Veestro vs. Purple Carrot 2023: Vegan Meal Battle!

Both Veestro and Purple Carrot offer fresh vegan meals. They both cater to the growing demand for plant-based convenience. Veestro has transitioned from frozen to fresh meals, bringing it closer to Purple Carrot's fresh prepared meals and meal kits. 

Veestro specializes in delivering prepared meals. In contrast, Purple Carrot started with meal kits and has expanded to include prepared meals. This fundamental difference influences your choice, depending on whether you prefer cooking with provided ingredients or the ease of pre-cooked meals.

When comparing Veestro and Purple Carrot, I’ve decided Purple Carrot takes the lead. With a varied and changing menu and meals suitable for families, it takes the top spot. My analysis will help you make an informed decision for your vegan meal needs.

At a Glance: Who Won Each Category?

Menu Variety

Winner: Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot wins in terms of menu variety. Its weekly rotating menu means you always have something new to try. Additionally, its meal kit options let you enjoy the process of cooking with pre-portioned ingredients and easy recipes. This flexibility and variety cater well to different preferences, setting Purple Carrot apart in terms of menu diversity.

Veestro offers a fixed menu with a focus on natural ingredients. Its entire menu is plant-based, ready for quick heating and eating. The only way to get more choice from Veestro is if you are located near Los Angeles. Here, you can see a menu of around 60 options, but for most people, the limited menu is more common.  

The cuisines vary, including American, Mexican, Asian, and Mediterranean options. This gives you a global culinary experience. Yet, with only 21 menu options encompassing entrees, breakfasts, sides, and desserts, the choices can feel limited over time, especially when compared to Purple Carrot's ever-changing menu.

Location and serving size further differentiate the 2 services. Purple Carrot customers can take advantage of its full selection. For Los Angeles residents, Veestro offers an extended menu of 60+ options, though it includes similar recipe types and cuisines as found in other locations. 

Veestro primarily provides single-serving meals and some 2-person sides. This makes it more suitable for singles and couples. Purple Carrot offers single serving prepared meals, 2-person and 4-person serving meals in its offerings, so it caters better to families. 

Purple Carrot’s menu features over 20 items that rotate weekly. These include mains, breakfasts, lunches, and 8+ prepared meals, plus a Plantry menu for extra treats. This expansive selection makes Purple Carrot a more versatile option, providing something for everyone.

Sample Meals

Here are some top meals I’ve selected from each menu so you know what to expect. 

You can’t see Veestro’s menu until you start the signup process. When you’ve entered your zip code, you can see what dishes are available for you. I’ve chosen a few highlights from the most common menu as the extended menu is only available if you’re local to Los Angeles.

• Best main meal option: Mediterranean Bowl

• Best low-calorie dish: Butternut Squash Risotto

• Best breakfast dish: Banana Bread Protein Oatmeal

• Best dessert option: Fudge Brownies

Purple Carrot’s menu changes each week so there’s always something new to try. Searching the menu is a breeze as you can search by meal kits, Less Prep meals, or prepared options. Plus you won’t be overwhelmed by the choices.

• Best main meal option: Korean Tofu Tacos

• Best low-calorie dish: Vegan Chick'n and Dumplings

• Best breakfast dish: Pumpkin Pie Pancakes

• Best dessert option: Chocolate Glazed Donuts

Meal Customization

Winner: Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot wins this round with its robust menu customization options. You can easily identify recipes that are nut-free, soy-free, or gluten-free through the use of its recipe tags. This feature allows you to quickly find meals that fit your dietary needs without having to sift through ingredients lists or descriptions.

Purple Carrot enables you to edit ingredients within the meal kits. This offers the flexibility to omit or replace items as you see fit. Although this might be more time-consuming, it does give you more control over what you put into each dish.

Veestro offers a different approach to menu customization. Since it specializes in vegan meals, every option is already free from meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and honey. This ensures a baseline of dietary accommodation right from the start. 

However, Veestro’s prepared meals mean you can’t edit ingredients within the meals. You can customize your weekly menu by selecting different meals through your account dashboard, but your ability to make adjustments is limited to that.

Ingredient Quality and Nutrition

Winner: It’s a tie

This round results in a tie. Both Veestro and Purple Carrot offer fresh ingredients and comprehensive nutritional information. 

Veestro prioritizes the use of organic ingredients where possible. Although it cannot guarantee everything is certified organic. You will not find refined seed oils, such as canola oil, in its dishes. 

Purple Carrot also commits to high-quality ingredients. It has a focus on sourcing non-GMO ingredients. Most of its non-produce items, including beans, tofu, and vegan cheeses, are organic. 

Purple Carrot provides full nutritional details for every dish. You can access this information by clicking on “View Full Nutrition Label” when exploring menu options. For every Veestro recipe, you can view the nutritional values directly from the menu page. You can also find a complete list of ingredients and allergens with just an additional click.

Ordering, Delivery, Unboxing

Winner: Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot takes the lead in ordering, delivery, and unboxing experience. It delivers to all 48 contiguous states, providing a wide reach. Purple Carrot also excels in packaging, using TemperPack’s ClimaCell technology to ensure all items stay fresh during transit.

Depending on your location, you might receive 1 or 2 boxes per week with Veestro. For example, in Los Angeles, I noted 2 deliveries scheduled per week. Veestro's meals arrive fresh, not frozen, and the packaging includes all necessary nutritional information, making it easy for you to understand exactly what you are eating.

