Top Tips for Saving Money on Home Meal Delivery Services

Home meal delivery services have become increasingly popular over the past decade. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply someone who wants to avoid the hassle of meal planning and grocery shopping, these services offer a convenient way to enjoy tasty, home-cooked meals without stepping into a kitchen. However, this convenience often comes at a premium, and the costs can add up quickly if you're not careful.

In this actionable guide, we'll explore practical tips to help you save money while still enjoying the benefits of home meal delivery services. Whether you're using a subscription service like HelloFresh or Blue Apron or ordering from a local provider, these strategies will help you get the most value for your money.

Choose the Right Plan for Your Needs

One of the first ways to save money on meal delivery services is by choosing a plan that aligns with your lifestyle and eating habits. Many meal delivery services offer different types of plans that can significantly affect the cost.

Evaluate Your Weekly Meals

Before committing to a plan, ask yourself how often you need meals delivered. Some services offer flexible delivery options, from three meals a week to seven. If you only need a few meals to supplement your cooking or are looking for a quick dinner solution, a smaller plan will be more cost-effective.

• Smaller plans typically cost less than larger, all-inclusive plans.
• Flexible plans often allow you to skip deliveries without penalty, meaning you can adjust according to your needs.

By reviewing your weekly eating habits and adjusting the plan to fit, you can avoid paying for meals you don't need.

Consider Serving Sizes

Meal delivery services often provide multiple serving sizes, ranging from two servings to four or more. While it's tempting to order more servings to save on per-meal costs, consider whether you'll actually use those extra portions. If you're cooking for one or two people, it might be more economical to order smaller portions rather than larger ones.

• Family-sized plans might seem like a deal, but they can result in wasted food if you don't consume all the servings.

Opting for the right serving sizes will help you save money by reducing food waste and ensuring you don't over-order.

Look for Discount Codes and Special Offers

Many meal delivery services offer regular promotions, discounts, and introductory offers to attract new customers. If you're just starting with a meal kit service or looking to try something new, taking advantage of these deals can save you a significant amount of money.

Sign Up for Newsletters

Most meal delivery services offer a discount or free meal when you sign up for their newsletters. Signing up can give you access to valuable offers such as:

• First-time user discounts
• Referral bonuses if you recommend friends or family
• Seasonal or promotional discounts

Be sure to check for deals that might align with your needs, such as discounts for specific dietary plans or holidays.

Follow on Social Media

Meal delivery companies often post exclusive offers and flash sales on their social media accounts. By following your favorite services on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, you may get notified about sales, special promotions, or giveaways.

Opt for Cheaper Meal Plans

Meal delivery services tend to offer different price points depending on the type of meals you choose. While specialty diets (such as keto, vegan, or gluten-free) can be great for specific health needs, they often come with a higher price tag. If you're trying to save money, consider opting for more basic meal plans.

Stick to Simple Meals

Many services offer a selection of simple or "classic" meals, which typically cost less than more specialized options. These meals may not be as trendy or tailored to specific diets, but they can be just as satisfying. By choosing these meals, you can save money without sacrificing flavor or nutritional value.

Plan for Leftovers

Another way to save money is by selecting meals that are easy to store and reheat for later. Many meal delivery kits provide leftovers that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner the next day, essentially doubling the value of each meal. This reduces the cost per serving, as you're getting more use out of each dish.

Skip the Add-Ons

Meal delivery services often offer extra items such as snacks, desserts, and beverages as part of their menu. While these items can make the meal experience feel more luxurious, they come with an extra cost. Skipping these add-ons and focusing solely on the meals can help you reduce the overall price.

Stick to Essential Meals

Instead of adding extras to your order, focus on the core meal kit. For example, if a dessert or snack is included, but it's something you could easily purchase at a lower cost or make yourself, don't add it to your delivery.

Avoid Premium Ingredients

Some meal delivery services allow you to customize your meals, including the option to add premium ingredients like specialty meats, seafood, or organic produce. While these options are great for special occasions, they can significantly increase the cost of your meals. Opting for more standard ingredients can help keep prices down.

Use Multiple Services

While it might seem like a hassle, using multiple meal delivery services strategically can save you money. By taking advantage of different services' strengths, you can maximize savings without sacrificing variety or quality.

Compare Meal Plans

Some services may offer lower prices or better deals for specific types of meals. For instance, one service might be great for affordable vegetarian options, while another excels at hearty meat-based meals. By alternating between services based on what they offer, you can ensure that you're getting the best deals for the meals you want.

Combine Meal Kits with Grocery Shopping

Instead of ordering every meal from a delivery service, consider using meal kits for a few meals during the week, then supplementing with groceries for the rest. This hybrid approach allows you to save on delivery costs and still enjoy the convenience of prepared meal kits. You can use the grocery store for basics like snacks, breakfast foods, and ingredients for custom recipes.

Consider Family or Group Meal Plans

If you have a family or roommates, consider splitting meal delivery costs by sharing larger meal plans. Many services offer discounts for larger orders, and group purchases can help reduce the per-person cost. Dividing the meals among several people not only makes them more affordable but also ensures that everyone gets the meals they enjoy.

Pool Resources

By collaborating with others, you can also enjoy a greater variety of meals at a lower price. Instead of ordering for just one person, consider buying for the group and dividing the cost. This works particularly well for larger families or group households.

Plan Shared Meals

If your family or group has similar tastes, you can share family-sized meals that are designed to serve multiple people. Many meal services have bulk options that are often more affordable per serving than individual portions.

Be Mindful of Delivery Fees

While many meal delivery services offer the convenience of home delivery, some charge significant fees for shipping and handling. These costs can add up quickly, especially if you're ordering frequently.

Minimize Delivery Fees

To avoid high delivery costs, plan your meals around the service's free shipping or low-cost delivery days. Some services offer free delivery for orders above a certain amount, so it's worth consolidating your orders when possible. Additionally, look for promotions that offer free delivery or discounted fees.

Pick Local Providers

If you live in a metropolitan area, consider ordering from local meal prep or delivery services that may offer lower shipping costs than larger national brands. Local services might have fewer overhead costs, translating to savings for you.

Cancel or Pause Your Subscription When Not Needed

One of the easiest ways to save money on meal delivery services is by canceling or pausing your subscription during periods when you don't need it. Meal delivery subscriptions are often flexible and allow you to skip weeks, pause your subscription, or completely cancel it at any time.

Skip or Pause Deliveries

If you know you won't be home or will be eating out for a few days, take advantage of the ability to pause or skip your deliveries. This ensures you're not paying for meals you won't use. Similarly, if you're going on vacation or taking a break from meal delivery, canceling or pausing your service temporarily can save you money.

Be Proactive About Delivery Schedules

Many meal services will automatically deliver your next box if you don't cancel or pause it. Make sure to keep track of delivery schedules and plan ahead. Set a reminder to skip or adjust your deliveries before the cutoff date to avoid unnecessary charges.

Conclusion

Home meal delivery services offer a convenient solution for busy individuals and families, but they can be expensive if you're not strategic about how you order. By following the tips outlined above, you can save money while still enjoying the convenience and variety of meal delivery services. Whether you're adjusting your plan, seeking discounts, or carefully managing delivery costs, there are many ways to enjoy the benefits of home meal delivery without breaking the bank.

With a bit of planning and mindfulness, you can make meal delivery services a sustainable and cost-effective option for your busy lifestyle.

View Product