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The 7 Best Plant-Based Meal Delivery Services For a Nutrient-Packed Diet

Braelyn Wood
Author: Expert reviewer:
November 10, 2023
Braelyn Wood
mbg Deputy Commerce Editor
By Braelyn Wood
mbg Deputy Commerce Editor
Braelyn Wood is the Deputy Commerce Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism from Northwestern University, along with a certificate in marketing.
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
Expert review by
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN is a Registered Dietician Nutritionist with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from Texas Christian University and a master’s in nutrition interventions, communication, and behavior change from Tufts University. She lives in Newport Beach, California, and enjoys connecting people to the food they eat and how it influences health and wellbeing.
Best Plant Based Meal Delivery Hero Food on Oragne Background
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November 10, 2023
We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our commerce guidelines. Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links.

When someone mentions plant-based eating, your mind likely wanders to lush salads and smoothie bowls chock-full of superfoods. But a well-rounded plant-based diet goes far beyond these basics—and the easiest way to expand your understanding of the diet is with the help of the best plant-based meal delivery services. 

These curated offerings deliver fruit-and-veggie-packed meals directly to your front door, benefiting both new plant-based eaters and longtime herbivores alike.

You'll save time on food prep and use less brain power mapping out an equally nutritious and satisfying meal.

Plus, there are a wide variety of services available to suit different lifestyles, including fully frozen foods, fresh-prepped fare, and meal kits with all the ingredients to channel your inner Ina Garten.

A quick look at the best plant-based meal delivery services

What is a plant-based diet? 

Unlike vegetarianism or veganism, a plant-based diet has a less defined meaning. Dietitian Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN, clarifies that although it's often used interchangeably with vegan, plant-based actually refers to a diet focused "primarily on plant foods." 

The push to eat more fruits and veggies has been around for most since childhood, but this plant-powered way of eating gained traction in the last couple of years for its slew of benefits.

To craft your perfect plant-based meal, Palmer suggests sticking to the general plate breakdown of 25% protein, 25% whole grains, and 50% fruits and veggies with healthy fats or plant milk alternatives on the side.

Most importantly, she suggests looking for whole plant foods like whole grains, fruits, veggies, nuts, and plant proteins such as tofu, tempeh, or pulses.

How we picked

  • Variety: We considered how much of the menu actually catered to plant-based eating versus the overall number of menu items. Our final picks offered at least five options each week.
  • Dietary needs: We believe in the power of taking charge of your health by customizing your diet to your individual needs. Filters for allergens and dietary preferences were essential to our ranking.
  • Sustainability: Meal boxes get a bad rep for waste, but we searched for the companies trying to change that notion. We vetted each brand's commitment to staying green as part of our requirements.
  • Price: Every food budget is different, so we provided a range of options that suit different budgets with the goal of keeping servings affordable.
Best for home chefs

Hungryroot

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Image by mbg creative
Image by mbg creative
Image by mbg creative
Shipping fee
Free
Organic
Prioritizes organic when possible
Dietary considerations
Gluten-free, Nut-free, Pescatarian, Vegetarian, Dairy-free, Vegan, Egg-free, Soy-free, Shellfish-free

A robust catalog of recipes gives Hungryroot users the ability to use their delivered ingredients in a variety of ways—whether it's transforming lemon-herb tofu into a curry tofu wrap or fajita bowl. 

Why we picked it

By putting the control back into the hands of the home chef, the brand empowers people to expand their palate and consider new ways to use their ingredients to reduce food waste. 

You'll have the choice to shop a la carte ingredients or curated recipes for your weekly delivery, which starts at $65 per box. Both options allow users to filter by dietary preferences like gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, nut-free, egg-free, and shellfish-free. 

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Easy to adapt to taste buds

Cons

  • Excess packaging
  • Repetitive flavors

Example meals

We've tested out Hungryroot including these plant-based meals. If you're a whiz in the kitchen, the flavors might leave something to be desired. But for a fast and easy meals, here's our review:

  • Chickpea and Avocado Sriracha Chopped Salad: Our tester was obsessed with this dish and was blown away by how creamy and flavorful it was for such simple ingredients.
  • Peanutty Veggie Noodles with Tofu and Crispy Brussels: The peanut sauce is especially tangy, so it may be an unconventional flavor for those who prefer something sweeter or saltier, however the tofu packs enough flavor to counter the zing and add flavor to the Brussel sprouts and noodles.

Sustainability & quality

While not every item is organic, Hungryroot aims to prioritize as many non-GMO products as it can. Shipping materials are also curbside recyclable sans the ice pack—a newly launched pouch uses a nontoxic gel that can be poured down the sink or used to feed your plants (!!!). Unfortunately, the brand does source groceries from a variety of companies, which makes further recycling instructions difficult to track down. 

