The best meal delivery services can help you stay fueled and full without constant trips to the grocery store. Plus, some services, like Splendid Spoon, can be appealing for those sticking to specific diet types, offering up worthwhile protein counts and nutrient density that’s aligned with your preferred meal preferences. (1)
In our opinion, Splendid Spoon can be a convenient meal plan for plant-based athletes. Each pre-made meal is quick to prepare, and the ingredient quality is far above your average TV dinner. That said, the calorie counts for each dish may be underwhelming for certain appetites. In this Splendid Spoon review, we’ll use our supplement testing methodology to rate and examine the popular meal kit in top categories, similar to our experiences with over 40 other meal delivery services on the market today. Thinking a subscription service is your ticket to improved health and wellness? Let’s get right into our findings.
Composed of a completely plant-based menu of heat-and-serve dishes and soups, Splendid Spoon can be a convenient tool for exploring new diet types. Each meal also comes with detailed nutritional information, which can be helpful when selecting foods tailored to specific dietary needs.
Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Main Takeaways
- Splendid Spoon works as a plant-based meal delivery service offering pre-made dishes — you simply need to heat up your servings in a microwave or oven.
- Given the pre-made nature of each meal, you cannot customize individual dishes to align with specific allergies or food preferences.
- The packaging is entirely recyclable, and the brand does a good job of providing instructions for proper disposal for improved sustainability.
Splendid Spoon Specs
| Price Per Meal | Starting at $9.99 |
| Subscription Type | Prepared meals |
| Meal Options Per Week | 6 dishes, 7 noodles, 17 soups, 17 smoothies, 5 wellness shots |
| Servings Per Week | Up to 18 |
| Supported Diets | Non-GMO, low-fat, low-carb, high-fiber, gluten-free |
| Delivery Range | Contiguous United States |
Splendid Spoon was founded on the belief that you don’t have to sacrifice delicious and nutritious meals even with a busy schedule. And who better to bring that vision to life than a full-time working mom? Nicole Centeno started Splendid Spoon when faced with the challenge of building her career while caring for her family. Today, her belief that healthy doesn’t have to be boring reaches many homes through Splendid Spoon’s chef and nutritionist-crafted meals.
Splendid Spoon is an entirely plant-based meal subscription that’s comparable to some of the best vegan meal delivery services. It prioritizes sustainably-sourced, high-quality ingredients to provide consumers well-balanced nutrition at every meal. You’ll notice many meals prioritize fiber and other important nutrients. In addition to the hearty dishes containing ingredients like lentils, black beans, and plant-based protein sources, Splendid Spoon also offers a robust assortment of soups, smoothies, noodles, and even wellness shots. The menu changes every four to six months, but there is no room for customization based on dietary restrictions — a downfall of most pre-made meal kit subscriptions.
“A plant-based diet — rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes — can be worthwhile for certain individuals and may offer certain health benefits,” notes Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD. “Some research suggests that a vegan diet may lower the risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, given the fiber content and nutrient density associated with the diet. Plant-based diets can also be beneficial for weight management, and the practice aligns with ethical and environmental concerns, if that is important to you.”
You can order anywhere from six to 18 meals weekly. Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC, does note, though, that the cost will vary depending on your order quantity. Your subscription plan can be managed easily online, too, if you need to skip a week’s worth of meals or pause your membership for an extended period.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Splendid Spoon
Busy schedules that cut into meal time are a universal experience for most people these days. However, nutrition needs, taste preferences, and cooking abilities will vary — while one athlete may be fine with just some top plant sources of protein, others may need a little more sustenance each night. Splendid Spoon offers many benefits, but like every meal subscription, it’s not ideal for everyone.
Recommended for:
- Plant-based dieters
- Busy individuals cooking for one
- Independent, older adults
Not Recommended for:
- Large households with big appetites
- Chefs who love to cook from scratch
- Individuals with complex dietary needs
Our Experience Using Splendid Spoon Meal Delivery Service
Splendid Spoon is all about prioritizing some of the most nutrient-dense foods, despite a busy lifestyle limiting your time in the kitchen. It emphasizes simplicity and convenience without sacrificing taste. To rate and review this subscription platform, Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC tested Splendid Spoon for multiple weeks, taking notes on each dish’s taste and quality alongside other factors like packaging, ease of preparation, menu variety, and more. He also provided quick, digestible ratings on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in accordance with our supplement testing methodology. Below are some of our top findings.
Menu Options
You can choose every item included in your delivery or let Splendid Spoon pick for you. The brand offers vegan meals like brown rice taco bowls, vegan meatballs, butternut squash noodle bowls, and light soups. Whether grabbing a smoothie between meals or heating up a quinoa grain bowl for dinner, Splendid Spoon can easily fit into a busy day.
While Splendid Spoon offers several unique meal options, some might find its menu variety a little underwhelming, especially if you follow a strict vegan diet. It has fewer options than other subscription services on the market, and the menu is only updated with new recipes every four to six months, earning a 3 out of 5 for menu variety. However, Splendid Spoon’s smoothies with no added sugar and wellness shots help it stand out amongst the competition.
