In this review
Our staff tried, tasted, and tested the three leading plant-based meal delivery brands, with the help of our Registered Dietitian. See how Splendid Spoon, Mosaic Foods, and Daily Harvest fared on nutrition, ingredients, taste, and more.
In this review
Our staff tried, tasted, and tested the three leading plant-based meal delivery brands, with the help of our Registered Dietitian. See how Splendid Spoon, Mosaic Foods, and Daily Harvest fared on nutrition, ingredients, taste, and more.
Our Top Pick for Weight Loss
Splendid Spoon is the clear winner if you want to lose weight and/or reset your diet. High fiber, superfood-packed, and gluten-free bowls, smoothies, soups, and noodles kept us energized and satisfied throughout the day. Their plans also provide guidance on when and what to eat.
Our Top Pick for Taste
Mosaic Foods is the clear winner on taste and portions. Swap your take-out with healthier, more nutritious, protein-packed meals like Thai Peanut Curry and BBQ Mac & Cheese. It’s also the best value.
It’s 2025, and many of us are prioritizing eating, exercising, and feeling better. The biggest challenge? Preparing healthy, satisfying meals that fit into our sometimes nonstop schedules — whether that’s work, kids, school, or whatever!
We can all benefit from eating more veggies, even for just one meal a day. That's why we’re testing the three leading plant-focused meal delivery brands — Splendid Spoon, Mosaic Foods, and Daily Harvest. We enlisted TCD mom Kyle to put each service to the test, focusing on four key areas: (1) Nutrition & Ingredients, (2) Taste, (3) Convenience, and (4) Value.
We also teamed up with Stephanie Wells (MS, RD, LD), a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant, to break down what really matters in veggie-forward eating. Two winners emerged — read on to find out which brands come out on top.
What to Look for in Plant-Powered Meals
Why consider plant-based meals, even if you eat everything? Stephanie, our registered dietitian, tells us the clear benefits: “Eating more plants increases your fiber and antioxidant intake and decreases saturated fat and cholesterol levels. That reduces inflammation and even boosts metabolism.”1 Studies also show that plant-forward eating supports weight loss, improves blood pressure, and reduces risk of heart disease.2
But plant-based doesn’t just mean “no meat”. Stephanie shares her expert tips:
- Nutrition: Balance is key. Each meal should include all three major macronutrients — shoot for 30%+ protein, and 20%+ healthy fats, with the remainder complex carbs.
- Ingredients: Opt for minimally processed ingredients like whole vegetables and superfoods rich in fiber and vitamins; avoid high added sodium or sugar.
- Variety: Incorporate a variety of recipes to build sustainable habits.
Let’s see how Splendid Spoon, Mosaic Foods, and Daily Harvest stack up.
Nutrition & Ingredients
Splendid Spoon wins with fiber-rich whole ingredients and superfood-packed recipes.
We summarized the brands’ average macronutrients, calories, and total sugar below:
Splendid Spoon offers 50+ fully plant-based recipes. That includes bowls, noodles, and soups for lunch/dinner and smoothies for an on-the-go breakfast or snack. Each recipe is made from whole-food ingredients. For example, their Coconut Curry Rice has chickpeas rich in fiber, cashews packed with healthy fats, and spinach loaded with iron, and their Lentil & Kale Soup is vitamin C, antioxidant, and fiber packed.
Entrees like Naked Burrito Bowl with Plant-Based Chorizo & Fajita Veggies, Masala Khichiri Soup with Okra & Spinach, and Brussels Bolognese Pasta with Red Lentil Penne are packed with fiber — up to 15 grams per serving — and also rich in protein and healthy fats. “That keeps you satisfied longer, making them excellent for those wanting to lose weight,” says Stephanie, our Registered Dietitian.
Splendid’s smoothies combine antioxidant-rich superfoods like spirulina and wheatgrass with healthy fats from ingredients like hemp seeds. “These recipes support heart health, reduce inflammation, and importantly, have little or no added sugar,” explains Stephanie.3,4
Splendid’s meals are completely free from gluten, dairy, and artificial sugar. That’s a big plus for those with dietary sensitivities or who struggle with energy levels. Our tester Kyle is working on getting back to her pre-pregnancy body: “After a week of Splendid Spoon, I felt less bloated and more energized throughout the day. That consistency helped me stick to my workouts and feel good about myself postpartum.”
If you’re looking for a reset this time of year, Splendid also offers a 5-Day Detox program featuring soups, bowls, and smoothies designed for guided high-protein, high-fiber intermittent fasting. While “detoxing” isn’t necessarily something your body needs, we think it can be a good way to kickstart healthy habits.
