“For those looking to support a healthy diet with portioned-controlled, nutrient-dense dishes, the best meal delivery services can be excellent alternatives to the grocery store,” notes Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD. In addition, organic services like Sunbasket can be great for elevating your daily vegetable intake — another perk of meal kit services, according to studies. (1) While the USDA organic produce is a definite stand-out for this popular meal subscription, the brand also offers heat-and-eat meals alongside plenty of market items perfect for keeping your stomach satisfied and taste buds intrigued.
In our opinion, Sunbasket can be a great meal kit selection for those valuing natural, organic ingredients, as well as those that prefer a mix of home-cooked meals and pre-made dishes throughout the week. However, some of the portions, according to our roster of testers, may leave some appetites wanting more, especially when it comes to fueling an active lifestyle. In this Sunbasket review, we take inspiration from our supplement testing methodology (as we’ve done with over 45 other popular meal delivery services) to rate and examine the subscription in categories including ease of preparation, meal variety, ingredient quality, and (of course) value. Mouth beginning to water? Let’s get into our findings.
Sunbasket’s meal delivery service can be excellent for a wide range of dietary needs, including Paleo, vegetarian, Mediterranean, diabetes-friendly, and more. Meal kits and prepared dishes are available with the platform, allowing you to cater your prep time to your schedule with ease.
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
- Sunbasket meals are available as pre-portioned meal kits or pre-made, heat-and-eat servings — perfect for those with varied schedules.
- Every Sunbasket meal kit features USDA organic alongside responsibly-sourced meats and seafood.
- While filling at times, our testers note that portions may be too small for certain appetites or larger families.
Sunbasket Specs
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $9.99 |
| Meal Kit Type | Meal kit, Prepared meals |
| Meal Options Per Week | Over 50 entrées and 60 add-ons |
| Servings Per Week | Up to 20 |
| Available Meal Preferences | Paleo, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Carb-Conscious, Keto-Friendly, Mediterranean, Diabetes-Friendly, Pescatarian |
| Delivery Range | Contiguous United States excluding Montana, North Dakota, and parts of New Mexico |
| Some Meals We’ve Tried | Spicy Barbacoa Pulled-Pork Sliders with Apple Slaw, Blackened Tilapia with Black Beans & Chile-lime Salsa Over Brown Rice, Chicken Tikka Masala |
As one of the best healthy meal delivery services available, Sunbasket’s menu consists of over 50 entrées either in pre-portioned meal kits or pre-made — what the brand calls “Fresh & Ready” — dishes. For the meal kits, each chosen cuisine is packaged in a single paper bag with all required ingredients and accompanied by a Sunbasket recipe card. According to our tester, “The recipes are well-detailed and I had no issues with following along as I prepared my ordered servings.” In terms of the pre-made meals, these dishes can be excellent for time-crunched evenings or on-the-go lunches, requiring just a working microwave to create a hot, healthy dish.
While the 50 available meals — and over 60 add-ons like side dishes and sweet treats — are plentiful, we also appreciate Sunbasket’s catering to different dietary preferences. You can quickly filter your menu across several types of diets including paleo, gluten-free, plant-based, pescatarian, and more. “Having a meal kit delivery service aligned to your dietary needs can be helpful in ensuring you have suitable, high-quality meals with worthwhile ingredients that may not be readily available when you go grocery shopping,” notes Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, registered dietitian and BarBend expert contributor.
In terms of prepping each meal, our tester, a certified personal trainer, notes that Sunbasket’s meal kits take up roughly the same allotted time as a regular home-cooked meal. “You’ll need some basic cookware like pots, pans, and cutting boards, but the prep and clean-up were fairly manageable,” they state. Plus, while you will need to cut and slice certain ingredients, the fact that meals come pre-portioned can save some time and can contribute to less food waste in unused produce or goods. (2)
Sunbasket allows you to order up to 20 servings weekly across five chosen meal recipes. This can be suitable for single individuals or small families but may be too low of an order total for larger households. Plus, our tester notes, “The serving portions can be somewhat small, depending on your chosen dish. I’d be hesitant to recommend this service for those with larger appetites or those needing extra calories to fuel a hyperactive lifestyle.”
