Gluten-free meals have become readily available across the UK in recent years. Around one in 100 people has coeliac disease, and growing awareness of gluten sensitivity means more consumers are cutting it out for health and comfort. Beyond medical needs, many now view gluten-free living as a path to better digestion, energy and overall wellness.
Whether you’re coeliac, gluten-intolerant or simply cutting back, meal prep delivery makes staying consistent far easier. Ready-to-eat meals offer convenience and peace of mind, while recipe kits give you the freedom to experiment in the kitchen without second-guessing ingredients.
We’re comparing five of the UK’s top gluten-free choices, including Frive, Field Doctor, COOK, Simmer Eats and HelloFresh, to help you find the safest, tastiest and most convenient fit for your lifestyle.
| Feature | Frive | Field Doctor | COOK | Simmer Eats | HelloFresh |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Fresh, ready-to-eat meals | Frozen ready meals | Frozen ready meals | Fresh ready-to-eat meals | Recipe kits cooked at home |
| Gluten-free coverage | Entire menu gluten-free, tested under 20 ppm and coeliac-safe | Dedicated coeliac-safe range, batch-tested under 20 ppm | Clearly labelled GF range across mains and desserts | Around 90% GF; not suitable for coeliacs | Weekly GF recipes; not coeliac-safe |
| Ingredient quality | 100% whole foods, no UPFs or seed oils; ~30% organic; UK-sourced proteins | Whole-food ingredients, no UPFs; uses EVOO & cold-pressed rapeseed oil | Hand-prepared whole ingredients; may include permitted additives | Whole ingredients, no preservatives or additives | Fresh ingredients; Red Tractor meat and sustainable fish |
| Delivery | Four weekly delivery days (Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu) | UK-wide frozen delivery; free over £65 | Nationwide frozen delivery or shop collection | Weekly delivery (Sun, Mon) | Nationwide delivery with flexible schedules |
| Price | £7.99 per meal (6-meal plan) | £6.99 single / £10.39 double; £50 minimum | From £5.75 per meal; £45 minimum spend | From £7.95 per meal (min. 6 meals) | £18.99–£61.49 per box + £4.99 delivery |
| Trustpilot rating | 4.5/5 (10k+ reviews) | 4/5 (2k+ reviews) | 4.8/5 (41k+ reviews) | 4.5/5 (8k+ reviews) | 3.3/5 (101k+ reviews) |
Who are gluten-free meal prep options best suited for?
Gluten-free eating isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people need medical-level safety, while others simply feel better avoiding gluten day to day. Here’s who benefits most from gluten-free meal prep and why.
- - People who need safe, reliable gluten-free meals: Pre-prepared meals from controlled kitchens minimise cross-contamination and provide peace of mind for coeliacs or anyone with diagnosed gluten intolerance.
- - Anyone prioritising whole-food, UPF-free eating: Gluten-free meal prep works well for people who care about ingredient quality. Whole-food dishes free from additives and fillers support better digestion and overall health.
- - People who are gluten-sensitive but not coeliac: If gluten causes mild symptoms, ready-made GF meals make it easy to avoid discomfort without needing strict, medical-grade restrictions every day.
- - Eaters who want bold flavour and convenience: Fresh gluten-free meals offer variety, texture and proper home-style dishes without having to double-check ingredients or make substitutions.
- - Households with mixed dietary needs: Gluten-free meals make weeknights easier when one person avoids gluten and others don’t, reducing the need to cook multiple versions of the same dish.
- - Busy people who don’t have time to meal prep: Meal prep removes planning, shopping and batch-cooking, helping you stay consistent even on hectic days.
What to look for in a gluten-free provider
From medical-grade safety to everyday flavour, gluten-free providers cover very different needs. Understanding those differences makes it easier to find meals that are safe to eat, taste good and justify the cost.
- - Certified gluten-free options: Choose brands that test meals below 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, the recognised safety threshold for coeliacs.
- - Cross-contamination control: Look for kitchens with allergen audits, ISO certifications or dedicated gluten-free areas to reduce risk.
- - Ingredient transparency: Read full ingredient lists to avoid hidden gluten sources such as soy sauce, barley malt or modified starches.
- - Format & freshness: Consider what best fits your routine. Fresh meals save time, frozen options offer longer storage, and recipe kits are ideal if you enjoy cooking.
