Sunbasket vs Blue Apron 2023
With the number of meal services available today, finding the one that is right for you may prove difficult. The main benefit to any service is convenience, so what sets them apart and which will best suit the needs of you and your family? We have compared two of the top meal delivery services, to better help you choose. In this extensive and detailed Sunbasket vs Blue Apron comparison review, we take an in-depth look at both and draw comparisons between their pricing, meal plans, dietary requirements, and quality of ingredients. By the end of this article, you'll have all the information you need to pick the best food delivery service for you, your family, and their dietary needs and preferences.

A few words about Sunbasket from our experts
Sunbasket is one of the best meal-kit delivery services. Why? Because they ensure a comprehensive and extensive range of specialist diet meal options for the customers who want healthy meal plans. This San Francisco-based company offers environmentally-friendly services to deliver organic and healthy ingredients for creative and delicious dishes cooking. Their recipe cards are always simple and easy.

A few words about Blue Apron from our experts
Blue Apron is a US-based prepared meal delivery service that provides healthy meals sourced from local farmers. This popular subscription serves 2-5 people with their solo/couple and family plans. Their meal options include vegetarian, meat, and weight-watchers-approved recipes. Enjoy fresh, sustainable restaurant-like meals that are GMO-free. You can expect affordable prices, which can go as low as $7.49 per serving.
Offered Meals Plans & Pricing
Plan name
Paleo 2 ServingsCost Per Serving
$11.99 /meal $6.99 ShippingPlan name
Standard 2 ServingsCost Per Serving
$9.99 /meal $7.99 ShippingPlan name
test 2 ServingsCost Per Serving
$11.99 /meal $6.99 ShippingPlan name
2 people and 3 servings 2 ServingsCost Per Serving
$9.99 /meal Free ShippingPlan name
2 ServingsCost Per Serving
$11.99 /meal $6.99 ShippingPlan name
- Vegetarian 2 ServingsCost Per Serving
$9.99 /meal Free ShippingPlan name
4 ServingsCost Per Serving
$11.99 /meal $6.99 ShippingPlan name
- Vegetarian 2 ServingsCost Per Serving
$9.99 /meal $7.99 ShippingPlan name
4 ServingsCost Per Serving
$11.99 /meal $6.99 ShippingPlan name
4 people and 2 servings 4 ServingsCost Per Serving
$8.99 /meal Free ShippingPlan name
4 ServingsCost Per Serving
$11.99 /meal $6.99 ShippingPlan name
4 people and 3 servings 4 ServingsCost Per Serving
$7.99 /meal Free ShippingPlan name
4 people and 3 servings 4 ServingsCost Per Serving
$7.49 /meal Free ShippingThe Sunbasket recipes come with all the seasonings and sauces to complete each dish. In its meal kits, you can find dishes that have flavors from around the world. You can also customize your plan to fit your eating style and any allergies. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, paleo, or anything else, you can find meals to fit your lifestyle. The Blue Apron recipes also come with all the seasonings you need to make each dish. There are vegetarian and healthy recipe plans you can choose from. You can substitute meat dishes with plant-based patties if your food preferences keep you from eating meat. Sadly, Blue Apron doesn’t provide specific meals for many food allergies. When it comes to food preferences, Sunbasket has many more options. If you have a food allergy or want to eat in a specific way, it’s the better choice.
Meal Types & Cook Time
Meal Variety
Meal Variety
Prep & Cook Time
Prep & Cook Time
Dietary Preferences
Dietary Preferences
Mediterranean
Paleo
Lean & clean
Vegetarian
Vegan
Pescatarian
Paleo
Mediterranean
Low Carb
Gluten Free
Wellness
Weight Watchers
Vegetarian
Balance
Almond Free
Quality of ingredients
Quality of ingredients
The Blue Apron menu doesn’t have nearly as many options as Sunbasket does. They do allow you to choose meat substitutes, though. Blue Apron can be fine for those following a vegan or paleo diet. If you have more specific dietary needs, then Sunbasket can fit your needs. There’s no question that Sunbasket wins here. You can find a plan and customize it to meet many dietary needs. In the battle of Sunbasket vs Blue Apron, both offer fresh ingredients from quality farmers, fisheries, and artisans. These companies provide hormone-free meats and fish that have never been given antibiotics. Out of the two, only Sunbasket offers organic foods, but both have non-GMO ingredients. If having organic food is essential to you, then Sunbasket is the way to go. Otherwise, both services offer high-quality ingredients from ethical sources.
Packaging & Ordering Process
Packaging
Packaging
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Plastic
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Foil / Cotton Liners
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Ice Packs
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100% Recyclable Package
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Sustainable Forestry Initiative
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Plastic
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Foil / Cotton Liners
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Ice Packs
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100% Recyclable Package
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Sustainable Forestry Initiative
Ordering Process
Ordering Process
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Fast Delivery
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In-App ordering
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Fast Delivery
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In-App ordering
With Sunbasket, your meals will arrive in a recyclable or compostable thermal package. Inside the box, the company will separate all of your meals into individual bags. Along with step-by-step recipes to help you prepare each meal, all the ingredients come pre-portioned. The package from Blue Apron has a thermal-insulated liner to help keep all the ingredients fresh, which are all pre-measured and pre-labeled. There are also step-by-step instructions and nutritional information for each recipe. Both services are equal here.
Ordering from Sunbasket is an easy process. You click on “Get Started,” then on the specific plan you want. After that, you can set your food preferences through the filtering tool. You finish your order by signing up and choosing a delivery time. Lastly, all you have to do is wait for your meals to arrive. It takes about three or four clicks to sign up for Blue Apron’s service. Once on the website, click on the pricing tab, select the plan you want, and sign up. Then, you choose when you want your meals delivered, and wait for them to arrive. In this case, Sunbasket is the winner because of its comprehensive filtering system. It’s easy to order from Blue Apron, but it’s challenging to narrow down recipe options.
Customer Support & Shipping
Customer Support
Customer Support
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Email
-
Telephone
-
Live chat
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In-App
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Email
-
Telephone
-
Live chat
-
In-App
Shipping
Shipping
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Nationwide, excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, and parts of New Mexico
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$5.99
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48 US states - not available in Alaska or Hawaii
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$7.99 or free with some subscriptions
The Sunbasket customer service is available if you have any questions during business hours via phone, online chat box, email, and text. There is also a FAQ page available. Customer service agents are friendly, welcoming, and customer-oriented, which helps you get the information you need quickly. The customer service agents at Blue Apron will pick up your call quickly too. They’re friendly and welcoming when they’re answering your questions as well. There isn’t a clear winner in this category of Sunbasket vs Blue Apron. They both provide excellent support to their customers.
Sunbasket ships to the continental United States, excluding New Mexico, Montana, and parts of North Dakota. Its kits are delivered on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays and the time depends on your location. Blue Apron delivers to all of the continental United States. You can choose the day your meals are delivered when you place your order. Blue Apron wins because it provides services to more states and also lets you choose the day of your delivery for more convenience.
Sample Meals
Most Ordered Meal
Most Ordered Meal
Chicken chop suey with shishito peppers, mushrooms and scallions
- Prep & Cook Time 15-20 min
-
Difficulty Level
-
Spice Level
Meal Overview
This recipe for chicken chop suey turns humble veggies into a family favorite dish! This simple chop suey combines carrots, celery, and bean sprouts with tender bites of chicken for a budget-friendly favorite. It’s all tossed in the easiest ever sauce and served over rice or noodles!

