Eat a variety of foods
Top 3 Cheapest Meal Kits in Canada (2025)
Jennifer Robinson
When choosing a high-quality meal kit delivery service, it’s essential to make sure that the service is well-suited to your lifestyle and dietary preferences. However, most people who think about trying out meal kits also wonder about their cost. Everyone wants to eat delicious meals made from quality ingredients, but it’s not always easy to do so at an affordable price. This is why we’ve collected as much relevant information as possible about the prices of Canadian meal kits on this page.
In this article, you’ll read about the factors that determine the cost of Canadian food delivery services, find out about shipping costs and taxes you’ll need to pay when ordering meal kit delivery in Canada, discover how meal kits compare to conventional grocery shopping and restaurant meals, and learn what the cheapest meal kit in Canada is.
What Meal Kit Service Is the Cheapest in Canada?
If you’re looking to save money while still enjoying the convenience of meal kits, you’re not alone. “What meal kit service is the cheapest?” is one of the most common questions Canadian shoppers ask — and the answer depends on how you define “cheap”: total weekly cost, price per serving, or value for money.
Based on Price Per Serving
As of 2025, here’s a general breakdown of the most affordable meal kits in Canada, based on entry-level plans:
-
Chef’s Plate
Often considered the cheapest major meal kit service. Plans start around $8.99 per serving, and discounts for new customers are frequent. Ideal for students, young professionals, or anyone budget-conscious. -
Goodfood
Their “Classic” and “Easy Prep” plans hover around $9.50–$10.50 per serving depending on the number of meals per week. Occasionally runs discounts that drop the price even lower. -
HelloFresh
Slightly more expensive, typically $10.49–$12.00 per serving, though the brand often offers deep introductory discounts (like 50% off the first box).
Hidden Costs to Watch
While per-serving cost is the most visible pricing factor, don’t forget to factor in:
-
Shipping fees: Some companies (like Chef’s Plate) charge a flat delivery fee on smaller plans.
-
Minimum orders: You might need to commit to 3–4 meals a week to access lower pricing.
-
Intro vs. regular pricing: Many kits lure you in with steep discounts, but regular pricing applies from box 2 or 3 onward.
Cheapest Overall for Most Households
If affordability is your top concern and you’re flexible with ingredients, Chef’s Plate is consistently the most affordable choice across the country. That said, take advantage of first-box promos from HelloFresh and Goodfood to compare value before settling on one service.
Chefs Plate: Try Chef's Plate Meal Kits From $2.99 Per Serving!Apply discount
Meal Kit Price Comparison
When choosing a meal kit delivery service, it’s crucial to understand how much you will be paying for it. You can use the tool below to see a detailed breakdown of all costs that go into meal kit subscription prices. For example, you can calculate the price of different meal kits depending on the number of recipes and servings in the box, see how much you will pay in total and per serving, compare how much shipping costs at each of these top meal kit delivery companies, and more.
Number of people
Recipes per week
Price per serving
$9.99 – $11.99
$8.99
$9.99
$8.99
$9.99
$8.99
$9.99
$8.99
n/a
n/a
$12.99
$11.49
$12.49
$10.99
$12.49
$9.99
$13.99
$12.99
$13.49
$11.59
$12.99
$10.99
$12.29
$10.79
Shipping
$7.99
$4.99
$4.99
$4.99
$4.99
$4.99
$4.99
$4.99
n/a
n/a
$10.99
$10.99
$10.99
$10.99
$10.99
$10.99
free
free
free
free
free
free
free
free
Weekly total
$48 – $56
$77
$65
$113
$85
$149
$105
$185
n/a
n/a
$89
$149
$111
$187
$136
$211
$56
$104
$81
$139
$104
$176
$123
$216
First week promo
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Your 1st week price
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
Meal Kit Discounts Comparison
#1 Meal Delivery 2025
Click to Get up to 23 Free Meals + Free Sides for Life + Free shipping on 1st box
- Over 100 recipes and 200+ meal combinations you can choose from every week
- Fresh, pre-portioned ingredients. Cook and enjoy your meals in under 30 minutes
- Recipes everyone will love, including family-friendly, meat & veggie, vegetarian, and carb & calorie smart
9.9
Most Affordable Meal Kit
Try Chefs Plate Meal Kits From 3.99/Meal + Dollar Menu
- Canada's Most Affordable Meal Kit
- Dinner for two for less than $20
- Choose from 40+ fuss-free, flavourful recipes each week including family friendly and vegetarian options
- Get dinner done with new 15 minute meals each week
9.6
Best Prepared Meals in Canada
Back-To-School Sale: Up to $90 off + Free shipping on your first box
-
Canada’s #1 Ready-to-Eat Meal Delivery
-
Ready in Minutes – no prep, no clean-up
-
30+ Dietitian-Approved Options
-
Meal plans for every lifestyle: Keto, Calorie Smart and Protein Plus
-
Fresh poultry, fish & veggie choices
9.4
Who Are Meal Kits Good For?