Both companies are committed to sustainable packaging. They use recyclable materials including compostable cardboard. Purple Carrot, however, provides an extensive guide on how to dispose of each packaging item, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to sustainability. 

When you sign up with Veestro, it automatically fills your cart with 10 pre-selected meals. However, you maintain full control to change these selections according to your personal preferences, with options to choose as few as 8 or as many as 15 meals per week. This feature ensures a blend of convenience and customization from the get-go.

Purple Carrot provides a versatile menu selection. You have the freedom to mix and match meal kits, Less Prep meal kits, and prepared meals. Purple Carrot encourages you to enjoy meals fresh, optimizing the taste and nutritional value. 

Meal Prep

Winner: It’s a tie

When it comes to meal prep, both Veestro and Purple Carrot hold strong, leading to a tie. Both offer a range of heat-and-eat prepared meals, designed to streamline your cooking experience and save you precious time in the kitchen. You can jump straight into heating and enjoying your meal in around 5 minutes. 

Purple Carrot further simplifies meal preparation with its user-friendly meal kits. Each kit comes complete with pre-packaged and perfectly portioned ingredients, eliminating any guesswork from your cooking routine. Alongside the ingredients, you’ll find printed, comprehensive recipes that guide you through each step of the cooking process. 

Customer Support

Winner: Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot wins thanks to its range of contact options. It provides multiple ways for customers to get in touch, catering to various preferences. You can reach out via email, text, live chat, or even request a call back for your queries.

Veestro’s customer support operates on weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm PT. Although this gives you a specific timeframe to contact, it might not be convenient for everyone. The FAQ section is available, but it’s quite limited and lacks a search function, which can make finding answers to your questions a bit challenging.

When I contacted Veestro via email, the response was not satisfactory. I had questions about the shipping areas, and the reply did not fully address my concerns. This experience might vary for other users, but it’s a point to consider when choosing a meal delivery service.

Managing your orders with Veestro requires a few steps. You need to go to your Dashboard, select the order you wish to cancel, tap on 'Manage Weekly Deliveries,' and then choose 'Cancel Order.' It’s a straightforward process once you know where to go, but it might take a bit of navigating the first time.

Purple Carrot offers a seamless experience with its app. Not only does it make ordering and updating orders convenient, but it also provides an additional platform for customer support. The FAQ section is comprehensive and includes a search function, ensuring you find the answers you need quickly.

Canceling your Purple Carrot subscription is easy. It can be done through the app or on your account page. Just make sure to do so before the deadline at 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday the week before your next shipment is due. This clear and easy-to-remember deadline helps avoid any potential confusion and ensures a smooth cancellation process if needed.

Pricing

Winner: Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot wins this round with its more affordable meal options. With meals potentially as cheap as $11 per serving, it stands out when you opt for the maximum order of 3 meals for 4 people per week. Even its prepared meals, priced at $13 per serving regardless of quantity, prove to be a budget-friendly choice.

Veestro’s pricing tends to be higher across the board. Most meals sit at $14.99, though I found a breakfast scramble for a slightly less $13.99. These prices remain constant, no matter how many dishes you order. Be mindful that some sides and desserts are portioned for 2.

Prices for Veestro vary significantly in Los Angeles. Depending on your chosen dishes, you might pay anywhere from $8.99 to $20.99 per serving. This range highlights the importance of scrutinizing your order to estimate final costs accurately.

Shipping costs with Veestro can be tricky to understand too. The FAQ section lists a range of $7.95-$12.95 per delivery. However, my experience with an Alabama zip code resulted in a $14.99 shipping fee, while a Los Angeles zip code amounted to $19.98 for 2 deliveries in 1 week.

Veestro vs. Purple Carrot – Quick Overview

And The Winner Is: Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot stands out as a flexible option, especially for those who enjoy kitchen time. It not only provides single-serving, plant-based meals similar to Veestro, but also offers meal kits that present better value for couples and families. Additionally, its rotating weekly dishes ensure a varied and interesting menu.

Veestro offers a much smaller selection of meals. Plus its menu remains constant each week. This could become monotonous for long-term subscribers seeking variety in their meal choices.

Purple Carrot keeps the dining experience fresh with its ever-changing weekly menu. If you’re someone who enjoys preparing your own meals, Purple Carrot’s meal kits offer a great opportunity to be actively involved in your plant-based journey.

Veestro, while consistent, may lack the menu variety that Purple Carrot provides. This distinction becomes crucial when planning for long-term meal delivery services. It's important to consider how much menu variety you desire in your plant-based eating plan.

Before finalizing your decision, explore our list of top vegan meal delivery services. Check out our curated list of the best options available today to ensure you make an informed choice tailored to your preferences and lifestyle.

FAQ

Is Purple Carrot expensive?

Purple Carrot’s pricing is competitive within the meal delivery market. While some of its meals can cost as low as $11 per serving when you choose the maximum plan, the prepared meals stay at a constant $13 per serving. This variety allows you to tailor your plan to better fit your budget.

Is Veestro processed food?

Veestro provides plant-based, chef-prepared meals. Although the meals come prepared and require reheating, Veestro emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients. This focus on quality ingredients sets it apart from typical processed food options.

Can you freeze Purple Carrot meals?

Purple Carrot recommends enjoying its meals fresh for optimal taste. They remain fresh in your refrigerator for up to 7 days. While freezing is an option, it may alter the texture and flavor of some ingredients, so it's best to refer to the storage instructions provided with each meal.