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See below for answers to all of your questions! Still got a question? Text or email us and we're happy to help.
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FAQs
Getting Started with Chiyo
What is Chiyo?
Chiyo is a nutrition platform designed to support women across all stages of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and hormone balance. We combine the best of generational wisdom (think: broths, tonics, warming foods) with the precision of modern Western nutrition science. Our meals are carefully designed by maternal health experts, dietitians, and chefs - all 100% gluten-free, dairy-free, low in refined sugar, and rich in essential nutrients.
We’re here to make sure you get the targeted nourishment you need, exactly when your body needs it most. Without the stress of planning, shopping, or second-guessing.
How do I choose the right program?
Choosing a program can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling life changes, big emotions, or uncertain timelines. We’ve got you.
Each Chiyo program has a specific nutritional mission, customized to where you are in your journey:
All programs share a common base:
Anti-inflammatory
Whole-foods based
Macro- and micro-nutrient balanced
Gluten- and dairy-free
We recommend transitioning to programs that feel right for your stage of life:
Hormone Balance: 3 months for meaningful hormonal support
Fertility Enhance: 3 months before conception, egg freezing, or IVF/IUI
Prenatal: Throughout trimesters 2 and 3
Postpartum: At least 6 weeks after birth, but honestly, postpartum recovery takes up to 2 years - there’s no rush to stop nourishing yourself. We use ingredients in our Postpartum meals that provide lactation benefits as well, if that’s something you’re looking to optimize
Consistency builds real, lasting results - but even a few weeks of Chiyo support can make a big difference.
Pro Tip: If you’re not sure, we usually recommend choosing based on any specific diagnosis (like PCOS) rather than just life stage (like postpartum), because diagnosis-based programs are even more tailored.
Still stuck? Text or email us - we love helping you choose the best fit.
What meal plan do you recommend?
For best results, we recommend the full 4 days per week plan. This gives your body:
Consistent blood sugar support
Balanced energy throughout the day
A strong foundation of key nutrients without gaps
It’s enough meals to create real change, but leaves you room for flexibility on weekends or if you have cravings for favorite comfort foods.
We also support you through any configuration that works for your lifestyle, from 2 Day Intro, 4 Day and 7 Day meal plans. Customize based on your needs and your schedule.
Can I pick my meals?
Not quite – and that’s intentional!
Every week, we design the menus to meet specific macro and micronutrient goals that your body needs depending on your program. Rather than picking randomly, you’ll get a curated, meal set strategically built by our team of RDs and medical advisors that helps you reach your goals faster and more safely.
BUT:
If you have any allergies or ingredient sensitivities, we absolutely want to hear about them!
Just let us know at checkout or by texting or emailing us and we will do our best to adjust your meals accordingly. Here are the allergies we can accommodate: [REDIRECT BELOW]
We want you to feel excited about every bite, not stressed about every choice.
Can I adjust my portion size?
We never skimp out on our meals, so we love hearing from our customers that they were able to store their meals when the portions felt like more than they could eat and save it for the next day!
If you’re looking to increase your portion size, you can order the Extra program with your meals. The Extra Program includes additional portions of lunch or dinner to achieve your target macros and help meet your nutritional goals more effectively.
Can I order for a friend or family member?
Yes! Gifting nourishment is one of the kindest, most impactful gifts you can give. You can send Chiyo's 2-Day Intro or a digital gift card with instant email delivery, allowing the flexibility for your loved one to select their Chiyo configuration that works for them.
Not sure how much to gift? See our gift guides here - Postpartum, Prenatal, Fertility, and Hormone Balance.
What if my partner wants to eat Chiyo meals too?
Great idea! Especially if you’re trying to conceive, targeted nutrients like selenium, lycopene, and antioxidants can help improve sperm quality too.
You can add Family Add-Ons for up to 3 family members to your order, just reach out if you need help.
Will this guarantee I’ll get pregnant?
We wish it were that simple. Chiyo’s Fertility Enhance program is designed to create the most supportive internal environment for conception, but fertility is complex and no program can guarantee results.
Our goal is to nourish your body so that it’s in the strongest possible place to support pregnancy success.
Delivery, Packaging, Storage
Where do you deliver and how does it work?
We deliver across the U.S.! Here’s how it works:
Local East Coast customers: Same-day delivery on Monday and Thursday evenings
Local West Coast customers: Next-day delivery Tuesday and Friday evenings
Nationwide shipping: Overnight delivery Tuesday and Friday
Local East Coast customers will receive text alerts and emails from Metrobi when your package is out for delivery, with a tracking link and ETA. All other customers will receive emails from Shipfare (check your Spam folder if you don’t see it!) with a tracking link.
If you need help determining if you are local to our East Coast or West Coast kitchens based on zipcode, you can find out more information in our Shipping Policy.
What time will my order come in?
