Top 5 Plant Based Meal Plan Reviews

Overview

This article reviews five leading plant-based meal delivery services (Purple Carrot, Splendid Spoon, Daily Harvest, Veestro, and Green Chef), evaluating each on nutritional quality, convenience, taste variety, and price point to help readers find options that match their lifestyle needs. The author, a registered dietitian, provides expert insights on what makes an effective plant-based meal plan, emphasizing that the best choice depends on individual priorities like cooking preferences, organic certification requirements, and protein needs.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What to Look for in a Plant Based Meal Plan
• 1. Purple Carrot: Gourmet Plant Power
• 2. Splendid Spoon: Ready-to-Eat Simplicity
• 3. Daily Harvest: Superfood Convenience
• 4. Veestro: Fully-Prepared Plant Meals
• 5. Green Chef: Organic Plant-Powered Kits
• Comparison of Top Plant Based Meal Plans
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

The plant based meal plan revolution is transforming how we think about nutrition. As a registered dietitian who’s guided hundreds of clients through dietary transitions, I’ve witnessed firsthand the health transformations that come with shifting toward plant-centered eating. Recent studies from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have linked plant-forward diets to reduced risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes.

However, the journey toward plant-based eating isn’t always smooth. Many of my clients initially struggle with meal planning, nutritional balance, and simply finding delicious recipes that don’t leave them missing animal products.

This is where plant based meal delivery services come in—offering convenience, variety, and nutritional guidance all in one package. Whether you’re a busy professional, a health-conscious parent, or simply curious about incorporating more plants into your diet, these services can make the transition both enjoyable and sustainable.

I’ve personally tested and analyzed dozens of these services, evaluating everything from taste and texture to nutritional profile and environmental impact. In this comprehensive review, I’ll share my top 5 recommendations, helping you find the perfect match for your lifestyle, preferences, and health goals.

What to Look for in a Plant Based Meal Plan

Before diving into specific recommendations, let’s establish what makes a plant based meal plan truly worth your investment. These criteria have guided my evaluations and will help you make an informed choice:

Nutritional Balance

The best plant based meal plans include complete proteins through thoughtful combinations of legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Look for meals providing at least 15g of protein per serving, along with fiber, healthy fats, and a diverse array of micronutrients.

A common misconception is that plant-based eating leads to protein deficiency—this simply isn’t true with proper planning. Quality services design their meals with protein complementation in mind, ensuring you receive all essential amino acids.

Ingredient Quality

Premium plant based meal services prioritize organic produce, non-GMO ingredients, and minimal processing. Some go further with seasonal, local sourcing when possible. These choices not only enhance flavor but also maximize nutritional value and minimize environmental impact.

Check ingredient lists for unnecessary additives, excessive sodium, or added sugars that might undermine the health benefits of plant-based eating.

Taste and Variety

Sustainable dietary changes must be enjoyable. The most successful plant based meal plans offer globally-inspired cuisines that keep your palate engaged through creative use of herbs, spices, and cooking techniques. No one sticks with boring food, no matter how healthy!

Convenience Factor

Consider your lifestyle realistically. Do you enjoy cooking but lack planning time? A meal kit might be perfect. Need grab-and-go options? Look for fully prepared meals. The best plant based meal plan is one you’ll actually use consistently.

Pricing and Value

While plant based meal services typically cost more than cooking from scratch, they offer value through time savings, reduced food waste, and elimination of impulse purchases. Compare per-serving costs while considering portion sizes and ingredient quality.

1. Purple Carrot: Gourmet Plant Power

Purple Carrot stands as a pioneer in the plant based meal kit landscape, offering both cook-it-yourself kits and ready-to-heat meals that require minimal effort. As someone who appreciates the therapeutic aspect of cooking but lacks time for extensive meal planning, Purple Carrot hits a sweet spot in my personal rotation.

What Sets It Apart

Their culinary creativity truly shines, with globally-inspired recipes that have expanded my cooking repertoire considerably. From Kimchi Mushroom Fried Rice to Mafaldine with Roasted Tomatoes and Herb Pesto, their offerings prove that plant-based eating is anything but restrictive.

The educational component impresses me most—each recipe teaches techniques and flavor combinations that transfer to your everyday cooking skills. You’re not just getting dinner; you’re getting culinary education.

Nutritional Profile

Purple Carrot excels in nutritional balance, with dinners typically providing 15-20g of protein and 7-10g of fiber per serving. Their clever use of ingredients like tempeh, tofu, and legumes delivers satisfying meals without relying heavily on processed meat alternatives.

My clients who track their micronutrients particularly appreciate that most meals naturally deliver 15-25% of your daily iron needs through strategic ingredients like lentils, tofu, and dark leafy greens.

Pricing

At $11.99-$12.99 per serving, Purple Carrot sits at the premium end of the spectrum. However, the portion sizes are generous—I often get lunch leftovers from dinner kits—and the educational value adds significant worth for those looking to build plant-based cooking skills.

