What to Buy The Most Affordable Meal Delivery Services for Budget-Conscious Home Cooks Find our top favorites that deliver on quality without breaking the bank By Apple Mandy Apple Mandy Apple Mandy is passionate about Chinese food and has written topics for a variety of publications in Asia and the US. Growing up straddling two cultures and having lived abroad for 15 years, she shares her knowledge of Asian cooking and ingredients, as well as chefs' interviews and notable restaurants. She has over 15 years' experience, and has been writing for over 8 years. Shape's editorial guidelines Published on April 19, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Meal delivery services are popular nowadays as many people choose them for convenience. Whether in the form of meal kits or freshly prepared foods, many companies make it easy for you by planning, shopping, prepping your meals, and delivering them straight to your door. But convenience doesn’t have to come costly, so meal delivery services are priced competitively, setting them apart from the others. There are many meal delivery services to choose from, and they cut costs by reducing their packaging or marketing budgets to pass those savings to you. They may not be as cost-effective as grocery shopping, but they’re certainly less expensive and typically healthier than ordering takeout. Here are the most affordable meal delivery services to look out for. The 10 Most Affordable Meal Delivery Services of 2023 Starts at $4.99 per Serving: Dinnerly Starts at $4.99 per Serving: EveryPlate Starts at $6.79 per Serving: Daily Harvest Starting at $6.99 per Serving: Revive Superfoods Starts at $7.93 per Serving: Fresh N Lean Starts at $7.99 per Serving: Home Chef Starts at $7.99 per Serving: HelloFresh Starts at $7.99 per Serving: Blue Apron Starts at $7.99 per Serving: Mom’s Meals Starts at $8.69 per Serving: Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon The Most Affordable Meal Delivery Services for Budget-Conscious Home Cooks View All The Most Affordable Meal Delivery Services for Budget-Conscious Home Cooks Our Top Picks Dinnerly EveryPlate Daily Harvest Revive Superfoods Fresh N Lean Home Chef HelloFresh Blue Apron Mom’s Meals Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon See More (7) Compare the Cheapest Meal Delivery Services Guide to Choosing an Affordable Meal Delivery Service FAQs Methodology Starts at $4.99 per Serving : Dinnerly Dinnerly Learn More Key Specs Starting Price: $4.99 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It Dinnerly’s model is based on busy young families, working professionals, and those looking to break out of their food rut with a variety of quick and approachable meals. Pros and Cons Pros Easy recipes Fewer ingredients per dish Flexible subscription Cons Not suitable for those with specific food allergies Doesn’t offer diet-specific plans Live chat is a bot Overview Not everyone has a ton of time to cook on weeknights, so Dinnerly makes it easier by providing fresh and tasty meal kits that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Each week, you can choose from a variety of recipes, including vegetarian, vegan, kid-friendly, keto-friendly, low-carb, and healthy options. Meal kits are available in two-person or four-person plans, and you can receive three, four, five, or six meals per week. Meals We Tried BBQ Cheeseburger with Sautéed Onions & Smashed PotatoesLow-Cal Veggie Drunken Noodles with Broccoli, Peppers & CilantroGrass-Fed Ground Beef & Cheddar Quesadillas with CornCaramel Chicken Stir-Fry with Snow Peas & Jasmine Rice Starts at $4.99 per Serving : EveryPlate Every Plate Learn More Key Specs Starting Price: $4.99 per servingDelivery Area: 50 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It Meals from EveryPlate are simple, filling, and delicious, with a price point that everyone can enjoy. Pros and Cons Pros Classic, homestyle, easy recipes Meals ready in 30 minutes or less Additional discounts for students Cons No detailed nutritional information Doesn’t cater to special diets Fixed shipping fee Overview Aside from its affordability, meals at EveryPlate are incredibly filling, ensuring you get your money’s worth. Its weekly menu offers 26 easy-to-follow recipes, and you can choose meals from categories such as meat and veggie, veggie, quick and easy, family-friendly, and nutrish and delish. Meals are offered for two and four people in three, four, five, and six meals per week. Add-ons such as garlic bread and ground beef are available to complement your meals. Meals We Tried Crispy Caesar Chicken Steak FritesBlackened Shrimp SaladHotel Butter Barramundi Starts at $6.79 per Serving : Daily Harvest Daily Harvest Learn More Key Specs Starting Price: $6.79 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try It Always on the go? Daily Harvest’s food offerings, including flatbreads and smoothies, are made with organic fruits and vegetables to keep you nourished all day. Pros and Cons Pros Customizable