So you’ve heard about plant-based meal plan subscriptions and see people flaunting their results. But how do they work, exactly? Will you notice a difference in how you feel? We all know that dieting and nutrition can be challenging, and no one wants to starve or eat tasteless food in the process.
Too often, folks looking to lose weight hop from plan to plan, squandering money on overhyped programs that don’t work. Short term results aren’t fruitful if they don’t stick, so even before and after photos don’t make it easy to discern which health meal plans are worth the money.
Wanting to see for ourselves, we compared a few of the most popular healthy food delivery services that offer plant-based meal plans — Daily Harvest vs Revive vs Sakara vs Thistle — to see which is best for your budget, nutritional requirements, fitness goals, and flavor profile. Without further ado, let’s dive in to see how they stack up.
Daily Harvest vs Revive vs Sakara vs Thistle: What do they have in common?
Although not all of these plant-based meal plan services function in the same way, they do share many common themes. Each can be tailored to your specific needs, whether you are a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free eater.
They are all nutritionally oriented meal plans that are intended to improve your diet and day-to-day function over the long term. These businesses, like us, recognize that a single solution will not meet the needs of a diversified member base, so the ability to customize is baked in.
Here are a few quick pointers you can consider when choosing what’s the best meal plan subscription for you:
1. Variety of food and quality of ingredients
- Are you looking for strictly vegan options?
- All organic ingredients?
- Do you want some meat options?
2. Convenience
- Do they offer deliveries to your doorstep in your area?
- How quick would you like the food preparation to be?
- How much time does it save you every day?
- How many times should your meals be delivered — every week or every month?
3. Cost and overall value
- What is your budget?
- Can you choose what food to include in your program, or are there only set meals?
4. Customer support
- Is the customer support reliable in guiding you towards the program?
- Is there a community available to help support you in your journey?
When deciding on a meal plan, you must first determine what is most important to you. Is it all about the food’s quality and taste? Does it boil down to price? We’ve broken down and compared some of these services’ features below.
Daily Harvest vs Revive vs Sakara vs Thistle: How do they compare?
Daily Harvest vs Revive vs Sakara vs Thistle |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| New member Discount | $20-$35 off first box Or use code: FINVSFIN40 for up to $40 off your first box |
20% off the first box, 50% off if from referral codes | $25 off first order | ❌ |
| Meal plans | – Small (9 items) – Medium (14 items) ($10 off) – Large (24 items) ($20 off) |
– 9, 12, or 24 cups for the weekly plan – 12 or 24 cups for the monthly plan |
– Sakara Summer – Signature Program – Monthly Detox – 20-Day Bridal Program |
– Vegan meal plans – Omnivore combo (with meat) |
| Est. Weekly Cost | $70 – $215 | $50 – $145 | $280 – $400 | $42 – $234 |
| Fully organic? | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Plant-forward? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Meat options available? | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Customizable? | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Free delivery? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Geographic availability | Continental United States | Canada and United States | Contiguous United States | San Francisco Los Angeles Select areas in: Nevada Arizona Oregon Washington Idaho |
| Website | Daily Harvest | Revive | Sakara | Thistle |
Review of Daily Harvest plant-based meal plans
Daily Harvest began as a delivery service for packed, frozen smoothies. It has since grown to include meal and snack alternatives for all hours of the day. The company, however, takes satisfaction in employing fruits and vegetables as the cornerstone of all of its goods.
They are a plant-based meal delivery service with over 100 plant-based menu items to pick from (perfect for those who want variety from week-to-week), including smoothies, breakfast bowls, harvest bowls, and soups. In addition to being vegan, all Daily Harvest products are gluten-free and contain no additives or preservatives.
All Daily Harvest foods are packaged in recyclable paper containers with non-recyclable but thin plastic covers. Overall, it’s a reasonably eco-friendly food service.
How does Daily Harvest meal planning work?
Daily Harvest, unlike other food delivery services, does not provide pre-designed menus. Customers instead select the things they want to get each week.
Current plans call for a weekly delivery of 9, 14, or 24 items. You can place your order online or via the Daily Harvest smartphone app. You can also skip weeks, swap out selections, and manage deliveries using your online account.
