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Switching from the typical American diet to a plant-based diet is a big change. It’s like stepping into a whole new world. There are so many recipes and new ingredients, it’s easy to feel lost. If you’ve stood in the grocery store staring at lentils, you are not alone.
That’s where plant-based meal prep kits come in. These kits take away the stress of moving to a plant-based diet. They send you the right ingredients and simple recipes right to your door. This makes eating healthy easier and even fun. Whether you’re just starting out or want to save some time, meal prep kits can help you stick to it without losing taste or variety.
It’s no surprise that these kits are getting popular, especially for busy people. They help you eat well without spending all day in the kitchen and they’re perfect for those who have tried (and failed) to keep veggies fresh in the fridge.
In this guide, we’ll be looking at the best plant-based meal prep kits and share what you need to look for to find the right fit for you and your family. We’ll see what makes them great and how they can kickstart your plant-based meals. By the end, you’ll know how to make meal prep easier and enjoy the perks of a plant-based diet. Let’s dive in!
Why Go for a Plant-Based Meal Prep Kit?
If you’re trying to live a plant-based life, meal prep kits can really help. Let’s be honest. Trying new recipes and figuring out weird ingredients can be tough. This is where meal prep kits shine—they make cooking easier and more fun.
First off, meal prep kits save you a lot of time. Instead of wandering through the grocery store or searching for recipes online, you get everything delivered right to you. With pre-measured ingredients and meals ready to cook, you can go from box to dinner quickly. This is a game changer for busy weeknights when you just want to eat, not spend hours cooking. Plus, plant-based kits are filled with good-for-you ingredients.
These kits also help you eat healthier by focusing on plant-based dishes packed with nutrients. It’s easy to stick to the same boring meals when you start out—hello, endless salads! But these kits introduce you to tasty options like lentil curries or jackfruit tacos. They make trying new flavors fun and less scary. Beginners will find this helpful to learn how to mix flavors and textures, making plant-based cooking feel simple.
Another great perk? Meal prep kits cut down on food waste. Everything is measured just right, so you won’t end up with half a head of cabbage going bad in your fridge. Many companies also use packaging that you can recycle or compost. It’s good for you and the planet.
For newcomers, these kits take away two big challenges: planning and shopping. Let’s face it—standing in the produce section trying to count zucchinis isn’t exciting. Meal prep kits do the tough parts for you. This lets you enjoy cooking and eating even more.
Don’t forget about the environment! Many companies behind these kits aim to have less impact on our planet. They do this with plant-based menus, responsible ingredients, and eco-friendly packaging. By choosing a plant-based meal prep kit, you’re not just improving your diet—you’re also doing something good for the Earth.
What to Look for in a Plant-Based Meal Prep Kit
Picking the right plant-based meal prep kit can be a bit confusing. I’ve been in that spot before, scrolling through tons of reviews. But once you know what to look for, it gets easier.
Nutritional Balance
First off, a good meal kit should be healthy. Look for meals that have a mix of plant proteins, fiber, and other nutrients. You want foods like lentils, quinoa, chickpeas, and colorful veggies. Some kits offer high-protein meals or ingredients like flaxseeds for omega-3s. Always check the nutrition info. You want meals that help you, not just fill you up.
Variety of Meals
Eating the same thing every day can get boring. A great meal prep kit should change things up with different recipes. Variety keeps meals fun! Some kits change their menu every week. If you have picky eaters at home, make sure there are options they will enjoy.
Prep Time
How much time do you want to spend cooking? Some meal kits are quick and easy. Others can be more complex. If you just don’t have the time to cook, there are kits available that have the food prepared and all you have to do is warm them up. On the other hand, if you love cooking and have the time for it, go for the more involved recipes. It can be a fun way to improve your kitchen skills while enjoying good food.
Portion Sizes
Think about who you’re cooking for. Are you just making meals for yourself, or for your whole family? Kits allow you to select for the number of people you need to feed. You can even size the order to make sure you have leftovers and eat it for lunch the next day.
Cost and Flexibility
Let’s talk about money. Meal prep kits can really vary in price. Some are cheap and use simple ingredients. Others cost more but have fancy recipes or organic food.
The good thing is, all five plans we mention below make it easy to pause, skip weeks, or cancel anytime. Traveling? Want a break? Don’t need meals for a week? No problem, you have options.
Also, many companies give discounts on your first box. That way, you can try them out without spending too much. It’s all about finding a plan that works for your budget and how you live.
Dietary Customization
If you have special dietary needs like gluten-free or soy-free, make sure the kit can fit your needs. Most plant-based kits are vegan, but it’s good to check the ingredients and customization options. Some also have choices for those watching calories or wanting low-carb meals.
Best Plant-Based Meal Prep Kits for Beginners
Switching to a plant-based lifestyle can be a lot simpler with help from the right meal prep kit. These kits offer pre-measured ingredients and simple recipes. They make it easy to stick to your goals while enjoying tasty meals. Here’s a look at some great options for beginners.
