Understanding the Cost: Breaking Down Daily Harvest’s Pricing
Daily Harvest operates on a flexible subscription model where customers build a box of items, delivered weekly or monthly. The price per item varies depending on the product type and the total number of items in your box, with larger boxes generally offering a better per-item rate.
- Smoothies: Priced around $8.50 to $9.50 each.
- Forager & Oat Bowls: Tend to be priced between $6.50 and $7.00 per item.
- Harvest Bowls & Flatbreads: Often fall in the $9.50 to $10.00 range.
- Bites & Lattes: Small-batch items like Bites and Lattes are typically around $6 to $11 per serving or set.
While the upfront cost can seem high, especially for smaller boxes, Daily Harvest frequently offers first-time customer discounts and percentage savings on larger orders to mitigate the price. Shipping is typically free, which is a major bonus compared to many other services.
Value Proposition: What You Get for the Price
Beyond the raw numbers, evaluating the deal means considering what you're actually paying for. Daily Harvest focuses heavily on convenience and ingredient quality.
The Pros of Daily Harvest:
- Convenience: Meals require minimal prep, often just blending, heating, or adding liquid, making them ideal for busy schedules.
- High-Quality, Organic Ingredients: The service uses 95% organic ingredients, freezing them at peak ripeness to lock in nutrients and flavor. This is a major selling point for those prioritizing clean eating.
- Health-Conscious: The entire menu is plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free, without added sugars, preservatives, or artificial fillers. It's a great way to increase daily fruit and vegetable intake.
- Sustainability: Daily Harvest uses mostly recyclable and compostable packaging, which is a draw for eco-conscious consumers.
- Flavor Variety: Chef-crafted recipes offer unique and delicious flavor combinations that many users praise.
The Cons of Daily Harvest:
- Small Portions: A common critique is that meal portions are too small and not filling enough for a primary meal, especially for more active individuals. Many users supplement with additional protein or other food.
- High Cost Per Serving: Despite free shipping, the cost per serving is significantly higher than preparing similar meals from scratch using grocery store ingredients.
- Hit-or-Miss Flavors: While many dishes are well-received, reviews indicate some savory meals can be bland and require extra seasoning.
- Equipment Needed: Smoothies require a powerful blender to achieve the best consistency, which is an additional cost for some.
Daily Harvest vs. Competitors and DIY: A Comparison
| Feature | Daily Harvest | Home Cooking (DIY) | Splendid Spoon | HelloFresh (Veggie Plan) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per Meal | $6-$12 (Individual items vary) | Varies, but significantly lower | $9-$13 (Typically includes breakfast/lunch) | ~$9-$12 (Meal kit) |
| Convenience | Very High (Heat, blend, or eat) | Low (Shopping, prepping, cooking) | Very High (Ready-to-eat/drink) | Medium (Requires active cooking) |
| Ingredients | High-quality, organic, frozen at peak ripeness | You control sourcing and quality | Plant-based, focuses on clean ingredients | Quality varies; not all organic |
| Meal Type | Frozen, plant-based cups (smoothies, bowls, etc.) | Flexible and fully customizable | Mostly ready-to-eat smoothies, soups, & bowls | Meal kits with fresh ingredients to cook |
| Portion Size | Often small; may need supplementation | Customizable based on needs | Single-serving; generally filling | Generous portions, meant for a full meal |
| Best For... | Quick, healthy breakfasts/lunches for individuals | Budget-conscious people who enjoy cooking | On-the-go meals, minimal prep | Cooking fresh, planned meals at home |
The Verdict: So, is Daily Harvest a Good Deal?
Whether Daily Harvest is a good deal depends heavily on your lifestyle and priorities. For those whose biggest pain point is finding time for quick, healthy breakfasts and lunches, the service offers unmatched convenience with premium, organic ingredients. If you value having nutrient-dense, plant-based options ready in minutes and are willing to pay a premium for that ease, it can be a great investment.
However, if you are strictly budget-conscious or have higher caloric needs for full meals, Daily Harvest is likely not the most economical choice. The cost per portion is high, especially for dinners, and you can achieve similar nutritional profiles for much less by preparing your own meals. The small portion sizes also mean you may need to add your own protein or extra food, further increasing the real cost.
For a specific demographic—the busy professional, the health-conscious individual, or the person looking for an easy way to incorporate more plants into their diet—the convenience and ingredient quality can justify the price. But for a family or someone on a tight budget, it may be a better option for occasional supplement meals rather than a complete dietary solution. The flexibility to pause or cancel the subscription at any time means there's little risk in trying a small box to see if it fits your lifestyle.
What are the most popular Daily Harvest items?
Customer reviews and brand promotions often highlight smoothies and harvest bowls as popular options. Favorites include the Mint + Cacao Smoothie and the Artichoke + Spinach Flatbread. Many users also enjoy the new pasta dishes, which tend to be more affordable.
Is it possible to get Daily Harvest products without a subscription?
While Daily Harvest is primarily a subscription service, the brand has expanded into retail partnerships, and you can sometimes find select items at grocery stores. You can also send or receive a gift box without a subscription.
Is Daily Harvest food filling enough for a meal?
For some, especially those with lower caloric needs or as a lighter meal, Daily Harvest portions can be sufficient. However, many reviewers find the portions small and recommend adding protein, grains, or other items to make them more substantial, especially for a full lunch or dinner.
How does Daily Harvest packaging impact the environment?
Daily Harvest is praised for its sustainable packaging, with most components being recyclable or compostable. The use of dry ice instead of gel packs also simplifies disposal. The company provides detailed instructions on how to properly handle and dispose of its materials.
Can I choose my own Daily Harvest meals?
Yes, you have full control over your box contents. You can customize your selection before each delivery and swap items in or out based on your preferences. You can also edit your upcoming orders up to four weeks in advance.
How does Daily Harvest compare to homemade smoothies?
Daily Harvest smoothies offer superior convenience and ingredient variety compared to making them at home. While DIY smoothies are much cheaper, you save time and eliminate the need to stock multiple ingredients. For those who frequently make smoothies, the convenience may not justify the added cost.
Is Daily Harvest suitable for weight loss?
Many Daily Harvest items are relatively low in calories and packed with fiber from whole foods, which can support weight management goals. As with any diet, it's about overall calorie balance, and the convenient, nutrient-dense options can be a healthy tool, especially for curbing impulsive unhealthy food choices.
What is the cancellation policy for Daily Harvest?
Daily Harvest offers a flexible subscription where you can easily skip, pause, or cancel your deliveries online through your account settings. The process is straightforward, with no long-term commitment required.