Before you start putting things in your virtual cart, have a look at the filter option in the upper left corner of the order page. This useful application enables you to entirely personalize your meal alternatives depending on various diets and tastes.
You may also filter recipes by dietary constraints such as gluten-free, high protein, keto, low cal, low carb, low sugar, paleo, and vegan. Each item contains customer reviews to help you decide, and you can rate the things after you’ve tried them.
The boxes contain frozen vegan meals and healthy snacks that have been pre assembled. The service is definitely closer to a completely prepared meal delivery service than a meal kit operation. However, there is still some minimal prep and cooking required, which usually involves blending, mixing, or warming.
Daily Harvest’s meal selection:
| Smoothies | Passion Fruit + Pineapple Mint + Cacao Acai + Cherry |
| Chia bowls | Chocolate + Almond Vanilla Bean + Apple Blackberry + Majik |
| Oat bowls | Strawberry + Goji Berry Cinnamon + Banana Kabocha + Chai |
| Forager bowls | Leek + Fonio Grits Raspberry + Mulberry Seeded Cremini + Miso Oat |
| Soups | Carrot + Coconut Curry Butternut Squash + Rosemary Mushroom + Miso |
| Flatbreads | Kale + Sweet Potato Pear + Arugula Artichoke + Spinach |
| Harvest bowls | Sweet Potato + Wild Rice Hash Cremini + Asparagus Pot Pie Red Lentil + Cumin |
| Snack bites | Hazelnut + Chocolate Coconut + Lemon Espresso Bean + Tahini |
| Plant-based ice creams | Vanilla + Salted Swirled Black Sesame Mint + Dark Melty Cacao Chips |
| Lattes | Ginger + Turmeric Chaga + Chocolate Coffee + Almond |
The ingredients are carefully sourced, according to the company. It claims to work directly with farmers and food suppliers to achieve the highest possible quality. While some conventional produce is used, 95 percent of the ingredients are organic.
To maintain freshness, all items are delivered frozen and packaged with dry ice to your home. Once you’ve received your meals, they should last in the freezer for up to three months.
How much does Daily Harvest cost?
The item prices are as follows:
- Chia or oat bowls: $5.99
- Flatbread: $8.99
- Harvest bowls: $8.99
- Lattes: $7.99 (pack of 3)
- Smoothies: $7.99
- Snack bites: $7.99 (pack of 7)
- Soups: $7.99
Remember, you can select 9, 12, or 24 items per weekly shipment, with the option to pause deliveries at any time. There is a $0 shipping fee for all other price estimates.
An added bonus? Daily Harvest is also offering a new member special: use promo code: FINVSFIN40 to get up to $40 off your first box!
Review of Revive plant-based meal plans
Revive Superfoods is a monthly subscription service that provides pre-portioned healthy superfoods. Smoothies, oat bowls, supermeals, soups, and falafel pops are among the items available. The company offers weekly and monthly plans, and you can mix and match your favorite goods. They are then delivered to your door in pre-portioned cups and are ready to eat after only one step of preparation.
Revive Superfoods continues to promote the idea that healthy food can be easily obtained. They ensure that products are neatly packaged for consumers on the go while also guaranteeing flavorful and delectable recipes. Want to make your life even easier? What about using a smart oven to get creative and efficient with your cooking of the delivery, too??
They currently have 28 items to select from, all of which advertise the use of superfoods designed to improve day-to-day performance. Their site provides thorough descriptions of their many food selections and insider recommendations on how to get the best results.
How does Revive Superfoods meal planning work?
You can sign up for one of several weekly or monthly programs at Revive Superfoods, registering for 9 (only delivered weekly), 12, or 24 cups per week or month.
When someone signs up, they are assigned a weekly or monthly billing date. Any adjustments to your order must be made before this date. Before this billing date, you can also adjust the exact menu items you order. Those who do not choose specific products will be served a variety of meals based on their preferences.
You can combine cups to build your own Revive box. There are no one-time purchases or subscription boxes available from the company. After you’ve filled the box to the capacity with nutritious Revive Superfoods shakes and oat bowls, choose the date for the first delivery.
