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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. After extensive testing, EveryPlate, HelloFresh, and Mosaic Foods are among our top picks for the cheapest meal delivery services. Read on to see the other services that made the cut.
Meal delivery services can be a quick and convenient way to enjoy more healthy, home-cooked meals.
But these services can range quite a bit in price, with some costing even two or three times as much as others.
This can make it particularly challenging for anyone on a tight budget to find an option that works for them.
Healthline tested nearly 30 of the top meal delivery services on the market to compile a list of the best budget-friendly options available, all of which start at less than $10 per serving.
We included an assortment of both prepared meals — which can typically be heated in the microwave or oven with no meal prep required — and meal kits, which include preportioned ingredients and recipe cards so you can make your own meals at home.
Keep reading for 5 of the best affordable delivery services in 2023, along with our feedback on each service and a closer look at how they compare.
Menus: Meat & Veggie, Veggie, Quick & Easy, Nutrish & Delish, Family Faves Price per serving: $4.99–$7.49 Healthline score: 3.5 out of 5 Healthline's review Why we love it: Offering meal kits starting at $5.99 per serving for couples and $4.99 per serving for families, EveryPlate is one of the most affordable meal delivery services on the market.
Similar to its parent company HelloFresh, EveryPlate features a weekly rotating menu with family-friendly recipes, like Honey Sriracha Fried Chicken and Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup.
The company offers five meal plans, including Nutrish & Delish, which features meals that are nutritionally balanced and contain around 650 calories or less per serving.
EveryPlate also features a few vegetarian-friendly recipes each week. However, it isn’t the best option if you follow a specific diet, such a vegan or keto .
What our tester says Healthline Score: 3.5/5 Our overall score is based on the average of the following key criteria:
Sign-up, delivery, and cancellation processes: 5/5Meal variety: 4/5Nutrition: 3.5/5Sustainability: 2/5Ingredient quality and freshness: 3/5Ease of preparation: 4/5Taste: 2/5Affordability: 5/5
Read our full review of EveryPlate.
“EveryPlate is an affordable alternative to pricier meal kit delivery services. The website was easy to navigate, the ingredients arrived in good condition, and the meals were simple to prepare.
“Out of the three meals I tried, my family really enjoyed two of them. With that said, I did end up adding additional ingredients to most of the dishes to boost the flavor and nutrition profile, such as diced tomato and fresh avocado slices to the fajitas.
“While it wouldn’t be my first choice, I do think EveryPlate is a good option for families trying to cut back on ordering takeout and who need a more affordable alternative to HelloFresh or Blue Apron.”
— Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, Nutrition Editor II
Healthline Score: 3.5/5 Our overall score is based on the average of the following key criteria:
Sign-up, delivery, and cancellation processes: 5/5Meal variety: 4/5Nutrition: 3.5/5Sustainability: 2/5Ingredient quality and freshness: 3/5Ease of preparation: 4/5Taste: 2/5Affordability: 5/5
Read our full review of EveryPlate.
“EveryPlate is an affordable alternative to pricier meal kit delivery services. The website was easy to navigate, the ingredients arrived in good condition, and the meals were simple to prepare.
“Out of the three meals I tried, my family really enjoyed two of them. With that said, I did end up adding additional ingredients to most of the dishes to boost the flavor and nutrition profile, such as diced tomato and fresh avocado slices to the fajitas.
“While it wouldn’t be my first choice, I do think EveryPlate is a good option for families trying to cut back on ordering takeout and who need a more affordable alternative to HelloFresh or Blue Apron.”
— Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, Nutrition Editor II
Pros & cons meals start at less than $5 per serving good for families with up to 6 people 26 menu options to choose from each week meals are suitable for beginners lacks the creative flavor combinations that other (pricier) services offer doesn't source higher quality items, like organic produce or grass-fed beef some meals required additional ingredients to boost flavor or nutritional profile meals start at less than $5 per serving good for families with up to 6 people 26 menu options to choose from each week meals are suitable for beginners lacks the creative flavor combinations that other (pricier) services offer doesn't source higher quality items, like organic produce or grass-fed beef some meals required additional ingredients to boost flavor or nutritional profile Product details Meal type: meal kit Meals per week: 3–6 Servings available: 2, 4, 6 Diet friendliness: vegetarian Ingredients: no organic ingredients Packaging: most packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable Delivery area: contiguous United States Shipping: $9.99 Meal type: meal kit Meals per week: 3–6 Servings available: 2, 4, 6 Diet friendliness: vegetarian Ingredients: no organic ingredients Packaging: most packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable Delivery area: contiguous United States Shipping: $9.99
Menus: Veggie, Quick and Easy, Pescatarian, Family Friendly, Fit & Wholesome, Meat & Veggies Price per serving: $8.99–$12.49 Healthline score: 4.2 out of 5 Healthline's review Why we love it: HelloFresh is one of the most popular and affordable meal delivery services available. And with more than 45 recipes to choose from each week, there’s sure to be a recipe for even the pickiest eater in your household.
The service also clearly labels meals that are low prep and quick to make, which are ideal for families on busy weeknights.
Each box includes preportioned ingredients and a recipe card with step-by-step instructions.
In addition to weekly meal kits, subscribers can add additional items from the HelloFresh Market, including breakfast items, quick lunches, side dishes, desserts, and more.
What our tester says Healthline Score: 4.2/5 Our overall score is based on the average of the following key criteria:
Sign-up, delivery, and cancellation processes: 5/5Meal variety: 4.2/5Nutrition: 4.3/5Sustainability: 4/5Ingredient quality and freshness: 3.7/5Ease of preparation: 3.8/5Taste: 4.5/5Affordability: 4/5
Read our full review of HelloFresh.
“HelloFresh’s huge selection of recipes made it easy for me to find dishes that would appeal to my family — including my picky toddler. All of the ingredients were grouped by recipe, so each meal only took me 30 or 40 minutes to prepare.
“While HelloFresh doesn’t have as many options for certain diets like keto or paleo, it has a larger weekly menu than many other services and offers a good range of cuisines and ingredients.”
— Healthline writer SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD
Healthline Score: 4.2/5 Our overall score is based on the average of the following key criteria:
Sign-up, delivery, and cancellation processes: 5/5Meal variety: 4.2/5Nutrition: 4.3/5Sustainability: 4/5Ingredient quality and freshness: 3.7/5Ease of preparation: 3.8/5Taste: 4.5/5Affordability: 4/5
Read our full review of HelloFresh.
“HelloFresh’s huge selection of recipes made it easy for me to find dishes that would appeal to my family — including my picky toddler. All of the ingredients were grouped by recipe, so each meal only took me 30 or 40 minutes to prepare.
“While HelloFresh doesn’t have as many options for certain diets like keto or paleo, it has a larger weekly menu than many other services and offers a good range of cuisines and ingredients.”
— Healthline writer SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD
Pros & cons offers customization options for some sides and proteins features a large menu with a variety of recipes option to filter by quick, low prep meals meals were flavorful and easy to prepare limited information available on ingredient quality and sourcing may not be suitable for those with certain dietary restrictions doesn't offer any oven-ready or microwavable meals offers customization options for some sides and proteins features a large menu with a variety of recipes option to filter by quick, low prep meals meals were flavorful and easy to prepare limited information available on ingredient quality and sourcing may not be suitable for those with certain dietary restrictions doesn't offer any oven-ready or microwavable meals Product details Meal type: meal kit Meals per week: 2–6 Servings available: 2, 4 Personalization: option to set ingredient preferences Diet friendliness: vegetarian, pescatarian, low calorie, low carb Ingredients: some organic ingredients Packaging: most packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable Delivery area: contiguous United States Shipping: $10.99 Meal type: meal kit Meals per week: 2–6 Servings available: 2, 4 Personalization: option to set ingredient preferences Diet friendliness: vegetarian, pescatarian, low calorie, low carb Ingredients: some organic ingredients Packaging: most packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable Delivery area: contiguous United States Shipping: $10.99
Price per serving: $4.99–$8.04 Menus: one weekly menu Healthline score: 3.5 out of 5 Healthline's review Why we love it: Dinnerly provides meal delivery kits that are delicious, easy to make, and affordable. In fact, most of its recipes take less than 30 minutes to make, with some requiring zero prep work aside from opening packages and combining the ingredients in a pan.
