10 Best Cheapest Meal Delivery Services 2024

Meal delivery services are a great way to save you time and money, but the costs vary wildly. There are some budget-friendly options out there, but you’ll want to make sure you’re not sacrificing taste or variety. 

I've been researching and validating the best and cheapest ones to save you hassle, time, and, ultimately, money. There definitely are affordable services out there that deliver top-quality meals that are nutritious and tasty – and some are practically as cheap as buying your own groceries.

My number-one pick is Dinnerly. Not only is it overall the most affordable, but subscribers can choose from a wide range of recipes, including No Chop! and One Pot options for ultimate convenience, plus a good selection of diet-friendly dishes, such as vegetarian, low-calorie, and dairy-free. 

That said, Dinnerly won’t work for every household, so read on to find out which other budget-friendly meal delivery services made the cut.

The Cheapest Meal Delivery Services Reviewed

1. Dinnerly – Best Overall Cheap Meal Delivery Service

Dinnerly offers a great deal of variety for its modest price tag of $2.12 per serving. The menu largely comprises family-friendly takes on American classics (like the Buffalo Fried Chicken Tacos pictured), plus plenty of No Chop!, One Pan, and other low-prep meals. This makes Dinnerly convenient on top of being affordable.

What’s on the Menu?

Our reviewer took a closer look at the full menu, of which there are more than 100 dishes (including all the sides and add-ons) each week. This is a huge amount of choice for a weekly menu.

The ingredients are also top-quality for the price. You can expect antibiotic-free chicken and other top-tier proteins in every box, plus some organic produce where possible. The company also works with small, family-run producers to source its ingredients.

Dinnerly also allows you to shop a variety of affordable add-ons each week, including sides, desserts, breakfasts, and even some prepared meals and family bundles. From Loaded Bacon Cheese Fries to Roasted Garlic Parmesan Broccoli, PB&J Overnight Oats to Cinnamon Rice Pudding (one of my faves!), there are a ton of crowd-pleasing extras to choose from.

What Makes It Special?

Dinnerly distinguishes itself with its minimal packaging. It reduces costs and supports sustainability by keeping most produce loose and using recyclable plastics for other items. This eco-conscious approach underscores Dinnerly's commitment to both affordability and environmental responsibility.

Expect to organize ingredients from your Dinnerly box, as it uses less packaging compared to other services. While this requires some sorting, it significantly cuts down on packaging waste. It's an environmentally friendly choice for those mindful of their impact, making Dinnerly an appealing option for eco-conscious consumers.

Is It Good Value?

Dinnerly offers the versatility to choose between 3 and 6 recipes weekly for either 2 or 4 people. This flexibility caters to both small and large households, allowing you to tailor your plan to your specific needs.

The pricing structure of Dinnerly is designed to be more economical with increased orders. The cost per serving decreases as you order more meals and servings, making it a great option for larger families and households seeking value.

2. EveryPlate – Best Budget Meals for Families

With prices from $2.99 per serving, EveryPlate is Dinnerly’s closest competitor and a subsidiary of the better-known (and slightly more expensive) HelloFresh. That HelloFresh level of quality comes through in the ingredients used – in fact, you might even find HelloFresh branded ingredients in your EveryPlate box, as I discovered when I gave EveryPlate a try for myself at home.

What’s on the Menu?

The reason EveryPlate is able to keep its prices so low is that it streamlines its menu with no-frills sides and proteins, as well as cutting down on things like printed recipe cards and fancy packaging. It doesn’t have quite as much variety as Dinnerly, with around 30 recipes on the menu each week, but that’s still a solid number. 

EveryPlate is not the best service for dietary accommodations, although it does have some great vegetarian and family-friendly options. But you won’t find any keto, gluten-free, paleo, low-carb, or plant-based options.

Despite this, every recipe I’ve had from EveryPlate has been tasty, satisfying, and easy to prepare. The simple side dishes can get repetitive (expect lots of carrots and potatoes), but the option of Premium recipes delivers more variety.

What Makes It Special?

EveryPlate sets itself apart with an extensive range of sides, snacks, and add-ons, catering to more than just dinner needs. You can enjoy a variety of dishes, such as White Cheddar Mac and Cheese, Garlic Bread, and Sweet Kale Salad Kits, providing a well-rounded culinary experience.

I like that there are extra proteins to enhance your meals. Options like shrimp, salmon, ground beef, and chicken breasts allow for greater customization of dishes. This variety caters to different dietary preferences and needs, making EveryPlate a flexible choice for those who enjoy tailoring their meals to their tastes and requirements.

Is It Good Value?

