Meal delivery services promise convenience and nutrition, but finding the right fit for your lifestyle can be tricky.
I tested Thistle and Sakara, two popular options, to see how they stack up. Both offer fresh, pre-made meals with a health-conscious edge, yet they cater to different needs. Thistle blends plant-based roots with meat add-ons, while Sakara commits fully to vegan luxury.
As a recreational athlete chasing high-protein fuel for training, I dug into customization, taste, pricing, and more, blending my experience with user feedback.
Here’s the breakdown, plus why I’d ultimately recommend Trifecta Nutrition over both.
Quick Verdict
Thistle’s a practical pick for fresh, organic meals with meat options and decent flexibility, but it’s pricey and protein-light for athletes, fitness buffs, or simply people who need to eat more.
Sakara delivers luxe, plant-based vibes for vegans or wellness fans with big budgets, yet its cost and lack of meat make it a non-starter for high-protein needs.
Neither hits my protein sweet spot without extra effort, and Sakara’s $169-$349 weekly sting far outweighs Thistle’s $75-$90 for five meals.
For me, Trifecta Nutrition trumps both – packing 35-50g+ protein, meaty options, and nationwide reach at $16 per meal, it’s the smarter, muscle-friendly choice without the premium bloat.
| Feature | Winner |
|---|---|
| Customization | Thistle |
| Meal Kits and Variety | Thistle |
| Taste and Quality | Draw |
| Packaging | Draw |
| User Reviews | Draw |
| Cancelation Process | Draw |
| Price | Thistle |
Winner
Based on my experience with each meal delivery service, neither Sakara Life 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.
What Is Thistle?
Thistle is a subscription-based meal delivery service focused on fresh, ready-to-eat meals designed by nutritionists for busy, health-minded folks.
It leans plant-forward, offering organic, gluten-free, dairy-free dishes packed with fruits, veggies, and nuts, but meat lovers like me can add chicken or pork for extra protein.
Sourcing locally, Thistle ensures high-quality ingredients, with meals meant to be eaten within a few days of delivery for peak freshness.
The menu rotates weekly, featuring bold flavors in bowls and salads, and includes extras like juices and snacks.
Sustainability is a priority, with reusable bags and recyclable containers cutting waste. Operating on a flexible plan, you can tweak breakfast, lunch, or dinner orders, though delivery is limited to select cities or parts of the West Coast for shipping.
It’s a solid pick for convenience and clean eating, but as someone needing 30-40g of protein per meal, I found its moderate portions and premium price a bit of a stretch.
You can read my experience in my Thistle review.
What Is Sakara Life?
Sakara is a premium meal delivery service delivering plant-based, organic meals that scream luxury and wellness.
They provide vibrant, chef-crafted dishes, all vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, made from whole foods like legumes, grains, and veggies.
No cooking required – meals arrive fresh and ready to eat, targeting busy professionals or wellness buffs who see food as self-care. Founded by Danielle DuBoise and Whitney Tingle, Sakara blends nutrition with a holistic vibe, offering add-ons like detox teas and protein bars.
With over 75 ingredients weekly, the rotating menu prioritizes variety and nutrient density over calorie counting. Nationwide shipping (contiguous U.S.) makes it accessible, and eco-friendly packaging – recyclable boxes and compostable containers – aligns with its green ethos.
It’s pitched as a lifestyle upgrade, perfect for plant-based eaters or trendsetters with deep pockets.
For me, and my high-protein needs, its meat-free focus and steep cost left me wanting more substance and less guesswork. You can read my experience in my Sakara review.
Thistle vs. Sakara Main Differences
Customization
Thistle offers decent customization for a pre-made service. I could choose plant-based meals, add meat, or mix both, picking breakfast, lunch, or dinner quantities.
The online dashboard lets me adjust orders, flag allergies like soy, and pause easily. Local delivery gave me more meal-picking power, but shipping (limited to Western states) pre-selected some dishes, curbing control.
Meat adds $3 per meal, and while I’d love bigger protein portions, it’s at least user-friendly for a busy schedule.
Sakara, on the other hand, keeps it rigid. You pick 2, 3, or 5 days and meal types, but the weekly menu is locked by chefs – no dish-by-dish selection.
