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Purple Carrot Review

Wednesday, February 12th

2025 High Protein Meal Delivery Reviews

Purple Carrot Review 3 Star Rating

Purple Carrot

3 Star Rating
  • Price per serving: Starts at $11
  • Days of food: 2-5 meals per week
  • Shipment frequency: Weekly
  • Daily meals: Mainly dinners; options for breakfast, snacks, and desserts
  • Calories per meal: 500-800
  • Grams of protein per meal: Roughly 15-45
  • Number of high-protein recipes: 944
  • Prep time: 2 minutes for Prepared Meals, 45 for Meal Kits

Purple Carrot, a trailblazer in the meal delivery sector since 2014, is known for its unwavering commitment to plant-based recipes. When it comes to meeting high-protein diet needs, Purple Carrot brings tofu, tempeh, and seitan to the table. They offer a variety of plant-based, protein-rich meals, which is great for those avoiding animal products. But here's the rub: if your protein preferences lean towards the animal-based variety, you might find Purple Carrot's menu a bit narrow.

Check back for discounts

Deals and discounts can be a deal-maker. Purple Carrot occasionally serves up specials like a holiday deal for 50% off. It's worth keeping an eye on their website throughout the year for these occasional treats.

Kits start at $11

Purple Carrot offers two options for their meal plans: Meal Kits and Prepared Meals. With the Meal Kit option, you can choose between 2 or 4 servings and receive 2 or 4 meals per week. If you prefer Prepared Meals, you can also choose between 2 or 4 servings, but you'll receive meals for 3, 4, or 5 days of the week. The meal kits require some cooking and preparation, while the prepared meals are ready to eat with just a few minutes in the microwave. Meal Kits start at $11 per serving, which is reasonably wallet-friendly. But remember, these are not ready-made meals, so you're doing the cooking. The plant-based angle could be why it's a tad cheaper - no meat here. For prepared meals, the pricing is more uniform at $13 per serving, aligning with competitors. But again, you're locked into plant-based choices.

Filtering capabilities are lacking

If you're curious about the high-protein meals offered by Purple Carrot, you can browse their menu without creating an account. Simply go to the homepage and click on "All Recipes" at the bottom of the menu. From there, select "Dietary Concerns" on the menu bar and choose "High-Protein." There are 944 results for high-protein recipes, but you can only apply one filter at a time - meaning the high-protein filter will be cleared if you click on another one, like "Desserts”. Each recipe overview includes icons indicating if it's under 600 calories, soy-free, requires less prep, low in sodium, or high in fiber. Inconveniently, to view the protein count, you need to click on the recipe.

Best High Protein Meal Delivery

Purple Carrot doesn't give average macro breakdown

A typical week might include Walnut Crusted Artichokes (660 cal, 26g protein) on Monday night, Tofu Sloppy Joes (700 cal, 32g protein) on Wednesday, and Thai Peanut Flatbreads (670 cal, a robust 40g protein) on Friday. While this might not seem like much protein (especially when considering the calorie counts), remember, we're in vegan territory - high protein and low calorie is a tricky balance to strike. For someone newly vegan and looking to build muscle, Purple Carrot could be an easier route than navigating the protein puzzle solo, but it won't be a good option for those expecting the protein levels you find in meat-based meals.

Three options for prep

Preparation ease with Purple Carrot can swing widely. If you're crunched for time, their Prepared Meals only need about 2 minutes in the microwave. On the other hand, Meal Kits can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes to prepare. They do offer Less Prep meals, which are a nice middle ground, featuring pre-chopped veggies or premade sauces, and generally requiring fewer pots and pans. It's a thoughtful touch for those who love home-cooked meals but not the time it usually takes to make them.

Ingredient sourcing seems fine

When it comes to ingredient quality, Purple Carrot keeps it a bit vague. They mention that most of their ingredients are non-GMO and they're working on sourcing higher quality ingredients. While this doesn't give us the farm-to-table story some competitors offer, it doesn't ring any major alarm bells either. For those not overly concerned with the nitty-gritty of sourcing, it seems Purple Carrot meets a basic standard of quality. But if you're someone who likes to know exactly where each tomato comes from, you might find their information a bit lacking.

Best High Protein Meal Delivery

Food sometimes arrives spoiled

Purple Carrot ensures your meals arrive fresh in an insulated box with non-toxic ice packs. They take pride in their mostly recyclable packaging, from the box to the liners and even the jars and bottles. They're also striving to limit their environmental impact, though they admit there's no perfect solution yet. Their website provides detailed recycling instructions, which is a thoughtful touch for eco-conscious customers. However, some reviews highlight issues with packaging and food quality upon arrival, like bloated or leaking containers and occasionally spoiled food. While these instances might not be the norm, they do raise concerns about consistency in delivery quality.

Problems need to be addressed at the root

Purple Carrot's customer service seems to be a hit or miss. They have a decent 3.8 rating from nearly 1,000 reviews on Trustpilot and an "A+” from the Better Business Bureau, indicating a generally positive reputation. Customers appreciate the variety, quality, and portion size of the meals. However, there are criticisms about the protein content of some meals and a desire for more customization options. A recurring theme in reviews is the occasional lapse in fresh produce quality and challenges with substitutions, which can dampen the overall experience. Positive experiences from long-term customers show a loyal following, yet there are enough mixed reviews to suggest that satisfaction may vary. The response to issues, such as offering credits or refunds, indicates a willingness to address problems, but it's clear that there's room for improvement in consistency and customer care.

