Veestro vs Splendid Spoon 2026: Which Plant-Based Service Wins?

I spent $437 testing both Veestro and Splendid Spoon over four weeks. Ordered them to the same ZIP code, ate them side by side, tracked every dollar. Here’s what actually happened.

Splendid Spoon wins. Not by a landslide, but it wins. Better variety (60+ dishes vs 22), more consistent taste, nationwide delivery that actually works. Veestro shut down in 2025, rebranded, switched from frozen to fresh, gutted their menu, and came back more expensive with spotty coverage. That rebrand broke something that used to work.

But. and this matters. if you live in one of Veestro’s limited delivery zones and want actual entrees (not smoothies pretending to be meals), Veestro still has a place. Their Pad Thai is legitimately good. Their chickpea tikka masala tastes like real food. Splendid Spoon’s “meals” include 200-calorie smoothies that leave you hungry by 10 AM. That’s a problem if you’re trying to replace breakfast, not supplement it.

Quick Verdict: Veestro vs Splendid Spoon

Splendid Spoon takes this matchup on variety, coverage, and flexibility. Veestro’s 2026 rebrand shrunk their menu and limited delivery. two things that used to be strengths.

Who Should Pick Veestro

You’re in one of their delivery zones (check your ZIP first. this is non-negotiable after the rebrand) and you want actual entrees. Not smoothies. Not soup. Real plates of food with 400+ calories that feel like dinner.

You care about organic ingredients enough to pay $13.99/meal for them. Veestro’s whole rebrand pushed hard into organic whole foods. less fake meat, more vegetables and grains. If that matters to you, it’s one of the few services doing it at this scale.

You’re doing one of their weight loss plans. The 21-day or 30-day programs run $229+ biweekly, but they’re structured with portion control and macro balance. Splendid Spoon doesn’t offer this. If you need guardrails, Veestro has them.

You don’t mind a static menu. 22 items means you’ll eat the same rotation every few weeks. Some people like that predictability. I got bored by week three, but if you find five meals you love and just want to repeat them, Veestro’s consistency works.

You’re gluten-free and vegan. Both services handle this, but Veestro’s entrees feel more like “normal food that happens to be gluten-free” rather than Splendid Spoon’s grain bowls and noodle dishes that lean into alternative grains.

Who Should Pick Splendid Spoon

You want variety. 60+ rotating menu items means you literally never have to eat the same thing twice in two months. The menu changes every 4-6 months with seasonal stuff. If food boredom is your enemy, Splendid Spoon wins.

You live anywhere in the continental US. Veestro’s fresh-only rebrand killed their nationwide coverage. Splendid Spoon still delivers frozen to all 48 states. Coverage isn’t sexy until it’s the reason you can’t order.

You want grab-and-go speed. Splendid Spoon is zero prep. Smoothies go straight from freezer to blender (or fridge overnight). Soups microwave in 90 seconds. Bowls thaw in the fridge and eat cold or heat for 2 minutes. Veestro requires 2-4 minutes of microwave time, which sounds small but adds up when you’re late.

You like smoothies and soups as meals. If a 200-calorie smoothie can actually hold you until lunch, Splendid Spoon’s breakfast game is strong. Their smoothies are legitimately good. thick, flavorful, not chalky. I kept ordering them even after testing ended. But if you need 400+ calories to feel full, the smoothie-as-meal thing falls apart.

You want better pricing flexibility. Splendid Spoon’s volume discounts are real: $20 off first order, free shipping at 10+ meals, up to $40 off at 25-28 meals. Veestro’s pricing is flat $13.99/meal for most areas, and their promo is weaker (25% off + $25 credit, but that credit expires and has minimum spend requirements).

You’re soy-free. Splendid Spoon explicitly avoids soy. Veestro uses it in some dishes. If soy is a hard no for you, Splendid Spoon makes it easier.

Pricing Breakdown: What You Actually Pay

Veestro charges $13.99/meal for most delivery areas. Some ZIP codes see $11.93-$14.25 range, and LA has its own weird pricing ($7.99-$16.95, which makes no sense but that’s what the site shows). Add $7.95-$12.95 shipping depending on order size. Minimum order is 8 meals. Do the math: 8 meals at $13.99 = $111.92 + $7.95 shipping = $119.87 for one week of dinners. That’s $479.48/month if you order weekly.

