Meal delivery subscriptions, commonly called meal kits, have existed for over ten years but have proliferated recently. You might be asking which meal delivery option is the least expensive.
You’ve probably seen the TV spots and may have gotten mailers at your doorstep. If you live in an apartment, you’ve likely nearly stumbled over the 30-pound-plus boxes left in hallways (those ice packs and extra packaging add up fast).
The direct-to-door market has expanded from a couple of major players to a crowded field with diverse companies, menu types and pricing tiers to suit almost any wallet. The pandemic accelerated this shift as people avoided grocery runs. And growth isn’t stopping: Meal kits are projected tobe an over $16 billion industry this year.
If you want to skip supermarket trips or grocery delivery, consider trying an inexpensive meal kit service.
Earn Extra Money to Cover Meal Kit Costs
Want the convenience of a meal kit but unsure you can afford it right now? If you need a little cash to pay for even the most budget-friendly meal plan and there’s no wiggle room in your finances, here are some easy ways to bring in extra income.
What Exactly Is a Meal Kit?
A meal kit is a box or container holding the ingredients and instructions needed to prepare meals. Depending on the plan you pick — most let you select a set number of meals per week for a specified number of people — you’ll receive deliveries weekly unless you choose another cadence.
Typically, a meal kit includes:
- Ingredients (vegetables, proteins, spices, etc.).
- A recipe card for each dish.
Meal kits are usually packed with ice packs and insulating materials to keep items cool until you can store them. (The environmental impact of this packaging and insulation has become a more frequent topic of discussion.) Depending on use-by dates, boxes may also include guidance on which meals to prepare first.
For a fixed price, you can have ready-to-assemble meals dropped at your front door.
Meal Kits vs. Ready-Made Meals
Before moving on, it helps to differentiate between two types of meal subscriptions: meal kits and prepared meal services.
Most providers focus on one category or the other. At a glance, here’s how they differ:
- Meal Kit: Contains all the raw ingredients needed to cook the dish yourself. You’ll do the prep (chopping, thawing) and cook on a stovetop or in an oven.
- Prepared Meal: Contains fully or mostly cooked dishes that require minimal effort—typically heat-and-eat. Think of a premium frozen dinner.
Local entrepreneurs in big cities have also launched hyper-local meal delivery or pickup subscriptions.
Many services advertise introductory deals for new sign-ups. For instance, you might get several meals or deliveries free before regular billing begins.
Note: The price comparisons below assume ordering two to four meals per delivery. The per-meal cost usually falls when you order larger quantities. Promotions can change frequently.
8 Affordable Meal Delivery Services at a Glance
| Company | Starting Price | Shipping | Best For | Promos | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Apron | $7.99 | $9.99 | Wine and kitchen goods | 25% off first order for certain groups | GET DETAILS |
| Hello Fresh | $10.49 | $10.99 | Fresh produce and promotions | 10 free meals, free cut of the week | GET DETAILS |
| Dinnerly | $5.99 | $10.99 | Affordable, quick family meals | $140 off your first five boxes | GET DETAILS |
| Factor | $11.49 | $10.99 | Quality ready-made meals | $74 off first six boxes | GET DETAILS |
| EveryPlate | $5.99 | $10.99 | Simple recipes for tight budgets | Meals for $1.99 each in your first box | GET DETAILS |
| Home Chef | $9.99 | $10.99 | Customizable options and special diets | 18 free meals on first box, plus free shipping | GET DETAILS |
| Green Chef | $11.99 | $10.99 | Organic-focused ingredients | 50% off first box, free double protein for 2 months | GET DETAILS |
| Purple Carrot | $11 | Varies | Vegans and plant-based eaters | 40% off and free shipping for new members | GET DETAILS |
1. Blue Apron: Ideal for Food Enthusiasts and Wine Fans
Blue Apron launched over a decade ago and remains one of the most recognizable names in the meal-kit arena. The company went public in 2017 and, by 2020, served more than 350,000 customers. (Trivia: “Blue Apron” nods to the blue aprons worn by apprentice chefs.)