The meals are all vegetarian. Many of the smoothies are vegan, and the majority are gluten- and dairy-free.
Revive Superfoods’ meal selection:
| Smoothies | Gingerbread Jungle, with gingerbread cookies, banana, flaxseed, and cauliflower Morning Mocha, with chocolate, cauliflower, and pea protein Pumpkin & Chill, with pumpkin, carrots, and dates |
| Oats | Berry Patch, with strawberries and blueberries Banana Nut, with bananas and dates Cheery Cherry, with strawberries and cherries |
| Smoothie bowls | Sweet Acai, with kiwi and raspberry Viva la Vita, with a mix of antioxidant berries |
| SuperMeals | Bean to Baja, with jalapeno, rice, and cheese Caul It Couscous, with couscous, lemon, and carrot Buddhacado, with avocado, edamame, and quinoa |
Revive Superfoods provides a variety of excellent, portioned meals and snacks, the majority of which require only one simple step of preparation.
Revive Superfoods sources all of its ingredients locally and strives to use the highest quality produce available.
While some conventional foods are utilized, all organic items are clearly marked with an asterisk on the menu.
According to Revive Superfoods, all goods should be frozen upon arrival and consumed within two months to avoid freezer burn and maintain optimum freshness.
How much does Revive Superfoods cost?
All subscription options at Revive Superfoods have the same pricing. You can select between 9, 12, and 24-cup sizes starting at $6.99 per cup. There are no additional fees because the company covers shipping on all orders.
Review of Sakara plant-based meal plans
You’ve most likely seen influencers and models promoting Sakara’s meal plans. And, while it may be tempting to jump on the bandwagon just because of the hype, you must first put things into perspective.
Sakara offers gourmet-style meal plans produced using high-quality, organic ingredients. Sakara is, in fact, the only program that provides an “organic exclusively” option. As a result, the program may become rather costly, with a single day of a full meal costing around $110.
Sakara, unlike Daily Harvest and Revive, does not allow you to customize your food plan. You can, however, select a program that meets your requirements, and they also provide a sample of the following week’s menu before you place your order.
Sakara is also the only program of these four that provides holistic wellness coaching to members who need direction or assistance. Other goods available include super powders, vitamins, snacks, and beverages.
Sakara’s meal selection:
Sakara has three meal plans: a Signature Program (Level I), a 5-day Detox Program (Level II) only available once a month, and a 20-day Bridal Cleanse.
The Detox Program is intended to supplement the Signature Program. There is also the option to purchase Signature Program add-ons such as Probiotics, Beauty Chocolates, and goods such as Beauty Water Drops and Metabolism Super Powder. (Fancy, huh?)
Three breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners are included in the three-day Signature Program meal delivery. Each meal for the day is labeled and comes in its own container.
Sakara’s weekly menus are inspired by foreign cuisines, featuring Indian curries, Middle Eastern spreads, and Japanese noodle bowls loaded with fresh veggies. Nut bread and whole-grain toast with honey-ricotta spreads and tropical jams are popular breakfast items.
Sakara’s meals include a lot of organic, whole foods, and everything is created from scratch, right down to the jams, jellies, sauces, and spreads.
How much does Sakara cost?
Prices may change based on your geographic location, but here are the general prices:
- 2 days of breakfast, lunch and dinner: $169 per week ($28 per meal or $84 per day)
- 3 days of breakfast, lunch and dinner: $239 per week ($26.5 per meal or $79.5 per day)
- 5 days of breakfast, lunch and dinner: $420 per week ($28 per meal or $84 per day)
You can also do two meals instead of three per day, but you can’t do less than two.
The Level II Detox cleanse costs $400 for five days and includes meals, supplements, detox teas, detox water drops, snacks, and more. The cost of the 20-day bridal cleanse is $1,395.
Review of Thistle plant-based meal plans
Thistle is a meal delivery service that specializes in chef-prepared, nutritionally balanced entrées, snacks, and sides.
