Green Chef is a better option for those seeking organic ingredients and diverse dietary options, including meat-inclusive meals, and customizable meals. Purple Carrot is ideal for vegans who appreciate plant-based meals and responsive customer service. Both offer convenient meal kits with a focus on sustainability, but Green Chef has a stronger emphasis on organic sourcing.
| Attribute | Green Chef | Purple Carrot |
|---|---|---|
| Organic ingredients availability | Emphasizes organic ingredients, with all produce and eggs being certified organic. First CCOF-certified organic meal kit company. Some meal kits may contain non-organic goods due to inventory issues, but Green Chef is transparent about this. | Not all ingredients are organic, but many products are organic and non-GMO whenever possible. Most of the non-produce grocery items are organic. |
| Dietary options | Keto, Mediterranean, Plant-Based, Gluten-Free, Protein Packed, Calorie Smart, Quick & Easy, and Gut & Brain Health. Also offers options for low-carb, dairy-free, low-added sugar, and sodium-smart diets. | 100% plant-based (vegan). Offers gluten-free, high-protein, soy-free, and nut-free options. |
| Meal variety per week | Rotating menu with over 40 meal kits each week. Customers can access the full menu and mix and match recipes from all available options. | Around 16 dinner options, 4 lunch, and 4 breakfast meal kit options, and around 26-28 prepared meal options. |
| Recipe complexity and cooking time | Recipes are easy to follow and can be cooked in about 30 minutes. Recipes have fewer steps and are beginner-friendly. | Standard meal kits take about 30 minutes to cook. Some meals are designed to require less prep, cooking, and cleanup. |
| Packaging sustainability | Mostly recyclable or compostable packaging. Offsets 100% of direct carbon emissions and plastic packaging. Boxes and liners are paper-based and recyclable. Uses ClimaCell insulation and partners with Plastic Bank to remove ocean-bound plastic. | 100% recyclable packaging. Boxes are made from 95% post-consumer material. Water-filled ice packs are drain-safe and environmentally disposable. Some find there is still a lot of plastic. |
| Minimum order quantity | Generally 6 meals per week, often structured as 3 meals for 2 people. No maximum order limit. | $50 |
| Customization options | Allows customization of meals, including upgrading or swapping proteins (chicken, salmon, or beef) for a premium option. Customers can also add proteins to some vegan and veggie meals, double vegetables, or increase protein intake. Other ingredient substitutions are limited. | Limited; you can't swap out individual ingredients. You can add extra meals to your plan from week to week. |
| Shipping cost and delivery area | Shipping costs around $10.99 per box. Delivers to all 48 contiguous United States. | Free if you spend more than $100; otherwise, there's a $12 shipping fee. Some locations may have a $15 fee. Offers nationwide shipping to the 48 contiguous states. |
| Price per serving | Meals start at $11.99 per serving. Prices can increase with premium proteins, customizations, and add-ons. | Meal kits range from $11 to $13.25 per serving. Ready-to-eat meals are $13 per serving. |
| Customer service responsiveness | Provides customer support through phone, email, and chat. Some customers have reported frustration with slow response times or unhelpful resolutions. Others have commended their responsiveness and efficiency. | Often highlighted as responsive and helpful. |
| Ingredient sourcing transparency | Sources high-quality ingredients, including organic produce and eggs, and proteins raised with high animal welfare standards. Prioritizes seasonal and regional ingredients. | Sources natural ingredients. |
| Nutritional information accuracy | Provides detailed nutritional information for each meal on their website and recipe cards. Registered dietitians publish a Nutrition Guide with science-backed insights. | The full list of ingredients and allergens is on every recipe. |