Best For

Purple Carrot is ideal for culinary enthusiasts with some basic cooking skills who want to expand their plant-based repertoire. It’s also perfect for busy professionals who enjoy cooking but lack time for meal planning and grocery shopping.

2. Splendid Spoon: Ready-to-Eat Simplicity

For those mornings when you’re rushing out the door or lunch breaks squeezed between meetings, Splendid Spoon offers a refreshingly simple solution. This service specializes in ready-to-eat smoothies, grain bowls, soups, and noodle dishes that require zero preparation.

What Sets It Apart

Splendid Spoon takes the “convenience first” approach to an art form. Their smoothies arrive ready to drink, while their bowls need just 2-3 minutes of microwave time. This simplicity doesn’t compromise flavor or nutritional quality—their Dragon Fruit Berry Smoothie and Cuban Black Bean Bowl have become staples in my own busy-day rotation.

I’ve recommended Splendid Spoon to numerous clients who struggle with breakfast or lunch planning, particularly those prone to skipping meals or grabbing nutritionally void convenience foods. The transformation in their mid-day energy levels speaks volumes.

Nutritional Profile

While protein content runs slightly lower than some competitors (10-15g per meal), Splendid Spoon compensates with excellent fiber content and functional ingredients like spirulina, turmeric, and plant-based omega-3s. Their smoothies and bowls provide sustained energy without the crash often associated with conventional grab-and-go options.

Each item comes with complete nutritional information, making it easier to track your intake if you’re monitoring specific nutrients. Their focus on whole food ingredients rather than isolated supplements aligns with evidence-based approaches to optimal nutrition for fitness and overall health.

Pricing

Plans start at $70 weekly, with meals averaging $9-$13 per serving. While this puts Splendid Spoon in the mid-to-high price range, the convenience factor and elimination of food waste can actually make it economical compared to buying individual ingredients that might spoil before use.

Best For

Splendid Spoon shines for extremely busy professionals, parents with hectic mornings, and those new to plant-based eating who need easy entry points. It’s also excellent for filling specific meal gaps (like breakfast or lunch) while cooking dinner yourself.

3. Daily Harvest: Superfood Convenience

Daily Harvest has created a niche focusing on frozen, nutrient-dense foods that require minimal preparation. Their aesthetically pleasing cups filled with colorful, organic ingredients have become instantly recognizable in the wellness space—and with good reason.

What Sets It Apart

What impresses me about Daily Harvest is their commitment to nutrient density and ingredient transparency. Each item features whole foods you can actually see and recognize—no mysterious powders or isolates. Their extensive menu of over 80 items spans categories from smoothies and harvest bowls to flatbreads and energy bites.

Daily Harvest excels at incorporating trending superfoods and adaptogens in accessible, delicious ways. Items like their Mint + Cacao Smoothie with chlorophyll or Tomatillo + Pepper Flatbread with plant-based protein make nutrition trends approachable and enjoyable.

Nutritional Profile

Protein content varies significantly by item type, with harvest bowls delivering 10-20g per serving while smoothies typically offer 5-10g. Their real strength lies in micronutrient density and antioxidant content, with ingredients like dragon fruit, acai, and lion’s mane mushroom that are difficult to source and prepare yourself.

According to research published in the journal Nutrients, these types of nutrient-dense plant foods provide compounds that may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress—benefits beyond basic macronutrient considerations.

Pricing

Items range from $8.99 to $11.99 each, with discounts for larger orders. Daily Harvest functions on an à la carte model, allowing you to select exactly what appeals to you rather than receiving predetermined meals.

Best For

Daily Harvest works beautifully for health-conscious individuals who appreciate superfood nutrition but have minimal preparation time. It’s particularly suited to those who enjoy simple food preparation (like blending or heating) but want to skip the shopping and chopping steps.

4. Veestro: Fully-Prepared Plant Meals

Veestro takes a unique approach by focusing exclusively on fully-prepared, frozen meals that require only heating. For those transitioning from conventional frozen dinners to plant-based eating, Veestro offers the most familiar format and experience.

What Sets It Apart

Unlike many competitors that focus on bowls or deconstructed meals, Veestro offers traditional meal formats—think Country Fried Chick’n with mashed potatoes or Enchilada Casserole. This approach makes plant-based eating feel accessible and familiar rather than foreign.

Their heat-and-eat model requires virtually no effort, making it perfect for those evenings when cooking feels impossible. As a dietitian, I often recommend Veestro to clients in transition periods—new parents, those recovering from illness, or individuals working extremely demanding schedules.

Nutritional Profile

Veestro offers the highest protein content among our reviewed services, with meals averaging 15-25g per serving. Their menu includes specialized filters for high-protein, gluten-free, nut-free, and low-calorie options, making it easy to find meals that match specific dietary needs.

The portion sizes are notably generous, satisfying even those with heartier appetites—a common concern for those new to plant-based eating. Their use of plant-based proteins like seitan and soy gives meals a substantial, satisfying quality.

Pricing

Meals range from $11.03 to $12.82 per serving, with tiered pricing based on volume (10, 20, or 30 meals). While not the most budget-friendly option, the convenience and shelf-stability (meals keep for 8-10 weeks in the freezer) create real value for many lifestyles.