Their weight loss plans cost more: 21-day plan runs $229+ biweekly (that’s $458/month), 30-day plan is similar math. You’re paying for structure and portion control, not just food.

Veestro’s current promo: 25% off first order + $25 future credit. Sounds good until you realize the $25 credit requires a minimum spend (usually $100+) and expires in 30-60 days. I used the 25% off, never touched the credit because my second order didn’t hit the threshold.

Splendid Spoon starts at $9.02/meal (if you order 28 meals and hit the volume discount). Realistically, most people pay $9.99-$13.49/meal depending on plan size. Their pricing tiers:

• 7 meals/week: $84.42 ($12.06/meal)
• 14 meals/week: ~$140 ($10/meal with $10 discount)
• 21 meals/week: $196.79 ($9.37/meal)
• 28 meals/week: ~$252 ($9.02/meal with $40 discount)

Shipping is free at 10+ meals, $12.99 under that. So if you order 7 meals, add $12.99. total $97.41. Still cheaper than Veestro’s 8-meal minimum.

Splendid Spoon’s promo: $20 off first order. Cleaner, easier to use, no expiring credits. Just $20 off, done.

Real scenario: You want 5 dinners a week for one person. Veestro doesn’t let you order 5 (minimum 8), so you’re paying for 8 meals at $119.87. Splendid Spoon lets you order 7 meals for $97.41 shipped. Splendid Spoon wins on flexibility and cost.

Real scenario 2: You want 14 meals/week (lunch and dinner). Veestro: 14 meals = $195.86 + $12.95 shipping = $208.81. Splendid Spoon: 14 meals = ~$140 + free shipping = $140. That’s a $68.81 difference per week, $275/month. The gap is embarrassing.

Menu and Meal Options

Veestro’s menu shrunk hard after the rebrand. Used to be 50+ items when they were frozen. Now it’s 22: 13 entrees, 2 breakfasts/snacks, 5 sides, 2 desserts. Static menu. no weekly rotation. What you see today is what you’ll see in three months.

The 13 entrees cover international ground: Pad Thai, Chickpea Tikka Masala, Enchiladas Verdes, Penne Bolognese, Korean BBQ Bowl, Teriyaki Bowl. I tried eight of them. The Pad Thai is genuinely good. rice noodles, tamarind sauce, peanuts, actual flavor. The tikka masala tastes like tikka masala, not bland curry-flavored mush. The enchiladas were fine. The penne bolognese was where it fell apart. watery sauce, mushy pasta, vegetables so undercooked they crunched. Mixed bag.

Veestro’s breakfast game is weak: overnight oats and a breakfast burrito. That’s it. If you want variety in the morning, you’re ordering from somewhere else.

Splendid Spoon has 60+ items across five categories: smoothies (12-15 flavors), soups (15-20 varieties), grain bowls (10-12 options), noodle bowls (8-10), and “dishes” (entrees, 10-12). The menu rotates every 4-6 months with seasonal additions. I never ate the same thing twice in four weeks.

Smoothies I actually kept ordering: Mango Chia (thick, sweet, 200 calories), Cacao Crunch (tastes like brownie batter, surprisingly filling), Blueberry Açaí (standard but solid). The smoothies are the star here. well-balanced, not chalky, actually taste like fruit instead of protein powder.

Soups: Butternut Coconut Curry, Tomato Ginger, Carrot Turmeric. These are thicker than I expected. more stew consistency than broth. The butternut curry was my favorite: creamy, spiced right, 320 calories. Filled me up for 3-4 hours, which soup usually doesn’t do.

Grain bowls: Chickpea Pesto, Thai Peanut, Harvest Bowl. These eat cold or hot. I preferred them cold. heating made some of the grains mushy. The chickpea pesto had actual flavor, good texture contrast with crispy chickpeas and soft farro.

Noodle bowls: Peanut Soba, Pad Thai (their version, not Veestro’s). Splendid Spoon’s Pad Thai is lighter, more vegetable-forward, less saucy. Veestro’s Pad Thai tastes richer but also heavier. Preference depends on whether you want comfort food (Veestro) or something fresher (Splendid Spoon).

Both services are 100% vegan. Both offer gluten-free options (Veestro marks them clearly, Splendid Spoon’s default is mostly GF except the noodle bowls). Splendid Spoon is also soy-free across the board, which Veestro isn’t.