- - Nutritional balance: Good gluten-free meals go beyond avoiding wheat. Look for fibre, whole grains and protein-rich swaps like quinoa, lentils and brown rice.
- - Dietary coverage: Many gluten-free brands also cater to dairy-free, vegan or low-FODMAP diets, which helps if you’re managing more than one sensitivity or health concern.
- - Delivery & flexibility: Check how often meals arrive, how long they last, and whether you can pause or skip deliveries when needed.
- - Price & value: Compare cost per meal, portion size and delivery fees. Look for loyalty rewards or multi-week savings that make long-term use more affordable.
If cost is a key factor for you, take a look at our guide on how much meal prep delivery really saves you.
Frive offers a range of healthy, gluten-free meal prep options. Just heat and eat, it’s that simple.
Top 5 gluten-free meal prep delivery picks
Gluten-free eating is quickly becoming the norm, not the exception. With more people avoiding gluten for medical and wellness reasons, meal providers now have to offer options that taste good and meet real dietary needs.
Luckily, the market has moved far beyond dry, bland substitutes and cardboard textures, and today’s services combine chef-level cooking with trusted allergen standards.
Frive
Frive makes gluten-free eating easy with chef-made, nutritionist-approved meals using certified gluten-free ingredients tested under 20 ppm. Cooked in a gluten- and dairy-free kitchen with no UPFs or additives, meals arrive fresh, last up to a week and heat in under five minutes. With 40+ rotating dishes, it’s a safe, flavourful and effortless way to eat gluten-free.
Best for: People who want safe, fresh gluten-free meals made from whole ingredients with zero UPFs.
Specs (at a glance):
- - Format: Fresh, ready-to-eat meals.
- - Gluten-free coverage: Every meal is gluten-free, made with certified ingredients tested to under 20 ppm and safe for coeliacs.
- - Cross-contamination: Meals are cooked in a gluten- and dairy-free kitchen. However, some supplier ingredients may have trace risk.
- - Diets: Gluten-free, dairy-free, high-protein, low-carb, low-calorie, balanced, halal, vegan and vegetarian.
- - Ingredient quality: 100% whole foods with no UPFs, artificial ingredients, or seed oils. 30% of ingredients are organic, and all meat and fish are responsibly sourced from trusted UK suppliers.
- - Delivery: Four split delivery days (Sun, Mon, Wed and Thu) for fresher food and greater flexibility. Meals last up to 7 days in the fridge.
- - Price: A 6-meal plan costs £47.94 (£7.99 per meal).
- - Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Rated Excellent from over 10K reviews.
Why it stands out: Frive offers one of the safest and most reliable gluten-free options in the UK. Meals are made in a controlled kitchen using whole ingredients with no fillers or seed oils. With balanced macros and fresh weekly menus, it gives coeliacs and gluten-sensitive eaters an easy, no-cooking solution.
Consider if:
- - You need coeliac-safe meals without any prep, cooking or planning
- - You want whole-food, macro-balanced dishes made without UPFs
- - You prefer fresh meals with plenty of weekly variety
- - You find it difficult to source or cook gluten-free food reliably
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fresh, gluten-free meals ready in under 5 minutes | Higher price point than supermarket options |
| Certified under 20 ppm gluten (coeliac-safe) | Not suitable for those who prefer frozen or bulk storage |
| Cooked in a gluten- and dairy-free facility | |
| No UPFs, additives or seed oils | |
| Flexible delivery and portion-controlled meals |
Field Doctor
Field Doctor offers a more clinical, specialist approach to gluten-free eating, focusing on frozen meals created by dietitians for people who need strict, medically safe options. Each gluten-free meal is batch-tested to under 20 ppm and built around whole-food ingredients with no UPFs. The range is smaller and more functional than lifestyle-led services, but it provides structure for people managing specific health conditions.
Best for: People who need medically safe, dietitian-designed frozen meals that are batch-tested and coeliac-friendly.
Specs (at a glance):
- - Format: Frozen ready meals
- - Gluten-free coverage: Dedicated coeliac-safe range, batch-tested under 20 ppm
- - Cross-contamination: Controlled kitchen environment with verified allergen procedures
- - Diets: Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, low FODMAP, low saturated fat
- - Ingredient quality: Whole-food ingredients, no UPFs or artificial additives; uses extra virgin olive oil and cold-pressed rapeseed oil
- - Delivery: UK-wide frozen delivery, free for orders over £65
- - Price: £6.99 per single meal or £10.39 per double portion; £50 minimum spend
- - Trustpilot rating: 4/5 from over 2K reviews
Why it stands out: Field Doctor is one of the few services that batch-tests meals for coeliac safety, making it a useful option for people needing strict dietary control.