Its cuisine features a wide range of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Every meal is delivered completely prepared. Furthermore, Thistle has a variety of subscription plans, making it simple to select a plan that works for you.
Unlike the other brands, Thistle is the only subscription plan that provides meat-based meals. Their meal plans come in a variety of combinations that will undoubtedly suit your tastes.
How does Thistle meal planning work?
The Thistle meal delivery service creates, prepares, and delivers meals to both individuals and companies. Thistle meals are innovated each week, with new dishes added to the menu regularly. This distinguishes them from other similar services on this list.
You select a subscription plan (vegan or non-vegan) that ranges from three to six meals per week, with as many add-ons as you desire. Because each dish feeds one person, everyone can order whatever they like if you’re having supper with your family.
You finalize your delivery choices each Thursday evening for delivery the following week.
Depending on how many meals you order through a delivery subscription, they will arrive on either Monday, Monday and Wednesday, or Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Sakara’s meals include a lot of organic, whole foods, and everything is created from scratch, right down to the jams, jellies, sauces, and spreads.
The meal subscription options are:
- Vegan lunch or dinner delivered 3 days of the week
- Vegan lunch delivered 5 days of the week
- Vegan dinner delivered 6 days of the week
- Omnivore lunch delivered 5 days of the week
- Omnivore dinner delivered 6 days of the week
- Vegan lunch and dinner delivered 5 days of the week
- Omnivore lunch and dinner delivered 5 days of the week
- Full-day vegan delivered 6 days of the week
- Full-day omnivore delivered 6 days of the week
If you live outside the Thistle delivery region but still want a package, you have the following options:
- Essentials box delivered once per week
- Enhanced box delivered once per week
- Cold-pressed juice box delivered once per week
- Lite bites box delivered once per week
What kind of meal plans does Thistle offer?
The rotating menu at Thistle is ideal for both vegans, flexitarians, and omnivores, and it includes a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
All of the dishes are gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free. Each dish’s ingredients are explicitly noted.
When feasible, Thistle uses locally sourced, organic products. It also collaborates with local farmers and suppliers to ensure long-term viability. Furthermore, the company specifies the nutrient content and ingredients for each item on its menu, which can be viewed online.
Because Thistle’s menu changes so frequently, you really need to dig in and try a few items on your own to discover if this is your culinary speed. Overall, the meals do an excellent job of conveying a modern, well-packaged vibe.
How much does Thistle cost?
Thistle offers numerous plans, each with a different price and amount and type of meals.
- Vegan lunch (3 days per week): $43.5
- Vegan dinner (3 days per week): $43.5
- Vegan lunch (5 days per week): $70
- Vegan dinner (6 days per week): $84
- Vegan lunch and dinner (5 days per week): $125
- Vegan breakfast, lunch, and dinner (6 days per week): $207
Thistle also has a variety of omnivorous plans, which may include meat, fish, or poultry. The overall weekly cost for each omnivore meal plan is as follows:
- Omnivore lunch (5 days per week): $81.25
- Omnivore dinner (6 days per week): $97.5
- Omnivore lunch and dinner (5 days per week): $147.5
- Omnivore breakfast, lunch, and dinner (6 days per week): $234
What are customers saying about Daily Harvest vs Revive vs Sakara vs Thistle?
Daily Harvest customer reviews
Customers of Daily Harvest appear to be pleased with the service, as indicated by this customer, who began with smoothies and gradually progressed to additional goods such as flatbreads and oat bowls.
There’s also the added benefit of not having to buy a lot of things to make a smoothie. They’re also tasty and healthy.
Lauren☆☆☆☆☆Easy, Nutritious, and Delicious I'm so thankful for Daily Harvest. The food is well-packed and full of filling, clean (and delicious!) ingredients. Allergens are well-labeled and it's easy to determine which foods can meet your dietary preferences. The meals look small, but they're more filling than they look. I started out ordering smoothies, then added soups to my order, and now I order flatbreads for dinner each night. They're on the pricy side, but 100% worth it in my opinion. I've spent years trying out so many different meal delivery platforms, and this one is the best by far. cms☆☆☆☆☆These meals are the best home... These meals are the best home delivered/frozen I've tried. Very flavorful, and there's always an option to add a protein. Smoothies were surprisingly good and so much easier (and cheaper) than buying all the ingredients and assembling myself. Will continue to order!
