Purple Carrot has stood out as a leading plant-based meal kit service since 2014, offering a dedicated vegan experience in a market often dominated by mixed options. After testing 14 meals over four weeks, it’s clear why this service remains popular: its consistent quality, creative recipes, and focus on making plant-based cooking accessible. This review breaks down the experience, from ordering to cooking, to help you decide if Purple Carrot is right for you.
What Makes Purple Carrot Different?
Unlike many meal kit companies, Purple Carrot commits entirely to vegan cuisine. This means no animal products or by-products in any recipe. Beyond the standard meal kits, they offer prepared meals, breakfasts, lunches, and pantry add-ons for maximum convenience. The rotating weekly menu features over 50 plant-based options, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.
Getting Started: Customization and Flexibility
Purple Carrot allows previewing the weekly menu before signing up, ensuring you’ll find recipes you like. The sign-up process is straightforward: enter your email, specify serving sizes (two or four people), and indicate preferences (quick meals, gluten-free, high-protein). You can customize your box with prepared meals, breakfasts, lunches, and pantry items for an added cost. If you miss the selection deadline, the service automatically chooses meals based on your stated preferences.
Pricing Breakdown
Meal kit costs range from $9 to $14 per serving, with prepared meals around $15 per serving. Shipping is $12 for orders under $100, but free for those exceeding that amount. The price point is higher than some competitors, reflecting the specialized plant-based focus and quality ingredients.
The Four-Week Test: Variety and Quality
Over four weeks, 14 Purple Carrot meals were cooked and evaluated. The selection included a mix of cuisines, cooking styles, and ingredients to assess the service’s range and consistency. The first week involved letting Purple Carrot curate the meals, resulting in a menu inspired by stadium favorites like Game Day Potato Nachos. The remaining three weeks allowed for custom selections.
Sample Meals Tested:
– Spicy Buffalo Tofu Bowls
– Orange Creamsicle Chia Parfaits
– Chipotle Black Bean Tacos
– Broccolini Mafaldine Alfredo
– Rosemary-Mushroom Alfredo
– Kung Pao Cauliflower
– BBQ Tofu Wraps
– Spicy Peanut Curry Udon
– Miso Ramen Soup
– Vibrant Falafel Bowl
– Togarashi Peanut Noodles
– Kale-Farro Salad
What Stands Out
The most impressive aspect was the quality of produce. All ingredients arrived fresh, with no bruising or damage, a feat uncommon in meal kit deliveries. Recipe times were accurate, ranging from 10 minutes (Kale-Farro Salad) to 35 minutes (Rosemary-Mushroom Alfredo), with an average of 25 minutes and minimal cleanup due to pre-portioned ingredients.
The recipes themselves were well-developed, delivering restaurant-quality depth of flavor without relying on meat-based stocks or animal products. Standouts included Chipotle Black Bean Tacos, Spicy Peanut Curry Udon, and Miso Ramen Soup, which showcased the service’s ability to create complex, satisfying vegan meals. Comfort dishes like Broccolini Mafaldine Alfredo and Rosemary-Mushroom Alfredo were rich and creamy without feeling heavy.
Areas for Improvement
The biggest drawback is the excessive plastic packaging. Each ingredient is individually wrapped, making cooking easier but contributing to waste. The higher price point may also be a barrier for budget-conscious consumers.
Is Purple Carrot Worth It?
For those already committed to plant-based eating or curious about incorporating more vegan meals, Purple Carrot is an excellent choice. It eliminates the planning and shopping hassle while still allowing for creative, flavorful cooking. The service excels in variety, quality, and approachability, catering to both beginners and experienced home cooks. However, it’s best suited for individuals or couples rather than larger families due to the typical two-serving portion size.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, convenient way to enjoy plant-based meals, Purple Carrot delivers on its promise.
To learn more or sign up, visit https://www.purplecarrot.com/.
