As someone who loves home-cooked meals but often finds it hard to make time for grocery shopping and meal planning, I decided to give EveryPlate a try. I’m excited to share my honest and detailed review of this budget-friendly meal kit service. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about EveryPlate, from pricing to health ratings, convenience, customer support, packaging, range of recipe options, website ease of use, delivery options, and overall value for money.
Affordability: A Wallet-Friendly Meal Delivery Service
EveryPlate’s main selling point is its affordability. With prices ranging from $4.44 per serving for the biggest box to $11.67 per serving for a box with three meals for two people, EveryPlate is by far the cheapest option out there. Their meal plan options cater to 2, 4, or 6 people, and you can choose from 3, 4, 5, or 6 meals per week., making it perfect for large families and budget-conscious couples looking to potentially meal prep lunches as well.
For comparison, the standard pricing measurement on Meal Kits Australia is based on 3 meals for 4 people, including delivery. EveryPlate comes in at $89.99, which is about $5 cheaper than Dinnerly. Plus, EveryPlate sends out recipe cards, a feature that Dinnerly is missing.
Health Ratings: Budget-Friendly, But Not the Healthiest Option
EveryPlate may not be the healthiest option on the market, but it’s important to remember that eating healthy can be expensive. If you’re looking for healthier options, you might want to check out HelloFresh and Marley Spoon. However, these meal kits come with a higher price tag.
EveryPlate does offer a variety of recipe types, including Kid Friendly, Speedy, and Veggie options, which can help you find meals that suit your taste and lifestyle.
Convenience: The Trade-Offs of a No-Frills Service
One of the trade-offs with EveryPlate is its packaging. Instead of using individual paper bags for each meal, they use a recyclable cooler bag with an ice pack for chilled items, while the rest are packed loosely in a cardboard box. This means you’ll need to spend extra time putting items away or pulling them out to cook, as you need to do this individually. If you’re really time-poor, this could be a drawback for you, but the cost savings may make it worthwhile.
In terms of order accuracy, there can be some quality control issues with loose items in the box. I’ve had to reach out to EveryPlate’s customer support on a few occasions regarding ingredient quality or missing items. Their support team is helpful and responsive, which is a plus. However, keep in mind that you may occasionally need to make a quick trip to the supermarket to replace any missing ingredients.
Customer Support: Helpful and Responsive
As I mentioned earlier, EveryPlate’s customer support is one of its strong points. They’re always quick to respond and ready to help when there are any issues with your order. While it can be frustrating to deal with missing ingredients or other problems, their customer support team makes the process as painless as possible.
Recipe Options: Limited Choices, But Family-Friendly Meals
When I checked, EveryPlate had a selection of 22 meals to choose from, with two of them being premium options at a higher cost. This is significantly less choice than other popular meal delivery services, particularly Dinnerly and Marley Spoon, but their focus on family-friendly meals means you’ll still find delicious options that everyone will enjoy.
Website Ease of Use: Straightforward and User-Friendly
Navigating the EveryPlate website is a breeze. It’s easy to sign up, select your meal preferences, and manage your account settings. The website is clean, straightforward, and user-friendly, making it simple to browse through the available meals and make your selections each week.
Delivery Options: Flexible and Consistent
EveryPlate delivers to Melbourne four days a week, from Sunday to Wednesday. While this schedule may vary depending on your location, it’s consistent in Melbourne. They offer a flat rate of $9.99 shipping, regardless of the size of the box ordered, at least in Melbourne. This might vary in other locations, but it’s still a great deal considering the overall cost savings.
Packaging: Sustainable, But With Some Drawbacks
EveryPlate’s packaging is more sustainable than some other meal kit options. Instead of using multiple paper bags for each meal, they use a recyclable cooler bag with an ice pack for chilled items, while the rest are packed loosely in a cardboard box. This is environmentally friendly, but it can lead to some drawbacks, like damaged produce due to shifting during transit. This is one area where you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons based on your personal priorities.
Overall Value for Money: A Great Option for Budget-Conscious Consumers
In conclusion, EveryPlate is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly meal kit service. While there are some trade-offs in terms of packaging, recipe variety, and healthiness compared to more expensive options like HelloFresh and Marley Spoon, the cost savings make it a worthwhile option for many people.
EveryPlate provides a solid selection of family-friendly meals, and their customer support is top-notch. Plus, their website is easy to use, and their delivery options are reliable. If you’re willing to make a few compromises in the name of affordability, EveryPlate could be the perfect meal kit service for you.
In the end, it’s all about finding the right balance between cost, convenience, and quality. For me, EveryPlate is a great option that meets my needs without breaking the bank. So, if you’re looking for an affordable meal kit service that still delivers delicious and satisfying meals, give EveryPlate a try. You might just find that it’s the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.
