I’m past the point in my life where I want to start a diet on New Year’s Day. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t chomping at the bit for light, veggie-heavy meals after eating way too much pernil (and too many cookies) during the holidays. That’s why I was psyched to try Splendid Spoon’s Splendid 5-Day Detox, a new meal plan that aims to reduce inflammation, inspire healthy eating habits and amplify gut health with plant-based foods. But at $274-plus, is the pricey program worth the spend—and do the offerings even taste good? Here, you’ll find my honest review and feedback, plus my favorite picks from the menu.
I, a Food Editor, Tried Splendid Spoon’s New 5-Day Detox—Is It Worth the Spend?
Your gut will thank you
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Published Jan 10, 2025
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Taryn Pire
What Is Splendid Spoon’s 5-Day Detox?
It’s a curated eating regimen that stars six meal moments per day, including one warm breakfast, four dishes and snacks and one superfood shot. Meals are meant to be eaten one to two hours apart. Once you’re finished, you’re supposed to not eat for 16 hours following the final shot, a technique known as intermittent fasting. This practice (and the fact that each day starts with a warm meal) is known to ease digestion.
Each daily menu is pre-portioned with macros and micros in mind and boasts more than 30 grams of fiber and 40 grams of protein per day, all within a 1,260 to 1,615 calorie range. (Fiber is prime for maintaining bowel health and blood sugar, while protein—when paired with complex carbs—slows digestion to create a more long-lasting source of energy and builds muscle.) All the menu items are free of meat, gluten, dairy, artificial sweeteners, inflammatory oils and highly processed ingredients. Best of all, they’re ready to consume in five minutes or less.
The Best Meals in Splendid Spoon’s 5-Day Detox
Breakfast: Butternut Turmeric Soup
Soup first thing in the morning may seem strange, but it’s a pretty common ritual internationally. Personally, I grew to love starting the day with something warm, cozy and easy on the stomach. This pick was super mild and naturally sweet. Yes, a touch of salt or hot sauce would have been nice, but as someone with acid reflux, I didn’t mind having this gentle, anti-inflammatory dish as is.
- Other included breakfasts: Masala Khichri Soup, Golden Milk Oats, Red Lentil Dal Soup, Kabocha Congee Soup
Smoothie: Hidden Greens Smoothie
Kale, almond butter, banana, spinach, vanilla, cinnamon, moringa and hemp protein unite for an on-the-go treat that’s tastier than you might expect. Despite its looks, the vegetal nature of this smoothie is modest; I mostly tasted almond butter and banana. That said, it was very earthy, thanks to spices, bitter greens and cinnamon. Above all, I loved the thoroughly thick, smooth texture, compared to some of the other smoothies that had bits of flax or chia seeds throughout.
- Other included smoothies: Carrot Ginger Smoothie, Mint Chip Smoothie, Banana Flax Smoothie, Dragon Fruit Berry Smoothie, Power Greens Smoothie, Cacao Almond Smoothie, Blue Majik Smoothie
Soup or Stew: Beans & Greens Soup
I adored the starchy, silky texture. The beans were carby and filling (pinto and black beans are packed with protein, fiber and antioxidants, BTW). The soup was also loaded with spinach for iron and folic acid and bok choy for calcium, phosphorus and iron. I was impressed by how well the bok choy retained its crunch.
- Other included soups and stews: Cauliflower Tikka Soup, Lentil Kale Soup, Garden Minestrone Soup, Black Eyed Pea Stew, Green Split Pea Soup, Butternut Ratatouille Soup, Cauliflower Potato Soup
Dish: Coconut Curry Rice Dish
I TBH loved this meal, so much so that I said mmm aloud after my first bite. Equal parts creamy and hearty, the dish could’ve been more generously spiced and salted. But the tender chickpeas, fluffy rice and crunchy cashews made for a diverse texture and a feel that was far from what you likely consider to be diet food.
- Other included dishes: Wild Rice Ragout Dish, Tomato Quinoa Chili, Kimchi Fried Quinoa Dish
Superfood Shot: Detox Shot
True life: I love green juice. Apple, lemon, aloe, kale, moringa and spirulina resulted in a delightfully sour final product (sort of like a super tart apple cider) with minimal vegetal qualities. I’d say this is a wonderful green juice for beginners who think they wouldn’t like it.
- Other included superfood shots: Digestion Shot, Wellness Shot, Immunity Shot, Recovery Shot
How I Felt During the Detox
I was surprised how full I felt while on the Splendid Spoon Detox. It was often difficult to eat every two hours; because of how rich in fiber and protein most of the meals were, I usually wasn’t hungry at each meal moment. This made the fasting easier than expected, although I had some serious snack cravings at the start (perhaps because I was missing my nightly dose of refined sugar). I also want to note that the fiber will likely make you very, um…regular, if you catch my drift.
Final Thoughts
It’s objectively good to add more plants and whole grains to one’s diet. Do you *need* to pay hundreds of dollars on premade meals and smoothies to do this? No. Is it super helpful to have someone else do all the prep and planning for you? Absolutely. If you really don’t know how to kick off your wellness journey and are willing to pay a premium for convenience, this detox may be a great start for you. It’ll only last five days, but it’ll also likely have your gut feeling its best and give you plenty of inspo for future meals.
