Cheapest food delivery options that save you money
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Looking for the cheapest food delivery options in 2025? You have some great choices: EveryPlate, Dinnerly, DoorDash, Grubhub, and direct restaurant delivery. These services keep costs low with affordable per-serving prices, minimal fees, and frequent promotions. Check out this quick comparison:
Service | Average Per-Serving Price | Delivery Fee Information |
|---|---|---|
EveryPlate | $6 per serving | No explicit delivery fee data available |
Dinnerly | $6 per serving | No explicit delivery fee data available |
DoorDash | N/A | 50% off for first-time users, free delivery deals |
Grubhub | N/A | Discounts for Amazon Prime, $5 off select orders |
Direct Restaurant Delivery | N/A | No specific data available |
The food delivery market keeps growing fast as people look for more economical and convenient ways to eat. You might order more often because of a busy schedule or want healthy options for your family. Think about your family size, dietary needs, and how often you order. The right meal delivery services can help you save money and time.
Key Takeaways
Meal delivery services like EveryPlate and Dinnerly offer the lowest cost per meal and great promotions, making them ideal for families and budget-conscious eaters.
Food delivery apps such as DoorDash and Grubhub provide many restaurant choices and frequent discounts, especially if you use their subscription plans to reduce fees.
Watch out for hidden fees like delivery charges, service fees, and menu markups that can increase your total cost; always review your order before paying.
Use promo codes, order during off-peak hours, and try group orders to save money on delivery fees and get the best deals.
Ordering directly from restaurants can lower fees and offer exclusive deals, helping you save more while supporting local businesses.
Cheapest Food Delivery Comparison
When you want the cheapest food delivery, you need to look at more than just the menu price. Let’s break down the main things that affect your total cost and help you find the best value for your money.
Delivery Fees
Delivery fees can change a lot depending on the service and your location. Most delivery services charge between $1 and $8 for each order. If you use a subscription like DashPass or Grubhub+, you often get $0 delivery fees on eligible orders. Direct restaurant delivery sometimes skips third-party fees, which can save you money. Meal kits like EveryPlate and Dinnerly usually include shipping in their price per serving, but always check the details before you order.
Service Fees
Service fees are another thing to watch. These can range from 5% to 18% of your order subtotal. Some delivery services add extra charges during busy times or for small orders. Subscriptions can lower these fees, so if you order often, you might get the best value by signing up. Meal kits usually have a flat cost per portion, so you know what you’re paying up front.
Minimum Orders
Most delivery apps set a minimum order amount, usually between $10 and $15. If your order is too small, you might pay a small order fee. Meal kit services like EveryPlate and Dinnerly require you to order a set number of meals per week, which helps keep the cost per portion low.
Discounts
Discount and promo availability can make a big difference in the food delivery market. First-time users often get 50% off or free shipping. Some meal kits offer up to 18 free meals or super-low prices for your first box. Delivery apps run seasonal deals and referral credits. Here’s a quick look at the most common discounts:
Now, check out this side-by-side table to compare the cheapest food delivery options on price, cost per portion, fees, and discounts:
Service | Price Per Serving/Order | Delivery Fees | Service Fees | Minimum Order | Discounts Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EveryPlate | $6 | Usually included | None | 3 meals/week | $1.99/meal intro, free shipping |
Dinnerly | $6 | Usually included | None | 3 meals/week | $2.99/meal intro, free shipping |
DoorDash | Menu price | $1–$8 (or $0 w/Pass) | 5–18% | $10–$15 | 50% off first order, promos |
Grubhub | Menu price | $1–$8 (or $0 w/+) | 5–18% | $10–$15 | $5 off select, Prime member deals |
Direct Restaurant Delivery | Menu price | Varies (often lower) | None | Varies | Restaurant-specific deals |
You can see that the cheapest food delivery depends on your order size, timing, and how often you use these services. Subscriptions and new customer deals give you the best value if you order a lot. Always check the price, cost per portion, and fees before you order.
Best Food Delivery Apps
Choosing the best food delivery apps can feel overwhelming. You want to save money, but you also want convenience and good service. Let’s break down the top options so you can decide which one fits your needs and budget.
DoorDash
DoorDash stands out as one of the best food delivery apps for both convenience and pricing. You can find a wide range of restaurants, from fast food to local favorites. The app often shows you restaurants with zero delivery fees, especially if you subscribe to DashPass.
