The 6 best vegetarian meal delivery kits we tested for 2025
As a part-time private chef, the daughter of fitness fanatics, and someone who was, at one point, a vegan and then a vegetarian for years, I’ve experimented with most obscure food subscriptions out there. I know firsthand that meatless doesn’t mean flavorless, but it also doesn’t mean easy. So does our former reporter Sophie Cannon, who delved deep into the world of meal delivery kits over the past couple of years, researching, testing, and sharing her findings.
Between the chopping, soaking, sprouting, and blending, eating vegetarian can feel like a full-time job. That’s where a smart meal delivery service comes in. Whether you’re veg-curious or a longtime vegetarian looking to streamline dinner, the best vegetarian meal delivery services make it simple to get nourishing, satisfying, and actually delicious meals on the table without a grocery run or a spiralizer.
Some send chef-designed kits with pre-portioned ingredients, while others offer ready-to-eat, prepared vegetarian meals. Some are high-protein or keto-leaning, others are fully organic or focused on weight loss. The bottom line? You don’t have to choose between health and convenience.
After reviewing over a dozen top-rated options over the past few years, cooking and tasting meals from each, we’ve narrowed it down to the best vegetarian meal kits and delivery services of 2025. These picks offer the best balance of flavor, freshness, nutrition, and value, plus thoughtful touches that make them stand out in a crowded field.
Pros:
- 100% plant-based
- Excellent high-protein vegetarian meals
- Kits or prepared options available
- Inventive, satisfying flavors
Cons:
- Slight learning curve for new cooks
Purple Carrot is a plant-based pioneer known for its innovative, protein-packed meals. Their menu often features lentils, tempeh, tofu, and beans in thoughtful, globally inspired ways.
Why it wins: Purple Carrot goes beyond salads and pasta with bold, satisfying meals like Crispy Potato Skillet with Snap Pea Slaw that deliver a solid protein punch with every bite.
“After cooking and eating Purple Carrot’s vegan meal kit offerings a few times over four years, we can safely conclude that the recipes, ingredients, and company stand up to our testing and then some,” Cannon reported.
“Purple Carrot is quite simple to set up. The meal kit company offers the traditional weekly menu with corresponding plans but has also introduced ready-to-eat meals, frozen meals sold in your local grocery store, and even an online market with an array of other plant-based brands to shop.
“[It’s] a perfect option for those who subscribe to a vegan diet and those who simply want more veggie-based meals in their diet. The price is comparable with other meal kits, and it has plenty of offerings, including à la carte grocery shopping.”
Price: From $11.99/serving | Subscription required: Yes | Prep time: 30-40 minutes (kits) | Prepared vegetarian meal delivery: Yes | Vegetarian weight loss meal delivery: Optional plan
Pros:
- USDA-certified organic ingredients
- Vegetarian, keto, and gluten-free options
- Creative, globally inspired recipes
- Clear instructions with minimal prep
Green Chef consistently impressed with vibrant, restaurant-quality dishes that cater to various dietary needs, including organic vegetarian, keto, and gluten-free options. Their vegetarian meals pack complex flavor combinations, with standout sauces and nutrient-dense veggies that feel indulgent yet nourishing.
Why it wins: Green Chef nails the sweet spot between effort and ease. Ingredients come pre-measured with minimal prep, and meals like the Dukkah-Spiced Chickpea Bowls or Thai Peanut Noodle Stir-Fry felt chef-prepped in all the best ways.
“Yes, Green Chef meals are health-focused, but they are also so much more than that,” said Sophie Cannon, former commerce reporter. “The produce is always fresh and only organic produce, cage-free eggs, antibiotic-and-hormone-free chicken, and sustainably sourced seafood are used in each recipe.
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“There are a bunch of different meal types, including Mediterranean, Keto, protein-packed, calorie-smart, plant-based, quick and easy, and gluten-free. At the end of the day, Green Chef is a great option for fresh-looking and tasting ingredients, creative recipes, and unique flavors that are made to entertain the tastebuds. I even learned some new tricks in the kitchen from these recipes, helping me to step up my cooking game even after the subscription ended — who knew I would love green pea falafel fritters so much?!”
