As a strength coach and reviewer who’s tried my share of meal services, I wanted to see if Sunbasket could deliver for an active life—high protein and solid quality, worth the cash.
I cooked their Meal Kits, heated their Fresh & Ready options, and stacked them up against players like HelloFresh, Daily Harvest, and Home Chef.
This isn’t just a quick skim—I dug into customization, variety, taste, pricing, and the works, all through the lens of someone who lives for training and recovery, but I’ve also considered regular folks.
Whether you’re a lifter, a wrestler, or just too busy to cook from scratch, I’ve broken it down to figure out if Sunbasket’s hype holds up—and if it’s the right fit for you.
Quick Verdict
Sunbasket nails it with tasty, organic meals—both kits and prepared—packing 30–40 grams of protein for active folks. It’s pricey at $11.49–$17.99 per serving, but the quality and variety shine.
But while I like the service, and it worked well for me, my MVP for a tailor-made meal delivery service for athletes is Trifecta Nutrition. It delivers pre-made dishes, optimized macros, and catering specifically to the needs of highly active individuals.
Pros
- High-Quality Ingredients: Sunbasket’s organic produce and sustainably sourced meats—like juicy steak or fresh salmon—taste top-notch and feel clean.
- Solid Protein Options: Meals like pork tenderloin or beef chili pack 30–40 grams of protein, perfect for recovery after a tough workout.
- Variety and Flexibility: With 24 weekly options—kits and prepared—you can mix diets like Paleo or Gluten-Free without hassle. It’s not endless, but it kept my taste buds happy over weeks of testing.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Nearly 100% recyclable or compostable materials, like denim insulation, make it easy to ditch guilt-free.
Cons
- Premium Price Tag: At $11.49–$17.99 per serving plus $9.99 shipping, it’s steeper than cooking at home or cheaper kits like HelloFresh. The quality’s there, but your wallet will feel it if you’re on a budget.
- Portion Sizes Can Fall Short: Some meals left me wanting more after a heavy training day, despite the solid macros. Active folks with big appetites might need to double up or add sides.
- Limited Recipe Tweaks: You can pick meals but can’t swap proteins or ditch a sauce, unlike Home Chef’s customization.
What Is Sunbasket?
Sunbasket is a meal delivery service launched in 2014, based in San Francisco, focused on providing fresh, healthy meals with an emphasis on organic and sustainably sourced ingredients.
It offers two main options: Meal Kits, which include pre-portioned ingredients and recipes for home cooking in 20–40 minutes, and Fresh & Ready meals, fully prepared single servings that heat up in 4–6 minutes.
The service caters to various dietary preferences, including Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Mediterranean, and Carb-Conscious, with a weekly menu of about 24 choices. Subscribers can mix and match meals across these plans to suit their needs.
Sunbasket stands out for its commitment to quality—99% of its produce is USDA-certified organic, and proteins like meat and seafood are free of hormones and antibiotics.
Beyond dinners, it offers add-ons through a market section, such as breakfast items, snacks, and extra proteins, priced individually. Deliveries are available across most of the contiguous U.S., arriving in eco-friendly packaging that’s nearly 100% recyclable or compostable.
It’s designed for those seeking nutritious, convenient meals with minimal prep, appealing to health-conscious individuals and busy households alike.
My Sunbasket Review & Experience
Customization
Sunbasket offers a decent amount of flexibility, though it’s not perfect. You start by picking a plan that matches your preferences, like Paleo, Carb-Conscious, or Gluten-Free, and from there, you can mix and match meals across any of their categories.
I appreciated that freedom; it’s not rigid like some services that lock you into one track. For instance, I could grab a Keto-Friendly dish one night and a Pescatarian option the next without jumping through hoops.
That said, don’t expect to tweak individual recipes. You can’t swap out a protein or sub a side—what you see on the menu is what you get.
If a dish comes with chicken and cauliflower rice, that’s the deal. They do offer some upgrades, like opting for organic meat for an extra fee, which I tested once and found worth it for the quality bump.
The menu filters are handy, letting you sort by calories, carbs, or protein content, which was a big plus for tracking my intake.
I zeroed in on high-protein options (think 30–40 grams per serving), and there were enough to keep me satisfied.
Still, I couldn’t help but wish for a bit more granular control—say, doubling the meat portion or ditching a sauce I wasn’t feeling. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something I’ve seen other services nail better.
