If only we could all live next door to a vibrant farm stand, filled with an array of sun-kissed produce. However, for many of us, finding fresh, flavorful fruits and vegetables, especially in the depths of winter, can be a challenging task. This is where Sunbasket comes in. Sunbasket offers a solution by delivering a box full of organic produce and recipes to your doorstep every week.
With the ever-growing number of meal kit delivery services that claim to offer quick, healthy, and convenient meals with clean ingredients, it can be hard to determine which ones live up to their promises. After testing Sunbasket for three weeks, I can share my thoughts on whether it is worth the premium price that comes with the convenience.
To begin using Sunbasket, you’ll first need to select your dietary preferences (such as Carb-Conscious, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Mediterranean, Diabetes-Friendly, Paleo, or Keto-Friendly). Additionally, you can choose how many servings you want per meal (two or four) and how many dinners you’d like each week (three, four, or five). After entering your delivery and payment information, Sunbasket will automatically select meals based on your preferences. Still, if you prefer to choose for yourself, you can pick from a menu of 18 meal options. Prices for Sunbasket’s traditional meal kits can range from $9.99 to over $30, with most landing in the $13–$16 range, which is relatively consistent regardless of how many servings you order. Note that you’ll need to meet a $45 order minimum per box, which is usually accomplished by ordering at least two two-person meals. You can edit your meal selections until the weekly cutoff, which is typically 3 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to your week of meals.
When your Sunbasket order arrives, it will be packaged in an insulated cardboard box with ice packs at the bottom. Items will be neatly divided into separate paper bags by meal, with the meat placed directly under the ice pack at the bottom of the package. This arrangement makes it easy to store the ingredients in your fridge and pull out everything you need for each meal when you are ready to cook. While there is some plastic packaging, I appreciate that individual produce items like peppers and limes are packed loose. Premade sauces and the like come in reusable plastic jars, which I now use for salad dressings and office snacks.
Sunbasket meals are made with a mix of fresh (usually organic) produce, pantry ingredients and/or seasonings, proteins, and often a premade element such as sauces, simmer bases, or compound butters. Produce typically does not come pre-prepped. Overall, I have found the Sunbasket ingredient quality to be very good, which is essential for the success of the meal kit model.
In summary, Sunbasket delivers fresh organic produce along with recipes and the required ingredients directly to your doorstep, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize convenience in their lives. Though there is a higher cost compared to shopping at the grocery store, for some, the time saved may be worth it. Curious to explore more meal kit delivery services? Check out our full list of the best meal delivery services, including Home Chef, Green Chef, and HelloFresh.