Purple Carrot is a website for a meal delivery business that provides plant-based meals that are either raw or ready to eat. It is perfect for people with little time to devote to food preparation or to shop for groceries, such as individuals, couples, and small families.
Users can personalize their meals, change meals, and even browse their weekly menu, which may include new additions such as the chef’s choice.
This Purple Carrot review provides all the information about the brand and what it can offer you.
Meal delivery is a big industry. A 2022 Hotel Tech Report stated that by March 2021, 47% of Americans used a food delivery app for their daily meals. Purple Carrot is one of the many meal delivery services available online. [1]
Research
About the Brand
Purple Carrot is a 100% plant-based meal kit delivery service company acquired by Oisix Ra Daichi Inc., a Japanese company, in 2019. Since the company was started in the USA, it still has its headquarters in Massachusetts, and all its US-based operations are still active. This deal opened expansion opportunities for the company steering it forward more than most meal delivery services.
Customers can receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week from the business. In addition, they provide their customers with pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipe instructions so they can prepare tasty plant-based dishes in their own homes.
The company bases all its Purple Carrot meals on a plant-based diet. This brief history of carrots may significantly impact the name since it is in the business of offering plant-based meal kit delivery services.
Unlike other meal delivery services, Purple Carrot offers its vegan recipes and meal plans in two distinct ways:
- One: They send out a meal kit with raw organic ingredients that you need to cook your own meals for breakfast, lunch, or supper. This arrangement is ideal for individuals with a few minutes to spare in the kitchen making vegan meals. The ingredients are packed with ice packs to stay fresh during transit and arrival.
- Two: They send out already prepared meals. The client receiving the food heats it and enjoys it. This option is best for people who are always on the go but would still love to have healthy and nutritious vegan meals.
The pricing of the Purple carrot meals is based on the condiments used in the food. So it varies from meal to meal. This vegan meal delivery service will calculate your cost based on how many servings per meal and the frequency you will receive the meals.
The minimum serving is 2, and the maximum is four heads. The minimum number of meals per week is 2, and the maximum is 3.
Pros and Cons of Purple Carrot
Pros
- The Purple Carrot meal plan service is entirely vegan.
- You have the liberty to customize your vegan meal kit.
- You have two options: fresh ingredients or heat and eat meals.
- You can select the number of weekly meals (two or three).
- The pricing is based on what you select.
- You get a 25% discount on your first meal if you are a first-time buyer.
- You are free to cancel a delivery via the website.
- Getting started on Purple Carrot is straightforward.
- The meals are organic and gluten-free.
- The vegan options are unlimited.
- The service takes into account all your dietary restrictions and preferences.
- For people with no prior plant-based cooking, the weekly menu includes recipe instructions on food preparation.
- All meals displayed on the website have nutritional values indicated at the bottom. ( calorie count, preparation time, allergen presence).
- Most of the packaging is recyclable.
- The portions are reasonable.
- They also sell non-produce items like sauces and side dishes.
Cons
- It is not suitable for meat eaters.
- Most meal kits may contain allergens like nuts and dairy.
- The company does not have a mobile app yet.
- Purple Carrot offers only three delivery days that a client cannot customize.
- The two or three meals per week may be too little for people with busy weeknights all week.
- Some plant-based recipes may take too long to prepare, and you must have impeccable cooking skills.
5 Best Purple Carrot Recipes
The Purple Carrot subscription feature of getting a weekly menu and all the recipes sent to clients is a game-changer setting this company apart from other meal kit companies. All Purple Carrot recipes are nutritious and tasty.
The weekly menu has been well-curated into various nutritious mixes with specific labels. Every ingredient is from the earth with zero animal products.
Some common weekly diet labels you will see all over the site are high protein, nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free, quick and easy, and the calorie count of each meal. Each menu indicates the presence of allergens to avert any cases reported of food allergies using their products.
Here are five of the best Purple Carrot plant-based recipes:
1. Breakfast Meal Kit: The Lemon Poppy Overnight Oats
To create this 5-minute breakfast recipe that fits a vegan lifestyle, you will need:
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 4 tsp agave
- 2 cups non-dairy milk (not included)
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ¼ cup dried blueberries
- Salt*
- Non-dairy milk*
In a dish or other container with a lid, combine the oats, lemon juice, poppy seeds, agave, non-dairy milk, and a small amount of salt. Stir to combine. The oats should be covered and kept cold for at least eight hours or overnight.
Spread the overnight oats among four serving bowls when it is time to dine. For toppings, add dried blueberries and almonds to taste.
This and most breakfast recipes have the nutritional value of the dish. This one has 260 calories, 10 grams of fat, 43 grams of carbs, and 8 grams of proteins per serving.
It is gluten and soy-free, but it may contain tree nut allergens.
