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Diet hub · 2026

Best Plant-Based Meal Delivery Services

By Vicky Cano · Last updated June 10, 2026

8 Best Plant-Based Meal Delivery Services (June 2026) — Tested & Ranked

Last updated: June 2026 | Written by: Eric Sornoso, MealFan editor | Brand pricing verified monthly from current menus.

The short answer: After testing 15+ services with plant-based options, these 8 consistently deliver meals where plants are the star — whether you are fully vegan, flexitarian, or simply trying to eat more vegetables. Purple Carrot leads for 100% plant-based meal kits. Green Chef wins for organic plant-based cooking with the most polished recipes. Daily Harvest is the best grab-and-go option under $10/item.

Plant-based is not the same as vegan. If you are a strict vegan — zero animal products, no honey, no shared equipment — you need our best vegan meal delivery guide instead. This page covers the broader plant-based category: services where plant foods are the foundation but may include occasional eggs, honey, or cheese in some recipes. The focus here is health-driven eating that emphasizes whole plant foods, not strict avoidance of all animal ingredients.

If you eat no meat but do eat dairy and eggs, see our best meal delivery for vegetarians.

Quick Picks (June 2026)

Category Winner Price/Meal Why
Best Overall Purple Carrot ~$12/meal 100% plant-based meal kits, most creative recipes
Best Organic Green Chef $11.99+/serving USDA organic Plant-Powered plan, excellent flavor
Best Budget Daily Harvest ~$8-10/item Plant-based smoothies, bowls, and flatbreads under $10
Best Prepared Meals CookUnity ~$11/meal Chef-crafted plant-based entrees, no cooking
Best Flexitarian HelloFresh $8.99-12.49/serving 6+ plant-based recipes weekly alongside meat options
Best for Groceries + Recipes Hungryroot $9-12/serving Personalized plant-based grocery + recipe box
Best for Whole Foods Sunbasket $9.99-11.49/serving Clean ingredient sourcing, strong plant-forward options
Best Smoothies & Bowls Splendid Spoon ~$9-13/item 100% plant-based smoothies, soups, grain bowls

Not sure which fits you? Take our 2-minute quiz or browse 1,300+ meals filtered by brand and diet.

Plant-Based vs. Vegan: Why the Difference Matters for Meal Delivery

I test both categories and the distinction is real when you are ordering food.

Plant-based means your plate is primarily plants: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds make up the majority of what you eat. But plant-based eaters often include some animal products — eggs in a frittata, honey in a dressing, butter in a sauce, or the occasional piece of fish. The motivation is usually health: lower heart disease risk, better cholesterol, more fiber, and weight management. Plant-based is a spectrum, not a rule book.

Vegan means no animal products at all. Not in the food, not in the kitchen, not on the equipment. A vegan needs to know whether honey was used in a glaze, whether the kitchen processes dairy, and whether gelatin is hiding in a sauce.

For meal delivery, this creates a practical split:

  • Plant-based services can draw from a wider ingredient pool, leading to more diverse menus and often better flavor profiles (butter and eggs are powerful cooking tools).
  • Vegan services offer stricter guarantees but sometimes sacrifice variety or taste complexity.

On this page, I rank services that excel at putting plants at the center of the plate — including some that occasionally use small amounts of animal products in certain recipes. Every service here labels their plant-based and vegan options clearly so you can choose your comfort level.

For strict vegan recommendations, see our dedicated best vegan meal delivery guide.

How We Tested Plant-Based Meal Delivery

I have tested over 45 meal delivery brands since 2019 at MealFan. For this plant-based ranking, I weighted criteria toward what health-motivated plant-forward eaters care about most:

  1. Plant ingredient quality (25%): Are vegetables fresh, seasonal, and varied? Organic certification? Whole foods vs. processed plant proteins (real tempeh vs. heavily processed faux meat)?
  2. Protein content and variety (20%): Does the service provide adequate protein through diverse plant sources — tempeh, tofu, legumes, seitan, whole grains, nuts — rather than relying on one protein source per meal?
  3. Menu variety (20%): How many plant-based options per week? Does the menu rotate enough to prevent boredom? Is there cuisine diversity beyond grain bowls?
  4. Taste and satisfaction (15%): Does the food taste like a meal you would order at a restaurant, or does it taste like diet food? Would a meat-eater enjoy it?
  5. Value (10%): Price per meal with shipping. Monthly cost estimate.
  6. Flexibility and convenience (10%): Skip weeks, cancel easily, customize ingredients, choose delivery day?

