EveryPlate is hands-down the most budget-friendly meal kit service that still delivers full, balanced meals, making it a standout in a crowded market. For just $7 per serving, it offers dinners that can easily fit into your grocery budget without demanding any major adjustments.
Take the pork chop meal reviewed in May: it featured pan-seared chops, oven-baked Brussels sprouts, and fresh mashed potatoes. What really elevated it was a surprisingly complex shallot-garlic-cream pan sauce with fresh thyme, a touch of culinary flair that felt like a secret weapon for a weeknight.
While that particular dish took about 45 minutes to prepare – longer than most EveryPlate meals – the process was straightforward. All ingredients were pre-portioned, and cooking times were tested to ensure everything finished at the same time. This kit is a lifesaver for those tired evenings when ordering takeout seems like the only option.
Over the past year, EveryPlate has offered dishes like spring pea and zucchini risotto, Chinese-inspired dumpling soup, and Tex-Mex pork “birria” tacos. While not always gourmet, these meals are generally healthier and significantly cheaper than their takeout counterparts. The biggest win here is a simple, hearty dinner that fits the budget without adding to the mental load of meal planning.
EveryPlate operates much like other meal delivery services: you sign up online, choose the number of meals and servings per week (options for two, four, or six servings, and three to five meals weekly from about 35 choices, including around 10 vegetarian dishes). Most plans clock in at $7 per serving, with an $11 shipping fee per box, making it a strong contender for most households, especially when cooking for two or four. Be aware that competitors like Dinnerly and Home Chef can become more competitive for larger, six-serving meals.
Expect most recipes to take between 20 to 45 minutes, though adding about 50% to the printed cooking time is a good rule of thumb, as recipe creators often underestimate times and most home cooks aren't professional chefs. When your box arrives, you’ll find recipe cards and a paper bag with most ingredients jumbled together, unlike some premium kits that sort items individually. Meat is usually at the bottom, chilled with an ice pack.
Despite its low cost, EveryPlate doesn't skimp on ingredient quality, sourcing proteins from the same suppliers as its parent company, HelloFresh. The simplicity of its recipes is key to keeping costs down, often relying on a single sauce or spice blend for flavor. This approach saves money by reducing the number of ingredients that need to be coordinated.
For instance, “birria-style” pork tacos might use the same Tex-Mex spice paste for both the filling and dipping sauce. While it might lean more towards a saucy chili, it tastes great. Similarly, pork chops get their flavor from thyme and shallots, with salt and pepper applied generously.
The service has also addressed past customer feedback. For example, portion sizes for rice have been increased after complaints, ensuring meals are more filling. While dishes might not be sophisticated, they are easy to prepare, flavorful, and offer substantial calorie counts (over 800 calories for the taco and rice bowl examples).
However, there are a few caveats. Recipe times are often optimistic, and some experimental flavor combinations can feel a bit random, like "masala risotto." Occasionally, these experiments involve brand partnerships that don't always hit the mark, as was the case with a dumpling dish where flavors didn't quite mesh and dumplings arrived broken.
There can also be minor issues with ingredient freshness, though this is rare. One zucchini arrived a bit too moist and had to be replaced with one from the user’s own fridge. You might also need to have staples like milk, eggs, and butter on hand, as these are sometimes not included, so checking recipes in advance is wise.
Compared to premium kits, EveryPlate’s recipes might require a bit more improvisation. You might find yourself adding extra flavors or adjusting cooking methods. But ultimately, EveryPlate provides a valuable foundation for meals, offering a break from routine with thoughtful planning. Even with the occasional need to buy an extra egg, it remains the most affordable meal kit that’s consistently good enough to eat regularly, a significant plus in these uncertain economic times.
