Cost by meal kit tier
How this calculator works
We calculate the cost of meal kits based on per-serving pricing from three major services: EveryPlate ($5.50/serving), HelloFresh ($9.00/serving), and Home Chef ($10.50/serving). Each meal assumes one serving per family member.
Grocery savings are estimated by dividing your weekly grocery budget across 7 nights, then crediting back the nights replaced by meal kits. Takeout savings assume meal kits replace about 50% of your current takeout spending, since the convenience factor is a big reason families order out.
The primary result uses mid-range (HelloFresh) pricing. Use the tier comparison table below the calculator to see budget and premium options side by side.
What this doesn't include
Intro discounts. Most meal kit services offer 50-60% off your first few boxes. Your actual cost for the first month will likely be much lower than what's shown here.
Shipping. Some services include free shipping over a certain order size. Others charge $8-10 per box. This can add $30-40/month depending on the service.
Food waste reduction. Meal kits send pre-portioned ingredients, which means less food waste compared to grocery shopping. The USDA estimates the average family wastes 30-40% of the food they buy. That hidden savings isn't reflected in the numbers above.
Time value. Meal kits eliminate meal planning, recipe searching, and most grocery shopping. If your time is worth $25/hour and you save 3 hours a week, that's $75 in time savings not shown here.
Next steps
If meal kits look like they fit your budget, check out our best meal kits for families for a full breakdown of which services work best for different family sizes and dietary needs.
Looking for the cheapest option? Our cheapest meal kits for families guide ranks every service by actual per-serving cost after discounts.
Still not sure if kits are worth it? Read meal kits vs. grocery shopping for a side-by-side cost comparison with real receipt data.