The ordering process itself is straightforward. You pick your meals by Wednesday for the next week’s delivery, and if life gets busy, you can pause or redirect your box easily. I rerouted one shipment when I was out of town, and it worked without a hitch.
For active folks who need reliable fuel, Sunbasket’s customization gets the job done, but it’s more about picking from a curated list than building your dream plate from scratch.
Meal Variety, Kits, and Recipes
Diving into Sunbasket’s offerings, I tried both their Meal Kits and Fresh & Ready meals over a few weeks to get the full picture. Variety is one of their strong suits.
The menu rotates weekly with about 24 options, split between kits you cook and prepared meals you heat. I’d say roughly a third of those consistently hit the high-protein mark I look for, which is solid for keeping things interesting.
Dishes like the “Steak with Chimichurri and Roasted Sweet Potatoes” or “Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce” caught my eye right away, and they didn’t disappoint.
The Meal Kits are the hands-on option, taking 20–40 minutes to prep and cook. I whipped up a “Paleo Beef Chili with Butternut Squash” one night, and the recipe card was clear—step-by-step, no guesswork.
The ingredients came fresh, with organic produce that looked like it was just pulled from the ground. Cooking felt quick enough for a busy schedule, though some recipes leaned heavier on chopping than I’d prefer after a long day. T
aste-wise, they’re a cut above. The flavors were bold—think spices that pop and sauces that don’t skimp—without feeling overly complicated.
My only gripe? Portions can feel tight if you’re ravenous. That chili was tasty but left me eyeing my fridge for a top-off.
The Fresh & Ready meals, on the other hand, are a godsend when you’re short on time. Pop them in the microwave for 4–6 minutes, and you’re eating.
I tried the “Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce” and was impressed—it didn’t taste like your typical nuked meal.
The meat stayed juicy, and the sauce had real depth. They’re single-serving, so if you’re feeding more than yourself, you’ll need multiples.
The variety here is slimmer—maybe 8–10 options weekly—but they still cover bases like Mediterranean or Carb-Conscious. The protein stayed high (often 25–35 grams), which is important for me.
For athletes or anyone active, the range works well enough to avoid monotony, and the quality holds up across both formats. The kits flex your cooking muscle a bit, while the ready meals save you when you’re beat.
Between the creativity and solid macros, Sunbasket’s variety kept me engaged without feeling like I was eating leftovers on repeat.
Taste & Quality
When it comes to taste and quality, Sunbasket doesn’t mess around—I’ll give them that. Over the weeks I tested both the Meal Kits and Fresh & Ready options, I was consistently impressed with how they delivered on flavor and ingredient freshness.
Starting with the Meal Kits, I cooked up dishes like the “Pork Chops with Honey-Chipotle Glaze” and a “Salmon with Lemon-Tahini Sauce.”
The recipes aren’t afraid to lean into bold seasonings—those pork chops had a smoky-sweet kick that hit the spot, and the salmon’s sauce was tangy without overpowering the fish.
Nothing felt bland or phoned-in, which is a trap some meal services fall into. The produce was a standout—crisp greens, vibrant squash, you name it—all organic and tasting like it came straight from a farmer’s market.
The proteins held their own, too. The meats were tender and well-sourced—no hormones or antibiotics, which you can taste in the cleaner flavor.
I upgraded to organic chicken one week, and the difference was subtle but noticeable—juicier, with a richer bite.
The macros are solid—plenty of meals hit 30+ grams of protein—but the volume can leave you wanting a bit more.
Switching to the Fresh & Ready meals, I was skeptical about how they’d hold up. Microwaved food can be hit-or-miss, but the “Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers” and “Turkey Meatballs with Marinara” surprised me.
The beef stayed succulent, not rubbery, and the sauce had a legit savory punch. The meatballs were hearty, with herbs that didn’t fade in the heating process.
These aren’t gourmet by any stretch, but they’re a far cry from the sad frozen dinners of the past. Quality-wise, the ingredients mirror the kits—organic where it counts, responsibly sourced proteins—which keeps the bar high across the board.
For active folks, the taste is a big plus; it’s satisfying enough to refuel without feeling like a cheat meal. Could the portions stretch further for bigger appetites?
Sure. But the fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully made quality makes Sunbasket a contender if you value what’s on your plate.
Packaging
The batch box I got showed up in a sturdy cardboard setup, with everything neatly packed to keep the cold stuff cold and the dry stuff safe.
