Meal delivery services, or meal kits, have been around for more than a decade but have grown in number in recent years.
You’ve seen the commercials and likely received the direct mailers to your door. And if you live in an apartment building, you might have almost tripped over the 30-plus-pound boxes in the hallway outside your neighbor’s door (the weight from ice packs and filler packaging add up quickly).
The direct-to-door business has grown from one or two big-name players and expanded to include many different companies, food options and plans for any budget. The pandemic helped exacerbate the trend when people grew weary of heading out to the supermarket. And there are no signs of slowing down: Meal kits are expected to become a $10.2 billion market in the United States by the year 2024.
If you’re looking to take a break from trips to the store or grocery delivery, take a chance on a cheap meal kit service.
What Is a Meal Kit?
A meal kit is a box or other container that holds items you need to create meals. Depending on the the plan you choose — most offer a set amount of meals for each week for a certain amount of people — you’ll receive meals weekly, unless you choose another delivery option.
Typically, a meal kit is made up of:
- Ingredients (vegetables, meat and spices, etc.).
- A recipe for each meal.
Meal kits usually come with ice packs and insulation to help keep meals frozen until you can put them in your freezer. (The effect of this wrapping and packaging on the environment has been an increasing topic of conversation.) Depending on the freshness or best-by dates, they might also come with directions on which meals you should make and eat sooner.
For a regular, set price, you can have meals ready-to-make delivered to your doorstep.
Meal Kits vs. Prepared Meal Kits
Before we proceed, it’s important to make a distinction between meal subscription services: Meal kits and prepared meal kits.
Most companies tend to specialize in one type or the other. At a glance, here’s the difference:
- Meal Kit: This kit comes with all of the necessary ingredients you need to make the meal from scratch. You’ll need to do the prep work yourself (chopping veggies, defrosting any meat) and use a stove and/or oven to finish preparing the meals.
- Prepared Meal Kit: This kit comes with meals already prepared and nearly ready-to-serve. Think: A fancier TV dinner. Simply unpack the meal, heat it in the microwave or oven, and you’re good to go.
Community entrepreneurs in large cities have also created hyper-local food subscription delivery (or pickup) services.
Many companies offer deals, especially for new subscribers. For example, you might get a certain number of meals or deliveries for free before you have to start paying.
Note: The prices in the chart below are based on two to four meals or recipes per delivery. The price of each meal or recipe typically decreases if you order more at one time.
8 of the Cheapest Meal Delivery Service at a Glance
| Company | Starting Price | Shipping | Best For | Promos | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue Apron |
$7.99 |
$9.99 |
Wine and buying products |
$130 off, plus a $100 gift card |
GET DETAILS |
Hello Fresh |
$7.99 |
$9.99 |
Fresh food and promos |
16 free meals across 7 boxes, plus first box ships |
GET DETAILS |
Dinnerly |
$4.99 |
$9.99 |
Budget meals made fast |
Check website |
GET DETAILS |
Freshly |
$9.58 |
Varies |
Quality quick options |
Discounts on your first 6 boxes |
GET DETAILS |
EveryPlate |
$4.99 |
$8.99 |
Easy recipes on a budget |
First box for $1.49/meal, plus 20% off your next 2 |
GET DETAILS |
Home Chef |
$6.99 |
Varies |
Special diets |
16 free meals |
GET DETAILS |
Green Chef |
$11.99 |
$9.99 |
Organic ingredients |
$135 off first 5 boxes |
GET DETAILS |
Purple Carrot |
$11 |
Varies |
Vegans and veggie lovers |
Check website |
GET DETAILS |
1. Blue Apron: Best Choice for Foodies and Wine Lovers
was founded 10 years ago and is one of the most recognized brands in the meal delivery game. The company went public in 2017 and, as of 2020, had over 350,000 customers. (Fun fact: The name “Blue Apron” pays homage to chefs who wear blue aprons when learning how to cook.)
Users can choose between two and four recipes per week (each serves two). There are lots of food options, ranging from health-conscious to diabetes-friendly recipes. Blue Apron also offers wine delivery, gift cards and an impressive inventory of kitchen items, from an herb stripper to a handcrafted Japanese utility knife.
Cost: Prices start at $7.99, plus $9.99 shipping.
Membership fees? No
Availability: Contiguous United States
Meal kit or prepared meal kit? Meal kit
Vegetarian options? Yes
Current promotions: New users can get $130 off, plus a $100 gift card.
2. HelloFresh: Best for Fresh Food and Good Promotions
HelloFresh is another OG in the meal-kit industry, founded over 10 years ago. It’s often compared to Blue Apron, and there are similarities between the two. However, HelloFresh came out on top as one of the meal-kit winners during the pandemic, gaining nearly 3 million subscribers compared to the previous year.
