Blue Apron is one of the original meal kit services and it's also one of the best. In fact, Blue Apron topped our list of best meal delivery services for with a wide range of excellent recipes, all for an affordable price.

It's true, you can order bistro steaks and roasted trout dinners with Blue Apron's standard plan, where many services charge extra for those premium proteins. In addition to solid meal kits, Blue Apron is the most eco-friendly service of the major players, according to a recent study.

The heartier meals are great too, like the cauliflower rice and pesto harvest bowl with cashews and spinach. You won't need more than a saucepan, toaster or blender to prepare most of the meals, and most can be made in as little as 5 minutes. When I tried Daily Harvest , I loved the interesting smoothie combos such as a chocolate blueberry smoothie with greens, banana and almond butter.

The bottom line : It doesn't get much easier than HelloFresh. This service has tons of cheap meal kit options, more than 50 per week, and allows you to add proteins or extra servings to keep the whole crew fed and happy. HelloFresh has as many as 25 dinner meal kits per week, so it is nearly impossible not to find something you'll like.

HelloFresh also has five or six plant-based recipes a week, making it the best cheap meal kit service for vegetarians.

Over the past few years, we've tested nearly every meal kit delivery and prepared meal delivery service we could get our oven mitts on, and that includes the best budget meal delivery services.

Many of the menu options for the meal delivery services we've listed include nutritious plant-based food or high-protein recipes with lots of veggies and lean meats. To test each cheap meal delivery service, I tried at least four and sometimes as many as 10 meals from any given service.

I always choose a range of meals from the various menu and meal plan offerings. For instance, if a meal subscription service offers vegan or vegetarian meals I was sure to try at least one.

I also mixed up the cuisine types to include pasta, meat dishes, bowls and other various styles offered by the brand. To test the best cheap meal kits, there was another set of standards and protocols to adhere to.

Here's more on how we test meal kits at CNET. The first big decision you'll make is whether you want meal kits, which require some prep and cooking, or a prepared meal service that sends fully cooked meals ready to heat and eat.

Prepared meals require almost no time and energy, other than what it takes to actually eat the food, but typically run a few dollars more per serving. If you're keen on eating low-calorie, low-carb, plant-based or pescatarian food, certain meal kits and meal delivery services are better than others.

Our list of the healthiest meal delivery services for is a good place to find the most nutritious options. With almost every service, the more meals or servings are in your order per delivery, the cheaper it becomes per meal.

Ideally, you'll want to determine exactly how much food makes sense for your household. That means it's less of an issue if you order too many meals on your first go-around. Services like Daily Harvest and Splendid Spoon have meals for similar prices but are focused more on grain bowls and smoothies and might be better for breakfast or lunch versus dinner.

When it comes to meal kits, your options are many, and most services provide weekly recipes that are low on calories but still filling. HelloFresh has the most recipes per week of any meal kit service, so that might be your best bet for finding consistent meals that keep your diet goals on track.

But all services list the calorie content for each recipe, along with carbs, protein, sugar and sodium. Depending on your weight loss goals, a healthy prepared meal delivery or meal kit service can help. Fresh N Lean, Pete's Real Food and Daily Harvest all have low-calorie meals to choose from.

Some of the services listed here are healthy prepared meal delivery services , sending fully cooked meals -- often frozen or partially frozen -- and ready to eat when you receive them. Others include health-focused meal kits with premeasured ingredients all boxed up and ready for easy weeknight cooking.

There's a stark difference between meal kits and meal delivery, but both make dinnertime easier and can translate into healthier eating choices for you in Plus, we sussed out the best healthy meal services for those on special diets like keto or paleo or for those who wish to eat organic prepared meals and meal kits.

Wellness Nutrition. Written by David Watsky. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.

Reviews ethics statement. David lives in Brooklyn where he's spent more than a decade covering all things edible, including meal kit services, food subscriptions, kitchen tools and cooking tips.

Since earning a BA in English from Northeastern in Boston, he's toiled in nearly every aspect of the food business, including as a line cook in Rhode Island where he once made a steak sandwich for Lamar Odom.

Right now, he's likely somewhere stress-testing a blender or researching the best way to make bacon. Anything with sesame is his all-time favorite food this week.

Expertise Kitchen tools, appliances, food science, subscriptions and meal kits. See full bio. Why You Can Trust CNET. Table of Contents Top. Cheapest Meal Delivery Services of What's the best cheap meal delivery service?

Cheapest meal delivery services for Cheapest prepared meal services compared. How we test meal kits and meal delivery services.

Factors to consider when choosing a meal delivery service. Why you should trust us. Cheap meal delivery FAQs. Back to selection. See at EveryPlate. Best cheap meal kits overall. See at Fresh N' Lean. Best cheap prepared meal delivery overall. See at Dinnerly.

Best cheap meal kits for picky eaters. See at Mosaic Foods. Best cheap vegan meals. See at Blue Apron. Best cheap meal kits that include steak and seafood. See at Daily Harvest. Best cheap meal delivery for breakfast and lunch.

