Key features
- Cheap meal delivery services start at less than $10 per serving.
- We tested nearly 30 services to find the best budget-friendly options.
- Of the 5 cheapest meal delivery services we tried, our testers liked HelloFresh the best.
Meal delivery services offer a quick and convenient way to enjoy more healthy meals at home. But these services can range quite a bit in price, with some costing even two or three times as much as others.
We’ve tested nearly 30 of the top meal delivery services on the market to determine the best budget-friendly options, all of which start at less than $10 per serving.
Here are our recommendations for the five cheapest meal delivery services, including both prepared meals and meal kits. Kelli McGrane, our nutrition editor and registered dietitian, shares her experiences with some of the meal delivery services below, as well as a few other Healthline contributors.
provided
per serving
• Quick and Easy
• Pescatarian
• Family Friendly
• Fit & Wholesome
• Meat & Veggies
• Senior Special Diet
• Low Sodium
• Renal Diet
• Dialysis-Friendly
12 or 18 items
• or $9.99+
• Family Meals
• Pizzas
• Soups
• Oat Bowls
• Veggie
• Quick & Easy
• Nutrish & Delish
• Family Faves
We’ve tested 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. We score the meal kits as part of our testing, considering factors like the signup process, meal selection, variety, and more. Learn more about how we score meal kits.
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate menus and ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the meal delivery services on this page, we considered all the services that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further. Read more about how we test meal delivery services.
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 you can reheat 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 wise 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. Similarly, if you have health goal, such as losing weight, you might look for cost-effective options for the best meal delivery service for weight loss.
- 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.
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.
Magic Kitchen also starts at just $5 per serving. However, Magic Kitchen’s shipping charges can vary and may be more expensive than EveryPlate’s $9.99 delivery fee.
If you regularly dine out or order takeout, a meal delivery service could save you money, depending on the service you choose. However, meal delivery services tend to be more expensive than buying groceries and cooking meals at home.
Meal delivery services can be more cost-effective than eating out. These services offer portion-controlled meals at a fixed price per serving, often ranging from $5 to $11. This can be significantly lower than dining at a restaurant.
Additionally, by reducing the need to dine out, you save on additional costs like tips and transportation. However, the exact savings can vary based on the specific meal delivery service and the type of restaurants you compare them with.
The best food delivery service depends on your dietary preferences, budget, and lifestyle needs.
For people looking for budget-friendly options, services like EveryPlate and Dinnerly offer meals starting at around $5 per serving, focusing on simplicity and cost-effectiveness. For a broader menu and dietary options, HelloFresh and Blue Apron provide a variety of meals catering to different preferences.
Ultimately, the best service is one that aligns with your dietary needs, offers meals you enjoy, and fits within your budget.
Meal delivery services can range quite a bit in price, making it challenging for people on a budget to find suitable options.
However, several cost-effective services are available, many of which offer options to suit 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.
