Thistle, founded in 2013 by Ashwin Cheriyan and Shiri Avnery, PhD, states that it aims to simplify healthy eating and promote sustainability in the food system by delivering plant-centric meals to your doorstep.

Sakara, established in 2012 by childhood friends Danielle Duboise and Whitney Tingle, prioritizes wellness with nutritionally balanced meals. Both founders had personal health struggles, leading them to develop a holistic nutritional program centered around their 9 Pillars of Nutrition. They state that this approach focuses on nourishing the body from within and achieving overall well-being through food.

According to Thistle’s website, its founders are driven by “the fact that two of the greatest challenges of our generation — our growing health crisis and the climate emergency — pointed to a common solution: eating less meat and eating more plants.” The same site defines these crises as, among other things, high rates of diabetes and cardiovascular disease as well as high greenhouse gas emissions and water use.

Sakara sees food as a way to heal and nourish the body inside and out, emphasizing organic ingredients with functional benefits.

Pros and cons

✔️ Thistle

Pros

• Plant-forward meals arrive fresh
• Option to add on animal protein
• Nutritionally balanced meals
• Delivery bag return and cold pack reuse
• Variety of cold-pressed juices

Cons

• Limited delivery area
• Fixed menus for shipping area

✔️ Sakara

Pros

• High-quality, fresh ingredients
• Options for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Uses mostly organic ingredients
• Each meal package features a superfood highlight
• Science-backed supplements and plant-rich snacks

Cons

• Expensive
• Limited meal swaps

Availability

Thistle offers diverse menu options that may differ based on your location, like East Coast versus West Coast. For lunch and dinner choices, you can click on the item’s image online or in the app to view descriptions for both vegan and meat options. Additionally, Thistle provides access to a juice menu as well as plant-based bites as a part of your meal selection.

In contrast, Sakara offers the same options to all residents of the continental U.S., ensuring consistency for everyone. Alongside its meal delivery, Sakara offers functional snacks and supplements like its Protein Super Bar Collection through the Sakara shop.

Ingredient quality, variety and diet friendliness

Both services deliver convenient, nutritious meals tailored to promote wellness, offering options that are suitable for various dietary preferences and needs.

Thistle focuses on a balanced nutrition approach, emphasizing plant-based meals with a diverse range of fruits, veggies and superfoods. Thistle’s meals are free from dairy, gluten and refined sugars, promoting health through nutrient-rich ingredients. Thistle offers meals averaging 250 to 400 calories for breakfast and 450 to 650 calories for lunch and dinner, with plant-based protein and fiber content that is intended to support energy, brain function, skin health and digestion. It also accommodates dietary preferences and allergies, except for severe cases like Celiac disease.

Sakara offers organic, plant-rich meals crafted with high-quality ingredients. The meals are gluten-free, dairy-free and non-GMO, prioritizing nutrient density and gut health. Sakara’s meals are designed to nourish the body with an abundance of greens, healthy fats and more than 170 different plant ingredients weekly. With pre-set menus and the flexibility to swap some meals, Sakara simplifies meal selection and provides support through wellness coaches. One difference: Sakara occasionally incorporates honey and bee pollen and advises caution for individuals with severe allergies due to potential cross-contamination.

Ordering, meal selection and pricing

It was super easy for me to order from both services. Prices varied depending on my chosen plan and the number of meals I selected. The process was straightforward, and I appreciated the user-friendly websites, each with a chic, vibrant aesthetic.

With Thistle, I had a variety of meal options to choose from, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and soup. I could mix and match them as I pleased, customizing my plan based on my meal preferences, protein preferences and any food allergies. Plus, the more meals I added, the more budget-friendly it became. I loved that I could customize my delivery window and receive text updates about my deliveries. Thistle is best suited to individuals, not families, as meals are packaged in single-serve portions.

With Sakara, I chose from pre-set breakfasts, lunches and/or dinners based on my preferences and needs. While I couldn’t select individual dishes, I could get a sneak peek at the weekly menu on the Sakara website. Sakara’s offerings are designed for individual consumption and not ideal for large families. It does offer budget-friendly options in its online shop.

