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Our favorite organic meal kits for healthy eating in 2024
Put simply, eating organic can help you feel better about the foods you eat. Meal kit delivery services like Green Chef insist on transparent and sustainable farming practices, as well as high standards when it comes to organic ingredients.
There’s limited data out there, but we know that organic foods have been linked to possible health benefits like an overall increase in nutrient intake and lower levels of toxic chemicals. But beyond the label, what exactly does organic mean when it comes to your food?
If a meal kit is USDA-certified organic, that means ingredients are coming from trusted farmers and producers that abide by national regulations. Think: whole fruits and vegetables untouched by synthetic materials or chemicals like pesticides.
Best organic meal kits for healthy eating in 2024
From recognizable names to meal kits that may be new to you, these are the top choices for organic ingredients in 2024:
Browse some of the best and most reliable meal kit companies for organic and sustainably sourced ingredients below.
Best overall: Green Chef
Green Chef
Green Chef makes committing to an organic diet easier than ever. This company sits at the top of our recommended list thanks to its own commitment to sending out organically sourced ingredients whenever possible.
“Green Chef is a USDA certified organic meal kit company,” says New York-based dietitian Melissa Darlow. “The meal kits are also plastic and carbon offset. Green Chef is known for its transparency and commitment to local organic ingredients.”
While it’s not the only USDA certified organic meal kit company highlighted here, Green Chef was the first to earn that distinction in the world of meal prep kits, according to the company.
Green Chef sources fresh, organic produce and eggs for its meal recipes. There are also organic beef and chicken options. The meal kit company sticks to high standards for animal welfare and food quality.
Like many other meal kits out there, Green Chef prices start at $12 per serving. If you’re new to the world of meal kits, there’s always a good chance you’ll stumble on some impressive savings when selecting your first plan — and Green Chef is no exception. Newbies can save 60% off their first box total, plus another 20% off the next eight deliveries after that.
Pros
- Fully transparent and ongoing commitment to organically sourced produce, eggs, and protein.
- Any ingredients that couldn’t be organically sourced will be clearly labeled in your delivery.
- Other sustainable practices including recyclable packaging materials and plastic offset programs to reduce ocean plastic.
Cons
- Subscribers have to deal with a flat $12 shipping fee per box — that’s higher than some competitors.
- Premium meals that cost up to $10 per serving can run up your monthly expenses.
Best vegan deliveries: Daily Harvest
Daily Harvest
“Daily Harvest is a vegan delivery service and is my all-time favorite,” nutritionist Mary Sabat says. “Every item on their menu from their soups, shakes, bowls, etc. is 100% organic and full of superfoods.”
Daily Harvest is another winner in the game of nutritious, health-focused meal kits in our opinion. Everything on the company’s weekly menu — which includes harvest bowls, soups, flatbreads, smoothies, and more — is plant-based, organic, and sustainably sourced. If you like superfoods, this meal delivery service is the one for you.
We know that a healthy dose of fruits and vegetables is key to maintaining good health, so it may make sense for you to supercharge your nightly meals with offerings from Daily Harvest.
Unlike other meal kit services, Daily Harvest prices its plans per item instead of per serving. Individual items start at $6 apiece and go up to $12. Plan options include small, medium and large, letting you pick between 9 and 24 items per delivery. Save up to $25 by opting for larger plans — or use promo code DH65 at checkout to bump those savings up to as high as $64.
Pros
- Fully plant-based and sustainably sourced menu.
- Unique options to choose from each week, such as smoothies and lattes.
Cons
- Limited menu when it comes to meal variety, especially when compared to other meal kits.
- Pricing structure can be confusing for anyone used to other meal kit subscriptions that list prices per serving.
Best for sustainability: Sunbasket
Sunbasket
Another meal kit service that has an established commitment to fresh, organic produce is Sunbasket. With options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as an impressive variety of meals, this is one service that won’t get stale after two or three deliveries.
All of Sunbasket’s ingredients are sustainably sourced, according to the company. The brand partners with reliable farmers and ranchers to fill your delivery box with proteins free of antibiotics or hormones. The company is fully transparent about its high animal welfare standards, which can be found in Sunbasket’s FAQ.
If you prefer (or need to) stick to a particular diet, you’re in luck: Sunbasket has plans that cater to vegetarian, gluten-free, paleo, pescatarian, and Mediterranean diets. There are also carb-conscious, diabetes-friendly, and “lean and clean” (under 600 calories) diets available.