Finally, Sunbasket dishes start at $9.99 per serving, which falls in line with some of the best budget meal delivery services. However, the delivery range does mean that some athletes may be unable to take advantage of these wallet-friendly deliverables. According to the brand, Sunbasket delivers to the contiguous United States excluding Montana, North Dakota, and parts of New Mexico.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Sunbasket
Like the best protein powders and gym shoes, certain meal delivery services work better for certain individuals. While Sunbasket can be a nutritious, convenient option for some, the service may be less than ideal for you. Below, we’ve outlined a few groups we feel could benefit from Sunbasket’s approach to healthy eating along with some camps that may feel more fulfilled with a different meal kit platform.
Recommended for:
- Athletes looking for meal kits and microwave-ready meals composed of organic produce and responsibly-sourced proteins.
- Single individuals or smaller households that can be comfortably fed with up to 20 servings weekly.
- Budget-minded athletes in need of a meal delivery service below $10 per serving.
Not Recommended for:
- Individuals in need of high-calorie meals to support larger appetites and active lifestyles.
- Those wanting a meal service offering solely pre-made, heat-and-eat dishes.
- Athletes living in Montana, North Dakota, and parts of New Mexico that reside outside of Sunbasket’s delivery range.
Our Experience Using Sunbasket
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. Over the years, we’ve been able to test some of the best meal kit platforms on the market from the best vegan meal delivery services to meal kits for families, premade meal subscriptions, and beyond. We examined Sunbasket as we have with these previously-mentioned subscriptions, using our supplement testing methodology to guide our notes and critiques as we rated the platform on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in key categories. Below, we’ve outlined some of our top findings.
Meal Plans and Customizations
The available menu of this food delivery service is vast with over 100 entrées and add-ons to choose from. From soups, tacos, and pastas to more diet-friendly dishes catering to needs like low-carb, dairy-free, plant-based, and more, there are plenty of options to choose from, according to our tester. “Between the pre-portioned meal kits and heat-and-eat servings, you can easily craft a unique order each week without fear of repeating dishes or boring servings,” they add in reference to their 4.5-out-of-5 variety rating.
While the assortment is enticing, we do note that “customized” dishes can be few and far between. For example, you cannot alter a recipe to swap in a top plant source of protein in-place of a chicken breast or salmon filet, so you’ll need to ensure that your meal of choice is aligned with your dietary preferences prior to check-out. “There are so many options, though, that you should be able to find an appealing dish without much effort,” notes our tester.
Ingredient Quality
Each Sunbasket box is packaged with reusable, recyclable, or compostable materials, leaning into the brand’s sustainability efforts. You also receive a number of ice packs which can be helpful in keeping your veggies and meats chilled during transport. While our tester did receive some smashed goods during our trials, we attribute this mostly to the package handling rather than the quality of the parcels themselves.
In terms of ingredient quality, though, the experiences were more mixed than we had hoped for. “I had some meat ingredients that arrived with broken vacuum seals, which gave me pause,” states our tester, who rates the ingredient quality at a conservative 2.75 out of 5. “Other steak dishes had a grisly chew to them, which made the meal less enjoyable. I can’t say this has always been the case with my orders — the pork sliders I had were phenomenal — but the reoccurrences are too much to ignore.”
Portion Sizes
Portion sizes can make or break a meal kit service — you should want meals that keep you satiated and away from snacking on your best protein bar soon after you’ve cleaned your plate. Unfortunately, Sunbasket’s portions are a bit on the lower end, which may be less than ideal for those with higher caloric intakes, either as a result of a larger appetite or higher energy balance needs from an active lifestyle.
According to our tester, a certified personal trainer, who rates the portions at 3 out of 5, “Most of the meals I’ve received would feed roughly one to two people, albeit with a little room for post-meal hunger. Thankfully, though, some of the recipes do have leftover meat and vegetables on occasion, which can give you the opportunity to craft extra meals beyond the intended cuisine.”
We also point out that Sunbasket caps its order quantity at 20 servings weekly, or four servings each of five chosen meals. For larger households trying to feed multiple mouths each night, this may be too low of an order total to sufficiently fuel everyone.
Taste
Taste can be a subjective matter, but as we’ve learned with our round-up of the best tasting protein powders, if someone enjoys the flavor of a particular product, odds are that you’re more willing to give it a shot. Sunbasket’s assortment of organic produce and responsibly-sourced proteins do come together well in each recipe, but our tester states that some extra zest may be required to achieve that optimal bite.
“I didn’t have any issues with bland produce or unsavory meats, but I will note that extra seasonings are practically a must-have,” they add in reference to their 3.75-out-of-5 taste rating. “The dishes aren’t completely off-putting, but I found myself doctoring most with different spices, aromatics, and condiments.”