I could tweak for allergies (extra $60 per box) and add detox drinks or proteins, but as a meat-eater tracking macros, the lack of nutritional data was a dealbreaker.
Thistle wins here: its flexibility suits varied diets better, even if it’s far from ideal for me. Sakara’s structured approach fits plant-based purists who don’t mind less control, but it’s a hassle for anyone needing precision.
Both lean on subscriptions, yet Thistle’s adaptability edges out Sakara’s luxury-but-limited setup.
Meal Variety, Kits and Recipes
Neither Thistle nor Sakara offers meal kits – it’s all pre-made, no cooking required. Thistle’s variety is decent, with 5-7 weekly options like Chicken Pesto Bowls or Tofu Pad Thai. Meat dishes (4-6 oz.) hit 20-25g protein, while vegan ones lean on nuts and legumes for 15-20g.
It’s bowl- and salad-heavy, with global flavors, but after a while, I craved more diversity beyond “healthy comfort.” Snacks and juices add flair, though they are also not protein-packed.
Sakara boasts over 75 ingredients weekly, from Clarity Curry to Goji Rose Donuts, all vegan and vibrant. Its “9 Pillars of Nutrition” guide creative dishes like Zucchini Pesto Pasta, avoiding monotony better than Thistle.
Portions satisfy lighter eaters, but for my appetite, they lack heft. Sakara’s variety shines for plant-based fans, offering more culinary range, while Thistle feels narrower, especially with meat as a topping, not a star.
Both deliver fresh, not frozen, with minimal reheating, but Sakara’s broader ingredient play gives it an edge in creativity.
Neither fully cut it for me – Thistle’s meat helps, while Sakara’s vegan limits and salad focus leave me hungry.
Taste & Quality
Thistle’s taste impressed me – fresh, never frozen, with standouts like the Green Grain Taco Salad (smoky pork, crisp veggies) and Chicken Pesto Bowl (tender meat, punchy herbs).
Even vegan options like Tofu Pad Thai were solid, though lighter at 15-20g protein. Organic, local sourcing shines through, with no processed vibes – a quick zap kept textures intact.
Sakara matches on quality, with bold flavors in dishes like the Superfood Muffin and Rainbow Kelp Noodle Bowl. Its fresh, organic ingredients deliver, but the vegan focus greatly narrows the appeal.
Both nail freshness and avoid artificial junk, yet Thistle’s meat option gives it a slight edge for my palate – the 4-6 oz. portions are tasty, if not massive.
Sakara’s creativity pops more, but without protein heft, it’s less filling post-workout or even on non-training days.
Quality-wise, they’re neck-and-neck: Thistle’s local edge and Sakara’s chef-driven flair both deliver. For taste, I lean Thistle for its meaty balance, but Sakara’s variety might sway plant-based eaters.
Packaging
Thistle’s packaging is practical and green – reusable insulated bags with ice packs for local drops, recyclable plastic containers, and a pickup system for reuse.
Shipped boxes add cardboard but stay recyclable. It kept my meals cold, with no spills, though extra ice packs pile up if you don’t return them.
Sakara goes upscale with recyclable boxes and compostable containers, paired with ice packs for nationwide shipping. Labels list ingredients clearly, and everything arrived fresh, so no thawing was needed. Some users note melted ice packs, but my batch was fine.
Both prioritize sustainability – Thistle’s reusable bags edge out slightly for local users, while Sakara’s compostable touch suits its luxe vibe.
For me, a busy guy, both worked: Thistle’s simplicity fits tight schedules, and Sakara’s polish feels premium.
Price
Pricing splits these services hard. Thistle’s vegan meals range from $11.50-$16.32 (breakfasts $10.65-$14.14, lunches/dinners $12.83-$16.32), with meat adding $3, hitting $14.49-$18.77. My five-meal plan cost $75-$90 plus $4.95 delivery. More meals (16+) drop prices slightly.
Sakara’s luxe tag starts at $169 for 2 days (lunch + dinner), $252 for 3 days (full meals), and up to $420 for 5 days (discounts to $357 subscribed). Add-ons and allergy tweaks ($60/box) jack it higher. Shipping’s free with subscriptions, but it’s still a splurge.
