Best Budget-Friendly Meal Delivery Services

Meal delivery services can help you save time, reduce food waste, and stick to a budget. Whether you're cooking for yourself or your family, there are options for every dietary need and preference. Here’s a quick look at five budget-friendly services:

• EveryPlate: Starting at $4.99/serving, with simple, classic meals for 2–4 people.
• Dinnerly: Affordable at $4.99/serving, offering over 40 recipes weekly.
• HelloFresh Value Plan: Family-friendly meals starting at $7.49/serving.
• Home Chef Fresh and Easy: Quick-prep options starting at $8.99/serving.
• Clean Eatz Kitchen: Frozen, ready-to-heat meals with no subscription required, around $8.99/meal.

Quick Comparison

Choose the service that fits your lifestyle, whether you prioritize cost, variety, or convenience.

Top 5 Meal Delivery Price Comparison

1. EveryPlate

EveryPlate is a meal delivery service that focuses on affordability, with meals starting at just $4.99 per serving. It's a great option for families and busy professionals who enjoy hearty, classic American dishes.

What You Get:

• Pricing: Meals start at $4.99 per serving, plus $10.99 for shipping per box
• Weekly Options: Over 17 recipes to choose from each week
• Portion Sizes: Designed for 2–4 people
• Delivery: Weekly, with flexible scheduling
• Minimum Order: At least 3 meals per week for 2 people

Menu Highlights

EveryPlate keeps things simple with home-style meals that take about 30–45 minutes to prepare. While the menu isn’t as large as some premium services, it offers dependable options like:

• Comfort foods such as burgers and pasta
• Protein with side dishes
• Kid-friendly meals
• A few vegetarian options (though limited)

Pricing Details

*Includes $10.99 shipping fee.

Things to Keep in Mind

• No options for specialized diets like keto, paleo, or gluten-free
• Ingredients are basic
• Limited premium meal choices
• Doesn’t offer breakfast or lunch-specific meals

EveryPlate is all about budget-friendly, satisfying meals that are easy to prepare. Up next, let’s take a closer look at Dinnerly’s approach to affordable dining.

2. Dinnerly

Dinnerly stands out by offering meals starting at just $4.99 per serving, thanks to its use of digital recipe cards and a simplified ingredient list.

What You Get:

• Pricing: Meals starting at $4.99 per serving, plus $9.99 for shipping per box
• Weekly Options: Over 40 recipes to pick from each week
• Portion Sizes: Options for 2 or 4 people
• Delivery: Weekly delivery, with the flexibility to skip weeks
• Minimum Order: At least 3 meals per week for 2 people

Menu Selection

Dinnerly’s rotating menu includes options for a variety of tastes and needs, such as:

• Quick 30-minute meals
• One-pot dishes
• Kid-friendly recipes
• Vegetarian meals
• Low-calorie dishes (under 650 calories)

Pricing Breakdown

*Includes the $9.99 shipping fee.

How They Keep Costs Down

Dinnerly keeps prices affordable through smart choices, including:

• Using digital recipe cards instead of printed ones
• Minimalist packaging
• Fewer ingredients per recipe (usually 4-6)
• Basic but high-quality ingredients
• Streamlined menu planning

These strategies help reduce costs, though there are some trade-offs.

Important Considerations

Dinnerly is ideal for those who enjoy simple, no-fuss meals. The recipes are straightforward, designed for busy weeknights, and typically take 20-40 minutes to prepare. Most dishes require only basic kitchen tools and skills, making them beginner-friendly while still satisfying for seasoned cooks.

However, the digital recipe cards may not appeal to everyone, and the focus on simplicity might not suit those looking for elaborate or gourmet meals. Still, for budget-conscious families or individuals, Dinnerly offers a practical and affordable solution.

3. HelloFresh Value Plan

HelloFresh's Value Plan provides budget-friendly meal kits made with top-notch ingredients. The plan includes pre-portioned ingredients and straightforward recipes, making home cooking convenient and affordable. It also features a varied menu designed to keep meals enjoyable without breaking the bank. Up next, take a look at how Home Chef Fresh and Easy simplifies meal delivery even further.

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4. Home Chef Fresh and Easy

Home Chef Fresh and Easy is a great choice for those looking for affordable, low-effort meals that don’t skimp on flavor. It builds on the budget-friendly options discussed earlier by focusing on quick prep and flexibility.

The service provides oven-ready meals and meal kits with a "Customize It" feature, making it simple to swap proteins. Each week, the menu changes and includes options like oven-ready dishes, grill-friendly meals, and microwave-ready selections - all created to save time and effort in the kitchen. Its subscription model is flexible, allowing you to select the number of recipes and servings that work for you, with the ability to skip weeks or pause deliveries whenever needed.