See at HelloFresh. Best cheap meal kits for diet and weight loss. FILTER BY all Meal Kit Prepared Meal. Showing 7 of 7 Results. Editors' choice. Show less. CNET rating out of 10 8. Cons Not as many healthy options No customization allowed. Type Meal Kit. Good for Healthy, family-friendly, comfort food, picky eaters, quick and easy.

Full Review Read full review. See at EveryPlate Best cheap meal kits overall EveryPlate. Show expert take Show less. CNET rating out of 10 9. Pros Food mostly tastes great Good for diets and healthy eating plans. Water: I've incorporated keeping my hydration simple when I'm dining out casually. I don't go anywhere without my trusty reusable water bottle.

Water is fine, and it's FREE. Save the cocktails and mocktails for a special night out. Smaller portions: Do you need three tacos, or will two suffice? No one liked it when their mom said we have food at home.

But in reality, if you have food at home, you can get the enjoyment of dining out and ordering less, and if you aren't fully satisfied, top it off with a snack at home. Sharing: If you are dining with a partner or friends and you share similar tastes, try sharing small plates, apps, or even entrees.

Pool your money and see how far you can make it go. Are these fun tips? No, but you'd be surprised how it lessens the hurt on your wallet when you incorporate one or more and leave the splurging to fancier nights out. When you see the menu you are going to want to order a lot of chicken, but in reality, the three piece basket with fries is plenty of food.

Whenever I order more than that I end up having leftovers. There are so many good dishes, but the one that might be the most addicting that my friend turned me onto is the Mac N Treez.

Vegan-friendly and delicious! Hand-breaded crispy chicken, 4 cheesy-herb waffles, buffalo maple syrup, and whipped cream. Note: StreetWise is currently in the process of moving locations, so follow their social media to stay in the know about the opening of their downtown spot.

Check their Instagram for their pop-up schedule. Quick and healthy is what New Moon is College Park is all about. Any additional sauces or dips will be an upcharge. The best bagels in all of Orlando come with an affordable price tag. While a simple Jalapeno Cheddar bagel with cream cheese keeps me satisfied for the better part of the day, you also hack the option to get these bagels and create a hearty breakfast sandwich at home.

Jeff's Bagels are top-tier and last more than a day, so you are getting multiple meals for a great price. One of the cheapest ways to eat at Viet Nomz is getting the Entree bowl with either rice or salad.

If you have the cash to spare I would add on a Vietnamese coffee. Topped with pickled vegetables, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeños, and your choice of meat. The Kimchi Fries or the Vietnamese Coffee are great add-ons. Lawless Subs in Atlamonte has a lot of great sub options without wasting most of your lunch hour waiting in line like you would at Publix.

These are really heartiful tacos, so three should be plenty and you still have money left over to for a horchata. There are plenty of options at Cubans on the Run in Casselberry.

One of my all-time favorite menu items at Purple Ocean is the Crash Boat - Banana, Hemp Seeds, and Peanut Butter.

Topped with Honey or Agave. An easier way to get a fuller meal is the Falafel Bowl. The bowl is generous and filled me up without being able to finish.

The first bowl consists of rice noodles, chicken, a homemade sauce, and a mixture of herbs. The second bowl is a broth you add to it with meatball and chicken young egg.

The brunch at Black Rooster's Curry Ford location is quite more affordable than most, so you won't be wincing at a credit card bill days later if you decide to have Sunday Funday here. Other brunch items include Huevos Rancheros, French Toast, California Breakfast Burrito, "Birria Style" Brisket Tacos, and more.

Brunch here won't break the bank, but you can still party on the outdoor patio with your friends. Musubi and Boba may feel like a partial meal to you, but it certainly passes for lunch to me. Dang Boba has delicious boba teas and now offers their Musubi every day from !

Hello My Friend! This beloved Mediterranean spot in College Park has remained affordable through the rising food inflation, and the portions are just as plentiful as ever.

Looking for food deals near you? Look no further. We've rounded up all the current restaurant specials, including free food, weekday food 1. "Utilizing the apps for fast food restaurants can go a long way in saving you money. · 2. "Go for the days they have deals! · 3. "Get a kid's 8. Order the cheapest chicken sandwich at McDonald's. · McDonald's: $ · Popeye's: $ · Chick-fil-A: $ · KFC: $ · Burger King: $ · Wendy's

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Budget-friendly Food Offers - The meal has to be right around $5. 2. We're looking for the best food the joint offers on a budget. It's not about the most food you can get Looking for food deals near you? Look no further. We've rounded up all the current restaurant specials, including free food, weekday food 1. "Utilizing the apps for fast food restaurants can go a long way in saving you money. · 2. "Go for the days they have deals! · 3. "Get a kid's 8. Order the cheapest chicken sandwich at McDonald's. · McDonald's: $ · Popeye's: $ · Chick-fil-A: $ · KFC: $ · Burger King: $ · Wendy's

When : Every Sunday. Dickey's Barbecue Pit The deal : Kids can get free Texas-style barbecue on Sundays with all delivery and carryout orders when you use the code "KEFOLO. If your kids like Texas-style barbecue, Sunday is a big day. When: Every Sunday.

