Cheapest meal kit for college students?

[lukenick1]

My son expressed interest in meal kits at school. At home we get Hello Fresh but it's NOT cheap. I'd rather find a kit for him that is much cheaper because I am not sure how he will find time to cook but willing to give it a try for him. Does anyone know who offers the best bang for the buck? None of these services tell you the real price until you sign up.
Thanks

 

[QueenIsabella]

If he lives near a Publix, they have fresh meal kits, similar to the shipped ones. I've never tried them, but at least you'd know the price and freshness up front.

My oldest enjoys them--she and her boyfriend do a cooking/eating "date night". I know there are a ton of coupons and discounts, but they can get pricey, for sure.

 

[lsutigers03]

Every Plate is owned by Hello Fresh and is half the price. I've used it for months and been happy with it.

 

[Cadiewampus]

We used one, seems like it was Blue Apron. Meals came already prepared. All you had to do is pop them in the microwave.

 

[barkley]

if he's in an apartment he might want to check to see how they handle these deliveries. my oldest's place (caters to the U students) takes these into the office but the office is only open limited hours so unless you can time it right it can be a hassle.

 

[MrsPete]

Could you make up "meal kits" of your own?
That'd be the cheapest possible option.

 

[MICKIMINI]

We did a combination of a meal plan through dining where he could go in and *charge it* against his balance. There might be a lot of waste (you don't hear about) with ordering meal kits.

When you visit, bring what you know will fit in the fridge, power bars, goodies and cash. Our son's first year didn't allow cars so it was a six hour round trip. We always took him out for a good meal too.

Bringing treats like a couple take out pizzas for roommates or a pan of brownies (or both) is thoughtful. Some parents may live thousands of miles away so your kindness will be remembered. You may end up taking a car load of kids to the grocery store. Our philosophy was to treat them like our own when we were there and found other parents did the same!

 

[DisneyTexan]

Check online to see what is available at the grocery store that is near him. Chances are that the deli section sells meal kits that will cost a lot less than having them delivered.

 

[mickeyplanner08]

Every Plate is owned by Hello Fresh and is half the price. I've used it for months and been happy with it.

I'll second Every Plate. We've been getting their boxes 2-3 times a month since the beginning of the year. It is getting repetitive, but I'm so lazy about meal planning that we keep ordering. We've also tried Dinnerly and the price is similar, but it didn't feel as "complete" or filling as Every Plate. EveryPlate runs us about $50/week for 4 meals for two. Dinnerly was just a tiny bit more-maybe $57 or so.

 

[lukenick1]

I'll second Every Plate. We've been getting their boxes 2-3 times a month since the beginning of the year. It is getting repetitive, but I'm so lazy about meal planning that we keep ordering. We've also tried Dinnerly and the price is similar, but it didn't feel as "complete" or filling as Every Plate. EveryPlate runs us about $50/week for 4 meals for two. Dinnerly was just a tiny bit more-maybe $57 or so.

We tried Every Plate for the first time this week. They delivered a day early which we weren't aware of and items were also missing. Not off to a positive start with them.

 

[lsutigers03]

We tried Every Plate for the first time this week. They delivered a day early which we weren't aware of and items were also missing. Not off to a positive start with them.

I've had Fedex not deliver my boxes at all. If you contact them Every Plate is really good about making things right when there are issues.

 

[LuvOrlando]

We did Hello Fresh but not for all week, 2 days meals for 2 was good for DD but I'd do 2 days for 4 people for a boy. My own son preferred simple to variety but DD is all about variety.

For both I did Instacart, DD was picky but DS had a handful of favorite meals that would feed him for a week.
Small slow cooker & a bunch of multi-use but disposable containers.
I sent things from Instacart once a week, 2 whole roasted chickens and rice were a constant.

 

[RivShore]

My son expressed interest in meal kits at school. At home we get Hello Fresh but it's NOT cheap. I'd rather find a kit for him that is much cheaper because I am not sure how he will find time to cook but willing to give it a try for him. Does anyone know who offers the best bang for the buck? None of these services tell you the real price until you sign up.
Thanks

Ran across this and thought of this discussion - a review of dozens of meal kits...

https://nypost.com/article/the-best-meal-delivery-kits/