Sun Basket

Sun Basket delivers USDA-certified organic produce and clean proteins with chef-designed recipes ready in under 30 minutes. Choose from meal kits requiring cooking or Fresh & Ready heat-and-eat options. Industry-leading dietary variety supports paleo, keto, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, Mediterranean, and diabetes-friendly plans.

Sun Basket brings organic, chef-crafted meal kits to households prioritizing clean eating and dietary flexibility. Founded in 2014 by Justine Kelly (former Chef de Cuisine at San Francisco’s acclaimed Slanted Door), Adam Zbar, Tyler MacNiven (2006 Amazing Race winner), and George Nachtrieb, the company has grown into a premium meal kit service distinguished by its uncompromising ingredient standards. With distribution centers in California and New Jersey, Sun Basket serves 47 states with USDA-certified organic produce, antibiotic and hormone-free proteins, and sustainably sourced seafood.

The company’s defining characteristic is dietary diversity. While competitors offer basic vegetarian or low-carb options, Sun Basket supports 10+ specialized dietary plans: paleo, keto, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, Mediterranean, carb-conscious, diabetes-friendly, dairy-free, and soy-free. This makes Sun Basket the go-to choice for households managing specific dietary requirements or health conditions. In December 2021, Sun Basket merged with Pruvit Ventures to form PSB Holdings, expanding its wellness-focused mission.

Beyond traditional meal kits requiring cooking, Sun Basket offers Fresh & Ready meals, fully prepared dishes that heat in under 5 minutes, competing directly with services like CookUnity and Factor. This positions Sun Basket as a complete healthy eating solution rather than just a cooking experience.

Pricing Plans

Sun Basket pricing varies by meal type and plan size:

Meal Kit Pricing (Per Serving)

Meal Type	Price Range	Prep Time
Standard Meal Kits	$10.99-12.99	20-30 minutes
Chef’s Table (Premium)	$17.99-25.99	25-40 minutes
Fresh & Ready	$9.99-11.99	Under 5 minutes

Plan Options

Plan	Servings/Week	Weekly Cost (Approx)
2-Person Plan	2-4 recipes	$44-104 + shipping
Family Plan (4)	2-4 recipes	$88-176 + shipping

Additional Costs:

• Shipping: $9.99 flat rate per box (first box ships free)
• Minimum order: $45 per delivery
• Organic meat upgrades available at additional cost

Pricing Context: Sun Basket is approximately 20-40% more expensive than HelloFresh or Blue Apron. The premium reflects organic certification, specialized dietary options, and chef-quality recipes. At $10.99+ per serving plus shipping, this is best suited for households prioritizing ingredient quality over budget.

What’s Included

Every Sun Basket delivery provides a complete cooking experience:

Pre-Portioned Ingredients: Exact quantities of organic produce, proteins, sauces, and seasonings for each selected recipe. No food waste from buying full-size packages. All produce is 99% USDA-certified organic.

Recipe Cards: Step-by-step instructions with photos, nutritional information, and estimated cook times. Recipes are designed by professional chefs for home cooks of all skill levels. Cards include wine pairings and ingredient substitution suggestions.

Protein Options: Antibiotic and hormone-free chicken, beef, and pork. Sustainably sourced seafood. Organic meat upgrades available. Plant-based protein options for vegetarian and vegan plans.

Fresh & Ready Meals (if selected): Fully prepared dishes in microwave-safe containers. Ready in under 5 minutes. No cooking required, just heat and eat. Same ingredient quality as meal kits.

Sustainable Packaging: Recyclable and compostable materials throughout. Ice packs designed for curbside recycling. Paper-based insulation. Sun Basket’s packaging is among the most eco-friendly in the meal kit industry.

How It Works

1. Choose Your Plan: Select 2-person or family plan, then pick how many recipes per week (2, 3, or 4). Choose between meal kits, Fresh & Ready, or a mix of both.

2. Set Dietary Preferences: Select from 10+ dietary plans to filter recipes. Options include paleo, keto, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, Mediterranean, carb-conscious, diabetes-friendly, dairy-free, and soy-free.

3. Select Weekly Recipes: Browse the rotating menu each week and choose your meals. Options span cuisines and cooking styles. If you don’t select, Sun Basket will auto-fill based on your preferences.

4. Receive Delivery: Boxes ship Sunday through Thursday via FedEx. Insulated packaging keeps ingredients fresh even if you’re not home. Delivery days vary by zip code.

5. Cook and Enjoy: Follow recipe cards to prepare meals in 20-30 minutes (or heat Fresh & Ready meals in 5 minutes). Learn new techniques and discover global cuisines.

6. Manage Subscription: Skip weeks, swap meals, or cancel through your online account. Weekly cutoff is Wednesday at 12 PM PT for the following week’s delivery.

Who It’s For

Best For:

• Health-Conscious Households: Those prioritizing organic, clean ingredients and willing to pay premium prices
• Dietary Restriction Management: Excellent for paleo, keto, gluten-free, diabetes-friendly, and other specialized diets
• Busy Health Seekers: Fresh & Ready meals offer premium ingredients without cooking time
• Environmental Stewards: Sustainable packaging and organic sourcing align with eco-conscious values
• Home Cooks Learning New Cuisines: Chef-crafted recipes expand cooking skills and flavor profiles
• Families with Mixed Diets: Mix different dietary options in single orders

Not Ideal For:

• Budget-Conscious Shoppers: At $10.99+ per serving plus $9.99 shipping, this is among the priciest options
• Customer Service Priority: F BBB rating and 19 unanswered complaints suggest support challenges
• Large Appetites: Some reviewers report protein portions feel smaller than competitors
• Multi-Allergen Households: Cannot filter by multiple allergens simultaneously
• Residents Outside 47 States: No service to Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, or parts of New Mexico

The 3.7/5 Trustpilot rating (3,461 reviews) reflects a divided experience: customers love the ingredient quality and dietary variety but express frustration with customer service responsiveness. Sun Basket works best for those who prioritize organic, specialized diets and are comfortable troubleshooting issues independently rather than relying on responsive support.