How Much Does Meal Delivery Cost in 2026?

In the era of convenience, deciding between meal delivery and traditional grocery shopping can be daunting. I've poured countless hours into reviewing and researching various services, keeping an eagle eye on pricing structures to offer you the most accurate insights.

The average serving cost for meal deliveries ranges from $5 to $20. Of all the services I've explored, Dinnerly consistently emerges as the most budget-friendly option. But remember, prices aren't static. They can differ based on factors such as the dishes chosen, the volume of your order, swaps or upgrades, and the inclusion of any premium selections.

Factor is my top recommended meal delivery service this year. Boasting a large menu of prepared dishes, you can effortlessly warm them up in just 2 to 3 minutes. While it doesn't clinch the title for the most affordable, the value makes it an attractive choice. Read on for all the details, including price breakdowns. 

Meal Delivery Price Comparison

There are several excellent meal delivery services out there nowadays. However, each has unique pricing. For example, Factor is my favorite prepared meal delivery service, and Green Chef is my top-rated meal kit delivery service this year. On the other hand, Dinnerly is another of my favorites because of its budget price per serving. My team and I have tried out all of these services at home to compare the latest pricing and the comparative value.

Average Cost of Meal Kit Delivery Services

Prepared meals offer a level of convenience unmatched by any grocery store. Simply order your meals, store them in the fridge or freezer, and heat them up in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes when ready to eat. However, pricing can vary quite wildly with prepared meal delivery services. Let’s talk about my top recommendations and how they stack up.

Best Price Meal Delivery Service 

There are tons of different meal kit and prepared meal delivery services, so prices vary widely. For instance, Dinnerly and EveryPlate are the most affordable options, but only offer basic meal kits. There are more convenient, completely prepared options out there, like Factor, but pricing isn’t quite as affordable. Check out our list of the cheapest meal delivery services.

Are Meal Kits Cheaper Than Grocery Shopping?

Yes and no. Meal kits and grocery shopping serve different purposes, and their relative cost-effectiveness can depend on a range of factors. Meal kits are tailored for convenience and specific culinary experiences. 

Meal kits also provide pre-measured ingredients for designated recipes, which can help reduce food waste. However, this convenience typically comes at a premium. Many meal kit services charge a substantial amount for curated recipes, packaging, and delivery services. 

Furthermore, meal kits often have higher costs because of the additional packaging and the logistics of delivering perishable items directly to consumers' doors. However, there are some highly attractive, convenient, and affordable meal kit delivery services out there.

Are Prepared Meals Cheaper Than Takeout?

Prepared meals can offer cost savings over time. You'll often find that these are made in bulk or batches. Because of economies of scale, suppliers can often produce these meals at a lower cost per serving than many takeout options. This saving is sometimes passed on to you, especially if you're buying a larger quantity or subscribing to a regular delivery service.

Takeout often comes with additional costs (especially factoring in delivery charges). While that takeout dish might seem reasonably priced at first glance, there are often added expenses.

Think about delivery fees, tips for drivers, and potentially higher prices for individual dishes due to packaging and convenience factors. Over time, these can add up, making takeout a pricier option compared to some prepared meals.

However, in my professional experience and opinion, value isn't just about price. When deciding between prepared meals and takeout, I'd advise considering factors beyond just the cost. Takeout might offer a broader range of cuisines and freshly made, local dishes, while prepared meals might focus on nutrition and consistency. Always evaluate based on your priorities.

How to Get the Best Value Meal Delivery Service

Everyone aims to get the best value for their buck when it comes to meal delivery services. I'm here to guide you through making the most cost-effective decisions without compromising on convenience, variety, or taste.

Firstly, consider the size of your order. Often, you'll find that the larger the order, the cheaper the price per serving becomes. This is similar to buying in bulk at the grocery store. If you have the freezer space and enjoy the meals, committing to larger orders can save you significantly. Factor, for instance, offers great discounts, with the best value serving price for its 14-meal plan.

Next, evaluate the balance between cost and convenience. Sure, these services might seem pricier than if you were to cook everything from scratch. But remember, you're paying for more than just food. You're freeing up the hours you'd otherwise spend planning, shopping, and cooking.

That time saved can be invaluable, especially on busy days. Consider a service like Dinnerly, for instance. It’s way more convenient than shopping yourself, and even offers really affordable prices that start at just $3.99 per serving. Check out our tested Dinnerly review to find out how it’s the most affordable meal delivery service.

Another important factor is the variety these services offer. You might be paying a bit more, but in return, you receive dishes from multiple cuisines that would be costly and time-consuming to prepare from scratch. Think about how much it would cost to purchase ingredients for a Japanese recipe for one night and an Indian dish the next from a grocery store. And then you end up with really specific spices that you may never use again. 

Instead, a global dining experience is brought right to your door without the shopping hassle. To me, this is absolutely worth the extra few bucks I may spend. After all, time is money, and time saved is money saved.

Then there's the choice between subscriptions and one-off orders. Subscriptions often come at a discounted rate (like HelloFresh) compared to single orders (like Blue Apron). If you find a service you love, I'd suggest opting for a subscription. It's usually more budget-friendly, and you can always pause or adjust it according to your needs. Check out our list of the best meal delivery services for this year.

Lastly, always keep an eye on shipping prices. Some services include shipping in the meal price, while others charge separately. Factor in these costs when comparing overall prices, as they can sometimes make a seemingly affordable service a less economical choice. Most shipping costs remain consistent despite the size of your order, so it's another good reason to make larger orders to increase the value of your spend. 

It's all about weighing the benefits and understanding what you value most. The world of meal delivery services offers flexibility, convenience, and variety. With these tips in mind, you're set to make informed decisions that cater to your palate and your wallet.

FAQ

What is the cheapest prepared meal delivery service?

Dinnerly. Its prices start at just $3.99 per serving, which is virtually unmatched by any other service today.

Is food meal delivery worth it?

For some people, yes, and for others, no. If you value your time and energy over saving a few bucks, yes. For me, for instance, avoiding planning, grocery shopping, and excessive cleanup after dinner is worth more than paying a few bucks extra per meal. You can always go with a slightly more affordable meal delivery service like HelloFresh to save a few bucks.

Do meal delivery services actually save you money?

If you value your time over saving money, I recommend Green Chef. It provides tons of meal kits across a variety of cuisines that don’t take much longer than around 30 to 40 minutes to make, on average. Prices start at just $6.00 per serving.

How much do HelloFresh meals cost?

HelloFresh meals are pretty affordable. As an example, with a first-time customer discount, you’ll pay $29.93 for a box with the best per-serving price. I find this to be quite reasonable considering many other meal delivery services can be significantly more expensive than that.

Best Meal Delivery Services in 2026 — Final Score