The Meal Kits come with ingredients portioned out in little bags—veggies in one, meat in another, sauces in reusable jars—which makes unpacking a breeze.
The Fresh & Ready meals arrive in their own microwave-safe trays, stacked tight with ice packs to stay fresh. I’ve had boxes sit on my porch for a few hours in the sun, and nothing spoiled, so the insulation (recycled denim, by the way) does its job.
Sunbasket leans hard into the eco angle. They claim nearly 100% of the packaging is recyclable or compostable, and from what I saw, that checks out.
The cardboard breaks down easily, the plastic bags are recyclable, and even the ice packs are drainable, so you’re not chucking toxic gel.
Compared to other services I’ve tried, where you’re drowning in single-use plastics, this felt less wasteful. It’s not perfect—some bits still end up in the trash if your local recycling’s picky—but it’s a step up.
Price
Sunbasket’s pricing isn’t the budget-friendly kind. It’s a premium service, and the costs reflect the organic ingredients and quality.
Meal Kits start at $11.49 per serving, but most I picked were $13–$17.99. Fresh & Ready meals begin at $9.99, stretching to $12–$15. Shipping is free the first time, then $9.99 per box, with a $45 minimum order. Here’s how it breaks down:
| Sunbasket | Price Range per Serving | Notes |
| Meal Kits | $11.49–$17.99 | Higher for meat/seafood; $80/week for 6 servings |
| Fresh & Ready Meals | $9.99–$15 | $55/week for 4 servings; varies by dish |
| Shipping | $9.99 | Free on first order |
| Add-Ons | $5–$20 | Snacks, proteins like steak or crab cakes |
Cancelation Process
Sunbasket’s cancelation process is pretty painless. Everything’s handled through your online account, which I accessed from my phone in about two minutes.
You log in, head to the “Account Settings,” and there’s an option to “Pause or Cancel.” I canceled after a couple of weeks to wrap up my trial, clicked through a quick “Why are you leaving?” prompt (optional, not pushy), and got a confirmation email right away.
If you’re not ready to ditch it completely, pausing is just as easy. I paused one week when I knew I’d be swamped, picked a resume date, and it updated without a hitch.
You can even redirect your box to a different address if you’re traveling.
You’ve got to make changes by Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET, before your next delivery week. I nearly missed that cutoff once, but a quick login saved me from an unwanted box.
Who Is Sunbasket For?
After testing Sunbasket for a few weeks, I’ve got a solid read on who this service clicks for—and who might want to skip it. It’s not a one-size-fits-all deal, but it shines for certain folks. Here’s who I think gets the most out of it.
Health-Conscious Eaters with Busy Schedules
If you’re someone who wants clean, organic meals but doesn’t have hours to shop and cook, Sunbasket’s a fit. The Meal Kits take 20–40 minutes, and the Fresh & Ready options heat up in under 6.
I loved how the organic produce and hormone-free meats made me feel good about what I was eating without the hassle. For anyone prioritizing nutrition over fast food, this bridges the gap between convenience and quality.
Active Individuals Who Value Quality Fuel
For those of us who train hard and need reliable food to recover, Sunbasket delivers. The high-protein options—like steak with chimichurri or pork tenderloin—hit 30–40 grams per serving, which kept me going after tough days.
The flavors pop and the ingredients feel premium, not processed. It’s not the cheapest way to refuel, but if you’ve got the budget and want food that matches your effort, it’s a strong contender. Just be ready to supplement if you’re a big eater.
Eco-Minded Foodies Willing to Pay a Premium
Sunbasket’s eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing stood out to me—recyclable boxes, compostable materials, and responsibly raised proteins. If you’re into that and don’t mind shelling out extra for it, this service aligns with those values.
I enjoyed the creative recipes, too—think salmon with tahini or beef stir-fry with real depth. It’s for folks who see food as an experience, not just fuel.
Who It’s Not For: Budget-Conscious Big Appetites
If you’re watching every penny or need massive portions to feel full, Sunbasket might not work. At $11.49–$17.99 per serving for Meal Kits and $9.99–$15 for Fresh & Ready, plus $9.99 shipping, it’s pricier than competitors like EveryPlate or even cooking at home.
I found the servings tasty but sometimes light—great quality, sure, but not enough volume for someone pounding calories after a heavy lifting session. If cost or quantity trumps organic cred for you, this isn’t your match.
