When trying to find a vegan meal delivery service, several factors should be considered to find your perfect fit.
Prepared meals versus meal kits: Prepared meals come ready to heat in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop. Meal kits, on the other hand, provide all the ingredients and instructions you’ll need to prepare the meals yourself. Though prepared meals are easier and take less time, meal kits may be good for those who like cooking or want to learn to cook.
Fresh versus frozen: On this list, we have only one meal delivery service that offers fresh meals you can keep in the fridge to eat or heat: Thistle. All other prepared meal delivery services offer preprepared meals that are frozen — except for the recently added The Cumin Club, which has freeze-dried meals in pouches.
Thistle’s pad thai
Dietary restrictions: If you have certain dietary restrictions, you’ll want to ensure that the service you choose caters to all of them. Some services are strictly vegan, while others are vegetarian. If you’re gluten-free, counting calories or carbs or want high-protein meals, those are also factors you should consider.
Cost: Out of the services tested for this list, costs range from $6 to $18 per serving. Before choosing a meal delivery service, you will want to determine your budget and what you’re willing to pay for time saved and convenience. Also, are you willing to pay more for meals that are already prepared versus meal kits you make yourself?
Variety: Depending on your diet, only a certain number of meals may be offered per week. Each meal delivery service should allow you to view its menus a few weeks in advance, so you can take a look at how many meals you’ll have to choose from. If you plan to rely on this service for most of your meals, you’ll want to ensure it caters to your specific diet with a wider variety of dishes.
Number of servings: If you’re looking for a meal delivery service for a couple or family, check to see how many servings are offered. Meal kits are likely to offer a greater number of servings (around four to six), while prepared meals are better suited toward individuals.
Mosaic Foods’ ginger sesame noodles
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