While it doesn’t offer multiple menus like many other meal kit companies do, Dinnerly’s large menu includes labels, like low calorie or vegan, to help you find recipes that fit your dietary needs and preferences.
In addition to meal kits, Dinnerly subscribers can add breakfast, brunch, and dessert items to their order.
What our tester says Healthline Score: 3.5/5 Our overall score is based on the average of the following key criteria:
Sign-up, delivery, and cancellation processes: 4.5/5Meal variety: 4.5/5Nutrition: 2/5Sustainability: 4/5Ingredient quality and freshness: 2/5Ease of preparation: 4/5Taste: 3/5Affordability: 4/5
Read our full review of Dinnerly.
“All of the recipes I tried from Dinnerly were very easy to make and took less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
“For example, I only needed one bowl to prepare the Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini with Peas, which made cleanup a breeze. While I did add a few more vegetables to the dish to make it more balanced, the flavors were spot-on, and even my toddler enjoyed it.
“You can read more about my experience trying Dinnerly in our full review .”
— Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, Nutrition Editor II
Healthline Score: 3.5/5 Our overall score is based on the average of the following key criteria:
Sign-up, delivery, and cancellation processes: 4.5/5Meal variety: 4.5/5Nutrition: 2/5Sustainability: 4/5Ingredient quality and freshness: 2/5Ease of preparation: 4/5Taste: 3/5Affordability: 4/5
Read our full review of Dinnerly.
“All of the recipes I tried from Dinnerly were very easy to make and took less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
“For example, I only needed one bowl to prepare the Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini with Peas, which made cleanup a breeze. While I did add a few more vegetables to the dish to make it more balanced, the flavors were spot-on, and even my toddler enjoyed it.
“You can read more about my experience trying Dinnerly in our full review .”
— Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, Nutrition Editor II
Pros & cons large menu with a variety of options low cost per meal simple, easy-to-prepare recipes limited options available for certain dietary patterns uses mostly conventional ingredients no prepared meal options available uses fewer fresh ingredients and more prepackaged items than other services we tried large menu with a variety of options low cost per meal simple, easy-to-prepare recipes limited options available for certain dietary patterns uses mostly conventional ingredients no prepared meal options available uses fewer fresh ingredients and more prepackaged items than other services we tried Product details Meal type: meal kit Meals per week: 2–6 Servings available: 2, 4 Diet friendliness: vegetarian, vegan, low calorie, low carb, dairy-free, no added gluten Ingredients: some organic ingredients Packaging: all packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable Delivery area: contiguous United States Shipping: $11.99 Meal type: meal kit Meals per week: 2–6 Servings available: 2, 4 Diet friendliness: vegetarian, vegan, low calorie, low carb, dairy-free, no added gluten Ingredients: some organic ingredients Packaging: all packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable Delivery area: contiguous United States Shipping: $11.99
Best for breakfasts and snacks Price per serving: $6.79–$9.79 Menus: all items vegan and gluten-free Healthline score: 3.6 out of 5 Healthline's review Why we love it: Daily Harvest offers a variety of plant-based smoothies, oat bowls, and bite-sized snacks, all of which contain creative flavor profiles that are packed with nutrient-rich ingredients, like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
In addition to being fully plant-based, all Daily Harvest items are gluten-free and mostly organic.
While we like the service best for its breakfast and snack offerings, the company also offers flatbreads, harvest bowls, soups, and pastas for people looking to stock their freezers with easy lunches.
