Meal delivery services have become the new takeout, but most don’t accommodate special diet needs. And I’ve had many requests from readers like you for a dairy-free meal service. Well now I have one to personally recommend! Ice Age Meals is a paleo frozen meal delivery service in the U.S. that focuses on healthy cuisine, and we had the chance to try it out …
If you’re a Shark Tank fan like me, then you might remember super-fit Paleo Nick from a 2016 episode. It’s only been two years since that show aired, and Ice Age Meals has grown significantly.
I was so excited to see a Reno, NV company in the Tank, let alone a dairy-free local company! I eventually reached out to learn more, and was impressed with what I discovered.
10 Things You Need to Know About Ice Age Meals
I immediately fell in love with Ice Age Meals because there is no dairy in their kitchen, at all. But I have several other reasons, beyond this wonderful feat, that I think this service will appeal to many of you.
#1 – It’s Free-From Food Without Any Funny Business
Ice Age Meals channels their ancestors, going back to a time before gluten, dairy, soy, and sugar were added to food. They don’t use “alternatives” or “substitutes.” Instead they craft wholesome meals that are simple and naturally delicious.
#2 – Their Plans Are Suitable for Paleo, Zone, and Other Special Diets
In addition to dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and sugar-free (no added sugar) needs, Ice Age Meals focuses on cuisine that is appropriate for paleo and zone dieters. It also offers a great way to jump into the Whole30.
#3 – The Meals Are Ready When You Need Them
Ice Age Meals are delivered frozen, so you don’t need to eat them all right away. I loved being able to grab one any night that we were eating in and didn’t have time to cook. And they are already prepared. I hate meal delivery services that send you ingredients and a recipe. Those usually take more time than if we just cooked something simple ourselves! Ice Age Meals are precooked to eliminate the fuss.
#4 – They’re Also Easy to Prepare
I chose to use the oven directions, because we work at home, allowing me the time for slower heating. But they also have microwave instructions for quick preparation. One night, when it was getting late, I did a microwave defrost, followed by oven heating, which worked great. They can also be cooked from frozen, or thawed in the refrigerator overnight for a faster cook time.
#5 – The Ingredients are Very High Quality
I usually think meal delivery services are too expensive for what you get. But Ice Age Meals doesn’t cut corners. They source grass-fed beef and organic turkey from family ranchers. They also shun artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and sweeteners. And every meal has a minimalist ingredient list that is prepared in small batches by cooks in their Reno, Nevada kitchen. This isn’t massed produced food!
#6 – The Selection of Meals is Impressive
Chief Culinary Ninja, Paleo Nick, has personally developed the recipes for their 22 different meals. They include a global range of flavors, with dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala, Fajita Pie, and Deep Dish Breakfast Pizza.
#7 – Yes, the Food is Delicious
Top quality ingredients plus chef-crafted recipes does equal good food. We enjoyed every meal that we tried, but I won’t bore you with the tasting notes on each one. Instead, I have a snapshot of our favorites.
Tony’s Top Pick: Thai Meatball Curry
Tony doesn’t usually like curry, or turkey, but he loved this preparation. And this was actually my 2nd favorite Ice Age Meal. The meatballs are very tender and packed with flavor. The curry is very mild and loaded with Asian-style vegetables. We served this dish over some rice, which Ice Age Meals does offer as an option.
Ingredients: Ground turkey, onions, celery, bell peppers, carrots, parsnips, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, eggs, organic coconut milk (organic coconut milk, organic guar gum), fresh ginger, Thai Mop sauce (tomato puree, bell peppers, peaches, onions, vinegar, raisins, kosher salt), fresh cilantro, olive oil, organic coconut aminos (organic coconut tree sap, sea salt), garlic powder, kosher salt and black pepper.
Alisa’s Top Pick: Butternut Squash Lasagna
There’s no cheese or cheese alternatives in this dish, so I was skeptical. But it is rich with warm flavors that offer the comforting feel of good Italian food. It’s unique, but quite delicious! Tony doesn’t usually like butternut squash (yes, that man is beyond picky), but he also gave this dish a thumbs up.
Ingredients: Â Grass-fed beef, butternut squash, tomato puree, onion, fresh garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, fennel seed and ground red chili.
#8 – The Meals are Light But VERY Filling
Who knew that meat and vegetables could satiate that much?! Each meal is around just 500 calories (some less!) and yet they left us completely stuffed and satisfied. One night Tony and I actually split one Ice Age Meal, serving it with some leftover rice and steamed broccoli. It was perfect!
#9 – It’s Giftable (Even to Yourself!)
Not sure what to get your eco-conscious, cross-fit addicted, paleo, hard-to-buy-for sister? You can hand pick a box of the meals that you know she’ll love or send her a gift card. Ice Age Meal service is also the perfect gift to yourself for a healthy new year kick off. It makes sticking with resolutions so much easier.
#10 – Your Order Includes Free Shipping to Anywhere in the U.S.
Like many of you, I hate paying for shipping. And the shipping on frozen items can cost a bundle. But Ice Age Meals includes free shipping with every order within the 50 U.S. States. Your meals arrive still frozen and carefully packaged in a cooler box. They can even ship to your hotel room if you are traveling. You just Build A Box of the meals you want, and they take care of the rest.
This post is sponsored by Ice Age Meals, but the opinions, photos, and desire to try this meal service were all my own! For more information and to order, visit iceagemeals.net.
22 Comments
I’ve had the butternut squash lasagna before and it was great. I’m not surprised it was your top pick. Everything I have tried is well seasoned and delicious. So often this type of meal may meet nutritional needs, but lacks flavor and texture.
That’s so great that you’ve tried it too Amanda! Indeed, it had so much flavor!
Thank you for sharing I’m looking for quick and easy meals the family can make when baby comes or on nights when I’m not that hungry or too tired.
Oh yes, you are going to need easy meal nights!
this may sound funny from someone who LOVES to cook, but meal services sometimes SAVE MY DAY. and the more there are, the higher quality the food! this one sounds fantastic.
I’m with you Kristina! They seriously saved my day with these meals.
How interesting that meal delivery has moved into such niche markets. I wish that butternut squash lasagna was vegan – I can even imagine it with lentils instead of meat!
Ooh, that would be delicious Dreena!
I am *SO* intrigued! I love shark tank and will definitely check these out.
You and me both Brianna!
I have had these meals (back before they were on Shark Tank), and they are delicious! I love the butternut lasagna.
Isn’t it scrumptious?! And yay for Shark Tank fans 🙂
Thanks for the great review Alisa! The food looks fantastic! And the 22 different meal selections to choose from is impressive as well as the free shipping!
Agreed!
I’ve had several people ask me if I ever use a meal plan service and what one I’d recommend. I never had an answer to give–until now. This is great to know about!
Yes, this is definitely one to recommend!
These meals look fantastic. Our youngest LOVES Shark Tank but we don’t watch TV often so we didn’t see this. How fun! I love that they have organic / well sourced options. Many companies like this don’t do that and it’s so important!
I watch it at the gym 🙂 I agree – even with all of the health conscious ideals floating around, not many companies implement such great sourcing practices.
You know when you add it up, for someone with a weight loss or fitness goal, this is clean food and with free shipping you get 1 month of dinners for only $400 (I did the math 😉 I know of a couple friends who this would be perfect for. Passing along. Congratulations Nick on your business!!
It really is a good deal for food prep, delivery, and such high quality food! Thanks Alexa.
Do you cater for people with ibs?
I’ll see if they can’t weight in Kelly. But I think several of their meals are low-FODMAP. They’ve got full ingredients on their site -> https://iceagemeals.net