Here’s a table of main options:
| Meal Delivery Service | Main Plans | Median Price/Meal |
| Thistle (Vegan) | 5-16 meals/week | $14 |
| Thistle (Meat) | 5-16 meals/week | $16.50 |
| Sakara | 2-5 days (B/L/D combos) | $28-$42 |
Thistle’s mid-range pricing offers better value for organic meals with meat. Sakara’s $28-$42 per meal (based on $169/6 meals for 2 days or $349/15 meals for 5 days) screams premium, banking on its plant-based, chef-driven appeal.
For me, Thistle’s meat option justifies some cost, but Sakara’s steep tag feels completely unjustified, and I view it as exuberantly expensive for what it is.
Thistle wins on affordability, but neither fully satisfies my protein-to-price ratio.
Cancelation Process
Thistle’s cancellation is a breeze – log into the dashboard, hit pause or cancel, no calls needed. I paused after two weeks without hassle.
Sakara’s similar but stricter – cancel via site or app by Wednesday midnight EST, or you’re locked in. One-time orders skip this, and customer service is responsive for tweaks.
User Reviews
Thistle scores 4/5 on Trustpilot (1,078 reviews). Users love the “super tasty” variety and freshness – a Redditor said meals lasted into week two. Delivery gripes hit hard, though – late shipments spoiled food for some, and a Yelp user noted missing items (fixed fast).
Price splits folks: “worth it” for organic fans, “too steep” for others at $14.49-$18.77 with meat. Protein’s a sore spot as it was for me and didn’t fill some.
Sakara’s Yelp fans rave, “Food tastes so good, never boring,” and note energy boosts. Delivery shines for most – “right to your door” – but melted ice packs irk a few.
Cost is divisive – $110/day stunned one user vs. weekly groceries, and portions left some hungry. Thistle’s practical praise edges out Sakara’s luxe love, but both face price and delivery critiques.
My Experience With Thistle And Sakara
Thistle hooked me with its meat option – the Chicken Pesto Bowl was a flavor win, tender and fresh, hitting 20-25g protein. Customization was smooth, letting me tweak meals and add pork or chicken, though I would’ve loved bigger portions.
Taste held up post-microwave. At $14.49-$18.77 per meat meal, it stung my wallet, and the variety (mostly bowls) got old fast. Delivery was spot-on locally, but shipping limits will leave a lot of potential customers out.
I was sure Sakara wouldn’t be for me with its vegan-only path and premium price. But I gave it a fair shot and some things were actually impressive. They certainly have creativity – the Superfood Muffin and Clarity Curry popped with flavor, and the fresh, organic vibe screamed quality.
But as a meat-eater, I couldn’t lean on it – vegan protein (nuts, seeds) didn’t cut it for recovery, and no macro info left me blind.
At $252 for 3 days, it is a rich person’s game, not a practical fuel source. Packaging was slick, and nationwide shipping beat Thistle’s reach, but portions felt like appetizers rather than a main course.
Thistle fit my life better – meat and flexibility kept it in play – while Sakara’s luxe plant-based angle is completely detached from my goals. Both saved time, but neither fully fueled me properly.
Should You Pick Thistle Or Sakara?
Thistle suits busy folks wanting fresh, organic meals with some protein kick – meat options and customization make it versatile, though it’s pricey and light for athletes or regular people with larger appetites.
Sakara’s a plant-based dream for wellness lovers with cash to throw – vibrant, tasty, and convenient, but its cost and vegan limits make it appealing to only a narrow group of eaters.
Neither nails my 30-40g protein goal without supplements, and Sakara’s $169-$420 weekly hit is wild next to Thistle’s $75-$90 for five meals.
If you’re vegan and into luxe eats, Sakara’s your vibe; if you mix diets and value practicality, Thistle’s the play.
But honestly? I’d skip both for Trifecta Nutrition. Trifecta packs 35-50g+ protein with meat-heavy options like beef or salmon, tailored for gains at $16 per meal – same as Thistle’s meat price, way less than Sakara.
Clear macros, nationwide shipping, and better value make it the no-brainer for athletes or anyone serious about fitness without the premium fluff.
Trifecta
Trifecta Nutrition
A clean, high protein meal delivery service that doesn’t skimp on quality or portions.
CHECK CURRENT DEALS