EveryPlate, similar to Dinnerly, requires a minimum order of 3 meals per week, catering to either 2 or 4 people. For those who need more, you can order up to 5 recipes at a time. This flexibility makes it suitable for various household sizes and meal-planning preferences.

3. HelloFresh – Best Cheap Meals for Novice Cooks

HelloFresh is one of the most popular meal kit delivery services on the market. This comes as no surprise when you consider just how effortless its meals are, how much variety it offers, and how affordable it is.

What’s on the Menu?

You’ll find lots of returning meals on the menu that are considered Customer Favorites, as well as recipes that sit within the Family Friendly, Pescatarian, and Fit & Wholesome categories. There’s even an Under 20 Minutes plan, which comprises a selection of meal kits that take around 20 minutes or less to make. 

No matter which plan you choose, you’ll always have access to the full menu, and you can even make customizations on some dishes, with the option to swap the protein or side dish. HelloFresh has also introduced more plant-based dishes on its menu recently, which is great news for vegans. 

The variety you get with HelloFresh is huge. The cuisines on offer include everything from Italian-inspired to classic American, Mediterranean to Middle Eastern, with Premium Picks (meals with higher-end ingredients such as truffle, shrimp, and steak), Easy Prep options, and even 10-minute lunches.

What Makes It Special?

The convenience factor of HelloFresh is not to be underestimated. From the moment you order until the box lands on your doorstep, the process is a breeze. Its easy-to-navigate website and mobile app allow for a hassle-free experience where you can choose your meal options, customize your delivery schedule, and track your box with just a few clicks.

Each HelloFresh recipe is extensively tested, which means even beginner cooks can have fun getting creative in the kitchen, which is exactly what happened when we tried HelloFresh at home.

Is It Good Value?

The service is also environmentally conscious and promises high-quality, farm-fresh ingredients that are seasonal, sustainable, and ethically sourced. Everything comes perfectly portioned and with clear, concise recipes to reduce food waste.

The minimum order is 2 recipes for 2 people per week, but you can order 6 recipes for 4 or 6 people for the lowest price per serving. With our new customer discount, you’ll pay $107.75 for a box with the best per-serving value. Shipping costs are confirmed at checkout, but you can expect to pay around $10.99 per week.

4. Blue Apron – Best for Affordable Gourmet Meals

For a small bump in price, Blue Apron’s jump in quality is exponential. As well as a broad range of meal kits, Ready-to-Cook kits, and prepared dishes, you also get access to exciting, global-inspired recipes and high-end ingredients.

What’s on the Menu?

Blue Apron's menu stands out with its blend of traditional and innovative recipes, catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. You have the luxury of choosing from a variety of options each week, including meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Recipes are carefully designed to offer a balance of classic favorites and modern culinary trends.

The quality of ingredients is a key focus for Blue Apron, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce that elevates the flavor of each dish. This commitment to freshness not only enhances the taste but also aligns with seasonal eating patterns. It often collaborates with renowned chefs and culinary influencers, introducing exclusive and innovative recipes.

Our foodie reviewer loved the variety that Blue Apron offers. With Signature, Wellness, and Vegetarian plans, you can find meals that are diabetes-friendly, Mediterranean-inspired, and you can always find a selection of new dishes on the menu tagged as New & Notable.

What Makes It Special?

The meal kits take anywhere from 25 to 50 minutes to make, but I’ve found that most take around 30 minutes, on average. This depends on your efficiency and skill level, too, of course. Thankfully, Blue Apron’s step-by-step recipes are easy to follow – even for novice cooks – and there are video tutorials that can be found online and via the app.

The prepared meals take 5 minutes or less in the microwave, while the Ready-to-Cook options just need to be assembled in the accompanying aluminum tray and popped in the oven for 40 to 50 minutes.

Is It Good Value?

I appreciate Blue Apron’s variety of convenient add-ons. Its wide range of add-ons include breakfast, desserts, sides, and proteins. In the Market, you’ll find seasonal celebration bundles.

The best price is $4.00 per serving, but you’ll need to order the maximum number of meals per week (5 recipes for 4 people). However, even the minimum order of 2 meals for 2 is reasonable when you take into account the high quality and healthy balance of dishes. The minimum number of fresh, prepared dishes is 4 single-serve meals per week.

5. Home Chef – Best Customizable Meal Delivery

Home Chef delivers an unparalleled level of customization. If you don’t like the protein choice available in a particular recipe, you’re free to replace it with something else. For example, if you don’t fancy the pork in your Tortilla Pork Chop with Squash and Lime Crema (pictured), you could replace it with chicken or steak.

What’s on the Menu?

