5 Cheapest Meal Delivery Services: Affordable Options for Budget-Conscious Consumers

Finding a meal delivery service that fits your budget while still providing nutritious, delicious meals can feel like a challenge. With dozens of options available, prices can vary dramatically—from as low as $5 per serving to upwards of $15 or more.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply someone looking to save time without breaking the bank, affordable meal delivery services offer a practical solution. We’ve researched and compared the most budget-friendly options on the market to help you make an informed decision.

This comprehensive guide explores the cheapest meal delivery services available, examining their pricing structures, menu variety, dietary accommodations, and overall value to help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and wallet.

Quick Overview: Top Budget-Friendly Meal Delivery Services

• Best for families: EveryPlate – Starting at $5.99 per serving
• Best for singles: Daily Harvest – Starting at $6.79 per serving
• Best for seniors: Magic Kitchen – Starting at $5.50 per serving
• Best for plant-based meals: Mosaic Foods – Starting at $6.24 per serving
• Best overall value: HelloFresh – Starting at $11.99 per serving

Detailed Reviews of the Cheapest Meal Delivery Services

EveryPlate: Best Budget Meal Kit for Families

Price per serving: Starting at $5.99

Shipping cost: $10.99

Type: Meal kit

EveryPlate stands out as one of the most affordable meal kit services on the market, making it an excellent choice for families looking to save money without sacrificing home-cooked meals. The service focuses on simplicity and value, offering straightforward recipes with familiar ingredients.

The menu rotates weekly and includes options across several categories including Meat & Veggie, Veggie, Quick & Easy, Smart & Fit, and Family Faves. While the ingredient selection may be more basic compared to premium services, the meals are designed to be filling and satisfying.

Pros:

• Most affordable meal kit option
• Family-friendly portions and recipes
• Simple, easy-to-follow cooking instructions
• No complicated ingredients or techniques

Cons:

• Limited menu variety compared to premium services
• Shipping fee adds to overall cost
• Fewer dietary customization options

Daily Harvest: Best for Singles and Health-Conscious Eaters

Price per serving: Starting at $6.79

Shipping cost: $9.99

Type: Prepared meals and smoothies

Daily Harvest specializes in plant-based, frozen meals that require minimal preparation. The service offers everything from smoothies and harvest bowls to flatbreads and soups—all made with organic fruits and vegetables.

What sets Daily Harvest apart is that all items are vegan and gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. The single-serving portions are ideal for individuals living alone or those who want flexibility in their meal planning.

Pros:

• 100% plant-based and gluten-free
• Minimal preparation required
• Wide variety of meal types
• Organic ingredients
• Perfect portion sizes for one person

Cons:

• No meat or animal protein options
• Some items may be small for larger appetites
• Limited to frozen items only

Magic Kitchen: Best for Seniors and Special Diets

Price per serving: Starting at $5.50

Shipping cost: Calculated at checkout

Type: Prepared meals

Magic Kitchen offers fully prepared, frozen meals that cater specifically to various health conditions and dietary needs. This makes it particularly valuable for older adults or anyone managing specific health concerns.

The service provides specialized menus including Diabetes-Friendly, Senior Special Diet, Low Sodium, Renal Diet, and Dialysis-Friendly options. Each meal is carefully crafted to meet specific nutritional requirements while still being flavorful and satisfying.

Pros:

• Lowest price per serving
• Extensive selection of medically-tailored diets
• No cooking required
• Long shelf life in the freezer
• Portion-controlled for specific dietary needs

Cons:

• Shipping costs vary by location
• Limited gourmet or trendy meal options
• All meals are frozen

Mosaic Foods: Best for Plant-Based Budget Meals

Price per serving: Starting at $6.24

Shipping cost: Free with 12 or 18 items, otherwise $9.99+

Type: Prepared meals

Mosaic Foods delivers affordable, plant-based frozen meals that are both nutritious and convenient. The company focuses on veggie-forward bowls, family meals, pizzas, soups, oat bowls, and smoothies.

One of the standout features is the free shipping option when you order 12 or 18 items, which can significantly reduce the overall cost per serving. The meals are designed to be heated and eaten in minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

Pros:

• Affordable plant-based options
• Free shipping on larger orders
• Diverse menu categories
• Quick preparation time
• Good variety of vegetables and whole grains

Cons:

• No meat or fish options
• Smaller portions may not satisfy larger appetites
• Limited customization options

HelloFresh: Best Overall Value and Variety

Price per serving: Starting at $11.99

Shipping cost: $10.99

Type: Meal kit

While HelloFresh is slightly more expensive than other options on this list, it offers exceptional value considering the variety, quality of ingredients, and recipe innovation. The service provides numerous menu options including Veggie, Under 20 minutes, Pescatarian, Family Friendly, Fit & Wholesome, and Meat & Veggies.

HelloFresh excels in recipe variety, with new options added weekly and a larger selection to choose from compared to budget competitors. The ingredients are pre-portioned and the recipe cards are detailed and easy to follow, even for novice cooks.

Pros:

• Extensive menu variety
• High-quality, fresh ingredients
• Detailed recipe cards with photos
• Multiple dietary preference options
• Regular promotional offers for new customers

Cons:

• Higher price point than ultra-budget options
• Requires cooking time and effort
• Shipping fee applies to all orders

Price Comparison: What You’ll Actually Pay

When evaluating meal delivery services, it’s essential to look beyond the advertised price per serving and calculate the total weekly cost, including shipping fees and any minimum order requirements.

Here’s a realistic cost breakdown for a week of meals (assuming 3 meals for 2 people):

• EveryPlate: (6 servings × $5.99) + $10.99 shipping = $46.93 total ($7.82 per serving including shipping)
• Daily Harvest: (6 items × $6.79) + $9.99 shipping = $50.73 total ($8.46 per item including shipping)
• Magic Kitchen: (6 meals × $5.50) + shipping varies = approximately $45-55 total
• Mosaic Foods: (12 items × $6.24) + free shipping = $74.88 total ($6.24 per item)
• HelloFresh: (6 servings × $11.99) + $10.99 shipping = $82.93 total ($13.82 per serving including shipping)

As you can see, shipping costs can significantly impact the overall value. Services that offer free shipping on larger orders, like Mosaic Foods, may actually be more economical despite a slightly higher base price.

How to Choose the Right Budget Meal Delivery Service

Consider Your Cooking Preference

The first decision you’ll need to make is whether you want meal kits that require cooking or fully prepared meals that just need reheating. Meal kits typically offer fresher ingredients and the satisfaction of cooking, while prepared meals provide maximum convenience with minimal effort.

Evaluate Dietary Needs and Restrictions

If you follow a specific diet or have food allergies, make sure the service can accommodate your needs. Some services specialize in particular dietary approaches:

• Vegan/vegetarian: Daily Harvest, Mosaic Foods
• Gluten-free: Daily Harvest (all items), Magic Kitchen (specific menu)
• Medical diets: Magic Kitchen
• Family-friendly: EveryPlate, HelloFresh

Calculate the True Cost Per Meal

Don’t forget to factor in shipping costs, minimum order requirements, and subscription commitments. A service with a lower base price but high shipping fees may end up costing more than a slightly pricier option with free shipping.

Check Menu Variety and Customization

Some budget services offer limited menu options, which can lead to meal fatigue. Review sample menus to ensure you’ll have enough variety to keep you satisfied week after week.

Read the Fine Print

Before committing, understand the cancellation policy, how easy it is to skip weeks, and whether there are any hidden fees. Most reputable services allow you to pause or cancel without penalty, but it’s always wise to confirm.

Money-Saving Tips for Meal Delivery Services

Take Advantage of Promotional Offers

Almost every meal delivery service offers significant discounts for new customers—sometimes up to 50% off your first few boxes. These promotions can be an excellent way to try multiple services at a fraction of the regular cost.

Order Larger Quantities

Many services reduce the per-serving price when you order more meals or servings. If you have adequate freezer space, ordering the maximum allowed can substantially decrease your costs.

Look for Free Shipping Thresholds

Some companies waive shipping fees when you reach a certain order size. Hitting this threshold can save you $10-20 per delivery.

Share with Friends or Neighbors

Consider splitting a larger order with someone nearby to take advantage of bulk pricing while still maintaining variety in your own meals.

Use Loyalty Programs and Rewards

Several services offer referral bonuses, loyalty points, or rewards programs. These can add up to significant savings over time.

Are Meal Delivery Services Worth the Cost?

Whether a meal delivery service is worth the investment depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. Here are some factors to consider:

Compared to Eating Out

Meal delivery services are almost always cheaper than restaurant meals or takeout. The average restaurant meal costs $15-30 per person, while meal delivery options range from $6-12 per serving. Over a month, this can translate to savings of several hundred dollars.

