Meal delivery services promise convenience and nutrition, but not all are created equal—especially if you’re juggling fitness goals, busy schedules, or specific dietary needs. I tested Daily Harvest and Thistle, two popular options, to see how they stack up.
Daily Harvest offers frozen, plant-based meals with a focus on variety and ease, while Thistle delivers fresh, pre-made dishes with a plant-forward vibe and optional meat add-ons. Both aim to simplify healthy eating, but their approaches differ.
Here’s my breakdown of the two, from customization to taste, cost, and more, plus my take on which might suit you—or why neither fully cut it.
Quick Verdict
Daily Harvest shines for vegans and busy folks with its affordable, plant-based variety, but its low protein and no meat flop for athletes like me.
Thistle’s fresher, with meat options and bold taste, yet it’s pricey and geographically limited—still not enough for my needs. Neither delivers the macro punch I crave.
Trifecta Nutrition wins: pre-made, very high in protein, quality ingredients, and nationwide reach at a fair $16 per meal. It’s the no-brainer for fitness buffs chasing gains without the hassle or cost of tweaking lighter options like these two.
| Feature | Winner |
|---|---|
| Customization | Daily Harvest |
| Meal Kits and Variety | Thistle |
| Taste and Quality | Thistle |
| Packaging | Draw |
| Cancelation Process | Draw |
| Price | Daily Harvest |
Winner
Based on my experience with each meal delivery service, neither Daily Harvest nor Thistle 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.
What Is Thistle?
Thistle is a subscription meal service delivering fresh, ready-to-eat meals designed by nutritionists for health-conscious eaters. It leans plant-based—organic veggies, nuts, and legumes—but offers meat add-ons like chicken or pork for extra cost, making it versatile for mixed diets.
Meals arrive pre-made, never frozen, in reusable bags with recyclable containers, emphasizing sustainability.
The menu rotates weekly with options like bowls, salads, and snacks, all gluten-free and dairy-free, free of artificial junk.
You can customize your plan—breakfast, lunch, dinner, or all three—and it’s tailored for busy schedules with zero prep.
Local sourcing keeps ingredients top-notch, and bold global flavors aim to keep it exciting.
Delivery is limited to select cities or parts of the West Coast for shipping, which is a hitch. As a fitness guy chasing 30-40g of protein per meal, I found Thistle’s 20-25g meat options decent but shy of my needs.
It’s a premium pick for fresh, eco-friendly eats if you’re not all about maxing out macros. My Thistle review goes into detail about my experience.
What Is Daily Harvest?
Daily Harvest is a plant-based meal delivery service that brings over 100 frozen, pre-made options straight to your door.
Think smoothies, harvest bowls, flatbreads, soups, and even snacks like energy bites—all vegan, gluten-free, and packed with organic, non-GMO ingredients.
It’s built for convenience: blend a smoothie in a minute, heat a bowl in five, no chopping required. The subscription lets you pick 9, 14, or 24 items per box, with weekly or monthly deliveries you can tweak online. It’s aimed at busy folks, vegans, or anyone craving nutrient-dense eats without the hassle.
The focus is on whole foods—real veggies, lentils, no junk—shipped frozen to keep it fresh. Eco-friendly packaging, like recyclable cups and compostable bowls, adds a green touch.
However, I thrive on high-protein meals, and the lack of meat and low protein ceilings was a letdown. Still, it’s a solid play if you’re into lighter, plant-only fuel. It’s less about heavy lifting and more about quick, clean eating for those short on time.
My Daily Harvest review goes into detail about my experience.
Thistle vs. Daily Harvest Key Differences
Customization
Customization is key when you’ve got specific goals, and both services offer flexibility—though with limits.
Daily Harvest’s process is simple: pick your box (9, 14, or 24 items), filter by “high protein” or “low carb,” and exclude stuff like nuts.
I built a 14-item box with smoothies, flatbreads, and pasta, tweaking delivery from weekly to monthly easily.
But it’s 100% plant-based—no meat, no eggs—so my protein-hungry self hit a wall. You’re stuck with beans or adding your own stuff, which undercuts the convenience.
Thistle, meanwhile, lets you choose plant-based, meat-inclusive, or a mix, plus how many meals weekly—five lunches and dinners worked for me. The dashboard’s slick: adjust quantities, flag allergies (soy, nuts), and pause anytime.
Local delivery offers more meal-picking control; shipping (West Coast only) pre-selects some for you. Meat adds $3 per meal, and while I liked the organic quality, I couldn’t dial up protein portions to the levels I needed.
Daily Harvest wins on variety and ease of scaling, but Thistle edges out for meat-eaters and allergy tweaks.
Neither fully nails it for high-protein diets—Daily Harvest lacks animal options entirely, and Thistle’s customization doesn’t stretch far enough for bigger portions or macro precision.
If you’re vegan or less picky, both work; otherwise, you’ll need major adjustments to fit serious performance goals.