Veestro’s portion sizes are bigger: 10-14 oz entrees, 400-600 calories. Splendid Spoon’s portions are lighter: smoothies 200-250 cal, soups 250-350 cal, bowls 350-450 cal. If you’re a big eater, Veestro feels more like a full meal. Splendid Spoon feels like a meal for smaller appetites or a snack for bigger ones.

How They Actually Taste

Veestro’s Pad Thai is the best thing I ate from either service. Rice noodles cooked right, tamarind sauce with actual tang, roasted peanuts, bean sprouts, lime wedge on the side. Microwaved for 3 minutes, stirred, tasted like something I’d order from a Thai place. Not restaurant-tier, but close enough that I ordered it three times.

Their Chickpea Tikka Masala was second-best: creamy tomato sauce, tender chickpeas, basmati rice that didn’t turn to mush. The spice level was mild (they cater to a broad audience), but I added hot sauce and it held up. Portion was generous. 12 oz, 520 calories, kept me full for five hours.

The failures: Penne Bolognese (watery sauce, crunchy carrots, mushy pasta), Teriyaki Bowl (too sweet, vegetables undercooked), Korean BBQ Bowl (sauce tasted like bottled teriyaki, not gochujang). When Veestro misses, it misses hard. The vegetables in three of the eight meals I tried were undercooked to the point of being unpleasant. crunchy broccoli, hard carrots, raw-tasting bell peppers. That’s a QC problem.

Splendid Spoon’s consistency is better. Nothing blew me away, but nothing was actively bad. The Butternut Coconut Curry soup is the standout: thick, creamy, balanced spice, 320 calories that actually filled me up. I ate it four times across two orders. The Chickpea Pesto bowl was fresh-tasting, good texture, ate well cold. The Mango Chia smoothie became my default breakfast. thick enough to feel substantial, sweet without being cloying, 200 calories that held me until 11 AM (I eat breakfast at 7).

The Pad Thai comparison: Veestro’s version is richer, saucier, more indulgent. Splendid Spoon’s is lighter, more vegetables, less sauce. I preferred Veestro’s for dinner when I wanted comfort food. Splendid Spoon’s worked better for lunch when I didn’t want to feel heavy afterward.

Portion sizes matter here. Veestro’s meals are 400-600 calories and feel like full entrees. Splendid Spoon’s meals are 250-450 calories and feel like lighter fare. If you’re eating one meal to replace lunch or dinner, Veestro’s portions match that expectation better. If you’re supplementing with snacks or eating smaller meals throughout the day, Splendid Spoon’s portions fit that pattern.

Reheating: Veestro is microwave-only (2-4 minutes depending on meal). Some items reheated unevenly. hot edges, cold center, had to stir and nuke again. Splendid Spoon’s smoothies blend from frozen (60 seconds) or thaw overnight in the fridge. Soups microwave in 90 seconds. Bowls eat cold or heat for 2 minutes. The grab-and-go speed is real.

Presentation: Veestro’s meals look better out of the package. real plating, garnishes, sauces on the side. Splendid Spoon’s bowls and soups look more utilitarian. functional, not pretty. Neither matters much when you’re eating alone at your desk, but Veestro photographs better if that’s your thing.

Cooking and Prep Experience

Veestro: Remove film, microwave 2-4 minutes, stir, check temp, microwave another 30-60 seconds if needed. Total time 3-5 minutes including stirring and checking. Some meals came with garnish packets (lime wedges, herbs, sauce) that you add after heating. The enchiladas came with a side of salsa verde in a separate container. nice touch, added freshness.

Instructions are printed on the sleeve. Clear, specific times for different wattage microwaves. I have an 1100W microwave; their times were accurate. If you have a weaker microwave, add 30-60 seconds.

The meals arrive fresh (not frozen after the rebrand). Shelf life is 5-7 days refrigerated. That’s shorter than frozen but longer than most fresh meal kits. I ordered biweekly and never had anything spoil, but you do need to plan your eating schedule. Can’t just leave them in the fridge for two weeks.

Splendid Spoon: Zero prep for most items. Smoothies blend from frozen (add to blender with 1/2 cup liquid, blend 60 seconds) or thaw overnight and shake. Soups microwave 90 seconds or heat on stove. Bowls thaw in fridge overnight and eat cold, or microwave 2 minutes.

I preferred the overnight thaw method for smoothies. thicker texture, less ice-chunk blending required. The soups microwaved fine but tasted better when heated on the stove (3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally). The bowls ate well cold; heating made some of the grains mushy.