Subscribers can also find a variety of organic products in Sunbasket’s marketplace including juice drinks, smoothies, and even organic coffee.
Plan prices start at $10 per serving for fresh and ready meals, which can be ready in minutes, or $12 per serving for meal kits you cook yourself. First time users can also enjoy $90 in savings spread across their first four boxes, plus free shipping.
Pros
- Detailed and transparent commitment to ingredients that are sustainably sourced, fresh and organic.
- A variety of plan options to suit multiple dietary restrictions and preferences.
- More than 20 nutritious and appealing meals to choose from each week.
- Nutritionally-packed and organic marketplace items add even more variety to Sunbasket’s offerings.
Cons
- Total costs for each delivery are higher than other meal kits, thanks to a flat $10 shipping fee and meals that can range from $10 to $15 per serving.
- Not available to households in Montana, Alaska or Hawaii.
Best recipe variety: Blue Apron
Blue Apron
Up next, we have one of the most recognizable names in the world of meal kit deliveries. Blue Apron belongs on our list thanks to a number of ingredient standards that determine what makes it to each and every delivery box.
While not fully organic, Blue Apron sticks by the statement that some of its ingredients are USDA-certified organic. This meal kit company supports farmers that stick to sustainable farming practices — which means no pesticides, hormones, or other unwanted chemicals in your veggies.
Blue Apron also has a detailed animal welfare policy. This backs up the claim that you’re getting fresh, high quality proteins alongside organic vegetables when cooking with Blue Apron. Check out more of the meal kit company’s high standards, including those surrounding seafood and egg producing farmers, on its FAQ.
Ready for something new? Blue Apron recently expanded upon their menu in a big way with prepared and ready meals. Ready in as little as two minutes, these pre-made lunches and dinners are made from the same whole ingredients as Blue Apron meal kits.
Prices start at $12 per serving. First timers once again win out: Save $110 on your first order, plus free shipping, by signing up with your email address below. That translates to prices as low as $3.74 per serving for two two-serving weekly meals — perfect if you live alone.
Pros
- Lots to choose from each week with dozens of new and interesting recipes to choose from.
- Some interesting, chef-approved recipes that are a cut above your average meal-kit offering.
- Commitment to sustainably sourced ingredients.
Cons
- Not yet USDA-certified, like some other meal kit delivery services on our list.
Best prepackaged: Fresh N’ Lean
Fresh N’ Lean
If you want prepackaged meals that cut out prep entirely, Fresh n’ Lean would be the perfect addition to your weekly routine. This meal kit company specializes in meals that are fresh, never frozen, and made from quality ingredients.
“[Fresh n’ Lean] prioritizes high-quality ingredients, including organic produce, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while avoiding harmful additives and preservatives,” Sabat says. “Each meal is carefully portioned to provide balanced nutrition and promote portion control.
“Customization options cater to various dietary preferences, ensuring that individuals can adhere to their chosen lifestyles. The meals are free from artificial additives and preservatives, and the fresh and vacuum-sealed packaging maintains their freshness without compromising flavor.”
While not USDA-certified, this company does aim to ship organic ingredients whenever possible. In the event that an ingredient doesn’t meet the brand’s quality standards, it may be replaced with conventional ingredients. Once Fresh N’ Lean successfully certifies certain menu items made up of at least 95% organic ingredients (an ongoing effort according to the company’s FAQ), the company might climb higher on our list.
Fresh N’ Lean is more budget friendly than other meal kits, with prices starting at $9 per serving. Shipping can tack on up to $10 per order, but it’s worth noting that orders costing more than $100 come with free shipping.
First time subscribers can save $20 off their first weekly order after signing up via email.
Pros
- Prepackaged meals make for a super quick and convenient experience at lunch or dinnertime.
- Affordable prices, especially for larger orders.
Cons
- These nutrition-forward meals are prepackaged only — if you want meal kits to cook yourself, consider some of the other companies listed above.
- Limited details around the meal kit company’s commitment to organic ingredients beyond the stated goal of working towards USDA certification for select menu items.
What does “eating organic” mean?
Have you ever paused for a moment to consider the difference between regular products and their “organic” counterparts? According to the USDA, organic farming for products including fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, and protein is held to strict standards: no artificial fertilizers, antibiotics, pesticides or genetic modifications allowed.
