Nurture Life vs. Little Spoon 2024: The Winner Is…

When it comes to meal delivery for kids, the choice can be overwhelming. Little Spoon and Nurture Life are 2 standout options, both offering nutritious, convenient meals designed for growing children. But how do you decide which one fits your family’s needs best? 

For me, Little Spoon takes the lead. Its combination of affordability, menu variety, and eco-conscious approach makes it a standout choice. The flexibility to cater to babies and young children with organic options is an added bonus that ensures your little ones are getting the best start.

But both services have their own unique pros and cons. Depending on your family’s priorities, you may prefer Nurture Life as it’s a strong contender. From pricing and variety to eco-friendliness and dietary options, there’s a lot to consider. Keep reading to discover all the details to help you make the best decision! 

At a Glance: Who Won Each Category?

Menu Variety: Little Spoon Offers More Choices

Little Spoon takes the lead over Nurture Life in menu variety. It boasts over 100 different products across its ranges. Little Spoon caters to babies starting at 6 months up to around 7 years. 

Little Spoon's menu includes:

• Babyblends: Organic food for newborns

• Baby Cereal: Rice-free organic oatmeal

• Biteables: Finger foods

• Plates: Dishes for toddlers and older kids

• Lunchers: On-the-go meals for older children

• Smoothies: Organic cold-pressed pouches

• Snacks: Eats between meals with no-nonsense ingredients

• Puffs: Meltable puffs for self-feeding

Nurture Life's options are for those 10 months and older. It has the following items on the menu:

• Finger Foods: Bites suitable for youngsters ready to self-feed

• Kids Meals: Nutritious foods for toddlers and older children

• Smoothies: Superfood-made drinks

• Mighty Bites: Bites with wholesome ingredients

• Super Sammies: Whole wheat bread crustless sandwiches

• Oaties: Jars of overnight oats with fruit and veggies

Both Have a Good Range of Organic Options

Nurture Life includes organic ingredients in its meals and snacks. However, none of its meals are 100% organic. Little Spoon began as an organic baby food company. It currently offers 100% organic Babyblends, Cereals, and Smoothies. Other products use some organic ingredients when possible, which are highlighted in the ingredient list for each product.

Little Spoon's Babyblends are divided into 6 stages to meet your child's developmental needs, beginning at 6+ months and ending at 9+ months. Each stage includes a greater variety of ingredients, starting with single-ingredient options and culminating in transitional meals.

Both Services Cater Well to Picky Eaters

Little Spoon offers a broad selection of other items for different tastes. You’ll find around 28 toddler meals that are tagged to help you choose the best option for your child. These include Most Popular (for example, Mac and Three Cheese) and Picky-Eater Favorite (like the Spinach and Cheese Ravioli). What I like about the menu is that you can see at a glance if dishes contain any allergens that your child may be sensitive to. 

Nurture Life has a similar number of Kids Meals on the menu. It also caters well to picky eaters. Plus you can order premium meals like the Beef Roast with Potato Wedges and Broccoli. If you aren’t sure what to order, check out the Best Seller tagged meals like the Swedish Meatballs or the Alfredo Bow Ties. 

Nurture Life outperforms Little Spoon when it comes to product bundles. This is particularly appealing if you want to sample its most popular items. You can get a variety pack of the Super Sammies, Oaties, Smoothies, and Mighty Bites. 

Overall, Little Spoon offers more variety and caters to younger children than Nurture Life. I also like that you can mix and match between certain product categories. This gives you more options to choose from. New items, as well as seasonal dishes, are added to the menu regularly.  

Sample Meals: Both Offer Ready-to-Serve Options

Nurture Life Meals

It’s really easy to browse Nurture Life’s menu. You can mix and match any items to suit your family’s needs. Here are a few of my favorite options.

• Best kids meal: Swedish Meatballs with Egg Noodles & Broccoli

• Best finger food: Chicken Meatballs with Mini Pasta

• Best smoothie: Orange Dream!

• Best snack: Snickerdoodle Mighty Bites

Little Spoon Meals

The Little Spoon menu is easy to find from the Shop tab at the top of the page. You can then click on the products you want to order. Here are some of the top options I discovered.

• Best kids meal: Veggie Chili with Beans and Lentils

• Best finger food: Turkey Kale Meatballs with Sweet Potato and Zucchini

• Best smoothie: Purple Carrot Acai Bowl

• Best snack: Pizzalicious Veggie Loops

Meal Customization: Both Make It Easy to Filter Meals 

Both services provide a similar level of customization options. There are around 10 menu filters for both Nurture Life and Little Spoon, making it easy to find which products best suit your little ones. The main filtering options are gluten-free, vegetarian, soy-free, and dairy-free. You can also see which dietary categories meals fall into when you click on individual meals. 

I appreciate that there are still enough options for variety after you’ve selected filters. For example, Nurture Life offers 6 vegetarian kids meals, and Little Spoon offers 12. This means you’ve still got a good choice to cover a week’s meals. 