Recipe nutrition score

Score: B+

Registered dietician nutritionist Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN reviewed the nutritional label for the Peanutty Veggie Noodles with Tofu and Crispy Brussels and gave the final product a B. She liked that the meal provided lots of fiber, which is essential for optimal gut health and healthy bowel movements. Knudsen also noted the meal was "really good on sodium" and "low in added sugars" despite including sauce. However, she noted the recipe may be higher in fat than some people may wish for (about 60% of calories).

What our tester says

"If you love the process of buying all your ingredients in the store and spending a considerable amount of time on a fancy recipe, this might not be the meal delivery service for you," they wrote, "I plan to use Hungryroot again when I know I'm going to be particularly busy because I did find it to be a helpful, streamlined way to approach the week's menu."

order from hungryroot
Image by mbg creative / mbg creative
Best budget-friendly

Mosaic

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Image by Mosaic
Image by Mosaic
$15 off your first order: MINDBODYGREEN2023
View on Mosaic | View price
Dietary considerations
Nut-free, Dairy-free, Plant-based, Egg-free, Soy-free
Type
Frozen meal
Max meals per week
18

Mosaic's family portions start at just $5 per serving, making it one of the most affordable options on the list. Crafted by chefs, the plant-based menu contains veggie bowls, soups, oat bowls, and family-sized bakes crafted without added sugars or artificial ingredients.

Why we picked it

Delivered to your door weekly, every item contains at least four veggies, maximizing the biodiversity of your meals.

While low-carb eaters may struggle to find enough options, it's possible to filter out high-protein recipes and allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and wheat. The hardest part will be deciding what to try first: roasted garlic cauliflower soup, butternut squash risotto, or beet bourguignon. 

Pros & cons

Pros

  • More affordable
  • Variety of options

Cons

  • Paper cups may not be recyclable near you

Example meals

After trying more than a dozen different Mosaic meals spread across a few orders, mindbodygreen testers considered these plant-based picks the most delicious options:

  • Eggplant Masala & Mango Chutney: Who knew a microwave dish could pack this much flavor? The tender eggplant is perfectly seasoned with garam masala, ginger, cardamom and cinnamon. While the addition of mango is jarring at first, it perfectly balances the dish with a lighter, slightly sweet flavor.
  • Pozole Verde: The perfect fall dish, this flavorful soup packs beans for protein and pepita seeds for healthy fats in a warm, tangy tomatillo base. Reviewers could eat this at least once a week (and one did)!

Sustainability & quality

Mosaic sticks to frozen meals because they create less manufacturing waste and help buyers reduce their risk of food waste. This commitment to sustainability continues with the packaging with a curbside recyclable box, lining papers, boxes, and trays (though you'll need to give these a rinse). You'll likely need to make a trip to your local grocery store or recycling center to recycle the plastic film on the trays.

Recipe nutrition score

Score: A-

Knudsen reviewed the nutritional label for the Eggplant Masala & Mango Chutney and was impressed by the ingredients. She liked that the bowl incorporated a variety of whole plant foods (and we all know the importance of biodiversity in our diet), however Knudsen warned the recipe may be too low in protein for some (~10% of calories) and too high in fat for others (~39% of calories).

What our tester says

"My gut reaction to frozen food has always been negative, but I can officially say that Mosaic has changed my point of view by offering whole foods, delicious frozen foods that tasted like I could've made them (and I mean that as a compliment). As a vegetarian who prides herself on impressing even the meat eaters in her life with delicious food, I feel confident that even carnivores would be impressed by these recipes—and the price."

Mosaic Foods Delivery Image Taken by Author
Image by mbg creative
Best for groups

Green Chef

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Image by Green Chef
Image by Green Chef
Image by Green Chef
$250 Off + free shipping: MBG250
View on Green Chef | View price
Dietary considerations
Gluten-free, Paleo, Keto, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-calorie
Type
Meal kit, Fresh entrée
Max meals per week
4

Green Chef's menu also accounts for omnivores, so it only offers nine plant-based recipes every week—but the brand makes up for the more limited selection by offering up to six servings per recipe. This allows for large families to take advantage of the meal delivery service without anyone fighting for leftovers, a likely occurrence thanks to delicious options like black bean flautas and caramelized onion and apple melts. 

Why we picked it

Every hand-packed box is filled with pre-measured portions of all the ingredients you'll need for a nutritious meal, and each recipe takes less than 30 minutes. 

