The demand for plant-based meal kits in the United States is likely to be USD 1.1 billion in 2025. The industry will have a CAGR of 13.6% during the forecast period between 2025 and 2035. The overall market's net valuation will be USD 4 billion in the year 2035.
In the USA plant-based meal kits market, the key driving factor is the noticeable consumer shift to plant-based diets caused by concerns about health, the environment, and ethics. Given that more people have a craving for easy and healthy meal choices, the meal kit is a good option since it has well-balanced recipes designed by the chef, and the ingredients are sustainably sourced. The rising request for vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian diets is also a factor that speeds up the growth.
Increasing awareness about the health advantages of plant-based diets, like better digestion, heart health, and the lower risk of chronic diseases, mainly governs sales growth. Customers are also prioritizing plant-based meal kits as a solution to conventional meal options, which are a sustainable alternative to their commitment to carbon footprints and animal rights. The rapid transition of the internet and the direct-to-consumer delivery model also contributed to making these meal kits accessible and straightforward.
The change in food packaging technology usage and conservation techniques, which means less spoilage and less wastage of plant-based meal kits, is another reason that companies can increase their reach all over different countries. Besides, the cooperation of grocery retailers and meal kit providers is boosting product availability in supermarkets and specialty stores, which further increases customer engagement.
There are some challenges, such as high subscription fees and competition with traditional meal kits and home-cooked meals. Another problem is retaining customers, such as some of the subscribers who may not continue their services due to cost issues or lack of variety in meals. Meal kit providers are also facing logistics issues in the provisioning of fresh, high-quality, and plant-based ingredients.
Even with these challenges, there are several hidden opportunities. It is expected that the rise in customized nutrition and diet-specific meal plans, including high-protein, gluten-free, and organic plant-based meals, will lead to more growth.
Further, innovations in plant-based protein alternatives and gourmet dishes are sustaining the attractiveness of plant-based meal kits. Even when the tastes of customers continue to shift, the USA plant-based meal kits market will keep flourishing in the upcoming years.
Explore FMI!
Book a free demo
The USA plant-based meal kits market grew strongly between 2020 and 2024, driven by increasing consumer interest in health, sustainability, and ethical food consumption. The increasing trend of plant-based diets, driven by health-conscious consumers and the new flexitarian lifestyle, fueled demand for meal kits with organic vegetables, plant-based proteins, and dairy alternatives.
Businesses emphasized offering differentiated and ethnically influenced meal solutions to meet changing consumer preferences. Meal kit subscription services became trendy because of the convenience of portioned ingredients and simple recipes.
Big players incorporated sustainable packaging and carbon-neutral delivery practices to align with increasing environmental awareness. Technology incorporation, including mobile apps and AI-powered suggestions, improved customer interaction, and customized meal planning.
Between 2025 and 2035, the USA plant-based meal kits market will progress with food technology innovations and supply chain optimization. Meal customization through AI will enable providers to customize meal kits according to individual nutritional requirements and tastes. Lab-cultured meat and plant-based proteins with more texture and improved flavor will be everywhere, enhancing the dining experience.
Vertical farming and regenerative farming will render sourcing more local and sustainable. Blockchain will enable higher transparency of the supply chain to enable customers to trace the origin and quality of ingredients.
Sustainability will be trending upwards, and biodegradable packaging and zero-waste production will be the new standards. Future food preservation technology will progressively allow for more extended shelf life for meal kits, minimize wastage of food, and provide greater convenience for customers.
A Comparative Market Shift Analysis 2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035
| 2020 to 2024 | 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| Increased demand for plant-based meal kits due to health and environment-awareness. | Personalized nutrition with an AI-created flavor profile and recipe. |
| Continued interest in meal diversification with increased flexitarian and plant-based lifestyles. | Value-added and cell-grown plant protein expanded. |
| Subscription-based business models became popular due to convenience. | Blockchain-based ingredient traceability and supply chain transparency. |
| Sustainable packaging and carbon-neutral shipping emerged as major differentiators. | Biodegradable packaging and zero-waste production became industry trends. |
| AI-powered suggestions improved meal planning and customer interaction. | Food preservation technology to prolong shelf life and minimize waste. |
Plant-based meal kit sales are growing at a fast pace due to factors such as increasing consumers opting for health-focused, sustainable, and convenient meal solutions. The growing interest in veganism, flexitarians, and plant-forward diets is fueling demand for easy-to-prepare, chef-created, and portioned meal kits.
Home shoppers value convenience and variety and seek fast meals with little prep time. Health-conscious consumers favor high-protein, nutrient-rich plant-based foods that aid muscle recovery and well-being. Plant-based and vegan consumers require new, flavorful, and varied meal solutions, and flexitarians seek meat alternatives that enable them to transition slowly away from animal products.
