When we create meals
sourcing our plant ingredients, we call them plant-based meals. Plant-based and
vegan foods are a booming segment of the food industry. Owing to an increase in
diseases like diabetes, obesity, etc., this industry witnessed growth. People
now need to consume a nutritious, nourishing diet regularly. Moreover, the
concern for animal welfare is soaring among the people of North America. As a
result, in the USA, plant-based meal
delivery has increased. This is especially true in Southern California,
particularly Los Angeles and San Diego. Although the plant-based food industry
is booming, the premium pricing of food items is one of the setbacks. In short,
this is one of the aspects holding back the market growth. Especially across
the nations with low per-capita income.
What is meant by
plant-based meals?
A plant-based diet is synonymous with a
vegan diet. On the contrary, a section of the population sees all vegetarian
food items as plant-based meals. In short, you will eliminate or cut down
animal food intake. A plant-based meal delivery service may deliver entrees
that consist of lentils, legumes, nuts, whole grains, seeds, vegetables,
fruits, beans, and herbs. These meals do not contain readymade ingredients
containing added preservatives and stabilizers.
Benefits of being on a
plant-based diet
A few of the benefits
of going on a plant-based diet are as follows -
·
Studies say that people who intake plant-based meals are less prone to
obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, etc.
·
It also lowers your body mass index, preventing chronic diseases. As a
result, you rarely come across cancer patients among people who are following a
plant-based diet.
·
The nutrition and nourishment derived from it are unquestionably high.
Plant-based meals rank the highest regarding vitamins, minerals, and fiber
content. Vegetables and fruits contain starch (complex carbohydrates) and water
content.
·
Furthermore, with an increase in the plant-based food demand, there is a
potential for growth in arable land and a reduction in GHG gasses.
·
Also, you can prevent the risk of neurological disorders like dementia
and cognitive impairment, according to scientific reports.
How to choose a
plant-based meal delivery service?
Plant-based meal
delivery services offer carefully curated, plant-based entrees and sides stacked with nutrition. Most of them
offer customizable subscription plans which target diverse dietary
requirements. Some are oriented towards being gluten-free, whereas some are
ideal for weight loss. Usually, they offer meals under two categories: prepared
meals and meal kits.
The factors which you should consider are as follows –
Standard of the food
offered - You should have a look at the catalog and brood over the points
related to the types of ingredients. A few of them are as follows -
·
Do you want to ensure that all the ingredients used are vegan? Because
there are plant-based meal delivery services
that use ingredients extracted from animals, such as cow milk. If you want to
go pure vegan, look for services that make every ingredient from plant-based
alternatives. E.g., there are plant-based meal delivery services that prepare
oat, almond, etc. milk and use them as substitutes for cow milk.
·
Are you looking for food curated as per Ayurveda? Nowadays, there is a
trend of having herbal shots. So, there are meal delivery services which are
offering ayurvedic shots. They contain a
·
plethora of nutrients.
·
If you are allergic to certain ingredients, you should look for delivery
services that offer allergy-friendly meals.
·
After that, you can choose whether to look for services that offer
breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Or else, you are looking for the ones which offer
all of them.
They vary their menu
seasonally to keep up with what Mother Nature is offering, so the recipe
development process constantly attempts to deliver you wonderful, nutritious
meals.
Varieties on the menu - Decide based on
the variety of ingredients present and the flavor of the meals. Look at whether
the service has a scope of modification in the meals. Also, consider whether
the services are offering add-on items.
Location - Check whether the
services offer delivery services in your area and ensure they are available in
your city. In the USA, not every plant-based delivery service is accessible
across the country. Hence, it would be best if you chose accordingly before
signing in.
Café Gratitude -
Plant-based/Vegan meals delivery services
Commenced in
2004, Café Gratitude started
its plant-based meal delivery in San Diego in 2015. They
offer a chef-curated detox program besides breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All
the ingredients comprise items sourced directly from organic farms.
Café Gratitude
delivers meals twice a week, Sunday and Wednesday, if you choose the 6-day
plan. On the contrary, they deliver meals weekly if you choose the 3-day plan.
Further, the expenses are USD 126 for the 3-day and USD 225 for the 6-day plan.
Local deliveries take place in the evenings.