Factor vs HelloFresh vs EveryPlate: The Meal Kit Comparison for Every Budget
Prepared meals ($11-14/meal) vs traditional meal kits ($8-10/serving) vs budget kits ($5/serving). Which one fits your life and budget?
Three different models for getting dinner on the table. The right choice depends on how much cooking you want to do and what you're comparing against.
The Comparison
| EveryPlate | HelloFresh | Factor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Meal kit (full cooking) | Meal kit (30-min cooking) | Prepared meals (heat and eat) |
| Cost per serving | $4.99 | $8-10 | $10.99-13.99 |
| Weekly cost (4 meals) | ~$40 | ~$70 | ~$80-95 |
| Monthly cost | ~$160 | ~$280 | ~$320-380 |
| Cooking time | 30-45 min | 25-35 min | 2 min (microwave) |
| Dietary options | Basic | Good variety | Extensive (keto, calorie-smart, vegan) |
| Shipping | $10.99 | $10.99 | $10.99 first, $13.99 after |
| Owner | HelloFresh | HelloFresh | HelloFresh |
All three are owned by HelloFresh, targeting different price/convenience segments.
Who Should Get What
EveryPlate ($4.99/serving) if you enjoy cooking and want the cheapest option. Recipes are simpler with fewer specialty ingredients. Best for budget-conscious home cooks who want variety without the planning.
HelloFresh ($8-10/serving) if you want more recipe variety, dietary options, and higher-quality ingredients than EveryPlate. The mainstream option that balances cost and quality.
Factor ($10.99-13.99/meal) if you hate cooking or have no time. Meals arrive prepared. Heat in 2 minutes. Best for busy professionals who would otherwise order restaurant delivery ($15-25/meal). Factor saves money vs delivery, not vs cooking.
The Real Comparison Isn't Between Them
Don't compare meal kits to each other. Compare them to what you'd actually do without one:
| Alternative | Cost per meal | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery shopping + cooking | $3-5 | 30-60 min |
| EveryPlate | $5-6 | 30-45 min |
| HelloFresh | $8-10 | 25-35 min |
| Fast food | $10-15 | 5-15 min |
| Factor | $11-14 | 2 min |
| