Hey there, fellow foodie! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for ways to eat healthier without spending hours in the kitchen. That‘s why I was so excited to try Thistle, a plant-based meal delivery service that promises organic, locally-sourced meals delivered straight to your door.
But with so many meal delivery options out there, is Thistle really all it‘s cracked up to be? I‘m diving in with my honest, first-hand experience to help you decide if Thistle is worth a try.
What is Thistle?
In a nutshell, Thistle is a subscription-based meal delivery service that specializes in plant-forward, gluten-free, and dairy-free meals. Founded in San Francisco in 2013, Thistle‘s mission is to make eating healthy more convenient and accessible, one delicious meal at a time.
Each week, Thistle‘s team of chefs and nutritionists craft a new menu featuring seasonal, organic produce and whole food ingredients. You can choose from a variety of plans and customize your order to include breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and cold-pressed juices.
What really sets Thistle apart is their commitment to sustainability and supporting local farmers and food systems. In fact, 99% of their ingredients are organic and sourced from farms within 200 miles of their kitchens. Pretty impressive, right?
How Thistle Works
The sign-up process is super easy. Just head to the Thistle website, enter your zip code to check if they deliver to your area, and choose your plan. Thistle offers two main options depending on your location:
Delivery: If you live in one of Thistle‘s delivery zones (including most major cities along the West Coast), you can opt for delivery up to 3 times per week. With this option, you pick your meals from a rotating weekly menu and customize your perfect plan. Meals arrive fresh, not frozen, and are ready to heat and eat.
Shipping: For those outside the delivery zones but in Thistle‘s shipping range (currently parts of AZ, CA, ID, NV, OR, WA, and UT), your only option is to have a pre-set box of Thistle‘s favorite meals shipped to you once per week. With this option, you don‘t get to pick your specific meals.
Here‘s a quick breakdown of how it works, step-by-step:
- Enter your zip code to see if Thistle delivers or ships to you
- Choose your plan (delivery or shipped box) and size (# of meals)
- Pick your meals from the menu (delivery only)
- Enter your payment and delivery info
- Wait excitedly for your first box of deliciousness to arrive!
Thistle makes it easy to change, pause, or cancel your plan at any time through your online account. They also have stellar customer service available by phone, email, or text if you need any assistance.
Thistle Meal Plans and Pricing
One of the great things about Thistle is that they offer a variety of plans and pricing options to fit different needs and budgets. Here‘s a quick rundown of the current offerings:
| Plan | What‘s Included | Starting Price* |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch | 3, 4, 5, or 6 lunches per week | $42/week |
| Dinner | 3, 4, 5, or 6 dinners per week | $42/week |
| Breakfast + Lunch | 3, 4, or 5 breakfasts + lunches per week | $63/week |
| Breakfast + Dinner | 3, 4, or 5 breakfasts + dinners per week | $63/week |
| Lunch + Dinner | 3, 4, or 5 lunches + dinners per week | $78/week |
| Full Day (3 Meals) | 3, 4, 5, or 7 breakfasts, lunches, & dinners | $111/week |
| Juices | 6-pack of cold-pressed juices | $42/pack |
| Wellness Shots | 12-pack of wellness shots (2 oz each) | $35/pack |
| Snacks | 5-pack of wholesome snacks | $30/pack |
| Lite Bites Box | 4 salads, 2 snacks, 4 light soups (shipped) | $76/box |
| Essentials Box | 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners (shipped) | $84/box |
*Prices vary by location. Order minimum is $34.
As you can see, Thistle‘s plans start at just $42 per week (or about $8-$14 per meal) which is incredibly reasonable for the quality of ingredients and convenience factor. The more meals you order, the lower the price per meal. Shipping is always free!
For comparison, similar premium meal delivery services like Sakara Life and Daily Harvest can cost $15-$20+ per meal or item. Thistle is a great balance of value and quality, in my opinion.
Thistle‘s Ingredients and Sourcing
Now let‘s talk about what really matters: the FOOD. I have to say, I was blown away by the freshness and flavor of Thistle‘s meals. You can immediately tell that they prioritize high-quality, whole food ingredients.
Some key things to know about Thistle‘s food:
- 99% organic and non-GMO produce
- Mostly locally-sourced from West Coast farmers and makers
- Gluten-free and dairy-free (great for food sensitivities!)
- Emphasizes nutrient-dense plants, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains
- Organic, pasture-raised eggs and antibiotic-free, hormone-free meats used in some meals
- Meals are free of refined sugars, artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers
- An average of 5-7 different fruits and veggies are included in each meal!