Here’s a quick look at how DoorDash compares on price and fees:
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Delivery Fees | Start at $0.60; can be 10-15% of your cart value; some places offer $0 |
Service Fees | Around $3 or about 10% of your order total without DashPass |
Subscription Benefits | DashPass lowers both delivery and service fees for frequent orders |
Pros:
You get a super easy-to-use app.
DoorDash offers fast delivery and lots of choices.
DashPass can save you a lot if you order often.
Cons:
Some restaurants charge high commission fees, which can raise menu prices.
You might see extra fees during busy times.
Restaurants sometimes get less profit from DoorDash orders.
Tip: If you order more than twice a month, DashPass usually pays for itself with free delivery and lower service fees.
Grubhub
Grubhub is another popular choice among food delivery apps. It’s known for its simple interface and wide restaurant selection. Grubhub often runs exclusive deals and promo codes, which help you save money on your orders.
Here’s how Grubhub stacks up:
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Delivery Fees | Vary by restaurant and location |
Service Fees | Usually the lowest among major apps |
Subscription Benefits |
Pros:
You can use Grubhub+ for free delivery on many orders.
The app offers lots of exclusive discounts and promo codes.
Service fees are often lower than other apps.
Cons:
Some menu prices may be higher than ordering directly from the restaurant.
Not every restaurant participates in Grubhub+.
Note: If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get Grubhub+ for free, which means even more savings.
Uber Eats and Postmates
Uber Eats and Postmates both focus on convenience and fast delivery. These apps cover a huge range of restaurants and even offer grocery and alcohol delivery in some areas. While their fees can be higher, you’ll often find special deals for new users and during big events.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
Aspect | Uber Eats | Postmates |
|---|---|---|
Delivery Fees | Usually lower than DoorDash | |
Service Fees | Higher than DoorDash | Minimum $3.60 or about 15% of your order total |
Subscription | No subscription for lower fees | Postmates Unlimited: free delivery, 5% off fees |
Deals | New user discounts, partner promos | Frequent promo codes, rewards after many orders |
Unique Features | Prepaid orders, driver waits for freshness | Place your own order, driver incentives |
Pros:
You get lots of restaurant choices and fast delivery.
Both apps offer special deals for new customers.
Postmates Unlimited can help you save if you order often.
Cons:
Service fees can add up quickly, especially without a subscription.
Some users report confusion about tipping and fees.
Not all restaurants offer the same deals or delivery speeds.
Tip: Always check for promo codes before you order. Both Uber Eats and Postmates run frequent promotions that can cut your total price.
When you compare the best food delivery apps, think about how often you order, which restaurants you like, and whether you want a subscription. DoorDash and Grubhub offer the best deals for frequent users, while Uber Eats and Postmates shine with their wide selection and special promotions. You can save the most by mixing and matching apps based on current deals and your own needs.
Meal Delivery Services
Choosing the right meal delivery services can help you save money, eat better, and enjoy more free time. You might want the best value, the lowest cost, or just more convenience in your week. Let’s look at the top options for 2025 and see which one fits your needs.
EveryPlate
EveryPlate stands out as the best meal delivery service for anyone who wants to keep their food budget low. You can start with meals as cheap as $2.99 per serving if you pick a bigger box, but most people pay around $4.99 per serving. If you’re a new customer, you can grab special deals—sometimes meals drop to $1.99 or even $1.49 each for your first box. Shipping costs $9.99 per week, which stays the same no matter how many meals you order.
You get simple recipes and classic flavors. EveryPlate works best for people who want to cook at home without spending a lot. You won’t find many diet-specific options, but you do get a rotating menu with enough variety for most families. If you want a heat-and-eat meal delivery service, you might need to look elsewhere, since EveryPlate focuses on meals you cook yourself.
Tip: If you want the best value and don’t mind a little cooking, EveryPlate gives you the lowest price and solid food quality.
Dinnerly
Dinnerly is another best meal delivery service for budget-conscious eaters. You can get meals for as low as $2.12 per portion if you order a larger plan. Saver meals help you save about $1 per serving, and shipping is $11.99 per week. New customers often get up to 41% off and free shipping on their first box, which makes it even more affordable.
Dinnerly offers over 100 menu items every week. You’ll find family-friendly meals, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb dishes. If you want more variety or need to feed picky eaters, Dinnerly gives you more choices than most other meal delivery services at this price point. You can even try PremiYUM premium meals for a small extra charge. If you want a heat-and-eat meal delivery service, Dinnerly has some quick options, but most meals need a bit of cooking.
