EveryPlate: The Ultimate Review of America’s Most Affordable Meal Kit – Is It Worth Your Money?

Laurell Kaiser, MA

Wellness Writer

Laurell Kaiser, an experienced health educator with over 10 years in wellness program development, specializes in Worksite Wellness Management. She holds a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, and is a Certified Health Education Specialist.

The quest for dinner solutions that are simultaneously convenient, affordable, and reasonably healthy feels like a modern-day tightrope walk. Between demanding schedules, rising grocery costs, and the siren call of expensive takeout, getting a satisfying home-cooked meal on the table consistently can seem daunting. Enter the meal kit revolution, promising pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered to your door.¹ Among the crowd, one name consistently stands out for its wallet-friendly approach: EveryPlate.

Touted as America’s best value meal kit, EveryPlate, a sibling brand to the more established HelloFresh, promises tasty, simple meals starting at a price point that significantly undercuts most competitors² – currently beginning at just $4.99 per serving. But does that low price come with hidden costs, compromises in quality, or nutritional shortcuts? Is it truly worth it, or is it a classic case of “you get what you pay for”?

To cut through the marketing hype and deliver the definitive answer, the Body Freedom Collaborative testing team, including registered dietitians, experienced home cooks, and meticulous editors, embarked on an exhaustive 8-week hands-on trial. We didn’t just read menus; we ordered, unboxed, chopped, sautéed, tasted, and analyzed dozens of EveryPlate meals across multiple households. We compared delivery consistency, ingredient freshness, recipe accuracy, nutritional density, and overall value against its key competitors and the reality of grocery shopping.³

This is not just another surface-level review. This is the result of over 150+ hours of dedicated testing and analysis, designed to tell you everything you need to know about EveryPlate – the good, the bad, and the surprisingly tasty. Read on to discover if this budget meal kit lives up to its promise and deserves a spot in your kitchen rotation.

Our Rigorous Testing Methodology: How We Evaluated EveryPlate

To ensure this review provides unparalleled depth and trustworthiness, we implemented a multi-faceted testing protocol over 8 weeks:

• Real-World Testing Panel: Four different households (representing singles, couples, and families with young children) subscribed to EveryPlate, ordering a variety of meal plans (2 and 4 servings, 3 to 5 meals per week).
• Meal Variety Tested: We collectively cooked and evaluated over 40 unique EveryPlate recipes across their menu categories (ClassicPlate, VeggiePlate, FamilyPlate, EasyPlate) to assess consistency and range.
• Key Evaluation Criteria: Each meal was scored on:
  • Taste & Flavor: Overall satisfaction, seasoning balance, ingredient pairings.
  • Ease of Preparation: Clarity of recipe cards, accuracy of time estimates, skill level required.
  • Ingredient Quality & Freshness: Condition upon arrival, sourcing perception (within budget context), freshness longevity.
  • Portion Size: Adequacy for stated serving size.
  • Nutritional Value: Analysis based on provided nutritional information and ingredient composition (reviewed by our RDN).
• Objective Measurements: We timed preparation and cooking steps, compared actual times to recipe estimates, and cross-referenced provided nutritional data with standard databases where possible.
• Packaging & Delivery Assessment: We monitored delivery consistency, packaging condition, insulation effectiveness, and the amount/recyclability of packaging materials.
• Customer Service Interaction: We communicated common inquiries (skipping a week, reporting a minor ingredient issue) to evaluate responsiveness and helpfulness.
• Expert Consultation: Johanna Richter, MS, RDN, CD, reviewed nutritional data, ingredient lists, and overall meal balance to provide an expert perspective on healthiness. We also consulted with a culinary professional for insights on recipe design and flavor profiles relative to the price point.
• Comparative Analysis: Findings were constantly benchmarked against experiences with other meal kits (especially HelloFresh and Dinnerly) and the cost/effort of traditional grocery shopping and cooking.

This comprehensive approach allows us to move beyond anecdotal evidence and provide data-driven, reliable insights into the true EveryPlate experience.

What Exactly is EveryPlate & How Does It Work?

EveryPlate operates on the familiar meal kit model but distinguishes itself with an unwavering focus on affordability. It is owned by HelloFresh Group, but functions as its distinct, value-oriented brand.

The Core Concept: EveryPlate delivers a weekly box containing pre-portioned ingredients and corresponding recipe cards directly to your home.⁴ The goal is to minimize food waste, reduce grocery store trips, and simplify the process of cooking dinner.

The Step-by-Step Process:

Pricing Deep Dive: Unpacking EveryPlate’s Unbeatable Value Proposition

EveryPlate’s primary appeal is its price tag. It consistently ranks as one of the most, if not the most, affordable meal kit services available.

Current EveryPlate Pricing (As of [Current Date]):

*Note: Price per serving often decreases as you order more meals per week. Prices can fluctuate based on promotions and your specific plan. Always check the website for the most current rates.

