Sunbasket vs. Blue Apron (I Tried Both): Who Wins In 2025?

As someone who’s tested meal delivery services to fuel an active lifestyle, I’ve put Sunbasket and Blue Apron through their paces. Both promise quality, convenience, and tasty meals, but they cater to slightly different needs.

I cooked their meal kits, tried their prepared options, and dug into the details – customization, variety, taste, packaging, pricing, and more – to see how they stack up.

Here’s my breakdown, plus a final take on why neither fully steals the crown from my top pick.

Quick Verdict

Winner

Based on my experience with each meal delivery service, neither Sunbasket nor Blue Apron hold a light to Trifecta Nutrition.

Trifecta caters to any allergies or dietary preferences and has a Performance Line with meals that don’t skimp on protein or calories.

They are high protein, moderate carb, and lower in fat making them perfect for muscle building, fat loss, or sports performance related goals. Use code “liftbig40” for 40% OFF.

CHECK CURRENT TRIFECTA DEALS

What Is Blue Apron?

Blue Apron, a pioneer since 2012, kicked off the meal kit craze in the U.S. with a mission to bring chef-inspired meals and fresh ingredients to your door.

It offers classic Meal Kits with step-by-step recipes and pre-portioned goods, plus Prepared & Ready meals for quick heating. The menu features around 16 kits and 20+ prepared options weekly, spanning high-protein (up to 45 grams), carb-conscious, and vegetarian dishes.

Emphasizing seasonal produce and sustainable sourcing, Blue Apron appeals to home cooks who enjoy the process and busy folks craving gourmet flavors.

It’s a versatile choice for those looking to sharpen skills or skip meal planning. My Blue Apron review goes into detail about my experience.

What Is Sunbasket?

Sunbasket, launched in 2014 from San Francisco, is a meal delivery service focused on healthy, organic eating.

It offers two main options: Meal Kits with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes needing 20-40 minutes to cook and Fresh & Ready meals, fully prepared and ready to heat in 4-6 minutes.

With a weekly menu of about 24 choices, it caters to diets like Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and Mediterranean. Nearly all produce is USDA-certified organic, and proteins are hormone- and antibiotic-free.

Add-ons like breakfasts and snacks round out the experience. Delivered in eco-friendly, recyclable packaging, Sunbasket targets health-conscious folks who want quality without the grocery grind.

It’s a solid pick for clean eaters with busy schedules. My Sunbasket review goes into detail about my experience.

Sunbasket vs. Blue Apron Key Differences

Customization

Sunbasket offers decent flexibility by letting you mix meals across plans like Paleo or Gluten-Free from a pool of 24 weekly options. I could grab a Keto dish one night and a Pescatarian one the next, which kept things fresh.

However, you’re stuck with the recipe as-is as there is no swapping proteins or sides. Filters for calories or protein helped me target 30-40 gram options, but I missed the ability to double meat or ditch a sauce. Pausing or redirecting deliveries was seamless, though.

Blue Apron, meanwhile, gives you more control within its curated framework. For its 16 weekly kits, you can swap proteins (chicken for pork) or upgrade to premium cuts like steak for $3-$9 extra on select dishes.

The 45 grams of Protein category let me tweak the main protein source, though options are limited per week. Mixing kits with Prepared & Ready meals in one order was a bonus, and add-ons like sides were easy to tack on.

It’s not as freeform as some competitors, but it curbs decision fatigue better than Sunbasket’s pick-and-stick approach.

Both services work for active folks, but Blue Apron edges out slightly if you crave hands-on tweaks, while Sunbasket suits those happy with broad dietary filters.

Meal Kits, Recipes and Variety

Sunbasket’s variety impressed me with 24 weekly options split between Meal Kits and Fresh & Ready meals.

Kits like “Steak with Chimichurri” or “Paleo Beef Chili” took 20-40 minutes, delivering bold flavors and 30-40 grams of protein.

The prepared meals, like “Chicken with Mushroom Sauce,” heat in 4-6 minutes and hold 25-35 grams, perfect for rushed nights.

With diets like Mediterranean and Carb-Conscious covered, it kept my palate engaged, though portions sometimes felt light post-workout.

Blue Apron matches that diversity with 16 kits and 20+ Prepared & Ready meals weekly. Kits like “Seared Steaks with Garlic Butter” or “Miso Pork Chops” pull global flavors, taking 35-45 minutes to cook.