Full methodology: how we test and rank.

1. Purple Carrot — Best Overall Plant-Based Meal Delivery

Purple Carrot is the gold standard for plant-based meal kits. The entire company is built around plant food — every recipe, every ingredient, every kitchen surface. If you want to cook creative plant-based dinners at home with pre-portioned ingredients, nothing else comes close.

Why It Made the List

Purple Carrot does not offer meat as an option. They are not a meat company with a "plant-based tab" buried in their menu. This focus shows in the recipe development. Their culinary team builds recipes around plants first rather than trying to replace meat, which produces more creative and satisfying meals than services that simply swap chicken for tofu in an otherwise identical recipe.

In my testing, Purple Carrot consistently delivered the most interesting dinners: dishes with layered flavors, textural contrast, and global inspiration that made me forget I was eating "plant-based." That is the bar for any good plant-based service.

Plant-Based Meal Options

Purple Carrot offers 8-10 dinner recipes per week, all plant-based, plus breakfast options, prepared meals, and their Plantry section with vegan pantry staples (cheeses, donuts, bagels).

Meal kit categories:
- Dinner kits (25-40 minute cook time, 2 servings)
- Less Prep kits (20-30 minutes, simplified)
- Prepared meals (microwave in 2 minutes)
- Plantry (snacks, pantry items, vegan treats)

Recipe examples from recent weeks: Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Crispy Rice, Smoky Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Pickled Onions, Thai Peanut Noodle Bowls with Crispy Tofu, Harissa-Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Herbed Couscous. The cuisine range spans Italian, Mexican, Thai, Indian, Mediterranean, Japanese, and American comfort.

Protein & Nutrition

Average protein per meal: 18-25g. Purple Carrot relies on tofu, tempeh, legumes (chickpeas, lentils, black beans), quinoa, nuts, and seeds. Most meals pair complementary proteins — rice with beans, grain with legume — to deliver complete amino acid profiles.

For a plant-based diet focused on health, this protein level is appropriate for most adults. Athletes or people aiming for 30g+ per meal may want to supplement with additional protein sources.

Pricing Breakdown

  • Per serving: ~$12/serving for meal kits
  • Prepared meals: ~$13/meal
  • Shipping: Free on orders $99+; otherwise ~$10
  • 2-person, 3 meals/week: ~$72/week before shipping
  • Monthly estimate: ~$288-$336/month

Pros

  • 100% plant-based company — no meat contamination concerns
  • Most creative and diverse plant-based recipes available
  • Prepared meal option for no-cook nights
  • Pantry section adds convenience beyond just dinner kits
  • Strong seasonal menu rotation

Cons

  • Requires 25-40 minutes of active cooking for meal kits
  • Protein per meal is moderate (18-25g), not high-protein
  • Meal kits only serve 2 — no family-size option
  • Some weeks have limited "Less Prep" selections

Read our full Purple Carrot review | Browse meals | Purple Carrot alternatives

Compare: Purple Carrot vs. Green Chef | Daily Harvest vs. Purple Carrot

2. Green Chef (Plant-Powered Plan) — Best Organic Plant-Based Meal Kits

Green Chef's Plant-Powered plan combines USDA-certified organic ingredients with well-developed plant-based recipes. It is the best plant-based option for home cooks who want premium ingredients with the reliability of a major brand.

Why It Made the List

Green Chef is owned by the HelloFresh Group, which gives it national logistics, consistent delivery, and easy account management. But unlike HelloFresh, Green Chef differentiates on ingredient quality: every ingredient in your box is USDA-certified organic. For plant-based eaters who care about pesticide-free produce, sustainable farming, and clean sourcing, that certification carries real weight.

Their Plant-Powered recipes are not afterthoughts. The culinary team treats them as a core product line, and it shows in the flavor complexity. In my testing, Green Chef's plant-based meals had the most polished flavor profiles of any service on this list — better seasoning, better sauce development, better textural balance.

Plant-Based Meal Options

The Plant-Powered plan offers 4-6 plant-based recipes per week. These are full meal kits with pre-portioned ingredients, pre-made sauces, and step-by-step recipe cards. Cook time: 25-40 minutes.

Recent recipes include: Crispy Coconut Tofu with Peanut Sauce and Jasmine Rice, Mediterranean Falafel Bowls with Tzatziki and Pickled Vegetables, Smoky Mushroom Tacos with Chipotle Crema, Sesame-Ginger Noodle Bowls with Edamame. The sauces are the standout — Green Chef sends pre-mixed sauces that elevate simple ingredients into something you would expect at a restaurant.