EveryPlate

Key Pricing Takeaways:

• Base Price: The $4.99 starting price per serving is genuinely low compared to competitors, where $8.99 – $12.99 per serving is more common.
• Shipping Costs: The flat $10.99 weekly shipping fee is standard but significantly impacts the overall cost per serving, especially for smaller plans. Factor this in!
• Introductory Offers: EveryPlate heavily promotes steep discounts for new customers (e.g., “$1.49 per meal”). These are excellent for trying the service but don’t reflect the long-term cost.
• Value Analysis: Even with shipping, EveryPlate often comes out cheaper than buying individual ingredients for similar meals at the grocery store (especially considering potential food waste) and significantly less expensive than restaurant meals or takeout.⁵

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*Prices may vary

The EveryPlate Menu: Simplicity, Familiarity, and Taste

EveryPlate’s menu strategy aligns with its budget focus: deliver familiar, crowd-pleasing meals that are easy to execute.

Menu Structure & Variety:

• Weekly Options: Typically 26+ recipes are offered each week. This is less than premium services like HelloFresh (40+) or Home Chef (30+), but sufficient to avoid immediate repetition for most users.
• Meal Categories:
  • ClassicPlate: Standard meat, seafood, and vegetarian options.
  • VeggiePlate: Meat-free meals (often feature beans, pasta, cheese, and vegetables).
  • FamilyPlate: Kid-friendly, easy-to-eat recipes.
  • EasyPlate: Designed for quicker prep or cleanup (e.g., one-pan meals, minimal chopping), often ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Nutrish & Delish: Options tagged as having fewer than 650 calories and balanced macros.
• Customization: While limited, the ability to occasionally swap proteins (e.g., ground beef for turkey) or pay extra for premium proteins (like steak or salmon) adds some flexibility. These options are clearly marked with associated upcharges ($2.99 – $4.99 per serving typically).  

Recipe Style & Complexity:

EveryPlate recipes lean heavily towards American comfort food classics, pasta dishes, tacos, and simple stir-fries. Think Pork Chops with Roasted Carrots, Cheesy Bean Tacos, Chicken Sausage Pasta. They are intentionally designed for beginner cooks:

• Simplicity: Recipes typically involve 6 straightforward steps.
• Basic Techniques: Focus on fundamental skills like chopping, roasting, pan-searing, and boiling pasta.
• Familiar Flavors: Dishes rely on common flavor profiles, unlikely to challenge picky eaters.

Ingredient Quality & Sourcing:

This is where the budget nature is most apparent, though not necessarily negative.

• Freshness: Our testing found produce and meats generally arrived fresh and in good condition. We encountered only minor issues (e.g., slightly soft bell pepper) across dozens of meals, which customer service addressed promptly.
• Sourcing: EveryPlate doesn’t emphasize organic produce or premium sourcing like higher-priced kits. Expect conventional produce and standard quality meats. This is a key factor in keeping costs low.
• Pre-Processing: Ingredients require basic prep (chopping vegetables, mincing garlic). Minimal pre-prepped items are included compared to some competitors.

The Taste Test: Our Team’s Verdict:

Overall, our testers found EveryPlate meals to be consistently decent and satisfying for the price.⁶

• Flavor Profile: Generally tasty but often benefits from adding extra seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite spices). Some sauces were occasionally bland.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Meals were generally well-received by families, including children.
• Recipe Accuracy: Instructions were clear and easy to follow. Photos were helpful. Time estimates were mostly accurate, occasionally taking 5-10 minutes longer than stated, especially for less experienced cooks.
• Standouts: Simple, hearty dishes like meatloaves, pasta bakes, and sheet-pan meals often performed well.
• Minor Gripes: Some veggie portions felt slightly small. Reliance on carrots and zucchini was noted across several weeks.

Nutritional Analysis: Is EveryPlate a Healthy Choice?

This is a crucial question, and the answer is nuanced. EveryPlate can be part of a healthy diet, but it requires mindful selection and awareness of its limitations.

Typical Nutritional Profile:

• Calories: Meals generally range from 600 to 900 calories per serving.⁷ This aligns with a standard dinner but can be high for those managing calorie intake. The “Nutrish & Delish” options aim for under 650 calories.
• Macronutrients: Many meals lean towards higher carbohydrates (pasta, rice, potatoes are common bases) and moderate fat. Protein portions are generally adequate but not exceptionally large.
• Sodium: This can be a concern. Some sauces and spice blends contribute significantly to sodium content.⁸ Our RDN reviewer noted several meals exceeding 1000mg sodium per serving.
• Vegetables: While included, the variety and quantity of vegetables can sometimes feel secondary to the starch and protein components.

Ingredient Quality & Health:

• Whole Foods: Recipes do incorporate whole foods like vegetables and proteins.
• Processed Components: Reliance on sauces, spice blends, and refined grains (white pasta, white rice) is common. This is typical for convenience and cost-effectiveness but less ideal from a purely nutritional standpoint compared to scratch cooking with only whole ingredients.

