Essentials

Save money on meal kits with these 5 easy tips

By Tom Horton

Edited By Leslie Gornstein

November 27, 2023 / 8:53 AM EST / Essentials

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Meal kits can be a great way to save some time throughout the week, but what about your finances? We know that meal kits can save you money over a trip to the grocery store, but the margin is slim depending on your choice of meal delivery service.

If you want to improve your chances of saving money by switching to a meal kit delivery service -- and with the holiday season creeping up and Black Friday deals everywhere you look, why wouldn't you? -- we have you covered.

Get your pen and notepad handy for these five tips to enjoy much-needed cash savings -- while you also save time prepping meals throughout the week.

Save money on meal kits with these 5 easy tips

Saving money on meal kits like Blue Apron can feel like a one-time deal. Maybe you snagged a special deal for first time subscribers or you found a week's worth of appealing recipes that you know won't go to waste.

But if you want even more ways to save money on meal kits, here are five key tips to help you rack up those meal delivery savings.

1. Don't hesitate to try new meal delivery services

It's barely a secret that many meal delivery services offer impressive discounts to first-time subscribers. Some deals stick around for a while, but others are fleeting. It's worth it for your personal finances to keep an eye out for new and exciting deals -- whether you're new to meal kits or already have a subscription.

Did you know that there's a meal kit out there currently offering prices as low as $1.49 per serving? EveryPlate already prides itself on being one of the most budget-friendly meal kits out there, but with its current offer this meal kit company soars above the competition in terms of affordability.

everyplate starts at $1.49 per serving

Some other easily missed offers that should be on your radar include:

Best breakfast add-ons: HelloFresh

The country's most popular meal delivery service currently has discounted prices as low as $3.99 per serving thanks to its limited-time Black Friday promotion. This also includes free breakfast items for life.

starting at $4 per serving

Best variety for such low prices: Blue Apron

starting at $1.49 per serving

Biggest long-term savings: Green Chef

Right now, new customers can cash in on some big savings by enjoying a grand total of $485 in discounts spread across your first nine boxes.

starting at $4.80 per serving

2. Share the love by referring friends and family

This is another tip that is easy to forget about when you're tallying up your personal finances. Plenty of meal kit delivery services have a nifty referral program for you to take advantage of. If they're not front and center when you're signing up and building a meal plan of your own, details may be buried in the FAQ section.

Check to see if you're up to speed on your favorite meal kit's offerings when it comes to referrals. Green Chef offers a $35 discount to anyone you send an invite to and sends you a $35 credit for use on future orders.

Don't hesitate to share the convenience of meal kits with others. Spread the word on the most nutritional meal kits on your radar and there's a chance everyone can save some money.

3. Keep your price per serving low by ordering more meals per week

There's one rule of thumb to keep in mind regarding most meal kits: your price per serving goes down the more you add on to your order. Blue Apron typically charges $8 per serving for five four-serving meals or $12.49 per serving for just two two-serving meals.

This is why meal kits are a great option for large families trying to save a few bucks on their food budget each week: The more you order with each box, the more you stand to save in the long run.

This tip isn't limited to large families, either. If you're single or cooking couples' dinners throughout the week, you can order extra meals or portions to keep serving prices low. Just make sure you take steps to minimize food waste throughout the week; freeze proteins like chicken breasts to extend the shelf life of a recipe or use leftovers for lunch.

4. Make dinner last longer by ordering add-ons, sides, and extra ingredients

Once you realize most meal kits have way more to offer than just dinner recipes, you'll find a whole new way to save money. SunBasket is one of many meal kits that offer breakfast and lunch options in addition to plant-based dinners. There are also drinks, snacks, and even individual add-ons like 10 ounces of barramundi fillets.

Get creative with add-ons to make meal kit deliveries last longer (and save money in the long run). A la carte items like standalone seafood, sides, or other grocery items like a can of chickpeas can increase the number of servings you get out of every meal.

Those breakfast add-ons are worth pointing out one more time. It's easy to focus on dinner recipes, but if you can build a meal kit delivery plan that covers breakfast and dinner (and maybe lunch as well) -- you'll be well on your way to big-time savings.

Oh, and did we mention that HelloFresh is currently offering new subscribers free breakfast items for life?

5. Avoid food waste by getting the most out of every meal kit recipe

Food waste is a real concern when it comes to meal kits. If you've ever had to throw away unused ingredients because the steady march of time ruined them, this tip is for you.

You can minimize food waste by being strategic about what you order each week -- as well as when you cook the food you receive. Meat and seafood dishes will need to be prepared (or frozen) within a few days of your meal kit delivery, but meals like pasta dishes can usually survive if you wait several days before cooking. Try to balance out your seafood and meat dishes with longer lasting recipes.

Dishes with seafood or leafy greens are likely to have the shortest lifespan in your fridge, so plan on cooking these first. If anything comes with fresh vegetables, cheese, or fresh dairy products, consider cooking that within the first day or two as well.