Note: Green Chef also offers Keto, Mediterranean, and other plans. Their kitchen handles animal products for non-plant-based plans. Standard allergen-separation protocols are followed, but the facility is not exclusively plant-based. See their allergen disclosures for details.

Protein & Nutrition

Average protein per Plant-Powered meal: 16-24g. Protein sources are organic tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, lentils, black beans, edamame, and quinoa. The inclusion of organic soy products (tofu, tempeh, edamame) gives Green Chef an edge on soy-based complete proteins.

Meals are well-balanced macronutrient-wise: typically 500-700 calories per serving with 15-25g of healthy fats from olive oil, avocado, and nuts.

Pricing Breakdown

  • Per serving: $11.99+/serving (varies by plan size; more meals = lower cost)
  • Shipping: Included
  • 2-person, 3 meals/week: ~$72/week
  • 4-person, 3 meals/week: ~$120/week
  • Monthly estimate (2 people): ~$288/month

Pros

  • USDA-certified organic on all ingredients
  • Excellent pre-made sauces elevate every recipe
  • Reliable national delivery via HelloFresh logistics
  • GIG-certified gluten-free options for dual-restriction eaters
  • Shipping included in price

Cons

  • Only 4-6 plant-based options per week (vs. 8-10 at Purple Carrot)
  • Shared kitchen with non-vegan plans
  • Premium pricing at $11.99+/serving
  • Not all Plant-Powered meals are fully vegan — some may include honey or dairy

Read our full Green Chef review | Browse meals | Green Chef alternatives

Compare: Purple Carrot vs. Green Chef | HelloFresh vs. Green Chef | Green Chef vs. Sunbasket | Home Chef vs. Green Chef | Green Chef vs. Trifecta | Factor vs. Green Chef

3. Daily Harvest — Best Budget Plant-Based Meal Delivery

Daily Harvest delivers frozen plant-based smoothies, harvest bowls, flatbreads, soups, and bites — all under $10 per item. Every single product is plant-based, gluten-free, and built on whole food ingredients.

Why It Made the List

For the price-conscious plant-based eater, Daily Harvest is hard to beat. At $8-10 per item with free shipping, you get whole-food plant-based meals with no added sugar, no preservatives, and ingredient lists you can actually read. The convenience factor is extreme: smoothies blend in 2 minutes, bowls microwave in 5 minutes, and even flatbreads only take 15-20 minutes in the oven.

Daily Harvest is also the best "starter" service for people transitioning to a plant-based diet. The food is approachable — nothing too adventurous — and the portion-controlled format helps with the "how much should I eat?" uncertainty that comes with dietary changes.

Plant-Based Meal Options

Daily Harvest's menu spans 70+ items across six categories:
- Smoothies (12+ flavors): Blend with liquid. Ready in 2 minutes.
- Harvest Bowls (12+ options): Grain and veggie bowls. Microwave 5 minutes.
- Flatbreads (6+ options): Cauliflower or sweet potato crusts. Oven 15-20 minutes.
- Soups (8+ options): Heat-and-eat. 5 minutes.
- Forager Bowls (lighter/smaller portions)
- Bites (snack-size energy bites)

Everything is whole-food-based. Ingredients like cauliflower, sweet potato, kale, lentils, chickpeas, hemp seeds, and coconut cream — not fake meat or heavily processed soy isolate. The focus is on real plants, simply prepared.

Protein & Nutrition

Average protein: 8-18g per item. Smoothies are on the lower end (8-12g); harvest bowls and flatbreads reach 14-18g. Protein sources are hemp seeds, lentils, chickpeas, chia seeds, and nuts.

Calorie range: 200-450 per item. This is lighter than a full meal kit dinner, which makes Daily Harvest ideal for breakfast and lunch rather than a standalone dinner solution.

Pricing Breakdown

  • Per item: ~$8-10 depending on box size
  • 9-item box: ~$9.79/item
  • 14-item box: ~$8.99/item
  • 24-item box: ~$8.49/item
  • Shipping: Free
  • Monthly estimate (1/day): ~$255-$295/month

Pros

  • Most affordable dedicated plant-based service
  • 70+ items with seasonal rotation
  • Whole food ingredients — no processed fillers
  • Free shipping
  • Extremely fast prep (2-5 minutes for most items)

Cons

  • Smaller portions — not a full dinner for most adults
  • Protein content lower than entree-focused services
  • Limited to bowls, smoothies, soups, and flatbreads — no traditional entrees
  • Some options taste overly "healthy" — not for people who want comfort food

Read our full Daily Harvest review | Browse meals | Daily Harvest alternatives

Compare: Daily Harvest vs. Purple Carrot | Factor vs. Daily Harvest | CookUnity vs. Daily Harvest | Sunbasket vs. Daily Harvest | Trifecta vs. Daily Harvest

4. CookUnity — Best Prepared Plant-Based Meals by Professional Chefs

CookUnity is a chef-crafted prepared meal service with a strong and growing plant-based selection. Meals are made by individual chefs — not a factory line — which delivers a level of culinary personality you will not find in standard meal kits.