Users can choose between two and six recipes per week and choose two or four people to serve. Unlike Blue Apron, HelloFresh has doubled down on food only. The service offers options ranging from meat and pescaterian to calorie-smart and quick-and-easy meals.
Cost: Prices start at $7.99, plus $9.99 shipping
Membership fees? No
Availability: Contiguous United States
Meal kit or prepared meal kit? Meal kit
Vegetarian options? Yes
Current promotions: New users get 16 free meals across seven boxes, plus free shipping on your first box. Healthcare workers are also eligible for a special promotion.
3. Dinnerly: Best for Families on a Time Crunch
Dinnerly is one of the more affordable meal kits on the market. Instead of investing in splashy marketing campaigns, Dinnerly passes on these savings to subscribers. Unlike its competitors, the company also uses digital recipe cards, fewer ingredients per dish and less packaging to increase savings, shorten cooking time and reduce carbon emissions.
Users can choose between a two-person or family box, and between three and six meals. Dinnerly offers 16 different meals a week, and has options from dairy-free to low carb.
Cost: Prices start at $4.99, plus $9.99 shipping.
Membership fees? No
Availability: Delivers to most of the contiguous United States (you can enter your zip code on the homepage to find out if it’s available in your area).
Meal kit or prepared meal kit? Meal kit
Vegetarian options? Yes
Current promotions: New users can regularly check the website and Dinnerly social media channels for promotions.
4. Freshly: Best for Singles Who Want a Ready-Made Meal Option
Freshly was founded in 2012. This meal service promotes chef-prepared meals you can “heat and eat” in only three minutes. That means no frying pan needed for this service — these are fully prepared, fresh meals. But don’t let that fool you when it comes to variety. Recipes range from white bean turkey chili bowl to honey-peach barbecue chicken. And unlike others on the market, you order one meal per person.
Users can choose between four and 12 meals each week. There are gluten- and peanut-free options, though the company only has a handful of vegetarian meals at this time. It’s recommended that you eat meals within three to five days. Best-by dates are also printed on the meals so you can plan them accordingly.
Cost: Prices start at $9.58, plus shipping (varies)
Membership fees? No
Availability: Contiguous United States
Meal kit or prepared meal kit? Prepared meal kit
Vegetarian options? Limited options
Current promotions: Users can score discounts on their first six boxes (the discounted amount goes up the more servings you order). The company also offers a student discount.
5. EveryPlate: Best for Subscribers on a Strict Budget
EveryPlate has, by far, one of the cheapest price-per-serving subscriptions. Similar to Dinnerly, EveryPlate makes adjustments to packaging and menu options to keep prices affordable for subscribers. Picky eaters will appreciate recipes like gravy-lover’s meatballs, while other palates can go for premium meals like lemon parsley scallops.
Users can choose a ClassicPlate, VeggiePlate or FamilyPlate meal. Meals serve two or four people, and you can get between three to five meals per week. It’s worth noting that the menu is also more restrictive than its competitors — no dedicated vegetarian, keto, vegan, gluten-free, low-carb or paleo options at this time.
Cost: Prices start at $4.99, plus $8.99 shipping
Membership fees? No
Availability: Delivers to most of the contiguous United States. Enter your ZIP code on the homepage to find out if it’s available in your area.
Meal kit or prepared meal kit? Meal kit
Vegetarian options? Limited
Current promotions: New users can get their first box for $1.49/meal, plus 20% off another two boxes.
6. Home Chef: Best for Users With Special Dietary Needs
Home Chef is one of the highest-rated meal-delivery services today. Founded in 2013, Home Chef meal kits are available via mail delivery and in some brick-and-mortar stores (at various price points) as well.
There’s Home Chef, which is a traditional meal kit, and Home Chef: Fresh and Easy, which has low- or no-prep meals. Home Chef offers oven- and grill-ready quick dishes, as well as dessert options. (Lemon cake slice? Yes, please.) This service also boasts an extremely wide array of recipes, especially if you have particular dietary needs. Whether you need to avoid nuts, wheat, soy or dairy, there are plenty of meal options for you.
Meals serve from two to six people, and users can choose between two and six recipes a week.
Cost: Prices start at $6.99, plus shipping (varies)
Membership fees? No
Availability: Delivers to most of the contiguous United States. Enter your ZIP code on the homepage to find out if it’s available in your area.
Meal kit or prepared meal kit? Meal kit
Vegetarian options? Yes
Current promotions: New subscribers can redeem an offer for 16 free meals.
7. Green Chef: Best for Customers Who Want Organic Ingredients
If you’re looking for fresh ingredients and nourishing meals you can cook in about 30 minutes, Green Chef could be the meal-plan option for you. This service skews toward healthier recipes, with an emphasis on clean ingredients and sustainable packaging (truly putting the *green* in Green Chef, eh?).