“The meal variety is less than that of other services like BistroMD or Factor, but this subscription does have more robust menus for smoothies, wellness shots, and noodles. For my order, I felt that 18 servings was acceptable, but I could see how those with larger households or more expansive appetites could feel underwhelmed,” says Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC.
You cannot customize your meals, either, but you can filter your options based on specific dietary needs. For example, Splendid Spoon filters their menu options under categories like higher fiber, higher protein, and lower sugar. For this reason, customization and availability of nutrition information earn a 4 and 5 out of 5, respectively.
“Each meal’s nutritional information is well-detailed on the product page, which can be helpful for seeking out any potential allergens. The metrics are well-detailed online, and each single serving is emblazoned with the delivered specs, as well,” adds Emminger.
Taste
Taste is subjective, but I think we can all agree that sometimes microwavable meals can be iffy on flavor and texture. That wasn’t the case with Splendid Spoon. Our expert tester gave Splendid Spoon meals a 4 out of 5 for flavor, saying, “Each sampled dish also had enough seasonings to constitute well-rounded flavors. While I did add some hot sauce to a few plates, I don’t think it was a requirement to get the meal down. There is enough zest and flavor, so add-ons are up to your discretion.”
Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC also notes, “I knew that the dishes wouldn’t be as flavorful as home-cooked meals since they were microwave-ready, but I was pleased with the consistency and taste, regardless. The noodles were cooked well, not soggy, and the vegetables had a decent texture to them that wouldn’t have you believe they were microwaved. I’d compare them to steamable bags of veggies — not the crunchiest sides you’ve ever had, yet still better than a mushy pile of fiber.”
And since Splendid Spoon uses a variety of whole food ingredients, you can choose between a variety of flavors and textures. Many Splendid Spoon products use intense flavors like turmeric, acai, and cacao.
Preparation
If you’re strapped for time or just not a fan of meal prepping, Splendid Spoon may be right up your alley. There’s no chopping, measuring, scooping, or mixing. You simply take your desired meal out of the freezer and pop it in the microwave, earning a 5 out of 5 for ease of preparation.
“Each meal has specific instructions listed across the packaging, and I felt they were accurate for each dish — no need to add minutes to the timer. Clean-up is also simple and quick thanks to the individual packaging. The containers are also recyclable, which can be great for sustainability efforts,” says Emminger.
Portion Sizes
Splendid Spoon’s portion sizes earn a 3.5 out of 5. Their menu items are formulated as single-serve dishes, which may be less ideal for large households that feed many. And if you live a physically active lifestyle with strong healthy habits — like our expert tester — you might be left wanting for more at the end of your meal.
“I’m an active individual and traditionally eat more nutrient-dense meals with higher calorie counts. While I do feel that the meals are appropriately sized for light lunches and dinners, I wouldn’t rely on these calories to support my entire diet,” notes Emminger. “Additionally, there are fewer menu options than other services I’ve tried in the past, which may be a detriment to athletes needing to feed multiple mouths each night.”
Price Per Serving
Is Splendid Spoon worth the cost? Splendid Spoon’s cost per serving will be higher than other subscription services, and is more elevated than the average price of a traditional home-cooked meal ($4.23 per serving). (2) However, you do get what you pay for. If sustainably-sourced, primarily organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free ingredients are high on your list of priorities, the cost may be worth it to you.
You can also be strategic with your deliveries by using coupons and maximizing your orders. The more meals you add, the lower the cost per serving. For example, if you order the minimum six meals, the cost is $13.49 per dish. However, if you order the maximum of 18 meals, the price is $9.99 per serving.
Our tester’s cost came out to $13.49 per dish, earning a 3.5 out of 5 for cost. “I was able to find some soup offerings that can serve as a quick lunch or snack for lower costs. I also appreciate the introductory shipping rates and referral program that can have you earn $20 on future orders.”
What to Consider Before Subscribing to Splendid Spoon
Meal delivery services can be a great way to meet your nutrient needs without demanding much time in the kitchen. However, not all healthy meal delivery services are created equal — we should know because we’ve tested more than 40 of them! Some really shine above the rest, and others come with potential drawbacks that can be important to consider before signing up. Below, we’ve highlighted some key factors to consider before signing up for Splendid Spoon.
- Menu Options: Splendid Spoon offers fewer meal options than other plant-based services and typically changes its menus every four to six months. Consider whether the menu offers enough variety to keep you from getting bored, especially if you have specific dietary needs.
- Ingredient Quality: Consider Splendid Spoon’s commitment to using GMO-free, primarily organic, sustainably-sourced ingredients when considering the cost per meal.
- Preparation Requirements: Splendid Spoon meals are frozen and require minimal preparation. They can be a quick solution for anyone who doesn’t have enough time to cook a meal from scratch.