As a registered dietitian, I appreciated that the brand’s Sakara Systems offered a more personalized approach. Sakara Systems, which the company states is backed by scientific research and developed by a panel of experts, offers nutrition programs with plant-rich meals and supplements for targeted results, such as digestive health. Programs include Metabolism Reset, Fresh Start Cleanse and Performance System (which claims to promote optimized brain and body performance). However, I did note that the service was more expensive than Thistle, which is likely because Sakara prioritizes organic ingredients.

Thistle’s Online Ordering

Sakara’s Online Ordering

Thistle offered options like Passion Fruit Chia Pudding, Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumble with Vanilla Cashew Buttercream, Sunflower Satay Dip and Deconstructed Samosa Plate with Curry Roasted Chicken.

Sakara provided choices such as the Strength and Clarity Tagine with Super Herb Salad, Zen Zucchini Muffin, Maca Apple Crisp, Goji Rose Donut, Sichuan Noodles with Tomato-Ginger Sauce and Healing Celery Root Soup with Truffle Herb Swirls.

Delivery, packaging and unboxing

Thistle’s delivery and packaging was phenomenal. Its meals and products arrived neatly packaged in sturdy containers. I found it convenient that the company collects and reuses empty bags and large ice packs for future deliveries, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. Although they cannot reuse smaller ice packs, Thistle is dedicated to reducing food waste and partners with local farmers and producers who employ sustainable practices.

Thistle on arrival

What stood out to me was Thistle’s labeling, which included clear nutrition facts per serving. This transparency made it easy for me to understand essential information like fiber, protein and calorie content in each meal — all things I like to keep track of. Unlike Sakara, I didn’t have to go searching for it. Sakara’s approach includes “no calorie counting,” encouraging consumers to prioritize nutrient density over counting calories.

My experience with Sakara’s delivery and packaging was equally positive. The meals and products arrived neatly packaged in sturdy containers. I appreciated the insulated bag provided in the first box, which made it convenient to transport the food when I was busy on the go. Meals were delivered at the right temperature, and the ice packs were easy to recycle.

Sakara’s dedication to sustainability is evident in its choice to use recycled plastic for its food containers. This decision not only reduces plastic waste but also reflects a commitment to environmental protection. Despite the higher cost, Sakara sees it as a worthwhile investment in protecting the environment.

Upon opening the packages from Thistle and Sakara Life, I was immediately struck by the vibrant colors of the meals (can we say gorgeous?). Thistle’s dishes, like the Curry Roasted Chicken, were accompanied by fresh, crisp greens that looked incredibly inviting. Thistle’s strawberry rhubarb crumble came with a smooth cashew buttercream, adding a delightful texture.

Sakara Life’s Sichuan Noodles were a visual feast, with stunning hues of purple, orange and green that truly stole the show. The Goji breakfast donut from Sakara was beautifully garnished with dried rose petals, making it almost too pretty to eat.

Sakara on arrival

All the dishes arrived cold to the touch and maintained the necessary temperatures, ensuring freshness and safety. Both Thistle and Sakara’s packaging were thoughtfully designed, with meals portioned perfectly to fit into my tote for on-the-go convenience. Thistle’s chia seed pudding, presented in a cute small resealable container, was especially handy and something I kept to reuse. Overall, the presentation and practicality of the packaging from both services were impressive and added to the overall enjoyment of the meals.

Meal preparation and taste

My experience with meal preparation was very stress-free and quick, which was an added bonus for both meal services. I braced myself for the usual overpowering sweetness or saltiness often found in pre-made meals, but to my pleasant surprise, I was thoroughly impressed by each service.

Thistle meals were versatile: Many are enjoyable cold or heated. When I wanted to heat them up, I would transfer the contents to a skillet, add a splash of olive oil and warm them for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, I could microwave them on high for 1.5 to 2 minutes. If desired, I could remove any leafy greens before heating.