Comparison to Alternatives:

• vs. Takeout/Restaurants: EveryPlate meals are generally healthier than typical fast food or many restaurant dishes, primarily because you control the cooking method (less deep frying) and portion sizes are defined (though sometimes generous). Calorie and sodium levels can be comparable to some casual dining options.
• vs. Cooking from Scratch: Cooking from scratch using predominantly whole, unprocessed ingredients allows for greater control over sodium, fats, and portion sizes, making it potentially healthier. However, EveryPlate offers better portion control and potentially lower calorie counts than if one were to “freestyle” a similar comfort food meal at home without measuring.

Dietary Limitations:

This is EveryPlate’s biggest nutritional drawback:

• Lack of Specific Plans: There are no dedicated plans for Keto, Paleo, Gluten-Free, low-carb, or strict Vegan diets.
• Allergen Management: While allergens are listed, the risk of cross-contamination in packaging facilities means it’s not suitable for those with severe allergies.
• Vegetarian Options: Available weekly, but variety can be limited, often relying heavily on pasta, cheese, or beans.

Pros and Cons: The Unvarnished Truth About EveryPlate

Based on our extensive testing and research, here’s a balanced breakdown:

EveryPlate vs. The Competition: How It Stacks Up

Understanding EveryPlate’s position requires comparing it to its main rivals.

EveryPlate vs. HelloFresh:

HelloFresh is EveryPlate’s parent company but targets a different market segment.

EveryPlate vs. Dinnerly:

Dinnerly is EveryPlate’s closest competitor in the budget meal kit space.

• Pricing: Very similar, often trading the “cheapest” title depending on current promotions. Both have comparable shipping fees.
• Recipe Style: Both focus on simple, quick-to-prepare meals (often 5-6 steps). Dinnerly might lean slightly more towards digital recipe cards to save costs, while EveryPlate typically includes physical cards.
• Menu & Ingredients: Both offer similar variety levels and use standard, conventional ingredients. The specific meal offerings differ weekly, making personal preference a key factor.
• Key Takeaway: The choice between EveryPlate and Dinnerly often comes down to weekly menu preference and which service has the better introductory offer when you sign up. They occupy a very similar niche.

EveryPlate vs. Premium Kits (Blue Apron, Home Chef, Green Chef):

• Difference: These kits offer more gourmet recipes, higher quality/specialty ingredients (often organic options with Green Chef), extensive customization (Home Chef), and cater to specific dietary niches.
• Cost: Significantly more expensive than EveryPlate ($9.99 – $13.99+ per serving).
• Key Takeaway: EveryPlate competes on price and simplicity, not on culinary complexity or premium features offered by these higher-tier services.

Who Should Get EveryPlate (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)?

EveryPlate excels for specific types of users but falls short for others.

EveryPlate

EveryPlate is an Excellent Choice For:

• Budget-Constrained Households: Individuals, couples, or families seeking the most affordable meal kit option without sacrificing the convenience of home delivery.
• Beginner Cooks: The simple recipes and clear instructions build confidence and fundamental kitchen skills.
• Time-Poor Individuals: Anyone looking to drastically cut down on meal planning and grocery shopping time.
• Those Seeking Simplicity: People who prefer familiar, straightforward comfort food over complex or adventurous cuisine.
• College Students or Young Adults: An affordable way to eat regular, home-cooked meals instead of relying on takeout or dining halls.

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*Prices may vary

EveryPlate Might Not Be The Best Fit For:

• Adventurous Eaters & Foodies: Those who crave culinary variety, gourmet ingredients, and more complex recipes will find the menu limiting.
• People with Strict Dietary Needs: Anyone following Keto, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegan, or low-sodium diets, or those with severe food allergies.
• Health-Conscious Individuals Prioritizing Nutrition: While manageable, those who meticulously track macros, prioritize organic ingredients, or need lower-calorie/sodium meals consistently might prefer a more health-focused kit (like Green Chef or Purple Carrot).
• Eco-Conscious Consumers: While packaging is largely recyclable, the sheer volume can be a concern for those aiming for minimal waste.
• Those Seeking High Customization: Users who want extensive control over swapping proteins, sides, or ingredients in every meal will find EveryPlate’s options basic compared to kits like Home Chef.

The Final Verdict: Is EveryPlate Worth the Investment?

After rigorous testing and careful analysis, the answer is a resounding yes, EveryPlate is worth it – for the right person.

EveryPlate delivers exceptionally well on its core promise: providing an incredibly affordable, convenient, and simple way to get dinner on the table. Its price point, starting at $4.99 per serving (before shipping), is largely unmatched in the meal kit landscape. For individuals and families prioritizing budget above all else, the value proposition is undeniable.⁹ It successfully lowers the barrier to home cooking, reduces food waste, and saves precious time otherwise spent on planning and shopping.

The recipes are straightforward and accessible, making it an ideal gateway for novice cooks. The meals themselves, while not gourmet, are consistently palatable, familiar, and satisfying – hitting the mark for simple weeknight dinners.

However, this value comes with clear trade-offs. The menu variety, while decent, doesn’t match premium kits. Culinary complexity is low, and ingredient quality is standard, not premium. Most significantly, EveryPlate falls short for those with specific dietary requirements or allergies. Nutritional profiles require attention, particularly regarding sodium and calorie density, although mindful selection can mitigate some concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About EveryPlate

How we reviewed this article: