Daily Harvest Review: Is This Plant-Based Meal Delivery Service Worth It?

Are you looking to eat healthier and consume more fruits and veggies but struggle to find the time to plan meals and grocery shop? Many of us aspire to improve our diets but our busy lives often get in the way. This is where Daily Harvest comes in – a plant-based meal delivery service that promises to make healthy eating easy and delicious.

In this comprehensive Daily Harvest review, we‘ll take an in-depth look at the brand‘s offerings, pricing, customer feedback, and more to help you determine if this convenient service is right for you. Let‘s dig in!

What is Daily Harvest?

Daily Harvest is a subscription-based meal delivery company that specializes in frozen, ready-to-blend smoothies, soups, harvest bowls, flatbreads, and other plant-based snacks and treats. The brand was founded by Rachel Drori in 2015 with the mission of making it easier for people to eat more whole, unprocessed fruits and vegetables every day.

All of Daily Harvest‘s products are vegan, gluten-free, and contain no preservatives, fillers, added sugars, or artificial ingredients. The company uses organic produce whenever possible (at least 95% of ingredients are organic) and freezes fruits and veggies at peak ripeness to lock in nutrients and flavor. Meals come in convenient, single-serving cups that are ready to enjoy in minutes – no chopping, prepping, or cooking required.

Currently, Daily Harvest offers over 90 chef-crafted options across various categories:

• Smoothies
• Harvest Bowls
• Soups
• Flatbreads
• Oat Bowls
• Chia Bowls
• Scoops (plant-based ice cream)
• Bites (snack balls)
• Lattes
• Mylk (plant-based milk)

In addition to making healthy eating accessible, Daily Harvest is committed to sustainability. All of their packaging is recyclable or compostable, and the brand works directly with farmers who use environmentally-responsible practices like crop rotation and water conservation.

Now that we‘ve covered the basics, let‘s take a closer look at how Daily Harvest works and what you can expect from their subscription plans.

How Does Daily Harvest Work?

Getting started with Daily Harvest is a simple 3-step process:

1. Choose your plan size (Small with 9 items, Medium with 14 items, or Large with 24 items). Note that you can change your box size at any time.

2. Build your box by selecting your favorite smoothies, bowls, soups, and more from Daily Harvest‘s extensive menu. You can filter items by key benefits, ingredients, and dietary preferences.

3. Select your delivery frequency (weekly or monthly) and which day you‘d like to receive your box. Daily Harvest delivers to 95% of the U.S. and shipping is always free. Sit back and wait for your box of nutritious, pre-portioned cups to arrive on your doorstep!

It‘s important to note that Daily Harvest subscription plans auto-renew, but you can easily skip deliveries, change your selections, or cancel your plan up to 6pm ET on the Sunday before your scheduled delivery day. The brand sends helpful reminder emails so you never forget to make changes if needed.

Now, let‘s review the different subscription options and pricing for Daily Harvest boxes.

Daily Harvest Subscription Plans & Pricing

Daily Harvest offers three plan sizes to fit a variety of household needs and budgets:

Small Box (9 items)

– Ideal for those who want to try Daily Harvest or incorporate healthy meals/snacks a few times a week
– Serves 1 person
– Starting at $5.99 per cup/item

Medium Box (14 items)

– Great for individuals or couples looking for a week‘s worth of nutritious meals, smoothies, and treats
– Serves 1-2 people
– Starting at $5.49 per cup/item

Large Box (24 items)

– Best value and variety for bigger households or anyone who wants a fully-stocked freezer
– Serves 2-3 people
– Starting at $4.99 per cup/item

Unlike other meal delivery services that charge a flat fee per box, Daily Harvest uses a unique pricing model where customers build their own boxes and pay per item. Most items are priced at $5.99-$8.99 each, with bundles of 7 lattes or bites costing $7.99.

