I Test Meal Kits for a Living. Here Are 7 Money-Saving Mistakes to Avoid

The Rise of Meal Kits and Why They’re Worth It

Meal kits have become the perfect solution for people who want to eat something that didn’t come from a drive-through but also don’t know how to cook a proper meal. These kits are ideal for health-conscious individuals who realize that ordering Thai food five nights a week isn’t a sustainable diet, as well as for culinary novices who think “sautéing” is a French dance move.

Here’s a surprising twist: meal kits now cost about the same as regular groceries. Yes, you read that right. With grocery prices rising, your weekly meal kit subscription might actually be cheaper — and certainly less hassle — than wandering through the aisles of your local supermarket.

Whether you're already a fan of Blue Apron, riding the HelloFresh train, keeping it simple with Factor, or getting fancy with Daily Harvest, there's a good chance you're missing out on some value. But with a few insider tips, you can transform from a meal kit amateur into a subscription ninja, making the most of every delivery.

7 Big Meal Kit Mistakes to Avoid

1. Missing Out on Deals and Offers
   Most meal kit services offer new customer sign-up deals, sometimes up to 70% off for several weeks’ worth of meals. Take advantage of these offers to get the best value. If you're already a subscriber, consider pausing or canceling to try another service at a discounted rate.

2. Choosing the Wrong Size Plan
   Meal kit costs vary based on the number of meals and servings you order. For example, Blue Apron breaks down to just $8 per serving if you go for the maximum plan, but jumps to over $12 per serving for the minimum. Opt for a larger plan than you think you need, and choose recipes that can be stored in the fridge or freezer. This way, you’ll have meals ready for the next day or two.

3. Forgetting to Cook Seafood First
   Seafood recipes should be cooked first because they spoil faster. The same applies to other ingredients like vegetables, leafy greens, cheese, and fresh dairy. Potatoes and dense vegetables can last several days, while steak and chicken are also hearty and can stay fresh for multiple days.

4. Passing Over Steak and Fish
   When choosing recipes, prioritize those with proteins like steak, chicken, pork, and fish. These tend to offer better value for money. Some meal kit services even include premium cuts and seafood as part of their standard plans. Avoid recipes with cheap, easy-to-find ingredients like basic pasta dishes or simple soups.

5. Not Trusting Your Instincts
   Recipes aren’t one-size-fits-all. If a recipe seems to call for too much salt, it probably is. You can always add more, but you can’t take any out. The same goes for heat and spice — adjust according to your taste preferences.

6. Ignoring Favorite Tags
   Many meal kit companies label certain recipes as "fan favorites." These are often reliable choices based on user feedback. Services like HelloFresh and Home Chef use aggregated reviews, so you can trust their recommendations.

7. Taking It Too Seriously
   Meal kits are not only a great way to feed your family affordably but also a fun way to improve your cooking skills. Try new recipes like risotto or anything that challenges you. Pair your meal with a bottle of wine, a beer, or a cocktail, and enjoy the process. Cooking can be relaxing and rewarding if you’re in the right mindset.

If you’re not in the mood to cook, let the kids take over — they might surprise you with their skills.