The Undisputed Champion of Cost-Saving: DIY Meal Prep
For anyone prioritizing maximum savings, the answer to who has the cheapest meal plans is not a company, but you. By planning, shopping, and cooking your own meals, you retain complete control over your food budget, minimizing waste and avoiding the markups associated with even the most budget-friendly meal kits. The key is strategic shopping and clever cooking.
How to Master Budget DIY Meal Prepping
- Plan your meals around sales and seasonal produce: Check weekly grocery flyers and build your menu based on what’s on sale. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are more abundant and therefore less expensive.
- Shop your pantry first: Before heading to the store, take inventory of what you already have. Use up existing ingredients to reduce food waste, which is essentially throwing money away.
- Go meatless once or twice a week: Meat is often the most expensive component of a meal. Incorporating cheaper protein sources like lentils, beans, and eggs can significantly lower your weekly food bill.
- Buy non-perishables in bulk: Items like rice, pasta, and canned goods are cheaper when purchased in larger quantities. Just make sure you will use them before they expire.
- Repurpose leftovers: Don't let uneaten food go to waste. Transform leftover chicken into a salad or soup for lunch the next day to extend its value.
The Contenders: Cheapest Meal Kit Services
If convenience is a major factor, several meal kit services specialize in keeping prices low. These companies streamline their recipes and use simplified packaging to pass the savings on to you. While they may not beat the absolute lowest cost of DIY, they are a budget-conscious alternative to expensive takeout.
A Comparison of Top Budget Meal Kit Services
| Meal Kit Service | Price per Serving (Lowest) | Key Selling Point | Potential Downside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dinnerly | Under $5 (for largest plan) | Simplest recipes, digital recipe cards, and focus on fewer ingredients to keep costs low. Widely regarded as the cheapest meal kit. | Less variety, simpler meals, fewer customization options. |
| EveryPlate | Starts at $4.99 (for largest plan) | A budget alternative owned by HelloFresh. Offers a slightly condensed menu to save on costs without sacrificing flavor. | Smaller menu selection than HelloFresh; fewer dietary options. |
| HelloFresh | Varies (often ~$8-$11) | Considered the most flexible service with great value, especially for vegetarian and low-calorie recipes. Wide recipe selection. | Higher price point than Dinnerly or EveryPlate, though still affordable compared to many others. |
| Blue Apron | Varies ($7.49 and up) | Known for more gourmet, chef-designed meals at a relatively affordable price point. Good balance of quality and cost. | Not as cheap as the ultra-budget services; price can increase based on meal choices. |
Making the Right Choice for Your Wallet
Deciding who has the cheapest meal plans depends on whether you value time or money more. For those with a strict budget, DIY meal prep will always be the most economical choice. It demands more time for planning and cooking but offers significant long-term savings. For individuals or families who need convenience but still want to save money compared to ordering takeout, budget meal kits like Dinnerly and EveryPlate provide a great middle ground. Many people find success by combining strategies: prepping cheap, easy breakfasts and lunches while using a meal kit for hassle-free dinners a few nights a week. Don’t forget to leverage introductory offers for meal kits, as these can provide a very cheap way to test services without a major commitment.
By carefully considering your budget, time, and cooking preferences, you can find a meal plan strategy that keeps both your belly and your wallet full. The savings from eating at home are substantial, making either meal kits or DIY meal prep a smart financial decision compared to frequent dining out.(https://www.forbes.com/sites/priceonomics/2018/07/10/heres-how-much-money-do-you-save-by-cooking-at-home/)