Compared to Grocery Shopping

Cooking from scratch with groceries you purchase yourself is typically the most economical option. However, meal delivery services can still be cost-effective when you consider:

• Reduced food waste from pre-portioned ingredients
• Time saved on meal planning and shopping
• Elimination of impulse purchases at the grocery store
• No need to buy full-size condiments or spices you’ll rarely use

The Value of Time

If you’re someone who values convenience and time-saving, meal delivery services can be worth their cost even if they’re slightly more expensive than grocery shopping. The hours saved each week on planning, shopping, and deciding what to cook can be invaluable.

Common Questions About Budget Meal Delivery

Can I Really Save Money with Meal Delivery?

If you currently spend a lot on dining out or ordering takeout, switching to a meal delivery service will likely save you money. However, if you already cook most meals at home from groceries, meal delivery may increase your food costs slightly—though it may still be worth it for the convenience.

What’s the Catch with Super Cheap Services?

The most affordable meal delivery services typically achieve their low prices through simplification: simpler recipes, more common ingredients, less elaborate packaging, and fewer menu options. This doesn’t necessarily mean lower quality—just a more streamlined approach.

Are There Hidden Fees?

Reputable meal delivery services are transparent about their pricing. The main costs to watch for are shipping fees, which can range from free to $20+ depending on the service and your location. Always check the total cost before completing your order.

How Long Do Meal Kits and Prepared Meals Last?

Meal kit ingredients are typically fresh and should be cooked within 3-5 days of delivery. Prepared frozen meals can last several months in the freezer, giving you much more flexibility in when you consume them.

Can I Customize Meals or Skip Ingredients?

Customization options vary by service. Meal kit services generally don’t allow ingredient substitutions, though you can choose which recipes to receive. Some prepared meal services offer more flexibility to exclude certain ingredients or allergens.

Making the Most of Your Meal Delivery Service

Plan Your Schedule

Choose a delivery day that works best for your schedule, ensuring someone will be home to receive perishable items or that you have a safe place for delivery.

Manage Your Subscription

Most services operate on a subscription model but allow you to skip weeks when you’re traveling or don’t need meals. Take advantage of this flexibility to avoid waste and unnecessary charges.

Experiment with Different Services

Don’t be afraid to try multiple services to find the best fit. Use promotional offers to test several options at discounted rates before committing to one.

Supplement Strategically

You don’t have to rely entirely on meal delivery. Consider using it for dinners while handling breakfasts and lunches on your own, or ordering every other week rather than weekly.

Maximize Your Freezer Space

If you choose prepared frozen meals, organize your freezer efficiently to accommodate bulk orders, which often come with better pricing and free shipping.

Environmental and Health Considerations

Reducing Food Waste

One significant advantage of meal delivery services is the reduction in food waste. Pre-portioned ingredients mean you use exactly what you need, unlike grocery shopping where vegetables may spoil before you use them.

Packaging Concerns

The environmental impact of packaging is a valid concern with meal delivery services. Look for companies that use recyclable or compostable packaging and minimal plastic when possible.

Nutritional Value

Most meal delivery services provide nutritional information for their meals, making it easier to track your intake and make informed choices. This can be particularly valuable if you’re working toward specific health goals.

Portion Control

Meal delivery services offer built-in portion control, which can be beneficial for those trying to manage their weight or develop healthier eating habits.

The Bottom Line

Budget-friendly meal delivery services have made it possible for more people to enjoy the convenience of having meals planned and delivered without breaking the bank. With options starting as low as $5.50 per serving, these services can fit into most budgets, especially when compared to the cost of eating out.

The key is finding the right service for your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle. EveryPlate offers the best value for families seeking simple, affordable meal kits. Daily Harvest and Mosaic Foods provide excellent plant-based options for health-conscious individuals. Magic Kitchen serves those with specific dietary medical needs, particularly seniors. And HelloFresh delivers superior variety and quality for those willing to spend a bit more.

Remember to factor in shipping costs, take advantage of promotional offers, and don’t hesitate to try multiple services to find your perfect match. Whether you’re looking to save time, reduce food waste, eat healthier, or simply enjoy more variety in your meals, there’s a budget-friendly meal delivery service that can meet your needs.

By carefully evaluating your options and considering the total cost—including shipping, convenience, and time savings—you can make an informed decision that supports both your budget and your lifestyle goals.

Sources:

• USDA Nutrition.gov – Meal Planning
• USDA MyPlate – Healthy Eating Guidelines
• FDA – Nutrition Information
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Meal Planning
• CDC – Nutrition Tips