If you’re struggling to find time to cook your weekly meals or find it difficult to maintain a healthy nutrition plan day in and day out, the best meal delivery services can be a beacon of hope. “Popular meal kit delivery services can be excellent for supporting a healthy diet thanks to their portion-controlled, nutrient-dense dishes and convenient ordering processes,” adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD. However, some of these kits and meal subscriptions can be costly, slicing into your budget and overshadowing their ease of use. Enter EveryPlate, a budget-minded meal kit service with a large assortment of tasty dishes and a la carte add-ons.
We view EveryPlate as a worthwhile option for many athletes, especially single individuals who don’t need to plan a family feast each night. The recipes are detailed and descriptive, and while some meals may take long to prepare, the time spent in the kitchen is far less than what you’d need to head to your local grocer, collect your needed items, and return home to prepare your foods. In this EveryPlate review, we’ll go over everything the service has to offer from its weekly menu to nutritional information, average prep times, and more. Our expert team, with inspiration from our supplement testing methodology, also examined real-world factors like shipping rates, packaging, and required cookware — similar to our protocols with over 40 other meal delivery services over the years. Ring the dinner bell, it’s time to dive into our findings.
EveryPlate offers meals starting at $4.99, making it a great solution for budget-minded athletes and families looking for a convenient approach to meal prep each week. While the time spent in the kitchen can exceed an hour between prep and cooking, this meal kit service still provides a good bit of variety with additional a la carte options for extra proteins, sides, and sauces.
Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Main Takeaways
- You can select up to five EveryPlate meal kits per week with enough servings for up to six people, which may be too limited of a menu for those with large families using a meal service for every meal throughout the week.
- According to our tester, plan to spend a little more time in the kitchen than the listed prep time on each recipe card.
- Each meal, regardless of your chosen plan, costs $7.99, making this one of the more affordable meal kits we’ve had in testing.
EveryPlate Specs
| Price Per Meal | $7.99 |
| Meal Kit Type | Meal kit |
| Meals Per Week | Up to 5 |
| Average Prep Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Available Meal Options | Meat & Veggies, Quick & Easy, Vegetarian, Nutrish & Delish, Family Faves |
| Delivery Range | Contiguous United States |
| Meals We Tried | Caramelized Onion Burgers, Chicken Sausage & Tomato Linguine, Shawarma-Spiced Steak and Rice Bowls |
EveryPlate offers weekly meal kit bundles that can feed up to six individuals per order. Like other meal delivery services, the EveryPlate menu changes weekly, giving you between 30 and 40 options to select from featuring some of the most nutrient-dense foods and side dishes. Additionally, you can select from a range of a la carte items such as extra helpings of protein, veggies, starches, and more. However, you can only select up to 30 servings of five different meals weekly, meaning the meal variety may be less ideal for those feeding multiple family members with each order.
While EveryPlate doesn’t specifically cater to certain diets like keto, paleo, gluten-free, or veganism, there are some plant-based meals to choose from each week. Caine Wilkes, BarBend editorial team member and former Olympian, adds, “You also have room to customize some of your chosen meals, meaning you can swap out, say, certain meats for a top plant source of protein to accommodate your dietary preferences.” Studies report that meal delivery services can serve as a positive outlet for improved health and nutrient consumption, so being able to customize your dishes to your dietary needs can be a worthwhile perk. (1)(2)
Unlike other subscription services offering prepared dishes that can be heated in the microwave, EveryPlate offers structured meal kits with pre-portioned ingredients and detailed recipe cards. While this means that your nightly dishes may take longer to prepare, it does eliminate the need for regular grocery shopping. In my experience, meal kits can also lead to better food experiences since you can actually taste-test the recipe as you work rather than playing a game of risk with a pre-portioned, microwaveable meal. If a recipe needs some spice or extra pizazz, you can easily alter on the fly.
Packaging-wise, your EveryPlate order comes with all your quality ingredients neatly packed in (mostly) recyclable containers. “EveryPlate also provides information on proper disposal of the included ice packs, so there’s no issues regarding waste or contamination,” adds Wilkes. Orders can be shipped throughout the contiguous United States, but be sure to double-check that EveryPlate is offered in your region prior to signing up.
