and often flagged with superlatives like "heart-healthy" or "customer favorite" to make the selection process easier and more enticing. 

Everything that you receive will have already been cooked. Most trays can be placed in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes prior to eating. The company also offers breakfast options, snacks and wraps, though I didn't try any for this review.

How much does Eat Clean Bro cost?

Meals are priced individually with some as cheap as $13, but most fall around $15. Premium entrees, such as salmon, can cost as much as $19. You can also purchase trays of cooked meat, sides and veggies for meal-prepping. A pound of cooked cajun shrimp costs $21, while three chipotle chicken breasts is $18.49. 

Meals can be purchased a la carte with no minimum purchase, and there's also a subscription bundle option, which saves you more. However, it's not abundantly clear from the website how it works. 

Eat Clean Bro customers can also earn "bro points" to redeem for more meals. Every dollar spent earns you a bro point. Earn 99 points, and you'll have $3 to spend. You'll also get bonus points on your birthday and for leaving reviews or uploading photos of the food. 

Shipping and delivery

Meals will be delivered on the date you select by 9 p.m. Deliveries are made on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays.  They arrive in an insulated cooler box on a block of ice, though it's important to pop them in the refrigerator as soon as you receive them, especially if you live in a warmer climate.  

Shipping costs vary based on location. The carrier assesses fees directly, though Eat Clean Bro will cover additional amounts if your shipment requires more than one box. 

Eat Clean Bro operates out of New Jersey with three brick-and-mortar locations, where subscribers can pick meals up from or take advantage of local delivery. 

What are Eat Clean Bro's meals like?

Here is a breakdown of what I ordered and how they tasted: 

Chipotle Chili: This was my favorite meal of the bunch. The flavors were bold and well-balanced, tempered with a tomato sauce base. I enjoyed the texture, which was more like a sloppy joe than a classically chunky chili. 

Chimichurri Steak: While the steak was a bit on the tougher side, it's hard to mess up a chimichurri. And this was no exception, as it provided a fresh and garlicky departure from the heaviness of the meat. I almost wish there was double the amount of sauce, which could have also been poured on top of the roasted potatoes and broccoli rabe. 

Caribbean Jerk Chicken Thigh: While I appreciated the creativity, the jerk seasoning simply wasn't strong enough. In fact, I actually poured my own jerk hot sauce on top to give it a bit more pizzazz. The pineapple salsa was also flavorless, likely due to the microwave killing its natural sugar and freshness. 

General Bro's Chicken: I couldn't finish this one. The chicken breast was abnormally large and had a bloody artery that made me gag as soon as I cut into it. The sauce also didn't resemble General Tso's in the slightest due to zero sweetness (which could have been accomplished with stevia, monk fruit or even sucralose). 

Best Healthy Meal Delivery Services for 2025 See at Cnet

Editor's note: I ordered the Korean Beef and Rice Bowl and the Salmon Adobo, but they were replaced with the meals below.

Honey Chili Chicken: The ground chicken allowed me to mix the entire dish together, which I appreciated, but, again, it lacked seasoning. Once doused with Tabasco, this was decent. 

Pesto Salmon: This was just OK. I assumed the pesto would bring an herbaceous sharpness, but all I could taste was basic baked salmon. The filet was tender, though, and there was no trace of fishiness. 

Who is Eat Clean Bro good for?

Eat Clean Bro is great for anyone who takes their health seriously and is mindful of exactly what goes into their bodies. This includes bodybuilders, athletes or anyone who may be on a more specific or regimented diet. 

It's also ideal for those who want many meal-time options. The company's menu is robust, which makes picking dishes more fun and exciting than receiving a mystery box and hoping for the best. 

Who is Eat Clean Bro not so good for? 

If you prioritize flavor over nutritional content, this will not be the meal delivery service for you. I did not sample a single dish that I would go out of my way to order again. And while I appreciate that they refrain from adding processed elements, sugars and preservatives, I wasn't "oohing" and "ahhing" with each bite. 

Those looking to save money should also consider buying groceries and cooking at home since not many of Eat Clean Bro's offerings would be difficult to replicate in your own kitchen. It's simply a matter of convenience, especially for the guy or gal on the go who happens to despise meal prepping. 

Final verdict on Eat Clean Bro

While the taste of Eat Clean Bro's meals generally left much to be desired, I admired the company's commitment to concocting healthy, no-frills options that really can support many people's dietary needs and nutrition goals. It is one of the few businesses I would actually trust while embarking on another round of high-protein, low-carb dieting. They're extremely transparent about what goes into each and every tray, which is a rarity in a country that often cuts corners and lowers quality for the sake of making quick and easy cash.