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The Most Affordable Meal Delivery Services for Budget-Conscious Home Cooks

Find our top favorites that deliver on quality without breaking the bank

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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


Dinnerly

 Dinnerly

Key Specs
  • Starting Price: $4.99 per serving
  • Delivery Area: 48 states
  • Products 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 Potatoes
  • Low-Cal Veggie Drunken Noodles with Broccoli, Peppers & Cilantro
  • Grass-Fed Ground Beef & Cheddar Quesadillas with Corn
  • Caramel Chicken Stir-Fry with Snow Peas & Jasmine Rice

Starts at $4.99 per Serving : EveryPlate


Every Plate

 Every Plate

Key Specs
  • Starting Price: $4.99 per serving
  • Delivery Area: 50 states
  • Products 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 Frites
  • Blackened Shrimp Salad
  • Hotel Butter Barramundi

Starts at $6.79 per Serving : Daily Harvest


Daily Harvest
Daily Harvest
Key Specs
  • Starting Price: $6.79 per serving
  • Delivery Area: 48 states
  • Products 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 Smoothie
  • Mango Papaya Smoothie
  • Hazelnut + Chocolate Bites
  • Tomatillo + Pepper Flatbread
  • Portobello + Pesto Flatbread
  • Sweet Potato + Wild Rice Hash
  • Brussels Sprouts + Tahini Harvest Bowl
  • Spinach + Shiitake Grits
  • Tomato + Zucchini Minestrone Soup

Starting at $6.99 per Serving : Revive Superfoods


Revive Superfoods

Revive Superfoods

Key Specs
  • Starting Price: $6.99 per serving
  • Delivery Area: 50 states
  • Products 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 Smoothie
  • Pink Dragon Smoothie
  • Acai Twist Smoothie
  • Chipotle & Black Bean Supermeal
  • Lentil & Sun-Dried Tomato Supermeal
  • Avocado & Quinoa Supermeal
  • Chickpea & Pomegranate Supermeal
  • Guajillo Tortilla Soup
  • Artisan Bean & Tomato Soup

Starts at $7.93 per Serving : Fresh N Lean


Fresh n Lean logo

Fresh n Lean

Key Specs
  • Starting Price: $7.93 per serving
  • Delivery Area: 50 states
  • Products 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 Squash
  • Moroccan Mint Grass-Fed Steak with Spiced Cauliflower and Brown Rice
  • Chicken Tikka with Turmeric-Roasted Cauliflower and Quinoa
  • BBQ Turkey Meatballs with White Beans
  • Cajun Salmon with Yukon Potato and Tomato Rice

Starts at $7.99 per Serving : Home Chef


Home Chef Logo

Home Chef

Key Specs
  • Starting Price: $7.99 per serving
  • Delivery Area: 48 states
  • Products 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 Penne
  • Gnocchi and Red Pepper Cream
  • Moo Shu Pork Lettuce Cups

Starts at $7.99 per Serving : HelloFresh


Hello Fresh

 Hello Fresh

Key Specs
  • Starting Price: $7.99 per serving
  • Delivery Area: 48 states
  • Products 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 Chicken
  • BBQ Cheddar Burgers
  • Tex-Mex Pork with Mango Salsa
  • Pork Sausage Rigatoni Rosa

Starts at $7.99 per Serving : Blue Apron


Blue Apron

Blue Apron

Key Specs
  • Starting Price: $7.99 per serving
  • Delivery Area: 49 states
  • Products 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 Rice
  • Space Ranger Chicken Enchiladas
  • One-Pan White Bean & Poblano Shakshuka
  • Baked Meatballs & Romesco Mayo

Heat and Eat: 

  • Sweet & Spicy Bowl with Rice, Peppers, & Edamame
  • Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Peas

Starts at $7.99 per Serving : Mom’s Meals


Mom’s Meals

 Mom’s Meals

Key Specs
  • Starting Price: $7.99 per serving
  • Delivery Area: 48 states
  • Products 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 Pudding
  • Cheeseburger and Seasoned Mixed Vegetables, Whole-Wheat Bun, and Orange
  • Chicken and Stir-Fry Vegetables with Teriyaki Sauce and White Rice and Applesauce
  • Sweet and Sour Chicken with Stir-Fry Vegetables and White Rice, Grape Juice and Ginger Spice Cookie
  • BBQ Chicken with Potato Medley and Seasoned Green Beans and Applesauce
  • Beef Goulash over Whole-Wheat Pasta, Seasoned Carrots, and Orange
  • Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy, Potatoes, and Seasoned Vegetables, Whole-Wheat Dinner Roll, Gelatin 
  • Mushroom Risotto and Seasoned Peas & Carrots, Whole-Wheat Roll, and Grape Juice
  • Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with White Rice and Seasoned Broccoli, and Ginger Spice Cookie
  • Creamy 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

Martha Stewart and Marley Spoon

Key Specs
  • Starting Price: $8.69 per serving
  • Delivery Area: 46 states
  • Products 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 Sauce
  • Broccoli Reuben, Russian Dressing Wedge Salad
  • Oven-Fried Beef Taquitos, Tomatillo Salsa & Jalapeños
  • Gochujang 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.

 Fried chicken fillet and fresh vegetable salad of tomatoes, cucumbers and arugula leaves

YelenaYemchuk / Getty Images

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