Finally, each EveryPlate meal costs $7.99 regardless of your chosen recipe or amount of servings chosen. This universal pricing is lower than the average meal kit costs, which can typically range between $10 and $15 per dish. Additionally, the brand routinely offers discount promos for new subscriptions, which can be a fun, cost-effective way to see if the service is right for your diet.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use EveryPlate
While EveryPlate’s affordability and tasty weekly menus may seem like a no-brainer boost to your normal meal planning, the service isn’t for everyone. Below, we’ve outlined a handful of groups we feel could benefit from this popular meal delivery service along with a few camps that may fare better with a different subscription or old-fashioned grocery shopping and meal prep.
Recommended for:
- Athletes wanting a low-cost subscription service with a range of rotating meals and recipes
- Those that don’t need an abundance of meals to effectively feed a large group or family
- Individuals that don’t need to abide by strict dietary restrictions
Not Recommended for:
- People in need of fast, microwavable meals for quick consumption
- Those uncomfortable with preparing home-cooked meals
- Athletes following a vegan diet or those with strict dietary needs
Our Experience Using EveryPlate
The BarBend team is made up of certified personal trainers, competitive athletes, nutrition coaches, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. For this EverPlate review, Caine Wilkes, BarBend editorial team member and former Olympian, tested the budget-friendly meal delivery service for multiple weeks, taking inspiration from our supplement testing methodology to examine the subscription’s available meals, ingredients, packaging, value, and (of course) taste. Similar to our experiences with other meal kits (45 to date), we also provided ratings in key categories on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of our key findings.
Menu Options
Variety is the spice of life, right? Similar to how even the best protein powder can grow tiresome and dull after extended use, so can your weekly meals. Thankfully, each EveryPlate box can be curated to your needs and wants from the brand’s weekly menu of over 30 different dishes. Each week, you can pick and choose from family-friendly staples like mashed potatoes, chicken breasts, and steak bites, or open up your taste buds for new treats like specialty tacos, pork chops, or other comfort foods.
“I also appreciate that EveryPlate has a large a la carte menu that can be perused during order placements,” notes Wilkes, who rates the menu options at 4 out of 5. “This can be helpful for when you’d like an extra protein source with certain meals or just need some extra side dishes to round out your plate.”
While we do enjoy the range of available tastes offered through EveryPlate, we do note that the rotating menu does not specifically cater to dietary restrictions. This means that those following a keto, paleo, or vegan diet may need to pay closer attention to their selected dishes before finalizing their cart.
Portion Size
A meal delivery kit can have all the flavors and options in the world, but it can be tough to chew if your portions aren’t up to your appetite. According to Wilkes, though, that issue is nonexistent with EveryPlate. “I’m a larger athlete, so I sometimes need the meals of two people with certain meal kits,” he explains. “With EveryPlate, though, the [individual] serving sizes are worthwhile for my appetite. The meals were filling and balanced, too, so there was no need for an after-dinner snack to hold me over.” Accordingly, we rate the portion sizes at 5 out of 5.
Prep Time
EveryPlate is a meal kit delivery service, meaning you still need to actually prepare your dishes rather than throwing them in the microwave or oven. According to the EveryPlate recipes, each meal can be completed in just a handful of steps. However, prepping, actually cooking, plating, and cleaning up can be a bit of a strain on your schedule.
“This service does eliminate the need to run to the grocery store every few days, but I do wish that the recipe cards had more accurate cooking times,” states Wilkes, who rates the prep time at a modest 3 out of 5. “For example, Carmelized Onion Burgers I ordered, while tasty, did take roughly 45 minutes from start to finish — a 15-minute overrun from the prescribed 30 minutes.”
We rate EveryPlate as middle-of-the-road for prep time, too, since the recipes can call for multiple pots, pans, and kitchenware to craft the meals themselves. If you often turn your nose up to washing dishes, or your best shaker bottles routinely fill up your dishwasher, this may not be the right service for your nutritional plan.
Taste and Ingredient Quality
Taste is (naturally) a major factor when trying to decide between one meal service over another. According to Wilkes, there’s no shortage of flavor with EveryPlate, rating the subscription at 5 out of 5 for the category. “My favorite meal was the Carmelized Onion Burgers, but there were plenty of dishes in my order that I’d happily eat again,” he adds. “Plus, I really enjoyed the seasonings used in each meal kit and rarely had to add my own herbs and spices to achieve that perfect bite.”
