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Splendid Spoon is a fully plant-based prepared meal delivery service offering a variety of smoothies, soups, grain bowls, and noodle dishes. We tried 25 meals to see which, if any, are worth the cost.
Splendid Spoon is a plant-based meal delivery service offering a wide selection of ready-to-eat smoothies, soups, grain bowls, noodle dishes, and entrees.
With a multitude of meals and subscription plans available, Splendid Spoon aims to make plant-based eating easier than ever.
Healthline editor Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, tried several meals from Splendid Spoon — including the latest addition to the company’s product lineup — to help you decide whether this plant-based meal delivery service is worth trying.
Disclaimer: Splendid Spoon provided us press boxes for free, but our opinions are ours alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by Splendid Spoon.
Healthline scoreHealthline’s tester scored Splendid Spoon across 9 categories and allotted points from 0–5. The scores below reflect the average rating for each category.
- Overall: 4.3
- Sign-up, delivery, and cancellation: 4
- Meal variety: 3.5
- Nutrition: 4.5
- Sustainability: 5
- Ingredient quality and freshness: 5
- Ease of preparation: 4.5
- Taste: 4.5
- Affordability: 3
Learn more about our testing process.
Splendid Spoon is a meal delivery service that provides fully prepared plant-based meals.
The company offers a rotating menu with more than 60 meals and smoothies, which you can mix and match to make a customized weekly menu.
Splendid Spoon also offers a lineup of Dishes, ready-made entrees that are higher in protein and more filling than some other items on the company’s menu.
Multiple plans are available, depending on how many meals you want to receive. There’s also a Splendid Spoon Marketplace, where you can make one-time purchases.
Additionally, all Splendid Spoon meals are vegan, low sodium, and free of gluten, soy, and added sugars.
Pros
- The service offers a variety of smoothies and meals with rotating weekly menus.
- All meals are vegan, non-GMO, and gluten- and soy-free.
- Meals are fully prepared and do not require any prep time.
- Noodle bowls, grain bowls, and soups are flavorful and can be frozen for longer storage.
- Smoothies are not overly sweet and come in a variety of exciting flavor combinations.
- Dishes offer a slightly more filling alternative to the company’s other products.
- Splendid Spoon Marketplace allows you to purchase meals without signing up for a subscription.
Cons
- It’s relatively expensive compared with similar services.
- Not all ingredients are organic.
- It may not be suitable for those who have severe food allergies or follow certain diets, such as keto or paleo.
- Many items are low in calories and may not be filling enough on their own.
- Role: Healthline Nutrition Editor II
- Dietary needs and preferences: flexitarian
- Meal-time preferences: make-ahead, one-pan, and 30-minute weeknight meals and recipes that are toddler-friendly
As a registered dietitian, nutrition editor, mom, and foodie, I have pretty high standards when it comes to meal delivery services.
I tried more than 25 Splendid Spoon meals, along with a few wellness shots, to help you decide whether this plant-based service is worth the cost.
Sign-up, meal selection, and cancellation processes
Tester score: 4 out of 5
When signing up for Splendid Spoon, you start by selecting a weekly box size with 7, 14, or 21 meals. Next, you’ll be prompted to enter your email address and zip code to see whether delivery is available in your area.
If delivery is available, you’ll then be able to start mixing and matching from more than 60 items, including a variety of smoothies, soups, noodle bowls, Dishes, juices, and wellness shots.
All foods are gluten-free, vegan, and made without the use of GMOs.
I received four prefilled boxes, so I didn’t have a chance to pick and choose my meals.
However, after spending considerable time browsing the website, I imagine that selecting your items would be a painless process.
The service doesn’t offer multiple menus to choose from. However, you can filter by meal type, dietary needs, ingredients you want to avoid, nutritional benefits, and taste and texture, such as spicy or sweet, making it easy to find the meals that best fit your needs and preferences.
If you aren’t ready to commit to a subscription, Splendid Spoon also offers a Marketplace, where you can make one-time purchases of any items on the menu. You can also choose pre-filled boxes, called Bundles, if you’re interested in having a variety of items selected for you.