2. Breakfast Meal Kit: Smoky Tofu & Sweet Potato Hash with Avocado
This meal kit recipe booklet includes the following whole foods and condiments:
- 1 sweet potato, diced
- 1 red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 mini sweet peppers, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 14 oz organic extra firm tofu, drained, patted dry, and crumbled
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced (pit removed)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil*
- Salt and pepper*
To make this meal, you will need 20 minutes to spare, and you will also need two nonstick skillets. Cooking sweet potatoes is the first step in preparing this meal, followed by serving.
Start by bringing 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to moderate heat in a sizable nonstick pan. For 3 to 4 minutes, add sweet potato and heat until just lightly browned. When the sweet potato is tender enough for a fork to sink in, wait for 3 to 4 minutes and add 13 cups of water and a lid to the skillet.
Add an onion, a couple of small sweet peppers, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes or until the veggies are caramelized.
The most exciting part of the process is when it’s ready to be served, but first, you need to heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in another sizable skillet over medium-high heat. Incorporate the tofu, nutritional yeast, paprika, and a dash of salt and pepper—Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown. Place smoky tofu on top of the sweet potato hash divided among plates accompanied with avocado.
This meal contains 240 calories, 12 grams of fat, 13 grams of proteins, and 25 grams of carbs per serving.
3. Lunch Meal Kit: Curried Cauliflower Tartine with Hummus & Roasted Red Peppers
This lunch delicacy serves two, and you need 5 minutes of meal prep. This meal contains 430 calories, 15 grams of fat, 13 grams of protein, and 43 grams of carbs. It includes two allergens: sesame and wheat.
Here is what you will receive in the recipe booklet for making this dish:
- 2 ciabatta rolls, halved
- 4 oz hummus
- 3.5 oz curried pickled cauliflower, roughly chopped
- 4 oz roasted red peppers, diced
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
The process of making this vegan food is simple. You first start with toasting the ciabatta rolls. Add scallions, toasted red peppers, and fermented cauliflower.
4. Dinner Meal Kit: Refried Butternut Tacos with Grape Salsa & Cilantro Cabbage Slaw
This meal is one of the green Chef’s choices with a high-protein count of 610 calories, 15 mg of fat, 28 grams of protein, and 96 grams of carbohydrates per serving. It contains two allergens, soy, and wheat. And to create this whole food menu, you require a large nonstick skillet (pot), a medium skillet, a small saucepan, and a baking sheet.
Here is the ingredient list of this Purple Carrot good dinner meal:
- 13.4 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 oz butternut squash
- 4 oz red grapes
- 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced
- ¼ oz fresh cilantro, tender leaves, and stems finely chopped (divided)
- 1 lime, juiced (divided)
- 1 tbsp vegan butter
- 2 tsp agave
- 2 oz shredded green cabbage
- 6 corn tortillas
- 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 2 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp olive oil*
- Salt and pepper*
The quantities indicated above serve two people. But you should double the quantities if you want a 4-serving vegan meal.
All in all, here is how you prepare this. First, preheat the oven to 400°F. Cover cannellini beans, squash, and salt in cold water in a wide nonstick skillet. Slow cook squash for 12 to 15 minutes until fork-tender. Mash beans and squash in a bowl after draining
Next, sprinkle grapes with 1 tsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet for 6-8 minutes until soft and wrinkled.
Next, mix roasted grapes, half the cilantro, jalapeno, half the lime juice, salt, and pepper to maximize flavor in a bowl.
The next thing is to fry the butternut. Return the skillet to medium-high heat with 1 tbsp olive oil. Spread on mashed butternut squash. Undisturbed, cook squash for 5 to 7 minutes on medium heat, then combine with butter, agave, and salt.
In the second-to-last step, combine the leftover cilantro, lime juice, grated green cabbage, and salt in a separate bowl. Warm tortillas in the warm oven for 5 to 7 minutes in foil, then add refried butternut squash. Finally, top with grape salsa, slaw, and pumpkin seeds and enjoy it topped up with hot sauce.
This process will take you 40 minutes.
5. Prepared Meal: Sesame Scallion Noodles with Orange Ginger Stir-Fry
This already prepared meal will only take you 2 minutes to unwrap and enjoy. It is a healthy vegan mix with numerous vegetables, sesame, noodles, and more you can find on the company’s website. The calorie count is 360; the fat content is 17 grams, the carbohydrate quantity is 52 grams, and proteins are 9 grams per serving.
The allergens present in this weekly delivery meal are wheat, soy, and sesame. It is the perfect busy weeknight meal that is fulfilling, nutritious, and vegan. This and other meal plans in this category makes it easy for busy individuals to keep up their plant-based eating habits despite not having time to cook.
Note: These meals may change since there is a new weekly menu.
