4 Ways to Choose the Right Meal Subscription Service for Your Budget

Meal subscription services can add convenience to your busy life. Planning and shopping for every meal takes time. But with meal kits, everything you need to prepare a delicious meal appears at your doorstep. 

If you've been considering trying meal subscription services, you may wonder how to choose one that fits your needs and budget. Here are a few tips to make it easier to select a meal subscription service that won't leave you feeling broke. 

1. Review your finances 

You should assess your finances before signing up for a meal subscription. If this will be a new expense for you, it's essential to consider your budget so you don't go into debt. You can avoid overspending beyond your means by determining how much you can comfortably afford to spend on meal subscription service expenses.

To calculate how much you can realistically spend, you may want to review your current grocery spending habits to see how much money goes toward monthly food costs. If this new expense is a priority, you can reduce your grocery spending to free up cash to spend on meal kits. If you need help with budgeting, check out our list of the best budgeting apps. 

2. Consider ordering veggie-only meals 

Now that you know how much you can afford to spend, you can research your options. There are many meal subscription service companies, and each company has various plans. As you compare plans, you may notice significant price differences between meals with meat and those without. You might consider ordering vegetarian meals to save money if you're on a tight budget. You can always bulk up some of your meals with additional protein, like beans. 

3. Order fewer meals 

If you're worried that meal subscriptions are out of your price range, you might consider ordering only a few meals, such as getting three meals delivered each week instead of six. This is an easy way to reduce the cost of the service while still adding convenience to your life. With this strategy, finding a service that doesn't drain your bank account could be easier. 

4. Research local options

Instead of rushing to order the meal subscription kits you see advertised on TV, you may want to explore local options. There may be meal services in your area, possibly offered by local caterers. It's possible that these services could be cheaper or they could provide more food at a similar price point. You may find smaller meal service companies in your community that offer already-prepared meals. That could be an even more convenient solution for your busy lifestyle. 

Give multiple services a try to find the right one for you 

With so many meal subscription options, it can be overwhelming to select one. The good news is you can test out multiple services to see which works best for your needs. But make sure you don't overpay when trying a new-to-you service. 

Many popular meal subscription companies offer discounts to new customers, so check for coupons before you place your first order. You can use coupon apps to find active discount codes. For additional ways to save money, check out our personal finance resources.