I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the hunt for ways to elevate my meal prep game—without sacrificing my health. Don’t get me wrong, I love takeout like the next girl, but I’ve been making a real effort to eat cleaner, feel better, and stay consistent with nutritious meals. The problem? Between my busy schedule and the hassle of grocery shopping, meal prep feels overwhelming.
So, I set out to find a solution. I kept seeing Tom Colicchio’s ad for Thistle on TikTok (big Top Chef girlie over here) and heard about Sakara Life from a friend—so I finally decided to take the plunge.
I tried them both so you don’t have to—here’s what I found:
If you want customization and more protein options…Thistle
I’ve got to hand it to both Thistle and Sakara Life, as they offer weekly menus on a rotating basis, as well as seasonal menus. However, while Sakara lets you swap meals, you can’t make individual modifications to them.
Thistle, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive list of allergies and preferences that they can accommodate. You can also select the number of meals you want per week and, most importantly, add sustainable meats like poultry or pork to increase protein—something Sakara doesn’t offer. Nearly all of Thistle’s meals can be made high-protein, and because everything is based on whole foods, you won’t find anything ultra-processed, just clean, nourishing ingredients that support long-term health.
If you want the best taste…Thistle
Food is a huge part of my life. Even before I finish one meal, I’m already thinking about what I’m going to eat next. So it should come as no surprise that taste is a major category for me.
I was shocked by not only how delicious Thistle’s meals were, but also how filling they were—especially for being mostly plant-based. My highlights? The Thistle Ragu Pasta Bowl with Tofu Bolognese (just 3 minutes on the skillet and voila!) and the Crunchy Citrus & Cabbage Salad with Sesame Edamame. A pleasant surprise? The juices and wellness shots I added to my delivery. Watermelon Berry cold-pressed organic juice? Yes, please! The Sakara Life food was fine, but nothing to write home about.
If You’re Looking for the Best Price and Stress-Free Mealtime…Thistle
Technically, both Thistle and Sakara Life are convenient—they’re meal delivery services, after all. But convenience only goes so far if it’s not sustainable long-term.
Sakara’s 3-day plan with breakfast, lunch, and dinner costs $239 per week—which adds up to around $26 per meal. That might work for a short-term reset, but for everyday life? I’d rather spend that money on something that lasts.
That’s where Thistle comes in. With plans starting at $45 per week and meals as low as $11.50 each, Thistle makes healthy eating actually doable—not just for a week, but for the long haul.
Beyond just the price, Thistle takes the guesswork out of mealtime. Some days, my to-do list is so overwhelming that cooking and meal prepping aren’t even on it. Not even at the bottom—just not on there. Thistle plans, cleans, preps, and even does the dishes for you, so all that’s left to do is eat and enjoy.If you’re tired of juggling meal planning, cooking, and budgeting, Thistle is the most practical, stress-free way to eat clean—without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for the best nutritional value…Thistle
Both Sakara Life and Thistle provide high-quality, nutrient-dense meals, but when it comes to overall nutrition, Thistle pulls ahead.
Thistle’s meals are designed by nutritionists and crafted by chefs to maximize whole-food ingredients, featuring 40+ superfoods and an average of 5.8 unique fruits and veggies per meal. With no ultra-processed additives and the option to add sustainable, high-quality protein, Thistle makes it easy to fuel your body with clean, functional nutrition that supports long-term wellness.
Sakara Life also offers nutrient-rich meals, but since all options are strictly plant-based, there’s less flexibility for those looking to balance macros or boost protein intake with a variety of whole-food sources.If you want meals that aren’t just healthy but also adaptable to your personal nutrition goals, Thistle takes the win.
My Overall Winner… Thistle
Thistle really caught me by surprise. Not only was the convenience (everything is delivered right to your door!) and nutrition-oriented nature of the meals a treat, but the taste really blew me away.
All of this, coupled with the reasonable price tag and customization options, makes Thistle a no-brainer in my book.The only question it leaves me having is: how did it take me so long to discover it?