Meal kits aren’t for everyone — but they can be a game-changer for the right kind of home cook.
If you enjoy cooking but dislike meal planning and grocery shopping, meal kits offer a convenient middle ground. You get pre-portioned, fresh ingredients and step-by-step recipes, without the stress of deciding what to make every night.
They’re also a great option if you want to:
-
Try new ingredients and recipes without waste
-
Cook healthier meals at home
-
Spend less time prepping and cleaning
-
Learn new kitchen skills with easy guidance
Whether you’re a busy parent, a couple trying to eat better, or someone looking to save time after work, meal kits can simplify your routine — and make dinner something to look forward to.
Meal kits will be suitable for you if you want to:
-
-
Eat homemade meals
-
Save time on meal planning
-
Save time and gas on grocery shopping
-
Try new recipes
-
Get meals on the table quickly
-
Reduce your household’s food waste
-
Learn new cooking techniques
On the other hand, if you prefer researching or even creating new recipes, carefully picking out each piece of produce and cut of meat at the grocery store, and cooking complicated meals that require you to use multiple pans and elaborate cooking techniques every night, meal kits may not be a good option for you. Additionally, if you completely dislike cooking in general and would rather spend significantly extra money to order take-out or go out to a restaurant every night, there’s a chance that you won’t enjoy meal kits as much.
HelloFresh: Get Up to $200 Off + Free Breakfast for LifeApply discount
Chefs Plate: Try Chef's Plate Meal Kits From $2.99 Per Serving!Apply discount
Factors That Influence Meal Kit Prices
The method used by meal kit companies to price their food subscription boxes depends on several factors, such as the number of meals and servings in a kit, the number of recipes in a plan you’re choosing meals from, and whether or not the recipe contains premium ingredients. We’ve decided to analyze how these factors influence the price per serving, with the goal of helping our readers understand how they can get the most value for their money.
Relationship between the price per serving and the number of meals in a kit
First, we analyzed the effect of the number of meals in one box on the price per serving. The results were close to what we anticipated: as you increase the number of recipes in a kit, the price per serving decreases. For example, if you purchase a box that contains only 1 recipe, you will pay $12.09 per serving, on average. But if you purchase a box with six or more, each serving will cost you only about $9.35. Three-recipe boxes were the only outlier, because on average they cost slightly more per serving than two-recipe boxes.
Relationship between the price per serving and the number of servings per meal
We also analyzed how meal kit companies change their prices per serving depending on the number of people the box is meant for. For instance, if you purchase a box meant for 2 people, each recipe will have enough ingredients for 2 servings of that meal. Based on all the data we’ve analyzed, we can conclude that the more servings you purchase, the cheaper price per serving you will have to pay. If you order a box for just 1 or 2 people, you’ll have to pay an average of $11.46 per serving. However, adding additional servings will bring the average price per serving down to as low as $10.40.
Relationship between the price per serving and the number of recipes offered in a plan
Many meal kit companies offer customers a selection of different plans to choose meals from. For example, there are separate meal plans for vegetarians, vegans, pescatarians, etc. Each of these plans has a certain number of recipes you can choose from when putting together your weekly meal kit. For example, some plans have only 3 choices, while others have over 20 recipe options.
We wanted to see how the number of choices you have in a plan influences the price of one serving. As you can see from the graph, there is really no clear correlation between the number of recipes in a plan and the price per serving. This could be due to the fact that there are other factors at play here, or there simply may not be enough plans to establish a clear-cut connection.
Premium recipes
Some boxes may also be more expensive because they include recipes that contain premium ingredients such as lobster, steak, seafood, etc. These recipes are perfect for self-identified foodies, people who want to celebrate a special occasion, or simply people who are bored with their current meal rotation and want to try something new. Naturally, premium meals cost more for the company to provide and customers will need to pay extra for them. The size of the surcharge will vary depending on the meal kit company, recipe type, and other factors.