Purple Carrot
Overview: Purple Carrot is a weekly subscription service that sends you fresh, plant-based ingredients and easy recipes. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone just starting out.
Best For: Beginners who want to cook healthy meals with little effort.
Key Features:
- Pre-measured ingredients help cut down on waste.
- Meals are quick to cook, ready in 30 minutes or less.
- Options for gluten-free and high-protein diets.
- Menu changes often to keep things interesting.
Why It’s Great: Purple Carrot’s recipes are full of exciting flavors from around the world. You can pick your own meals for the week or let their team choose for you. They’ll select meals based on what you like, so you can enjoy tasty plant-based food without any stress.
Daily Harvest
Overview: Daily Harvest delivers frozen smoothies, bowls, soups, and flatbreads. These meals are ready to heat and eat, making it a breeze for beginners.
Best For: Busy folks looking for quick, healthy meals.
Key Features:
- Made from fully plant-based and organic ingredients.
- Freezer-friendly to keep for later.
- Options for meals at any time of the day.
- Simple prep—just blend, heat, or thaw.
Why It’s Great: Daily Harvest offers different bundles of items. If you want to try smoothies, bowls, or whole meals, their bundles let you explore new tastes easily. It’s perfect for busy people. You get convenience and good food!
Green Chef
Overview: Green Chef offers organic meal kits with exciting plant-based options. It’s great for those wanting to explore bold flavors and stay healthy.
Best For: Food adventurers keen to try new things.
Key Features:
- Pre-measured, organic ingredients for easy cooking.
- Customizable meal plans.
- Eco-friendly packaging.
- Recipes draw inspiration from around the world.
Why It’s Great: Green Chef’s recipe cards are easy to follow, which is great for beginners. They use organic ingredients and have new recipes every week. If you like trying different foods, Green Chef has fresh and exciting choices for you each week.
Splendid Spoon
Overview: Splendid Spoon provides ready-to-eat soups, grain bowls, and smoothies. They’re fresh and ready to enjoy right away.
Best For: Beginners or busy people who want convenient, healthy meals.
Key Features:
- Fully vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
- Meals come pre-made—just heat or blend.
- Focus on gut health with ingredients like ginger and greens.
- Flexible plans that need no cooking.
Why It’s Great: Splendid Spoon focuses on healthy meals that fill you up and taste great. They also have a special 5-day detox plan with all plant-based dishes to help you get back on track. All their meals are pre-cooked, so you can eat well without any of the fuss.
Thistle
Overview: Thistle delivers fresh, fully-prepared meals aimed at those who want plant-based options in a hurry.
Best For: Health-conscious eaters wanting fully prepared, fresh meals.
Key Features:
- Seasonal menus with fresh ingredients.
- Balanced meals filled with plant-based protein and fiber.
- No cooking needed—just enjoy.
- Options for fresh juices and wellness shots.
Why It’s Great: Thistle’s meals come ready-to-eat, so you won’t have to worry about lunch or dinner. It’s all set! If you want more choice, you can swap items or add and remove things from your order. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants tasty meals without the hassle.
Tips on How to Get the Most From Your Meal Prep Kit
- Keep It Simple: Stick to the recipes at first. They’re made to guide you. Once you’re comfortable, feel free to mix things up.
- Learn While You Cook: Use this as an opportunity to learn how to create balanced meals. Notice how ingredients work together.
- Add Your Touch: Once you know the basics, spice things up! If you love heat, add chili flakes. Got extra veggies? Toss them in!
- Store Leftovers: Use good containers to keep any extras for later. Label them with the date so you remember when to eat them.
- Try Different Meals: Mix up your meals. Eating the same thing too often can get boring. Variety is key!
- Involve the Family: Cooking with others can be fun! Get family members involved and teach them about plant-based eating.
- Take Notes: Write down what you like and don’t like about each recipe. This will help with future meals.
Are Meal Prep Kits Worth It?
If you’re starting a plant-based diet, you might question if these kits are worth the money. Here’s why they are:
- Cost-Effective: At first, they may seem expensive. But they help cut down on waste. You only pay for what you use instead of buying big quantities that often go bad.
- Less Food Waste: Since the kits have portioned ingredients, you won’t have extra bits hanging around in your fridge. This not only saves money but is good for the environment.
- Time-Saving: Planning meals can be a hassle. Meal kits take care of that by giving you everything you need, making it easy to cook in 30 minutes.
- Build Kitchen Skills: Meal kits help you gain confidence in cooking. They guide you step by step, making it easier to try healthy recipes.
- Convenience: Life can be busy, and these kits take away the stress of planning meals. They’re great for anyone with a packed schedule.
So, Are They Worth It? Yes! For those new to plant-based eating, meal prep kits are a smart choice. They save time, reduce waste, and help you feel more comfortable in the kitchen. While they might cost a bit more than shopping at the store, the benefits make them a great investment. If you feel overwhelmed about starting a plant-based diet, a meal prep kit could be just what you need!