Smart Strategies for Saving Money on Meal Delivery Services Each Month

Meal delivery services have revolutionized the way we think about cooking and eating at home. They offer convenience, save time, and often introduce new and exciting flavors to our diets. However, this convenience comes at a price, and for many people, the cost of meal delivery services can add up quickly, especially if used frequently. Fortunately, there are several smart strategies you can employ to reduce your monthly spending on meal delivery services while still enjoying the benefits they provide.

In this guide, we'll explore actionable ways to save money on meal delivery services, from optimizing your subscription plans to making better choices when ordering. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy delicious, home-delivered meals without breaking the bank.

Choose the Right Meal Plan for Your Needs

One of the simplest ways to reduce costs is by selecting the meal plan that best fits your eating habits and lifestyle. Meal delivery services typically offer various plans based on the number of meals per week, the number of servings per meal, and your dietary preferences.

Why it works:

Meal plans vary in price, and choosing one that aligns with your needs ensures that you don't pay for more meals than you actually consume. Many people overestimate their meal needs and end up wasting meals or paying for options they don't utilize.

Actionable Tips:

• Evaluate your weekly meal consumption: If you only need lunch or dinner for a few days a week, opt for a smaller plan (e.g., 2--3 meals per week) instead of a larger plan with more meals.
• Consider family plans or larger portions: If you're feeding multiple people, family-sized meal kits might provide better value for your money. Often, meal kits for 4 servings cost less per person than those for 2 servings.
• Opt for flexible subscriptions: Some services allow you to pause, skip, or change your orders week to week. If you're on a tight budget one month, take advantage of this flexibility to reduce your order volume.

Look for Discounts and Promotions

Meal delivery services are highly competitive, and many offer frequent discounts and promotions to attract new customers or retain existing ones. Taking advantage of these offers can significantly lower your monthly expenses.

Why it works:

Most services offer introductory discounts, bundle deals, or seasonal promotions. If you know when and where to look, you can benefit from these savings without having to compromise on your meal delivery service.

Actionable Tips:

• Sign up for promotional emails: Meal delivery companies often send out special discounts to their mailing list. Signing up for these notifications can ensure you never miss a deal.
• Check third-party discount platforms: Websites like Honey, Rakuten, or Groupon often feature meal delivery promo codes. You can apply these codes during checkout for instant savings.
• Refer a friend: Many services have referral programs where both you and a friend get discounts or credits when they sign up. If you have friends or family who are also considering meal delivery, this can be a great way to save.

Opt for Cheaper Services or Budget-Friendly Options

Not all meal delivery services are created equal, and some are more expensive than others. If you're looking to save money, it's essential to explore options that fit within your budget while still providing quality meals.

Why it works:

Some meal delivery services cater specifically to budget-conscious consumers without sacrificing meal quality. By switching to a more affordable service or selecting budget-friendly options, you can maintain the convenience without the high cost.

Actionable Tips:

• Explore budget-friendly options: Services like EveryPlate, Dinnerly, and Home Chef tend to be more affordable than higher-end services like Blue Apron or HelloFresh. While the meal options may be more straightforward, you can still enjoy delicious and nutritious meals.
• Check for value options: Some services offer a "value" plan that includes fewer premium ingredients, which can reduce the overall cost per meal. These meals are often just as satisfying and nutritious as their pricier counterparts.

Minimize Delivery Fees by Choosing a Local Service

Delivery fees can quickly add up, especially if you order multiple meals each week. These fees often range from $5 to $10 per delivery, and if you're not careful, they can increase your total bill substantially.

Why it works:

By choosing a local meal delivery service or one with lower delivery fees, you can save money on each order. Many services offer free delivery with a minimum order or as part of a subscription plan.

Actionable Tips:

• Look for local services: Local meal delivery companies often have lower or no delivery fees compared to national brands. Do some research to find services that cater to your area with competitive delivery pricing.
• Combine orders for fewer deliveries: Instead of ordering several small meals throughout the week, try to combine your meals into one larger order. Some services offer free delivery on orders over a certain amount, so you can make sure you meet that threshold to save on delivery charges.

Plan Meals and Order in Bulk

Meal delivery services allow you to plan your meals for the week, and by planning ahead, you can make smarter decisions on what to order and when to order it.

Why it works:

When you plan meals in advance and order in bulk, you can reduce food waste and avoid the temptation to order extra meals out of convenience. Additionally, bulk ordering may come with discounted prices or promotions for larger orders.

Actionable Tips:

• Plan your week's meals in advance: Take some time each week to plan which meals you'll need. Ordering larger quantities of meals in advance can help you stick to your budget and minimize impulse orders.
• Stock up on favorite meals: Some services allow you to reorder meals or build a subscription to ensure you always have your favorite meals on hand. This can reduce the temptation to order meals at higher prices during weeks when you're not as organized.

Leverage Meal Prep for Added Savings

Meal prepping can significantly lower the cost of eating out or ordering meal delivery services. Instead of relying on meals delivered to your door every day, consider prepping large batches of meals at home and using meal delivery as a supplement.

Why it works:

Meal prepping allows you to control your food costs and ensures that you always have healthy, home-cooked meals available. Using meal delivery as a supplement to your meal prep routine can save you money while still giving you the convenience of ready-to-eat meals.

Actionable Tips:

• Prep large batches of meals: Dedicate a couple of hours each week to prepping ingredients or fully cooked meals. Store them in the fridge or freezer for quick access.
• Order meal delivery for special occasions: Instead of using meal delivery services every day, reserve them for busy days, special occasions, or when you want to try something new.
• Incorporate leftovers into your routine: Meal delivery often provides extra portions, which can be repurposed as leftovers. Utilize these for lunch or future dinners to stretch your meals further.

Review Your Subscription and Cancel When Necessary

Meal delivery services often offer subscription models, but these may not always align with your needs or budget. If you notice that you're not using the service as much as you expected or the cost is getting out of hand, consider reviewing your subscription and making adjustments.

Why it works:

Many meal delivery services offer a subscription model that can lock you into regular payments. By reviewing and canceling unnecessary subscriptions or pausing them when not needed, you can save money without completely abandoning the service.

Actionable Tips:

• Pause your subscription during slow months: If you find that you're not using your meal delivery service as much, consider pausing it for a week or month. Many services allow you to skip orders at no extra charge.
• Cancel if needed: If you find that the service no longer fits your needs or budget, don't hesitate to cancel your subscription. You can always return to the service later when you need it.

Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs and Cashback Offers

Many meal delivery companies offer loyalty programs, rewards, or cashback opportunities for frequent customers. These can add up over time, helping to offset the cost of your meal delivery.

Why it works:

Loyalty programs provide rewards in the form of credits, discounts, or special offers for continued business. By participating in these programs, you can gradually accumulate benefits that reduce your costs.

Actionable Tips:

• Sign up for rewards programs: If your meal delivery service offers a loyalty program, make sure to sign up. Collect points or credits that can be redeemed for future orders.
• Look for cashback deals: Some meal delivery services offer cashback deals through certain payment methods or credit cards. Take advantage of these offers to earn back a portion of your spending.

Conclusion

Meal delivery services can be a convenient and enjoyable way to maintain a balanced diet, but without careful planning, they can quickly become a significant monthly expense. By choosing the right meal plan, taking advantage of discounts, optimizing your delivery frequency, and planning ahead, you can significantly reduce your costs while still enjoying the convenience of meal delivery. Incorporating these smart strategies into your routine will help you save money, minimize food waste, and continue enjoying the benefits of meal delivery without breaking your budget.

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