10 Cheapest Meal Delivery Services 2023: From Under $5!

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.

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.

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.

You can order between 3 and 6 recipes each week for either 2 or 4 people. As with most meal delivery services, the more meals and servings you order, the cheaper the price will be per serving, making Dinnerly a great option for bigger households and families in particular.

Don’t expect your box to contain tons of packaging, either. Part of the reason Dinnerly is able to stay so affordable is that it chooses to keep much of the produce loose in the box, while any sauces, meats, and other items will be housed in #1 and #4 recyclable plastics. While this means you’ll have to organize the ingredients yourself when unboxing, it’s certainly a more earth-friendly choice compared to many other meal delivery services out there.

2. EveryPlate – Best Budget Meals for Families

With prices from $1.49 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 this service a go for myself at home. 

The reason EveryPlate is able to keep its prices so low is because 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 25 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. That said, 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.

It also has an impressive assortment of sides, snacks, and add-ons. These include dishes for breakfast as well. Look out for items like Turkey Sausage & Cheddar Egg Bites, Garlic Bread, Sweet Kale Salad Kits, and extra proteins like shrimp, salmon, ground beef, and chicken breasts.

Like Dinnerly, the minimum order is 3 meals per week for either 2 or 4 people, and you can order up to 6 recipes at a time. Set your preferences when you sign up (Meat & Veggie, Veggie, Family Friendly, Quick & Easy, and more), and EveryPlate will suggest recipes that fit the brief every week – though you’ll still have access to the wider menu.

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 at just $3.32 per serving. 

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 our reviewer tried HelloFresh for themselves. 

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 a Quick & Easy plan, which comprises a selection of meal kits that take around 25 minutes or less to make. 

No matter which plan you choose, you’ll always have access to the full menu, and 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 (Prosciutto and Italian Cheese Roll-Up, anyone?).

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. 

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 up to 4 recipes for 6 people at a time for the lowest price per serving.

4. 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.

You can also choose between a wide range of meal kits or prepared meals. The meal kits come in various formats, including what Home Chef calls Fresh and Easy meals. This is a collection of quick, 15-minute meal kits, entreé salads that come with pre-cooked proteins, and grill-, and oven-ready dishes that just need to be assembled and cooked.

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. 

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. Our tester goes into more detail in this in-depth review.

It’s easy to avoid some ingredients when you sign up. There’s a basic list to choose from that includes pork, beef, mushrooms, poultry, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and more. Plus you can look out for calorie- and carb-conscious options, too, just don’t expect meals that are gluten-free or completely plant-based, for example.  

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.

It has a minimum order of 2 recipes for 2 people per week and a maximum of 6, and its starting price of $7.99 per serving is often used as a guide only. If sticking to a budget is important to you, note that each meal is priced individually and customizations and add-ons will bump up the cost.

5. 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 meals, and prepared dishes, you also get access to exciting, global-inspired recipes and high-end ingredients. 

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.

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. 

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 and even kitchen utensils. 

The best price is $5.74 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.

6. Purple Carrot – Best Value Vegan Meals

Purple Carrot is the cheapest option out there for vegans at $8.50 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.

Choose from around 16 recipes each week, 8 of which are kits, another 8 of which are microwaveable prepared meals that take just 2 to 3 minutes to cook. 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. 

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 $4.49 for extras.

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. 

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.

The minimum order is 3 meal kits per week for 2 people – or 6 single-serving prepared meals. 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 Meals from Martha Stewart

Marley Spoon allows you to bring Martha Stewart’s tried-and-tested meals into your home – at a great price point of $2.99 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. 

When I reviewed Marley Spoon, I was impressed with all the international flavors on the menu. Look out for tasty-sounding meals such as Martha’s 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. 

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.

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. 

It also 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, 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.

You can choose from a huge range of chef-prepared recipes and fresh groceries, with the flexibility to change your order size from one 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.

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. 

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, plus extras such as fruit and vegetables. The various plans and packages make it easy to spend as little or as much as you need in one order.

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 $8.54. 

Nutrisystem's meal plan variety is commendable, offering options to cater to different needs, such as Uniquely Yours, Uniquely Yours Max+, Complete 55 for those ages 55 and up, a Diabetes plan, 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.

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. While the taste of its meals may not always be gourmet, the convenience, affordability, and focus on portion-controlled eating makes it a practical choice for those seeking to jumpstart their weight loss efforts.

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. 

Most of the foods are shelf stable and designed to be eaten on the go, so our reviewer found that they aren’t the tastiest – but they’ll certainly keep you full as they’re packed with dietary fiber. 

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.

The minimum order for this service is breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 5 days. If you want meals for the full 7 days a week, you could order the Uniquely Yours Max+ meal plan.

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. It’s personally something that has never bothered me too much, but it’s up to you to decide if you would prefer chilled dishes. 

Each meal is prepared, which means no prep, cooking, or cleanup. You can expect every dish to contain somewhere between 10g and 20g of protein – and sometimes even more. The items on offer include veggie bowls, family-sized meals, pizzas, smoothies, soups, and high-protein oat bowls, which are great for breakfast. Crowd-pleasing dinner options like Italian “Sausage” and Pumpkin Lasagne or Enchilada Verda Bake will ensure these meals go down a treat with kids, too. 

It also offers Mosaic+, which is essentially a collection of single-serving, chef-designed dishes that can be heated in the microwave. These plant-based meals include North African Veggies and Couscous, Black-Eyed Pea and Sweet Potato Ndambe, Vegan Penne Vodka, and more.

What sets Mosaic Foods apart is its commitment to quality and nutrition. Each meal is curated with the utmost care, 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.

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 Mosiac 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 physical recipe cards like Home Chef’s over digital ones, 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 $1.49 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 2023 — Final Score