Value shoppers are more price-sensitive, but premium meal kits are performing well against heightened awareness regarding organic, non-GMO, and sustainably sourced foods. While online and subscription are expanding, companies are focusing on personalization, clean labels, and green packaging to win over health-aware shoppers.
The increase in demand for USA plant-based meal kits is due to the surge in consumer demand for food options that are convenient, healthy, and sustainable. However, the problem is the strict food safety regulations and labeling requirements that how companies should have compliance processes.
Companies are supposed to do ingredient sourcing properly, allergen transparency, and follow new FDA guidelines to keep consumers' trust.Among the various operational inefficiencies, supply chain disruptions are the foremost, consisting of plant-based ingredient shortages, transport delays, and unavailability of packaging material.
Price fluctuations and seasonal supply instability are the reasons that the sector should be careful about the over-reliance on certain special ingredients and fresh parcels. Companies have to focus on supplier diversification and a sustainable approach to improve supply chain resilience.
Consumers' preferences for clean labels and organic and minimally processed meal kits rise, but their skepticism toward processed plants and worry about ingredient quality affect their purchasing decisions. Firms must make transparency, science-backed nutritional claims, and consumer education their top priorities to achieve industry penetration and growth.
Economic downturns, inflation, and shifts in discretionary spending influence consumer purchasing behavior. In this regard, companies need to re-evaluate their pricing strategies, expand retail and e-commerce channels, and bring innovation by adding a variety of meal options that fit the consumer and the environment.
The industry is experiencing rapid growth fueled by consumer trends toward convenience, healthy eating, and sustainable food. During the year 2025, two well-defined sub-segments will help in the development of the plant-based meal kit industry - meal kits and prepared meal kits.
One of the best-known options is meal kits, and for good reason: their pre-measured ingredients paired with easy-to-follow recipes make them the ultimate snack selection. These kits attract consumers who enjoy cooking but don't want to spend time planning meals or shopping for ingredients.
Innovators in the segment, including Purple Carrot and Green Chef, have long been providing plant-based meal options. By 2025, meal kits are estimated to comprise ~60% of the USA plant-based meal kit market. The growth of plant-based diets fuels this, as consumers need nutritious meals to fit their way of life.
Alternatively, with Prepared Meal Kits, the meal is delivered fully cooked and just needs to be warmed up before eating. This segment is growing faster, in some instances, than the consumer goods market can keep up, as consumers want speed without compromising on quality or taste. Territory Foods and Snap Kitchen, for example, both specialize in health-focused, plant-based, ready-to-eat meals. The percentage of prepared meal kits is expected to be about 40% of the share in 2025.
Chilled meal kits are generally refrigerated and offer a fresh taste and texture, attracting both quality-minded consumers and more fresh components. Chilled kits must be eaten sooner than frozen kits, which some will see as a win for frozen people worried about preservatives in their meals.
Companies like Purple Carrot and Green Chef have been profiting from this line of thinking with meal kits that emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients. Non-alcoholic beverages: Ready-to-drink segments, particularly enjoyed for convenience, portable, and health benefits (through chilled versions), will account for an estimated 55-60% by 2025
Frozen meal kits have a longer shelf life and greater convenience, as consumers do not have to utilize the meal kit immediately. These kits have long shelf lives, making them easy to keep on hand for busy families.
Companies like Territory Foods and Snap Kitchen are responding to that demand and providing plant-based meals that can be frozen so busy consumers can eat nutritious food without sacrificing convenience. Much of that will come from frozen meal kits, with projected shares of 40-45% by 2025.
Both types of meal kits are gaining steam, with the chilled segment growing fastest on the back of the increasing need for fresh meal solutions in the home and frozen meal kits making headway as consumers search for longer-lived, convenient meal solutions.
| Country | Estimated CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 7.1% |
The industry is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period. Increased demand for plant-based diets, driven by enhanced consumer awareness of health benefits and sustainability, is a key driver of growth. Consumers are becoming more inclined toward plant-based consumption due to concerns over chronic diseases, animal well-being, and the environment.
Meal kit companies are taking advantage of the trend by delivering nutritionally comparable, chef-created, and ready-to-cook plant-based meals appealing to both flexitarians and vegans. Purple Carrot, Splendid Spoon, and Daily Harvest are leading the way by introducing convenient and diverse plant-based meal options, from high-protein bowls to smoothie-based meal replacements.
The American industry is expanding as well, with more direct-to-consumer subscription services and more e-commerce adoption. Customers adore the convenience of pre-portioned, ready-to-cook ingredients sent directly to their doorsteps, reducing food waste and meal prep time.
Companies are also using sustainable methods such as compostable packaging and organic ingredients to entice eco-friendly shoppers. Grocery retailers like Whole Foods and Walmart are partnering with meal kit companies to expand distribution.
In addition, advances in technology, such as AI-driven personalized meal planning and mobile app integration, are enhancing the shopping experience. The industry's future is secure as plant-based eating shifts from a niche trend to a mainstream diet in the United States.