Why It Made the List

CookUnity's model is different: independent chefs create and sell their meals through the platform. This means the plant-based selection is not a single "plant-based plan" designed by a corporate recipe team — it is a marketplace of dishes from chefs who specialize in plant-based cooking by choice.

The result is more interesting and diverse plant-based meals than any other prepared meal service I have tested. In a given week, you might choose a plant-based pad thai from a Thai chef, a grain bowl from a Mediterranean specialist, a mole-sauced enchilada from a Mexican chef, and a mushroom ragu from an Italian-trained cook. The quality variance is the tradeoff — some chefs are better than others — but the highs are legitimately restaurant-quality.

Plant-Based Meal Options

CookUnity offers 15-20+ plant-based/vegan-tagged meals per week from their rotating chef roster. Meals are labeled "Plant-Based" or "Vegan" in the menu, making it easy to filter.

Meals arrive fresh (not frozen) in individual containers. Reheat in the microwave (2-4 minutes) or oven (10-15 minutes). Shelf life is approximately 5-7 days from delivery.

Recent plant-based selections: Miso-Glazed Mushroom Bowl with Black Rice, Plant-Based "Chorizo" Black Bean Chili, Coconut Curry Lentil Stew with Naan, Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad (vegetarian, not vegan), Sesame-Ginger Tofu with Soba. Note that not all plant-based options are strictly vegan — some include cheese, eggs, or honey. Filter for "Vegan" specifically if you need zero animal products.

Protein & Nutrition

Average protein per plant-based CookUnity meal: 14-26g. Protein comes from varied sources depending on the chef: tofu, tempeh, lentils, chickpeas, white beans, mushrooms, and occasional plant-based protein isolates. Full nutrition info is listed per meal.

Portions are generous — most meals are 13-16 oz, which is notably larger than competitors like Daily Harvest or Splendid Spoon.

Pricing Breakdown

  • Per meal: ~$11/meal on the 16-meal plan
  • 4 meals/week: ~$13.59/meal
  • 8 meals/week: ~$12.09/meal
  • 16 meals/week: ~$11.09/meal
  • Shipping: Varies by location
  • Monthly estimate (8 meals/week): ~$387/month

Pros

  • Chef-crafted meals with real culinary personality
  • 15-20+ plant-based options per week
  • Fresh (not frozen) with generous portions
  • Restaurant-quality highs that meal kits cannot match
  • Individual nutrition labels for every meal

Cons

  • Not exclusively plant-based — shared kitchen with meat entrees
  • Quality varies between chefs (some dishes miss)
  • "Plant-based" label includes some dairy/egg dishes — filter for "Vegan" if needed
  • Not available in all states (no AK, HI, or some rural areas)

Read our full CookUnity review | Browse meals

Compare: Factor vs. CookUnity | HelloFresh vs. CookUnity | CookUnity vs. Home Chef | CookUnity vs. Trifecta | CookUnity vs. Daily Harvest | Blue Apron vs. CookUnity

5. HelloFresh (Plant-Based Recipes) — Best Flexitarian-Friendly Option

HelloFresh is the largest meal kit company in the U.S. and has significantly expanded its plant-based offerings. They are not a plant-based company — they are a meal kit company with a strong and growing plant-based selection.

Why It Made the List

For flexitarian households where one person eats plant-based and another eats meat, HelloFresh is the most practical solution. You can mix and match: order 2 plant-based dinners, 1 chicken dish, and 1 fish recipe in the same box. No other service on this list offers that level of flexibility at this price point.

HelloFresh's plant-based recipes have improved substantially over the past two years. They are no longer afterthoughts — the company has invested in recipe development, and the plant-based options now hold their own against the meat dishes in terms of flavor and satisfaction.

Plant-Based Meal Options

HelloFresh offers 6-8 plant-based-tagged recipes per week alongside their full menu of 39+ recipes. These are labeled "Veggie" on the menu and include both vegetarian and vegan options.