Subscribers can select between two and four recipes per week (each serving two). The menu spans health-focused to diabetes-friendly dishes. Blue Apron also sells wine, gift cards and a wide range of kitchen gear, from herb strippers to handcrafted Japanese utility knives.
Cost: Starting around $7.99, plus $9.99 shipping.Membership fees? No.Availability: Contiguous United States.Meal kit or prepared meal? Meal kit.Vegetarian choices? Yes.Current promos: 25% off first subscription order plus free shipping for health care workers, teachers, military personnel, seniors 55+, government employees, students and first responders.
2. HelloFresh: Great for Fresh Ingredients and Promotional Deals
HelloFresh is another long-standing player in the meal-kit space, founded more than ten years ago. Customers can choose two to six recipes per week and servings for two or four people. Unlike Blue Apron, HelloFresh focuses mainly on food, offering options like meat, pescatarian, calorie-conscious and quick-prep meals.
Cost: Prices begin at $10.49, plus $10.99 shipping.Membership fees? No.Availability: Contiguous United States.Meal kit or prepared meal? Meal kit.Vegetarian choices? Yes.Current promos: New members can get 10 free meals plus a free weekly cut; health care workers, military members and veterans may be eligible for special offers.
3. Dinnerly: Best for Busy Families Watching the Budget
Dinnerly is among the most economical meal kits available. Instead of spending on flashy advertising, Dinnerly passes those savings to customers. The service employs digital recipe cards, fewer ingredients per dish and simpler packaging to lower costs, speed prep and reduce waste.
Customers can opt for a two-person or family box and select between three and six meals. Dinnerly offers 16 weekly recipes and options from dairy-free to low-carb.
Cost: Starting at $5.99, plus $10.99 shipping.Membership fees? No.Availability: Delivers to most of the contiguous United States (enter your ZIP on the homepage to verify).Meal kit or prepared meal? Meal kit.Vegetarian options? Yes.Current promos: New customers can receive $140 off their first five boxes.
4. Factor: Best If You Want Ready-to-Eat Meals
Factor began in 2013 and was acquired by HelloFresh in 2020. The service offers chef-made, nutritious meals that you simply heat and eat in minutes—no skillet required. Despite being ready-made, the menu is diverse, with dishes like Monterey spinach chicken and green chile turkey enchilada bowls. Factor lets you order one meal per person.
Customers can pick six to 18 meals per week, with vegetarian, keto and protein-focused options. Meals include best-by dates for planning.
Cost: Starts at $11.49, plus $10.99 shipping.Membership fees? No.Availability: Contiguous United States.Meal kit or prepared meal? Prepared meals.Vegetarian options? Limited.Current promos: $74 off your first six boxes.
5. EveryPlate: Best for Those on a Tight Food Budget
EveryPlate offers one of the lowest cost-per-serving plans. Like Dinnerly, EveryPlate trims packaging and menu complexity to keep prices low. Picky diners can enjoy dishes like gravy-laden meatballs, while others can select premium options such as lemon-parsley scallops.
Meal types include ClassicPlate, VeggiePlate and FamilyPlate, serving two or four people, with three to five meals weekly. Note the menu is narrower than some competitors—there aren’t dedicated vegetarian, keto, vegan, gluten-free, low-carb or paleo tracks currently.
Cost: From $5.99, plus $10.99 shipping.Membership fees? No.Availability: Delivers to most of the contiguous United States—enter your ZIP to confirm.Meal kit or prepared meal? Meal kit.Vegetarian options? Limited.Current promos: New customers can get meals for $1.99 each in their first box, plus free heat-and-eat meals for a month.
6. Home Chef: Best for People With Specific Dietary Restrictions
Home Chef is among the top-rated meal delivery companies. Launched in 2013, Home Chef meal kits are available by mail and in some physical stores at various price points.
There’s the standard Home Chef kit and Home Chef: Fresh and Easy, which focuses on low- or no-prep dishes. Options include oven- and grill-ready meals plus desserts. This service offers an extensive selection for anyone with specific allergies or dietary needs—if you must avoid nuts, wheat, soy or dairy, you’ll find suitable choices.
Meals serve two to six people, and you can pick two to six recipes per week.
