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Top 5 Affordable Meal Delivery Kits in 2025
Top 5 Affordable Meal Delivery Kits in 2025
Great food doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here are the 2025 meal kit services that keep your wallet—and your taste buds—happy.
Why Affordable Meal Kits Matter
Meal delivery kits have become household staples over the past decade. From busy parents to working professionals and students, more people now seek convenient ways to eat well at home. Yet, as grocery costs increase and households tighten budgets, many wonder if meal kits are out of reach. The good news: affordable meal kits are thriving in 2025, combining value, variety, and nutrition for every lifestyle.
In this guide, we dig into today’s best affordable meal kit options. Each company offers meals for under $6 per serving, with plenty of flexibility for households of any size. We’ll explore pricing, menu variety, dietary customization, portion size, and the little details that make each company shine.
Whether you’re new to meal kits, looking to switch providers, or hoping to save money on your favorite home-cooked meals, this list holds something for you.
What Makes a Meal Kit Affordable?
Affordability goes beyond sticker price. The best cheap meal delivery kits in 2025 strike a balance with these factors:
- Low cost per serving – ideally $6 or less
- Flexible portion sizes – so you only pay for what you need
- Minimal shipping fees – or discounted/free on larger orders
- Uncomplicated recipes – short prep times mean less hassle
- Consistent ingredient quality – fresh doesn’t mean expensive
- Dietary options – from vegetarian to low-calorie
The Five Best Affordable Meal Kits for 2025
These top five choices provide both excellent value and dependable service across the U.S. Each has earned praise for affordable meals, easy ordering, and consistent quality.
1. EveryPlate
EveryPlate maintains its lead as the budget champion of meal kits. In 2025, they continue offering straightforward recipes with crowd-pleasing flavors and the lowest per-serving prices in the market.
At a Glance
- Cost per serving: Starts at $4.99
- Shipping: $9.99 flat rate (often waived on promos or first orders)
- Portions: 2-6 servings per meal, 3-6 meals per week
- Menu: 25+ rotating recipes weekly
- Best for: Singles, couples, and families seeking maximum savings
What Makes EveryPlate Stand Out
EveryPlate excels by keeping it simple. Their recipes are intentionally unfussy—think skillet pastas, sheet pan tacos, and hearty bowls. The limited bells and whistles mean you skip premium ingredients, but you never lose on taste or convenience. In fact, the box relies heavily on familiar pantry items and approachable proteins, such as chicken, pork, and ground beef.
Customization: EveryPlate now offers a small selection of vegetarian and carb-conscious recipes. While selection is not the most expansive, it’s enough to avoid repetition.
Portion Control: Flexible ordering lets you adjust serving numbers, which works for feeding families or splitting lunches through the week.
Downsides: Minimal specialty diet choices and fewer international flavors.
2. Dinnerly
Dinnerly—launched by Marley Spoon—caters to the value-driven home cook with simplicity in mind. Their $5 meal kits are among the most affordable, and in 2025, the company continues to build its loyal following.
At a Glance
- Cost per serving: Starts at $4.99
- Shipping: $9.99 per box
- Portions: 2 or 4 servings, up to 6 meals weekly
- Menu: 50+ recipes rotating each week
- Best for: Larger households and anyone seeking quick recipes
What Makes Dinnerly Unique
Dinnerly’s big draw is a digital-only recipe card approach. That means less packaging waste and lower costs, which get passed on to customers. Recipes are usually uncomplicated, with no more than five steps. Expect classics like Southwest chicken bowls, zucchini flatbreads, and spaghetti bolognese.
Variety: Dinnerly’s menu includes a strong kid-friendly selection and now caters to vegetarian, vegan, and no-gluten lifestyles. The “Under 30 Minutes” tag helps busy users spot the fastest meals.
Affordable Gourmet Touches: Dinnerly sometimes surprises with bistro-inspired recipes like balsamic-glazed pork or shakshuka—proof you can eat well on a budget.
Room for Improvement: Some meals feature processed ingredients (think pre-shredded cheese or canned beans), so those seeking farm-to-table freshness might need to add their own produce touches.
3. HelloFresh Value Plan
HelloFresh, one of the most recognized meal kit brands, is often thought of as mid-priced—but their Value Plan, launched in late 2024, specifically targets affordability. Leveraging their national supply chain, HelloFresh shaved costs while maintaining broad dietary options and flavors.
At a Glance
- Cost per serving: From $5.49
- Shipping: $9.99 (discounts with multi-box plans)
- Portions: 2-6 servings per meal, 2-6 meals per week
- Menu: 35+ recipes on Value Plan; 75+ overall HelloFresh menu
- Best for: Families, groups, and anyone who wants variety
Value Plan Benefits
The Value Plan mirrors the regular HelloFresh meal kit model but with a menu tailored around cost-effective, seasonal produce and proteins. This keeps recipes like chicken stir-fries, pastas, and tacos in the accessible price range.
Wide Choice: Customers can swap between plans, mixing budget recipes with world flavors and quick-cook meals.
International Inspiration: Even the Value Plan includes globally inspired options—Mediterranean chicken, spicy Thai noodles, or Tex-Mex burrito bowls.
Family-Friendly: Portions average 650-900 calories per plate, suitable for adult and teen appetites alike. Recipes come with step-by-step instructions and user-friendly cooking tips.
Cons: Basic proteins and produce dominate. For more adventurous eaters or strict diets (e.g., keto, vegan), selection may feel restricted.
4. Home Chef Express
Home Chef has leaned into speed and affordability with its Express lineup—offering meals that are both affordable and ready in 15-20 minutes. The company’s focus on semi-prepped ingredients means you get fresh food fast, and prices remain accessible due to their streamlined delivery model.