The recipes come in various formats. Express meals take less than 30 minutes to prepare, Oven-Ready meals just require assembly, and Fast & Fresh arrive prepared and ready to heat and eat. Home Chef also has a selection of Lunches that are also fully prepared and just need to be heated. You can also find bundles and extras to complete your meal.

Home Chef’s biggest drawback is that it doesn’t cater well to vegan diets. However, vegetarians do have around 6 veggie meals to choose from each week. Plus, you can choose from recipes tagged Gluten-Smart and Keto-Friendly. Our tester goes into more detail in this in-depth review.

The variety of cuisines is excellent – choose from Mediterranean, French, classic American, Italian, Korean, Cajun, Greek, and more each week. The menu and customization options change each week, so you’ll never find yourself getting bored.

What Makes It Special?

The regular meal kits take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes to prepare, but most can be ready in around 30. If you’re looking for the quickest meal kits, look out for those tagged Express, Express Plus, or Oven Ready.

The Culinary Collection dishes are more complex recipes with premium cuts of meat and higher-end ingredients. These come at a premium price, so are best avoided if you’re on a budget, but it’s nice to know you have the option to splurge for a special occasion.

Is It Good Value?

Home Chef offers a range of options to suit different needs, with a minimum order of 2 recipes for 2 people per week and a maximum of up to 6 recipes. The service starts at a base price of $9.99 per serving, giving you an initial cost guideline.

It's important to note that Home Chef prices each meal individually. While the starting price offers a basic idea, the actual cost can vary based on the chosen meals. Any customizations or add-ons, such as premium ingredients or special side dishes, will increase the total cost.

6. Purple Carrot – Best Value Vegan Meals

Purple Carrot is the cheapest option out there for vegans, at $11.00 per serving. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or new to plant-based eating, I’ve found Purple Carrot’s meals to be the best way to cram more veggies into your diet. It offers tons of inspiration and introduces you to a wide range of new and exciting ingredients.

What’s on the Menu?

Choose from around 30 recipes each week, 12 of which are kits, and another 16 of which are microwaveable prepared meals that take just 2 to 3 minutes to cook. You can also choose from 4 breakfasts and 4 lunches which makes meal planning super easy.

Look out for meal kits that are tagged Less Prep, too. These include prepared sauces and seasonings, pre-chopped vegetables, and recipes that require fewer pots and pans.

There’s an interesting variety of cuisines on the menu. Main dishes include Cajun Baked Tofu, Maple-Chipotle Carrot Tacos, and Caprese Mac N’ Cheese. Prepared options include Cauliflower Palak and Thai Red Curry.

You can also pick up extras to add to your box. These include breakfast and lunch dishes (think pancakes, smoothies, and protein power bowls), and Plantry items like cookies, vegan cheese, black bean burgers, and pasta. Prices start from around $11.00 for extras.

What Makes It Special?

My colleague gave Purple Carrot a go at home and loved the variety, claiming the service would satisfy “even the fussiest of omnivores.” They also loved that Purple Carrot avoids imitation meats, instead focusing on how vegetables can be the star of the show in each dish. Read the full review to find out more.

Purple Carrot caters well to other dietary accommodations, too, offering meals that are high in protein, lower calorie (less than 600 calories per serving), soy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, and more.

Is It Good Value?

The minimum order is 3 meal kits per week for 2 people – or 6 single-serving prepared meals. However, it’s good to know that you can mix and match between meal kits and prepared meals in your account when you’ve set it up.

The maximum order of 10 single-serving prepared meals makes Purple Carrot a great option if you want to stock up your fridge or freezer with easy-to-cook veggie dishes. Shipping is $10 but free on orders over $99, so it might be worth stocking up the freezer.

7. Marley Spoon – Budget-Friendly and Eco-Conscious Meals

Marley Spoon brings you a fantastic selection of family-friendly meals – at a great price point of $4.99 per serving. The meals are varied and really high quality. Alongside a wide range of meal kits, you’ll find a limited selection of prepared dishes, plus tons of extras like sides, breakfasts, and ready-to-bake desserts.

What’s on the Menu?

When I reviewed Marley Spoon, I was impressed with all the international flavors on the menu. Look out for tasty-sounding meals such as Classic One-Skillet Tomato Pasta, Sheet Pan Ranch Pork with Veggies, and Vegan Chili with Jasmine Rice. It caters brilliantly to dietary needs, too, with everything from plant-based options to dairy-free dishes.

I really like that you can customize so many of the dishes. For example, you can order the Pineapple Chicken meal kit with salmon, steak, or cod instead. This adds more variety to the menu, and you can tailor meals to suit your household.

