The Best Affordable Meal Delivery Services for Easy Weeknights
These top-tested meal kits start as low as $5.99 per serving.
Medically reviewed by Laura Iu, R.D., C.D.N.
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As a dietitian and mom, I know how quickly the cost of feeding a family can add up—which is why price was my biggest hesitation when I first tried meal delivery kits. Sure, they can be cheaper than takeout, but if you cook most meals at home with your weekly groceries, a meal delivery service can still feel pricey. The good news is that meal delivery services have become more competitive over the years, with more budget-friendly options offering balanced, delicious meals for as little as $5.99 per serving.
Our top picks:
✔️ Best overall: EveryPlate
Simple recipes, generous portions, and one low price per serving make this a standout value.
✔️ Best variety: Dinnerly
A huge menu of inventive, crowd-pleasing meals keeps weeknight cooking affordable and easy.
✔️ Best tasting: Blue Apron
Fresh ingredients and creative, flavor-packed recipes make dinner feel a little more special.
✔️ Best for beginners: HelloFresh
Clear, step-by-step recipe cards and neatly organized ingredients make cooking approachable.
✔️ Best for families: Home Chef
Flexible meal options and servings for up to six make it easy to get dinner on the table.
But does a lower price mean sacrificing quality? At the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, I tested more than 50 meal delivery services to find out, and sent boxes to more than 300 home chefs across the country to see which services stood out for different lifestyles and dietary needs. After all that testing, I found plenty of affordable options that don't cut corners on quality or flavor, like our best overall pick, EveryPlate, which our testers loved for how easy the meals were to prepare.
Pros
- Lowest cost meal kit per serving
- Add-ons like sides and desserts also available
- Meals are easy to prepare and tasty
Cons
- Items don't come as organized as other services
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
Couples and small families who want an affordable meal kit without having to order a large number of servings to get a good per-serving price
WHAT TO EXPECT
Most meal kits price based on quantity, meaning the more servings you order, the lower your cost per serving. I like that EveryPlate keeps things simple with a small range of $5.99 to $6.99 per-serving price, even if you only order a few meals. If you live alone or with a partner, this is a great way to get competitive pricing without having to buy a ton of meals.
The weekly menu features 35 rotating recipes, with options to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences. You can also add sides and desserts to your order, and there's a flat $10.99 shipping fee per order.
WHAT TESTERS SAY
Although the offerings lean more toward the comfort-food side, I like that the nutrition facts for each meal are readily available on the website. The dishes offer a lot of value for the price, and testers especially appreciated how easy they were to prepare. "I felt like the serving sizes in this kit were more generous than others. I also found the cooking instructions less complicated," a tester commented. Another said, "I like that EveryPlate has simple directions and comes with everything you need (even stock packets) to get your meal going."
WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND
The company is able to keep costs down with less packaging and simple, accessible ingredients. Items aren't packaged as carefully as they are with some other meal kits (you may have to go digging for that potato at the bottom of the box), but the packaging materials themselves are solid and kept the food cold in transit.
| Type | Standard meal kit |
| Cost | $5.99 - $6.99 per serving + $10.99 shipping fee |
| Availability | Delivery to the vast majority of the continental United States. |
| Packaging | The boxes and separators are 100% curbside recyclable. |
Pros
- Large selection of 100+ meals per week
- Quick and simple recipes that are easy to follow
- Robust vegetarian offerings
Cons
- Requires extra basic pantry items
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
Budget-conscious families, busy home cooks, and vegetarians looking for plenty of options without a hefty price tag
WHAT TO EXPECT
Striking the perfect balance of affordability and inventive, delicious meals, Dinnerly is always a crowd-pleaser in my house. The weekly menu is massive, with more than 100 recipes to choose from and a substantial selection of vegetarian dishes. Dinnerly's prices have increased over the years, but it remains one of the more budget-friendly meal kits, with per-serving prices starting at $5.99 when you order a larger number of servings. Smaller orders cost more per serving, and there's also a flat shipping fee of $11.99 per order.
WHAT TESTERS SAY
I appreciate that Dinnerly keeps costs down without sacrificing flavor or quality. Testers were impressed by the sheer number of meals to choose from and how tasty they were. “My family and I really enjoyed the meals!” said one tester. “We were all very satisfied—the meals were filling, tasted good, and were out of the realm of what we would normally choose.”
One tradeoff is that you'll often need to have a few basic ingredients on hand. “It seemed like we also had to provide a lot of ingredients from our own pantry,” one tester noted. The good news is that you can see in advance which ingredients are included and which you'll need to supply yourself.
WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND
The service keeps costs down by using fewer ingredients per dish, which also means less chopping and cleaning for you, along with simple, uncomplicated packaging. I noticed that some items came loose in the box to cut down on packaging, but the food still arrived cold and the quality was there. The brand used to only offer digital recipe cards, but now gives you the option to receive printed cards in the box (if you're like me, I want a physical recipe card to hold and look at while cooking from a kit).
| Type | Standard meal kit |
| Cost | $5.99 to $11.49 per serving + $11.99 shipping fee |
| Availability | Delivery to most of the contiguous United States. |
| Packaging | The box, liners, and trays are all curbside recyclable. The jars, bottles, and clamshells can be disposed in plastic recycling bins. |
Pros
- Inventive and flavorful recipes
- Over 70 weekly menu options
- High-quality, fresh ingredients
Cons
- Limited selection of budget-friendly meals each week
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
Curious home cooks who want high-quality ingredients and creative recipes without paying a premium for takeout
WHAT TO EXPECT
Rated as our best overall meal delivery kit, Blue Apron delivers high-quality ingredients, inventive recipes, and options for different dietary needs. It's also relatively affordable, with meals starting at $8.99 per serving, plus an $11 shipping fee per order. The menu is substantial, and in my experience, the dishes are just as delicious as they are creative. Plus, the brand is offering more and more family-style meal options.
WHAT TESTERS SAY
I consistently find Blue Apron's ingredients fresh and high quality, and testers gave the service rave reviews for its creative, flavorful recipes. The recipe cards provide simple, step-by-step instructions, and the meals come with substantial portions. Everything arrives extremely well organized, and nutrition information, complete recipes, and ingredient lists are available on the website.
“Blue Apron is a solution for busy people who like to explore new recipes and ingredients,” one tester said. “It's adventurous without being extreme. The ingredients are perfectly measured, packaged well, and fresh.” Another said it would be great for “anyone struggling to find dinner ideas and anyone feeling overwhelmed with grocery shopping and cooking.”
WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND
Blue Apron uses quite a bit of plastic packaging, although the brand provides detailed instructions for recycling the materials on its website. And while there are a decent amount of meals under $10/serving each week, the majority of meals are around $11 to 12 per serving, which can add up.
| Type | Standard meal kit or prepared meals |
| Cost | $8.99 - 13.99 per serving + $11 shipping fee |
| Availability | Delivery to the contiguous United States. |
| Packaging | Approximately 85% recyclable by weight. |
Pros
- Large weekly menu selection
- Easy-to-follow recipe cards with clear pictures
- Solid and well-organized packaging
Cons
- Some meals are very high in sodium
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
Beginner cooks and busy families who want lots of recipe variety, easy-to-follow instructions, and a well-organized meal kit
WHAT TO EXPECT
HelloFresh has been in the meal kit game since 2011 and focuses on easy-to-follow recipes. While the brand launched our Best Value pick, EveryPlate, several years ago, the flagship service still offers a solid meal kit at a fairly reasonable price, starting at $10.99 per serving, plus an $11 shipping fee per order. Ingredients come pre-portioned for each recipe, and the weekly menu offers plenty of variety with options for different dietary preferences. Upgrades and add-ons are also available, and the brand now offers ready-made meals and prep-and-bake entrees.
WHAT TESTERS SAY
I love how organized everything is when it arrives from HelloFresh, with ingredients neatly sorted into individual bags. The packaging also performed well in our testing, particularly when it came to keeping ingredients protected and fresh. Testers appreciated the wide variety of recipes, with one saying, “I liked that it seemed to have a lot of variety of meals to choose from.”
Portions were rated well, and testers found the recipes easy to prepare, with clear pictures for each step—particularly helpful for beginner cooks. One tester said HelloFresh “allowed me to try new foods, minimize food waste, and save time planning meals for the week.” Another called it “a great way to experience fancy recipes without needing to know new techniques.”
WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND
Some HelloFresh meals are relatively high in sodium, so check the nutrition information if that's something you're watching. I also found that some pre-made sauces and condiments didn't feel quite as premium as the other ingredients. And the pricing is on a scale, so the $10.99 is only achieved if you order several meals per week. But HelloFresh tends to have lots of promo offers to take advantage of when you sign-up.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Is HelloFresh Worth Trying?
| Type | Standard meal kit |
| Cost | $10.99 to $13.99 per serving + $11 shipping fee. |
| Availability | Delivery to all states across the continental US |
| Packaging | Fold and discard the box with other curbside recyclables. The meal kit bags are fully recyclable and compostable. |
Pros
- Can feed up to six people
- Multiple meal kit options, including quick 15-minute meals
- Also available for purchase in Kroger grocery stores
Cons
- Some recipes have high sodium counts
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
Larger families who want plenty of meal options and the flexibility to choose between cooking from scratch and low- or no-prep meals
WHAT TO EXPECT
Home Chef offers boxes that feed up to six people per meal, making it a great choice for large families. You can choose from pre-portioned ingredients with easy-to-follow cooking instructions, or opt for low- and no-prep meals when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
I like that there are more than 30 weekly meal options to choose from, along with a variety of extras. And if you don't want to wait for a delivery, you can find Home Chef kits at Kroger grocery stores nationwide. Meals range from $9.99 to $11.99 depending on how much you order, plus a flat $10.99 shipping fee if you order online.
WHAT TESTERS SAY
I love the variety Home Chef offers, whether you're looking for a quick family dinner or want to spend a little more time on a special meal. All our testers said the service encouraged them to try dishes they wouldn't normally prepare themselves, and they were impressed by the quality and freshness of the ingredients and how quickly the meals came together.
“The flavor and the ingredients were all top quality, and it was easy to cook the meals. Great taste! I was very pleased,” one tester said. Another commented, “It's always hard to find new dinner ideas; these are a perfect variety to keep everyone in your family happy and full.”
WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND
Full nutrition facts are readily available for every recipe on the Home Chef website. I did find that certain meals were on the higher end for sodium, so it's worth checking the nutrition information if you're watching your intake.
| Type | Standard meal kit and family meals |
| Cost | $9.99 to $11.99 per serving for family meals + $11 shipping fee |
| Availability | Delivery available nationwide to the vast majority of the United States. |
| Packaging | Boxes, dividers, and recipe cards are curbside recyclable. Trays and tins are curbside recyclable after being washed. |
Pros
- Completely vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free
- Large variety of meals and snacks
- Sustainable packaging materials
Cons
- Some portion sizes aren't substantial
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
Plant-based eaters who want convenient, freezer-friendly meals, snacks, and smoothies made with simple, nutritious ingredients
WHAT TO EXPECT
Known for its plant-based smoothies, Daily Harvest also offers high protein oat bowls, savory harvest bowls for lunch or dinner, and gluten-free pasta dishes with nutritious ingredients. Everything is fully vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, and meals arrive frozen in sustainable packaging materials. And since everything is portioned for one person, it’s great for singles and people living alone. There is an order minimum of $50, but per serving the items are fairly reasonable with high protein oat bowls starting at under $7. Just make ample room in your freezer.
WHAT TESTERS SAY
The meals are not only made with thoughtful, nutritious ingredients, but they don't sacrifice taste or quality. "Even though it's frozen, the food still tastes really fresh," one person said. "The pastas are next-level delicious and even my kids love them.” Another commented on how easy the smoothies were to whip up on busy mornings, and that it kept them full for hours. We also found it very easy to manage your subscription in the brand’s app, whether you wanted to adjust your items or skip or cancel your order.
WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND
Both myself and our testers did feel that the harvest bowls specifically had small serving sizes, so note that these items are definitely lighter fare. I'll oftentimes add something to bulk up the meal, like hardboiled eggs or beans, or may find myself eating more than one serving. And the brand used to offer a more robust menu including flatbreads, but has since streamlined their options.
| Type | Prepared frozen meals |
| Cost | Breakfast bowls start at $6.79; smoothies and soups start at $8.49; and harvest bowls, pastas, flatbreads and grain bowls at $9.79. Shipping is a flat rate $9.99. |
| Availability | Delivery in the continental United States. |
| Packaging | Recycle the box, liner, and divider. Majority of the individual food packaging is made from Post Consumer Recycled PET. |
How we test meal delivery services
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our food and nutrition experts test and review all different types of food products and services. From healthy snacks and supplements to food subscription boxes and meal delivery services, we are committed to bringing you the best of the best when it comes to quality, performance, flavor, nutrition and more.
We evaluated over 50 different meal delivery services, first assessing how easy it is to navigate and utilize the service's website. We look for robust menu variety, ample dietary preferences to accommodate different needs, simple instruction cards, accurate cooking times, and delicious and inventive recipes.
We also evaluate the quality of ingredients upon arrival and whether or not the kit includes everything you'll need to recreate the provided recipes. We look for packaging that keeps the food safe and incorporates sustainable features. Other major factors are cost and delivery ranges which we strongly consider in our tests.
