EveryPlate Review 2024: Cheap, but Is It Good?

EveryPlate Menu: Plenty of Simple & Fast Meals

EveryPlate gives you a lot of variety, especially for its affordable price. You can choose from over 30 main meal options and 25 add-ons each week, offering plenty of flexibility to suit your needs. Whether you're cooking for a family with kids or just want something quick and easy, the menu has something for everyone.

You can plan ahead by viewing the menu up to 3 weeks in advance, which makes organising your meals much easier. You're not locked into a single plan – these selections work as a way to filter the menu, and you can mix and match different options to fit your lifestyle. However, I would have liked to see the inclusion of special diets like paleo, but I can overlook that due to EveryPlate’s really low prices.

EveryPlate's plans include:

• Classic: Traditional meals that are simple and satisfying.

• Family: Larger portions that are perfect for families with kids.

• Extra Convenient: Fast and easy meals that save you time in the kitchen.

• Flexitarian: A balance of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals.

• Vegetarian: Plant-forward meals for those who prefer to avoid meat.

There’s a good variety of animal proteins, with chicken, beef, lamb, pork, and more. You’ll also find fish-based recipes featuring tuna and basa. However, while there are about 6 veggie recipes each week, this can feel a bit limited if you’re eating exclusively meat-free. There won’t be enough for vegans, although you can make a few of the veggie recipes plant-based with some at-home omissions and swaps.

I really appreciate the “Climate Hero” recipes as well. These are regular dishes but with the lowest carbon footprint for the week, allowing you to make eco-friendly choices without any extra cost. You’ll typically find at least 4 Climate Hero recipes on the menu each week.

For extras and add-ons, there’s a lot to choose from, including sides, snacks, desserts, and drinks. Options range from prawns and garlic bread to lemonade kombucha, smoothies, chocolate mousse, brownies, and apple and pear crumble. You’ll also find a small selection of single-serving prepared meals that can be microwaved in minutes, making it even easier to manage your week.

Customisation: Some Options, but Only Once You’ve Signed Up

Some meals can be customised, while others can’t. You’ll know if a recipe is customisable if it has a “You can customise this recipe!” banner and a customisation button. By clicking on the icon, you’ll see options to add, swap, or upgrade the protein in that recipe. You can also view the breakdown of any extra charges by hovering over the information icon as you customise your meals.

However, you do need to sign up for an account and check out before seeing these customisation options, which can be a bit inconvenient. It would be helpful to view customisation choices without needing to sign up first.

Fortunately, there are other ways to help you find what you want, such as menu labels. These are different to the plans you choose at sign-up, although some overlap. While the list of tags isn’t extensive, you’ll see options like Kid Friendly and Less Mess Meals to guide you. When you click on a recipe, you can view the full list of ingredients and allergy information, helping you choose meals that fit your dietary preferences.

The food information tool on the website is another great feature, providing details like ingredients, allergens, and the country of origin. It makes it easy to compare recipes quickly without needing to open each one individually.

EveryPlate’s Menu at a Glance 

Unboxing: Simple Ingredients, Organised Packaging

Most of the items you’ll need for cooking are included in your EveryPlate delivery box. However, there are a few essentials, like olive oil, butter, water, and mayonnaise, that you’ll need to have on hand. Each recipe card clearly lists what’s included and what you’ll need to already have, so there’s no guesswork.

The ingredients are neatly organised inside the box, but unlike HelloFresh, they aren’t sorted by meal. That said, the included recipe cards are simple to follow and help you identify which ingredients belong to each dish. Keep in mind that you’ll need to chop ingredients yourself and make any sauces, as nothing comes pre-prepped.

Most of the ingredients are sourced within Australia, and the prepared meals, snacks, and add-ons come clearly labelled for easy identification. The box is designed to keep everything fresh for up to 8 hours without refrigeration. Protein, dairy, and condiments are stored in cool pouches with ice packs, which means they stay at the right temperature.

All best-before dates are printed on the top of each item. The packaging is designed with sustainability in mind, though some materials require general waste disposal due to paused recycling services. Cardboard boxes and ice packs can safely be recycled, while everything else can be discarded in the rubbish bin.

Cooking with EveryPlate: Meals That Require Just 4 Steps

Cooking with EveryPlate is simple and straightforward. Each recipe is broken down into just 4 easy-to-follow steps, making meal prep a breeze. However, you’ll need to handle all the prep yourself, like washing, peeling, chopping, and preparing sauces.

That said, even with the prep, meals are really quick to prepare. Some recipes take as little as 15 minutes, and the longest ones can take up to 35 minutes, depending on what’s available each week. This is perfect for anyone looking to get dinner on the table fast.

EveryPlate provides detailed, coloured instruction cards with each meal, clearly outlining every step. You can also preview these instructions on the website before placing your order, helping you decide if the meals fit your schedule and skill level.

Even though the recipes don’t specify a required skill level, from my professional kitchen experience, I can confidently say they’re beginner-friendly. The instructions are simple and clear, so as long as you can follow them, you’ll have no trouble cooking these meals.

