Best Chef-Crafted Vegan Meal Delivery Service
CookUnity
Best Chef-Crafted Vegan Meal Delivery Service
CookUnity
Pros
- Chef-crafted
- Commitment-free, flexible subscription plans
- No preparation required
- Restaurant-quality at-home dining
Cons
- Returnable package programs only available in LA and NY
- No customizations
The pull of CookUnity is that it’s developed and created by pro chefs who prioritize quality ingredients that are locally sourced. For a non-vegan brand, its plant-based meal options are incredibly diverse and actually tasty. Think: Black bean enchiladas, cauliflower tikka masala, and roasted vegetable lasagna.
While the service features meals crafted by chefs in your area, it doesn’t offer too much customization when it comes to each order. When you sign up for the service, you can select your dietary preferences and any allergens that you need to avoid. You can also edit those preferences any time between orders, but you won’t be able to customize each meal to exclude or include certain ingredients. But these guys offer about 200 recipes, spanning cuisines from Haitian to Italian, so you’re more likely than not to find something you like.
Overall, the meals were fresh, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Plus, they come with recyclable packaging, so you can feel good about your carbon footprint.
At around $12-$15 a pop, these meals are priced on-par with fast-casual bowl chains like Cava and Sweetgreen. The subscription plans CookUnity offers are flexible, with the option to pause or cancel your subscription at any time. You can find the company via its site or mobile app, which makes it easy to manage your subscription on the go.
Read more: CookUnity Review
Type of Service | Ready-to-eat |
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Dietary Restrictions | Some plant-based, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available |
Delivery | Delivery available to most 48 contiguous U.S. states, excluding ND, SD, and portions of CO, NE, and MT. |
Pricing | $10.99-$13.99 per serving depending on how many meals and servings you order. A flat fee of $7.99 is applied to orders under $90. |
Packaging | Modified atmosphere packaging technology is partially recyclable; returnable package program available in LA and NY |
Best Value Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Green Chef
Best Value Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Green Chef
Pros
- Great buyer reviews
- Responsive customer service
- 100% organic
- Highly-customizable with add-ons and substitutions
Cons
- Vegan options are more compared to other diets
Buyer and nutrition experts alike have consistently given Green Chef high marks for its chef-crafted meals that deliver nutrition. This meal service offers easy-to-prepare dishes that can be ready to eat in 45 minutes or less, making cooking delicious plant-based meals at home easy. The company is certified organic, too.
Here’s how it works: Start by selecting the vegan option, then choose the size of the box based on the number of people you will be serving. You can select three or four meals per week, and pre-measured ingredients for each recipe are delivered weekly. Some of the most popular vegan options among customers include dishes like bahārāt-spiced couscous salad and kale and bean-stuffed peppers. We’re talking lots of exciting flavors.
Green Chef is known for its high-quality ingredients, fresh and varied meal options, and creative and inventive recipes. One buyer on the brand’s site raved about the exceptional quality and taste of the meals, while another commented on how easy they were to prepare. Multiple reviewers mention the convenience of pre-measured ingredients, the innovative recipes, and the delicious flavors.
Read more: Best Vegan Protein Powder
Type of Service | Meal kits |
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Dietary Restrictions | Many plant-based, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available |
Delivery | Available throughout the contiguous 48 states |
Pricing | $12-$13 per serving depending on the plan you choose |
Packaging | Made from recycled, reusable and/or compostable materials |
Most Customizable Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Purple Carrot
Most Customizable Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Purple Carrot
Pros
- 100% vegan option
- Highly customizable
- Chef-crafted
- Offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and dessert options
Cons
- Pricey
- Uses quite a bit of plastic
Founded in 2014, Purple Carrot offers flavorful and creative meal kits and prepared meals. It delivers nationwide, and can also be found at Target. We love the variety of meal plans offered, including a high-protein plan, quick and easy meals, and chef’s choice. Each week, customers can choose from a selection of different recipes, which are designed by the service’s team of chefs to include a nice range of cuisines and flavors.
Not a great cook, but looking to learn? Opt for the low-prep, foolproof meal kits, which have pre-portioned ingredients with recipes that are easy to follow. Bonus: the company works hand-in-hand with nutritionists to make sure each meal is nutritionally balanced.
