Purple Carrot is the only major meal delivery service that is 100% plant-based (vegan), offering a wide array of creative and globally inspired recipes free of meat, dairy, and all animal products. Unlike general meal kit companies that offer a single vegetarian or vegan track (like HelloFresh or Green Chef), Purple Carrot focuses exclusively on innovative, vegetable-forward cuisine designed to make plant-based eating accessible and exciting.
Our comprehensive Purple Carrot review explores its diverse menu, commitment to specialized dietary needs, and premium price point.
What is Purple Carrot? Vegan Meal Kits and Prepared Meals
Purple Carrot offers both classic meal kits (ingredients and recipe cards) and single-serving prepared meals, providing flexibility for different lifestyles. Recipes are chef-designed, often featuring unique flavor combinations, whole foods, and less common ingredients like specialized plant proteins, diverse grains, and fresh produce.
Purple Carrot is ideal for:
- Individuals who are vegan, vegetarian, or exploring a plant-forward diet.
- Customers who want high-quality, interesting, and diverse vegetable-based meals.
- Home cooks who want to learn new, inventive vegan cooking techniques.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Service Type: Hybrid—Offers both Meal Kits (DIY) and Ready-to-Eat Prepared Meals.
- Dietary Focus: Strictly 100% Plant-Based (Vegan). All meals are dairy-free and meat-free.
- Prep Time (Meal Kits): 30–45 minutes, often involving homemade sauces and more steps than budget services.
- Ingredient Quality: High-quality, fresh produce and whole foods are prioritized. Not all ingredients are certified organic, but quality is consistently strong.
Purple Carrot’s Menu & Quality: Diversity in Plant-Based Cooking
Purple Carrot features a weekly rotating menu of around 20 dinner options (Meal Kits), plus additional Breakfast, Lunch, and Grocery add-ons. The menu deliberately avoids relying heavily on highly processed meat substitutes, focusing instead on creative uses of vegetables, beans, legumes, and fungi.
Specialized Meal Plans
While the entire menu is vegan, Purple Carrot offers specific plan categories to help customers select meals based on their goals:
- High Protein: Meals designed to contain 15g of protein per serving or more, often utilizing ingredients like tofu, lentils, and nuts.
- Gluten-Free: A dedicated selection of meals built entirely around naturally gluten-free ingredients.
- Less Prep: Meal kits that minimize chopping and offer quicker cooking times, typically under 30 minutes.
- Ready-to-Eat: Fully prepared meals that require only quick reheating in the microwave or oven (1-serving portions).
Menu Examples: Dishes frequently draw inspiration from global cuisines, such as Kimchi Street Tacos, Winter Citrus Caesar Salads, or Coconut-Crusted Tofu.
Purple Carrot Pricing and Value
Purple Carrot is positioned in the premium-to-mid-tier market, reflecting its specialized dietary focus and ingredient quality. It is typically more expensive per serving than budget competitors like EveryPlate, but competitive with other health-focused services.
| Meals Per Week | Servings Per Meal | Estimated Cost Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 (6 total) | ~$13.25 |
| 2 | 4 (8 total) | ~$11.00 |
| Prepared Meals (6 meals) | 1 (6 total) | ~$13.00 (avg.) |
Note: The price per serving decreases when ordering 4-serving meals versus 2-serving meals. Meal kits start around $11.00–$13.25 per serving. Shipping is often a flat rate of around $10, but may be free for larger orders (typically over $100).
Value Proposition: The value of Purple Carrot lies in its unique niche. It removes the complexity of planning nutritionally balanced, diverse vegan meals, making it invaluable for anyone who wants a convenient, satisfying, and health-conscious plant-based diet. You are paying a premium for innovation, quality, and complete freedom from animal products.
Final Verdict on the Purple Carrot Meal Delivery
Purple Carrot is the undisputed champion for Dedicated Plant-Based Diets. If maintaining a 100% vegan lifestyle is your primary goal, or if you simply want to expand your culinary horizons with exciting meatless dishes, Purple Carrot provides an excellent, well-curated service.
If your priority is extreme budget savings (like EveryPlate) or you need specialized non-vegan diets (like Paleo or Keto), you may find better options elsewhere. However, for vegans and flexitarians, Purple Carrot offers unmatched variety and focus.