Meal Kits, Recipes and Variety
Variety matters when you’re eating on repeat. Daily Harvest boasts over 100 frozen options—smoothies, harvest bowls (Broccoli + Cheeze), flatbreads, pastas, even grain dishes for families.
No kits here—just pre-made recipes you blend or heat. I liked the range; flatbreads baked in 25 minutes, smoothies took a minute.
But it’s all plant-based, capping protein at 15-17g—too light for my 200-pound frame. The flavors span sweet to savory, though I added meat to the pasta for heft.
Thistle’s pre-made too, but fresh, not frozen, with 5-7 rotating weekly options—things like Chicken Pesto Bowls or Tofu Pad Thai. Meat add-ons (4-6 oz.) hit 20-25g protein; vegan dishes lean 15-20g with nuts or legumes.
No kits or recipes—just heat or eat cold. Variety’s narrower—mostly bowls and salads—and felt repetitive fast. Snacks like Chocolate Caramel Muesli Bars were a bonus, but not muscle fuel.
Daily Harvest takes the crown for sheer breadth and creative eats; Thistle’s simpler, with meat as a differentiator.
Neither offers kits like Hello Fresh—you’re not cooking, just reheating. For me, Daily Harvest’s variety tempted more, but Thistle’s freshness and meat option kept it in the game.
Still, both fall short on protein punch and diversity for athletes—Daily Harvest’s vegan limit and Thistle’s bowl-heavy menu don’t fully satisfy my need for robust, varied fuel post-training.
Taste & Quality
Taste and quality can make or break a meal service. Daily Harvest’s frozen lineup impressed me for plant-based eats.
The Mint + Cacao Smoothie was refreshing, if thin; the Broccoli + Cheeze Bowl had a creamy, nutty kick; and the Kale + Coriander Flatbread baked crisp and punchy. T
he pasta was solid—earthy, subtle—but I beefed it up with turkey. Organic, non-GMO ingredients shone through—no processed vibes, just clean, real food.
Thistle’s fresh approach also stood out. The Chicken Pesto Bowl delivered tender meat and herbaceous zest; the Green Grain Taco Salad with Pork had a smoky depth. Even the Tofu Pad Thai held up—light but flavorful.
Meat portions (4-6 oz.) were well-seasoned, though more sidekick than star. Organic, local sourcing kept quality high—nothing soggy or artificial, even after a quick zap. Snacks like the Muesli Bar served as a treat.
Daily Harvest’s flavors lean lighter, vegan-focused—decent, but not filling for me. Thistle brings bolder seasoning and meaty heft, though still shy of my post-lift cravings. Quality-wise, both nail it: Daily Harvest with whole-food purity, Thistle with fresh, thoughtful execution.
For taste, Thistle edges out slightly—meat and freshness give it punch—but neither wows enough to ditch home cooking. If you’re vegan, Daily Harvest satisfies; if you mix diets, Thistle’s got more oomph.
For athletes like me, both lack the robust, macro-heavy quality.
Packaging
Packaging impacts convenience and conscience. Daily Harvest’s frozen meals arrive in a cardboard box with dry ice—everything’s solid on delivery.
Smoothies come in recyclable cups, soups in compostable bowls, flatbreads in sleeves—all eco-friendly and easy to toss. Instructions are printed on each; no mess, no fuss.
But 14 items hogged half my freezer, which is something you should keep in mind if you order the bigger boxes.
Thistle’s fresh meals roll up in a reusable insulated bag with ice packs—keeps it cold even if I’m out. Recyclable plastic containers show off the goods with no spills. The bags get picked up on the next delivery, and ice packs are reusable (or a hassle if you keep them).
Shipped boxes add bulkier cardboard, but it’s still recyclable. Sustainability’s a big flex here.
Daily Harvest wins on minimal waste—less plastic, more compostable stuff—but needs freezer real estate. Thistle’s reusable system feels greener long-term, though it’s less compact.
Both kept food pristine, but Thistle’s fresh delivery felt more premium.
For me, neither’s a dealbreaker—Daily Harvest’s stackable cups edged out for space, but Thistle’s pickup vibe suits busier logistics. If you’re eco-minded, both deliver; if you’re tight on storage, Thistle’s less intrusive.
Price
| Meal Delivery Service | Main Options | Median Price |
| Daily Harvest | Smoothies ($8.49-$9.49), Harvest Bowls ($9.79-$10.49), Flatbreads ($9.79-$10.49) | ~$9.50/item |
| Thistle | Vegan Meals ($11.50-$16.32), Meat Meals ($14.49-$18.77) | ~$15.50/meal |
Daily Harvest’s à la carte pricing shifts with volume—9-item boxes average $7.67-$8.89 per item, and 24-item boxes drop to $6.88-$7.71. My 14-item box ran $105-$125 (~$8.50 each). It’s steep for small, low-protein portions—I’d rather cook for less.