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Certified organic
  • 6-serving portions

Cons

  • Fewer menu options

Example meals

  • Baja Cauliflower Bowls with rice, corn, roasted red peppers, chipotle aïoli, cashews
  • Black Bean Flautas with kale salad, broiled corn, and guacamole

Sustainability & quality

Green Chef is the very first USDA-certified organic meal delivery kit—but the ethos on quality doesn't end there. It also offsets 100% of its carbon emissions and focuses on completely recyclable packaging. Plus, the brand even partners with sustainability organizations to ensure they stay as green as possible.

Recipe nutrition score

Score: D

Knudsen reviewed the nutritional label for the Baja Cauliflower Bowls and felt there was room for improvement; she noted the recipe was high in sodium (almost 60% of the daily 2,400mg recommendation) and much lower in fiber than many other plant-based meals. Beyond that, it also had a fairly high fat macro breakdown, which also leads to more calories per serving than may suit some people's needs. Knudsen also noted the recipe lacked a significant protein source beyond nuts.

Best variety

Purple Carrot

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Image by Purple Carrot
Image by Purple Carrot
Image by Purple Carrot
$30 off first box: MBG30
View on Purple Carrot | From $55
Dietary considerations
Gluten-free, High-protein, Soy-free, Low-calorie
Type
Meal kit, Fresh èntree
Max meals per week
4

The options never end with Purple Carrot's selection of plant-powered meals. The meal delivery service offers up to 24 menu items every week spanning breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Why we picked it

A majority of the menu is available as meal kits with a limited (and pricier!) selection of premade items available.

Past selections like crispy harissa tofu, scallion mushroom dumplings, and lemon-braised chickpeas showcase the depth of options available—and that's just the tip of the iceberg. You can also add on pantry items like vegan pesto, cheese, and sausage for extra excitement. Plus, the assortment can be filtered for dietary needs, such as low-calorie or high-protein meals, as well as allergy information for soy, gluten, and nuts. 

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Adaptable to dietary needs

Cons

  • Not fully organic

Example meals

  • Falafel bowl with harissa glazed carrots and dill garlic sauce
  • Loaded avocado toast with dill and seeds
  • Sumac tofu fattoush with kalamata olives and creamy cucumber dressing

Sustainability & quality

While the brand prioritizes organic produce, it doesn't guarantee a completely GMO-free meal. However, shelf-stable ingredients are most likely organic, according to the brand. Plus, the company supports the Farmlink Project and offers an in-depth guide on how to recycle the leftover packaging from your order. 

Recipe nutrition score

Score: A

Knudsen only had positive things to say about Purple Carrot's Sumac Tofu Fattoush recipe. She called the meal nutritionally balanced with a high-quality protein source (extra-firm protein), 11g of fiber, and no added sugars. Plus, she calls out the meal for packing 30% of the daily recommended calcium.

Best for weight loss

Daily Harvest

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Image by Daily Harvest
Image by Daily Harvest
Image by Daily Harvest
Image by Daily Harvest
Image by Daily Harvest
Up to $40 off your first box: MBG40
View on Daily Harvest | View on Daily Harvest
Dietary considerations
Nut-free, Dairy-free, High-protein, Plant-based, Egg-free, Soy-free, Allergen-free
Type
Frozen meal
Max meals per week
24

Be sure to clear out your freezer before placing an order from Daily Harvest's fully plant-based menu—it's impossible to walk away from the brand's robust lineup of smoothies, bowls, bakes, and flatbreads without wanting to try it all. Luckily, crafting your menu is super simple with options to filter for your taste buds or eight dietary needs, like keto, paleo, or low sugar.

Why we picked it

Regardless of your choices, you can rest assured knowing that there won't be any gluten, dairy, refined sugar, or GMOs in your next delivery. Plus, an abundance of low-calorie options makes this a choice for those seeking a meal delivery for weight loss.

Whether you opt for a spinach and shiitake grit bowl or an açai and cherry smoothie, your vegan goodies will arrive completely frozen and need minimal prep work. Think a few minutes in the blender or half an hour in the oven. Not to mention, there's even a line of dairy-free frozen desserts crafted with whole foods and natural sweeteners. 

Pros & cons

Pros

  • 100+ menu items
  • Easy prep

Cons

  • Cups not curbside recyclable

Example meals

We have a full Daily Harvest Review for those who want even more intel on this plant-based brand, but these are some of mbg's tester's top picks:

  • Chocolate + Blueberry Smoothie: One of our editors loves this smoothie so much, she's purchased an entire delivery with just this recipe. So while $9 may seem steep for ingredients you still need to blend yourself, she claims you can't find (or make) anything that tastes this good. Plus, there's kale and a hormone-balancing superfood hiding in this one.
  • Cremini + Asparagus Pot Pie: This plant-based take on a chicken pot pie packs plenty of flavor and a variety of veggies with a creamy, dairy-free base that tastes pretty darn close to the real thing. The perfect snack or side dish to a meal, it's a great mid-day way to get a warm, nutrient-packed dish.