Revive Superfoods customer reviews
Revive’s bestsellers, like Daily Harvest’s, are also their smoothies. They provide smoothies with superfood components to keep you full and healthy if you’re usually on the run and want something you can grab right away. They’re also less expensive than Daily Harvest, costing only $5.99 per cup.
kathleen taddei☆☆☆☆☆With so many home food delivery... With so many home food delivery services available, I was really unsure about what to choose. I could not be happier that I chose to go with Revive! I especially love the smoothies. They taste like a treat rather than healthy superfoods! It is so convenient to grab one from the freezer, add some oat milk (or whatever you like), throw it in the blender and enjoy!! I highly recommend this service and the product. tydasberg☆☆☆☆☆Makes mornings so much easier! Makes mornings so much easier! Quick and healthy way to start my day. Feel energized and now I don't have to worry about what I'm going to have for breakfast..
Sakara customer reviews
Sakara’s meal programs have attracted a certain audience dedicated to bettering their health and lifestyle. Despite the high cost, some swear by it and its outcomes while engaging in the plan.
They also have a monthly detox program which you can’t find in other brands on this list.
Customers have provided some dissatisfactory reviews, such as not getting their money’s value and dissatisfaction with the food’s quality. However, Sakara’s customer service is very proactive in resolving any negative customer experience – from delivery to meal quality.
Alyssa M.☆☆☆☆☆I have been enjoying Sakara... I have been enjoying Sakara for the past 3 years and it has literally changed my life! Their meals are all delicious and leave me feeling my best self. The meal plans are customizable for everyone's needs and I love the option to substitute certain meals for others. Their customer service is exquisite and someone will always get back to you in a very short time period which is very helpful. I would highly recommend Sakara to everyone! Nadene S.☆☆☆☆☆I was introduced to Sakara... I was introduced to Sakara by a friend who suggested I do the level 2 detox. I was blown away by the results and the quality of the products, I decided to continue along with the weekly meal subscription. It is a life saver for anyone with a busy schedule who has limited time to access healthy meals. My energy levels are notably increased on the days I eat the meals from Sakara. I have had one issue so far with delivery but this had to do with the shipping provider. After speaking with Sarah, who was kind and helpful, the situation was rectified and I am back on track with deliveries.
Thistle customer reviews
When it comes to fresh food and high-quality ingredients, Thistle never disappoints. There is also more diversity in their meal plans because they include meat in addition to vegan options.
However, some of their reviews note the company falling short on delivery fulfillment and operations, both of which may need some improvement.
Sunny J☆☆☆☆☆These guys keep innovating new meals... These guys keep innovating new meals and have a great selection of plant based options. I've been dependent on these guys through the pandemic to get my veggies and stay healthy. If you want to save time on meal prep and still eat a tasty high fiber meal, look no further. Erin K.☆☆☆☆☆2 years after my first... 2 years after my first negative experience, I decided to give Thistle another try after seeing an article mentioning how they made major changes to their delivery operations. I have now been a very happy customer for the past 3 months - the delivery is now highly professional, communicative, and reliably on time. The food continues to be delicious, fresh, and 3 months in I am enjoying the variety of recipes - I haven't had one I disliked yet! Kudos to the team for turning things around.
The Verdict: Which plant-based meal subscription is best for you?
If you’re still undecided which option to try, we’ve summed up what these services offer and how you can make an optimal choice:
Daily Harvest is the most affordable.
Revive and Daily Harvest are both excellent solutions for folks who live in the fast lane and require quick on-the-go solutions. Both include ready-to-eat meal options, with the exception of the smoothie cups — a popular choice among both brands’ customers — which require a quick blending. However, Daily Harvest’s smoothies are slightly more expensive than Revive’s, but they include more fruit and vegetable combinations.