HelloFresh: Get Up to $200 Off + Free Breakfast for LifeApply discount
Chefs Plate: Try Chef's Plate Meal Kits From $2.99 Per Serving!Apply discount
Cheapest Meal Kits in Canada
If you’re looking for the cheapest meal kit in Canada, you’re in the right place. Since many companies that carry out meal kit delivery in Canada are regional, the cheapest meal plans will vary across different parts of the country. Some of the cheapest meal kit companies, including HelloFresh and Chefs Plate, deliver their products to all provinces. Other meal kit companies have focused on one area of the country. Canadians who live in the western part of the country can take advantage of affordable meal plans from Fresh Prep, while people living on the east coast can enjoy cheap meal boxes by Cook It.
Does the Cost of Meal Kits Include Taxes?
When calculating the cost of meal kits in Canada, an important consideration is that meal kits are subject to the same tax rules as other grocery products. Basically, what this means is that “essential” food and produce are tax-exempt (meaning you don’t pay taxes) whereas snack foods and non-essential grocery items do get taxes charged. However, the distinction between essential and non-essential foods can be unclear. Most meal kits are tax-free. The ones that do sell tax-bearing foods will either pay the tax themselves or lump it in with the “shipping and fees” surcharge.
All that to say, that when HelloFresh tells you the price of the meal kit for the week (which you can easily skip with one click if you’re running a little low on moolah at the time or going away) it is exactly the amount that will be taken from your credit card – no sneaky fees or taxes tacked on! In fact, meal kit services in general are very upfront about the fees and costs. If you find one that isn’t, or doesn’t show its prices clearly, choose from one that we’ve reviewed.
Meal kit shipping charges
Nobody likes to reach the final payment screen on an online purchase and then find out that they have to pay for shipping. However, knowing about the shipping costs upfront can help you find the most suitable meal kit in Canada for you and feel comfortable about its price. Fortunately, most meal kits in Canada such as Goodfood offer free delivery, so you can save a few dollars by picking one of those companies. Although, Goodfood costs more than most services per meal so you have to weigh up the total cost of an order and see how much the per-serving price is including shipping. Luckily we’ve done this for you on the review and comparison pages.
Some other companies do charge shipping costs, but not for every order. For example, Chefs Plate charges a delivery fee only if you’re buying their smallest two-person, two-recipe kit. Other companies, including HelloFresh, Fresh City Farms, and Rooted Meal Prep, always charge a fixed shipping fee. Finally, companies like Spud offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. The general trend is that companies will incentivize people to buy more food in order to receive free shipping and lower prices per serving.
Advantages of meal kit delivery in rural areas
When you live in a small town or village, you gain some things but have to compromise on others. For instance, you may not be able to go to a large mall or fancy restaurant any time you want, and your local grocery store may not have a huge selection of exotic delicacies. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy delicious food every week, as meal kit delivery in Canada can help you enjoy tasty and varied food in your home.
The further you go from Canada’s big metro hubs, the more groceries cost, the slimmer the selection is, and the quicker the lack of freshness becomes an issue. Find out which meal kit delivery companies deliver to your home.
This means that meal kits are more valuable to people in deep suburbs, exurbs, and especially the small towns and hamlets that hold 30%+ of Canada’s population. For the time being, though, only HelloFresh guarantees delivery to 95% of Canadians.
While meal kits can solve many of these problems, you’ll have to check if certain meal kit companies deliver to your area. As meal kits become more popular across Canada, we believe that companies will expand their delivery grids.
If you live in a more rural area and have been putting up with higher prices and lower grocery availability for a long time, it may be worth it to try experimenting with meal kits and learning about what they can offer.
Company recommended for rural residents
Comparison of meal kit prices to grocery and restaurant meal costs
Most people have three choices when it comes to food: traditional home-cooked meals prepared with food from a grocery store, take-out or restaurant meals, and food prepared using a meal kit. When families contemplate which of these three options to choose, price is often one of the most important deciding factors. Here, we’ve calculated the average cost of meals prepared using grocery store food, meals from meal kits, and restaurant meals to help you make an informed decision.
-
Grocery prices
To get an understanding of how much Canadians spend on groceries for one meal, we analyzed the results of an online Reddit survey on Canadian grocery spending. The survey was completed by 53 Canadians who provided their monthly grocery spending and the number of people in their households. Some respondents said that they spend very little on groceries because they rarely cook at home. Others reported very high grocery costs and noted that they included some restaurant meals in their total. After compiling and analyzing all the data, we’ve discovered that, on average, Canadians spend $257.16 per month on groceries for one person. However, 50% of responses were in the $175 – $300 range. If we assume that an average individual consumes 90 meals per month (3 meals per day for 30 days), the average cost of one serving made with grocery store ingredients is $2.86. 50% of people spend between $1.94 and $3.33 per serving per meal.
