Meal kits and food subscriptions have become a popular choice for people looking for convenient and healthy meal options. However, they can sometimes be expensive, especially if you’re using them regularly. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to save money on meal kits and food subscription services. Whether you’re using HelloFresh, Blue Apron, Home Chef, or any other service, here are some effective strategies to cut costs while still enjoying delicious meals.
Look for Discounts and Promo Codes
One of the easiest ways to save money on meal kits is by using discounts and promo codes. Most meal kit services offer special deals for first-time customers, such as a percentage off your first few orders or free meals. Some websites and coupon platforms regularly update discount codes that you can apply at checkout. Always check for available promo codes before subscribing or placing an order.
You can also find discounts through cashback and deal websites. Sites like Deal Promo X, RetailMeNot, and Honey often have exclusive offers that can help reduce the cost of your meal kits. Additionally, some food subscription services offer referral programs, allowing you to earn discounts when you refer friends or family members.
Subscribe for the Right Plan
Many meal kit services offer different subscription plans based on the number of meals and servings you need. To save money, choose a plan that fits your budget and lifestyle. If you’re cooking for just yourself or a small household, avoid over-ordering meals that may go to waste.
Some services allow you to customize your plan or skip weeks when you don’t need meals. Take advantage of this flexibility to avoid unnecessary charges. If you find that a particular plan is too expensive, consider switching to a more affordable option or reducing the number of meals per week.
Take Advantage of Free Trials
Several meal kit companies offer free trials or heavily discounted first-time orders. This is a great way to try out different services without committing to a full-priced subscription. Before signing up, look for trial offers that include free meals or reduced prices for the first few weeks.
If you don’t plan to continue after the trial, make sure to cancel before the next billing cycle to avoid being charged at the regular price. Keep track of the cancellation deadlines so you don’t get locked into a subscription you don’t want.
Use Cashback Apps and Credit Card Rewards
Many credit cards offer cashback or rewards for grocery and food-related purchases. Check if your credit card provides cashback for meal kit subscriptions and use it to maximize savings. Some cashback apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fetch Rewards also give you money back when you shop through their platforms.
When signing up for a meal kit service, see if there are any special offers for using certain payment methods. Some services partner with banks or digital wallets to offer exclusive discounts for their customers.
Pause or Cancel When Needed
One common mistake people make is forgetting to pause or cancel their subscriptions when they’re not using them. If you’re going on vacation or have enough food for the week, pause your meal kit delivery instead of letting it pile up. Most meal kit services allow you to skip weeks without canceling your subscription, so take advantage of this option to avoid unnecessary charges.
If you find a better deal elsewhere or no longer need the service, don’t hesitate to cancel your subscription. Many meal kit companies make it easy to reactivate your account later if you change your mind.
Compare Prices Between Different Services
Not all meal kits cost the same, and some offer better value than others. Before committing to a subscription, compare prices between different services. Look at the cost per meal, delivery fees, and any additional charges. Some companies offer lower prices for bulk orders, while others have budget-friendly meal plans.
Reading customer reviews and checking social media can also give you insights into which meal kit services offer the best value for money. If a competitor has a better deal, you might be able to switch to a more affordable option.
Cook Extra and Save Leftovers
To get the most out of your meal kits, consider cooking extra portions and saving leftovers for another meal. Some meal kits provide generous portions that can be stretched into additional servings. If you have leftover ingredients, use them creatively in other meals instead of letting them go to waste.
You can also save money by using meal kits as inspiration and recreating your favorite recipes with store-bought ingredients. Once you get familiar with the meal kit’s recipes, you can buy similar ingredients from the grocery store at a lower cost and prepare them yourself.
Choose More Affordable Ingredients
Some meal kits allow you to customize your meals by choosing from different protein options and side dishes. If you’re looking to save money, opt for more affordable ingredients like chicken, beans, or tofu instead of premium meats or seafood.
Additionally, some services offer vegetarian or plant-based meal plans that are more budget-friendly than those with high-end ingredients. By selecting lower-cost meals, you can still enjoy delicious food while reducing your expenses.
Buy in Bulk and Share with Friends
If you have family members or friends who also use meal kits, consider placing bulk orders together. Some services offer discounts for larger orders or family-sized portions. Splitting a subscription with someone else can help lower costs while still providing enough meals for everyone.
Buying in bulk also applies to grocery shopping for additional ingredients. Many meal kits require staple items like eggs, milk, or spices that you might already have at home. Purchasing these items in bulk from your local grocery store or wholesale club can save money in the long run.
Look for Budget-Friendly Alternatives
If meal kits are getting too expensive, consider alternative ways to enjoy convenient meals without the high cost. Meal prep services, grocery store meal kits, and frozen meal options can be more affordable while still providing the same level of convenience.
Many grocery stores now offer pre-portioned meal kits at a lower price than subscription services. These in-store meal kits allow you to enjoy quick and easy meals without committing to a long-term subscription.
Final Thoughts
Saving money on meal kits and food subscriptions is possible with the right strategies. By using promo codes, choosing the right plan, taking advantage of cashback offers, and comparing prices, you can enjoy the convenience of meal kits without overspending. Whether you’re a busy professional, a family looking for easy meal solutions, or someone who enjoys cooking without the hassle of grocery shopping, these tips will help you make the most of your food subscription while keeping costs low.
