Finding Your Budget-Friendly Meal Service
For many busy individuals and families, meal delivery services offer a tantalizing blend of convenience and variety. However, the price point can be a significant concern. The term "cheapest" is subjective and often depends on your priorities—are you looking for the absolute lowest price per serving, or the best overall value for your budget? This comprehensive guide will break down the options to help you decide which is the cheapest meal service for you.
The Reigning Champions of Low-Cost Meal Kits
When it comes to pure price per serving, a few meal kit services stand out from the competition. These companies cut costs by using simpler recipes, fewer ingredients, and less elaborate packaging. The two primary players in this ultra-budget space are EveryPlate and Dinnerly, often competing for the lowest advertised price per meal.
- EveryPlate: EveryPlate is consistently cited as one of the most affordable options, with meals starting at an exceptionally low price per serving, often around $4.99. The company achieves this by offering a more limited menu than its competitors and focusing on familiar, satisfying comfort food recipes. Its business model is built on simplicity, which is directly passed on to the customer as savings.
- Dinnerly: Often neck-and-neck with EveryPlate, Dinnerly prides itself on being the "affordable meal delivery service" with low-cost meals, sometimes starting at $5.99 per person. It uses digital-only recipe cards to reduce printing costs and features simple, straightforward recipes that minimize preparation time and expensive ingredients. While the recipes are simple, Dinnerly still offers a wide variety of options each week, including vegetarian and kid-friendly dishes.
Beyond the Meal Kit: Considering Prepared Meals
For those who prefer not to cook at all, prepared meal services are the way to go. While generally more expensive per serving than meal kits, certain options offer more competitive pricing for heat-and-eat convenience. These services eliminate all prep and cooking time.
- Mosaic Foods: Specializing in plant-based, frozen prepared meals, Mosaic Foods offers items starting around $9.99. For customers ordering in bulk, they provide free shipping, which can further reduce the cost. The meals are flash-frozen to preserve freshness and are ready to eat in minutes, making them a cost-effective alternative to frequent takeout orders.
- Factor: For prepared meals that cater to specific dietary needs, Factor can be a budget-friendly option, especially with introductory discounts. While its regular price per meal is higher than the ultra-budget meal kits, it offers significant value by eliminating all cooking effort and providing nutrient-dense, calorie-controlled meals. For individuals valuing both convenience and specific diet plans, Factor's introductory offers can represent a cheap starting point.
Comparison Table: Cheapest Meal Service Providers (2025)
| Feature | EveryPlate | Dinnerly | Mosaic Foods | Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Meal Kit | Meal Kit | Prepared/Frozen | Prepared/Fresh |
| Starting Price (per serving) | ~$4.99 | ~$5.99 | ~$9.99 (per item) | ~$11 (per meal) |
| Cooking Required? | Yes | Yes | No (Heat-and-Eat) | No (Heat-and-Eat) |
| Dietary Focus | Simple, comfort food | Simple, wide variety | Plant-based, vegetarian | Keto, calorie-smart, vegan |
| Recipes | ~25 weekly | 100+ weekly, digital | Extensive menu | Rotating weekly menu |
| Best For... | The absolute lowest meal kit price. | Variety on a budget. | Plant-based convenience. | Dietary-specific convenience. |
How to Get the Absolute Cheapest Meal Service Deal
Finding the lowest possible cost for a meal service requires some strategic thinking beyond simply comparing the base price. Many services use promotions to attract new customers, which can significantly lower your initial costs.
- New Customer Promotions: Most services, including EveryPlate, Dinnerly, and Factor, offer heavy discounts on the first few weeks of a subscription. EveryPlate, for instance, has offered meals as low as $1.79 per serving for a first box. Take advantage of these to test out different services and enjoy significant savings.
- Referral Programs: Many companies offer credits or discounts for referring new customers. If you know friends or family who are interested in trying a service, you can earn rewards that reduce your ongoing costs.
- Maximize Your Order: The price per serving typically decreases as you order more meals per week. For instance, a four-serving, five-meal plan is often cheaper per serving than a two-serving, three-meal plan. This is more economical for families or individuals who can cook and refrigerate extra meals for lunch the next day.
- Meal Prep vs. Meal Kit: Remember that while meal kits are more expensive than buying groceries and cooking from scratch, they are often cheaper and healthier than relying on daily takeout. Consider your trade-offs: convenience versus the lowest possible price.
Conclusion
While EveryPlate frequently holds the title for the single cheapest meal kit per serving, the overall cheapest meal service ultimately depends on your individual needs. For budget-conscious home cooks, EveryPlate and Dinnerly offer the most affordable weekly meal kits. For those prioritizing heat-and-eat convenience, a plant-based service like Mosaic or a specialized one like Factor (especially with promotional pricing) can be the most economical choice compared to regular takeout. By combining these services with smart shopping and promotional deals, you can consistently find a way to eat well without breaking the bank.
Looking for more insights on optimizing your budget? Check out this article on cutting food costs.