Meal variety
Tester score: 3.5 out of 5
Compared with many other prepared meal delivery services, Splendid Spoon’s offerings are more limited if you’re looking for hearty, more filling entrees.
However, if you’re looking for easy lunches or smoothies, I found there to be a good variety of ingredient and flavor combinations to choose from.
At time of publish, the company offers the following meal types:
- smoothies
- soups
- noodle bowls
- Dishes
- cold-pressed juices
- wellness shots
It’s also worth noting that while you can filter by dietary need, such as low sugar or high protein, the number of meal options may be greatly limited.
Delivery
My items arrived in good condition, with the noodle bowls and soups still frozen. The smoothies, which are refrigerated before shipping, were also slightly frozen because they were packed down by the dry ice.
The smoothies come in narrow bottles that are easy to store in the fridge, and the Dishes are rectangular and stackable. However, I found the noodle bowls and soups to be a bit bulkier and more awkward to store.
Sustainability
Tester score: 5 out of 5
Splendid Spoon prides itself on being an eco-conscious company.
In addition to being 100% plant-based, the company aims to be more sustainable by using 100% recyclable packaging materials, including BPA-free plastics.
According to Splendid Spoon’s website, the brand switched from gel packs to dry ice to further reduce its carbon footprint.
Nutritional quality
Tester score: 4.5 out of 5
Splendid Spoon works with both a registered dietitian and a chef to design a menu that’s equally nutritious and delicious.
All Splendid Spoon meals are compatible with a healthy, well-balanced diet and are specifically suitable for the following diets:
- plant-based
- gluten-free
- vegan
Also, several Whole30-compatible options are listed on the company’s website.
Although the meals are not designed to be low carb or low fat, nutritional information is available for each item. This can help you select suitable options if you’re following a specific diet.
You can also filter out ingredients to accommodate some food preferences and allergies. However, keep in mind that the meals are produced in a facility that also handles several common allergens.
With that said, Splendid Spoon is not a great fit for the following diets and dietary needs:
- ketogenic
- paleo
- severe food allergies or intolerances
Ingredient quality and freshness
Tester score: 5 out of 5
Splendid Spoon prioritizes the use of fresh, high quality ingredients in all of its products.
In addition to containing only non-GMO ingredients, 95% of the smoothies are organic.
For the Dishes, soups, and noodle bowls, organic ingredients are sourced whenever possible, especially for foods on the “Dirty Dozen” list, which includes the fruits and vegetables that are most likely to contain pesticide residue.
As a plus for people who prefer to eat mostly organic, a full list of ingredients is available for each meal and mentions whether it contains conventional or organic produce.
For freshness, soups and noodle bowls are flash-frozen, which helps maximize their shelf life. Smoothies and Dishes are refrigerated and shipped in recyclable insulation to ensure that they arrive fresh.
I found all of the ingredients in my meals to be flavorful and fresh-tasting, even after reheating.
Ease of prep
Tester score: 5 out of 5
As with many prepared meals, Splendid Spoon’s offerings were straightforward to prepare. The smoothies were enjoyable straight from the fridge, and the soups, noodle bowls, and Dishes were easily reheated in the microwave.
Taste
Tester score: 4.5 out of 5
Here are my general thoughts on the overall taste and texture of Splendid Spoon’s main product types.
Dishes
Unlike the soups and noodle bowls, which typically provide fewer than 300 calories per container, Dishes are designed to be slightly more filling. Depending on the flavor, Dishes provide approximately 337–448 calories and 12–22 grams of protein per container.
I tried six flavors:
- Creamy Korma
- Roasted Cauliflower & Falafel
- Falafel
- Roasted Tomato Risotto (my favorite)
- Vegan Chick’n Parm
- Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
Dishes can be either reheated in the oven/toaster oven for 10 minutes or microwaved for 3–5 minutes. I went with the latter option.