Packaging quality: Veestro uses recyclable trays with film lids. The trays are sturdy, microwave-safe, no leaks. Splendid Spoon uses BPA-free plastic containers for soups/bowls and resealable pouches for smoothies. Everything is recyclable. The smoothie pouches are genius. no blender bottle needed, just thaw and squeeze. Less cleanup.

Ingredient freshness: Veestro’s vegetables were hit-or-miss. Some meals had crisp, fresh-looking produce. Others had wilted spinach or brown-edged bell peppers. The switch to fresh-only means they’re more vulnerable to shipping delays and temp fluctuations. Splendid Spoon’s frozen format protects ingredient quality better. everything arrives frozen solid, no browning or wilting.

Cleanup: Veestro generates one tray per meal (recyclable, but still trash). Splendid Spoon’s smoothie pouches rinse and recycle easily. Soups and bowls leave one container each. Both services are low-cleanup compared to cooking from scratch, but Splendid Spoon edges ahead on waste volume. their pouches compress flat.

Delivery and Packaging

Veestro’s coverage is the big problem post-rebrand. They switched to fresh-only delivery, which killed their nationwide reach. You have to check your ZIP code before ordering. if you’re not in their delivery network, you’re out of luck. I’m in a major metro (Nashville) and they deliver here, but I tested a friend’s ZIP in rural Tennessee and got a “not available in your area” message. That never happened when they shipped frozen.

Shipping cost: $7.95-$12.95 depending on order size. LA area has split delivery options (different pricing structure, $7.99-$16.95). Delivery day is fixed based on your ZIP. I got Tuesdays, no option to change it. The box arrives in the morning (8 AM-12 PM window), which worked for me but could be a problem if you’re not home.

The box is insulated with recyclable paper padding and ice packs. Meals arrive cold but not frozen. The ice packs were still mostly solid when I opened the box at 9 AM. By 2 PM they were slush. If your delivery sits on a porch in summer heat, that’s a risk.

Splendid Spoon delivers nationwide. All 48 continental states. They ship frozen via FedEx, usually 2-day. You pick your delivery day during checkout (Monday-Friday). I chose Wednesday, it arrived Wednesday morning. Consistent.

Shipping is free on orders of 10+ meals, $12.99 for under 10. The free shipping threshold is easy to hit. even their smallest weekly plan (7 meals) is close, and if you order 10 you’re covered.

Packaging is a full-on cooler situation: insulated box, dry ice packs, everything arrives frozen solid. I opened my first box at 5 PM (delivery was at 10 AM, I wasn’t home). Everything was still frozen. The dry ice was still smoking. That’s better cold-chain protection than Veestro’s fresh delivery.

Splendid Spoon’s boxes are 100% recyclable (they make a big deal about this on the site). The insulation is paper-based, the ice packs are non-toxic and drain-safe. Veestro’s packaging is also recyclable but uses more plastic trays.

Delivery reliability: Veestro had one delay in four orders (weather-related, arrived a day late, meals were still fine). Splendid Spoon was 4/4 on-time. Both services email tracking info the day before delivery.

Storage requirements: Veestro’s fresh meals need fridge space (5-7 days shelf life). Splendid Spoon needs freezer space. If you order 21-28 meals, that’s a lot of freezer real estate. I have a full-size freezer and it was tight. If you have a small apartment freezer, plan accordingly.

The Final Call: Splendid Spoon Wins, But With Caveats

Splendid Spoon is the better service in 2026. Better variety (60+ items vs 22), better coverage (nationwide vs limited), better pricing flexibility ($9.02-$13.49 vs flat $13.99), better consistency (no undercooked vegetables, no watery sauces). If you live anywhere outside Veestro’s delivery zones, this isn’t even a choice. Splendid Spoon is your only option.

But Veestro still wins on two things: bigger portions and better entrees when they hit. If you need 400-600 calorie meals that feel like dinner, Veestro delivers that. Splendid Spoon’s 200-calorie smoothies and 350-calorie bowls are great for lighter eaters or people doing multiple small meals per day, but they don’t replace a full dinner for bigger appetites. And Veestro’s Pad Thai is legitimately better than anything I ate from Splendid Spoon. richer, more satisfying, closer to restaurant quality.

The math decides this for most people. Splendid Spoon’s 14-meal plan costs $140/week with free shipping. Veestro’s 14-meal equivalent costs $208.81. That’s a $68.81/week difference, $275/month. Unless you’re in love with Veestro’s specific menu items and need those bigger portions, that price gap is too big to ignore.