Mosaic Foods offers meat-free meals — some are vegan, some are vegetarian — with an emphasis on high-protein (up to 27 grams per serving). “These are some of the highest-protein plant-based meals I’ve seen, perfect for those building muscles or looking to maintain weight,” explains Stephanie.5 Mosaic’s Veggie Bowls contain 500 calories per serving on average, making them more filling than the other two brands and well suited for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Mosaic uses high quality whole-food ingredients. Their Creamy Pesto Cavatappi delivers 21 grams of protein (42% of your daily value), alongside spinach, broccoli rabe, and tomatoes. 24 of their 26 Veggie Bowls are also cholesterol-free, helping reduce risks associated with heart disease.6 We recommend Mosaic for anyone looking to swap their takeout with healthier, veggie-packed alternatives — good for busy weeknights when you want something quick, nutritious, and yummy.
Daily Harvest’s meals are plant-based, gluten- and dairy-free, but lack the nutritional balance of the other two brands. For starters, Daily Harvest’s Harvest Bowls average only 277 calories. While calorie restriction is key to weight loss, these meals are simply too small to be satisfying. “With Daily Harvest, I kept reaching for side dishes and snacks,” explains Kyle.
On average, Daily Harvest’s smoothies contain 45% more total sugar per serving vs. Splendid Spoon and Mosaic. Their Harvest Bowls also have much lower protein at just 10g per serving. “Sugar can contribute to weight gain and metabolic imbalances over time, and protein is essential for satiety and muscle repair. Daily Harvest falls short of delivering the nutritional balance that is essential for meeting weight loss goals,” notes Stephanie, our Registered Dietitian.7
Taste
Mosaic Foods wins with meals that taste like our favorite take-out.
Mosaic Foods nails it with bold, globally inspired flavors like their Thai Peanut Curry — savory, creamy, with the right touch of sweetness. Kyle’s favorite Vegan Carbonara combines creamy silken tofu sauce, sweet peas, and a smoky kick from the tofu ‘bacon.’ “It actually tastes a lot like my go-to take out spot,” she notes.
Splendid Spoon also impressed us with their tasty combos of unique ingredients. Their Meatball Marinara Noodles taste homemade, but with healthier ingredients like vegan meatballs with rich marinara sauce made from organic tomatoes. The Kimchi Fried Quinoa with Edamame & Tofu is a delightful fusion of tangy, spicy kimchi and nutty quinoa. Mosaic’s comfort food-y approach with the added flexibility of ingredients, however, gives it an edge.
On the flip side, Daily Harvest recipes lacked flavor; Kyle told us she usually added extra seasoning or toppings. Pastas, like Tomato Basil + Portobello Bolognese, tasted watered down. Bowls, like Sweet Potato + Wild Rice Hash, were mushy. Kyle sums it up: “If I’m spending money on meal delivery, it should be something that’s actually ready to eat out of the package.”
Convenience
It’s a tie between Splendid Spoon and Mosaic.
All three brands offer flexible delivery schedules and ready-to-eat meals served in as short as a few minutes from fridge/freezer to microwave. The difference-maker is each brand’s smoothies. While Splendid’s and Mosaic’s are grab-and-go, Daily Harvest requires water or milk plus a blender. “Waking up my newborn with a blender, cleaning dishes, and figuring out how to take my smoothie on the go all made me pass on the Daily Harvest smoothies,” explains Kyle.
Mosaic’s Family Meals provide the additional option to feed up to 4 people — “good for a busy weekday night,” Kyle notes.
Value
Mosaic Foods wins for the best bang for your buck.
We summarize pricing for each brand below:
Mosaic wins on price at $0.74 per oz, with the largest portions and highest protein. Splendid is second at $0.85 per ounce, using more organic ingredients and superfoods. Daily Harvest is last in value at $0.95 per ounce, particularly considering its much lower protein content.
The Verdict: It’s a Tie for Splendid Spoon & Mosaic Foods
After carefully evaluating all three brands:
- Splendid Spoon is the best choice if you’re trying to lose weight with guidance, or want to reset your diet.
- Choose Mosaic Foods if you’re looking to maintain your weight but improve your diet with more plants.
- Both companies also offer a full money-back guarantee.
Stephanie agrees: “I recommend Splendid Spoon and Mosaic Foods for their nutrition, high-quality ingredients, and convenience.”
Ready to try Splendid Spoon? With TCD, save $60 on your shipment!
Ready to try Mosaic Foods? With TCD, save $60 on your shipment!