options Flexible delivery Discounts on bulk items Free shipping Cons Limited nutrient descriptions Not all items are filling Not suitable for those following a high-protein diet Overview Skip that smoothie or veggie power bowl at your favorite eatery and order them at Daily Harvest instead. Not only does it help save you some money, but you have the added convenience of having your meals delivered right to your door. The company features over 80 nourishing chef-crafted foods, making it easy and accessible for everyone to eat a diverse variety of fruits and vegetables. Pricing is based on the number of items ordered (nine, 14, or 24) and the frequency of delivery (weekly or monthly). Meals We Tried Mint + Cacao SmoothieMango Papaya SmoothieHazelnut + Chocolate BitesTomatillo + Pepper FlatbreadPortobello + Pesto FlatbreadSweet Potato + Wild Rice HashBrussels Sprouts + Tahini Harvest BowlSpinach + Shiitake GritsTomato + Zucchini Minestrone Soup Starting at $6.99 per Serving : Revive Superfoods Revive Superfoods Learn More Key Specs Starting Price: $6.99 per servingDelivery Area: 50 statesProducts Arrive: Frozen Why You Should Try It Revive Superfoods challenges the belief that eating healthy is time-consuming and expensive, offering quick, convenient, and affordable superfoods. Pros and Cons Pros Convenient, plant-based superfoods Breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings Loyalty reward program Cons No opportunity for customization or choosing delivery dates Does not offer specialized diets Expensive shipping Overview Revive Superfoods’ preportioned, single-serving light meals will keep your hunger pangs at bay. Offering smoothies, soups, oat bowls, and snack bites, these foods are made from clean, whole ingredients flash-frozen for peak nutrition. They are offered in convenient on-the-go cups for proper nutrition anywhere, anytime. What’s also great about these offerings is that they stay frozen until you eat them, so you don’t have to worry about your meals spoiling before you can use them. Meals We Tried Hazy Cocoa SmoothiePink Dragon SmoothieAcai Twist SmoothieChipotle & Black Bean SupermealLentil & Sun-Dried Tomato SupermealAvocado & Quinoa SupermealChickpea & Pomegranate SupermealGuajillo Tortilla SoupArtisan Bean & Tomato Soup Starts at $7.93 per Serving : Fresh N Lean Fresh n Lean Learn More Key Specs Starting Price: $7.93 per servingDelivery Area: 50 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It Fresh N Lean commits to providing fresh, organically grown whole foods to support a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Pros and Cons Pros Chef-curated menu Over 100+ meals to choose from Organic, non-GMO ingredients Cons Vague plan-specific nutritional information Needs more transparency on dietitians Long wait on customer service Overview It’s hard to beat affordable meals made from whole foods and crafted by chefs. The folks at Fresh N Lean believe healthy eating should be easy, so it harvests nutrient-dense ingredients from its California-based farms for deliciously real food. There are over 100 meals to choose from each week and seven meal plans, including paleo, protein+, keto, and low-carb plant-based, to ensure you get plenty of energy and nourishment from your meals. Meals We Tried Grilled Shrimp with Caper Dill Aioli and Roasted Winter SquashMoroccan Mint Grass-Fed Steak with Spiced Cauliflower and Brown RiceChicken Tikka with Turmeric-Roasted Cauliflower and QuinoaBBQ Turkey Meatballs with White BeansCajun Salmon with Yukon Potato and Tomato Rice Starts at $7.99 per Serving : Home Chef Home Chef Learn More Key Specs Starting Price: $7.99 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It Home Chef focuses on convenience and flavors, so whether you’re a novice or skilled cook, you can easily dish up crowd-pleasing meals at home. Pros and Cons Pros Customizable menus Recipes are categorized for easier viewing Provides tips and videos from chefs Cons Not many vegetarian options Doesn’t focus on nutrition values Overview If you’re a novice home cook and looking for some approachable, chef-designed recipes to feed a family, you may want to consider Home Chef. The company offers weekly recipes for home cooks to provide delicious meals for their families. It also gives you options to help you find your desired cooking experience, depending on your taste profile, serving size, and delivery preferences. Those with specific dietary requirements may not find the recipes appealing, but full nutrition facts are indicated in the recipe cards if you don’t mind doing extra research. Meals We Tried Crispy Sweet Chili Shrimp Rice Bowl Creamy Tomato and Steak PenneGnocchi and Red Pepper CreamMoo Shu Pork Lettuce Cups Starts at $7.99 per Serving : HelloFresh Hello Fresh Learn More Key Specs Starting Price: $7.99 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It HelloFresh helps you take the stress out of everyday life by providing a large selection of diverse meals that are full of flavors and