Just keep in mind that many of these items are relatively low in calories and protein, so they might not be filling enough for many adults.
Each week, you can mix and match your favorite meals from the full menu to create your own box with 9, 14, or 24 items.
What our tester says Healthline Score: 3.6/5 Our overall score is based on the average of the following key criteria:
Sign-up, delivery, and cancellation processes: 3/5Meal variety: 1/5Nutrition: 4.5/5Sustainability: 5/5Ingredient quality and freshness: 4/5Ease of preparation: 5/5Taste: 2/5Affordability: 4/5
Read our full Daily Harvest review.
“I liked most of the items I tried from Daily Harvest, and they were generally pretty easy to prepare. The snack bites, oat bowls, and chia bowls were my favorites, plus they were super convenient for breakfasts and snacks.
“I also appreciated that the menu includes a wide range of plant-based ingredients, which can help keep things from feeling repetitive over time.
“That said, I found that most of the entrees weren’t filling enough for a full meal, and a few items didn’t keep their texture well after reheating.”
— Healthline writer Rachael Ajmera , MS, RD
Healthline Score: 3.6/5 Our overall score is based on the average of the following key criteria:
Sign-up, delivery, and cancellation processes: 3/5Meal variety: 1/5Nutrition: 4.5/5Sustainability: 5/5Ingredient quality and freshness: 4/5Ease of preparation: 5/5Taste: 2/5Affordability: 4/5
Read our full Daily Harvest review.
“I liked most of the items I tried from Daily Harvest, and they were generally pretty easy to prepare. The snack bites, oat bowls, and chia bowls were my favorites, plus they were super convenient for breakfasts and snacks.
“I also appreciated that the menu includes a wide range of plant-based ingredients, which can help keep things from feeling repetitive over time.
“That said, I found that most of the entrees weren’t filling enough for a full meal, and a few items didn’t keep their texture well after reheating.”
— Healthline writer Rachael Ajmera , MS, RD
Pros & cons offers single-serve meals that are easy to prepare 80+ plant-based and gluten-free items to choose from uses mostly organic ingredients affordable, with free shipping for your first order items may not be filling enough for many adults limited choices for certain dietary restrictions may not be suitable for families or larger households menu doesn't change regularly offers single-serve meals that are easy to prepare 80+ plant-based and gluten-free items to choose from uses mostly organic ingredients affordable, with free shipping for your first order items may not be filling enough for many adults limited choices for certain dietary restrictions may not be suitable for families or larger households menu doesn't change regularly Product details Meals per week: 9, 14, or 24 Meal type: prepared meals Servings available: 1 Diet friendliness: vegan, gluten-free, low calorie Ingredients: some organic ingredients Packaging: most packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable Delivery area: contiguous United States Shipping: $9.99 Meals per week: 9, 14, or 24 Meal type: prepared meals Servings available: 1 Diet friendliness: vegan, gluten-free, low calorie Ingredients: some organic ingredients Packaging: most packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable Delivery area: contiguous United States Shipping: $9.99
Menus: Veggie Bowls, Family Meals, Pizzas, Soups, Oat Bowls Price per serving: $5.99–$11.99 Healthline score: 3.9 out of 5 Healthline's review Why we love it: Mosaic Foods offers a wide range of veggie bowls, pizzas, soups, smoothies, and oat bowls, all of which are plant-based and fully prepared, making it our budget-friendly choice for best prepared meal delivery service.
Not only are Mosaic Food’s meals packed with vegetables, but their soups and veggie bowls also contain at least 10 grams of protein to help keep you full until your next meal.
All menu items are free of artificial ingredients, and some meals also feature organic produce, depending on availability.
What’s more, unlike other prepared meal delivery services that cater only to singles, Mosaic Foods offers a line of family-sized, oven-ready meals, including Veggie Pot Pie and Buffalo Cauliflower Pasta Bake.
