The top 5 cheap meal kits and prepackaged meal services, out of the dozens we tried


Total cost

After choosing between meal kits or meal delivery, you’ll need to find a service that’s within your budget. Meal kits with recipes can cost up to $6 per meal and include basic menus and no-frills recipes. More expensive services include recipes with more exotic ingredients and higher-quality cuts of meat and organic produce, but they can cost as much as $15 or $20 a meal.

And don’t forget shipping. Most services charge $10 to $12 per box unless you order a certain number of servings. Larger meal plans are usually cheaper per meal, so stocking your freezer with a larger regular order of prepared meals can lower your overall costs.

Meal kit or takeaway delivery

The first big decision you’ll make is whether you want meal kits, which require some prep work and cooking, or a prepared meal service, which sends fully cooked meals ready to heat and eat. Meal kits will require more of your time and energy but will also cost a little less per meal. Prepackaged meals require almost no time and energy, beyond what it takes to actually eat, but they usually cost a few extra dollars per serving.

Steak meal kit ingredients

Blue Apron is budget-friendly and includes steak and seafood options.

David Watsky/CNET

health

While most meal delivery services have healthy options, some are healthier. Specific meal kits and delivery services are best for those who want to eat low-calorie, low-carb, vegetarian, or vegan foods. This list is from Healthy meal delivery services in 2026 It is a good place to find the most nutritious options.

Mosaic food boxes

A wide range of prepared vegetarian meals from Mosaic.

David Watsky/CNET

Number of meals per week

With almost every service, the more meals or portions you order per delivery, the cheaper the meal becomes. Ideally, you’ll want to accurately determine the amount of food that’s right for your family. If you can’t imagine yourself cooking more than twice a week, don’t order more than two meal kits because they usually won’t last more than a week in the fridge.

Most ready meals arrive frozen or can be frozen right out of the box. This means it’s less of a problem if you order too many meals on your first go. Most services allow you to change the number of meals or portions on your plan even after you start.



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