Consider if:
- - You have coeliac disease and require medically verified gluten-free meals
- - You prefer frozen meals you can store for longer periods
- - You want dietitian-designed dishes that support specific health goals
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Coeliac-safe and batch-tested under 20 ppm gluten | Smaller range than lifestyle-focused providers |
| Designed by dietitians and recommended by doctors | £50 minimum order |
| Whole-food ingredients with no artificial flavours, additives or preservatives | Frozen format lacks the freshness and texture of chilled meals |
| Supports specific dietary needs | Uses cold-pressed rapeseed oil, which some people prefer to avoid |
Read our guide ‘Frive vs Field Doctor’ to find out more.
COOK
COOK provides comforting, home-style frozen meals prepared by hand in its Kent kitchen. The gluten-free range is made with naturally gluten-free ingredients and produced under strict hygiene controls, making it suitable for many gluten-intolerant households. While not Coeliac UK certified, clear labelling and transparent allergen practices help people choose dishes confidently.
Best for: People who want easy, comforting gluten-free frozen meals for family-friendly eating.
Specs (at a glance):
- - Format: Frozen ready meals
- - Gluten-free coverage: Dedicated gluten-free range across mains, desserts and party dishes
- - Cross-contamination: Made in shared kitchens with careful allergen controls
- - Diets: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, low-calorie
- - Ingredient quality: Hand-prepared using whole ingredients and high-welfare or sustainable proteins; some meals include permitted additives from store-cupboard ingredients
- - Delivery: Nationwide frozen delivery or collection from COOK shops; £3.50 delivery fee, free over £95
- - Price: From around £5.75 per single meal; £45 minimum spend
- - Trustpilot rating: 4.8/5 from over 41K reviews
Why it stands out: COOK specialises in comforting, handmade-style meals that feel familiar and easy to trust. Its clearly marked gluten-free range makes it simple for mixed households to find meals that work for everyone.
Consider if:
- - You want simple gluten-free frozen meals that taste homemade
- - You’re feeding a family and prefer comforting, familiar recipes
- - You value clear labelling from a well-known British brand
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clearly labelled gluten-free range | Not Coeliac UK certified, with trace risk in shared kitchens |
| Comfort-style meals made by hand | Less focus on fitness or macro goals |
| Nationwide delivery or local shop collection | Some meals include small amounts of certified sustainable palm oil |
Curious about how Frive and COOK compare? Read our guide to find out more.
Simmer Eats
Simmer Eats offers fresh, chef-prepared meals with strong dietary coverage and flexible ordering. Around 90% of its menu is gluten- and dairy-free, and allergen filters make it easy to hide unsuitable dishes. Meals arrive chilled, made with whole ingredients and free from preservatives or fillers, although they are prepared in a shared kitchen and not suitable for coeliacs.
Best for: People who are gluten-sensitive and want fresh, flexible meals with simple allergen filtering.
Specs (at a glance):
- - Format: Fresh ready-to-eat meals
- - Gluten-free coverage: Around 90% of meals are gluten-free and clearly marked with “GF” icons
- - Cross-contamination: Prepared in a shared kitchen with trace risk; not suitable for coeliacs
- - Diets: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal, low-carb, low-calorie, high-protein
- - Ingredient quality: Whole ingredients with no artificial preservatives, additives or fillers
- - Delivery: Weekly UK delivery on Sundays and Mondays
- - Price: From around £7.95 per meal; minimum order of 6 meals
- - Trustpilot rating: 4.5/5 from over 8K reviews
Why it stands out: Simmer Eats is known for its flexibility and transparency. The allergen filtering system helps gluten-sensitive customers choose safely, and the chilled format keeps meals closer to freshly cooked food. It’s convenient for those who want variety without strict coeliac-level requirements.
Consider if:
- - You’re gluten-sensitive but don’t require coeliac-safe meals
- - You want fresh, preservative-free dishes
- - You prefer flexible weekly plans with allergen filtering
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The menu is around 90% gluten- and dairy-free | Shared kitchen means there is a trace gluten risk |
| Allergen filtering and labelling tools | Not suitable for coeliacs |
| Flexible weekly plans | Smaller range than larger competitors |
| Limited allergen-free certification |
Find out more by taking a look at our guide ‘Frive vs Simmer Eats’.
