![11 Best Meal Kit Delivery Services: Complete Cost Comparison [2025]](http://savingsgrove.com/cdn/shop/articles/meal-kit-comparison.jpg?v=1734721371&width=1100)
Looking to save time and money while still enjoying home-cooked meals? Meal kit delivery services can be a smart solution when chosen carefully.
11 Best Meal Kit Delivery Services: Complete Cost Comparison [2025]
In this comprehensive guide, we'll compare the top meal kit services, breaking down their costs, portion sizes, and unique features to help you make the best choice for your budget.
1. HelloFresh
HelloFresh offers one of the most budget-friendly meal kit options, with prices starting at $7.49 per serving. Their portion sizes are generous, and they frequently offer steep discounts for new customers (up to 65% off your first box). You'll find 50+ weekly recipe options, including vegetarian and low-calorie meals. The service excels at classic, family-friendly recipes that even picky eaters will enjoy.
2. Home Chef
Starting at $8.99 per serving, Home Chef specializes in customizable meals where you can swap proteins or double portions. Their "Oven-Ready" meals require minimal prep and come with their own cooking tray. The service offers excellent value for families, with bulk ordering discounts available for larger portions.
3. EveryPlate
EveryPlate is the most affordable option, with meals starting at just $4.99 per serving. While the menu is simpler than premium services, the portions are satisfying and recipes are easy to follow. They keep costs low by using fewer ingredients per dish and simpler packaging.
4. Blue Apron
Blue Apron's meals start at $7.99 per serving, offering restaurant-quality recipes and premium ingredients. They're known for their wine pairing service and specialty menu items. The service provides excellent value for those interested in learning new cooking techniques.
5. Dinnerly
Another budget-friendly option at $4.99 per serving, Dinnerly offers simple, 6-ingredient recipes that take around 30 minutes to prepare. They reduce costs by using digital recipe cards instead of printed ones and simpler ingredients while maintaining quality.
6. Green Chef
Starting at $11.99 per serving, Green Chef focuses on organic ingredients and specialized dietary preferences (keto, paleo, vegan). While pricier, the quality of organic ingredients and unique recipes can justify the cost for health-conscious consumers.
7. Purple Carrot
This plant-based service starts at $11.99 per serving. Purple Carrot specializes in creative vegan recipes and high-quality produce. The service can be cost-effective compared to buying specialty vegan ingredients separately.
8. Sunbasket
Starting at $9.99 per serving, Sunbasket offers organic ingredients and specialized meal plans including paleo, Mediterranean, and diabetes-friendly options. They also provide prepared meals for busy weeks.
9. Gobble
At $11.99 per serving, Gobble's main selling point is 15-minute prep times, with ingredients pre-chopped and partially prepared. This service can be worth the premium if you value time savings.
10. Marley Spoon
Martha Stewart's meal kit service starts at $8.99 per serving, featuring her tested recipes and cooking techniques. The service offers good value for those who enjoy more sophisticated cooking.
11. Hungryroot
Starting at $9.99 per serving, Hungryroot is a hybrid between a meal kit service and a grocery delivery service. They provide ingredients that can be mixed and matched for multiple meals, potentially offering better value for flexible cooks.
Money-Saving Tips for Meal Kit Services
- Look for new customer promotions (often 50-70% off first boxes)
- Order larger portions to reduce per-serving costs
- Skip weeks when needed - all services allow this
- Compare cost per serving rather than box prices
- Consider simpler services like EveryPlate or Dinnerly for basic meals
Final Words
Meal kit services can be a cost-effective alternative to grocery shopping and takeout when chosen wisely. For the best value, start with budget-friendly options like EveryPlate or HelloFresh, and take advantage of new customer promotions to test different services. Consider your cooking skill level, time constraints, and dietary preferences when making your choice. You might also want to check out our guides on how to save money on groceries and finding cheap food near you for more money-saving tips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meal Kit Services
Are meal kit delivery services worth the money?
Meal kit services can be worth the money if you frequently order takeout or waste groceries. With portions starting at $4.99-$7.49 per serving for budget-friendly options, they can be more cost-effective than restaurant dining while providing the benefits of home cooking.
Which meal kit service is the cheapest?
EveryPlate and Dinnerly are typically the cheapest meal kit services, both starting at $4.99 per serving. They keep costs low by using simpler ingredients and recipes while maintaining good quality and portion sizes.
Can you skip weeks with meal kit services?
Yes, all major meal kit services allow you to skip weeks without penalty. Most services require you to skip or modify your order 5-7 days before your scheduled delivery date. This flexibility helps you manage your budget and schedule effectively.