Recipes: Crispy Falafel and Tomato Pita Pockets, Creamy Mushroom and Thyme Risotto, Smoky Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos, Roasted Veggie Pesto Pasta, Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles. The recipes are approachable and family-friendly rather than avant-garde.

Cook time: 20-40 minutes for most plant-based recipes. HelloFresh provides pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe cards.

Note: HelloFresh's "Veggie" tag includes meals with dairy and eggs. Not all are vegan. Check individual recipe labels.

Protein & Nutrition

Average protein per HelloFresh plant-based meal: 12-20g. Protein sources include tofu, chickpeas, black beans, lentils, cheese (in vegetarian options), and eggs (in some recipes). The lower protein ceiling reflects the more approachable recipe style — these are designed for mainstream appeal, not macro optimization.

Pricing Breakdown

  • Per serving: $8.99-12.49/serving (depends on plan size)
  • Shipping: $10.99
  • 2-person, 3 recipes/week: ~$60-$68/week + shipping
  • 4-person, 3 recipes/week: ~$90-$100/week + shipping
  • Monthly estimate (2 people): ~$284-$316/month

Pros

  • Mix plant-based and meat recipes in the same order
  • Most affordable major-brand meal kit for plant-based eating
  • 39+ total recipes/week — the largest selection of any meal kit
  • Family-friendly recipes that non-plant-based eaters also enjoy
  • Easy to skip weeks, swap recipes, or cancel

Cons

  • Not a dedicated plant-based company — shared kitchen with meat
  • "Veggie" includes dairy and eggs — not all options are vegan
  • Ingredient quality is standard, not organic (unless otherwise noted)
  • Plant-based recipes are fewer in number than meat options
  • Lower protein per meal than plant-focused services

Read our full HelloFresh review | Browse meals | Best HelloFresh alternatives

Compare: HelloFresh vs. Green Chef | HelloFresh vs. Factor | HelloFresh vs. Blue Apron | HelloFresh vs. Home Chef | HelloFresh vs. CookUnity

6. Hungryroot — Best for Personalized Plant-Based Groceries + Recipes

Hungryroot is a hybrid grocery delivery and recipe service that lets you build a fully customized plant-based box each week. It is not a meal kit in the traditional sense — it is closer to a personalized plant-based grocery store.

Why It Made the List

Hungryroot's personalization engine is best-in-class. When you select "plant-based" as your dietary preference, the algorithm curates a weekly box of groceries, sauces, and recipes that are entirely plant-based. You can swap any item, adjust quantities, and add or remove products until the box is exactly what you want.

This flexibility makes Hungryroot the strongest option for plant-based eaters who want variety beyond predetermined dinner kits. You get proteins (tofu, tempeh, plant-based sausages), grains (quinoa, rice, pasta), sauces, fresh produce, snacks, and even pantry staples. Each box includes recipe suggestions that use your selected ingredients.

Plant-Based Meal Options

Hungryroot's catalog includes hundreds of plant-based-compatible items and 30+ plant-based recipes per week. Recipes are simpler than traditional meal kits — many are 3-4 ingredients combined with a premade sauce. Cook time: 10-20 minutes.

Sample recipes: Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos with Chipotle Sauce, Peanut Tofu Stir-Fry, Mediterranean Grain Bowl with Hummus, Coconut Curry Noodles. The trade-off for speed is simplicity — these are efficient meals, not culinary showcases.

Grocery items include: organic extra-firm tofu, plant-based Italian sausage, black bean pasta, cauliflower gnocchi, nut-based sauces, hummus, overnight oats, and fresh produce.

Protein & Nutrition

Average protein per Hungryroot plant-based recipe: 18-32g. The higher ceiling comes from the ability to self-select protein-dense ingredients. Stack tofu + black bean pasta + edamame and you are at 35g+ easily. This makes Hungryroot the best option on this list for plant-based eaters who prioritize protein.

Pricing Breakdown

  • Per serving: $9-12/serving (varies widely based on selections)
  • Weekly box range: $72.93-$151.84/week
  • Shipping: Free on qualifying orders
  • Monthly estimate: ~$300-$600/month (depending on household size and add-ons)

Pros

  • Most customizable plant-based delivery service
  • Strongest protein options (build 30g+ meals easily)
  • Includes groceries and snacks, not just dinners
  • 10-20 minute recipes for maximum speed
  • Algorithm learns your preferences over time

Cons

  • Not exclusively plant-based — warehouse handles all dietary products
  • Recipes are simple — sometimes too simple for adventurous cooks
  • Price varies widely depending on selections
  • Requires weekly engagement to curate your box optimally

Read our full Hungryroot review | Browse meals | Hungryroot alternatives

7. Sunbasket — Best for Clean, Whole-Food Plant-Based Eating

Sunbasket is a meal kit service that has built its reputation on clean ingredient sourcing: organic produce, responsibly sourced proteins, and no artificial anything. Their plant-based options reflect this philosophy with meals built around whole, minimally processed ingredients.