HelloFresh
HelloFresh offers fresh recipe kits with a weekly selection of naturally gluten-free dishes. Recipes are marked with “GF” tags so it’s easy to choose meals that avoid wheat, barley and rye. Ingredients are packed in shared facilities, so dishes are not coeliac-safe, but the service suits people who want to cook from scratch and reduce gluten without strict allergen requirements.
Best for: People who want to cook fresh, naturally gluten-free meals at home using pre-portioned ingredients.
Specs (at a glance):
- - Format: Recipe kits with fresh, pre-portioned ingredients
- - Gluten-free coverage: Weekly GF-tagged recipes available
- - Cross-contamination: Packed in shared facilities and not coeliac-safe; additional home-kitchen risk
- - Diets: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan
- - Ingredient quality: Fresh ingredients from trusted suppliers, including Red Tractor meat and sustainably caught fish
- - Delivery: Nationwide delivery with flexible schedules and next-day options for new customers
- - Price: £18.99–£61.49 per box, plus £4.99 delivery after the first box
- - Trustpilot rating: 3.3/5 from over 101K reviews
Why it stands out: HelloFresh offers variety and flexibility for gluten-intolerant households who enjoy cooking. With more than 175 recipes rotating weekly, it provides inspiration and convenience for people reducing gluten rather than avoiding it completely.
Consider if:
- - You want to cook fresh, naturally gluten-free meals at home
- - You’re gluten-intolerant but do not require coeliac-safe preparation
- - You like the convenience of pre-portioned ingredients and clear recipe cards
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large variety of naturally gluten-free recipes | Not suitable for coeliacs due to shared facilities |
| Fresh ingredients delivered weekly | Requires time to cook and clean up |
| Easy-to-use filters for dietary needs | Relies on user pantry items like oil and seasoning |
| Flexible delivery and plan options |
Find out more by reading our guide ‘Frive vs HelloFresh’.
Gluten-free meal prep providers compared side by side
With gluten-free becoming the norm, the quality gap between providers is clearer than ever. Each service takes a different approach, whether that’s prioritising coeliac-safe production, leaning into chef-made flavour or both. The table below highlights where each provider excels so you can choose with confidence.
| Feature | Frive | Field Doctor | COOK | Simmer Eats | HelloFresh |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Fresh, ready-to-eat meals | Frozen ready meals | Frozen ready meals | Fresh ready-to-eat meals | Recipe kits cooked at home |
| Gluten-free coverage | Entire menu gluten-free, tested under 20 ppm and coeliac-safe | Dedicated coeliac-safe range, batch-tested under 20 ppm | Clearly labelled GF range across mains and desserts | Around 90% GF, marked with GF icons; not suitable for coeliacs | Weekly GF recipes marked with tags; not coeliac-safe |
| Cross-contamination | Cooked in a gluten- and dairy-free facility; minor supplier trace risk | Controlled kitchen with verified allergen testing | Shared kitchens with strict controls; not Coeliac UK certified | Shared kitchen with trace gluten risk | Packed in shared facilities; additional home-kitchen risk |
| Dietary range | Gluten-free, dairy-free, high-protein, low-carb, low-calorie, balanced, halal, vegan and vegetarian | Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, low FODMAP, low saturated fat | Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, low-calorie | Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal, low-carb, low-calorie, high-protein | Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan |
| Ingredient quality | 100% whole foods, no UPFs or seed oils; ~30% organic; UK-sourced proteins | Whole-food ingredients, no UPFs; uses extra virgin olive oil and cold-pressed rapeseed oil | Hand-prepared whole ingredients; may include permitted additives | Whole ingredients, no preservatives or additives | Fresh ingredients, including Red Tractor meat and sustainable fish |
| Prep time | Under 5 minutes | Under 5 minutes | Oven 30–60 minutes; some quicker Pots for One | Under 5 minutes | 15–50 minutes cooking time |
| Delivery | Four weekly delivery days (Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu) | UK-wide frozen delivery; free over £65 | Nationwide frozen delivery or local shop collection | Weekly delivery (Sun, Mon) | Nationwide delivery with flexible schedules |
| Shelf life | Up to 7 days chilled | 3+ months frozen | 3+ months frozen | Short chilled shelf life | Ingredients last for recipe week |
| Price | £7.99 per meal (6-meal plan) | £6.99 single / £10.39 double; £50 minimum spend | From £5.75 per meal; £45 minimum spend | From £7.95 per meal; minimum 6 meals | £18.99–£61.49 per box plus £4.99 delivery |
| Trustpilot rating | 4.5/5 (10k+ reviews) | 4/5 (2k+ reviews) | 4.8/5 (41k+ reviews) | 4.5/5 (8k+ reviews) | 3.3/5 (101k+ reviews) |
| Best for | People who want safe, fresh, whole-food, coeliac-friendly meals | People who need medically verified, dietitian-designed frozen meals | Families wanting comforting gluten-free frozen meals | Gluten-sensitive eaters wanting flexibility and fresh meals | Households wanting to cook fresh, naturally gluten-free meals |
Make gluten-free eating effortless with Frive
Gluten-free eating has become far easier, with more brands offering meals that prioritise safety, taste and convenience.