The company offers a range of food options, from keto and paleo to gluten-free boxes. Compared to its contemporaries, though, there may not be as many meals to choose from each week (a quick glance at one menu shows nine options). However, if you’re someone who gets hung up by analysis paralysis, a tighter menu might be just what you’re looking for. Green Chef also has one of the best hero discounts we’ve seen, offering markdowns for first responders, nurses, teachers and more.
Customers can choose plans for between two and six people, and three or four meals per week.
Cost: Prices start at $11.99, plus $9.99 shipping
Membership fees? No
Availability: Most of the continental United States, aside from some parts of Louisiana.
Meal kit or prepared meal kit? Meal kit
Vegetarian options? Yes
Current promotions: New subscribers can save a total of $135 throughout their first five boxes.
8. Purple Carrot: Best for Vegan Subscribers and Veggie Lovers
When it comes to some meal kits, vegan options can feel like an afterthought. Purple Carrot is here to change that.
PC calls itself “pro-plant,” offering veggie-laden, plant-based meals. Unlike other services, it also offers both meal kits and prepared-meal plans, so you can choose what best fits your lifestyle. Currently, you can only belong to one plan, though — that is, you can’t mix-and-match kits and already-prepared meals in one order. Subscribers can whip up Tuscan-stuffed zucchini or heat up some creamy mac n’ cheese with buffalo-roasted chickpeas. Purple Carrot also has fun merch (so, you can pick out a meal plan and a pair of embroidered carrot socks).
For the meal kit, you can choose between two and four servings, and three or four meals per week. For the prepared-meals plan, there’s only one serving; however, you can choose between six and 10 dinners a week.
Cost: Meals start at $11, and shipping costs vary
Membership fees? No
Availability: Contiguous United States only, though you’ll also want to use the website chat feature to confirm Purple Carrot serves your location.
Meal kit or prepared meal kit? Both
Vegetarian options? Yes
Current promotions: Check the website for available offers.
How Do You Order and Choose Meals?
You usually need to select meals (or defer or cancel that week’s delivery) by a certain date the week before you’re due to receive your next package. You also have the option to choose which meals you’d like to receive; if you elect not to pick them, options will be chosen for you.
Whether you’re looking for low carb, gluten-free or other menu options, there’s likely a meal plan and kit for you. Bonus: Some of their offerings taste better than takeout or a dish at your favorite restaurant.
Why Choose a Meal Kit?
It’s fun to play chef and make meals you wouldn’t normally make yourself. If you want to make Thai chicken coconut curry, but can’t track down coconut milk in your area market, it’s nice to select that meal from a service that will give you everything you need to make it (in just the right quantity, to boot). Also, if you don’t like it, you aren’t stuck with a full spice or dried herb container that you aren’t likely to use again since you only got enough to make that one dish.
Whether you want a break from grocery shopping, need help with meal planning or just want to try new, delicious food, meal kits can be an affordable option for you.
Making Your Own Meals vs. Ordering a Meal Kit
Meal kits can be an affordable, alternative option. But if you’re faced with sticker shock, remember that you’re paying for the convenience factor (and “free” shipping for some kits).
If you’d like to make your own meals at home, be savvier about where your funds go and what you buy. And if you find yourself over-purchasing groceries and contributing to the nation’s food waste problem — which accounts for 30 to 40% of the food supply, per the USDA — know that there are ways to be smarter about how you shop.
Know which items (think: non-perishables) are best to buy in bulk. You can also use online tools and store-specific guides to get the best deals and save on groceries.
Bottom line: With a plan in place, there are endless ways to save money on groceries and food shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Food Delivery Services
Here are our answers to some of the most popular questions when it comes to cheap meal kits.
EveryPlate is one of the overall cheapest meal kit services. With that said, the most affordable meal kit for you might depend on where you live and your dietary preferences. Also, if you’re a new subscriber, you could qualify for big first-time-customer specials.
Prices fluctuate, so check out different (and new-to-the-market) services regularly.
Home Chef offers specialty meals at good prices. However, most meal delivery services offer a range of food options. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce or low-calorie eats, there are many options for nutritious meals.
Prices have shifted a bit in the last couple of years to accommodate more users and account for pandemic-caused production issues. Right now, EveryPlate and Dinnerly are two of the cheapest meal delivery services.
HelloFresh offers many promotions and new-customer deals. If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper option, check out Dinnerly or Home Chef. Both offer healthy ingredients and vast menu preferences.
Contributor Kathleen Garvin (@itskgarvin) is a personal finance writer based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and former editor and marketer at The Penny Hoarder. She owns a content-writing business and her work has appeared in U.S. News, Clark.com and Well Kept Wallet.
This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
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