These Meal Kits May Be Cheap, but They Still Performed Well in Our Tests

We updated this article in April 2023 to reflect recent testing.

Meal delivery kits have skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years — they help save a trip to the grocery store and encourage the habit of cooking at home instead of relying on fast food and takeout. Many services now offer meals that can be prepped and put on the table in minutes as well as options for family-friendly dishes and all different types of dietary preferences. But a major drawback for many is the perception that all meal delivery kits are expensive.

When it comes to cost comparison, meal delivery services are typically a more affordable and healthier alternative to traditional takeout or dining at a restaurant. And if you're someone who overbuys at the grocery store and is regularly throwing out spoiled food at the end of the week, kits can even cut down on food waste since everything you need is pre-portioned. What's more, you may be surprised at the growing number of affordable meal delivery services that offer balanced, delicious meals and fresh food for under $5 a serving.

In order to find the best and cheapest meal delivery services, the GH Institute's food and nutrition experts conducted an extensive review of over 40 meal delivery services with more than 280 home chefs just like you. For three months, our testers evaluated each service, including traditional meal kits, semi-prepared options and fully prepared ready-to-eat meals. The top-performing affordable options kept costs down while still offering high-quality meals and great variety.

Read on to learn more about how we evaluate meal delivery services. Following a specific diet? We've included a comprehensive guide to options like gluten-free meal deliveries and vegan meal delivery services at the end of the article.

*Please note that costs listed for each service below are at time of publication. Pricing typically goes down with the more servings and meals you order, which is why you will see a range for each service.