Best For

Veestro excels for plant-based beginners, singles, and those who prioritize convenience above all else. It’s particularly well-suited to individuals transitioning from conventional frozen dinners who want familiar formats with plant-based ingredients.

5. Green Chef: Organic Plant-Powered Kits

Green Chef distinguishes itself as a USDA-certified organic meal kit service offering a dedicated “Plant-Powered” plan. For those unwilling to compromise on organic certification, Green Chef provides premium ingredients with chef-developed recipes.

What Sets It Apart

The organic certification is Green Chef’s standout feature—a rarity among meal kit services. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture extends to their packaging, with eco-friendly materials used whenever possible. For environmentally conscious consumers, this alignment of values adds significant appeal.

Their recipe development demonstrates sophisticated culinary knowledge, with complex flavor profiles and elegant plating suggestions. Dishes like Harissa-Spiced Cauliflower Bowls and Maple Glazed Carrots with Farro bring restaurant-quality meals to your home kitchen.

Nutritional Profile

Green Chef provides detailed nutritional information for every recipe, with plant-based meals typically delivering 15-25g of protein per serving. Their approach to nutrition emphasizes whole food ingredients rather than processed alternatives, creating naturally balanced meals.

The organic certification means you’re avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers—a priority for many health-conscious consumers. According to research published in the journal Nutrients, organic produce may contain higher levels of certain antioxidants and lower levels of pesticide residues.

Pricing

At $10.49-$11.99 per serving, Green Chef sits in the premium category, reflecting their organic certification and high-quality ingredients. The price decreases with larger orders, making it more economical for families than individuals.

Best For

Green Chef is ideal for organic-focused consumers who enjoy cooking but want the convenience of pre-portioned ingredients and tested recipes. It’s perfect for households where cooking is viewed as an enjoyable activity rather than a chore, and where organic certification is non-negotiable.

Comparison of Top Plant Based Meal Plans

To help you make the most informed decision, I’ve created this at-a-glance comparison of key features across all five services:

• Purple Carrot: $11.99-$12.99/serving, partial organic ingredients, cooking required, 15-20g protein/meal, excels at global flavors
• Splendid Spoon: $9-$13/serving, some organic ingredients, ready-to-eat, 10-15g protein/meal, perfect for grab-and-go needs
• Daily Harvest: $8.99-$11.99/item, mostly organic, minimal prep required, 5-20g protein/item, focused on superfoods
• Veestro: $11.03-$12.82/meal, limited organic options, heat-only preparation, 15-25g protein/meal, traditional meal formats
• Green Chef: $10.49-$11.99/serving, USDA certified organic, cooking required, 15-25g protein/meal, premium ingredients

The best choice depends entirely on your personal priorities. Do you value convenience above all? Splendid Spoon or Veestro might be your match. Is organic certification non-negotiable? Green Chef stands out. Want to build cooking skills? Purple Carrot offers education alongside nutrition.

Conclusion

Adopting a plant based meal plan has never been easier thanks to these innovative services. As a nutrition professional, I’ve seen remarkable health transformations when clients find the right support system for their dietary goals—whether that’s weight management, increased energy, improved digestion, or simply incorporating more plants into their routine.

When selecting your ideal service, be honest about your lifestyle needs and priorities. The perfect plant based meal plan isn’t just about nutrition—it’s about finding a solution that integrates seamlessly into your life, making healthy eating the path of least resistance.

Many of these services offer introductory discounts, making it affordable to experiment before committing. I often suggest that clients try 2-3 different services to discover which truly resonates with their taste preferences and lifestyle needs.

Remember that plant-based eating exists on a spectrum—you don’t need to be 100% plant-based to experience benefits. Even incorporating a few plant-based meals weekly can significantly impact your health and environmental footprint.

Which service appeals most to you? Have you tried any of these plant based meal plans? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does “plant based” mean in these meal plans?

Plant based means the meals focus primarily or exclusively on ingredients derived from plants, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These meals contain no animal products like meat, dairy, eggs, or honey.

Will I get enough protein from a plant based meal plan?

Yes, well-designed plant based meals provide adequate protein through combinations of legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Most services reviewed offer 15-25g of protein per serving, meeting typical nutritional recommendations.

Are plant based meal plans good for weight loss?

Plant based meal plans can support weight management due to their typically high fiber content and lower caloric density. Services like Veestro offer specific weight loss plans with portion-controlled meals designed for calorie management.

How much time do I need to prepare these meals?

Preparation time varies significantly between services. Splendid Spoon and Veestro require only heating (0-3 minutes), Daily Harvest needs minimal prep (3-5 minutes), while Purple Carrot and Green Chef involve cooking (20-30 minutes).

Are these meal plans environmentally friendly?

Plant based diets generally have lower environmental footprints than animal-product-heavy diets. While meal delivery services do create packaging waste, many use recyclable materials, and the reduction in food waste can offset some environmental impact.