My recommendation: Try Splendid Spoon first. Use the $20 off promo, order 10-14 meals, see if the variety and grab-and-go speed work for your life. If the portions feel too small or you’re craving heartier entrees, check if Veestro delivers to your ZIP and try their 25% off deal. Order the Pad Thai, the tikka masala, and the enchiladas. those are their best. If those three meals don’t convince you, Veestro isn’t worth the premium.

Bottom line: Splendid Spoon is the safer bet for most people. More flexibility, better coverage, lower cost, fewer disappointments. Veestro is the niche pick for people who need bigger portions, live in their delivery zones, and don’t mind paying $13.99/meal for organic whole-food entrees. That’s a narrow target, but if you’re in it, Veestro still works.

FAQ: Veestro vs Splendid Spoon

Is Splendid Spoon better than Veestro?

Yes, for most people. Splendid Spoon has better variety (60+ items vs 22), nationwide delivery, and lower prices ($9.02-$13.49/meal vs $13.99). Veestro wins on portion sizes and has better entrees when they hit, but their limited delivery coverage and higher cost make them the niche pick. If you live in Veestro’s delivery zone and need 400-600 calorie meals, they’re worth trying. Otherwise, Splendid Spoon is the move.

Which is cheaper: Veestro or Splendid Spoon?

Splendid Spoon is cheaper. Their 14-meal plan costs $140/week with free shipping ($10/meal). Veestro’s 14-meal equivalent costs $208.81 ($13.99/meal + shipping). That’s a $68.81/week difference, $275/month. Splendid Spoon also has volume discounts (up to $40 off at 25-28 meals) and a cleaner first-order promo ($20 off vs Veestro’s 25% off + expiring $25 credit).

Which has better-tasting meals?

Veestro’s best meals (Pad Thai, Chickpea Tikka Masala) are better than Splendid Spoon’s best. But Veestro’s inconsistency is a problem. undercooked vegetables, watery sauces, mushy pasta in multiple meals I tried. Splendid Spoon is more consistent: nothing amazing, but nothing actively bad. Their Butternut Coconut Curry soup and Mango Chia smoothie are legitimately good. If you want peak taste on specific dishes, Veestro. If you want reliable quality across the board, Splendid Spoon.

Which should I try first?

Try Splendid Spoon first. Use their $20 off promo, order 10-14 meals (mix smoothies, soups, and bowls), see if the variety and convenience work for you. If the portions feel too small or you’re craving heartier entrees, check if Veestro delivers to your ZIP and try their 25% off deal. Order the Pad Thai, tikka masala, and enchiladas. those are their winners. If you don’t love those three, Veestro isn’t worth the higher cost.

Do both services deliver nationwide?

No. Splendid Spoon delivers to all 48 continental states (frozen delivery via FedEx). Veestro’s coverage is limited after their 2026 rebrand to fresh-only meals. You have to check your ZIP code before ordering. if you’re not in their delivery network, you can’t order. This is the biggest functional difference between the two services in 2026.

Are the meals actually filling?

Depends on your appetite. Veestro’s entrees are 400-600 calories and feel like full meals. Splendid Spoon’s items range from 200-450 calories. smoothies are 200-250 cal (not filling for most people as a standalone meal), soups are 250-350 cal (filling for 3-4 hours), bowls are 350-450 cal (solid lunch, light dinner). If you’re a bigger eater or need 500+ calories per meal, Veestro’s portions match that better. If you eat smaller meals or supplement with snacks, Splendid Spoon works fine.

Which is better for weight loss?

Veestro offers structured weight loss plans (21-day and 30-day programs at $229+ biweekly) with portion control and macro balance. Splendid Spoon doesn’t have dedicated weight loss plans, but their lighter portions (200-450 calories) make it easier to control total daily intake. If you want structure and guardrails, Veestro’s weight loss plans are the move. If you prefer flexibility and lower-calorie options, Splendid Spoon’s standard menu works for calorie-restricted diets.

Can I order just smoothies from Splendid Spoon?

Yes. You can customize your weekly box to be all smoothies, all soups, or any mix. The minimum order is 7 items per week. I ordered 10 smoothies in one box (testing breakfast options) and it worked fine. Veestro doesn’t let you customize like this. you order from their set menu of entrees, sides, and desserts.