Recommended for vegans

Purple Carrot has a big plus: they offer lots of different types of food from various cuisines, so you're not likely to get bored with their meals. This variety is something their customers really like and sets them apart from other meal services that might have more repetitive menus. But, there's a catch: Purple Carrot is all about vegan food. So, if you're not a vegan and you're looking for meals with a lot of protein, you might find their options a bit lacking. Price-wise, they're not super cheap but also not too expensive - they're kind of in the middle compared to other meal services. In short, if you're into vegan food, Purple Carrot could be a good pick. But if you're not vegan or you want meals with more protein, it might just be an okay choice and not the best out there.

What is the Best High-protein Meal Delivery Service?

Recently, high protein meals have become very popular. And why not? There are many benefits to a high protein diet - it boosts your metabolism, helps you feel fuller, and builds muscle and strength, just to name a few. But shopping for the ingredients and preparing high protein meals can be a chore.

This is where high protein meal delivery services come in. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, where convenience often trumps all, the allure of High-protein meal delivery services has captured the attention of fitness enthusiasts and time-strapped individuals alike. No more tedious meal prepping or calorie counting - these services deliver nutritious, protein-packed meals straight to your doorstep.

The Best High Protein Meal Delivery Compare High Protein Meal Delivery Compare High Protein Meal Delivery Reviews What are the best High Protein Meal Delivery Best High Protein Meal Delivery Reviews

High Protein Meal Delivery FAQ

High protein meal delivery services are a convenient solution for those looking to increase their protein intake without the hassle of meal planning and grocery shopping. These services deliver pre-prepared or easy-to-prepare meals right to your doorstep, focusing on high protein content which is essential for muscle building, weight management, and overall health. They're particularly popular among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone following a protein-rich diet.
When selecting a high-protein meal delivery service, consider factors like dietary preferences (vegan, keto), meal variety, portion sizes, and pricing. Also, look into the quality of ingredients and the flexibility of the service in terms of pausing or canceling subscriptions. It's a good idea to read customer reviews to gauge satisfaction and check if they offer a trial period.
Absolutely! High protein meal delivery services can be an excellent tool for both weight loss and muscle gain. Protein is key in promoting satiety, which can aid in weight management, and is essential for muscle repair and growth. However, it's important to choose a service that aligns with your specific caloric and nutritional needs for these goals.
Many high-protein meal delivery services offer customization options to cater to various dietary restrictions like allergies, vegetarian or vegan preferences, and low-carb diets. It's recommended to check with the service provider about their customization flexibility before subscribing.
The cost of high-protein meal delivery services varies depending on factors like meal quality, organic ingredients, and portion sizes. Typically, prices range from $10 to $15 per serving.
This depends on the service provider. Some offer fresh meals with a shorter shelf life, ideal for immediate consumption, while others provide frozen meals that last longer. Fresh meals often taste better and have a more appealing texture, but frozen meals offer convenience and a longer storage time.
Delivery times vary by service. Some offer next-day delivery, while others might take a few days to a week. It's important to check the delivery schedule, especially if you have specific dietary needs or a tight schedule.
Most high-protein meal delivery services offer flexible subscription plans allowing you to pause, skip, or cancel at any time. However, it's wise to read the terms and conditions as some services may require a minimum commitment period or have specific cancellation policies.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

High protein meal delivery services are a game-changer, especially for those with specific fitness goals. Maybe you're a bodybuilder, for whom every gram of protein is crucial in your quest for gains. Or you could be closely monitoring your macronutrient intake, aiming for a precise balance in your diet and a lean physique. These services cater to those looking to maintain a healthy diet, build muscle, or simply enjoy the benefits of a protein-rich diet.

The options provided by these online services are highly appealing. With a wide array of plans, ranging from meat-based to plant-based protein options, they have something for virtually every dietary preference and restriction. Customizable meal plans, competitive pricing, and the luxury of home delivery make these services a go-to choice for anyone looking to increase their protein intake and reduce time spent meal prepping.

However, the difficulty is in choosing the correct service from all the options available to you. With the surge in popularity of meal delivery services, it's become a daunting task to sift through the multitude and find one that aligns with your dietary preferences, lifestyle, and budget.

When choosing a high-protein meal delivery service, here's what to consider:

  • Ingredient quality. Is the focus of the meal delivery service on high-quality ingredients, and are they open about their sourcing practices?
  • Customization. Can you tailor your meals to fit specific macro goals or portion sizes?
  • Subscription flexibility. How easy is it to skip weeks or cancel? Do you need to jump through hoops, or can it be done with a click of a button?
  • Packaging and delivery. Is the service known for delivering fresh, well-packaged meals with efficient and environmentally-friendly packaging, and on-time shipments?
  • Customer reviews. What are existing customers saying about taste, freshness, and satisfaction with the meal plans?
  • Cost. What is the price per serving? Are shipping fees charged per week, or per box?

At Top Consumer Reviews, we have thoroughly explored and ranked the best high-protein meal delivery services out there. Our aim is to help you find a service that doesn't just feed you but fuels your goals, whether it's building muscle, tracking macros, or simply leading a healthier lifestyle.

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