- Price Per Serving: Splendid Spoon meals cost more than your average frozen meals at the grocery store. However, they are made with high-quality, sustainably-sourced ingredients, which may justify the price for some athletes.
Splendid Spoon Vs. Competitors
Here’s a quick look at how Splendid Spoon compares to Factor and Purple Carrot — two other popular meal subscriptions we’ve had the pleasure of testing. We’ve taken our personal experiences with them and broken down the basics, highlighting key details like pricing, menu variety, delivery ranges, and dietary restrictions. Making an informed decision can help you maximize the benefits of your meal delivery service.
| Splendid Spoon | Factor | Purple Carrot | |
| Price Per Meal | Starting at $9.99 | Starting at $10.99 | Starting at $11 |
| Subscription Type | Prepared meals | Prepared meals | Meal kit, prepared meals |
| Meal Options Per Week | 6 dishes, 7 noodles, 17 soups, 17 smoothies, 5 wellness shots | Rotating menu of 50 entrées and over 70 add-ons | Over 140 meals and extras |
| Servings Per Week | Up to 18 | Up to 18 | Up to 12 |
| Supported Diets | Non-GMO, low-fat, low-carb, high-fiber, gluten-free | Flexitarian, high-protein, high-fiber, low-carb, low-calorie | Gluten-free, high-protein, low-calorie, low-sodium, soy-free, nut-free, high-fiber |
| Delivery Range | Contiguous United States | Contiguous United States | Contiguous United States |
We’re comparing Splendid Spoon, Factor, and Purple Carrot because they offer some of the same types of meals and health benefits. They’re known for their popularity with consumers and their strong focus on providing nutrient-dense meals to help you reach your health goals without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. Still, each comes with its own unique approach. Splendid Spoon specializes in plant-based foods, Factor emphasizes high-protein, fitness-focused meals, and Purple Carrot includes meal kits that require cooking. Be sure to base your subscription on your personal preferences and dietary needs — there’s no wrong answer, truly.
Places to Buy Splendid Spoon
You can sign up and manage your Splendid Spoon subscription directly on the brand’s retail site.
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
Splendid Spoon has earned a reputation for its commitment to providing high-quality, plant-based meals delivered directly to your door. Shipping is available across the contiguous United States, and you get to pick how often your deliveries ship. The ordering process is straightforward, and you can cancel or skip a delivery anytime. Meals are delivered frozen, packed in recyclable containers with dry ice.
Customer experiences with Splendid Spoon appear generally positive, especially regarding the taste and quality of meals. A few customer reviews mention late deliveries, missing items, and difficulty cancelling their subscription, but their customer service earns an impressive 4.3 out of 5 on Google.
For reference, Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC didn’t have any issues when cancelling his subscription. He even gave Splendid Spoon’s customer service a 5 out of 5, saying, “I had no issues with cancelling/pausing my account, and the brand’s Help Center has plenty of links to address any common inquiries. The Help Center does provide email contact info, too, along with available times and recognized holidays.”
Our Final Verdict on Splendid Spoon Meal Delivery Service
While the price per meal does place Splendid Spoon outside of the best budget meal delivery services conversation, you might consider it an investment in quality and convenience. Splendid Spoon prides itself on sourcing high-quality ingredients without sacrificing the brand’s promise to remain eco-friendly. Still, the menu variety is somewhat limited. The options may not satisfy those looking for a wide range of flavors and textures or those needing to customize their meals.
Overall, Splendid Spoon can be a viable option for those who need nutrient-dense meals in a pinch. Because, just like Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD says, “A balanced diet consists of a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Ultimately, you should aim for a balanced diet consisting primarily of these aforementioned foods, avoiding processed options along with sugary snacks and excessive salt.”
Splendid Spoon Review FAQs
How much does Splendid Spoon cost?
The cost per meal depends on your subscription, but pricing starts at $9.99 per meal. The more you order, the cheaper your price per meal.
How long do Splendid Spoon meals last?
Splendid Spoon recommends eating soups, noodle dishes, and grain bowls within three months of delivery. Be sure to keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to eat them. Smoothies and wellness shots should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed by the printed “enjoy by” date on the bottles.
Do Splendid Spoon meals come frozen?
Yes, Splendid Spoon meals come frozen and should be stored in the freezer until consumed.
Are Splendid Spoon meals organic?
Splendid Spoon sources organic ingredients when possible. However, they’re always 100% plant-based, non-GMO, gluten-free, and made with whole ingredients.
References
- IJmker-Hemink, V. E., Dijxhoorn, D. N., Briseno Ozumbilla, C. M., Wanten, G. J., & van den Berg, M. G. (2020). Effective elements of home-delivered meal services to improve energy and protein intake: A systematic review. Nutrition, 69, 110537. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31521950/
- Maggiolo, N. S. (2024, May 20). The cost of eating out vs eating in by State. The Cost of Eating Out vs Eating In by State. https://www.topnutritioncoaching.com/blog/cost-of-eating-out-vs-eating-in