Thistle: New Potato Salad with Roasted Chicken

Sakara’s plant-based meals offered a satisfying balance of flavors, each dish delicious and diverse. Despite varying levels of heartiness, they were all enjoyable. Having prepared meals significantly reduced my stress, making evenings more manageable and enjoyable. The originality and flavor-packed nature of the meals made them something to look forward to. While most of Sakara’s offerings were ready-to-eat, some could be heated on the stove or in the toaster oven if desired, with clear instructions provided on the label for those options.

What sets Sakara apart is its dedication to highlighting specific superfoods in each dish, which I found truly remarkable. The brand goes the extra mile to educate its clients, and as a nutrition enthusiast, that’s something I deeply appreciate. Take, for instance, the spotlight on apricot in the Strength and Clarity Tagine with Super Herb Salad, which Sakara explains is loaded with essential nutrients like vitamin A and skin-nourishing beta-carotene, supporting both eye health and overall well-being.

Sakara’s Goji Donut

Supplements and extras

With Thistle, you can take your meals up a notch with a variety of add-ons like cold-pressed juices and probiotic shots. Cold-pressed juice is beneficial because it retains more nutrients and enzymes compared with traditional juicing methods, providing a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. I explored Thistle’s recipes for creative meal hacks, like turning its Watermelon Berry juice into fruity creamsicles!

Meanwhile, Sakara offers a selection of supplements, snacks and teas to complement its programs. The brand’s snacks — like bars, dark chocolate and granola — are not only filling but also the perfect healthy sweet fix. Additionally, Sakara’s Foundation supplement undergoes stringent testing for purity and potency. I tried Sakara’s clean protein smoothie, which, despite its higher calorie content of 400 calories, was both satisfying and tasty, especially with its rich chocolate flavor. The dark chocolate bar with pink mineral salt also stood out for its distinctive and enjoyable taste.

Sakara’s Healthy Dark Chocolate

The takeaway: Which meal delivery service is better for you?

Thistle and Sakara take unique approaches to meal delivery, catering to diverse dietary needs and wellness goals. Thistle offers a wide array of dishes, accommodating both vegan and meat-based preferences. Sakara specializes in curated meal plans focused on holistic wellness, prioritizing nutrient-rich, plant-based ingredients alongside functional snacks and supplements.

Both services prioritize quality and ethical sourcing, with Thistle emphasizing sustainability and Sakara focusing on organic and non-GMO ingredients.

When deciding between Thistle and Sakara, it’s essential to consider factors such as customization, pricing and your overall wellness philosophy. Thistle’s customizable options and affordability make it an attractive choice for those seeking flexibility without compromising quality. Sakara’s curated plans may appeal to individuals looking for a comprehensive wellness solution. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preferences and priorities.

If I were to choose one of these two meal delivery services, I would personally go with Sakara. The use of unique and creative functional ingredients, the thoughtful packaging and reusable bag and the detailed nutrition insights with each meal stood out to me. These aspects helped me understand the purpose of each meal and its benefits to my health.

That said, when it comes to pricing, Thistle is the winner here. If budget allows, trying both services can provide a diverse and nutritious culinary experience, offering convenient options to support a healthy lifestyle.

Good Housekeeping Expert Tester

Name: Valerie Agyeman, R.D.

Role: Registered Dietitian and Good Housekeeping nutrition writer

Why you should trust me: I have tested several meal delivery services, such as Green Chef, so I am familiar with the options currently available — whether you’re looking to do the cooking yourself or seeking fully prepared meals. I was excited to try Thistle and Sakara. I tested through the lens of a busy business owner and dietitian who faces the common challenge of keeping up with nutritious meals daily.

Valerie Agyeman (she/her) is a women’s health dietitian and the host of the Flourish Heights podcast, where she produces science-driven content covering overlooked nutrition, wellness and women’s health topics. She has over 10 years of nutrition communications, corporate wellness and clinical nutrition experience. Valerie is a trusted expert and regularly appears on networks including ABC’s Good Morning Washington, and she is a contributing expert to publications like Women’s Health, The Thirty and Shape.