In 2025, “What’s for dinner?” looks different than it did even five years ago.
Between the rise of remote work, the shift toward conscious consumerism, and increasing scrutiny around health and climate, more people are ditching takeout menus and grocery lines in favor of something smarter: plant-based meal delivery kits.
According to recent data from Statista, the global meal kit market is projected to hit $25 billion by the end of this year—with vegan and vegetarian subscriptions accounting for a growing share of that pie.
And in the U.S. alone, plant-based meal kit searches have doubled since 2022, fueled by time-strapped professionals, climate-minded Gen Z-ers, and families looking to eat cleaner without sacrificing flavor or variety.
But it’s not just about speed. These kits are quietly reshaping how we think about food systems—making sustainable eating more accessible, less wasteful, and undeniably delicious.
Why vegan meal kits matter now more than ever
Let’s zoom out for a second. The average American throws out nearly one pound of food per day, much of it from overbuying or poor planning. Traditional grocery shopping—especially for those trying out plant-based cooking—can result in unused produce, forgotten grains, or single-use sauces collecting dust in the fridge.
Meal kits, when designed thoughtfully, solve for this. They offer:
-
Pre-portioned ingredients that eliminate waste,
-
Carbon-conscious sourcing that supports local and seasonal farms,
-
And recipes that empower people to actually cook instead of defaulting to processed options.
Many companies have also begun to swap plastic trays and foil packets for compostable or recyclable packaging, and several offset their emissions through certified climate programs.
In short: vegan meal kits aren’t just convenient—they’re a tangible climate action tool.
What makes a great vegan meal kit in 2025?
Not all boxes are created equal. Here’s what we looked for when ranking this year’s best:
-
Plant-forward by design – Fully vegan menus (not just “options”).
-
Flavor innovation – Global influences, thoughtful nutrition, and bold seasoning.
-
Sustainable sourcing – Local farms, organic produce, minimal packaging.
-
Dietary flexibility – Gluten-free, soy-free, low-oil options.
-
Price transparency – Clear cost-per-serving and flexible plans.
Now, let’s open the box.
1. Purple Carrot: Still the gold standard
Purple Carrot continues to set the bar in 2025. Their menu rotates weekly with chef-crafted, globally inspired dishes—think miso maple tofu with sesame sweet potatoes or jackfruit tamales with mole sauce.
They’ve also expanded their “Less than 25 minutes” kits, perfect for those who want dinner on the table without marathon prep. Plus, their packaging now includes biodegradable insulation and compostable trays, upping their sustainability score.
Price: ~$11/serving
Best for: Flavor-first foodies who still want nutrition facts that make sense
2. Green Chef: Certified organic and climate-conscious
Now fully carbon-neutral and USDA-certified organic, Green Chef’s plant-powered plan offers well-balanced meals like walnut-crusted cauliflower steaks or Mediterranean chickpea bowls.
Their onboarding process is one of the most intuitive—perfect for newcomers who need visual guides, swaps for allergens, or macro tracking. Bonus: they’ve just launched two-serving lunch add-ons for those working from home.
Price: ~$12.99/serving
Best for: Nutrition-minded eaters who want certified ingredients and easy prep
3. MamaSezz: Whole-food plant-based, no oil, no salt
If you’re following a strict WFPB (Whole-Food Plant-Based) protocol—or just want ultra-clean meals—MamaSezz is unmatched. Meals arrive fully cooked and vacuum-sealed, ready to heat and eat. Think lentil loaf, turmeric chickpea stew, and “No Tuna” salad.
All meals are:
-
Oil-free
-
Gluten-free
-
Low sodium
-
Free of preservatives
It’s also one of the few kits that offers bulk options for families and caregivers.
Price: ~$9.75/serving
Best for: Health-focused eaters or those cooking for someone with dietary needs
4. Splendid Spoon: Smoothies, soups, and bowls for the busiest schedules
Splendid Spoon is the kit for when you literally don’t have time to cook. Their ready-to-eat meals are plant-based, nutrient-dense, and designed to be eaten cold or with minimal reheating.
Think dragon fruit smoothies for breakfast, lentil kale soup for lunch, and cauliflower tikka bowls for dinner. Their new “Gut Reset” box combines fiber-rich, prebiotic meals with a gentle detox protocol backed by nutritionists.
Price: ~$13/meal
Best for: Wellness-focused minimalists or meal-prep haters
5. Vegin’ Out: Bulk-style comfort food for weekly feasting
Not everyone wants kits with three tiny ingredients and six steps. Vegin’ Out skips the frills and sends generous portions of comforting, heat-and-eat vegan classics. Think penne primavera, smoky collard greens, and hearty black bean chili.
Their West Coast-based kitchen sources seasonal produce, and they package everything in reusable containers (with a return program in place for locals).
Price: ~$8.50/serving
Best for: Big eaters or families who love leftovers
The quiet revolution in your fridge
Here’s the bigger picture: Every time you unpack one of these kits, you’re participating in something deeper than dinner.
You’re:
-
Supporting supply chains that reward biodiversity over monocrops,
-
Reducing food waste and water usage,
-
And giving yourself the tools to eat with intention—even on your busiest days.
Yes, it’s convenient. But convenience isn’t the opposite of values—it’s how we embed values into everyday habits.
Tips for picking your plant-based kit
Not sure which box is right for you? Here’s how to decide:
-
If you love cooking but hate shopping: Go with Purple Carrot or Green Chef.
-
If you want zero prep or cleanup: Try Splendid Spoon or MamaSezz.
-
If you’re cooking for multiple people: Vegin’ Out offers the best bang for your buck.
-
If you’re focused on gut health or low-inflammatory foods: Look for fiber-rich kits with minimal oil (Splendid Spoon, MamaSezz).
-
If you’re new to plant-based eating: Pick a service with visual guides and flexible plans—Green Chef is a great on-ramp.
Final bite
The best vegan meal delivery kits in 2025 do more than just feed us—they meet us where we are. Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based pro or just swapping out a few meatless Mondays, these kits remove friction from the equation.
And when sustainability is the default—not the exception—every box becomes a small act of climate resilience, one recipe at a time.