Try Daily Harvest → Thistle is likely to yield the best results 
Try Thistle →
Thistle is a fantastic option for individuals who wish to mix it up with meat and deviate a little from a plant-only diet. They cater to every member’s lifestyle with meal plans that include both plant-based and animal options.
Sakara is ideal for those with...
Sakara’s meal plans are 100% organic and locally sourced if you seek one with preservative and pesticide-free products. Aside from gourmet meals, they also provide access to holistic health counseling as part of their core programs and other health goods such as tea and supplements.
You can cancel your subscription to all of these programs at any time, and most offer killer discounts for new members to get your started. We recommend you pick one or two and give them a shot. Even if you find one you love, you may want to switch it up after a few months and try another.
Variety is the spice of life, especially when it comes to your diet. Rest assured they are all healthy, convenient, and — for the most part — delicious.
Have you tried any of these? What did you think? We’d love to hear your thoughts below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does Daily Harvest cost?
The item prices are as follows:
- Chia or oat bowls: $5.99
- Flatbread: $8.99
- Harvest bowls: $8.99
- Lattes: $7.99 (pack of 3)
- Smoothies: $7.99
- Snack bites: $7.99 (pack of 7)
- Soups: $7.99
Remember, you can select 9, 12, or 24 items per weekly shipment, with the option to pause deliveries at any time. There is a $0 shipping fee for all other price estimates.
An added bonus? Daily Harvest is also offering a new member special: use promo code: FINVSFIN40 to get up to $40 off your first box!
How much does Revive Superfoods cost?
All subscription options at Revive Superfoods have the same pricing. You can select between 9, 12, and 24-cup sizes starting at $6.99 per cup. There are no additional fees because the company covers shipping on all orders.
How much does Sakara cost?
Prices may change based on your geographic location, but here are the general prices:
- 2 days of breakfast, lunch and dinner: $169 per week ($28 per meal or $84 per day)
- 3 days of breakfast, lunch and dinner: $239 per week ($26.5 per meal or $79.5 per day)
- 5 days of breakfast, lunch and dinner: $420 per week ($28 per meal or $84 per day)
You can also do two meals instead of three per day, but you can’t do less than two.
The Level II Detox cleanse costs $400 for five days and includes meals, supplements, detox teas, detox water drops, snacks, and more. The cost of the 20-day bridal cleanse is $1,395.
How much does Thistle cost?
Thistle offers numerous plans, each with a different price and amount and type of meals.
- Vegan lunch (3 days per week): $43.5
- Vegan dinner (3 days per week): $43.5
- Vegan lunch (5 days per week): $70
- Vegan dinner (6 days per week): $84
- Vegan lunch and dinner (5 days per week): $125
- Vegan breakfast, lunch, and dinner (6 days per week): $207
Thistle also has a variety of omnivorous plans, which may include meat, fish, or poultry. The overall weekly cost for each omnivore meal plan is as follows:
- Omnivore lunch (5 days per week): $81.25
- Omnivore dinner (6 days per week): $97.5
- Omnivore lunch and dinner (5 days per week): $147.5
- Omnivore breakfast, lunch, and dinner (6 days per week): $234
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Methodology
We conduct extensive research to evaluate the pricing, effectiveness, accessibility, overall quality, and user experience of every telehealth service we review. This also includes examining and comparing each provider to comparable telemedicine alternatives. We also evaluate usability, treatments, prescription delivery time, and more to determine the best value for those seeking fast and reliable telehealth services.
| Review Process | Key Metrics | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Sign up online | – ease to complete intake form – affordability – upfront commitment or subscription required? – money back guarantee or refund policy? |
0.5 |
| Vitual consult with provider / determine eligibility | – ease to get appointment to determine eligibility – need to leave house for labs or other in-person care? |
1 |
| Shipping + unboxing | – shipping cost – time from order to treatment delivery – discreet packaging to maintain privacy |
0.5 |
| Test + journal for 1-3 months | – ease of application – transition into habitual use – taste / smell / feel / pain |
1.5 |
| Results after 3 months of use | – efficacy / results – lack of side effects – ease of refill / reordering – quality of ongoing clinical support – responsive customer support – willingness to recommend to a friend |
1.5 |