Simmer vs Calo: Which is Better?
Simmer and Calo are both UK meal prep services with different focuses. Simmer offers chilled high-protein meals, while Calo specialises in calorie-controlled eating. Here's how they compare.
Looking for something better?
HomeCooks offers restaurant-quality meals made by independent UK chefs. High protein (30-60g), balanced macros, 200+ dishes. Whether you're building muscle, losing weight, or just eating well - properly nutritious food that actually tastes great.
Quick Comparison
| Simmer | Calo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £7.49-£7.96/meal | £14-20/day (full plan) |
| Focus | High protein (30-50g) | Calorie control |
| Storage | Chilled | Chilled |
| Menu size | 22 dishes (50+ rotating) | ~30 mains |
| Best for | Muscle/fitness | Complete daily plans |
Simmer
Simmer delivers chilled meal prep with a focus on high protein (30-50g per meal). They offer 22 dishes at a time with a rotating menu of 50+ recipes. Designed for fitness goals and protein targets.
Calo
Calo offers calorie-controlled daily meal plans. Originally from the Middle East, they provide complete daily packages (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) rather than individual meals.
Key Differences
Nutritional Focus
Simmer prioritises protein for muscle and fitness. Calo offers complete daily meal plans with calorie control. Different models entirely.
Storage
Both Simmer and Calo deliver chilled (fresh) meals. Both need to be eaten within a few days of delivery.
Menu Size
Similar menu sizes: Simmer has 22 dishes (50+ rotating), Calo has ~30 mains. Both have relatively limited selections.
Price
Different pricing models: Simmer sells individual meals at £7.49-£7.96. Calo sells daily meal plans at £14-20/day (multiple meals).
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Simmer if you're focused on protein intake, muscle building, or general fitness goals. Better macro focus.
- Choose Calo if you want complete daily meal plans with calorie control and no meal planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which offers more flexibility?
Simmer lets you pick individual meals. Calo operates on a daily meal plan model with set packages.
Which has more protein?
Simmer explicitly targets 30-50g protein per meal. Calo focuses on calories, with protein varying by meal.
Are both chilled or frozen?
Both deliver chilled (fresh) meals, not frozen.
Which has more variety?
Similar: Simmer has 22 dishes (50+ rotating), Calo has ~30 mains. Both are fairly limited in variety.
Want the Best of Both Worlds?
Try HomeCooks instead
Why choose between protein and calories? HomeCooks meals are nutritionally balanced - high protein (30-60g) within sensible calorie ranges.
Plus, with 200+ dishes from independent chefs, you get far more variety than either Simmer or Calo can offer.
- Ultimate convenience - No prep, no cooking, no washing up
- 200+ dishes - More variety than any other meal prep service
- High protein - 30-60g per meal for fitness goals
- Perfectly balanced - Every meal nutritionally optimised
- Super high quality - Restaurant-quality ingredients, not mass-produced
- Independent chefs - Small batch quality, not factory production
- Beautiful presentation - Your meals arrive in lovely bento boxes, like this:
Ready for balanced nutrition?
200+ chef-prepared meals with high protein and sensible calories. Made by independent chefs across the UK.
More Meal Prep Comparisons
Compare all UK meal prep services