Looking to save money on meals without sacrificing flavor or nutrition? Meal delivery services have exploded in popularity, and the good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the convenience. There are several budget-friendly options in the U.S. that offer high-quality ingredients, satisfying portions, and meals the whole family will love.
Why Choose a Meal Delivery Service?
Meal delivery services can help you in several ways.
- Save time on meal prep and grocery shopping
- Avoid food waste with pre-portioned ingredients
- Stick to a healthy diet or specific eating plan
- Try new recipes with guided instructions
Best of all, many budget-friendly meal kits now rival premium services in both taste and freshness.
1. EveryPlate – Best Overall Budget Meal Kit
Starting at: $4.99 per serving
Why it’s great: EveryPlate is widely considered the most affordable meal kit on the market, offering crowd-pleasing meals like burgers, tacos, and pastas that are perfect for families and picky eaters.
Highlights
- Simple, comfort-food-inspired recipes
- 17+ rotating weekly options
- Easy-to-follow 6-step instructions
- Minimal packaging waste
EveryPlate keeps costs low by limiting customization and using cost-effective ingredients—without compromising flavor.
2. Dinnerly – Best for Busy Weeknights
Starting at: $4.99 per serving
Why it’s great: Dinnerly is another extremely affordable option, especially designed for people who want simple meals that are quick to make.
Highlights
- Over 100 recipes to choose from weekly
- Recipes with only 5-6 ingredients
- Digital recipe cards to cut down on paper waste
- Great for novice cooks or those short on time
Dinnerly skips the extras—like paper recipe cards and complicated ingredients—to pass the savings on to you.
3. HelloFresh – Best Value for Variety
Starting at: $7.49 per serving (with discounts for first-time users)
Why it’s great: While slightly more expensive than EveryPlate or Dinnerly, HelloFresh provides a wider recipe selection and is known for using high-quality produce and proteins.
Highlights
- 30+ recipes every week
- Options for vegetarian, low-calorie, and family-friendly meals
- Clear and colorful recipe cards
- Frequent promotions for new users
HelloFresh is ideal if you want variety and quality without going over budget, especially with their ongoing promotional deals.
4. Home Chef – Best for Customization
Starting at: $7.99 per serving
Why it’s great: Home Chef allows you to customize your protein choices and upgrade meals, making it feel more like a premium service—but with flexible pricing.
Highlights
- Customize or upgrade meals (e.g., swap chicken for steak)
- Quick meal options (15-minute kits, oven-ready trays)
- Add-on options like smoothies and protein packs
- Reliable, easy-to-follow recipes
Home Chef’s balance between affordability and flexibility makes it a favorite for households with varying tastes.
5. Fresh and Easy (by Home Chef) – Best for Minimal Effort
Starting at: $7.49 per serving
Why it’s great: If you want healthy meals without even having to chop vegetables, Fresh and Easy’s pre-prepped meals are an ideal low-cost solution.
Highlights:
- No prep required—just heat and eat
- Oven- and grill-ready options
- Great for lunch or solo dinners
- Available via Home Chef platform.
It’s especially appealing for professionals or students who want convenience without fast-food prices.
6. Green Chef – Best Organic Option on a Budget
Starting at: $9.99 per serving (frequent promos lower it significantly)
Why it’s great: Green Chef is a USDA-certified organic meal delivery service, offering high-quality ingredients while occasionally running deep discounts that bring the price into budget territory.
Highlights
- Organic produce and responsibly sourced proteins
- Meal plans for keto, paleo, vegan, and more
- Flavor-packed global cuisine
- Good option for health-conscious eaters
If eating organic is important to you, Green Chef makes it more accessible with routine introductory deals and promo codes.
7. Mosaic Foods – Best Plant-Based Frozen Option
Starting at: $5.99 per meal
Why it’s great: Mosaic offers delicious, plant-based frozen meals made with whole food ingredients. It’s an affordable alternative to takeout, especially for vegetarians and vegans.
Highlights
- Chef-prepared frozen meals, soups, and oat bowls
- Heat-and-eat in minutes
- Zero artificial preservatives
- Great variety of global flavors
While not a traditional meal kit, Mosaic’s quality and pricing make it one of the best value plant-based meal services in the U.S.
Tips for Getting the Best Deal
- Sign up for first-time offers: Most services offer 40–60% off your first few boxes.
- Refer friends: Many platforms give you discounts or free meals when you refer someone.
- Skip weeks as needed: Avoid waste and save money by pausing deliveries when you won’t be home.
- Use promo codes: Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and promo codes online.
Finding a budget-friendly meal delivery service that doesn’t sacrifice quality is entirely possible. Whether you’re feeding a family, following a plant-based diet, or just trying to make dinner easier, the right meal kit can save you both time and money.
