When deciding how to enjoy a plant-based diet, your first choice is between meal kits and prepared meals. Meal kits offer the convenience of pre-measured ingredients, saving time and effort compared to starting a recipe from scratch. They also give you the opportunity to sharpen your cooking skills and try new vegan or vegetarian recipes. On the other hand, prepared meals take convenience to the next level by delivering freshly cooked dishes right to your doorstep, ready to eat or freeze for later.

Meal delivery services vary in their offerings, with some focusing exclusively on vegan options, while others provide a mix of vegan and vegetarian meals. Services like Purple Carrot, Daily Harvest, and Veestro are dedicated to plant-based foods, ensuring a wide variety of vegan choices each week. In contrast, companies like HelloFresh and Mosaic Foods offer both vegan and vegetarian options, allowing for more flexibility if you’re not fully committed to a vegan lifestyle.

When selecting a meal delivery service, it’s important to decide whether you want to adhere strictly to a plant-based diet or allow for occasional meat-based meals. Specialized services like Purple Carrot and Mosaic Foods cater exclusively to plant-based diets, making them ideal for those who want to go fully meatless. However, if you prefer having the option to include dishes like chicken or salmon occasionally, opting for a service that offers both vegan and non-vegan meals might be a better fit.

Budget is a key consideration when choosing between meal kits and prepared meals. Most vegan meal delivery services charge between $9 and $13 per serving. For those looking to maximize their budget, meal kits from providers like EveryPlate or Blue Apron, which offer plant-based recipes, can be a cost-effective option. Additionally, Mosaic Foods provides family-size meals at just $6 per serving, making it one of the most affordable choices for vegan prepared meals.

Different meal services have varying requirements for the number of meals and servings you can order each week. Meal kits typically require you to order only the number of servings you plan to cook and eat, as most ingredients are not suitable for freezing. This allows for precise ordering based on your weekly needs. Prepared meals, however, offer more flexibility since they can usually be frozen and stored for later use, accommodating changes in your schedule or appetite.

Choosing between vegan meal kits and prepared meals depends on your lifestyle, cooking preferences, and budget. Meal kits are perfect for those looking to engage in the cooking process and expand their plant-based culinary skills, while prepared meals offer unparalleled convenience for a busy lifestyle. By considering factors like meal types, dietary flexibility, cost, and meal quantity, you can select the option that best supports your plant-based journey and personal needs.