Price: From $11.99/serving | Subscription required: Yes | Prep time: 25-35 minutes | Vegetarian keto meal delivery: Yes | Organic vegetarian meal delivery: Yes
Pros:
- Affordable and flexible plans
- Easy, beginner-friendly recipes
- Large variety of menu options
- Fast delivery and responsive customer service
Cons:
- Not organic
- Fewer high-protein vegetarian options
HelloFresh makes accessible, crowd-pleasing vegetarian meals that are perfect for busy families or home cooks new to meatless eating. While it doesn’t lean fully organic or specialized, it delivers consistent quality and unbeatable value.
Why it wins: At under $10 per serving, HelloFresh offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes each week — from hearty pastas to creative grain bowls — without compromising on taste or freshness.
As someone whose life partially revolves around cooking, I didn’t expect to be wowed by HelloFresh — but I was (I’m not the only one; reporters Cannon and Miska Salemann also love the brand). The Veggie Hall of Fame dishes, like the Sweet Potato Fajitas or Mushroom Risotto, delivered reliable, familiar flavors without feeling repetitive. The ingredients arrived super fresh (and I mean fresh), the instructions were idiot-proof (I don’t do “instructions”), and everything was cooked and plated in under 30 minutes. For the price, it’s hard to beat.
That said, I did find myself wishing for more depth in some of the sauces and seasoning blends. It’s not going to dazzle a veteran chef or scratch the itch for complex plant-based nutrition. But for quick weeknight meals that don’t feel like a compromise, it’s a very solid win.
Price: From $9.99/serving | Subscription required: Yes | Prep time: 20-30 minutes | Prepared vegetarian meal delivery: No | Vegetarian weight loss meal delivery: Limited
Best prepared meals: Factor
Pros:
- No prep required
- High-protein vegetarian options
- Dietician-approved meals
- Quick to heat and eat
Cons:
- Higher cost per meal
- Subscription only
Factor specializes in chef-prepared meals that are fully cooked and ready in minutes. Their vegetarian offerings are expanding, with plenty of low-carb, high-protein, and dairy-free options.
Why it wins: Ideal for those who want a microwave-and-go option without sacrificing flavor. Factor’s meals are surprisingly elevated with macros and ingredients clearly listed.
“Factor in how much you save in groceries and this may indeed be worth the spend,” Cannon raved. “I’ve ordered an array of Factor’s meals over the years, choosing from their rotating menu of options. Wanting to get a taste of everything, I’ve chosen meals with the Keto label like the…vegetarian dish of Vegetable Ratatouille with Mascarpone Polenta [and] a vegan select of Three Bean Vegan Chili with Cornbread Casserole & Tofu-Based Crema. As compared to other meal kits, Factor certainly stacks up in terms of flavors, price, and ease of ordering.”
“Factor is something that I didn’t realize I would love as much as I do,” Ryan Murphy, senior manager of strategic partnerships, also reviewed. “Its platform is extremely easy to use, and always serves up new and delicious meals on a weekly basis. The meals have been a lifesaver at times when being a full-time professional and parent get in the way of meal prepping. Plus, you can know that what you’re eating is a fantastic, healthy alternative!”
Price: From $11/meal | Subscription required: Yes | Prep time: 2-4 minutes | Vegetarian keto meal delivery: Yes (limited) | Prepared vegetarian meal delivery: Yes
Best for weight loss: Hungryroot
Pros:
- Personalized plans with calorie tracking
- Unique product options (like chickpea cookie dough!)
- Emphasizes whole food ingredients
- Great for snackers and meal preppers alike
Cons:
- Requires more assembly than others
Hungryroot blends the best of a grocery service and meal kit subscription. Their AI-generated meal suggestions and smart swaps make it easy to keep calories in check without sacrificing flavor or fullness.
Why it wins: The flexible, semi-prepared format makes it easy to mix-and-match meals based on your goals. You can prioritize vegetarian weight loss meals or opt for higher-protein, lower-carb combos that still feel like comfort food.
“Hungryroot is a bit different than a traditional meal kit, in that it combines recipes and grocery items all in one big box,” Cannon explained. “However, the ordering and delivery process is very much the same, following a weekly delivery cadence and with a very easy-to-add menu of items and meals.