In Your Box
- Jasmine rice
- Organic cremini or other button mushrooms
- Organic scallions
- Organic shishito peppers
- Your choice of protein
- Organic shredded carrots
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 610 Calories
- 43g Protein
- 6g Fiber
- 19g Total Fat
- 1280mg Sodium
- 68g Carbohydrates
- 6g Total Sugars
Chicken chop suey with shishito peppers, mushrooms and scallions
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Prep & Cook Time: 15-20 min
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Difficulty Level:
Moderate
Crispy Skin Trout Fillets with Creamy Chowder-Style Potatoes & Pancetta
- Prep & Cook Time 35-40 min
-
Difficulty Level
-
Spice Level
Meal Overview
Inspired by one of our favorite seasonal ingredients and go-to comfort foods—corn chowder—this dish features smoky-spiced trout served over a rich base of corn, potatoes, and pancetta tossed with cream, whole grain dijon, and savory broth.

In Your Box
- 2 Skin-On Steelhead Trout Fillets
- 3 Diced Pancetta
- 2 ears Of Corn
- 3⁄4 Golden Potatoes
- 1 Poblano Pepper
- 1 Lemon
- 2 stalks Celery
- 1 bunch Chives
- 1⁄4 Cream
- 17⁄50 Chicken Bone Broth
- 17⁄50 Crispy Onions
- 1⁄2 Sweety Drop Peppers
- 1⁄4 Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
- 1 Smoky Spice Blend Smoked Paprika
- Sweet Paprika, Ground Yellow Mustard
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 1190 Calories
- 68g Fat
- 68g Protein
- 76g Carbs
Crispy Skin Trout Fillets with Creamy Chowder-Style Potatoes & Pancetta
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Prep & Cook Time: 35-40 min
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Difficulty Level:
Easy
More Meals
More Meals
Italian sausages and vegetable skewers with two romescos
- Prep & Cook Time 25-40 min
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Difficulty Level
-
Spice Level
Meal Overview
If cooking a simple dinner sounds too good to be true, then prepare to be wowed. Presenting savory meat and veggie skewers with not one, but two of our nutty Spanish romescos.