Here are 3 of my favourite meals from EveryPlate.

Shortlist of My Favourite Meals

Seared Pork & Apple Salad

This Seared Pork & Apple Salad from EveryPlate is a fresh, balanced meal with minimal prep time, perfect for busy days or when you want something quick and satisfying. The combination of tender pork, crisp apple, and earthy carrot ribbons creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavours. Finished with a drizzle of dill and parsley mayonnaise, this dish adds a refreshing twist that elevates the entire experience. It's a great way to enjoy a hearty, nutritious meal without the hassle of complicated recipes or a messy kitchen.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity without compromising on taste. In just 4 steps, you'll have a well-rounded, flavorful meal that's healthy and filling. The mix of vibrant salad leaves and the slight sweetness of apple perfectly complements the rich, savoury pork strips, creating a dish visually appealing and tasty. If you're looking for a quick, flavorful option that feels light but satisfying, this Seared Pork & Apple Salad is an ideal choice.

Honey-Glazed Persian Beef Koftas

These Honey-Glazed Persian Beef Koftas bring a world of flavours to your dinner table in just 20 minutes. With a blend of fragrant Persian spices, tender beef, and a honey glaze, each kofta bursts with a satisfying balance of savoury and sweet. Paired with a light veggie couscous and fresh tomato salsa, this dish provides a wholesome yet flavour-packed meal that's perfect for those who want a quick, delicious dinner without compromising on taste.

The dish's simplicity is impressive, making it easy to prepare while delivering a gourmet experience. The couscous, infused with garlic, tomato, and spinach, adds a fresh and vibrant component, while the Greek-style yoghurt provides a creamy contrast to the sweet honey glaze. These beef koftas offer an ideal balance of textures and flavours, taking an ordinary weeknight meal to the next level.

Vegetarian Rustic Bean & Veggie Pie

This Rustic Bean & Veggie Pie is a flavour-packed, comforting, and nutritious dish. Featuring a hearty mix of red kidney beans, potatoes, and a medley of vegetables like zucchini, carrot, and spinach, it delivers a full serving of your daily veggies in every bite. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes and a touch of Parmesan, it offers a satisfying texture and depth, making it the perfect choice for those looking to enjoy a meat-free, nutrient-rich meal.

What makes this pie special is its simplicity without sacrificing taste. With just 4 steps, you can create a meal that feels hearty and indulgent, yet is packed with goodness. The red kidney beans provide plant-based protein, while the combination of garlic seasoning and passata adds a rich, savoury flavour to the veggie filling.

Prices: It’s One of the Most Affordable Meal Delivery Services in Australia

With EveryPlate, the more meals you order, the better the value. If you go with the minimum order of 3 meals for 2 people, you'll pay the highest price per portion. However, pricing can drop as low as $2.19 if you order the maximum of 6 meals for 6 people each week and take advantage of a deal.

Add-ons, like garlic bread, start at just a few dollars, making it easy to add extra items to your delivery. Shipping is a flat rate of $9.99 for metro areas and a regional surcharge of $9.95 in some areas, but your first order ships for free. New customers can also enjoy a special discount on their first 6 boxes, adding even more value.

If you need a refund, you can request one within 14 days of receiving your delivery. Refunds are available if you cancel your order or if there's an issue covered under Australian Consumer Law. However, refunds aren’t given for incorrect delivery addresses entered by the customer. If your situation doesn't fit one of these categories, you can still contact support – sometimes they’ll consider your request on a case-by-case basis.

Shipping & Delivery: EveryPlate Is Available in Most Parts of Australia

EveryPlate delivers to most of NSW, VIC, ACT, QLD, and WA, with daytime and nighttime delivery windows available from Saturday to Wednesday. You can easily check if delivery is available in your area by entering your postcode at checkout.

If you need to reschedule, you can do so easily through your account before the weekly order cut-off by selecting a new delivery day in the My Menu section. Just make sure to make any changes before the cut-off for the upcoming week.

You may receive an SMS with a tracking link for your delivery, allowing you to monitor its status in real time. You can also add personalised delivery instructions to make sure your delivery gets to you safely. While deliveries are generally on time, the exact arrival can vary slightly week to week – but you can always track updates through the SMS link or from within your account.

The EveryPlate app makes managing your meal plan convenient. You can view upcoming menus, select recipes, and even access past meals. The app also lets you skip a week, pause your plan, or change the number of recipes and delivery details anytime you need.

How EveryPlate Works (Step by Step Guide)

Ordering from EveryPlate is simple. Simply pick your plan, box size, checkout, and choose your meals. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out.

How to Sign Up (Just 6 Simple Steps)

1. Start the sign-up process: Visit everyplate.com.au, hover over Our Meal Preferences, and click Select your Plan.

2. Set up your plan: Select your meal preferences along with the size of your first delivery box.

3. Create an account: Enter your email address and choose a password. Then click Continue.

4. Fill out your details: Enter your name and delivery address. Then click Next. 

5. Confirm your delivery date: Click Edit beside Delivery details if you want to choose a delivery date instead of accepting the default one.

