Thistle stands out with its focus on plant-based nutrition, sustainability, and convenience. As someone who values healthy eating but often struggles to find the time to prepare nutritious meals, I decided to give Thistle a try for six months.
Overview of Thistle’s Offerings
Thistle is a subscription-based meal service. They deliver fresh, plant-based meals once or twice a week, with prices ranging from $12.50 for breakfast to $17.99 for dinners that include protein. They also offer a variety of other options, such as salads in a jar for $9.50, juices, desserts, soups, and sides. The meal plans are customizable, allowing you to schedule the right amount of food for your needs.
Personally, I prefer the option to pick up and select my meals when I need them, so I struggled a little with the subscription aspect. While there is an option to edit or skip a delivery when needed, I would rarely remember to do this in a timely manner. That being said, the meals that were delivered were always healthy, enjoyable, and never went to waste 🙂
Delivery Experience
One of the standout features of Thistle is their delivery system. Meals are delivered in insulated bags with ice packs to ensure freshness. Helpful text reminders notify you when your delivery is on its way, so you can leave out the previous bag and ice pack for collection. This system is efficient and convenient, ensuring you always have fresh meals on hand.
Packaging and Environmental Impact
While the meals come in plastic containers that unfortunately cannot be recycled, the sauce containers are compostable, which is a small step towards sustainability. It would be great to see Thistle explore more eco-friendly packaging options in the future.
Nutritional Quality and Taste
Thistle specializes in plant-based meals designed for optimal health. Their meals are gluten and dairy-free, mostly organic, and whole food-focused. Over the six months I tried their service, I was consistently impressed by how nourished I felt after each meal. The focus on plant-based ingredients made me feel like I was doing something good for my body.
As a runner over the age of 40, I struggle to get enough protein in my diet. I do eat meat, and initially ordered Thistle meals with protein (meat) added. however, the cost was prohibitive. Eventually, I switched to vegan dishes and added my own meat at home. Although this added an extra step, it was still more convenient than preparing an entire meal from scratch.
The meals were flavorful and satisfying, with some standout dishes like the Roasted Artichoke Scampi and the Panang Peanut Stir-Fry Bowl with its amazing peanut sauce. However, I did find some meals to be higher in fat than I preferred. I often used less sauce or dressing than provided, which helped balance the macros to my liking.
Cost and Accessibility
Thistle’s meal prices are comparable to or slightly higher than eating out. While the convenience and health benefits are worth it for some, the cost may be a barrier for others. They do offer discounts for specific professions, such as education and healthcare, which helps make the service more accessible to those in these fields. Despite the higher price, it is more affordable than some other services, and it supports a company that prioritizes the well-being of its customers, workers, and the planet.
Final Thoughts
Thistle is an excellent option for individuals looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet without the hassle of meal prep. The convenience of delivery, combined with the health benefits of plant-based eating, makes it a worthwhile investment for those who can afford it.
While the service may not be the most cost-effective solution for everyone, especially meat-eaters seeking high protein intake, it excels in delivering nourishing, tasty meals that make you feel good about what you’re eating. For anyone striving to eat healthier and add more variety to their diet, Thistle is a fantastic choice.
In conclusion, Thistle is a great meal delivery service for those who prioritize plant-based nutrition, sustainability, and convenience. Even though it is on the pricier side, it supports a company that prioritizes the well-being of its customers, workers, and the planet. If you’re looking to simplify your healthy eating routine, Thistle could be the perfect solution.
NOTE: I am in no way compensated by Thistle.