Most of the meal kits take between 30 to 60 minutes to prepare, which means you can choose dishes that suit your schedule week after week. If you find you’re in a rush, keep an eye out for those tagged Under 30 Minutes on the menu.

What Makes It Special?

Marley Spoon was the first meal delivery service to go carbon neutral and is committed to the environment. As well as working on green projects with various accredited climate partners, it promises to use only recyclable packaging and has a ton of information on the website about how to dispose of it effectively. 

Customer service is another area where Marley Spoon shines. The platform offers a straightforward, user-friendly experience from the moment you sign up. Any issues or concerns are swiftly handled via the responsive customer support team, who are accessible through a variety of channels such as email, phone, and live chat.

Is It Good Value?

Marley Spoon offers a flexible subscription, allowing you to skip weeks, swap recipes, or cancel anytime with no penalty. You can also easily make changes to your plan via the Marley Spoon app. This makes it really convenient and hassle-free.

The minimum order is 2 meals for 2 people per week, but you can order up to 6 recipes for households of 4 – another reason why Marley Spoon is a fab, sustainable option for families.

8. Hungryroot – Best for Affordable Groceries & Meal Delivery

Hungryroot is a unique meal delivery service that is part meal kit and part grocery delivery. This model can save you money and reduce food waste by providing you with recipes to use up all the groceries you order each week.

What’s on the Menu?

You can choose from a huge range of chef-prepared recipes and fresh groceries, with the flexibility to change your order size from 1 week to the next. As my colleague discovered in their in-depth Hungryroot review, most of the groceries are Hungryroot’s own label. There are still, however, many items from familiar grocery brands available to you that you may already be used to and prefer.

The aim of Hungryroot is to make healthy, balanced recipes more accessible, so most of the dishes can be cooked within 10 to 15 minutes – think salads, grain bowls, pasta dishes, tacos, wraps, sandwiches, and more. Many of the ingredients come pre-cooked or prepared to make that happen. 

There’s no shortage of dietary options, either. You can find recipes and groceries that are vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, tree nut-free, peanut-free, egg-free, and shellfish-free.

What Makes It Special?

I really like the Food Profile you set up as part of your account. Think of this as your culinary blueprint: it encapsulates all the key details about you and your eating habits. By comprehending your specific needs and tastes, Hungryroot can tailor your weekly cart precisely, so your fridge is stocked only with items that you'll love.

Within your Food Profile, you can set your Dietary Needs. You can also indicate your Protein Preferences and Heat Tolerance to narrow down your options even more.

Is It Good Value?

Hungryroot’s minimum order requirement is 2 dinner servings and 4 lunch servings per week. However, you can add a combination of up to 16 servings per week. The various plans and packages make it easy to spend as little or as much as you need in 1 order.

You can customize your weekly order by mixing and matching from Hungryroot's menu of prepared meals, sides, snacks, and grocery items. Hungryroot also allows you to add extras like fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy snacks, and pantry staples to further personalize your delivery.

9. Nutrisystem – Best for Affordable Weight Loss Meals

Nutrisystem is aimed at those who want to lose weight, but it’s also one of the cheapest meal delivery services out there on a per-serving level, with prices starting at $9.64 per day for all of your meals.

What’s on the Menu?

Nutrisystem's meal plan variety is commendable, offering options to cater to different needs, with options for men and women, and even a Partner plan for couples. It provides flexible ordering options, making it a good choice for those who prefer certain meals over others. The menu lets you mix and match between several breakfast, lunch, and dinner options to keep you satisfied.

You can choose from a selection of pre-packaged snacks that include shelf-stable meal bars, shakes, and muffins, to pizza, grilled chicken sandwiches, and ready-to-cook mac and cheese. However, depending on the program you choose, you might need to do a little grocery shopping of your own for things like fresh fruit and vegetables, so it’s important to factor that into your budget, too.

Convenience is undoubtedly the key here: having just the right number of calorie-controlled meals and snacks delivered to your door to keep you on track with your health goals is what appeals to most people about this service.

What Makes It Special?

Nutrisystem’s support system is another highlight, offering access to dietitians and weight loss counselors for expert advice and encouragement. It's this holistic approach that makes Nutrisystem a reliable ally in your weight loss journey.

Just keep in mind that processed foods like this aren’t necessarily the healthiest option, so it’s best to use Nutrisystem’s plans as an easy and affordable way to kickstart your health goals rather than as a long-term solution. If you’re into clean eating, keep an eye out for the service’s wholefood-based meals – though these meals are frozen and only available on the more expensive plans.

Is It Good Value?

The minimum order for this service is 4 weeks’ worth of meals. There are also options to add Hearty Inspirations meals or protein shakes for an additional cost.