fun to create. Pros and Cons Pros Over 30 recipes to choose from Classic and creative recipes Farm-fresh ingredients Cons Doesn’t accommodate many specialty diets Shipping isn’t free Overview What sets HelloFresh apart from other meal delivery services in the market is its selection of recipes. Its meals are made of high-quality ingredients, and each is tested multiple times to ensure deliciousness and simplicity. There are six preferences to choose from: meat and veggies, fit and wholesome, veggies, family-friendly, quick and easy, and pescetarian. You can customize your plan according to two or four people and choose to receive between two and five recipes each week. Meals We Tried Crispy Buffalo-Spiced ChickenBBQ Cheddar BurgersTex-Mex Pork with Mango SalsaPork Sausage Rigatoni Rosa Starts at $7.99 per Serving : Blue Apron Blue Apron Learn More Key Specs Starting Price: $7.99 per servingDelivery Area: 49 statesProducts Arrive: Both fresh and frozen Why You Should Try It Blue Apron emphasizes various wellness and lifestyle eating plans by offering diverse, delicious recipes inspired by world cuisines. Pros and Cons Pros Uses non-GMO ingredients, hormone-free meats, and sustainable seafood Provides nutritional and caloric information for each recipe Delivers seven days a week in most locations Orders are guaranteed to arrive by 8 p.m. Cons Not suitable for those with severe food allergies Doesn’t offer diet-specific plans Small orders may be more costly and include an extra shipping fee Overview You’ll love the value of convenience Blue Apron offers because its locally sourced ingredients are already premeasured to help you cut down on time spent grocery shopping. Meals are healthy and tasty, cooked with fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and nutrient-rich grains. You’ll also find a good balance of comforting and flavorful dishes, perfect for adventurous eaters. The four-serving kits are significantly cheaper and can accommodate special diets. Meals We Tried Meal Kits: Togarashi Shrimp & Vegetable Fried RiceSpace Ranger Chicken EnchiladasOne-Pan White Bean & Poblano ShakshukaBaked Meatballs & Romesco Mayo Heat and Eat: Sweet & Spicy Bowl with Rice, Peppers, & EdamameChicken Alfredo Pasta with Peas Starts at $7.99 per Serving : Mom’s Meals Mom’s Meals Learn More Key Specs Starting Price: $7.99 per servingDelivery Area: 48 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It Mom’s Meals provides affordable, convenient, and nutritious meals made with the needs of older adults in mind. Pros and Cons Pros Meal options for older adults Tailored to specific health needs Multiple dietary needs accommodated Cons Not a lot of nutritional information Ordering process can be confusing for some Home delivery is offered through eligibility Overview No other meal delivery service is akin to Mom’s Meals, which prepares single-serving meals tailored to meet the needs of common medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney problems, cancer, and heart disease. Depending on specific nutritional requirements, there are nine health-oriented categories, such as heart-friendly, cancer support, lower sodium, and general wellness, to choose from 10, 14, or 21 nourishing and tasty meals. Meals We Tried Curry Vegetables with Pineapple and Brown Rice, String Cheese, and Vanilla PuddingCheeseburger and Seasoned Mixed Vegetables, Whole-Wheat Bun, and OrangeChicken and Stir-Fry Vegetables with Teriyaki Sauce and White Rice and ApplesauceSweet and Sour Chicken with Stir-Fry Vegetables and White Rice, Grape Juice and Ginger Spice CookieBBQ Chicken with Potato Medley and Seasoned Green Beans and ApplesauceBeef Goulash over Whole-Wheat Pasta, Seasoned Carrots, and OrangeSalisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy, Potatoes, and Seasoned Vegetables, Whole-Wheat Dinner Roll, Gelatin Mushroom Risotto and Seasoned Peas & Carrots, Whole-Wheat Roll, and Grape JuiceKorean-Style BBQ Meatballs with White Rice and Seasoned Broccoli, and Ginger Spice CookieCreamy Macaroni & Cheese and Seasoned Vegetables, Mandarin Orange Cup, and Blueberry Applesauce Starts at $8.69 per Serving : Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon Martha Stewart and Marley Spoon Learn More Key Specs Starting Price: $8.69 per servingDelivery Area: 46 statesProducts Arrive: Fresh Why You Should Try It Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon makes it easy to incorporate flavorful recipes and clever cooking techniques into your routine. Pros and Cons Pros Features classic Martha Stewart recipes Recipe customizations and upgrades Accommodates special diets Cons Requires a fair amount of cooking time Very few preprepared ingredients Meals can only be chosen after payment Overview When you pick Martha Stewart as your guide, you get chef-quality meals, plus several breakfasts and tasty desserts to choose from. Recipes are inventive and laid out in six steps, with some that may be a bit technical for beginner cooks. Everything is fresh, so