If you qualify for local delivery on the East Coast, you will receive your order between 12pm-8pm. For local delivery on the West Coast, you will receive your Chiyo order between 9am-5pm with some residential deliveries as late as 8pm. For all other nationwide orders, you will receive your order between 12pm-8pm, look out for your Shipfare email with tracking info!
If you need help determining if you are local to our East Coast or West Coast kitchens based on zipcode, you can find out more information in our Shipping Policy.
What comes in each delivery?
Depending on your plan:
7 Day Plans: First delivery of the week includes your week’s broths, tonics, snacks, garnish packs, and meals for Days 1-4. Second delivery of the week includes the rest of your meals.
2-Day Intro, 4-Day Plans, Bundles: Everything comes in one shipment (per week for plans).
What if I miss the order deadline?
Our order deadline is Thursday at 12 PM ET for the following week’s deliveries. After that, it’s hard to make changes because we purchase and prep ingredients fresh and just in time, sourced specifically for the number of orders we make to reduce food waste. Because of our freshness standards, we do not make extras. If you missed the cutoff, we likely cannot accommodate you for the following week but feel free to text or email us to check!
How do I store my meals, broths, and tonics?
Meals: Store in the fridge, they stay fresh for 5 days. Meals also freeze well and retain all of their nutritional value for up to 2 months if needed! Defrost for at least 15 hours prior to reheating after frozen
Snacks: Store in the fridge, most of our snacks stay fresh for 2-3 weeks, but our non-baked goods have a shorter shelf-life (all expiration dates are on our packaging)
Broths: Store in the freezer unless otherwise noted. When stored properly, they are good for 6 months
Tonics: Store in a cool, dry place. When stored properly, they are good for 6 months
Is your packaging eco-friendly and microwave safe?
Yes (mostly)!
Meal containers are microwave-safe and recyclable (lids are not microwave safe though)
Box and broth packaging are recyclable
Tonic bags are made from biodegradable plant-based material
Ice packs are reusable
Nationwide shipping insulation is compostable - you can dissolve it in water!
We also take hormone health into account (BPA & PFAS-free)!
Important: Containers are NOT oven-safe. Transfer to an oven-safe dish if baking or broiling.
Are your meals sustainable?
We do everything we can to minimize our environmental footprint:
Local sourcing whenever possible
Focus on sustainably-raised animal proteins
Compostable shipping insulation for nationwide orders
Recyclable and reusable packaging components
Food is medicine, but it should also honor the planet.
Nutrition Philosophy
What makes Chiyo meals different?
We’re not just meal delivery, we’re nutritional therapy. Chiyo meals are:
100% gluten-free, dairy-free, no refined sugars, mineral-rich, and anti-inflammatory
Designed for real maternal life stages (not random “healthy eating”)
Crafted by maternal dietitians, doctors of Eastern medicine, chefs, and fertility experts
All our Postpartum meals are breastfeeding safe and snacks are designed with galactagogue foods
We don’t believe in empty calories or trendy fads. Every ingredient supports real physical recovery, hormone balancing, or fertility optimization.
Are your meals organic?
We are obsessed with quality - because your body deserves the absolute best while it’s working so hard.
Here’s what we prioritize:
Organic produce whenever possible – always for the Dirty Dozen list (think strawberries, spinach, kale, apples, etc)
Low-pesticide or Clean 15 produce for anything not available organic
Organic whole grains like oats, quinoa, millet, and brown rice
Organic beans, soy, chickpea
Organic herbs (third party metal tested in our broths and tonics
We follow the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) guidelines closely, so you’re getting food that’s not just delicious, but safe and clean.
How do you source your proteins?
Chicken and eggs: Pasture-raised, antibiotic-free, hormone-free, and organic
Beef: 100% grass-fed
Fish: A mix of wild-caught (Arctic Char, Cod) and sustainably small-farm raised (Salmon), all antibiotic-free and hormone-free
Tempeh: Locally sourced soy-free tempeh made from adzuki beans from Barry’s Tempeh in Brooklyn
We refuse to compromise here. Clean animal products are crucial for inflammation control, hormone health, and safe pregnancy / postpartum recovery.
Why dairy-free and gluten free?
Even if you don’t have diagnosed intolerances, dairy and gluten may increase inflammation, disrupt hormones, and destabilize blood sugar. By removing them completely, we support easier digestion, reduce inflammatory responses, and create a more stable hormonal environment for healing, conception, or postpartum recovery. (And don’t worry - our customers tell us our food still tastes amazing.)
Do you follow Eastern Food Therapy?
Yes and we LOVE it. We blend the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern evidence-based nutrition to:
Support digestion, blood replenishment, and healing
Balance “Warming” and “cooling” foods at different stages
Focus on functional foods like bone broth, seaweed, ginger, and medicinal mushrooms
It’s not just about feeding you, it’s about supporting you.
Does it matter when in the day I consume the snacks in the snack pack?