We also like how EveryPlate uses fresh versus frozen vegetables for its meal packages, as this can help create more appealing bites and flavor profiles during cooking. In terms of the packaging, Wilkes did note that a few vegetables arrived somewhat bruised, but we’re going to assume that these marks were picked up during the shipping process rather than prior to packaging. Overall, we rate the ingredient quality at 4 out of 5.
Value
We’re always on the hunt for a good deal — we have full round-ups dedicated to the best budget treadmills, exercise bikes, and more. In the realm of meal delivery services, EveryPlate is that wallet-friendly beacon thanks to its universal price points across all available meals regardless of your order size. While some meal services offer discounted rates for larger orders, there’s something to be said about knowing exactly how much each dish costs upfront.
Wilkes also rates the value at 5 out of 5 given that, like other meal subscription models, the introductory offers are plenty enticing. “For my first box, I believe the running deal was $1.99 per meal,” he states. “It’s practically a steal when you consider the premium meals you’re receiving as part of the deal. Still, though, the $7.99 base pricing is more affordable than other subscriptions I’ve had in the past.”
What to Consider Before Buying EveryPlate
“Meal delivery services can be excellent for athletes that are routinely short on time or those that simply need a change of pace from their go-to grocery orders,” notes Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD. Like any trip to the grocers, though, it can be wise to do some pre-purchase planning to ensure you don’t arrive home (err, unbox your order) without everything you need for a full and hearty meal. Below, we’ve outlined some key factors worth considering when deciding on a meal delivery service for your personal nutrition plan, whether it be EveryPlate or another popular subscription.
- Ingredient Quality: It’s one thing to cook a meal from scratch, but another to use hearty, nutrient-dense ingredients to support your health and wellness goals. “Prioritize meal delivery services that utilize lean proteins, fresh fruits and veggies, and whole grains,” states Bourgeois. Also, be sure to choose a service that offers nutritional information for each chosen meal, either online during order confirmations or directly on the packaging, for easier macronutrient and calorie tracking.
- Meal Variety: Meal delivery subscriptions can also be great for keeping some variety in your meal plan, giving you more room to take in key vitamins and minerals from different sources. Think about your food preferences and identify meal kits with accommodating menus. It can also be helpful to focus on meal subscriptions that cater to when you prefer to eat. For example, if you’re a fan of high-protein breakfasts, consider a platform offering meals that align with this tendency.
- Dietary Restrictions: Do you follow a specific diet or need to accommodate certain sensitivities? Many meal subscription services offer entire menus dedicated to popular diets like veganism, low-calorie, and gluten-free, among others. Having a subscription that caters to your dietary needs can also alleviate any potential headaches that pop up during orders — no need to scroll through countless nutrition facts if you have a filtered menu at your disposal.
- Meal Preparation Needs: This factor pertains particularly to meal kits where you’ll need to prepare the dishes yourself. Before signing up for such services, see if you can locate any descriptions on cooking equipment needs — you don’t want to be left scurrying for a baking sheet prior to dinnertime.
- Value: While every appetite is different, studies report that the average home-cooked meal can cost around $4.23. (3) Meal delivery services will likely cost more per meal, but you’ll need to account for additional convenience like gas money for trips to the grocery store and food availability. Crunch some numbers and determine which platform suits your finances best.
EveryPlate Vs. Competitors
Similar to any trip to your local grocery store, you have options when it comes to meal delivery services. While this can make the decision-making process a bit of a challenge, it does lend itself to finding that perfect bundle for your personal wants and needs. Below, we’ve outlined two popular meal subscription services we feel match up well to what EveryPlate brings to the table — Factor and Home Chef.
