Meal kit services have become incredibly popular over the last few years. With everything pre-portioned, recipe cards included, and fresh ingredients delivered right to your door, they make cooking at home simple and convenient. But convenience comes at a price.
Over time, those weekly deliveries can put a real dent in your budget—especially compared to traditional grocery shopping. The good news? You don’t have to give up the joy of meal kits entirely to keep costs down. With a few smart strategies, you can still enjoy these services while paying significantly less. Here’s how.
Shop Around for the Best Intro Offers
Nearly every meal kit company offers generous discounts to first-time customers.
-
Many provide up to 50% off your first week, free shipping, or even bonus meals.
-
Some will stretch these deals over your first several boxes to get you hooked.
Take advantage of these by trying multiple services. Rotate through the best intro offers—testing HelloFresh one month, Blue Apron the next, then Home Chef. It’s a fun way to sample different menus while keeping your costs very low in those first months.
Skip Weeks When Needed
One of the biggest mistakes people make with meal kits is forgetting to skip a week when they’re busy or away.
-
If you don’t pause or adjust, boxes still arrive—and you’re charged, even if you can’t use them.
-
Log into your account regularly and mark off skip weeks whenever your schedule looks hectic.
Most services let you skip several weeks (or even months) at a time without penalties. This small habit prevents unnecessary charges.
Keep Portions Flexible
Many meal kit subscriptions default to dinner for two or four people, three times a week. But you can often lower your bill by:
-
Switching to fewer recipes per week (say, two instead of three).
-
Choosing fewer portions—then supplementing with your own sides or leftovers.
You still enjoy the convenience without paying for more servings than you actually need.
Double Check Pricing on Premium Meals
Most meal kit companies now offer “upgraded” recipes with specialty ingredients—think steak instead of chicken, or seafood dishes. These can tack on $5–$10 extra per serving, quickly adding up.
-
Stick to standard recipes to keep costs predictable.
-
If you want to splurge on a premium meal, limit it to special occasions.
Being selective keeps your weekly total much lower.
Use Referral Credits
Once you’re enjoying a service, spread the word.
-
Many companies give you referral links—when your friends sign up, they get a discount, and you earn credits toward future boxes.
-
A few enthusiastic referrals could cover an entire week or two of meals for free.
If you’re active on social media or have a busy group chat, sharing your referral link is a simple way to trim your bill.
Check for Coupons and Cashback Before You Order
Meal kit brands frequently partner with coupon sites or cashback platforms.
-
Look on sites like RetailMeNot or Honey for promo codes before finalizing your box.
-
Use cashback portals like Rakuten or a credit card that gives rewards on online purchases.
Stacking these small savings makes a real difference over months of deliveries.
Be Smart With Leftovers
Meal kits are designed to give you just enough for each meal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stretch them.
-
Save leftover cooked meats, sauces, or grains for lunch the next day.
-
Toss leftover veggies into omelets or wraps.
-
If the portions feel too small, bulk up plates with your own inexpensive sides like rice, bread, or a quick salad.
This gets you more meals out of each delivery, improving your cost per serving.
Try “Market” Items Selectively
Many meal kit services now include add-ons—breakfast items, desserts, or extra proteins. While it’s convenient, these items often cost much more than your local grocery store.
-
Save these splurges for when it’s truly worth it, like a special dessert.
-
Otherwise, continue buying staples like eggs, milk, and fruit from your usual supermarket where prices are lower.
Being picky here can keep you from accidentally turning a $60 box into a $100 charge.
Cancel and Restart as Needed
Meal kit companies love customer loyalty—and they’ll fight to win you back.
-
If you cancel your subscription, watch your inbox. Many services send follow-up emails with “come back” offers—like $20 off your next box or free meals.
-
This strategy works especially well if you’ve been a steady customer for a while.
It lets you take regular breaks, give your budget a rest, and then come back with fresh discounts.
Consider DIY Meal Kits From the Grocery Store
Major grocery chains now offer their own mini meal kits—like pre-portioned pasta dishes, taco trays, or stir-fry bags.
-
These are often half the price of a traditional delivery kit and still save prep time.
-
You skip the shipping fees and long-term subscriptions but get much of the same convenience.
Mix these into your routine to lower your overall spending while keeping life simple.
Meal kits can be a wonderful tool—making cooking easy, cutting down on grocery store trips, and reducing food waste. But they can also become an expensive habit if you’re not careful.
By shopping around for the best deals, skipping unnecessary upgrades, making smart use of leftovers, and pausing when it fits your schedule, you’ll keep enjoying the perks without blowing your food budget. In the end, it’s all about balance—enjoying the convenience of meal kits while making sure they truly work for your wallet and lifestyle.