Customer Sunbasket Reviews
To round out my take, I checked what everyday users are saying about Sunbasket online—think Trustpilot or Reddit, not glossy review sites.
People rave about the taste and quality, with one user gushing, “The flavors are amazing—way better than other kits I’ve tried!” Fresh ingredients get love too; someone noted, “The veggies and meats are so fresh, it’s like they just picked them.”
Convenience is a hit—folks like that kits cook fast and prepared meals save time. The eco-friendly packaging scores points, with comments like, “Love that I’m not drowning in plastic.”
On the flip side, cost comes up a lot—one user grumbled, “It’s delicious but pricey—hard to justify every week.” Portion sizes split opinions; a Redditor said, “Great for me, but my husband’s still hungry.”
Some mention delivery hiccups—like late boxes—though most say support fixes it quick. Overall, users seem happy if they’re cool with the price and don’t need massive meals.
Sunbasket Alternatives
Hello Fresh
Hello Fresh is one of the most popular meal delivery services and a strong alternative to Sunbasket. What makes Hello Fresh stand out is its meal kit system’s simplicity and affordability.
Each kit comes with pre-portioned ingredients and straightforward recipes designed to make cooking easy even for beginners.
I’d peg it as a solid alternative if you’re after variety and a lower price point. HelloFresh delivers meal kits with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes that take 20–40 minutes to cook.
The menu’s massive, with over 100 weekly options, dwarfing Sunbasket’s 24. I could pick meat-heavy dishes hitting 25–40 grams of protein, which kept me fueled post-training, though I sometimes ate two servings to match my appetite.
Taste-wise, it’s bold and satisfying—not as gourmet as Sunbasket’s organic flair, but it doesn’t skimp.
Pricing is where HelloFresh pulls ahead: $9.99–$11.49 per serving plus $10.99 shipping, versus Sunbasket’s $11.49–$17.99 plus $9.99. My 2-person, 4-meal box ran $90.91—cheaper than Sunbasket’s $80 for six servings.
Customization’s limited, though—you pick meals but can’t tweak macros. Packaging is functional (labeled bags, ice packs), but less eco-friendly than Sunbasket’s recyclable setup, with more plastic waste.
For active folks, HelloFresh works if you enjoy cooking and want affordable, tasty meals. It’s not as diet-specific or premium as Sunbasket—no organic focus or prepared options—but it’s versatile and wallet-friendly. If you don’t mind supplementing protein and can handle the prep time, it’s a practical swap.
My Hello Fresh review goes into detail about my experience.
Daily Harvest
Daily Harvest flips the script from Sunbasket, offering fully prepared, plant-based meals—frozen smoothies, bowls, and flatbreads ready in minutes.
I tried the “Broccoli + Cheeze Harvest Bowl” and “Mint + Cacao Smoothie”; the flavors were clean and decent, but protein topped out at 17 grams—even with two servings.
Sunbasket’s high-protein kits (30–40 grams) and meat options like steak or pork blow it away for fueling training. Daily Harvest’s all-vegan menu—no meat, no eggs—means I’d need to hack it with add-ons, unlike Sunbasket’s flexibility for carnivores.
Price-wise, it’s $7–$10 per item (e.g., $105 for a 14-item box), cheaper than Sunbasket’s $9.99–$17.99 per serving, but portions are smaller and less filling. A Sunbasket meal kit satisfies more for the cost.
Prep’s a breeze—blend or heat in 1–5 minutes—versus Sunbasket’s 20–40-minute kits or 4–6-minute prepared meals.
Packaging is a win: recyclable cups and compostable bowls edge out Sunbasket’s eco-cred slightly, though both prioritize sustainability.
For athletes, Daily Harvest is a tough sell unless you’re vegan or cutting weight—it’s light, convenient, and health-focused, but not built for big macros or recovery. Sunbasket caters better to active lifestyles with its protein variety and heftier servings.
If you’re time-starved and plant-based, it’s a contender; otherwise, Sunbasket’s broader appeal wins out. My Daily Harvest review goes into detail about my experience.
Home Chef
Home Chef offers meal kits and oven-ready options that cook in 15–40 minutes. The menu’s broad, with 20+ weekly choices, slightly less than Sunbasket’s 24, but it scales up to six servings versus Sunbasket’s two.
I found protein hitting 25–40 grams in dishes like steak or pork, solid for post-workout fuel, though portions can feel modest for bigger appetites compared to Sunbasket’s heftier plates.