Cost: Starting at $9.99, plus $10.99 shipping.Membership fees? No.Availability: Delivers to most of the contiguous United States—enter your ZIP to check.Meal kit or prepared meal? Meal kit.Vegetarian options? Yes.Current promos: New customers receive 18 free meals and free shipping on their first box.
7. Green Chef: Best for Those Seeking Organic Ingredients
If you want nutritious recipes you can prepare in about 30 minutes, Green Chef may be a good match. The service emphasizes clean ingredients and sustainable packaging (true to its name).
Green Chef offers plans like keto, paleo and gluten-free. It might have fewer weekly choices than some rivals (menus sometimes list around nine options), but a smaller selection can help if you prefer less decision-making.
Plans cover two to six people, with three or four meals per week options.
Cost: Starts at $11.99, plus $10.99 shipping.Membership fees? No.Availability: Most of the continental U.S., except parts of Louisiana.Meal kit or prepared meal? Meal kit.Vegetarian options? Yes.Current promos: New subscribers get 50% off their first box and free double protein for two months.
8. Purple Carrot: Best for Vegans and Plant-Focused Eaters
With many meal services treating vegan dishes as an afterthought, Purple Carrot centers plants in its offerings.
Purple Carrot markets itself as “pro-plant,” delivering vegetable-rich, plant-based meals. It provides both meal kits and prepared-meal plans, so you can pick what fits your routine. Note you can’t currently combine kits and ready-made meals in a single order. Menu items include Tuscan-stuffed zucchini and creamy mac ’n’ cheese with buffalo-roasted chickpeas. Purple Carrot also sells branded merchandise if you want a themed gift.
For meal kits you can choose two- or four-serving options with three or four meals per week. Prepared meals are single-serving with six to ten dinners available weekly.
Cost: Meals start at $11; shipping varies.Membership fees? No.Availability: Contiguous United States—use the site chat to confirm service in your area.Meal kit or prepared meal? Both.Vegetarian options? Yes.Current promos: 40% off plus free shipping for first-time subscribers.
How to Order and Pick Meals
You’ll generally need to pick your recipes (or skip or cancel that week) by a deadline the week before your delivery. You can hand-select meals you want; if you don’t, the service will choose for you.
Whether you want low-carb, gluten-free or other diet-specific choices, there’s likely a plan that fits. Bonus: Some of these meals taste better than delivery or dishes at casual restaurants.
Why Use a Meal Kit?
It’s enjoyable to play cook and experiment with dishes you might not attempt otherwise. If you crave Thai chicken coconut curry but can’t find coconut milk locally, picking that meal from a kit ensures you get the right amount of everything. And if you dislike a particular dish, you won’t be left with an oversized spice jar you won’t finish.
Whether you want a break from grocery shopping, help with planning meals or to try new recipes, meal kits can be a cost-effective and convenient choice.
Cooking at Home vs. Ordering a Meal Kit
Meal kits are a practical alternative for many households, but if the price surprises you, remember you’re paying for convenience.
If you prefer to cook independently, be strategic with your purchases and budget. If you’re overbuying groceries and adding to food waste—which accounts for 30 to 40% of the food supply, per the USDA—there are smarter shopping habits to adopt.
Know which goods (like pantry staples) are worth buying in bulk. Use online tools and store apps to find the best deals and cut grocery costs.
Bottom line: With planning, you can save a lot on groceries and meal spending.
FAQs About Affordable Meal Delivery Services
Below are answers to common questions about budget-friendly meal kits.
Prices have changed somewhat in recent years as companies adapted to broader demand and pandemic-driven production challenges. Currently, EveryPlate and Dinnerly rank among the cheapest meal delivery services.
HelloFresh frequently runs promotions for new customers. If you want a less expensive alternative, consider Dinnerly or Home Chef—both provide wholesome ingredients and diverse menus.
Home Chef has specialty meals at competitive prices, but most services provide a variety of dietary choices. Whether you want fresh produce or low-calorie dishes, options abound for healthier eating.
Contributor Erin Mitchell is a personal finance writer based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and a former editor and marketer at Savinly. She runs a content-writing business and has bylines in U.S. News, Clark.com and Well Kept Wallet.