Whether you’re avoiding gluten for medical reasons or simply feel better without it, the right service can save time, reduce effort and make everyday eating more consistent. Fresh ingredients, clear labelling and whole-food cooking all play a major role in helping you feel confident in what you’re eating.
Frive brings all of this together by handling the planning, cooking and ingredient checks for you.
Every dish is made from whole ingredients, approved by nutritionists and delivered fresh, giving you reliable gluten-free meals without the prep. If you want real flavour, consistency and peace of mind, Frive makes gluten-free eating simple. Start your plan today and enjoy fresh, chef-prepared meals delivered to your door.
Start your Frive plan today and enjoy fresh, chef-prepared gluten-free meals delivered to your door.
FAQs
What is the best gluten-free meal prep service in the UK for everyday use?
The best gluten-free meal prep service depends on what you need. Field Doctor is ideal for medically strict coeliac diets, while COOK and Simmer Eats suit comfort-led or flexible eating. For most people wanting fresh, balanced, whole-food meals without UPFs, Frive is the strongest all-round option. It offers a fully gluten-free menu, controlled kitchen processes, whole ingredients and fast prep.
Are fresh gluten-free meals healthier than frozen or supermarket gluten-free options?
Fresh meals often retain better texture, flavour and nutrient quality than frozen or supermarket trays. Frozen meals like those from COOK or Field Doctor offer longevity, but they can’t match the freshness or whole-food quality of chilled services like Frive. Supermarket gluten-free ready meals can be convenient but often rely on additives or lower-quality starches to stay shelf-stable.
Which gluten-free meal prep service is safest for coeliacs?
Services that batch-test meals under 20 ppm and use controlled kitchens are safest for coeliacs. Field Doctor specialises in medically safe frozen meals, while Frive offers a fully gluten- and dairy-free kitchen with certified ingredients under 20 ppm. Simmer Eats and HelloFresh are not suitable for coeliacs due to shared kitchen environments.
Can you get gluten-free meals that are also high-protein?
Yes. Some gluten-free services offer high-protein options, but Frive has the strongest overlap. Its gluten-free menu includes numerous dishes with 35–40g+ of protein per meal, all made with whole ingredients and no UPFs. This makes it ideal for people who want gluten-free eating to support fitness, recovery or weight management goals.
What’s the difference between gluten-free fresh meals and gluten-free frozen meals?
Fresh gluten-free meals (like Frive or Simmer Eats) prioritise flavour, texture and whole-food ingredients, arriving chilled and ready in minutes. Frozen meals (like Field Doctor or COOK) offer longer shelf life and batch storage but generally lack the freshness and nutrient retention of chilled meals. Frozen is practical; fresh is better for everyday eating.
How does a gluten-free meal prep service compare to supermarket gluten-free ready meals?
Supermarket gluten-free meals are cheap and accessible but often rely on preservatives, stabilisers or low-protein ingredients to extend shelf life. Meal prep services instead focus on whole foods, clearer allergen controls and balanced nutrition. Frive removes the need to check labels or cook, offering consistent safety and freshness supermarket meals can’t match.
Which gluten-free meal delivery service is best if I’m also avoiding dairy, seed oils or UPFs?
Most gluten-free services offer some dairy-free options, but only a few cater to broader ingredient standards. Frive is the strongest choice if you want gluten-free meals that are also dairy-free, seed-oil-free and UPF-free. Simmer Eats offers some overlap, while frozen brands may still use ingredients like rapeseed oil or store-cupboard additives.