In terms of the Fresh & Ready meals, our tester says the pre-prepped, microwave-ready meals are a step above your classic TV dinner, but they aren’t as mouth-watering as a home-cooked meal. That said, the convenience (and lack of excessive clean-up) do make these heat-and-eat servings a viable option, especially if your in-kitchen skill set is less robust.
Value
Sunbasket’s meal kits are available at costs starting at $9.99 per serving. This is a budget-friendly price tag, from our experience, but it’s on the upper end of that scale. Accordingly, we rate the value at 3 out of 5 since you can find cheaper options, albeit with fewer USDA organic ingredients and responsibly-sourced proteins.
What to Consider Before Buying Sunbasket
Meal delivery services can be beneficial tools for better nutrition, and studies report that meal kit subscriptions can lead to better vegetable and protein intake over time. (1)(3) As Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD notes, though, “Not every service is a true winner. There are some factors worth considering before signing up.” To help you make the best decision possible, we’ve outlined some key points worth thinking through as you decide on the best meal kit subscription for your wants and needs.
- Meal Variety: Variety is the spice of life, right? Your meal delivery service should be able to keep your taste buds intrigued through multiple offerings each week across a range of cuisines and styles. You should also ensure that your meal subscription can support any present dietary needs like allergen sensitivities, low-carb preferences, or others. Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD adds, “Regardless of your preferences, make sure your daily meals are part of a balanced diet rich with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.”
- Delivery Range: The convenience of meal delivery services is essentially lost if your weekly order cannot arrive at your doorstep in a timely manner. Before getting into your platform’s menu, be sure that you live within the brand’s delivery range. Most services offer deliveries within the contiguous United States, while others, like Sunbasket, may have additional restrictions.
- Ease of Preparation: Meal prep can be a fun, enjoyable way to craft nutritious meals each night, but remember that convenience is the name of the game. If your cooking skill set doesn’t stretch beyond your best shaker bottle, be sure to look for a service with detailed recipes that call for simplified steps and minimal clean-up. Also, take your schedule into consideration — if a meal kit calls for over an hour each night, it may be less ideal for your needs.
- Cost Per Serving: The average home-cooked meal sourced from grocery shopping costs roughly $4.23, according to studies. (4) While meal delivery services are often more expensive than this, you’re essentially paying the upcharge for added convenience when dinner time rolls around. Still, though, be sure to consider your finances and stick to a meal kit that fits comfortably within your budget.
Sunbasket Vs. Competitors
Naturally, you have some options when it comes to choosing a meal delivery service (we’ve tried over 45 services with more to go). As such, finding the proper fit for your diet, palate, and budget can be tricky. To help, we’ve outlined two popular meal subscriptions we feel stack up well to Sunbasket’s offerings — Purple Carrot and Factor.
| Sunbasket | Purple Carrot | Factor | |
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $9.99 | Starting at $11 | Starting at $10.99 |
| Meal Kit Type | Meal kit, Prepared meals | Meal Kit, Prepared meals | Prepared meals |
| Meal Options Per Week | Over 50 entrées and 60 add-ons | Over 140 meals and extras | Rotating menu of 50 entrées and over 70 add-ons |
| Servings Per Week | Up to 20 | Up to 12 | Up to 18 |
| Available Meal Preferences | Paleo, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Carb-Conscious, Keto-Friendly, Mediterranean, Diabetes-Friendly, Pescatarian | Gluten-free, high-protein, low-calorie, low-sodium, soy-free, nut-free, high-fiber | Calorie-Smart, Keto, Carb-Conscious, Fiber-Filled, Chef’s Choice, Protein Plus, GLP-1 Balance, Flexitarian |
| Delivery Range | Contiguous United States excluding Montana, North Dakota, and parts of New Mexico | Contiguous United States | Contiguous United States |
| Some Meals We’ve Tried | Spicy Barbacoa Pulled-Pork Sliders with Apple Slaw, Blackened Tilapia with Black Beans & Chile-lime Salsa Over Brown Rice, Chicken Tikka Masala | Tofu Sloppy Joes, Kung Pao Cauliflower, Jackfruit Gyros | Filet with Carrots, Tomato Basil Chicken Risotto, Spicy Poblano Beef Bowl, Blueberry Pancakes |
Purple Carrot offers both pre-portioned meal kits and prepared dishes similar to Sunbasket. What separates this high-quality subscription apart, though, is that the entire menu is plant-based — a definite bonus for athletes following a vegan diet. Plus, the cost is affordable with meals starting at just $11, which isn’t terrible considering the array of plant-based options at your disposal each week. Unfortunately, though, the plant-based theme does not include meat-based substitutions, which may be a detriment to multi-diet households.