In Your Box
- 3 organic cremini or other button mushrooms
- 1 organic yellow onion
- 3 organic grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1 chili powder
- Wooden skewers
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 580 Calories
- 23g Protein
- 6g Fiber
- 47g Fat
- 55mg Cholesterol
- 1200mg Sodium
- 22g Carbohydrates
- 10g Sugars
Italian sausages and vegetable skewers with two romescos
Read more about the dishShawarma-Spiced Vegetable and Couscous Bowls with Arugula & Roasted Lemon Yogurt
- Prep & Cook Time 25-30 min
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Difficulty Level
-
Spice Level
Meal Overview
For these hearty bowls, herby salsa verde-dressed couscous is mixed with sweet raisins and peppery arugula, then topped with a duo of shawarma-roasted carrots and kohlrabi—a versatile vegetable with a mild flavor and texture similar to cabbage. We’re bringing it all together with a drizzle of bright lemon yogurt and the rich yolk from soft-boiled eggs.

In Your Box
- 2 Pasture-Raised Eggs
- 1⁄2 Yellow Couscous
- 1 Kohlrabi
- 2 Arugula
- 6 Carrots
- 1 Lemon
- 1 1⁄2 Golden Raisins
- 2 Roasted Sunflower Seeds
- 1⁄2 Salsa Verde
- 1⁄2 Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt
- 1 Shawarma Spice Blend (Ground
- Coriander, Cumin Seeds, Garlic Powder
- Smoked Sweet Paprika & Ground Turmeric
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 600 Calories
- 28g Fat
- 26g Protein
- 70g Carbs
Shawarma-Spiced Vegetable and Couscous Bowls with Arugula & Roasted Lemon Yogurt
Read more about the dishYucatecan sopa de lima with shredded chicken and tortilla chips
- Prep & Cook Time 15-20 min
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Difficulty Level
-
Spice Level
Meal Overview
When life gives you limes, make sopa de lima. Bright, warm, and straight-up delicious, this Mayan chicken soup is known for its trademark tartness.

In Your Box
- 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 organic yellow onion
- 1 organic peeled fresh garlic
- 1 organic lime
- Tortilla chips (for garnish)
- 4 organic fresh cilantro
- 1 organic serrano or other fresh chile
- 1 diced tomatoes
- 1 vegetable broth
- 1 dried oregano
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 530 Calories
- 26g Protein
- 8g Fiber
- 23g Total Fat
- 95mg Cholesterol
- 670mg Sodium
- 57g Carbohydrates
- 8g Total Sugars
Yucatecan sopa de lima with shredded chicken and tortilla chips
Read more about the dishTeriyaki Tilapia with Vegetables and Garlic-Ginger Rice
- Prep & Cook Time 35-40 min
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Difficulty Level
-
Spice Level
Meal Overview
For our take on the Japanese favorite, we’re combining soy glaze and mirin (or sweet rice wine) to spoon over tilapia as it sears in the pan, resulting in the irresistibly savory-sweet flavor for which the sauce is prized. We’re serving it alongside aromatic rice and stir-fried bok choy and carrots, then giving it all a little kick of heat with a garnish of furikake.

In Your Box
- 2 Tilapia Fillets
- 1⁄2 Long Grain White Rice
- 6 Carrots
- 10 Baby Bok Choy
- 2 Garlic
- 1 Ginger
- 2 Soy Glaze
- 1 Sesame Oil
- 1 Rice Vinegar
- 1 Mirin (Salted Cooking Wine)
- 1 Furikake
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 540 Calories
- 9g Fat
- 38g Protein
- 73g Carbs
Teriyaki Tilapia with Vegetables and Garlic-Ginger Rice
Read more about the dishFor Sunbasket, most meals take around 30 minutes to cook and have easy-to-follow instructions. There are a few recipes that aren’t as easy to follow. Many people find meals to be delicious but some salad recipes aren’t filling. Most meals are quick and easy to prepare, but some require advanced cooking techniques. Some recipes’ cooking times are longer than what’s stated in the recipe but they are all filling and delicious. Some of the instructions in the recipes for both companies’ meals can be vague. We would say both services are the same in this category with similar cooking times and requirements.
Overall Winner: Sunbasket !
Sunbasket is the overall winner as the most subscribed and preferred meal kit subscription service in San Francisco. Their comprehensive and extensive range of unique, delicious meal options can bring water in your mouth. From the Mediterranean to pescatarian, you can enjoy various types of meal plans. Their meals are gluten-free, diabetes-friendly and include meal options for vegan and vegetarian food lovers. With 2-4 recipes per week at affordable prices, you can enjoy an easy and convenient cooking experience at home. Their recipes are always simple to follow.
