Weighing your options for meal kit delivery can feel overwhelming with so many choices promising convenience, flavor, and savings. EveryPlate stands out for aggressive pricing—but does its lower cost match up with quality and nutrition? Let’s take a closer look at what you get with EveryPlate, how it stacks up nutritionally, and how it compares with Hello Fresh, another major player in the meal kit market.
How EveryPlate Works
EveryPlate operates on a simple principle: take the complexity out of home cooking by providing pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. Instead of inundating you with exotic ingredients or complicated techniques, their meal kits feature straightforward, crowd-pleasing recipes that don’t require a culinary degree to execute.
A customer chooses from a weekly menu, picks the number of meals per week (between 3 and 6), and the number of servings (either 2 or 4). Fresh ingredients arrive at your door, neatly packed and ready to store or cook.
Here’s a snapshot of the process:
- Weekly rotating menu with 26+ meals
- Customizable orders for families or couples
- Step-by-step recipe cards
- Focus on classic, hearty flavors
This streamlined approach is designed to keep both costs and effort under control, making meal preparation more affordable.
EveryPlate Costs: Breaking Down the Pricing
Affordability is a major selling point for EveryPlate. If you’ve balked at the price of other meal kits, this one is likely to make you do a double-take.
What to Expect Week-to-Week
EveryPlate meals start as low as $4.99 per serving. Most plans will run between $4.99 and $5.89 per serving, with small differences depending on the exact number of meals and servings you select.
| No. of Meals/Week | Servings per Meal | Cost Per Serving | Total Cost (Before Shipping) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | $5.89 | $35.34 |
| 3 | 4 | $5.49 | $65.88 |
| 5 | 2 | $5.49 | $54.90 |
| 6 | 4 | $4.99 | $119.76 |
Shipping is a flat $9.99 per week regardless of the size of your box. So, if you’re getting three meals for two, you’re looking at roughly $45.33 weekly, shipping included.
Promotions often drop the first box price well below these rates, sometimes as low as $1.49 per meal for a limited number of deliveries.
Nutrition and Health: What’s Really in Those Boxes?
Selecting a meal kit isn’t just about saving money—nutrition counts too. EveryPlate caters to folks looking for satisfying, cooked-from-scratch meals, but its focus is firmly on comfort classics and well-loved staples.
So, how does EveryPlate fare on the health front?
Ingredient Quality
Most ingredients are fresh, sourced from U.S. suppliers, and arrive well-packed. You’ll see familiar veggies: potatoes, carrots, peppers, onions, lettuce, green beans, and more. Proteins like chicken, ground beef, pork, and—occasionally—fish make frequent appearances.
That said, EveryPlate does cut some corners to keep costs low. Don’t expect organic meats or produce, and the cheese, grains, and sauces may contain more processed elements compared to premium meal kits.
Nutrition Profile
EveryPlate meals tend to land in the 600-900 calorie range per serving, with many hovering about 35–45 grams of protein. Carbohydrate content runs moderate to high, given the focus on pasta, rice, potatoes, and breads.
Meals are designed to be filling and balanced, but may skew heavier on sodium and fat than some might like—common in comfort-style food kits. Vegetarian options are available, but special diet meals (keto, vegan, low-calorie, etc.) are limited.
Typical Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):
- Calories: 600–900
- Protein: 30–45g
- Fat: 20–35g
- Carbohydrates: 50–75g
- Sodium: 600–1200mg
Reading the nutrition facts on the recipe card helps you make informed choices.
The Upside
- Meals offer plenty of protein and varied vegetables
- Allergen info is clear
- Hearty portions satisfy appetite
The Drawbacks
- No commitments to organic or non-GMO ingredients
- Portions may be high in carbs and sodium
- Few options for special dietary needs
EveryPlate is a fit if you’re healthy, active, and not following a strict, specialty diet. For those set on cleaner or highly specialized diets, another service might fit better.