Both services let you update your account with allergen information, automatically removing meals with those allergens from your future menus. This is especially useful if you forget to edit your recurring order, as you’ll still receive meals tailored to your dietary needs.

Ingredient Quality & Nutrition: Both Offer High Quality Ingredients 

When it comes to ingredient quality and nutrition, both services are impressive. Nurture Life highlights fresh, nutritious, and organic ingredients in its food philosophy. The company keeps sugar and sodium levels to a minimum, with some foods containing zero sodium and/or sugar. 

You can refer to its FAQ for more details on ingredient sourcing. For example, chicken is antibiotic- and hormone-free, and salmon is ASC-certified. Nurture Life’s blog has articles covering safety and nutritional standards that expand on its core principles.

Little Spoon also takes pride in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. It cooperates with the Clean Label Project, reinforcing its commitment to transparency. I like that you can dive deep into Little Spoon’s suppliers too. The Our Standards tab lists current suppliers so you can find out more about each supplier’s standards, as all ingredients are fully traceable. For example, its beef is grass-fed and antibiotic- and hormone-free, and all meat is raised humanely.  

Nutrition Facts: Both Offer Full Lists at a Click

Nurture Life is transparent about its ingredients and nutrition. You can find these by clicking on the dish listed in the menu. Then there are drop-down boxes for a full ingredient list that contains any allergens and the nutritional facts per serving.

Little Spoon also includes a full ingredient list and nutritional facts. You can find these by clicking on the Nutrition Facts on each dish, and you’ll see a popup with all the details.  

I like that Nurture Life and Little Spoon focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients to make their meals. It’s also good to know that meals are designed with dietitians so you know that your little one is getting all the nutrients they need at each stage of their development. Both services operate from kitchens that are allergy-friendly. But note that the risk of cross-contamination is still present. 

In short, both Nurture Life and Little Spoon focus on sourcing quality ingredients. The commitment to sourcing quality ingredients and food safety makes this round a draw.

Ordering & Delivery: Nurture Life Is More Flexible

Nurture takes the win in this round as it’s more straightforward and flexible. However, the ordering process is simple, whether you choose Nurture Life or Little Spoon. I like that you can view the full menu for both services before signing up.

To sign up with Nurture Life, click on See Menu & Pricing to start the process. For Little Spoon, click Get Started on the home page, complete the short quiz, and proceed to item selection. 

Minimum Orders: Nurture Life Is Simple, but Little Spoon Varies

You can select at least 6 items per week from Nurture Life, regardless of whether it's a single type of product or a combination of different ones.

With Little Spoon, the smallest order you can make varies by product type. For example, you can order 4, 6, 9, or 12 Plates. Babyblends are available as 1 per day (14 per delivery), 2 per day (28 per delivery), or 3 per day (42 per delivery). If you want to add snacks or additional items to your core order, you can do this in your account by modifying your order under the delivery schedule.  

Shipping: Similar, but Nurture Life Has More Flexible Delivery Days

Nurture Life and Little Spoon ship to all contiguous US states. They don't deliver to Alaska or Hawaii. I like that you can easily manage your orders for both services on your account. But Nurture Life also has an app that makes things a little more practical.

Nurture Life might be more up your alley if you're looking for delivery flexibility since it offers several delivery days depending on where you live. Little Spoon can’t specify the exact day of delivery.

Unboxing: Little Spoon Has Reusable Plates

Little Spoon just takes this round thanks to its reusable plates. I like that they’re dishwasher safe, and this cuts down on waste as you can repurpose them. They’re also made from non-toxic, BPA/BPS-free plastic, so you know they’re safe for your little ones. It also uses a unique Freshlock seal that is microwave-safe and keeps the food fresh without preservatives. 

I’m impressed that both companies focus on eco-friendliness, using mostly recyclable packaging. Both companies clearly label their products for easy identification and provide clear storage guidelines on their packaging.

They both deliver fresh meals, which may semi-freeze in transit due to ice packs. You should refrigerate the meals immediately upon arrival. Generally, you can freeze food before its expiration date. You may not have to refrigerate smoothies and snacks right away, or at all, depending on the product type.

Meal Prep: Both Offer Ready-to-Eat Options

Everything arrives pre-prepped with both services. Nurture Life’s Smoothies can be served chilled, snacks and Oaties are ready to go, and Super Sammies can be frozen for storage and just need thawing (30-60 minutes) before serving. Kids Meals can be heated in their microwaveable trays. Simply pierce the film and heat on high for a minute. Finger Foods need to be transferred to a suitable container before heating for 20-40 seconds. 

Little Spoon’s Plates and Biteables can be heated from fresh in around a minute. You don’t need to pierce the film, as this is a special Freshlock seal. If you’re heating from frozen, add an extra 15-20 seconds. If you want to cook Plates in the oven or air fryer, you must transfer the contents to a suitable container. The Babyblends can be heated by warming the pot in a bowl of hot water.  

