The kits provided by Purple Carrot contain a mix of fresh produce and prepackaged ingredients, including items such as tofu, instant rice, and spices. While the produce is not guaranteed to be organic, most of the ingredients are, and all are vegan. The user is required to supply only salt, pepper, and cooking oil, though the addition of a lemon squeeze can enhance some dishes.
Despite the favorable taste reviews, Purple Carrot may not be the ideal choice for individual diners compared to other vegan meal services like Thistle, which is recommended by WIRED. Customers can select from two- or four-serving plans with an option of one to four meals per week. When opting for a two-serving, four-meal-a-week plan, which costs $13.25 per portion or $106 weekly, leftover portions are common for solo diners. However, discounts are often available, with a current 50 percent off for the first week, reducing the cost to $56.
Following the initial week, Purple Carrot provides a preview of the next seven weeks of orders. Customers can swap meals or skip orders, choosing from a variety of options up to a week before shipping. Meal icons indicate factors like preparation time and dietary considerations, though filtering options are not available, so attention to detail is required. The selection includes dishes from family-friendly options like sloppy joes to more sophisticated choices like squash potstickers.
While the recipes can involve lengthy preparation times, often averaging around an hour despite a half-hour claim, they can provide a rewarding cooking experience. The service is recommended with the understanding that significant kitchen involvement is necessary. For those who prefer less culinary effort, premade meals are available, offering balanced and vegan nutrition.
The recipes demand some cooking knowledge or inference, potentially posing challenges for novice cooks. The need to reread recipes and manage simultaneous tasks, coupled with sparse timing guidance, contributed to extended preparation periods and occasional issues, such as burnt ingredients.
