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HelloFresh, Blue Apron, and Daily Harvest top our list of the least expensive meal delivery services, which we tested and rated based on factors such as price, ingredient quality, and nutritional value. Read on for more of our top choices.

Meal delivery services can help you save time, improve your eating habits, or meet specific dietary needs. There are a variety of options, including kits that come with ingredients and others with prepared meals.

Meal services can be a quick and convenient way to enjoy more healthy, home-cooked meals.

However, 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 those on a tight budget to find an option that works for them.

Healthline tested some of the top meal delivery services on the market and compiled 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 six of the best affordable delivery services in 2023, along with our feedback on each service and a closer look at how they compare.

Product and full reviewPriceMeal typeDietary needsSubscriptionCustomization
HelloFresh
(review)
• starts at $8.99 per serving
• $9.99 or $10.99 for shipping
entrees• pescatarian
• vegetarian
• vegan
• low carb
• low calorie
• Mediterranean
2–6 meals per week, with 2 or 4 servings each• rotating weekly menu with 100+ recipes
• customization options for some proteins and sides
Blue Apron
(review)
• starts at $7.99 per serving
• $10.99 for shipping
entrees• vegetarian
• low calorie
• low carb
2–4 meals per week, with 2 or 4 servings eachrotating weekly menu with 70+ recipes
Daily Harvest
(review)
• starts at $6.79 per item
• $9.99 for shipping
• oat bowls
• smoothies
• entrees
• soups
• desserts
• vegan
• vegetarian
• gluten-free
9, 14, or 24 single-serve items per weekmenu with 80+ plant-based items
Dinnerly
(review)
• starts at $4.99 per serving
• $11.99 for shipping
entrees• vegetarian
• vegan
• low calorie
• low carb
• dairy-free
• no added gluten
2–6 meals per week, with 2 or 4 servings eachrotating weekly menu with 100+ recipes
Martha Stewart & and Marley Spoon
• starts at $8.69 per serving
• $11.99 for shipping
entrees• low calorie
• low carb
• vegetarian
• vegan
• dairy-free
• no added gluten
2–6 meals per week, with 2 or 4 servings eachrotating weekly menu with 100+ recipes
Mosaic Foods• starts at $5.99 per serving
• $9.99-$19.99 shipping for 6 items
• free shipping for 12 or 18 items
• oat bowls
• smoothies
• soups
• entrees
• vegan
• vegetarian
• wheat-free
• nut-free
• high protein
6, 12, or 18 items per week with 1, 2, or 4 servings eachmenu with 50+ items to choose from

We considered several factors when determining which meal delivery services to include in this article:

  • Price: We chose meal services that are low cost and provide good value, with prices starting at $5 per serving.
  • Other fees: In addition to the prices of meals, we considered other fees for each service and included some that offer free or low cost shipping.
  • Availability: We selected meal services that are available throughout most of the contiguous United States.
  • Variety: Each meal service features a wide range of recipes and ingredients on weekly menus. We also picked services that cater to different eating patterns. Some offer both meal kits and prepared meals.
  • Quality of ingredients: Meals are made using fresh, high quality ingredients and free of artificial sweeteners, additives, and preservatives.
  • Nutrition: We picked meal kit services that offer nutritionally balanced meals with ingredients such as fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  • Firsthand experience: We chose meal delivery services that Healthline writers and editors have personally tested and evaluated based on factors such as ease of preparation, taste, variety, and packaging. Read more about how we test meal kits.

There are a few factors you may want to consider when selecting a meal delivery service.

First, look for a service with a rotating menu that includes a variety of meals to help add some diversity to your diet.

If you have any dietary restrictions, food allergies, or specific preferences, it’s especially important to find a meal kit service that caters to your needs.

Price is another key consideration. In addition to the cost of the meal kit itself, be sure to consider any other fees, such as shipping or add-ons.

Delivery may be limited in certain locations, so check whether shipping is available in your area.

Which meal delivery service is cheapest?

Dinnerly is the cheapest meal delivery service on our list, with prices starting at just $5 per serving. HelloFresh and Blue Apron are also on the more affordable end, starting at $8–$9 per serving.

Is HelloFresh cheap?

HelloFresh is one of the most budget-friendly meal delivery services available, with prices ranging from $9–$12 per serving and either $9.99 or $10.99 for shipping, depending on your location.

What is the average price for meal delivery services?

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

However, 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 the variety, quality, cost, availability, and ingredients.