The prepared options, like “Sous Vide Chicken,” offer 30 grams max and heat fast. Categories like 600 Calories or Less add lighter choices, but vegan picks are slim at 3-4 per week. Both shine for adventurous eaters, but Blue Apron’s kits lean heavier on prep time and protein ceilings.

Sunbasket’s edge is its diet-specific breadth with options like Paleo and Keto, beating Blue Apron’s generalist approach. Blue Apron counters with more prepared meal variety and educational recipe cards, great for skill-building.

For athletes, Sunbasket’s organic focus and quicker kits win slightly, though Blue Apron’s heftier high-protein servings satisfy bigger appetites.

Neither feels repetitive, but your pick depends on whether you prioritize niche diets or gourmet range.

Taste & Quality

Sunbasket’s taste and quality are top-tier. Meal Kits like “Pork Chops with Honey-Chipotle Glaze” delivered smoky-sweet punches, while Fresh & Ready “Beef Stir-Fry” stayed juicy with savory depth.

The organic produce, like crisp greens, vibrant squash, and hormone-free meats, tasted clean and fresh, hitting 30-40 grams of protein. Nothing felt bland, though portions could leave you wanting more after heavy training.

Blue Apron doesn’t skimp either. The “Seared Steak with Garlic Butter” was juicy and bold, and even lighter “Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce” packed flavor.

Prepared meals like “Sous Vide Chicken” surprised with restaurant-worthy taste. Non-GMO ingredients and sustainable proteins kept quality high, with 45 grams of protein in top kits leaving me full. Some sauces risked overpowering, but the freshness shone through.

Both nail it for active folks needing satisfying fuel. Sunbasket’s organic edge and bold seasonings give it a slight lead in clean eating, while Blue Apron’s layered flavors and heftier portions cater to gourmet cravings.

Sunbasket’s prepared meals hold up better under heat than Blue Apron’s, but Blue Apron’s kits feel more substantial. If you value pristine ingredients, Sunbasket wins; if you want filling, flavorful variety, Blue Apron’s a contender.

Packaging

Sunbasket’s packaging is a standout, with sturdy boxes with recycled denim insulation, and ice packs that keep everything fresh, even after hours outside.

Meal Kits arrive in portioned bags (veggies, meats, sauces in jars), and Fresh & Ready meals stack in microwave trays.

Nearly 100% recyclable or compostable, it’s a win for eco-minded folks, though some plastics linger if recycling’s limited locally.

Blue Apron’s setup is solid but less green. Refrigerated boxes with insulation and gel packs ensure cold delivery, with meats separated below the ice and other ingredients in recyclable bags above.

Over 85% of the waste is recyclable via How2Recycle, but plastic sauce containers and produce bags pile up more than Sunbasket’s minimal waste. Recipe cards are slick and durable, though.

For active users, both get the job done and nothing spoiled in my tests. Sunbasket’s eco-cred outshines Blue Apron’s, appealing if sustainability matters to you.

Blue Apron’s organization is just as practical, but the extra plastic might irk zero-waste fans. Sunbasket takes this round for its greener footprint without sacrificing function.

Price

Pricing shows a clear divide. Sunbasket’s premium quality comes at $11.49-$17.99 per serving for Meal Kits and $9.99-$15 for Fresh & Ready, plus $9.99 shipping (free first order).

Blue Apron ranges from $7.99 to $12.49 for kits and $9.99 to $12.99 for prepared meals, with $10.99 shipping. Here’s a snapshot:

Sunbasket’s higher cost reflects its organic focus, hitting wallets harder at $80 for six kit servings vs. Blue Apron’s $74.95 for ten.

Blue Apron’s better value suits budget-conscious eaters, though both climb with add-ons. For athletes, Sunbasket’s quality justifies the splurge if you can swing it; Blue Apron is the practical pick otherwise.

Cancelation Process

Canceling Sunbasket is smooth. From your online account, hit “Pause or Cancel” under settings, answer a quick “why” prompt (optional), and you’re done in two minutes.

Pausing or redirecting is just as easy; I shifted a box mid-trial without fuss. The cutoff’s Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET, before the next delivery week.

Blue Apron’s process mirrors that simplicity. Log in, find “Manage Subscription,” click “Cancel,” and follow through a few prompts. It took under a minute, with an email to confirm.