All the meals were fully heated within 5 minutes or less, and none of the ingredients became soggy or mushy — a win for any prepared meal.
My favorites out of the six were the Creamy Korma, Roasted Tomato Risotto, and Vegan Chick’n Parm. I found these three to offer the best flavors and textures. I especially loved the risotto with its creamy yet chewy texture.
If you like shepherd’s pie, then you’ll like this vegan variation. I’m personally not a huge fan of shepherd’s pie, so it wasn’t a surprise that the entree wasn’t my favorite. But the sweet potato mash on top was a nice healthy twist, and I enjoyed the roasted Brussels sprouts on the side.
The falafel Dishes were the only ones that fell short when it came to the texture. After microwaving them, I found the falafel to be unpleasantly dry.
With that said, the other components of these meals were great. The hummus in the standard Falafel entree was wonderfully smooth and creamy, and the Za’atar & Lemon Tahini Sauce that came with the Roasted Cauliflower meal was very tasty.
Soups, grain bowls, and noodle bowls
Splendid Spoon’s soups and noodle bowls are conveniently packaged in microwave-safe containers, though you’ll need to remove the lid and plastic film first.
According to the package, these entrees take 2–5 minutes to reheat. Because I kept my meals in the freezer, I found that they took closer to 5–6 minutes to fully reheat and needed to be stirred halfway through for even cooking.
By far my favorite items were the noodle bowls, as they included generous amounts of vegetables and featured flavor-filled sauces that aligned with my food preferences.
The noodles retained a nice chewy texture even after being frozen and microwaved — a big win compared with other prepared meal delivery services I’ve tried.
I have to admit that I’m not a huge soup fan and got bored of the soups after a few spoonfuls. But if you like soups, I think you’ll be happy with Splendid Spoon’s creative flavor combinations.
Smoothies
I have mixed feelings about Splendid Spoon’s smoothies. On one hand, I appreciated the unique combinations of fruits, vegetables, and extras, like cacao powder and almond butter. I also found the smoothies to be filling and not overly sweet.
However, the consistency wasn’t always the best and varied by flavor.
For example, the Coffee Frappe and Raspberry Cacao smoothies had a pleasant creamy texture, whereas the Mint Chip smoothie had a strange thick texture that I wouldn’t describe as creamy.
Extras
I didn’t get a chance to try Splendid Spoon’s cold-pressed juices. However, I did receive a variety of wellness shots.
While the wellness shots do contain nutrient-rich ingredients, professionally, I’m not a huge fan of some of the health claims the company makes about them.
For example, the company claims the Detox Shot can “flush toxins away,” yet there’s no evidence that this shot or similar products have any effect on ridding your body of toxins. Plus, your body already has an efficient detoxification system.
Science aside, I also didn’t find these shots enjoyable to drink.
Overall score: 4.3 out of 5
Yes, though not as a subscription.
With the exception of the wellness shots, I found Splendid Spoon to be a more nutritious and flavorful alternative to buying frozen meals from the grocery store.
As mentioned earlier, I have a busy lifestyle, so having balanced meals in the freezer that require just 5 minutes in the microwave is a major win in my book.
However, there are some potential downsides to consider. For starters, most of the meals provide fewer than 400 calories, which may leave some adults still feeling hungry afterward.
This isn’t a big deal-breaker for me, as I typically prefer to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day.
The main reason that I don’t see myself subscribing is the cost — especially considering that I’d still need to purchase groceries for my family’s meals and snacks throughout the week.
With that said, I do see myself occasionally ordering from the Marketplace to stock up on my favorites, including the Raspberry Cacao Smoothie, Coffee Frappe Smoothie, Vegan Meatballs & Marinara Noodles, and Dan Dan Noodles.
Splendid Spoon prices vary based on the number and types of meals you select.
Meals range in price from $9.99–$13.49.
Here are the general prices for each box size:
Box size | Weekly cost | Shipping |
---|---|---|
7 meals | $84.43 | $12.99 |
14 meals | $156.36 | free |
21 meals | $226.79 | free |
Keep in mind that the final cost may vary depending on which items you select.