This flexible system allows you to customize your order based on budget and preferences, but it also means that your cost per box can vary quite a bit depending on which items you choose. In general, you can expect to spend around $70-$80 for a weekly Small Box, $110-$125 for a Medium Box, and $180+ for a monthly Large Box.

While Daily Harvest is certainly pricier than cooking fully from scratch, many customers find the convenience, quality, and nutritional value to be worth the cost. The brand also frequently offers promotions for new subscribers, such as $25-$40 off your first box.

Is Daily Harvest Actually Healthy? Nutritional Review

One of the biggest draws of Daily Harvest is the promise of quick, hassle-free meals and snacks that are packed with healthy, whole food ingredients. But does the brand actually deliver on this claim? Let‘s take a closer look at the nutritional profiles of some best-selling Daily Harvest items:

Strawberry + Peach Smoothie:

– Ingredients: Organic banana, strawberry, peach, raspberry, oats, goji berry
– 140 calories, 3g fiber, 9g sugar, 2g protein
– Review: Antioxidant-rich goji berries and fiber-packed oats make this smoothie a nutritious choice. Sweetness comes entirely from whole fruit.

Spinach + Shiitake Grits Harvest Bowl:

– Ingredients: Organic millet, spinach, cauliflower, shiitake, basil, cashews, olive oil, seasonings
– 200 calories, 5g fiber, 1g sugar, 6g protein
– Review: Leafy greens and mushrooms provide protective antioxidants, while whole grain millet lends filling fiber and protein. A veggie-heavy, satisfying meal.

Chocolate + Ooey, Gooey Midnight Fudge Scoops:

– Ingredients: Organic coconut cream, maple syrup, cacao, avocado, pine pollen, vanilla bean, reishi mushroom
– 260 calories, 3g fiber, 14g sugar, 2g protein
– Review: While higher in calories and sugar than other Daily Harvest items, this vegan ice cream gets an extra boost from superfoods like mineral-rich pine pollen and immunity-enhancing reishi mushrooms.

Overall, Daily Harvest does an excellent job at maximizing the nutritional impact of every cup by combining nutrient-dense whole foods, powerful superfoods, and a vibrant array of fruits and veggies. Most items are lower in calories (150-400 per serving) and protein compared to traditional meals, but deliver impressive amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.

If weight loss is your goal, Daily Harvest can certainly support your journey by effortlessly adding more produce to your diet. However, it‘s still important to balance the brand‘s meals and snacks with other sources of lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. Think of Daily Harvest as a nutritious complement to a balanced, varied diet – not necessarily a one-stop-shop.

Customer Reviews & Feedback

So, what do actual subscribers think of Daily Harvest? The brand‘s website displays mostly positive reviews, with many customers praising the convenience, flavor, and ingredient quality of the products:

"I still can‘t believe this Mylk is so clean and delicious. I love that it‘s only 2 ingredients and how easy it is to make. I won‘t be drinking any other milks tbh." – Almond Mylk review

"It was nice. The flavor was more delicate and subtle when I used water. I tasted the strawberry the most. I might use plant-based milk next time for a more milkshake experience. The color was pretty too." – Strawberry + Peach Smoothie review

Third-party review sites and social media reveal more mixed feedback. On Trustpilot, Daily Harvest has an average rating of 3.6/5 stars from 1,000+ reviews. While many customers rave about the tasty food and reliable delivery, a few complain about packaging issues, flavor disappointments, and difficulties with canceling subscriptions.

Several food and lifestyle bloggers have also weighed in on their Daily Harvest experiences:

"I felt like Daily Harvest was the perfect middle spot between cooking a healthy dinner from scratch and the convenience of frozen food…I usually don‘t think about how many fruits and veggies I‘m consuming on a daily basis, but with Daily Harvest, I knew that I was eating lots of them." – HuffPost Review

"What I found with my Daily Harvest supply was that I dramatically increased the amount of produce and plants I was eating because their foods are all plant-forward." – Real Simple Review

Ultimately, customer satisfaction seems to depend on individual taste preferences and expectations. Some may find Daily Harvest portions too small, textures too icy, or flavors too veggie-forward, while others appreciate the unique variety and like knowing they‘re consuming cups full of nourishing produce. It‘s clear that Daily Harvest has amassed a dedicated fan base, but it may not be the best fit for everyone.