The best healthy meal kits get their fruits, vegetables and meats from farms that adhere to these standards. This usually goes hand in hand with other promising practices, such as high expectations for animal welfare and a commitment to sustainably sourced ingredients. The problem is, not all meal kits are fully — or even partially — organic.
“The best organic meal service would really be hard to find, because they all have some degree of using non-organic produce or animal proteins,” says Sabat.
Look for meal kit companies that are transparent about their tactics. The best ones will clearly indicate which ingredients or recipes are organic, and let you know when something needs to be swapped out for its conventionally sourced counterpart.
How to shop for meal kits when organic meals are your biggest priority
“Look for meal kits that prioritize high-quality ingredients,” says Sabat. “Some people prefer organic or locally sourced ingredients, so check if the meal delivery service offers these options.”
Delve into the fine print. Look for recipes with listed ingredients and check for labels or categories that show organic vegetables.
With most meal kit companies, your best bet is to browse the FAQ page. Here is where you’ll find information on how companies source their food items, as well as what sort of standards they have for quality assurance.
How we ranked the best organic meal kits of 2024
To provide an honest and helpful look at some of the best organic meal kits available, we considered a number of important factors. For a better idea of how we rank and review products and services, here’s what took top priority when it comes to organic meal kit delivery services:
- Sustainability: We looked for meal kits that showed a clear and detailed commitment to sustainably sourced ingredients in addition to organic fruits and vegetables.
- Fresh ingredients: We picked meal kit companies that built a reputation for shipping out organically sourced, farm-fresh ingredients to their customers with every delivery.
- Menu substitutions: The ability to easily swap out certain meals (or individual ingredients) is great for meeting customers where they’re at. We sided with meal kit companies that keep it simple when it comes to building your ideal meal plan.
- High quality recipes: Let’s be honest: you want healthy meals that are also delicious. We stuck to our guns and kept our standards high by picking meal kit companies that serve up unique and tasty recipes on a regular basis.
A judge in France on Thursday found the former husband of Gisèle Pelicot, who admitted to drugging and raping her repeatedly over the course of almost a decade and inviting dozens of other men to assault her as well, guilty of aggravated rape. Over the course of her trial, Pelicot — who insisted her full name be published and proceedings be made public — has been praised for her courage and become a symbol of the fight against sexual violence in France and around the world. The judge on Thursday was reading out verdicts for dozens of other men also accused of raping her.
Pelicot arrived Thursday at the court in Avignon, southeast France, where crowds had gathered outside holding signs saying: “Thank you for your courage.”
The trial began on Sept. 2, and almost every day, Pelicot came face to face with her former husband, Dominique, or one of the 49 other men charged with raping her. One other man faced a charge of aggravated sexual assault. She insisted that videos submitted as evidence, made by her ex-husband showing men sexually assaulting her while she appeared to be unconscious, be shown in open court.
The assaults took place between 2011 and 2020, when Dominique Pelicot was taken into custody. Police found thousands of photos and videos of the abuse on his computer drives, which helped lead them to other suspects. Some of the men testified they thought the unconscious woman was OK with it, or that her husband’s permission was enough.
“Gisèle Pelicot thinks that this shock wave is necessary, so that no one can say after this: ‘I didn’t know this was rape,'” her attorney, Stéphane Babonneau, told The Associated Press.
“It’s not for us to feel shame — it’s for them,” Pelicot said in court, referring to the attackers. “Above all, I’m expressing my will and determination to change this society.”
Controversial French laws
Pelicot’s case triggered protests across France, and there was hope among some demonstrators that the case could lead to changes in controversial French laws governing sexual consent.
France introduced a legal age of sexual consent in 2021 after a public outcry over the rape of an 11-year-old schoolgirl by a man who was initially convicted on a lesser charge. Since then, sex with anyone under the age of 15 has been viewed as non-consensual, but French law does not refer to consent in cases involving older victims.
Under French law, rape is defined as penetration or oral sex using “violence, coercion, threat or surprise,” without taking consent into account, according to the Reuters news agency. Prosecutors must, therefore, prove an intention to rape if they are to be successful in court, legal experts told Reuters.
Just 14% of rape accusations in France lead to formal investigations, according to a study by the Institute of Public Policies.