Kona Grill The deal: Kids eat free with the purchase of any adult entrée. When : Every Sunday from 2 pm to close. Modern Market Eatery The deal: Kids eat free in-restaurant with the purchase of an adult entrée. When : Sundays and Mondays after 5 pm.

Chuck E. It comes drizzled with chocolate syrup and sprinkled with crushed peppermint. It's a dash of maple syrup away from being fit for Buddy the Elf. When : Through January 8. Boston Market The deal: The rotisserie chain is offering free kid meals. No purchase is required at all.

Kids 12 and under can just grab a free one. When: For just a little while. Steak 'n Shake The deal: Every weekday, S'nS emphasizes the latter half of its name with a happy hour where you can snag half-price drinks and shakes.

When : Monday through Friday, pm. Use the code "MAGIC MONDAY" in the app or mention it at checkout in-store. When : Every Monday. When : Monday through Friday until 3 pm. Each meal comes with your choice of two sides. This deal is available for pickup and delivery.

When: Every Tuesday. Bertucci's The deal: You can grab a free Brick Oven Pizza with the purchase of another one. Buffalo Wild Wings The deal: Every Tuesday, it's BOGO traditional wings for the creatively-named Wings Tuesday, which B-Dubs recently resurrected from the dead.

Though, you'll only find that deal at select locations. Give a call ahead. When : Every Tuesday. Tijuana Flats The deal: Get a free small queso with the purchase of any entrée.

Bakers Square The deal: Get a free slice of pie with the purchase of any entrée and beverage. You can eat it or slam it in the face of the next person who says "happy hump day.

When: Every Wednesday. Though, you have to buy a meal. This isn't a Little Free Library full of pies. When: Ongoing, every Wednesday. Baskin-Robbins The deal: When you download the Baskin-Robbins app for the first time, you get a free regular-sized scoop as an in-app offer.

Bruegger's Bagels The deal: You get how this goes now. Sign up for their Inner Circle club , and new members get a coupon for a free bagel with cream cheese. Einstein Bros. Bagels The deal: Find a similar deal here. Sign up for the Shmear Society and grab a free bagel. Baja Fresh The deal: Join the restaurant's Club Baja membership program, and you'll get an offer for a totally free taco, valid for one chicken, carnitas Baja, or Americano taco.

Quiznos The deal: Sign up for the Toasty Points loyalty app and get rewarded with a free 4-inch sub with any purchase. Del Taco The deal: Sign up for Del Taco's Raving Fan eClub and get two free grilled chicken tacos or Del Tacos for signing up.

If you download the Del App, you can also land another pair of free Del Tacos. Wingstop The deal: Get a free order of fries when you sign up for "The Club. Bojangles The deal: Sign up for the E-Club, and you'll get a coupon for a half-gallon of Legendary Iced Tea with any purchase.

You'll also get a coupon for a free Bo-Berry Biscuit with any purchase on your birthday. MOOYAH The deal: A free order of personal fries are headed your way if you sign up for MOOYAH Rewards.

Cold Stone Creamery The deal: If you're new to My Cold Stone Club Rewards you'll get a buy-one-get-one-free coupon on Creations. Mimi's Cafe The deal: Sign up for the e-club and get a free two-pack of croissants or muffins because breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

El Pollo Loco The deal: If you sign up for Loco Rewards you'll bag a free pollo bowl. Rubio's Coastal Grill The deal: Sign up for the Beach Club and you're getting a free taco to say cheers to your new friendship. Wetzel's Pretzels The deal: Download the Wetzel's Pretzels app, and you'll be gifted a free pretzel item from the pretzel shop.

Downtown has a reputation for being a culinary paradise and for good reason - on a quick stroll around the district you'll pass some of the best restaurants in the state.

There is no shortage of delicious lunch eats when you're downtown. Check out these restaurants that will leave your stomach and wallet full.

Want a lunch that will rejuvenate you instead of putting you in a food coma for the rest of the day? Their smoothies are perfect for people in a rush or always on the go.

From fresh soup and salads, to paninis, burritos, or falafel, you're sure to find something to satisfy you. You will go back to work with a full belly and a smile on your face.

Be sure to check out their Happy Hours, Monday-Thursday from PM. Add a brownie or banana to your sundae and you have a complete meal! Organic Sandwich Company is the place to go!

You can never go wrong with a grilled cheese from Ruthies Boardwalk Social for lunch. Tuesday BarNone N. Buckner Blvd. Casa Linda On Tuesdays from 3 to p.

Boulevardier N. Bishop Ave. Café Izmir Greenville Ave. Lower Greenville Customer appreciation night happens at Café Izmir every Tuesday. to close. El Vecino N. Casa Linda Spice up your otherwise boring Tuesday night by indulging in the tasty chile rellenos cheese or beef special at El Vencino from 5 p.

The cheeseburger at Hillside. KEEP THE OBSERVER FREE Since we started the Dallas Observer , it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Dallas, and we'd like to keep it that way.

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