The deadline is five days before processing. Miss it, and you’re locked in. No fees, no hassle, and restarting is a snap.

Both are user-friendly for busy folks or athletes juggling schedules. Sunbasket’s Wednesday deadline feels tighter than Blue Apron’s five-day window, but neither traps you. They’re neck-and-neck here, as cancellation is a non-issue with either.

User Reviews

Sunbasket users online (Trustpilot, Reddit) praise its taste and quality with praises like “amazing flavors” and “super fresh veggies” pop up often.

Convenience wins too, with quick kits and prepared meals earning nods. The eco-packaging gets love, but cost draws gripes: “pricey for weekly use.”

Portions split opinions; some find them fine, and others, like a Redditor’s husband, stay hungry. Delivery hiccups surface, though support often resolves them fast.

Blue Apron’s crowd loves the food, too, claiming its “restaurant-quality” and “new flavors” stand out. Pre-portioned ease cuts waste, which is a big plus. But delivery woes like late boxes and banged-up produce frustrate some despite the credits offered.

Portions also spark debate; a few call them skimpy, needing extras, while others feel satisfied. The price irks budget folks, and 35-45-minute prep feels long for takeout fans. Still, fans see it as a “fun splurge” for couples.

Both shine when deliveries hit, but falter if logistics flop. Sunbasket’s organic edge and sustainability win loyalists; Blue Apron’s creativity hooks cooks.

Sunbasket’s cleaner vibe resonates with active users, while Blue Apron’s heftier meals fill more plates.

My Experience With Sunbasket And Blue Apron

Testing Sunbasket, I cooked Meal Kits like “Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce” and heated Fresh & Ready “Turkey Meatballs.”

The kits took 20-40 minutes, with organic ingredients delivering bold, clean flavors and 30-40 grams of protein. The prepared meals surprised me; the meatballs stayed hearty in the microwave.

Variety kept me engaged across Paleo and Mediterranean options, though portions sometimes left me eyeing extras post-workout.

The eco-packaging felt good to unpack, and canceling was a breeze online. At $11.49-$17.99 per serving, it’s a premium hit, but the quality held up.

Blue Apron’s kits, like “Seared Steaks with Garlic Butter,” took 35-45 minutes but packed 45 grams of protein and were filling and flavorful with sustainable meats and fresh veggies.

The “Sous Vide Chicken” Prepared & Ready meal heated fast and tasted gourmet. Swapping proteins was a nice touch, and mixing kits with prepared options fit my schedule. The menu’s global flair kept things fun, though prep time dragged after long days.

Packaging was solid but less eco-friendly than Sunbasket’s, and cancellation was just as simple. At $7.99-$12.49, it’s easier on the wallet.

Both fueled my active life well. Sunbasket’s organic purity and quicker kits won me over for recovery days, while Blue Apron’s heftier, customizable meals satisfied bigger appetites post-gym.

Taste was a tie as bold and fresh across the board. Sunbasket’s price stung more, but its sustainability edged out Blue Apron’s plastic-heavy boxes.

Neither fully nailed my high-protein, no-prep ideal, though, as Sunbasket’s portions and Blue Apron’s cooking time left gaps.

Should You Pick Sunbasket Or Blue Apron?

Sunbasket is your pick if you’re a health nut who values organic ingredients and eco-friendly vibes. Its 30-40 gram protein meals and diet-specific options suit active folks who don’t mind a premium price.

Blue Apron is better for adventurous cooks or busy couples craving gourmet flavors and flexibility, and cheaper $7.99-$12.49 servings appeal if you’re budget-minded and enjoy the kitchen.

Both deliver quality and taste, but neither hits the bullseye for my athletic needs. Sunbasket’s portions can fall short, and Blue Apron’s prep time drags when I’m tired.

That’s why I’m recommending Trifecta Nutrition over both. At $16 per serving, Trifecta’s pre-made, organic meals pack 50+ grams of protein tailored for keto, paleo, or clean eating. No cooking, just heat and eat, saving time and hitting macros precisely.

Sunbasket and Blue Apron are great for variety and flavor, but Trifecta’s the MVP for athletes chasing gains and convenience. Pick it if performance trumps the process.

Trifecta

Trifecta Nutrition

A clean, high protein meal delivery service that doesn’t skimp on quality or portions. Use code “liftbig40” for 40% OFF.

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