“Why don’t we manage to obtain convictions? The first reason is the law,” legal expert Catherine Le Magueresse told Reuters. “The law is written in such a way that victims must comply with the stereotype of a ‘good victim’ and a ‘true rape’: an unknown attacker, use of violence, and the victim’s resistance. But it is only true for a minority of rapes.”
“I’m trying to understand”
Speaking in court during the trial, Pelicot, who is 72, talked about how she had thought she was in a loving marriage with her husband and would never have guessed that he was drugging her.
“We would have a glass of white wine together. I never found anything strange about my potatoes,” Pelicot told the court.
“We finished eating. Often when it’s a football match on TV, I’d let him watch it alone. He brought my ice cream to my bed, where I was. My favorite flavor — raspberry — and I thought: ‘How lucky I am. He’s a love.'”
She said she didn’t have any sensation of being drugged.
“I never felt my heart flutter. I didn’t feel anything. I must have gone under very quickly. I would wake up with my pajamas on,” Pelicot told the court, adding that she would sometimes wake up “more tired than usual, but I walk a lot and thought it was that.”
“I’m trying to understand,” she said, “how this husband, who was the perfect man, could have got to this.”
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters says workers at seven Amazon facilities will begin a strike Thursday morning in an effort by the union to pressure the e-commerce giant for a labor agreement during a key shopping period.
The Teamsters say the workers, who authorized walkouts in the past few days, are joining the picket line after Amazon ignored a Dec. 15 deadline the union set for contract negotiations. Amazon says it doesn’t expect any impact on its operations during what the union calls the largest strike against the company in U.S. history.
The Teamsters say they represent nearly 10,000 workers at 10 Amazon facilities, a small portion of the 1.5 million people Amazon employs in its warehouses and corporate offices.
Amazon is ranked No. 2 on the Fortune 500 list of the nation’s largest companies.
At a warehouse in the New York City borough of Staten Island, thousands of workers who voted for the Amazon Labor Union in 2022 and have since affiliated with the Teamsters. At the other facilities, employees – including many delivery drivers – have unionized with them by demonstrating majority support but without holding government-administered elections.
The strikes happening Thursday are taking place at an Amazon warehouse in San Francisco and six delivery stations in southern California, New York City, Atlanta and the Chicago suburb of Skokie, Illinois, according to the union’s announcement. Amazon workers at the other facilities are “prepared to join” them, the union said.
“Amazon is pushing its workers closer to the picket line by failing to show them the respect they have earned,” Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien said in a statement.
“If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it,” he said.
The Seattle-based online retailer has been seeking to re-do the election that led to the union victory at the warehouse on Staten Island, which the Teamsters now represent. In the process, the company has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the National Labor Relations Board.
Meanwhile, Amazon says the delivery drivers, which the Teamsters have organized for more than a year, aren’t its employees. Under its business model, the drivers work for third-party businesses, called Delivery Service Partners, who drop off millions of packages to customers everyday.
“For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public – claiming that they represent ‘thousands of Amazon employees and drivers’. They don’t, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative,” Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in a statement. “The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union.“
The Teamsters have argued Amazon essentially controls everything the drivers do and should be classified as an employer.
Some U.S. labor regulators have sided with the union in filings made before the NLRB. In September, Amazon boosted pay for the drivers amid the growing pressure.
NEW YORK — The Teamsters union is launching a strike against Amazon at numerous locations across the country, including in Maspeth, Queens.
The Teamsters are calling it the largest strike against Amazon in United States history, and it’s set to begin at 6 a.m. Thursday. In addition to New York City, workers will be joining picket lines in Atlanta, Southern California, San Francisco and Illinois.
In a video announcement released Wednesday night, workers voiced their frustrations.
“Us being strike ready means we’re fed up, and Amazon is clearly ignoring us and we want to be heard,” one worker says in the video.
“It’s really exciting. We’re taking steps for ourselves to win better conditions, better benefits, better wages,” another worker in the video says.
The union says it represents about 10,000 Amazon employees and that Amazon ignored a deadline to come to the table and negotiate. The $2 trillion company doesn’t pay employees enough to make ends meet, the union asserts.
At the height of the holiday season, many are wondering what this means for packages currently in transit.
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien said, “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed.”
Amazon says Teamsters are misleading the public
An Amazon spokesperson says the Teamsters are misleading the public and do not represent any Amazon employees, despite any claims.
“The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
An Amazon representative says the company doesn’t expect operations to be impacted.