Price-wise, Home Chef starts at $9.99 per serving, dipping to $7.99 for some oven-ready meals, plus $10.99 shipping—more budget-friendly than Sunbasket’s $11.49–$17.99 range.
Customization shines here; you can swap proteins (chicken for beef, say) in most recipes, unlike Sunbasket’s pick-and-stick approach.
Quality’s decent—fresh veggies, good meats—but it’s not as organic-obsessed as Sunbasket, which might matter if you’re all about clean eating.
Packaging is efficient, with labeled bags and ice packs, though it leans on plastic more than Sunbasket’s eco-friendly setup.
For active folks, Home Chef’s a win if you like cooking control and lower costs. It lacks Sunbasket’s prepared meals and niche diet focus (Paleo, Keto), but it’s versatile and easy—perfect for those who don’t mind a little kitchen time.
You can read my Home Chef review for my experience.
Frequently Asked Sunbasket Questions
What types of meals does Sunbasket offer?
Sunbasket caters to a wide range of dietary preferences through two primary types of meals: Meal Kits and Fresh & Ready meals. Meal Kits are designed for those who enjoy cooking but seek convenience, offering pre-portioned organic ingredients and step-by-step recipe cards.
These kits usually take about 20 to 40 minutes to prepare, depending on the recipe’s complexity. Fresh & Ready meals, on the other hand, come fully cooked and require just a few minutes of reheating in a microwave or oven. This option is ideal for days when time is tight, and you still want a nutritious, chef-crafted dish.
Both meal types accommodate various diets, including vegetarian, vegan, keto, Paleo, Mediterranean, and gluten-free.
How flexible is the subscription?
Flexibility is one of Sunbasket’s standout features. You have complete control over your subscription, allowing you to skip a week or pause your plan if you’re traveling or simply don’t need deliveries for some time.
Changing meal plans is also straightforward—this can be particularly useful if your dietary needs evolve, or you decide to try something new like transitioning to a plant-based or low-carb menu.
Adjustments can be made without any penalties, making the service adaptable to different lifestyles and schedules.
What regions does Sunbasket deliver to?
Sunbasket currently delivers to most ZIP codes across the continental United States, excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and select areas in North Dakota, Montana, and New Mexico.
Delivery days vary depending on your location, but you can choose the day that works best for you when setting up your account. The limited coverage in specific states might be a drawback for some, but for most U.S.-based customers, availability should not be an issue.
Is Sunbasket environmentally friendly?
Sustainability is a significant part of Sunbasket’s mission. The service uses compostable and recyclable packaging wherever possible, and meal kits come neatly organized in materials designed to minimize environmental impact.
While this is a commendable effort, I did notice that the sheer volume of packaging may overwhelm those with limited recycling options or small living spaces. Still, the focus on keeping ingredients fresh and reducing food waste is reassuring for eco-conscious consumers.
How does Sunbasket handle dietary restrictions and allergies?
Sunbasket provides a variety of dietary plans, but customization for niche or specific food allergies can be limited.
For instance, while you can select gluten-free or dairy-free options, meals are prepared in facilities that process common allergens, so cross-contamination is possible.
If you have a severe food allergy, it’s essential to double-check ingredient lists and consult customer service for clarity. For broader dietary needs, such as avoiding soy or high sugar intake, Sunbasket offers curated plans to help meet those requirements.
Summary
After weeks of testing Sunbasket, I can say it’s a standout for quality and variety. The Meal Kits and Fresh & Ready meals deliver bold flavors and organic ingredients, and enough options are hitting 30–40 grams of protein, perfect for fueling an active life.
Customization is decent with dietary filters, though you can’t tweak recipes. At $11.49–$17.99 per serving plus $9.99 shipping, it’s pricier than alternatives, but the eco-friendly packaging and clean sourcing justify it for health nuts. Canceling is a breeze, too—no traps there.
For athletes like me, though, Sunbasket isn’t the ultimate pick. I’d recommend Trifecta Nutrition instead. It’s fully prepared, meat-packed meals with 35–50+ grams of protein—tailored for recovery and gains, no cooking required.
At $16 per meal, it’s a splurge, but the time saved and macros delivered make it unbeatable for serious athletes or even casual people who still chase performance and gains. Sunbasket’s great, but Trifecta’s the real MVP for training fuel.
Trifecta
Trifecta Nutrition
A clean, high protein meal delivery service that doesn’t skimp on quality or portions.
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