You can save even more with bulk ordering discounts. To cut costs further:

• Opt for more affordable proteins
• Plan portions to create leftovers
• Look out for weekly discounted meals

Although it’s not the cheapest service out there, Home Chef Fresh and Easy offers great value thanks to its convenience and customizable options - perfect for families or anyone with a busy schedule.

5. Clean Eatz Kitchen

Clean Eatz Kitchen provides chef-prepared meals at a reasonable cost of $8.99 per meal ^[1]. You can order as needed from a rotating monthly menu, making it easy to cater to different dietary needs like weight loss, high-protein, and gluten-free options. Plus, they have a no-subscription model, so you only order when you want.

If your order totals over $85, you get free shipping ^[1], which makes stocking up even more budget-friendly. For even better value, check out their bulk boxes. For example, the Clean Box A costs $205.00 and includes 30 meals, reducing the per-meal price.

Here’s a quick look at their meal plan options:

Each meal is fully cooked, frozen, and ready to heat in the microwave.

Tips to get the most value:

• Order $85 or more to qualify for free shipping.
• Opt for bulk boxes to lower the cost per meal.
• Mix and match plans to suit your preferences.
• Use the no-subscription model to order only when it fits your schedule.

This service is a great choice for anyone looking to save on takeout while enjoying portion-controlled, ready-to-eat meals.

Service Comparison

*Note: The per-serving price for Clean Eatz Kitchen is an estimate. Actual prices depend on the selected meal plan.

This comparison highlights menu variety, prep time, and cost-saving options to help you pick the service that best suits your lifestyle.

Meal Variety and Customization

• EveryPlate: Offers over 17 recipes weekly, focusing on simple, crowd-pleasing meals.
• Dinnerly: Features more than 40 recipes, including quick and easy options.
• HelloFresh Value Plan: Provides over 25 recipes, with family-friendly and varied choices.
• Home Chef Fresh and Easy: Includes around 20 weekly options, emphasizing quick-prep meals.
• Clean Eatz Kitchen: Features a rotating monthly menu with frozen, ready-to-heat meals.

Each service caters to different dietary needs and cooking preferences, from beginner-friendly to more specialized options.

Preparation Time and Convenience

• EveryPlate and Dinnerly: Meals take about 30–40 minutes to prepare.
• HelloFresh Value Plan: Slightly faster, with meals ready in 25–35 minutes.
• Home Chef Fresh and Easy: Focuses on speed, with prep times of just 15–20 minutes.
• Clean Eatz Kitchen: Perfect for those in a hurry - meals heat up in just 2–3 minutes.

Best Value Scenarios

• For Couples: EveryPlate and Dinnerly are budget-friendly options with low per-serving costs.
• For Families: HelloFresh Value Plan stands out with family-sized portions and a variety of recipes.
• For Singles: Clean Eatz Kitchen is ideal with no subscription requirement and convenient frozen meals.
• For Busy Professionals: Home Chef Fresh and Easy and Clean Eatz Kitchen save time with quick-prep or ready-to-heat options.

Cost-Saving Features

Every service offers ways to save, such as discounts, digital recipe cards, bulk order deals, or free shipping thresholds. While EveryPlate and Dinnerly have the lowest per-serving prices, services like Clean Eatz Kitchen and Home Chef Fresh and Easy balance convenience with tailored options. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preferences, schedule, and budget.

Recommendations

Here’s a breakdown of top meal delivery services based on specific needs, helping you find the right fit for your lifestyle.

Best Overall Value

EveryPlate offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on meal quality. With straightforward recipes and consistent portion sizes, it’s perfect for couples or small families looking to save money while still enjoying home-cooked meals.

Best for Singles and Busy Professionals

Clean Eatz Kitchen is ideal for individuals with hectic schedules. Its no-subscription model and easy reheating options make it convenient. Plus, the rotating monthly menu includes plans like weight loss, high protein, and gluten-free, allowing you to order exactly what you need.

Best for Families

The HelloFresh Value Plan strikes a great balance between affordability and variety. Designed with larger households in mind, it offers family-friendly recipes and customizable meal options, making it a practical choice for diverse and easy-to-prepare meals.

Best for Meal Prep Beginners

If you’re new to meal delivery services, Dinnerly is a great place to start. Its simple recipes, digital recipe cards, and familiar ingredients make cooking easy and approachable. The flexible weekly menus are perfect for those learning the ropes of meal prep.

Most Convenient Option

For ultimate convenience, Home Chef Fresh and Easy offers quick-prep meals tailored for busy schedules. Free shipping on qualifying orders and savings for multi-week planning add even more value.

Money-Saving Tips

Looking to save even more? Try these strategies:

• Start small with a trial order to see if the service suits you.
• Take advantage of new customer promotions.
• Aim to meet free shipping thresholds.
• Plan meals around seasonal ingredients for better pricing.
• Combine bulk orders with shipping minimums to maximize savings.

While cost is a key factor, don’t forget to weigh preparation time, ingredient quality, and portion sizes when deciding which service works best for you.