Current prices for each meal type are as follows:
- Smoothies: $9.99 each
- Soups and grain bowls: $12.49 each
- Noodles: $13.49 each
- Dishes: $13.49 each
Splendid Spoon is available in all 48 contiguous United States.
Note that all prices above are current as of publication but are subject to change.
Splendid Spoon was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in New York City.
Most online reviews of Splendid Spoon are positive, with customers noting that the meals make it easy and convenient to eat healthier.
Reviewers also share that while the meals are designed to be lower in sugar and sodium, they are still plenty flavorful and satisfying.
The most common complaint is about the price, though some people also dislike the texture of the smoothies.
Several similar services offer quick and convenient plant-based meals and smoothies as well.
Daily Harvest is the closest competitor to Splendid Spoon, as it also offers 100% plant-based items that are geared more toward breakfast, lunch, and light dinners.
However, for people interested in heartier plant-based meals, Purple Carrot is worth considering.
Here’s a quick look at how these plant-based meal delivery services compare:
Good for | Price per serving | Shipping | Products | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Splendid Spoon | smoothies & lunches | $9.99–$13.49 | • free for 14 or 21 items • $12.99 for 7 items | • smoothies • cold-pressed juices • noodle bowls • Dishes • soups • wellness shots |
Daily Harvest | breakfasts, lunches & snacks | $6.79–$9.79 | free | • smoothies • grain bowls • ready-to-bake meals • pasta bowls • flatbreads • soups • plant-based popsicles • snack bites • lattes • plant-based milk |
Purple Carrot | lunches & dinners | • Meal kits: $11.00–$13.25 • Prepared meals: $13.00 | • free for orders $85 and higher • $10 for orders under $85 | • breakfast meal kits • lunch meal kits • dinner meal kits • prepared meals • some pantry items |
Note: Daily Harvest offers some less expensive menu items, such as lattes, which start at $5.99 for 2 servings. The price range above reflects the price per serving for smoothies and entrees.
Splendid Spoon may be a good option for:
- people seeking a quick and convenient way to enjoy fresh plant-based meals at home, with little to no effort required
- those looking to transition to a plant-based eating pattern or include more fruits and vegetables in their diet
- individuals interested in a meal plan to support weight loss when paired with a healthy lifestyle and regular physical activity
- people looking to occasionally stock up on smoothies or frozen entrees
On the other hand, some people may want to skip Splendid Spoon, including those who:
- are on a tight budget
- follow diet plans that typically include animal proteins, such as paleo or keto
- are interested in improving their cooking skills or learning to make fresh and healthy meals at home
- prefer eating only organic, as many Splendid Spoon meals contain some conventional produce
- need or want higher calorie entrees
Splendid Spoon meals are prepared in upstate New York. After being flash-frozen or pasteurized for optimal freshness, the meals are distributed to one of four fulfillment centers across the United States before being shipped to your door.
Although it doesn’t specifically claim to promote weight loss, some people may lose weight while using Splendid Spoon.
In addition to potentially helping you reduce your calorie intake for the day, Splendid Spoon meals may support weight loss because of their focus on plant-based, high fiber ingredients.
However, whether you lose weight while using Splendid Spoon depends on several factors, including your current diet and lifestyle and what other foods you’re consuming.
Splendid Spoon smoothies make for a healthy breakfast or snack because they’re relatively low in total and added sugar and made with nutrient-rich ingredients such as leafy greens, fruits, avocado, seeds, and nut butter.
Some flavors also contain organic pea protein powder to help keep you full longer.
Splendid Spoon is a meal delivery service that provides delicious plant-based meals that are fully prepared and ready to enjoy.
It offers a variety of meals that suit many dietary restrictions and food preferences.
When paired with a healthy lifestyle and regular physical activity, it may also aid weight loss, if that is a goal for you.
However, it’s relatively expensive and may not be suitable for people who follow certain diets, have severe food allergies, or prefer to eat only organic produce.