We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Was this helpful?

One of our dietitians tried a variety of meal delivery services and selected these five as the cheapest options with the best flavors. Read her review and see our other testers’ thoughts about these picks.

Meal delivery services can be a quick and convenient way to enjoy more healthy meals at home. But these services can range quite a bit in price, with some costing even two or three times as much as others.

We’ve tested nearly 30 of the top meal delivery services on the market to determine the best budget-friendly options available, all of which start at less than $10 per serving. We included both prepared meals and meal kits for your consideration.

Here are our recommendations for the five cheapest meal delivery services for 2024, and a closer look at how they compare. Kelli McGrane, our nutrition editor and registered dietitian, shares her experiences with some of the meal delivery services below, as well as a few other Healthline contributors.

Product
Type of meals
provided
Price
per serving
Shipping
Menus
meal kit
$4.99+
$9.00
• Meat & Veggie
• Veggie
• Quick & Easy
• Nutrish & Delish
• Family Faves
meal kit
$8.99+
$9.99
• Veggie
• Quick and Easy
• Pescatarian
• Family Friendly
• Fit & Wholesome
• Meat & Veggies
prepared meals
$6.79+
$9.99
all items vegan and gluten-free
meal kit
$4.99+
$11.99
one weekly menu
prepared meals
$5.99+
• free w/
12 or 18 items
• or $10.00
• Veggie Bowls
• Family Meals
• Pizzas
• Soups
• Oat Bowls
Share on Pinterest
Healthline tester trying EveryPlate meal kits

We’ve tested nearly 30 of the most popular meal delivery services on the market. Testers select a week’s worth of meals from multiple menus to get a well-rounded view of the types of flavors and ingredients offered.

As part of our testing, we consider several factors, including the ease of the signup and meal selection process, the variety and nutritional composition of the meals offered, ingredient quality and freshness, ease of cooking, and, of course, the taste. We score them accordingly.

Why Trust Healthline
70+
meal delivery services evaluated
35+
meal delivery services personally tested
How we evaluate meal delivery services

Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate menus and ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.

To choose the meal delivery services on this page, we considered all the services that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further. Read more about how we test meal delivery services.

There are a few factors you may want to consider when selecting a meal delivery service to ensure that the company fits your lifestyle and budget:

  • Types of meals: Consider whether you’re looking for fully prepared meals that can be reheated in the microwave or if you prefer meal kits that require some prep work and cooking.
  • Recipe variety: While some services change their menu every week, others have a static menu that may have new or seasonal items added to it occasionally. It’s also a wise idea to take a peek at the menu to see the types of flavors and ingredients that the service offers.
  • Dietary needs: If you follow a specific diet, such as keto or vegan, or have other dietary needs, such as lower calorie or gluten-free meals, be sure to choose a service that caters to your needs and preferences. Similarly, if you have health goal, such as losing weight, you might look for cost-effective options for the best meal delivery service for weight loss.
  • Cost per serving: When deciding whether a service fits your budget, be sure to consider the cost per serving. Many services become cheaper the more food you order.
  • Shipping: Most meal delivery services charge a fee for shipping. Because these fees can be as high as $20 (or more if you live in Alaska or Hawaii), it’s important to factor shipping into the total weekly cost.
  • Coupons: Many companies offer promotional deals to new customers or discount their meals at certain times of the year. These deals can be a great way to try out a service without paying full price.
  • Delivery: Finally, before you get your heart set on a service, it’s important to make sure that delivery is available in your area.
Share on Pinterest
Photo of a Dinnerly meal kit delivery

EveryPlate is the cheapest meal delivery service on our list, with prices starting at just $5 per serving. The company also offers discounts to new customers, with deals as low as $1.49 per meal.

Dinnerly also starts at just $5 per serving. However, Dinnerly charges $11.99 for shipping, compared with EveryPlate’s $9.99 delivery fee.

If you regularly dine out or order takeout, a meal delivery service could save you money, depending on the service you choose. But compared with buying groceries and cooking meals at home, meal delivery services tend to be more expensive.

Meal delivery services can be more cost effective than eating out. These services offer portion-controlled meals at a fixed price per serving, often ranging from $5 to $11. This can be significantly lower than dining at a restaurant.

Additionally, by reducing the need to dine out, you save on additional costs like tips and transportation. However, the exact savings can vary based on the specific meal delivery service and the type of restaurants you compare them with.

The best food delivery service depends on your dietary preferences, budget, and lifestyle needs.

For people looking for budget-friendly options, services like EveryPlate and Dinnerly offer meals starting at around $5 per serving, focusing on simplicity and cost effectiveness. For a broader menu and dietary options, HelloFresh and Blue Apron provide a variety of meals catering to different preferences.

Ultimately, the best service is one that aligns with your dietary needs, offers meals you enjoy, and fits within your budget.

Meal delivery services can range quite a bit in price, making it challenging for people on a budget to find suitable options.

But several cost-effective services are available, many of which offer options to fit some dietary restrictions and food preferences.

When deciding which meal delivery service is right for you, consider factors such as variety, quality, cost, availability, and ingredients.