In addition to expert evaluation, we recruited over 300 at-home consumer testers across the nation. Real-life feedback from home cooks of all levels is an incredibly valuable component of our evaluation process. Testers comment on how easy the kits were to follow, their thoughts on the variety and quality of recipes, the condition of the food upon arrival, packaging, and more.
We made our selections based on expert evaluations and tester feedback in the categories of overall satisfaction, food quality, cost, recycling efforts, and availability. Our top picks cater to a wide variety of dietary preferences including gluten-free, low-carb, high-protein, and more. Although taste is subjective, we ultimately chose companies that scored well overall with testers.
What to look for when selecting an affordable meal delivery service
Finding a meal delivery service within your budget is key. Do you plan to have a service replace grocery shopping altogether, or will it complement your grocery budget? Many brands offer discounts when you sign up or refer a friend, and you can often get better pricing when you order more meals. Here are a few other factors to consider:
✔️ Type: Traditional meal kits are great for trying new recipes and usually cost less than prepared meals, but you'll still need to cook. Prepared meals are more convenient but tend to be more expensive. Semi-prepared options can offer a nice middle ground.
✔️ Dietary preferences: If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, make sure the service offers enough variety to keep you from getting bored. Some services also let you customize meals or swap proteins, giving you more flexibility.
✔️ Servings: Consider how many people you're feeding and compare the serving options and per-serving costs. Some services advertise a low price per serving, but that price may require a larger order.
✔️ Delivery range: Make sure the service ships to your area and check the shipping fee before ordering. Some services offer free shipping when you meet a certain order minimum.
✔️ Sustainability: Meal delivery packaging can create a lot of waste, but many brands are finding ways to use more sustainable materials while keeping food safely packaged. Check the service's website for recycling and disposal instructions.
✔️ Additional discounts: Look for first-box discounts, lower per-serving prices on larger orders, and special offers if you’re a first responder or military member. Referral programs can also help you save.
Are meal delivery services cheaper than grocery shopping?
Generally, no. Grocery shopping and cooking from scratch will usually cost less than a meal delivery service. However, meal delivery can save you time and may help reduce food waste since you receive the ingredients you need for specific meals.
It can also be a good value if it helps you cut back on takeout or restaurant meals. When comparing costs, consider what you're paying for the convenience of having meals planned, ingredients portioned, and recipes delivered to your door.
Is meal delivery cheaper than takeout?
It can be, particularly with meal kits. You're typically paying less per serving than you would for a restaurant meal, and cooking at home means you can avoid some of the delivery and service fees that come with takeout.
Prepared meal delivery services can be comparable in price to takeout, but you'll want to factor in shipping costs. If you're comparing the two, look at the total cost per serving rather than just the advertised price.
How can I save money on meal delivery services?
Look for first-box discounts, referral offers, and special discounts for groups like military members and first responders. Ordering more servings can also lower the per-serving cost, depending on the service.
Just be sure to compare the total price, including shipping, rather than focusing solely on the advertised price per serving. You can also save by choosing less expensive meal options and skipping weeks when you don't need a delivery.
Are meal delivery subscription plans worth it?
For many people, meal delivery services are worth it for the convenience and variety they provide. If you're tired of making the same meals, don't love meal planning or want to spend less time in the kitchen, having dinner options delivered can take some of the work out of your routine. Meal kits can also be a fun way to try new recipes, ingredients, and cooking techniques without having to figure everything out yourself.
Prepared meal delivery services can be especially worthwhile if cooking isn't realistic on busy nights. While you're paying more for the convenience, having a ready-to-heat meal on hand can make it easier to avoid reaching for less nutritious options when you don't have the time or energy to cook. Ultimately, whether a service is worth it comes down to how much you value having one less thing to plan and prepare each week.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Registered Dietitian and Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab Director Stefani Sassos has led the brand's meal-delivery testing for the past six years. During that time, she has evaluated more than 50 meal delivery services, assessing everything from ingredient quality and nutrition to convenience, value, and overall user experience. Passionate about practical solutions that make balanced eating easier, she helps readers identify services that fit a variety of lifestyles, budgets, and dietary needs.
More on meal delivery services
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Health and Wellness:
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• Vegan Meal Delivery Services
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Specialized Diet Plans:
Laura Iu, R.D., is a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified intuitive eating counselor, yoga guide, and owner of Laura Iu Nutrition, a private practice in New York City. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University and completed her internship in dietetics at Weill Cornell & Columbia Medical Center of New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She went on to work in New York City’s top hospitals, including Mount Sinai Hospital and NYU Langone Health. She believes that true health is all encompassing — physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing — not an external measure via shape or size.
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