Thistle’s vegan meals start at $11.50-$16.32; meat bumps it to $14.49-$18.77. My five-meal plan hit $75-$90 plus $4.95 delivery. Bulk orders (16+ meals) shave a bit off, but it’s still premium.
Daily Harvest’s cheaper upfront—$9.50 median vs. Thistle’s $15.50—but Thistle justifies some cost with freshness and meat.
Neither screams value for me: Daily Harvest’s $10 flatbreads didn’t fill me, and Thistle’s $18 meat meals lacked protein heft for the price.
Daily Harvest suits budget vegans; Thistle’s for those okay splurging on organic freshness. For my wallet, both feel overpriced.
Cancelation Process
Canceling shouldn’t be a fight, and both services keep it smooth. Daily Harvest’s all online—log in, hit “Manage Plan,” and pick “Pause” or “Cancel.”
I paused a week, then canceled after my box; just select a reason (“Too expensive” for me) and confirm by Sunday 6 PM EST. No pushback, just a quick email. Painless.
Thistle’s dashboard is equally slick—find subscription settings, choose pause or cancel, done by Thursday 11:59 PM PST.
I paused after two weeks and canceled later—no calls, no guilt trips. Both let you adjust on the fly, which I liked when wrestling or lifting threw off my schedule.
Daily Harvest’s cutoff is tighter (Sunday vs. Thursday), but both are user-friendly—no subscription traps here. Thistle’s local delivery tweakability gave it a slight edge for control, though those using their shipping option get less say.
For me, it’s a tie—canceling was a breeze either way, and it was a relief when I realized neither fit my long-term goals. If you hate commitment hassles, both deliver; no one’s locking you in.
My Experience With Daily Harvest And Thistle
Testing Daily Harvest and Thistle was an eye-opener as someone chasing gains and convenience. Daily Harvest hooked me with variety—14 items like the Mint + Cacao Smoothie and Kale + Coriander Flatbread landed frozen, ready to roll. Blending smoothies was a one-minute win; flatbreads baked crisp in 25.
The taste surprised me—clean, vibrant, no junk—but 15-17g protein max left me hungry. I tossed turkey into the pasta one night, which killed the point of pre-made. At $8.50ish per item, it felt steep for light eats that didn’t fuel me.
The eco-packaging was cool—recyclable cups stacked neat—but my freezer groaned under the load. It’s slick for vegans or busy light eaters, but not my vibe.
Thistle came fresh, not frozen, and I dug the Chicken Pesto Bowl’s tender meat and the Taco Salad’s smoky pork. Customization was solid—I picked five meat meals weekly, tweaking via their dashboard.
The protein content was better, but still short of my target; I grabbed extra shakes to bridge it. Flavors popped—freshness you can taste—and the reusable bags felt sustainable.
At $75-$90 for five meals plus delivery, it stung for moderate portions. Delivery limits bugged me too—local only in some cities, shipping just on the West Coast. It’s premium, convenient, and decent for mixed diets, but not a slam dunk for my needs.
Both saved time, no question—I wasn’t chopping or cooking mid-week chaos. Daily Harvest’s variety and Thistle’s freshness stood out, but neither packed the protein punch I crave after wrestling or weights. Cost-value didn’t align either; I’d rather grill chicken for cheaper.
They’re fine for plant lovers or busy pros, but as an athlete, I was tweaking too much to make them work.
Should You Pick Daily Harvest Or Thistle?
Choosing between Daily Harvest and Thistle depends on your vibe. Daily Harvest is your pick if you’re vegan, busy, or into light, plant-based eats—over 100 options, quick prep, and clean ingredients nail convenience.
It’s cheaper at $9.50ish per item and ships nationwide, but the 17g protein cap and no meat make it a non-starter for heavy hitters like me.
Thistle’s fresher, with meat add-ons and bold flavors, plus eco-friendly delivery. It’s pricier—$15.50 median—and limited geographically, but suits mixed diets or health nuts okay with splurging.
For me, neither cuts it. Daily Harvest’s portions and vegan limit didn’t fuel my training; Thistle’s better but still light on protein and wallet-heavy.
If you’re an athlete or need serious macros, both fall short—I was adding meat or shakes to hit my 30-40g goals, which defeats the pre-made appeal.
Skip ‘em both and go for Trifecta Nutrition. It’s pre-made like these, but built for performance—25-40g protein per meal (around 52 in the performance line), real meat, and macro-focused plans like keto or paleo.
At ~$16 per meal, it’s in Thistle’s ballpark but delivers more bang: bigger portions, nationwide shipping, and no tweaking needed. I’d pick Trifecta hands down—it’s the fuel I need without the premium fluff or vegan ceiling.
Daily Harvest’s great for vegans, Thistle’s solid for eco-conscious eaters, but Trifecta’s the champ for active folks chasing gains and value.
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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