“I love this service, as it focuses more on groceries and whole ingredients than pre-portioned meal kits, although it does provide recipes and step-by-step instructions if you still want that. For lighter, easy meals that can be done in five to 30 minutes, this is perfect. Many of the meals had only three steps to complete, with very little chopping or mixing required, and maybe two pots and pans maximum. They also offer pre-made meals, which are fresh and delicious, if you prefer no cooking at all.
“Hungryroot is a great option for those who seriously hate grocery shopping, love having an excuse to try new food and drink brands, and don’t mind a lighter lunch and dinner.”
Price: Varies (~$10-12/serving) | Subscription required: Yes | Prep time: 10-15 minutes | Vegetarian weight loss meal delivery: Yes | High-protein vegetarian meal delivery: Yes
Pros:
- Inventive and delicious prepared meals
- Gluten-free vegetarian options
- Chef profiles and regional cuisine variety
- Truly restaurant-quality results
Cons:
- Not all options available in every region
CookUnity offers chef-created, restaurant-style prepared meals with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Meals rotate weekly and are curated by independent chefs across the U.S.
Why it wins: Unlike generic heat-and-eat meals, CookUnity dishes feel like something you’d order at a boutique restaurant. Great for gluten-free vegetarians who want variety and zero prep.
CookUnity, also tested by Cannon (of course), was hands-down the most fun meal kit brand for me to explore. Each meal felt like unboxing a chef’s special from a favorite downtown spot. My Mushroom Polenta Bake was rich, buttery, and comforting, and the roasted veggie Moroccan Tagine could’ve fooled me into thinking I was at a pop-up in Brooklyn. I loved reading the bios of the chefs who designed each meal — it added a personal, high-end feel.
The only drawback was occasional regional limitations; some of the most exciting vegetarian dishes weren’t available for my zip code. But when the options did hit, they were total showstoppers.
Price: From $13.59/meal | Subscription required: Yes | Prep time: 2-5 minutes | Gluten-free vegetarian meal delivery: Yes | Prepared vegetarian meal delivery: Yes
How we tested
Each service was tested for at least a full week, with multiple meals sampled for flavor, freshness, ease of prep, ingredient quality, and how satisfying the meals were. I also evaluated how well each catered to specialized diets like high-protein, keto-friendly, gluten-free, and weight-conscious plans. Extra points were given for creative recipes, quality packaging, and intuitive instructions.
My background as a private chef helped assess flavor complexity, balance, and whether the ingredients were up to restaurant standards. Cannon’s experience as a busy professional in New York City helped her assess user experience and ease of production.
FAQs on vegetarian meal kit delivery services
Is there a vegetarian meal delivery service for weight loss?
Yes, Hungryroot offers customizable, calorie-conscious vegetarian meal delivery designed for weight loss and portion control.
Are there high-protein vegetarian meal delivery options?
Purple Carrot and Factor both provide high-protein vegetarian meals. Purple Carrot leans plant-based with hearty portions; Factor offers quick, macro-balanced meals.
Which vegetarian meal delivery is fully organic?
Green Chef is USDA-certified organic and uses high-quality produce, grains, and dairy alternatives.
Do any vegetarian meal kits cater to gluten-free diets?
CookUnity and Green Chef both have gluten-free vegetarian meal delivery options, with CookUnity offering prepared meals and Green Chef offering cook-it-yourself kits.
Are there keto-friendly vegetarian meal delivery options?
Yes, both Green Chef and Factor offer keto-inspired vegetarian meals, though selection may be more limited week-to-week.
Do any of these brands offer one-off or non-subscription meals?
Most require subscriptions, but some (like CookUnity) allow for more flexible ordering or pause options depending on location and availability.
This article was written by Kendall Cornish, New York Post Commerce Editor & Reporter. Kendall, who moonlights as a private chef in the Hamptons for New York elites, lends her expertise to testing and recommending cooking products – for beginners and aspiring sous chefs alike. Simmering and seasoning her way through both jobs, Kendall dishes on everything from the best cookware for your kitchen to cooking classes that will level-up your skills to new dinnerware to upgrade your holiday hosting. Prior to joining the Post’s shopping team in 2023, Kendall previously held positions at Apartment Therapy and at Dotdash Meredith’s Travel + Leisure and Departures magazines.
Credit to Nypost AND Peoples