What our tester says Healthline Score: 3.9/5 Our overall score is based on the average of the following key criteria:
Sign-up, delivery, and cancellation processes: 4/5Meal variety: 2/5Nutrition: 5/5Sustainability: 4.5/5Ingredient quality and freshness: 4/5Ease of preparation: 4/5Taste: 3.5/5Affordability: 4/5
Note: Our score for Mosaic Foods is based only on its family-sized meals.
“I tried several of the family meals and appreciated that all I needed to do was bake them. Plus, they could be served in the same dish, so cleaning up after dinner was super easy. Every family meal includes at least four different vegetables, and I really enjoyed most of the flavors.
“The only downside was that some of the meals needed more time in the oven than the instructions called for, with one meal taking over 90 minutes to heat.”
— Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, Nutrition Editor II
Healthline Score: 3.9/5 Our overall score is based on the average of the following key criteria:
Sign-up, delivery, and cancellation processes: 4/5Meal variety: 2/5Nutrition: 5/5Sustainability: 4.5/5Ingredient quality and freshness: 4/5Ease of preparation: 4/5Taste: 3.5/5Affordability: 4/5
Note: Our score for Mosaic Foods is based only on its family-sized meals.
“I tried several of the family meals and appreciated that all I needed to do was bake them. Plus, they could be served in the same dish, so cleaning up after dinner was super easy. Every family meal includes at least four different vegetables, and I really enjoyed most of the flavors.
“The only downside was that some of the meals needed more time in the oven than the instructions called for, with one meal taking over 90 minutes to heat.”
— Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, Nutrition Editor II
Pros & cons 50+ menu items available, including oven-ready family meals delivered fully frozen and easy to store several vegan, high protein, and wheat-free or nut-free options provides fully prepared items that are ready to enjoy limited meal options for certain dietary restrictions, such as paleo and keto might not be ideal for people who prefer eating only organic foods not yet available in all areas family meals can take over 90 minutes to reheat 50+ menu items available, including oven-ready family meals delivered fully frozen and easy to store several vegan, high protein, and wheat-free or nut-free options provides fully prepared items that are ready to enjoy limited meal options for certain dietary restrictions, such as paleo and keto might not be ideal for people who prefer eating only organic foods not yet available in all areas family meals can take over 90 minutes to reheat Product details Meal type: prepared meals Servings available: 1, 4 Diet friendliness: vegan, vegetarian, wheat-free, nut-free, high protein Ingredients: some organic ingredients Packaging: all packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable Delivery area: major metro areas in the eastern and western United States Meals per week: 6, 12, or 18 Shipping: free for boxes with 12 or 18 items; otherwise $9.99–$19.99 Meal type: prepared meals Servings available: 1, 4 Diet friendliness: vegan, vegetarian, wheat-free, nut-free, high protein Ingredients: some organic ingredients Packaging: all packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable Delivery area: major metro areas in the eastern and western United States Meals per week: 6, 12, or 18 Shipping: free for boxes with 12 or 18 items; otherwise $9.99–$19.99 We’ve taken the time to test 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.
Learn more about how we test meal kits .
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 good 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.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.Which meal delivery service is cheapest?
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 to EveryPlate’s $9.99 delivery fee.
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 to EveryPlate’s $9.99 delivery fee.
Is HelloFresh cheap? HelloFresh is a relatively budget-friendly meal delivery service, with prices starting at $9 per serving and $9.99 for shipping.
HelloFresh is a relatively budget-friendly meal delivery service, with prices starting at $9 per serving and $9.99 for shipping.
What is the average price for meal delivery services? Meal delivery prices can range quite a bit. While some cheaper services may cost $5–$12 per serving, other options provide more expensive meals and often charge double or even triple this amount.
Meal delivery prices can range quite a bit. While some cheaper services may cost $5–$12 per serving, other options provide more expensive meals and often charge double or even triple this amount.
Do meal delivery services actually save you money? 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.
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 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.