-
Restaurant meal prices
To get an accurate understanding of the average meal prices in Canadian restaurants, we conducted a meta-analysis of 8 studies that looked into prices at different cafes and restaurants in Canada. These 8 studies provided a total of 21 estimates of average restaurant prices. Meal price estimates ranged widely from as little as $6.00 to as much as $39 per meal. The average cost per meal was $18.90, but 50% of price estimates were between $11.00 and $23.50. Some factors that influenced these estimates included the meal type, restaurant class, location, and more. For instance, lunch meals were generally more expensive than breakfast but less expensive than dinner. Naturally, fast food establishments had the lowest prices while high-end restaurants offered the most expensive meals.
-
Meal kit prices
Finally, we collected and analyzed up-to-date pricing information from 13 meal kit companies to calculate the average cost per serving. If a company charged customers for shipping separately, we factored that charge into the effective cost per serving. We used the prices for 200 combinations of meal plans, recipes, and servings in our calculations. Based on all of the data, the average cost of one meal kit serving is $10.80, but 50% of all combined prices fall between $9.80 and $12.02 per serving. Naturally, vegetarian meals were generally less expensive than recipes from meat and fish-based plans. The price per serving also becomes lower when you increase the number of meals and servings in a kit.
-
Conclusions
As you can see from our data, the cheapest option is food prepared with grocery store ingredients. Meal kit recipes cost a little more than grocery store food, but they are still significantly cheaper than restaurant meals. So if you often find yourself going to a restaurant or ordering food delivery because you don’t have time to cook in the evening, meal kits may be a great compromise to help reduce your food expenses while allowing your family to eat healthy, home-cooked meals every night.
HelloFresh: Get Up to $200 Off + Free Breakfast for LifeApply discountChefs Plate: Try Chef's Plate Meal Kits From $2.99 Per Serving!Apply discount
Meal kit coupons
If you’re looking for the cheapest meal kit delivery services in Canada, you definitely need to check out coupons offered by different companies, as these will usually allow you to get a great deal on your first few boxes. For instance, companies may offer a significant discount on your first order, or give you several free meals that will be added to your box when you use a certain promo code. The promo codes you will find below can help you try several cheap meal kits so you can figure out which one you like the most.
|
Company
|
Provinces Served |
Regular price per week
Min
Max
|
Promotion
Amount
Unit
Duration
Value $CAD
|
Promo code | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
10 |
$48
$185
|
n/a
n/a
1 week
$116
|
COMP299
|
|||||
|
|
10 |
$89
$211
|
n/a
n/a
1 week
$150
|
COMPPHFEAKHY
|
|||||
 |
3 |
$73
$279
|
n/a
n/a
1 week
$176
|
||||||
|
|
2 |
$56
$216
|
n/a
n/a
1 week
$136
|
AFLCOMP80
|
|||||
AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK
AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK
BC, ON, QC
AB, BC
How to Save Money on Meal Kits in Canada
Meal kits can sometimes feel like a splurge, but there are several smart ways to keep costs low while enjoying the convenience they offer. To save money on meal kits in Canada, consider looking for promotional deals from popular brands like HelloFresh and Chefs Plate. Many companies offer discounts on first orders, seasonal promotions, or referral bonuses, making it easier to try new services at a reduced cost. Signing up for email notifications or loyalty programs can also unlock additional savings over time.
Another effective strategy for securing the cheapest meal kit in Canada is to buy in larger quantities. Many meal kit companies offer discounts when you order additional meals or servings per week. This approach reduces the cost per serving, which is ideal for households with multiple people or families looking to save on their weekly food bill.
Finally, consider skipping premium recipes that come with higher price tags. While lobster or specialty cuts of meat may be tempting, these meals often increase the overall cost. Opting for vegetarian or simpler protein options can reduce your bill while still delivering a delicious and satisfying meal.
Best Meal Kit for Families on a Budget
For price-conscious families, Chef’s Plate stands out as the most affordable meal kit option in Canada. With plans starting around $8.99 per serving for four-person meals, it offers simple, family-friendly recipes without the high price tag. Meals like tacos, pasta, and stir-fries are quick to prepare and generally well-received by both kids and adults. Unlike more premium services, Chef’s Plate focuses on value and practicality — making it a smart choice for busy households looking to save money without sacrificing convenience. For families seeking more variety or dietary options, HelloFresh is a solid alternative, though it comes at a slightly higher cost.