Read more: Vegan Diet and Losing Weight
Type of Service | Meal kits and ready-to-eat meals |
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Dietary Restrictions | 100% plant-based, some gluten-free options available |
Delivery | Delivery available to all 48 contiguous U.S. states, and some meals are available for purchase in the frozen aisle at Target. |
Pricing | Meals range between $11 and $13.25 per serving depending on how many meals and servings you order. Prepared meals are a standard $13 each. |
Packaging | The box and liners are recyclable and the boxes are made from recycled cardboard. Internal packaging is not yet recyclable. Specific instructions are available at purplecarrot.com/recycle. |
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Best Variety Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Splendid Spoon
Best Variety Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Splendid Spoon
Pros
- 100% gluten free and vegan
- non-GMO
- Dinner servings are generous and filling
- Wide variety of menu options and flavors
Cons
- Pricey
- Uses a considerable amount of plastic packaging
What started out as a vegan soup company has grown into arguably one of the tastiest vegan and gluten-free meal delivery services on the market. Splendid Spoon crafts its dishes with simple ingredients and great taste, offering smoothies, soups, grain bowls and so much more.
Each week, subscribers can choose from over 65 animal-free options. Which, compared to other brands with vegan offerings, is a huge selection. All ingredients are non-GMO, too, if that’s important to you.
Orders are available for 7, 14 or 21 meals at a time, and can be highly customized to your needs and preferences. An additional on-demand option lets clients make a one-time purchase of certain items in bulk. Unfortunately, a lot of the products come wrapped in plastic packaging that can’t be recycled.
A standout feature: Blood-sugar-friendly meals, which may be suitable for those with medical needs.
Read more: Vegan Diet for Weight Loss
Type of Service | Ready-to-eat meals and snacks |
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Dietary Restrictions | 100% plant-based, many gluten-free options available |
Delivery | Available throughout the contiguous 48 states. |
Pricing | $70-$195 per box |
Packaging | Boxes, plastic bottles and bowls are 100% BPA-free and recyclable |
Best Vegan Meal Delivery Service for Flexitarians
Factor
Best Vegan Meal Delivery Service for Flexitarians
Factor
Pros
- High-protein options
- Ideal for single-person households
- Extensive weekly menu
Factor offers a rotating menu of 35 chef-crafted dishes every week, from comfort food classics to international cuisines. I put them to the test for a week and was impressed by the variety, quality, and simplicity. No cooking skills required with this one—just heat and eat.
Let’s get one thing straight: Factor does not specialize in vegan meals, nor do they offer many customizations to make dishes vegan-friendly. However, if you’re not a picky eater and are okay with ordering from a slim section of their weekly menu, the plant-based options will not disappoint. The mushroom bolognese stole the show among the Factor meals I tasted, with rich, meatless-but-somehow-meaty texture and perfectly balanced flavors. Even after microwaving, it retained its taste and texture, making it a weeknight dinner I’ve craved and *attempted* to recreate ever since trying it.
Each single-serving meal arrives in a BPA-free plastic tray sealed with plastic film, all neatly placed within a recyclable cardboard sleeve. In the Factor package I received, there were a total of 19 packaging components. Out of these, about half could be recycled, while the remaining half went in the trash.
Factor’s pricing operates on a tiered system, meaning the more meals you order weekly, the lower the cost per meal becomes. For instance, if you opt for six meals per week, each one will cost $13.49 ($80.94 total). If you choose the 18-meal plan, the per-meal price decreases to $10.99, amounting to a total of $197.82. There’s also a flat-rate shipping fee of $10.99, which is added to each overall delivery cost.
Read more: Vegan, Vegetarian, and Plant-Based Diets
Type of Service | Ready-to-eat |
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Dietary Restrictions | Some vegan, vegetarian, paleo, and gluten-free options available |
Delivery | Available throughout the contiguous 48 states. |
Pricing | $10.99-$13.49 per meal |
Packaging | ~50% recyclable paper and plastic packaging |
Best Gluten-Free Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Thistle
Best Gluten-Free Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Thistle
Pros
- Cheaper than similar fresh meal services
- All meals are gluten-free and can be made vegan
- Ingredients sourced from local farms
- Punctual and reliable delivery
Cons
- Limited menu options each week
- Lots of salads, which lose freshness after a day or two
Thistle offers a more budget-friendly alternative to premium meal services like Sakara Life or Methodology. I recently tried a week of Thistle’s meals, snacks, and smoothies to gauge their quality and value, and found that it’s one of the best options available for gluten-free folks.
Thistle delivers only fresh meals, never frozen or vacuum-sealed, and each meal can be enjoyed straight from the fridge or quickly heated in a skillet for a hot meal. The brand does fresh, minimally processed foods well, and in a creative way that most healthy meal delivery services can’t compete with.