At a Glance
- Cost per serving: From $5.99
- Shipping: $10.99, or free on orders $50+
- Portions: 2-4 servings, 2-6 meals a week
- Menu: 30+ express-friendly options each week
- Best for: Time-strapped home cooks who value flexibility
Home Chef Express Highlights
Home Chef Express recipes often leverage pre-chopped veggies, marinated proteins, and ready sauces—which means you slice cooking time without sacrificing freshness.
Recipe Options: Choose from calorie-conscious, vegetarian, and low-carb meals. There’s also a “Customize It” feature allowing you to swap proteins (chicken for beef, for example) without extra cost.
Menu Range: In 2025, Home Chef Express rotates southwestern chicken wraps, pesto shrimp bowls, loaded salads, and homestyle pastas. New “Oven Ready” trays make weeknight cleanup even more efficient.
Customization: Home Chef’s system is highly adaptive—you can pause, skip, or triple your meals with minimal notice.
Considerations: While pricing is slightly higher than others on this list, the blend of convenience, speed, and flexibility earns its place among budget-friendly picks.
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
5. Goodfood Budget Series
Canada-based Goodfood is making inroads in the U.S. with their Budget Series—a low-cost spin-off designed precisely for price-sensitive meal kit shoppers.
At a Glance
- Cost per serving: Starting at $5.19
- Shipping: Free on select plans, otherwise $8.99 per box
- Portions: 2 or 4 servings, 2-5 meals per week
- Menu: 20+ Budget Series recipes plus access to full Goodfood menu
- Best for: Couples and families seeking a Canadian twist
Why Goodfood Stands Out
Goodfood’s Budget Series leans on classic North American comfort food—think BBQ chicken sandwich kits, veggie chili, or sheet-pan sausage and vegetables.
Ingredient Quality: Even at a lower price, Goodfood’s produce and meats are consistently fresh, thanks to rigorous local sourcing in both the U.S. and Canada.
Dietary Styles: Vegetarian, low-calorie, and gluten-conscious meals are always available. Budget Series meals prioritize simplicity (5 steps or fewer) and under-30-minute cook times.
Perk: Free delivery kicks in quickly and their reusable box program appeals to eco-conscious shoppers.
Drawback: Regional coverage is still expanding, so check zip code availability before committing.
How Do These Meal Kits Compare?
Choosing the best affordable meal delivery kit can depend on your specific needs. To help, here’s a quick rundown comparing the services side by side:
| Meal Kit | Lowest Price/Serving | Meals Per Week | Vegetarian | Quick Meals (<30 min) | Specialty Diets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EveryPlate | $4.99 | Up to 6 | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Dinnerly | $4.99 | Up to 6 | Yes | Yes | Vegan, NGF |
| HelloFresh Value | $5.49 | Up to 6 | Yes | Yes | Carb-smart, LC |
| Home Chef Express | $5.99 | Up to 6 | Yes | Yes | Carb, Calorie |
| Goodfood Budget | $5.19 | Up to 5 | Yes | Yes | Gluten, Calorie |
Key:
- NGF: No gluten-friendly
- LC: Low calorie (under 600/serving)
Affordable Meal Kits: Frequently Asked Questions
Are Affordable Meal Kits Actually Cheaper Than Groceries?
For many, yes. Meal kits offer precise portions, reducing food waste. If you buy specialty spices or premium proteins, meal kits can beat supermarket prices. Still, home cooks using bulk basics might beat meal kit pricing, especially for simple dishes.
Who Should Use Affordable Meal Kits?
- Busy families who want dinner on the table fast
- Students and single professionals who dislike grocery shopping
- Elderly or housebound people who want easy prep without heavy lifting
- Diet-conscious eaters tired of takeout
Can I Skip or Cancel Any Time?
All five services listed here allow easy skipping or pausing of weekly orders, with most requiring only 3-5 days’ notice. You’re never locked in longer than a week at a time.
Do Meal Kits Cater to Allergies or Dietary Restrictions?
Customization is improving across the board in 2025. While gluten-free and vegetarian options are widespread, serious allergies require double-checking labels and occasionally substituting ingredients at home.
How Long Does the Food Stay Fresh?
Most ingredients are shipped chilled with ice packs and insulation, staying fresh for up to five days after arrival. Seafood and leafy greens are best cooked sooner.
Insider Tips for Getting the Most from Affordable Meal Kits
- Sign Up for Promotions: New users often get 50%+ off their first box or free shipping. Stagger sign-ups between multiple services for months of discounts.
- Batch Your Weeks: Order extra servings and finish leftovers for lunch to stretch each kit.
- Mix and Match: Use meats or produce from your fridge for added variety or bulk up lighter recipes.
- Watch for Add-Ons: Services like Home Chef and HelloFresh offer grocery-style add-ons—salads, snacks, even breakfast.
- Refer Friends: Many programs reward referrals with free meals or credits.
The Bottom Line
The affordable meal kit marketplace in 2025 offers more choice and quality than ever before. Whether you need super-fast 15-minute meals, generous family-style dinners, or simple classics for two, there’s a cost-conscious kit that fits.
Each of the five services above—EveryPlate, Dinnerly, HelloFresh (Value Plan), Home Chef Express, and Goodfood Budget Series—delivers solid meals at some of the lowest prices available. As millions of households embrace meal kits for their ease and value, it’s clear that dinner can be both delicious and affordable, all year long.
Ready to join the meal kit revolution? With flexible plans and ongoing deals, there’s no better time to taste your way through each service and find your perfect fit.
Tags: affordable kits, family meals, budget meals, meal delivery, quick recipes
External Links
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