EveryPlate vs. HelloFresh: Which Wins?
A common question comes up when weighing meal kit options: How does EveryPlate stack up next to HelloFresh? Since HelloFresh owns EveryPlate and operates it as its budget-conscious sibling, these two offer an interesting comparison.
Where EveryPlate Edges Ahead
The most significant advantage is price. EveryPlate offers meals for $2–$4 less per serving than HelloFresh, meaning savings add up fast over weeks. For large families or budget-minded couples seeking cost-effective meal delivery services, this is hard to ignore.
Simplicity is another draw. EveryPlate’s recipes use fewer ingredients and have a preparation time of 30–40 minutes, helping you stick to a routine on busy nights.
HelloFresh’s Benefits
HelloFresh takes things further in terms of culinary variety and ingredient sourcing. You’ll find a wider menu diversity, global cuisines, and more produce per dish. Packaged spice blends, organic options, and more customizable meal plans make it attractive for adventurous eaters or those looking for gourmet experiences.
Low-calorie, keto, and more diet-friendly options frequently pop up in HelloFresh boxes, whereas EveryPlate sticks closer to all-American comfort classics. Special meal needs are easier to accommodate.
Direct Comparison
| Feature | EveryPlate | HelloFresh |
|---|---|---|
| Price Per Serving | $4.99–$5.89 | $8.99–$11.99 |
| Shipping | $9.99/box | ~$10.99/box |
| Menu Variety | 26+ recipes/week | 50+ recipes/week |
| Dietary Options | Limited (veg only) | Veg, pescatarian, low cal, etc. |
| Ingredient Quality | Conventional | Higher-end, some organics |
| Recipe Complexity | Simple, 6 steps | Moderate, 7–10 steps |
| Prep/Cook Time | 30–40 min | 20–45 min |
| Portion Size | Generous, filling | Slightly smaller, varies |
Which to pick? If price is the deciding factor and you enjoy hearty, classic meals, EveryPlate does the trick. If flavor innovation, ingredient quality, and special diets matter most, HelloFresh pulls ahead.
Real-World Feedback: What Are Users Saying?
Sifting through reviews of EveryPlate reveals strong patterns:
Praise
- “Hard to beat at this price point.”
- “Recipes actually turned out like the picture, which was a first!”
- “Straightforward and filling. My picky kids actually like it.”
Complaints
- “Missed spicier and more unique flavors.”
- “Some veggies arrived a bit wilted.”
- “Wish there were more low-calorie options.”
Most reviewers note that EveryPlate is a significant time-saver, easy to use, and does help reduce stress at dinner time. Those expecting gourmet, adventurous, or diet-specific meals are the ones most often disappointed.
Is EveryPlate Healthy?
The answer hinges on what “healthy” looks like for you. EveryPlate provides a substantial meal with real ingredients and a solid nutrition profile for people who want satisfying dinners without breaking the bank. For those watching sodium, seeking organic, or needing accommodations for allergies or strict diets, it might fall short.
Using EveryPlate as a foundation, you can often make tweaks, like adding a salad or swapping a sauce, to further tailor the meals to personal health goals.
Maximizing Value With EveryPlate
If you’re considering getting started, a few strategies can help you make the most of EveryPlate’s unique approach:
- Choose veggie-forward meals for lighter options
- Mix in pantry staples (like extra greens or whole grains)
- Review nutrition info on recipe cards
- Portion out leftovers for lunch
EveryPlate’s price, speed, and consistency give it a permanent place at the table for households looking to cut dinner costs without reverting to endless takeout or frozen meals. It’s an accessible way to eat satisfying home-cooked food, especially when dinner hour gets busy.
For those willing to trade off a bit of variety and premium ingredients to curb food spending and kitchen time, EveryPlate lands squarely as the best value meal kit on the market. If you’re seeking a wider array of flavors, specialty diets, or higher-grade produce, HelloFresh or other higher-priced services are likely a better match.