Affordable Meal Kits vs. Grocery Shopping in Canada
“When comparing meal kit delivery services to grocery shopping, affordability is a major consideration. For Canadians seeking the most affordable meal kits, it’s helpful to understand how these services stack up against traditional grocery shopping. Meal kits offer several advantages: they reduce food waste by providing pre-portioned ingredients, save time spent on meal planning, and often include high-quality ingredients. However, the cost per serving of grocery store meals can be lower than meal kits, especially for larger families or individuals who shop for sale items.
Another factor to consider is convenience. Meal kits eliminate the need to spend time at grocery stores, making them a great option for busy people who still want home-cooked meals. While some may feel that groceries provide cheaper options, the time savings and ease of use with meal kits may offer better value, especially when comparing the cheapest meal kit services in Canada.
Overall, whether you choose meal kits or groceries will depend on your lifestyle and budget. For Canadians looking for the cheapest meal kit in Canada, meal kits can provide value through efficiency, variety, and a reduction in food waste. By analyzing your needs and cost expectations, you can find an option that works best for your situation.
Are Meal Kits Worth It?
Meal kits can absolutely be worth it — depending on your lifestyle, budget, and cooking preferences.
For many people, the value lies in convenience. You skip meal planning, grocery shopping, and ingredient measuring, which can save hours each week. The meals are usually fresh, portion-controlled, and designed to be simple, even if you’re not confident in the kitchen.
They’re especially worth it if:
-
You want to eat healthier but lack time or motivation
-
You spend too much on takeout or food delivery
-
You waste groceries due to overbuying
-
You enjoy cooking but hate the prep work
However, if you’re on a very tight budget or love cooking from scratch using bulk ingredients, traditional grocery shopping will likely be cheaper.
Ultimately, meal kits offer a balance of time savings, meal variety, and reduced waste, which makes them a smart choice for many — especially busy individuals, couples, and families.
Case Study: Chefs Plate
Let us consider Chefs Plate as a quick example. With Chefs Plate meal kits, the cost of each meal becomes lower when you increase the number of meals per week or the number of people the kit is meant for. For instance, if you order 2 meals per week for two people without using their promo, you will pay $11.50 per meal per person. This price includes shipping, which costs $6 per box when you order 2 meals for 2 people. Shipping is free for all other kits.
However, when you order more food, the per-serving price decreases. A kit for 2 people with 3-4 meals per week will cost $9.99 per meal. Alternatively, if you use the Chefs Plate promo to get 50% off your first order, you can get a box containing 2-4 meals per week for two people at $5.00 per meal.
If you order a kit for 4 people, you will pay $8.99 per meal when ordering 2-4 meals per week without a promo. New customers can get the same kit at $4.50 per meal with the promo code. In summary, ordering more portions and more meals can be an effective way to cut your per-serving costs, and combining this strategy with the promo codes can save you even more money.
Visit Chefs Plate site
Final Thoughts About the Cost of Meal Kit Delivery in Canada
Price is one of the most important factors people look at when selecting a meal kit. Naturally, we all want to get the best possible deal for our money. There are many things that influence the cost of meal kits. If you have a family with kids and want to get four or more recipes in your meal kit each week, you will pay less per serving than someone who lives alone or with a partner and only orders two-recipe boxes. Additionally, prices are affected by the inclusion of premium ingredients such as lobster and steak.
Beyond price comparisons within the world of meal kits, you are likely comparing the cost of meal kit delivery to the price of groceries or restaurant meals. Meal kits cost more than groceries but they are also much cheaper than food from a restaurant. Keep in mind that many meal kit companies offer special promos and discounts for new customers, so you can try meal kits without putting a strain on your budget. Many companies also provide free shipping and you generally don’t have to pay a tax on meal kit boxes.
All things considered, our answer to the question “Are meal kits worth it?” is a definitive yes. They are a great way to feed your family with tasty, affordable, and healthy meals without spending a ton of time on cooking and grocery shopping. They can also help reduce your family’s negative impact on the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which meal kit service is most affordable?
The cost per meal kit serving depends on how many people you order for each week and how many meals you want. Chefs Plate is typically the cheapest meal kit in Canada per serving and nearly all of their plans come with free delivery.
Are meal kits cheaper than restaurant meals?
What factors influence meal kit prices?
Do meal kits with meat cost more?
Are meal kits cheaper than takeout?