6. Pay to complete your order: Enter your payment information and click Save and select meals. Choose your meals and extras, then complete the checkout process.

Managing Your Subscription

Managing your EveryPlate subscription is straightforward. You can update your delivery day, address, number of servings, or payment method by visiting the Settings page. Just make sure to make any changes before the weekly order cut-off, which is listed in the My Menu section of your account.

If you need to make changes to your first order, this isn’t possible online. However, you can contact customer service for help with adjusting your first delivery. You’ll also need to sign up for a subscription before you can see any meal customisation options. I’d really prefer to see these options before committing – but this is a common practice among meal delivery services and not necessarily a deal-breaker.

Customer Service: A Great Live Chat Experience!

Customer service is available 24/7 via phone and live chat. There’s also a fairly extensive FAQ and knowledge base section on the website that answers the most common concerns. I found this to be very useful because it had answers to pretty much every question I had.

That said, I did try out the live chat feature for myself to see what the experience would be like. Overall, I was quite impressed! An agent connected within a few minutes and answered my questions equally quickly. The agent was friendly, professional, and courteous – so I’d recommend live chat as your first method of contact unless you prefer phone calls.

How EveryPlate Compares to Other Meal Delivery Services

EveryPlate vs. Marley Spoon: EveryPlate is all about affordability and simplicity, offering budget-friendly meals that are quick and easy to prepare. In contrast, Marley Spoon, with its partnership with Martha Stewart, provides more gourmet recipes with a focus on high-quality ingredients and a wider range of cuisines. However, Marley Spoon can feel a bit more premium, with a higher price tag and longer cooking times. If you're looking to save money and prefer straightforward meals, EveryPlate is a solid option. For those who want more elevated recipes and don’t mind spending a bit more, Marley Spoon is the better fit.

EveryPlate vs. Dinnerly: Both EveryPlate and Dinnerly are known for their affordability, but Dinnerly takes the crown as the cheapest option. However, Dinnerly achieves this by offering simpler recipes, fewer ingredients, and no physical recipe cards unless you opt-in, which can make the experience feel more basic. EveryPlate, while still budget-friendly, provides a slightly more polished experience with detailed recipe cards and a wider variety of meal options each week. If you're purely looking for the lowest price, Dinnerly wins, but if you want more structure and variety, EveryPlate has the edge.

EveryPlate vs. HelloFresh: EveryPlate is designed for those on a tight budget, offering simple, no-frills meals at a lower cost. HelloFresh, on the other hand, comes at a slightly higher price point but delivers more variety, quality ingredients, and interesting recipes. If you're just looking for basic meals and value for money, EveryPlate is a great choice. However, if you prefer more flexibility, higher-quality ingredients, and a wider menu, HelloFresh might be worth the extra spend.

The Bottom Line: Is EveryPlate Worth It?

EveryPlate is an affordable meal delivery service with a large variety of meal options and add-ons for those following mainstream diets. You’ll find over 30 main meals and 25 extras each week, making it easy to mix and match dishes to suit your preferences. Meals are quick and easy to make, typically requiring just 4 steps, which is perfect for anyone short on time or kitchen experience.

While EveryPlate provides a great selection, there are some limitations, particularly for those with specific dietary needs. Plant-based and allergy-friendly options are somewhat limited, and there aren’t any keto or paleo meals available. However, the service is very affordable, which might outweigh these downsides for many customers.

Overall, EveryPlate is ideal if you're looking for a budget-friendly way to enjoy a variety of simple, tasty meals. The service offers great flexibility with delivery options, easy management through the app, and a straightforward refund policy, making it a reliable choice for busy households.

FAQ

What is the difference between HelloFresh and EveryPlate?

HelloFresh and EveryPlate both offer meal delivery services, but they cater to different needs. EveryPlate is focused on affordability, offering simpler meals at a lower price point. In contrast, HelloFresh provides a wider variety of meals, higher-quality ingredients, and more customisation options. While EveryPlate is great for those on a budget, HelloFresh is ideal if you’re looking for more variety and flexibility. If saving money is your priority, EveryPlate is a good choice; if you prefer better options and flavours, HelloFresh wins.

Are EveryPlate meals already cooked?

EveryPlate’s meals come in the form of meal kits. Each delivery includes fresh, pre-portioned ingredients that you need to prepare and cook yourself. Every recipe requires some basic prep, like chopping vegetables and making sauces, and the meals typically take between 15 and 35 minutes to cook. The recipe cards included in the box provide step-by-step instructions, and everything is organised for easy meal preparation. While you’ll have to do the cooking, the steps are simple and beginner-friendly.

Can I pick my meals with EveryPlate?

Yes, you can choose your meals with EveryPlate. Each week, there are over 30 meal options and 25 add-ons to select from, giving you a good variety of choices. You can even view the menu up to 3 weeks in advance and mix and match plans to suit your preferences. However, you’ll need to sign up for an account before you can see all the customisation options available.