For detailed guidance on storage, serving, and heating products, refer to the FAQ on the website or the instructions provided on the packaging. These resources will give you clear steps to ensure the food stays fresh, is prepared correctly, and is served at its best quality. Always make sure to check the temperature of any food before serving it to your child to ensure it’s safe and comfortable to eat.

Customer Support: Little Spoon Is Much Easier to Contact

Little Spoon takes the win in this round, thanks to its 24/7 chatbot option. I was impressed with how responsive and thorough the chatbot was. Given the countless chatbots I’ve interacted with over the years, it’s high praise to say this one stands out. Whether you have a quick question or need detailed assistance, the chatbot provides prompt and helpful responses. Plus, you don’t even need to input your email.

Nurture Life, on the other hand, falls a bit short in comparison. Its chat box only allows you to submit your email, with replies sent later in the day. While the response I received was timely and helpful, it doesn’t quite match the immediacy of Little Spoon’s 24/7 accessibility.

Additionally, Little Spoon offers email, text, live chat, and its reliable chatbot, while Nurture Life provides phone, email, and even postal support – though the latter isn’t ideal for urgent questions.

That said, both services feature extensive, searchable FAQ, making it easy to find answers to most questions without needing to contact support directly. The cancelation process is straightforward too. Both services allow you to pause deliveries or cancel from your account page.

Pricing: Little Spoon Is Cheaper Overall

Little Spoon is the clear winner when it comes to pricing. Little Spoon has a variety of prices across its entire product line. Babyblends start at $3.32 per serving. Biteables finger foods start at $6.49 per serving, and plates start at $6.49 per plate. Snacks start at $1.99 per pack. To get the best value, place the largest order you can. 

Nurture Life’s smallest plan is 6 items, and you can mix and match products from different ranges. Your final cost varies depending on which products you select. Kids Meals start at $7.49 per serving, Finger Foods start at $5.99, and snacks cost $7.49 per bag. This definitely makes Little Spoon a more affordable option.  

Both services charge a $9.99 shipping cost per order. This is to cover the safe storage and transportation of the chilled products. This is another reason to place larger orders, as paying $9.99 per delivery seems quite steep.

Nurture Life vs. Little Spoon – Pros & Cons

Nurture Life

Pros

• Premium meal options

• Bundles and variety packs

• Mobile app available

Cons

• Higher cost per item

• No fully organic meals

• Packaging not reusable

Little Spoon

Pros

• Comprehensive customer support

• Suitable from 6+ months

• Extensive menu options

Cons

• No exact delivery day

• Not fully organic

• No mobile app

Nurture Life vs. Little Spoon – Quick Overview

And the Winner Is: Little Spoon

After comparing Little Spoon and Nurture Life, it’s clear that Little Spoon comes out on top. Its impressive menu variety, affordability, and ability to cater to younger children, make it the ultimate choice for families seeking convenient, high-quality meals for their little ones. From organic baby food to toddler-friendly plates, Little Spoon offers something for every stage of development.

Little Spoon has an extensive product range with over 100 items on the menu. It includes allergen filters and a focus on organic ingredients, so you can trust that your child is getting meals tailored to their needs. It also features eco-friendly packaging and provides excellent customer support.

That said, Nurture Life is still a fantastic option, especially if you’re looking for meals for slightly older children or enjoy the convenience of bundled product packs. It offers premium dishes, has thoughtful ingredient sourcing, and provides flexible delivery options.

If your kids are older or you’re considering more options, don’t miss our guide to the best meal delivery services for kids. Whether you’re focused on nutrition, convenience, or budget, there’s a solution out there for every family.

FAQ

What is the difference between Nurture Life and Little Spoon? 

Nurture Life and Little Spoon both offer kids’ meal delivery but target different age groups and needs. Little Spoon provides more variety, including Babyblends, Biteables, Plates, Lunchers, Smoothies, and Snacks, starting at 6 months. Nurture Life focuses on meals for kids 10 months and older, like Finger Foods, Kids Meals, Smoothies, and Snacks.

Are Little Spoon Smoothies healthy?

Yes, Little Spoon Smoothies are designed to be healthy. They are organic, cold-pressed pouches that include hidden veggies and superfoods, providing a nutritious snack option for children.

How expensive is Nurture Life?

Nurture Life's prices may be higher than some of its competitors. But it reflects its commitment to high-quality, organic ingredients and flexible delivery options. These key benefits, including a focus on nutritional value and convenience, justify the pricing for many families seeking quality and bountiful meals for their children.

Is Little Spoon shelf stable?

Some Little Spoon products are shelf-stable, like certain snack items. You can keep its smoothies, which aren't strictly shelf-stable, out of the fridge for a few days if your kiddo is going to consume them in that time frame. But, for optimal freshness and quality maintenance, you should put most other Little Spoon items in the fridge.

What age is Nurture Life finger foods for?

Nurture Life finger foods are suitable for children approximately 10 months of age and older. These recipes are easy for small hands to hold and eat, supporting their growing independence in eating.