I sampled a variety of Thistle’s offerings, including warm veggie Thai curry, salads, and chocolately protein-packed desserts. Everything was tasty and nutritious, and I loved seeing functional ingredients like tart cherry powder and spirulina.
The produce was fresh, but some items (namely, salad greens) lost their crispness after a couple of days. For that reason, I recommend eating the salads/fresh meals first, and the stir-fry, heated meals last to optimize your experience throughout the week.
Similar to competitors, Thistle’s pricing varies depending on the number of meals ordered per week. Opting for larger meal plans reduces the cost per meal, making it a more economical choice, but it’s not the most affordable subscription on this list. However, on average, the meals are cheaper than similar premium meal services such as Methodology and Sakara Life.
Type of Service | Ready-to-eat meals and snacks |
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Dietary Restrictions | 100% plant-based and gluten-free plans |
Delivery | Available across the greater West Coast and major metropolitan areas in the North East and Mid-Atlantic. |
Pricing | $10.65-$18.77 per meal |
Packaging | 100% recyclable plastic containers; reusable/returnable ice packs |
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Best Budget-Friendly Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Mosaic Foods
Best Budget-Friendly Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Mosaic Foods
Pros
- Free of preservatives
- Offers family-style portions
- Reasonable price
- 100% plant-based menu
Cons
- Not available in all regions
Mosaic Foods is a recent addition to the plant-based meal delivery market, offering a range of vegan and vegetarian flash-frozen meals that are ready-to-heat, and are suitable for families. These meals include veggie bowls, family meals, smoothies, soups, and oat bowls. The company has even teamed up with with top chefs in New York City to create Mosaic+, a selection of restaurant-quality meals that can be delivered to customers’ homes.
To get started, customers can choose from plans with 6, 12, or 18 meal options per box and select from a variety of breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and side options. These meals can be customized according to dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, wheat-free, nut-free, and high-protein dishes, and delivery is available every one to four weeks. Some of the most popular dishes among customers include peanut tofu bowls, coconut chickpea curry, and tangy Thai stir fry.
According to our experts, the brand’s delicious and flavorful plant-based meals come in generous portion sizes, including family meals that can feed up to four people.
Type of Service | Ready-to-eat meals and snacks |
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Dietary Restrictions | 100% plant-based |
Delivery | Delivers to most major metro areas in the Eastern and Western United States. |
Pricing | $5.99-$20. Free shipping for orders over $100. |
Packaging | Everything that comes in the box is fully curbside recyclable. |
Best Eco-Friendly Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Methodology, Inc.
Best Eco-Friendly Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Methodology, Inc.
Pros
- Utilizes high-end, diverse ingredients
- Chef-crafted
- Zero waste returnable packaging available in CA
- Fine-dining quality
- Robust, ever-changing menu with many vegan options
- Responsive customer service
Cons
- Expensive
- Cannot customize each dish
Methodology, Inc. is a Southern California based company that partners with local farmers and suppliers to source the highest quality ingredients for its meals. And now, it’s available nation-wide.
While the menu isn’t 100-percent vegan, the variety of options available sans animal products is massive. Subscribers can choose from a selection of plans, including a la carte add-ons like Lion’s Mane Truffle “Cheesy” Sprouted Nuts and Omega-3 Peanut Butter Cup Protein Balls.
In addition to regular meal plans, Methodology offers specialized subscriptions for athletes and guys seeking weight loss or weight gain. The company provides detailed nutritional information for each meal, including calorie and macronutrient counts. Typically, meals range from 350 to 450 calories per serving, but larger portions are available.
We won’t lie, this service is not cheap. But if you’ve got money to spend, this is the next-best thing (or maybe even better) to a real private chef.
Type of Service | Ready-to-eat |
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Dietary Restrictions | Vegan and vegetarian meals available; 100% gluten-free |
Delivery | Available nationwide |
Pricing | Meals range from $18 to $28 per serving. |
Packaging | All meals, snacks, drinks, and desserts are packaged in glass; packaging can be returned for sanitization and reuse in CA only. |
Most Local Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Territory Foods
Most Local Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Territory Foods
Pros
- Single-portion sizes are generous
- On-staff team of registered dietitians
- Crafted by local restaurants, chefs, and small businesses
- 100% dairy and gluten free
- No refined sugar
Cons
- Vegan options can be limited, depending on the week
Featuring locally-sourced ingredients and recyclable packaging, Territory is our go-to pick for the most sustainable meal delivery service.
The brand partners with certified dietitians, chefs, and restaurateurs to produce single-portion, macro-nutrient-rich meals in commercial kitchens. Customers can select between four to 12 meals from a weekly changing menu based on their zip code.