Why It Made the List

Sunbasket's plant-based meals distinguish themselves on ingredient quality. Where other services might use processed plant-based meat substitutes, Sunbasket builds meals around actual plants: roasted vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and real tofu and tempeh. The ingredient lists are short and recognizable.

For the health-conscious plant-based eater who cares about what is in their food beyond just "is it plant-based?", Sunbasket delivers a level of ingredient transparency that others do not match. Their sourcing standards include organic, non-GMO, free of artificial preservatives, and no added refined sugars.

Plant-Based Meal Options

Sunbasket offers 5-8 plant-based meal kit options per week alongside their full menu. Meals are labeled "Plant-Based" or "Veggie" and include both fully vegan and vegetarian options.

They also offer prepared meals ("Fresh & Ready") that heat in 6 minutes, several of which are plant-based each week.

Recent plant-based recipes: Almond-Crusted Tofu with Roasted Broccoli and Tahini, Mushroom and Black Bean Enchiladas with Avocado Crema, Coconut Chickpea Curry with Brown Rice, Mediterranean Grain Bowl with Roasted Vegetables and Herbed Yogurt. The Mediterranean and Asian-influenced recipes are particularly strong.

Protein & Nutrition

Average protein per Sunbasket plant-based meal: 15-22g. Protein sources include organic tofu, chickpeas, lentils, black beans, quinoa, almonds, and seeds. Some vegetarian (not vegan) options include eggs or Greek yogurt, which boosts protein to 22-28g.

Pricing Breakdown

  • Per serving: $9.99-11.49/serving
  • Shipping: $10.99
  • 2-person, 3 meals/week: ~$70-$82/week + shipping
  • Monthly estimate: ~$324-$372/month

Pros

  • Highest ingredient quality standards for a multi-diet service
  • Organic, non-GMO, no artificial anything
  • Strong prepared meal option for no-cook nights
  • Clean ingredient lists — real food, not processed substitutes
  • Good Mediterranean and Asian recipe selection

Cons

  • Shared kitchen with meat, fish, and dairy plans
  • Fewer plant-based options per week than Purple Carrot
  • Premium pricing ($9.99-11.49/serving + $10.99 shipping)
  • Delivery area smaller than HelloFresh or Green Chef

Read our full Sunbasket review | Browse meals

Compare: Green Chef vs. Sunbasket | Factor vs. Sunbasket | Sunbasket vs. Daily Harvest | Home Chef vs. Sunbasket | Blue Apron vs. Sunbasket | Sunbasket vs. Trifecta | Sunbasket vs. Marley Spoon

8. Splendid Spoon — Best for Plant-Based Smoothies, Soups & Light Meals

Splendid Spoon is a 100% plant-based prepared meal service specializing in smoothies, grain bowls, soups, and noodle bowls. Everything is vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.

Why It Made the List

Splendid Spoon fills a specific niche: plant-based meals that require absolutely zero cooking, are lighter than full entrees, and are designed for health-conscious eaters who want clean ingredients. They are the plant-based answer to the question "what do I eat for breakfast and lunch when I do not want to cook but do not want junk food?"

Their "Soup Reset" one-day cleanse programs also appeal to plant-based eaters interested in periodic detoxing, intermittent fasting, or digestive resets.

Plant-Based Meal Options

Splendid Spoon's menu includes:
- Smoothies (12+ options, thaw and drink)
- Grain Bowls (10+ options, microwave 3-5 minutes)
- Soups (10+ options, heat and eat)
- Noodle Bowls (6+ options, the most filling category)
- Soup Resets (5 soups for a one-day cleanse)

Sample items: Green Matcha Smoothie, Cauliflower Tikka Masala Bowl, Butternut Squash Soup, Sesame Noodle Bowl, Berry Smoothie. Ingredients are straightforward and clean.

Protein & Nutrition

Average protein: 10-20g per item. Grain bowls and noodle bowls are on the higher end; smoothies and soups trend lower. Protein sources: lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, hemp seeds, pea protein.

Calorie range: 150-400 per item. Like Daily Harvest, Splendid Spoon works better as a meal component (breakfast + lunch) than as your sole food source.