We recommend having one snack serving in between meals, an average of 90 minutes before or after a meal. Each snack in the snack pack is 2-4 servings. If you feel hungry sooner, we encourage you to eat them as you need! A friendly reminder, our snacks are not a replacement for a meal.
Why is the Prenatal Program not available to order during Trimester 1?
The first trimester is such a unique and delicate time, and nutritional needs can vary greatly. Many women experience morning sickness, heightened food aversions, and changing taste preferences, which is why we wait until Trimester 2—when digestion and nutrient absorption are more stable—to begin providing meals specifically tailored for fetal growth, energy support, and symptom relief.
Once you reach Trimester 2, our meals will be designed to help you maintain steady energy levels, support key micronutrient needs (like folate, DHA, and iron), and reduce symptoms like dizziness, swelling, and heartburn—all while ensuring optimal nourishment for both you and your baby.
Allergy and Dietary Accommodations
How do I check for allergens and nutrition facts? (currently only for snack and soup bundles)
When selecting the items in your bundle, please click into each product to double check the nutrition facts and ensure that none of the ingredients listed include any allergens you may have. If you do accidentally order a snack or soup with your allergens, please let us know before the order deadline (Thursday at 12PM ET) so we can make changes to your order accordingly.
What allergies can you accommodate?
We can accommodate:
Gluten
Dairy
Peanuts
Tree Nuts (excluding coconut)
Fish
Shellfish
Soy
Sesame
Eggs
You can select your allergies during checkout. If you have allergies outside of this list, please share your allergy with us via the Allergy Request Form at check-out. Filling out this form does not mean we can service or will accommodate your allergy, but we will let you know if we’re able to and this information helps us create new allergy-friendly menus in the future.
Please note: While we take every precaution against cross-contamination, we do operate out of a shared kitchen. We always recommend you make an educated decision if your allergy is severe.
What allergies can you not accommodate?
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate:
Coconut allergies
Mushroom allergies
Allium allergies (garlic, onion)
Soy allergies in combination with vegetarian diet, vegan diet, egg allergy, or fish allergy
We also cannot guarantee an iodine-free diet due to our use of seaweed and other naturally iodine-rich foods.
Do you offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, our Fertility Enhance and Postpartum programs offer vegetarian substitutions (with lentils, beans, tofu, etc).
However, Hormone Balance and Cycle Support programs are available only in standard or pescatarian options due to macronutrient balancing challenges in fully plant-based diets. (Vegan options are in R&D because we hold ourselves to very high standards!)
Are your meals Low-FODMAP or IBS-Friendly?
We aren’t fully LOW-FODMAP, but we are extremely gut-conscious:
We soak and rinse legumes and grains to break down irritants
We minimize cruciferous vegetables in postpartum meals
We incorporate gut-healing foods like bone broth, ginger, and fermented foods
If you have active IBS or digestive concerns, our Registered Dietitian is available for complimentary consults!
Managing your Order
What's your refund policy?
We always aim to make it right. Here’s how it works:
Order errors (missing, wrong, damaged items): Notify us no later than a week after the erroneous delivery in order to get at least a partial refund offered based on circumstance
Order cancellations: Must be made by Thursday at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET to avoid fees
We’re human too - if you have a problem, just reach out kindly and we’ll solve it together.
What's your cancellation policy?
Single orders or week-to-week subscriptions can cancel free of charge if before Thursday cutoff. Prepaid packages are refunded minus prepaid discount and processing fees. Gift cards are final sale and non-refundable.
Community Values and Support
How does Chiyo support the community?
We believe food is a right, not a luxury. We actively partner with organizations supporting equitable food access, maternal health advocacy, and postpartum recovery education.
We also offer 20% discounts to customers on SNAP or WIC - no proof needed, just tell us.
Have a cause we should support? We’re always listening.
I love your service but can't afford it. What can I do?
Please email us. If you are looking into how to use FSA/HSA for Chiyo, you can find out more information here. We’re building programs to support accessibility for more families, and we want to hear your story. You are welcome here!
Medical and Special Topics
Should I still take my prenatal vitamins?
You absolutely can! Our program is designed to provide the required nutrients throughout pregnancy through foods first. Prenatal vitamins can be effective in supplementing minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that may be lacking in the average diet throughout pregnancy. Think of a prenatal vitamin as your body's safety net. It is suggested to take vitamins if recommended by your health care provider if your body demands more than the required daily value, nutrient deficiencies are present or absorption is compromised due to existing conditions (such as Celiac disease, Crohn's, Diabetes, etc). With this said, if you decide to not take prenatal vitamins, and remain at no risk of nutrient deficiencies throughout your pregnancy assessments, you can continue to use Chiyo's program as a way to promote nourishment of the body's required nutrients.
Are the broths and t onics safe with medications like ibuprofen?
If you’re taking daily NSAIDs (like aspirin, ibuprofen), check with your doctors - certain herbs (like turmeric or ginger) can interact slightly.