| EveryPlate | Factor | Home Chef | |
| Price Per Meal | $7.99 | Starting at $10.99 | Starting at $9.99 |
| Meal Kit Type | Meal kit | Prepared meals | Meal kit or prepared meals |
| Meals Per Week | Up to 5 | Up to 18 | Up to 6 |
| Average Prep Time | 20-30 minutes | 2-3 minutes (microwave) | Varies by recipe |
| Available Meal Options | Meat & Veggies, Quick & Easy, Vegetarian, Nutrish & Delish, Family Faves | Calorie Smart, Chef’s Choice, Keto, Protein Plus, Carb Conscious, GLP-1 Balance, Fiber Filled, Flexitarian | Vegetarian, Calorie-Conscious, Carb-Conscious, Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Smart |
| Delivery Range | Contiguous United States | Contiguous United States | Contiguous United States |
| Meals We Tried | Caramelized Onion Burgers, Chicken Sausage & Tomato Linguine, Shawarma-Spiced Steak and Rice Bowls | Carnitas Pork Bowl, Shrimp and Summer Vegetable Rotini, Blueberry Pancakes, Green Chile Chicken | Mustard Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Breast, Maple Dijon-Glazed Salmon, One-Pan Korean-Style Barbecue Meatballs |
For those wanting high-quality meals in a hurry, Factor Meals can be a great option thanks to the brand’s focus on microwave-ready dishes. Each serving can be prepared in as little as two minutes, and you’re also able to keep stock of your favorite meals with orders up to 18 dishes per delivery round. However, wallet watchers may prefer the value of EveryPlate since Factor meals can start at roughly $10.99 per dish.
Home Chef, another premium meal kit service, operates similarly to EveryPlate in that you can select up to six meals weekly catering to different dietary preferences, According to our tester, though, there is a tendency to receive less-than-fresh produce with each order, which may lead to required trips to your local food mart. Plus, the price is slightly higher than EveryPlate with dishes starting at $9.99.
Places to Buy EveryPlate
You can sign up for an EveryPlate meal delivery subscription directly from the brand’s retail site.
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
EveryPlate offers weekly meal kit orders that can be skipped, altered, or cancelled with little hassle. Each week, you’re presented with a unique menu, giving you a new sense of variety to help support your health and wellness goals. To reach the brand with any inquiries, you can call (973)-210-4915 or utilize the brand’s ‘Live Chat’ feature at the lower right-hand corner of the retail page.
Given its affordable price point, generous portion sizes, and tasty weekly menus, it’s no surprise that EveryPlate has garnered positive attention online from customers. At the time of this writing, the service holds a 4.1-out-of-5 rating based on over 22,000 customer responses. “The meals are easy, tasty, and quite filling. Sometimes I even have leftovers for lunch the next day,” states one positive customer review.
Our Final Verdict on EveryPlate
As a meal delivery service, EveryPlate can be worth it for those wanting a budget-friendly subscription with well-portioned dishes that won’t leave you hangry post-dinner. While the prep time may leave you staring at the clock, the weekly menu rotation and well-seasoned makeup of each serving are enough for us to overlook the extra minutes in the kitchen.
It’s important to remember, as Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD puts it, “Not every meal delivery service is going to be capable of providing the proper nutrition for athletes.” As such, it’s vital to choose a subscription that provides tasty meals with detailed nutritional information as well as one that’s convenient enough for your schedule in terms of prep time and delivery methods. Set your budget (and stick to it), pay close attention to your personal dietary needs, and these bundles (EveryPlate included) can be the perfect way to ensure each night is capped with a warming, nutritious plate.
EveryPlate Review FAQs
How much does EveryPlate cost?
Order totals can vary depending on your chosen quantity each week, but each EveryPlate meal costs $7.99.
Is EveryPlate worth it?
Classifying a subscription-based meal delivery service as “worth it” can be subjective depending on your health goals and personal needs. From our experience, though, EveryPlate can be worthwhile thanks to its wallet-friendly meal pricing, array of available dishes, and detailed recipes.
Is EveryPlate owned by HelloFresh?
Yes, EveryPlate is owned by HelloFresh. EveryPlate is marketed as the budget-friendly meal delivery service, whereas HelloFresh can be great for those wanting to try more adventurous recipes or athletes needing to cater to more specific dietary needs. Other meal delivery services owned by the umbrella company include Green Chef and Factor.
References
- Zhu, H., & An, R. (2013). Impact of home-delivered meal programs on Diet and nutrition among older adults. Nutrition and Health, 22(2), 89–103. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24916974/
- Dobiecka, D. P., Markiewicz-Żukowska, R., Socha, K., & Naliwajko, S. K. (2025). New dietary trends—meal kit delivery services as a source of nutrients: A scoping review. Nutrients, 17(7), 1154. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11990246/
- Miranda, M. (2024, October 31). The cost of eating out vs eating in by State. The Cost of Eating Out vs Eating In by State. https://www.topnutritioncoaching.com/blog/cost-of-eating-out-vs-eating-in