Pricing Breakdown

  • Per item: ~$9-13 depending on plan size
  • Lunch plan (5 bowls): ~$65/week
  • Breakfast + Lunch plan: ~$95/week
  • Shipping: Free
  • Monthly estimate (lunch only): ~$260/month

Pros

  • 100% plant-based, gluten-free, non-GMO
  • Zero cooking required
  • Clean ingredient lists with whole foods
  • Soup Reset programs for periodic cleansing
  • Free shipping

Cons

  • Not a full dinner solution for most people
  • Protein on the lower end (10-20g)
  • Portions can be small for active eaters
  • Limited to smoothies, bowls, and soups — no traditional cooking

Read our full Splendid Spoon review | Browse meals

Plant-Based Meal Delivery Comparison Table (June 2026)

Service Score Price/Meal Avg Protein Plant-Based Options/Week Prep Type Best For
Purple Carrot 9.4 ~$12 18-25g 8-10 Meal kits (25-40 min) Creative plant-based cooking
Green Chef 9.2 $11.99+ 16-24g 4-6 Meal kits (25-40 min) Organic ingredients
Daily Harvest 8.9 ~$8-10 8-18g 70+ Frozen (2-5 min) Budget, convenience
CookUnity 9.0 ~$11 14-26g 15-20+ Fresh prepared (2-4 min) Chef-quality, no cooking
HelloFresh 8.6 $8.99-12.49 12-20g 6-8 Meal kits (20-40 min) Flexitarian households
Hungryroot 8.7 $9-12 18-32g 100+ items Groceries + quick recipes (10-20 min) Customization, high protein
Sunbasket 8.8 $9.99-11.49 15-22g 5-8 Meal kits + prepared Clean whole-food ingredients
Splendid Spoon 8.5 ~$9-13 10-20g 40+ Frozen (2-5 min) Smoothies, soups, light meals

Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Right Plant-Based Meal Delivery

Understand Your Plant-Based Goals

Plant-based eating means different things to different people. Before choosing a service, clarify what you are optimizing for:

  • Weight loss: Look for calorie-controlled portions (Daily Harvest, Splendid Spoon) or services with full nutrition labels (CookUnity, Veestro). See our best low-calorie meal kits guide.
  • Heart health: Focus on services that minimize saturated fat and sodium while maximizing fiber and whole grains (Sunbasket, Purple Carrot, Green Chef).
  • Muscle building / high protein: Prioritize Hungryroot (customizable 30g+ meals), CookUnity (generous portions), or supplement any service with additional plant protein.
  • Convenience: Prepared meals from CookUnity, Daily Harvest, or Splendid Spoon eliminate cooking entirely.
  • Cooking enjoyment: Meal kits from Purple Carrot, Green Chef, or HelloFresh offer the hands-on cooking experience with pre-portioned ingredients.

Plant-Based Protein Quality: What Actually Matters

The protein conversation in plant-based eating extends beyond grams per serving. Here is what to evaluate:

Complete proteins (all 9 essential amino acids):
- Soy (tofu, tempeh, edamame) — complete
- Quinoa — complete
- Hemp seeds — complete
- Buckwheat — complete

Complementary protein pairings (complete when combined):
- Rice + beans
- Lentils + whole grains
- Hummus + pita
- Peanut butter + whole wheat bread

The best plant-based meal services build recipes around these pairings naturally. Purple Carrot and Green Chef do this consistently. Services that rely on a single protein source (only chickpeas, for example) are less nutritionally optimized.

Processed vs. whole-food plant protein: Some services use heavily processed plant-based meats (pea protein isolate, methylcellulose, etc.) while others use whole food sources (actual tempeh, real legumes, whole nuts). Sunbasket and Purple Carrot lean whole-food; Hungryroot includes more processed options for convenience. Neither approach is wrong — it depends on your priorities.

Whole Foods vs. Processed Plant-Based Ingredients

A growing concern in plant-based eating is the rise of ultra-processed plant foods — fake meats, protein isolates, and heavily engineered substitutes. While these products are technically plant-based, they may not deliver the health benefits associated with whole-food plant diets.

Services ranked by whole-food emphasis (most to least):
1. Sakara Life — exclusively whole, unprocessed ingredients (see our vegan guide for full review)
2. Sunbasket — strong whole-food focus, minimal processing
3. Purple Carrot — mostly whole foods, occasional processed items
4. Daily Harvest — whole-food-focused, clean ingredient lists
5. Green Chef — organic whole foods with some convenience sauces
6. CookUnity — varies by chef, generally whole-food-leaning
7. HelloFresh — mixed, some processed plant proteins
8. Hungryroot — highest convenience, includes more processed options

Budget Planning for Plant-Based Meal Delivery

Monthly cost reality at different commitment levels (for 2 people):

Commitment Service Weekly Cost Monthly Cost
Breakfast + lunch only Daily Harvest (14 items) ~$126 ~$504
Lunch only Splendid Spoon (5 bowls) ~$65 ~$260
3 dinners/week HelloFresh (plant-based) ~$71 ~$284
3 dinners/week Purple Carrot ~$72 ~$288
3 dinners/week Green Chef ~$72 ~$288
5 prepared lunches + 3 dinner kits Mixed (Splendid Spoon + Purple Carrot) ~$137 ~$548

Use our meal kit cost calculator and calories per dollar tool to estimate your real spend.

Head-to-Head Comparisons for Plant-Based Shoppers

Not sure which service fits? These detailed matchups cover pricing, taste, and menu specifics:

FAQ

What is the best plant-based meal delivery service in 2026?

Purple Carrot is our top pick for fully plant-based meal kits — the most creative recipes, the widest variety, and a 100% plant-based kitchen. Green Chef is the best for organic plant-based cooking. Daily Harvest is the best budget option for plant-based breakfasts and lunches. CookUnity is the best if you want prepared plant-based meals with no cooking.

Is plant-based meal delivery good for weight loss?

Yes. Plant-based diets are naturally higher in fiber and lower in calorie density, which promotes satiety on fewer calories. Daily Harvest (200-400 calories per item) and Splendid Spoon (150-400 calories) offer built-in portion control. For a deeper dive, see our best meal kits for weight loss.

How much protein do plant-based meals actually have?

Among the services we tested, protein ranges from 8g (Daily Harvest smoothies) to 32g (Hungryroot custom meals). Most dedicated plant-based dinner kits (Purple Carrot, Green Chef) average 16-25g per serving. The average adult needs 50-60g of protein daily. Eating two plant-based meals plus snacks with nuts or seeds will meet most people's needs. See our high-protein meal delivery guide for protein-optimized options.

Are plant-based meal kits more expensive than regular meal kits?

Slightly. Purple Carrot at ~$12/serving and Green Chef at $11.99+/serving are comparable to mid-tier omnivore meal kits. HelloFresh's plant-based recipes start at $8.99/serving, which is identical to their meat recipes. The price premium for plant-based eating comes primarily from specialized services — not from plant-based options within mainstream services.

What is the difference between plant-based and vegan meal delivery?

Plant-based meal delivery focuses on meals where plants are the primary ingredients, but may include small amounts of animal products like eggs, dairy, or honey in some recipes. Vegan meal delivery guarantees zero animal products in any form. We cover strict vegan options in our best vegan meal delivery guide. This page covers the broader plant-based category including flexitarian-friendly services.

Can I build muscle on a plant-based diet with meal delivery?

Yes, with intentional protein stacking. Hungryroot lets you build 30g+ protein meals by selecting tofu, tempeh, black bean pasta, and edamame. Purple Carrot and Green Chef average 18-25g per meal, which paired with protein-rich snacks (nuts, protein shakes, edamame) can reach athlete-level daily protein goals. Combine with our high-protein meal delivery picks for maximized intake.

Which plant-based meal delivery is best for families?

HelloFresh is the most practical for families because it offers 4-person plans with plant-based recipes that are approachable for kids and non-plant-based family members. Green Chef also offers 4-person plans with organic ingredients. Purple Carrot only serves 2, which limits its family utility. See our best meal kits for large families for more options.

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Tools

Reviewed and updated by Eric Sornoso, editor at MealFan since 2019. Tests 45+ meal delivery services hands-on. Methodology: how we test and rank. Last updated June 2026.

Other Plant-Based Services We Tested

We also evaluated Mosaic Foods, Thistle, Veestro, Sakara Life, and Factor. Mosaic Foods is strong on plant-based bowls but has narrower distribution. Thistle offers excellent nutrition-forward meals but limited customization. Veestro is fully plant-based and frozen but some meals tasted overly processed. Sakara Life is outstanding but the price point puts it out of reach for most budgets. Factor has plant-based options but they are a small fraction of a meat-heavy menu.

Prices verified June 2026. This article is reviewed monthly. The World Health Organization recommends increasing plant-based food consumption. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health covers the health and environmental benefits of plant-based eating.

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