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Price | Starts at $2.12 per portion (large plans); $11.99 shipping; up to 41% off for new customers |
Meal Options | 100+ weekly choices, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, family-friendly |
Savings | Saver meals, big first-order discounts, free shipping offers |
Best For | Families, busy people, anyone who wants value and variety |
If you want the best meal delivery service for both cost and variety, Dinnerly is a smart pick. You get lots of options and good food quality without breaking the bank.
Other Meal Kits
You might want to compare other meal delivery services before you decide. Blue Apron and HelloFresh both offer more gourmet meals and extra features, but you pay a higher price for those perks. Here’s a quick look at how they stack up against EveryPlate and Dinnerly:
Service | Price Range (2025) | Recipe Variety | Dietary Options | Packaging Features | App Usability & Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EveryPlate | $36 for 3 meals (2 servings) to $108 for 5 meals (6 servings) weekly | ~30 simple meal options | Mostly vegetarian, limited filters | All ingredients in one box, basic sorting | Simple app, easy to use |
HelloFresh | $57 for 2 meals (2 servings) to $371 for 6 meals (6 servings) weekly | ~70 gourmet and premium meals | Calorie Smart, Carb Smart, Protein Smart, more | Each meal packed separately, easy to find | Advanced app, more customization |
Blue Apron | $48 for 2 meals (2 servings) to $180+ for 4 meals (4 servings) weekly | 20+ chef-designed meals | Vegetarian, Wellness, Diabetes-Friendly | Organized packaging, clear instructions | User-friendly app, wine pairings available |
Dinnerly | $2.12 per serving (large plans), $11.99 shipping | 100+ weekly options | Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, more | Simple packaging, easy to recycle | Basic app, flexible scheduling |
You can see that EveryPlate and Dinnerly win on cost and value, while HelloFresh and Blue Apron offer more meal choices and premium features. If you want a heat-and-eat meal delivery service, HelloFresh and Blue Apron sometimes have these options, but most meals still need some cooking.
If you want the best meal delivery service for convenience, HelloFresh gives you more customization and easier meal prep. Blue Apron stands out for food quality and chef-inspired recipes. EveryPlate and Dinnerly focus on value and simple meals. You can also find heat-and-eat meal delivery service options from brands like Freshly or Factor, which send you ready-to-eat meals that only need reheating. These heat-and-eat kits cost more per serving, but you save time and get maximum convenience.
You should pick the meal delivery services that match your budget, taste, and schedule. If you want the best value, stick with EveryPlate or Dinnerly. If you want more gourmet food quality or a true heat-and-eat experience, try HelloFresh, Blue Apron, or a dedicated heat-and-eat meal delivery service.
Food Delivery Apps Savings Tips
Promo Codes
You can save a lot on food delivery apps just by using promo codes. Most apps offer both generic and personalized codes. You might get these through email, social media, or in-app notifications. Many people sign up for newsletters to get exclusive coupons and early access to special promotions. Loyalty rewards also give you coupon codes for repeat orders, which helps you save even more.
Look for codes with clear expiration dates and usage limits.
Try to use codes during seasonal events or holidays, since apps often run bigger deals then.
Don’t forget to check for pop-up offers when you open your favorite food delivery apps.
Tip: Over 90% of people use coupons, so you’re not alone in hunting for a deal!
Subscriptions
If you order from food delivery apps often, a subscription can help you save money every month. DashPass and Grubhub+ both cost about $9.99 per month. You get free delivery on many orders, lower service fees, and access to exclusive discounts. Here’s a quick comparison:
Feature | DashPass (DoorDash) | Grubhub+ (Grubhub) |
|---|---|---|
Monthly Cost | $9.99 | $9.99 |
Free Delivery | Yes, no minimum order | Yes, on orders over $12 |
Service Fees | Reduced | Reduced |
Extra Perks | Donation matching, exclusive deals |
You get the most value if you order more than twice a month. Subscriptions also make it easier to try new restaurants or heat-and-eat options without worrying about extra fees.
Group Orders
Ordering with friends or coworkers can help you save on delivery fees and avoid minimum order charges. Most food delivery apps let you start a group order, so everyone can pick their own meal and pay separately. This makes things simple for the host and gives each person control over their food choices.
You share delivery fees, so each person pays less.
Group orders often qualify for bulk discounts or special promotions.
You avoid food waste because everyone orders only what they want.
Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Convenience | Host manages order, everyone orders from their device |
Customization | Each person chooses their own meal |
Savings | Shared fees, bulk discounts, no minimum order worries |
Group orders are perfect for team lunches, family gatherings, or any time you want to save money and enjoy convenience.
Off-Peak Deals
You can find extra savings by ordering during off-peak hours. Many apps offer special deals or lower delivery fees when demand is low. Try placing your order before or after the usual lunch and dinner rush.
Some apps send push notifications about flash sales or limited-time offers.
Restaurants may offer heat-and-eat meal deals at a discount during slow periods.
Timing your order right can help you score free delivery or bonus items.
Keep an eye on your favorite food delivery apps for surprise deals. You might discover a new favorite heat-and-eat meal while saving money!
Hidden Fees to Watch For
Extra Charges
You might think you know what you’re paying for when you order food delivery, but hidden fees can sneak up on you. These extra charges add up fast and can turn a cheap meal into an expensive one. Here are some of the most common hidden fees you’ll see in 2025:
Packaging fees from delivery apps, which can pile up over time.
Delivery charges on aggregator platforms, sometimes 150-200% higher than what you’d pay ordering directly from the restaurant.
Menu price markups, like a 15% extra charge on sugary snacks or an 11% increase on vegetarian dishes.
Service fees, kitchen fees, and even credit card processing fees at checkout.
Small order fees if your total doesn’t meet the app’s minimum.
Priority delivery fees for faster service.
Markups for certain food categories or during peak times.
Fee Type | Description | Examples / Details |
|---|---|---|
Commission Fee | Percentage of order cost charged to restaurants | Flat percentage, varies by platform |
Delivery Fee | Flat fee paid by consumers | Typically around $5 USD |
Menu Price Markup | Extra percentage added to menu prices on delivery apps | Postmates: 92%, DoorDash: 83%, GrubHub: 80%, UberEats: 69% |
Over 70% of people feel frustrated by hidden fees and confusing pricing. You’re not alone!
Avoiding Surprises
You can take control and avoid most surprise charges with a few smart moves:
Order during off-peak times and good weather to dodge surge pricing.
Pick restaurants close to you to cut down on distance-based delivery fees.
Always check the restaurant’s official website for lower prices or special deals.
Review the checkout screen for extra charges before you pay.
Choose pickup instead of delivery when possible to skip delivery fees.
Group orders with friends or family to share costs and avoid small order fees.
Direct restaurant delivery is a great way to bypass third-party service fees. When you order straight from the restaurant, you skip the middleman. Restaurants save on commissions and can pass those savings to you with better prices or exclusive deals. Many places even offer loyalty programs or free delivery for direct orders. You get a better deal, and the restaurant keeps more of your money.
You have plenty of ways to save on food delivery. EveryPlate and Dinnerly work best if you want low-cost meal kits. DoorDash and Grubhub give you lots of choices and deals. Direct restaurant delivery often means fewer fees.
Many people prefer ordering from local spots or restaurants they visit often.
A $4 delivery fee feels just right for most.
Your location, budget, and food preferences matter—think about delivery distance, local weather, and what you like to eat.
Don’t forget to use promo codes, loyalty programs, and order during off-peak hours. Try different services or trial offers to find the one that fits your lifestyle and budget. You might discover a new favorite and save even more!
FAQ
What is the cheapest food delivery option for families?
You get the best value from meal delivery services like EveryPlate or Dinnerly. These services offer low cost per portion and frequent promotions. If you want convenience and pricing that fits a family budget, these options stand out in the food delivery market.
Always check the final price before you pay. Many apps add service fees, delivery fees, or small order charges. You can save by using group orders, picking up your meal, or looking for discount and promo availability in the app.
Are heat-and-eat meal delivery services worth the cost?
Heat-and-eat meal delivery service options give you maximum convenience. You pay a higher cost per portion, but you save time. If you value food quality and want meals ready in minutes, these services can be economical for busy weeks.
Which food delivery apps offer the best promotions?
The best food delivery apps, like DoorDash and Grubhub, run frequent promotions. You find deals for new users, seasonal discounts, and referral bonuses. Always check the app’s deals section for the latest offers and best value.
Can I get better value by ordering directly from restaurants?
Yes! Direct restaurant delivery often means lower fees and better food quality. Many restaurants offer exclusive deals or loyalty rewards. You skip third-party delivery services, so you get a better price and support local businesses.