Purple Carrot Meal Plans
Purple Carrot has three main meal plan arrangements that one can opt for. You can only select one of the three.
The first meal plan is the option of having raw organic ingredients portioned for a meal serving two or four individuals. The menu changes slightly depending on the number of servings you select. For the two-serving meals, you can pick three or four meals weekly. You may go for two or three meals a week for the four-serving meals. You need to set time aside for meal prep for these meal plans. But the great thing is that the portions are handsome and filling.
The second meal plan is the prepared meal kits. In this arrangement, you receive a ready to eat meal that you only heat to consume. Under this plan, you can get up to 10 meals.
Lastly, they have a celebration meal plan for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, serving two starting at $75. You will find the meal plans with new foods allocated every month.
The delivery days are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, depending on your zip code.
How To Sign Up for Purple Carrot
The signing-up process is the easiest on the Purple Carrot site since it is user-friendly. Once on the website, you click the sign-up button, input a few details and preferences, and receive your subscription.
If you have any issues or questions, you can contact customer service, and a customer service rep will get back to you promptly to solve the problem.
Delivery and Packaging
Most of Purple Carrot’s packaging is recyclable and favorable to the environment, making it ideal for home reuse. As previously stated, deliveries can take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays. Because the delivery schedule for meals at your location is predetermined, you will not have the option to choose which day you will receive them.
On the bright side, users are sent an email including the tracking information, which enables them to monitor the delivery and coordinate the pick-up or drop-off of their packages.
All the recipes are delivered to you in an insulated and secure container. They are effortless to unpack and make no mess in the process.
Purple Carrot Customer Reviews
Clients using Purple Carrot seem pleased with the service, with a few qualms judging from the feedback on TrustPilot. The company has a 4-star rating out of five, and the total reviews are over 700.
One client by the name CU highlighted that the meals were great but were complicated to make. They state, “The meals are good but complicated to make. I don’t use them fast enough because they will take a lot of time to prepare. After a long tiring day at work, that makes it hard to get motivated to make them. It would be helpful if there is a way to create fewer steps. I love the fresh ingredients and variety of vegan meals.”
Another client CTA indicated that the meals were okay, but some items were missing in their delivery. They said, “We have been enjoying the recipes and the degree of preparation, as well as the recyclable nature of the packaging. However, we had at least our third meal today that had an ingredient missing. Tonight’s meal was cauliflower steaks, and the cauliflower was missing. Really need more quality control on the meal ingredients to make sure all are included.”
Finally, the following statement from a customer calls attention to two customer concerns: the freshness of the vegetables and an excessive amount of plastic in the packing.
Rhianna: “It is certainly convenient, and I like the recipes. I am unhappy with two things, though: (1) The quality of the produce. It is much lower quality than what I would choose for myself from the store. I wonder if it is sitting around in the box in a warehouse too long; (2) The unsustainable packing. There is a lot more plastic than I would like. Both are reasons why I am considering canceling.”
The Purple Carrot team responsible for providing customer support responded to every critical comment left behind. For example, when it comes to the problem of missing ingredients, they will typically notify the user that an item is missing and credit the corresponding amount back to the customer’s account.
As per the replies, the customer service team helps tackle the issue at hand and offer extra assistance when you reach out to them via help@purplecarrot.zendesk.com
Purple Carrot FAQs
Is Purple Carrot good for you? Yes, it is because all the ingredients and meals are fresh and fulfilling portions.
Is Purple Carrot vegan or vegetarian? Purple Carrot is 100% vegan with zero animal products.
Where does Purple Carrot ship from? The company works with numerous farmers across the US to deliver the freshest produce and organically made foods.
Is Purple Carrot owned by Tom Brady? Oisix Ra Daichi owns the company, but they have a partnership with Tom Brady.
Final Thoughts
Purple Carrot is a brand with great things going for it. Purple Carrot works systematically to ensure its clients get fresh food to adhere to a vegan lifestyle weekly. The Purple Carrot prices are fair; the food selection is expansive, including delicacies like sesame orange tofu with healthy ingredients like nut milk, and the customer service seems helpful.
It’s possible that they need to address specific problems with their deliveries being stale, missing things, and plastic wrapping. However, their responses on TrustPilot and other sites demonstrate that they are prepared to acknowledge feedback and open to further negotiations to resolve the concerns.
If you do not have any problems with the strict delivery day schedule, then the meal delivery service Purple Carrot offers is worth your money. Plus, it will help you stay on track with a plant-based cooking lifestyle. If you are pressed for time, you now have access to a detailed Purple Carrot review. A further beneficial aspect is that you can skip weeks and yet maintain the same delivery schedule as before. Cancellations are also accepted.
And if you plan to have a sun basket picnic with no meal plan, the celebration meal plan for two may do.