Buyers can filter menu options by various dietary choices, including vegan, Whole30, paleo, keto-friendly, and even pre- and post-natal diets. But among the vegan options, there’s considerably less variety than for other diets.
Type of Service | Ready-to-eat meals |
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Dietary Restrictions | Some vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available |
Delivery | Delivery is available throughout the contiguous 48 states. |
Pricing | Meals range from $13 to $18 per serving; 6, 8, 10, orr 12 meals must be ordered at a time. |
Packaging | 100% recyclable |
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Best One-Stop Shop Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Hungryroot
Best One-Stop Shop Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Hungryroot
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Offer a la carte grocery selections
- Meal kits and fully-prepped meals available
- Menu lacks diversity among cuisine
Hungryroot is a catchall service that provides meal kits, prepared meals, and groceries. You can order from the brand for just one of the options, or opt for a mix of any of the three.
First time users complete an online quiz about their food preferences, dietary restrictions, and serving needs for extra customized food options. Hungryroots also sells fresh produce, plant-based proteins, and snacks. The meal kits offered by the company come with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes, which reviewers report are actually easy to follow.
The fully prepared meals, on the other hand, are designed to be heated up in minutes. All items are free from highly refined oils and additives like artificial sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and preservatives, too.
Read more: Vegan vs. Vegetarian
Type of Service | Ready-to-eat meals, meal kits, and groceries |
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Dietary Restrictions | Some vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available |
Delivery | Available to most zip codes in in the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C. |
Pricing | Plans start at $70. |
Packaging | 100% recyclable including the box, paper cooler, food protector and ice packs |
Best Celiac-Safe Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Sprinly
Best Celiac-Safe Vegan Meal Delivery Service
Sprinly
Pros
- Free of refined sugar, preservatives, and highly refined oils
- Safe for those with celiac disease
- Generous portions
- No preparation required
Sprinly focuses on delivering delicious, healthy, and nutrient-dense vegan meals safe for those with celiac disease. The company was founded in 2016 by Mary McCarty and Ray Leach, who wanted to create a convenient and sustainable way for people to eat healthier.
The menu changes weekly and is 100-percent plant-based and gluten free, featuring organic, non-GMO, and locally sourced ingredients. And the packaging is mostly biodegradable, meaning it’s a great choice for the eco-conscious eater. Buyers can choose between customizable plans, including options for soy-free, and nut-free diets.
Customers can choose between six, 12, or 19 meals weekly or bi-weekly, too, depending on what is best for their schedule. You can even skip a week, change plans, or cancel without penalty.
Oh, and the meals are delivered fresh, never frozen.
Read more: Best Vegan Fast Food
Type of Service | Ready-to-eat meals |
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Dietary Restrictions | 100% plant-based and gluten-free |
Delivery | Delivery is available throughout the contiguous 48 states. |
Pricing | Plans start at $109 for six meals, $199 for 12 meals and $289 for 18 meals per week. |
Packaging | The boxes and containers are recyclable and the liners are compostable, recyclable and biodegradable. |
Who is a Vegan Meal Delivery Service for?
From price point to quantity of food to customization, each delivery service may appeal more or less to a certain individual. But because of the convenience factor and general price point, these subscription boxes have gained the most popularity with busy working professionals and 1-2 person households. Because of the amount of single-use paper and plastic shipping and packaging materials required to transport these boxes to your doorstep, it may not be the best option for larger households.
They’re well suited for consumers who are committed to a vegan lifestyle already, but also provide an ideal way to explore plant-based eating for omnivores who are interested. With these services, you can explore new plant-based dishes and ingredients from the comfort of your own home.
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Type of Vegan Meal Delivery Service: Ready-to-Eat Meals vs. Meal Kits
The initial decision you’ll need to make is whether to opt for meal kits or prepared meals. Vegan meal kits offer a balance between convenience and expanding your cooking skills, as they streamline the process while still requiring some level of preparation. If you’re interested in refining your plant-based Chef skills or experimenting with new vegan and vegetarian recipes, a meal kit service would be ideal.
On the flip side, prepared meals offer the most ease and convenience. These services deliver freshly cooked individual meals in insulated boxes, ready to eat or store in the fridge or freezer for whenever you’re ready to eat them. With ready-to-eat meals, there’s typically no cooking required (just heating it up, on occassion), allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a delivery service without any of the time commitment of cooking.
Paul is the Food & Nutrition Editor of Men’s Health. He’s also the author of two cookbooks: Guy Gourmet and A Man, A Pan, A Plan.