The industry is on a fast growth trajectory propelled by consumer demand for convenient, healthy, and sustainable food options. Increased adoption of flexitarian, vegetarian, and vegan diets fosters competition between the established meal kit players as well as niche plant-based brands.
Leading players like Purple Carrot, Green Chef (HelloFresh), Daily Harvest, Splendid Spoon, and Sunbasket provide chef-curated, organic, customizable plant-based meals. Startups and niche operatives are concentrating on gluten-free, high-protein, and allergen-friendly meals, responding to changing consumer preferences.
Several innovations are happening in ready-to-eat and pre-prepped ingredients, coupled with AI-based personalizations for dietary needs. The companies are enhancing flavor diversity, plant-based protein integration, and international cuisines as product differentiators.
The key strategic factors surrounding their procurement will be subscription-based models, retail partnerships, and eco-packaging initiatives. Brands will leverage e-commerce, direct-to-consumer channels, and social media influencers to mark their presence and lure health-conscious consumers.
Market Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Purple Carrot | 25-30% |
| Green Chef (HelloFresh) | 20-25% |
| Daily Harvest | 15-20% |
| Splendid Spoon | 10-15% |
| Sunbasket | 5-10% |
| Other Players (Combined) | 5-15% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings & Market Focus |
|---|---|
| Purple Carrot | Industry leader in 100% plant-based meal kits, delivering chef-created, high-protein, and internationally inspired recipes. |
| Green Chef | Provides organic, plant-based meal kits as part of a broader meal platform, utilizing HelloFresh's large logistics and reach. |
| Daily Harvest | Concentrates on frozen, pre-prepared plant-based meals, smoothies, and bowls for busy professionals and health-focused consumers. |
| Splendid Spoon | Operates in ready-to-eat vegan soups, bowls, and wellness shots, focusing on functional nutrition and clean ingredients. |
| Sunbasket | Offers organic, chef-created plant-based meal kits, combining sustainable sourcing and high-protein vegan meals. |
Key Company Insights
Purple Carrot (25-30%)
Pioneers is the only vegan meal kit that has expanded into retail partnerships and innovative high-protein plant-based meal options.
Green Chef (20-25%)
It strengthens its position with organic and diet-specific meal plans and has the logistic and supply chain benefits from being part of HelloFresh.
Daily Harvest (15-20%)
Its frozen and easy-to-eat offers are turning into investments in newer plant-based ice cream and grain bowl product lines.
Splendid Spoon (10-15%)
A very strong presence in functional well-being-focused plans for plant-based meals with openings for subscription weight-management programs.
Sunbasket (5-10%)
Provides hybrid options such as meal kits and pre-prepped plant-based meals. The ingredients used are, however, organic and sustainably sourced.
The industry is expected to generate USD 1.1 billion in 2025, driven by growing consumer interest in plant-based diets, convenience-driven lifestyles, and demand for sustainable meal solutions.
The market is projected to grow to USD 4 billion by 2035, fueled by innovations in plant-based ingredients, expansion of delivery services, and heightened focus on health and environmental sustainability. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 13.6%.
Key players include Purple Carrot, Green Chef (HelloFresh), Daily Harvest, Splendid Spoon, Sunbasket, Fresh N Lean, Veestro, Thistle, Territory Foods, and Greenfork.
States such as California, New York, Texas, and Florida offer strong growth potential due to the high adoption of plant-based diets, urban consumer bases, and access to robust delivery infrastructure.
Prepared meal kits are gaining traction alongside traditional meal kits. Chilled and frozen formats dominate, offering convenience and freshness. Online retail leads sales, though store-based retailing continues to grow through supermarkets and specialty food retailers.
It's classified as Meal Kit and Prepared Meal Kit.
It's classified as Chilled, Frozen, and Shelf Stable.
It's divided into Store-based Retailing (including Convenience Stores, Discounters, Forecourt Retailers, Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Food Specialists, Independent Small Grocers, and Other Grocery Retailers) and Online Retail.
It's divided into California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina, Michigan, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Washington.
Natural Dog Treat Market Product Type, Age, Distribution Channel, Application and Protein Type Through 2035
Buttermilk Powder Market Analysis by Product Type, Sale Channel, and Region Through 2035
Oat-based Beverage Market Analysis by Source, Product Type, Speciality and Distribution channel Through 2035
Multivitamin Melt Market Analysis by Ingredient Type, Claim, Sales Channel and Flavours Through 2035
Mineral Yeast Market Analysis by Calcium Yeast, Selenium Yeast, Zinc Yeast, and Other Fortified Yeast Types Through 2035
Nuts Market Analysis by Nut Type, Product Type, Distribution channels, End-use Industry, and Region through 2025 to 2035
United States Plant-Based Meal Kits Market
Thank you!
You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.