Factor is one of our favorite meal subscriptions thanks to its rotating menu of 50 entrées and add-ons each week along with the ultra-convenient pre-made structure of each dish. There are also a good bit of options for different dietary needs including GLP-1 Balance, Carb-Conscious, and Calorie-Smart. That said, you cannot customize specific meals if you need to swap out ingredients, and the dish freshness is (naturally) less elevated than a make-at-home meal kit with pre-portioned ingredients.
Places to Buy Sunbasket
You can sign up for a Sunbasket subscription directly on the brand’s retail site. Additionally, Sunbasket routinely offers introductory discounts which can unlock savings on your first box.
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
According to our tester, managing your Sunbasket account is easy and pain-free. “I also like how you can select your own delivery frequency if you’d rather not receive a weekly allotment of dishes,” they add. We also rate the customer service at 4 out of 5 since the brand is easy to reach with any questions or order changes. To contact Sunbasket with any inquiries, you can utilize the brand’s digital assistance tool 24/7 at sunbasket.com, text (208)-960-6505, or call (866)-786-2758. Agents are available 6AM to 8PM PT Monday through Friday and 6AM to 1PM PT Saturday and Sunday.
In terms of customer reviews, Sunbasket does not feature responses on its retail site. From the Apple App Store, though, the service currently boasts a 4.6-out-of-5 based on over 16,700 ratings. “We’ve been ordering three to four meals each week for almost a year now and couldn’t be happier with this service,” notes one positive customer response.
Our Final Verdict on Sunbasket
So, what’s the bottom line when it comes to this organic meal delivery service? In our opinion, Sunbasket can be a good option for those looking to tailor their daily nutrition around specific dietary preferences. The USDA organic produce and responsibly-sourced proteins are also high-quality, and we appreciate the mix of both pre-portioned meal kits and heat-and-eat options within each weekly menu. However, portions are a bit on the small side, so if you have a large appetite or need high-calorie servings to fuel your activities, it may be best to look elsewhere.
When deciding on a meal subscription for your home, make sure the available dishes align with your preferences and diet trends. Think about potential cook times, too, especially if you’re crunched for time and don’t have hours to dedicate to meal prep each night. If you’re on the hunt for an all-organic, responsibly-sourced option, Sunbasket may be the perfect solution to make ringing the dinner bell a much easier endeavor.
Sunbasket Review FAQs
Where does Sunbasket source their meat?
Sunbasket uses responsibly-sourced meat and seafood in each of the brand’s offered dishes with an emphasis on free-range or pasture-raised options. The network of sourcing partners stretches across the American heartland and Faroe Islands, according to the brand.
How much does Sunbasket cost?
Sunbasket meals can be purchased for $9.99 per serving. Smaller order quantities may elevate this price tag.
Is Sunbasket actually healthy?
“Healthy” can be a subjective term when thinking about meal delivery services. However, Sunbasket prioritizes USDA organic produce and responsibly-sourced proteins in its meal kits and prepared dishes. Plus, all available nutrition information is well-detailed on the included recipe cards as well as each meal’s respective product page for added clarity.
References
- Fraser, K., Love, P., Laws, R., Campbell, K. J., & Spence, A. (2023). Meal kit subscription services and opportunities to improve family vegetable consumption. Health Promotion International, 38(6). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10664410/
- Yona, O., Goldsmith, R., & Endevelt, R. (2020). Improved meals service and reduced food waste and costs in medical institutions resulting from employment of a food service dietitian – a case study. Israel Journal of Health Policy Research, 9(1). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32014056/
- Walton, K., do Rosario, V. A., Pettingill, H., Cassimatis, E., & Charlton, K. (2019). The impact of home‐delivered meal services on the nutritional intake of community living older adults: A systematic literature review. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 33(1), 38–47. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31266095/
- Maggiolo, N. S. (2024, October 31). 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
Sun Basket
Pros
- Organic Options
- Creative Meals
- Changing Menu
- Multiple Meal Options
Cons
- Some Meals Expensive
- Meals Take Time to Cook