10. Mosaic Foods – Best Frozen Vegetarian Meals

Mosaic Foods aims to make eating hearty, veggie meals simple, so its meals come flash-frozen for long-term storage and convenience.

What’s on the Menu?

Each meal is prepared, which means no prep, cooking, or cleanup. You can expect every dish to contain somewhere between 10 g and 20 g of protein – and sometimes even more. You can also filter the menu for low-calorie options with under 450 calories per serving.

The items on offer include veggie bowls, family-sized meals, pizzas, soups, and high-protein oat bowls, which are great for breakfast. Crowd-pleasing dinner options like Italian “Sausage” and Pumpkin Lasagne or Enchilada Verde Bake will ensure these meals go down a treat with kids, too.

I like the interesting variety of cuisines on the menu. You can opt for a Mexican Mole Bowl, Tangy Thai Stir Fry, or a Moroccan Vegetable Tagine.

What Makes It Special?

What sets Mosaic Foods apart is its commitment to quality and nutrition. Each meal is curated using fresh, locally sourced vegetables that are flash-frozen to seal in their natural goodness and flavor. The brand prides itself on its transparent ingredient list, featuring whole food ingredients with no artificial additives or preservatives. It also offers a diverse array of gluten-free and dairy-free options, catering to different dietary needs.

Its eco-conscious approach is another positive aspect of the service. Mosaic Foods is dedicated to sustainability, from sourcing ingredients to packaging. It uses recyclable packaging materials and is conscious about its carbon footprint, striving to offset it with green initiatives.

Is It Good Value?

Prices start from $4.99 per serving, depending on the meals that you order. The minimum order is 6 meals, but you can get up to 18 items in your box. My colleague’s review goes into more detail about Mosaic Foods’ prices and plans. 

If you’re on a budget, bulk buying could be the best option here since the company offers free shipping on larger orders – just make sure you have enough space in your freezer!

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Cheapest Meal Delivery Services

Cheap can be good, but when it comes to the food we eat, it’s about more than just the cost. Here are some other factors to consider when choosing the right meal delivery service:

• Menu variety: More costly meal delivery services usually offer a wider weekly selection, but even budget-friendly options like Dinnerly have expansive menus, ensuring you'll find meals you'll enjoy week after week.
  
• Fresh, quality ingredients: Too often, inexpensive meal choices are loaded with sodium, sugar, and unhealthy additives and preservatives. The meal delivery services I’ve chosen like HelloFresh send only fresh, quality food that will fill your belly while meeting your nutritional needs.
• Good customer service: Companies will sometimes save money by cutting back on customer service, but when you want to skip a week or have a problem with your order, you want the issue resolved quickly. Look for services like Blue Apron that has a user-friendly app and helpful, easy-to-reach representatives.  
• Identify your priorities: Some services implement measures to save costs and maintain competitive pricing, so understand fully what you'll receive each week. For example, if you prefer clearly labeled and organized ingredient bags like Home Chef, you might need to pay a bit more for such preferences. 
  
• Consider exploring different options: Discounts for new customers make it more affordable to try out new services. Search for a service that provides a discount on your initial order. I have mentioned all the current deals for my suggested services above.
  

FAQ

What is the cheapest meal delivery service?

Dinnerly is the cheapest meal delivery service on my list, with prices starting at $2.12 per serving. For your money, Dinnerly offers a wide selection of simple-to-cook and tasty recipes that cater to a good variety of dietary needs.

Is HelloFresh worth the money?

Yes, HelloFresh offers a diverse and adventurous menu at a good price. If you’re looking for something more exciting and forward-thinking than reliable comfort food, and if good customer service and sustainability are important to you, you may well find HelloFresh worth the money.

Is EveryPlate cheaper than the alternatives?

Yes, EveryPlate is one of the most affordable meal delivery services on my list. Its meals start at just $2.99 per serving. And even though it’s considered a “cheaper” service, you’re not sacrificing quality. It still offers lots of weekly choices, top-tier ingredients, and plenty of international, family-friendly meals.

Is Home Chef worth the money?

Yes, but it depends on what you order, as each meal is priced individually and add-ons cost extra. However its varied menu and Customize It feature means you have a lot of flexibility, which is why it made my list.  

Are meal delivery services cheaper than grocery shopping?

If you choose one of my top affordable services, then yes, they can be. You might be able to purchase ingredients for slightly less at your local grocery store, but meal delivery services help you save more overall by sticking to a budget, cutting down on food waste, and resisting the urge to impulse-buy at the grocery store or on takeout.

Cheapest Meal Delivery Services in 2024 — Final Score