expect a lot of chopping and cooking in the kitchen. While there is limited nutrition information available for meals, Marley Spoon does have an ingredient hub where you can find details about ingredients and potential allergens. Meals We Tried Greek Chicken Gyro with Chopped Salad and Garlic SauceBroccoli Reuben, Russian Dressing Wedge SaladOven-Fried Beef Taquitos, Tomatillo Salsa & JalapeñosGochujang Turkey Ragu with Fresh Udon, Cilantro & Scallions Compare the Cheapest Meal Delivery Services Company Starting Price Delivery Area Products Arrive Customers Can Choose Delivery Date? Free Shipping Dinnerly $4.99 per serving 48 states Fresh Yes No EveryPlate $4.99 per serving 50 states Fresh No No Daily Harvest $6.79 per serving 48 states Frozen Yes Yes Revive Superfoods $6.99 per serving 50 states & Canada Frozen Yes No Fresh N Lean $7.93 per serving 50 states Fresh No Yes Home Chef $7.99 per serving 48 states Fresh Yes No HelloFresh $7.99 per serving 48 states Fresh Yes No Blue Apron $7.99 per serving 49 states Both fresh and frozen Yes No Mom’s Meals $7.99 per serving 48 states Fresh Yes No Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon $8.69 per serving 46 states Fresh Yes No Guide to Choosing an Affordable Meal Delivery Service Factors to Consider Price/Cost Per Meal: Meal delivery services are often priced per serving, and they can go from as low as $5 to as high as $9, depending on your order. The per-serving prices may look inexpensive, but it adds up quickly if you choose smaller orders and add-ons. Bulk orders are the way to go; the more you order, the lower your price per serving will be. Number of Meals Per Delivery: Knowing how many meals you want each week helps you plan, get the right amount of food, and identify the specific servings you need. This will help eliminate food waste and save shipping costs, too. Flexibility: The ability to change delivery dates, include add-ons, and pause or completely stop your subscription determines how flexible a meal delivery service is to customers’ needs.Menu Selection: Most meal delivery services showcase what they offer through a menu selection so you can set your meal and dietary preferences. Most categorize the selection so it’s easier for you to navigate their menus online.Nutrition Goals/Dietary Restrictions: Recipes that indicate nutritional and caloric information can help you achieve your health goals and meet your nutritional requirements. The information allows you to determine what specific grams of carbohydrates, proteins, and/or fat you need in your diet. Who Should Consider Meal Delivery Services? If you’re a working professional and don’t have time to cook, you should consider signing up for a meal delivery service. It will help you plan, shop, and prepare meals and provide healthy, delicious dishes that are more affordable (and often healthier) than dining out. Frequently Asked Questions Are Meal Delivery Services Healthy? Most meal delivery services offer a variety of menus, often including low-carb or lower-calorie options and ones that can accommodate a variety of food sensitivities or allergies. Nutritional information should be easily accessible via a company’s website. Of course, if you have specific nutritional goals, you should always consult your physician before starting a new meal plan. What Is the Typical Price per Serving for Meal Delivery? The typical price per serving for meal delivery falls between $7 and $8 per serving. Some meal delivery services such as Dinnerly and EveryPlate offer slightly lower costs, at $5 per serving. How Many People Can You Feed With Meal Delivery Services? Each meal delivery service varies according to the number of people it caters to. The majority serve two or four people, while others have portions suited to bigger families. Portion and serving sizes are usually part of the selection process when you sign up for a meal delivery service. Can You Lose Weight Using a Meal Delivery Service? Many meal delivery services offer portion-controlled single serving meals that may help some individuals lose weight — but that's not always the goal, necessarily. Opting for a meal delivery service may help reduce a person’s overall calorie intake, and some meal delivery services offer specific weight loss meal plans. As we mentioned, it’s always best to talk with your physician before starting a new meal plan. Methodology Testers researched, ordered from, and tested over 40 different meal delivery services to determine which deserved a place on our list. We mainly considered affordability but also assessed a variety of other factors, including recipe offerings, customizable menus, cooking/preparation times, accessibility, shipping fees, and customer service. We also considered nutrition and how companies use such information to educate their customers. After rigorous testing, we selected the most affordable meal delivery services to provide you with quick, nutritious meals. 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