Sunbasket is a better choice for those prioritizing organic ingredients and diverse dietary options, while Home Chef is a more budget-friendly option with customizable meals and familiar flavors. Both have potential drawbacks regarding ingredient freshness and customer service consistency.
| Attribute | Sunbasket | Home Chef |
|---|---|---|
| Variety of Meal Options | Meal kits and prepared meals; Gluten-Free, Paleo, Carb-Conscious, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Vegetarian, Keto-Friendly, and Diabetes-Friendly diets; Lean & Clean (under 600 calories), Quick & Easy (ready in under 20 minutes), breakfast, lunch, and snack add-ons; Mix and match between dietary categories; Around four vegetarian options a week. | Over 30 rotating dishes weekly, including meal kits, express meals, oven-ready meals, fast & fresh options, and prepared lunches. Family Plan available. |
| Quality and Freshness of Ingredients | High-quality ingredients, with a focus on organic and sustainable sourcing; Seasonal, organic produce, and meats are antibiotic and hormone-free; Seafood is wild-caught and adheres to sustainability standards; 99% of their produce is organic; Source ingredients from over 135 ranches, fishermen, and farms. | Emphasizes sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients. Some reports of freshness issues. |
| Taste and Flavor Profiles of Meals | Designed by chefs to be nutritious and flavorful; Use herbs, spices, sauces, and seasonings to maximize flavor; Globally-inspired cuisines. | Familiar and approachable dishes, often incorporating new flavors or twists. Leans on familiar combos like BBQ, garlic, or herb-heavy profiles. |
| Ease of Preparation and Cooking Time | Portioned ingredients and take 30 minutes or less to prepare; Fresh & Ready meals are fully prepared and require only heating; Pre-Prepped Meal Kits with ingredients already prepared, reducing cook time to 15-20 minutes; Quick & Easy meals can be made in under 20 minutes with minimal prep; Recipes are generally clear and concise, with helpful footnotes for beginners. | Meal kits with varying preparation times, including express meals that take 15 minutes or less. Recipes are generally straightforward and easy to follow. |
| Portion Sizes and Calorie Counts | Recipes usually have 500–800 calories in each serving; Balanced calorie count, with options ranging from 300 to 800 calories; Lean & Clean meals are around 550 calories per serving; Most meals are nutritionally balanced with protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrates. | Options for different serving sizes (2, 4, or 6 people). Calorie-conscious meals available (400–600 calories per serving). Nutritional information readily available online. |
| Packaging and Environmental Impact | Recyclable and compostable packaging; Paper-based packaging, recycled denim insulation, and compostable fiber-based food trays; Ice packs are non-toxic and reusable, with recyclable liners; Provides guidance on how to recycle, reuse, and compost packaging materials. | Insulated boxes with gel packs, using recyclable packaging materials. Some dislike the amount of plastic used. |
| Customization Options | Customizable, allowing you to swap out ingredients; Adjust the quantity of meals and servings as needed; Various dietary labels like no added sugar, carb-conscious, protein plus, keto-friendly, and more; Customize protein choices. | 'Customize It' option allows swapping, doubling-up, or upgrading proteins. Can exclude certain ingredients. |
| Delivery Schedule and Flexibility | Delivers weekly, and you can skip a week or cancel anytime; Select your preferred delivery day; Change the delivery address temporarily; The cutoff for changes or cancellations is the Wednesday before the next week's delivery. | Schedule deliveries up to 5 weeks in advance. Easily skip or reschedule deliveries. |
| Customer Service Responsiveness and Helpfulness | Available by phone, email, or chatbot during business hours; Customer service can be accessed via a self-service portal, online text messaging, or phone. | Customer support via phone and live chat. Some praise customer service as excellent and helpful. Refunds offered if not 100% satisfied. |
| Recipe Clarity and Accuracy | Recipe cards are generally clear and concise; Provide detailed recipe cards and online video tutorials; Cooking times are generally accurate. | Recipe cards included with step-by-step instructions and vibrant, clear pictures. |
| Dietary Restrictions and Allergen Accommodations | Caters to various dietary requirements, including gluten-free, vegetarian, pescatarian, paleo, keto, low carb, Mediterranean, and diabetes-friendly; Clearly label recipes to highlight the specific diets they suit; Not recommended for people with severe gluten intolerance due to the risk of cross-contamination; Meals are prepared in a facility that handles wheat and other major food allergens. | Options for vegetarian, calorie-conscious, and carb-conscious diets. 'Gluten Smart' options available. May not be suitable for strict diets like vegan or those with severe allergies due to potential cross-contamination. |
| Price | $9.99 to $25.99 per serving; Shipping is typically $9.99 per order. | $5.00 to $9.99 per serving + $10.99 shipping |