Sustainability & quality

The brand has a long-term goal to be 100% compostable, recyclable, and virgin-plastic-free—and we're pretty impressed by its sustainability steps so far. The cups are the only paper that's not curbside recyclable, and a few plastics require extra attention. Plus, the brand supports farmers in making the swap to organic farming with more biodiversity.

Recipe nutrition score

Score: B

Knudsen gave the Daily Harvest Black Bean Cheeze Bowl a solid B, noting that the low-calorie entrée may not offer enough energy for some people. She also flagged that the meal could benefit from additional protein from plant-based sources, such as legumes or tofu.

What our tester says

"Daily Harvest makes it possible to eat nutritious meals even when you're in a time crunch. While the service isn't ideal for those on a tight budget or anyone following a low-carb/high-protein diet, it's a great option for anyone who wants to increase their fruit and vegetable intake without spending a ton of time in the kitchen."

Daily harvest bites next to a blended smoothie in mason jar
Image by mbg creative
Best premade

Sprinly

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Image by Sprinly
Dietary considerations
Gluten-free, Nut-free, Plant-based, Soy-free, Refined sugar-free
Type
Fresh èntree
Max meals per week
18

Need a fully prepared meal but don't have any more freezer space to spare? Opt for Sprinly's plant-based meal delivery service, which delivers fresh plant-based entrées right to your door.

Why we picked it

Each week features a new rotation of six menu items, like the smoky bunless beet burger or pesto zucchini noodles, which all take less than three minutes to reheat. 

Nationwide deliveries arrive every Tuesday with options to skip or pause your subscription online at any time. Despite more streamlined offerings, the menu typically includes multiple nut-, soy-, and gluten-free options each week.

Example meal

  • Mushroom and lentil burger with ranch salad
  • Almond ginger quinoa bowl with roasted sweet potatoes and sliced apples

Sustainability & quality

The only packaging you can't recycle from your delivery is the ice pack, but Sprinly suggests thoughtful ways to give it a second life. The quality continues with nutritious high-quality recipes that prioritize organic ingredients and no preservatives or artificial sweeteners.

Recipe nutrition score

Score: C

Knudsen felt the brand's Roasted Tahini "Butter" Sweet Potatoes with Red Rice and Sweet Lemon Kale could benefit from a few improvements. She noted the meal was not well-balanced from a macro perspective, making it "high carbohydrates" while "very low in protein." Plus, the recipe lacked non-starchy vegetables and a high quality protein source, which could be small at-home improvements.

Best for plant-based beginners

Sunbasket

burgers lettuce wrapped
Type
Meal kit
Dietary considerations
Gluten-free, Low-carb, Paleo, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Vegetarian, Dairy-free
Max meals per week
5

Sunbasket offers both vegan and vegetarian options, but it's not a purely plant-based menu. This allows for some wiggle room for newer herbivores while still exposing them to veggie-focused recipes, like sesame tempeh and North Indian aloo gobi with potatoes and cauliflower.

Why we picked it

There's a handful of fresh, ready-to-eat options available, like microwave-ready sweet pea and broccoli risotto. 

Plus, the menu can be filtered for a range of other dietary needs such as paleo, gluten-free, carb-conscious, or lean & clean. 

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Ready-to-eat meals available
  • Suits many diets

Cons

  • Long prep time
  • Smaller menu

Example meals

  • Tofu burgers with Korean BBQ glaze, pickled daikon, and cucumber salad
  • Black rice bowls with delicata squash, pear, and cashew dressing

Sustainability & quality

Regardless of your selection, you can expect 99% USDA organic ingredients with notifications any time the brand subs in nonorganic ingredients. When your box arrives, most components are curbside recyclable except the plastic bags, which will require a special visit to your local recycling center.

Recipe nutrition score

Score: B

Although Knudsen was impressed by the brand's low-sodium and low-sugar Deconstructed Samosas recipe—which focuses on whole ingredients and no preservatives—she noted the lack of protein. "Protein really should reach the minimum of 10%, especially at this calorie range," she says.

The takeaway

A plant-based meal delivery service makes it easier than ever to incorporate more whole plant foods into your diet—and there are plenty of worthy options for every budget, palate, and schedule.

Whether you need a prepared meal or prefer a kit to maximize your culinary skills with new plant-based recipes, our lineup has the perfect pick for you vetted for sustainability, quality, variety, and adaptability.

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