Is Daily Harvest Worth It? The Verdict

Now for the question you‘ve been waiting for – is Daily Harvest truly worth the hype and the somewhat hefty price tag? Based on our thorough research and review, we believe the answer is yes, with a few caveats.

There‘s no denying that Daily Harvest stands out among competitors for its uncompromising ingredient integrity, creative flavor combinations, and commitment to sustainability. Few other services offer such a wide array of 100% plant-based, gluten-free options that are as convenient and nutrient-packed. If you‘re looking to painlessly incorporate more fruits, veggies, and superfoods into your diet, Daily Harvest is tough to beat.

However, the value of Daily Harvest really depends on your lifestyle, goals, and budget. Those who want heartier, protein-rich meals or dislike the texture of frozen/blended foods may prefer traditional meal kits or delivery services. Picky eaters and families with young kids might also struggle with Daily Harvest‘s adventurous ingredients and limited customization.

Daily Harvest is ideally suited for health-conscious individuals (especially busy professionals, parents, and students) who crave nourishing, produce-centric meals but lack the time or motivation to prepare them from scratch. If convenience is your top priority and you‘re willing to pay a premium, the ease and nutritional power of Daily Harvest is absolutely worthwhile.

On the other hand, if you‘re on a tight budget or love to cook, Daily Harvest may not provide the best bang for your buck. The cost can quickly add up, especially if you‘re relying on the service for most of your meals. Thrifty shoppers can likely recreate similar smoothies, soups, and bowls at home for a fraction of the price.

Ultimately, the value you derive from your Daily Harvest subscription comes down to your personal health goals, taste preferences, and how much you‘re willing to spend on the convenience of pre-prepped, plant-based meals. If Daily Harvest ticks all your boxes and you can comfortably afford $70-$80 per week on top of your grocery bill, then we say go for it! The service is a fantastic tool for busy health nuts and can be a game-changer for anyone struggling to eat more whole foods.

If you‘re on the fence, we recommend starting with a small box and taking advantage of beginner discounts and promotions to see how Daily Harvest fits into your lifestyle. You might just find a new healthy eating obsession!

Tips for Making the Most of Your Daily Harvest Subscription

To wrap up this comprehensive Daily Harvest review, here are some of our best tips and tricks for maximizing the benefit and enjoyment of your subscription:

1. Freeze some extra fruit to toss into your smoothies for a thicker, frostier texture. Frozen cauliflower rice and zucchini work well too!

2. Customize your cups by adding your favorite herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, and dressings. A dash of hot sauce or sprinkle of granola can take your meals to the next level.

3. Embrace variety and mix up your box selections often. Try at least one new item per week to discover new favorites and keep your taste buds happy.

4. Transform your Mylk into a deluxe latte by frothing it up with a milk wand or blender. You can even add flavored syrups or spices like cinnamon and turmeric.

5. Bulk up your bowls, soups, and smoothies with an extra scoop of plant-based protein powder, chia seeds, or nut butter for more staying power.

6. Follow @dailyharvest on Instagram for recipe inspiration, new product launches, and mouth-watering photography.

7. Don‘t forget to toss your cups and packaging into the recycling bin when you‘re finished!

We hope this in-depth Daily Harvest review has given you all the information you need to decide if this plant-powered meal delivery service is right for you. While no subscription is one-size-fits-all, Daily Harvest is undoubtedly one of the best options on the market for fast, nourishing meals that make it easier to eat more fruits and veggies.

With a bit of creativity and commitment, your Daily Harvest subscription can be an indispensable tool for achieving your healthiest, most vibrant self. Happy blending!