I love that Thistle is transparent about their ingredients and sourcing. Every meal comes labeled with nutrition facts, ingredients, and key suppliers (like Coke Farm, Riverdog Farm, and Zoria Farms to name a few). You can even look up the farms on Thistle‘s website to learn more.
As a Registered Dietitian, I really appreciate Thistle‘s food philosophy and commitment to supporting organic and local agriculture. It‘s clear they go above and beyond to source the best possible ingredients for optimal nutrition and flavor. No wonder everything tastes so dang good!
The Taste Test: My Experience with Thistle Meals
Okay, moment of truth. How do Thistle meals actually taste? In a word: AH-MAZ-ING.
Seriously, I was so impressed by the vibrant flavors and creative combinations in every dish. Even as a foodie and adventurous eater, I tried so many unique ingredients and pairings that I never would have thought to put together on my own.
Some of my personal faves from the past few weeks:
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Roasted Veggie Enchiladas: Corn tortillas stuffed with smoky sweet potatoes, kale, black beans, and the most insanely delicious cashew "cheese" sauce. I could eat that sauce with a spoon!
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Golden Beet Pesto Pasta: Chewy brown rice penne tossed with a zippy arugula pesto, golden beets, spinach, toasted hazelnuts, and lemony tofu feta. So summery and fresh.
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Kimchi Fried Cauliflower Rice: Tender cauliflower rice stir-fried with coconut aminos, crunchy veggies, edamame, kimchi, and a addictively spicy gochujang sauce. Better than takeout!
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Superfood Macro Bowl: A vibrant rainbow of roasted sweet potatoes, herby falafel, massaged kale, pickled red cabbage, garlicky hummus, and creamy tahini dressing. Basically a hug in a bowl.
I could go on, but you get the idea. Thistle‘s meals are next-level delicious and wildly satisfying, even for this omnivore. The portion sizes are just right and always leave me feeling nourished and energized.
But don‘t just take my word for it. Here are a few rave reviews from fellow Thistle fans:
"I‘ve been getting Thistle for a few months now and WOW! I‘m consistently amazed by how flavorful and filling the meals are. My favorites are the coconut beet soup, lentil artichoke salad, and macro bowls." – Rachel D., San Francisco
"Tried Thistle on a whim and have been hooked ever since. It‘s so convenient and the quality is outstanding. I travel a lot for work and love being able to take healthy meals with me on the go. The juices are also phenomenal!" – Jenna R., Los Angeles
"I never thought I‘d enjoy vegan food so much, but Thistle has made me a believer. The flavors and textures are so creative and satisfying. It‘s really expanded my palate and helped me eat more veggies. Worth every penny!" – Mark S., Portland
Thistle consistently gets top marks online, with an average rating of 4.5/5 stars on review sites like Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot. Customers praise the taste, variety, quality, and convenience. The few complaints tend to be around occasional shipping delays or billing issues, which Thistle‘s responsive customer service team seems to resolve quickly.
The Final Verdict
So, is Thistle as great as it seems? In my expert opinion, 100% yes. Thistle ticks all the boxes for a top-notch meal delivery service: mouthwatering food, organic high-quality ingredients, ultra-convenient plans, and affordable prices.
I love that Thistle makes it easy (and actually enjoyable) to eat more plant-powered meals. The chefs put so much thought and care into crafting balanced, nutrient-dense recipes that will appeal to vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike. And knowing that I‘m supporting local farmers and sustainable food systems with every bite? Total win-win.
While Thistle might not work for those with super strict diets or severe food allergies, I think it‘s an excellent option for busy health-conscious folks who want to eat well with minimal effort. Whether you‘re a working professional, a parent, a student, or just sick of meal planning, Thistle can simplify your life and elevate your plate.
At around $10-12 per serving, Thistle offers serious value compared to grocery shopping for premium organic ingredients (or grabbing another sad desk salad). For me, the time and energy saved on shopping, cooking, and cleaning is 100% worth the cost.
The only real downside is that Thistle is currently only available in parts of seven Western states (for now). But if you‘re lucky enough to live in their delivery or shipping range, I can‘t recommend Thistle enough. It‘s truly been a game-changer for my health and taste buds.
The best part? You can try Thistle totally risk-free. Their flexible plans let you modify, pause, or cancel anytime, so there‘s nothing to lose (except maybe a few pounds). I definitely encourage giving Thistle a taste and seeing how you feel. I have a feeling you‘ll be just as hooked as I am.
To sum it up: Yes, all the Thistle hype is real. 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking to up their healthy eating game without sacrificing flavor or convenience. Trust me, your belly will thank you.
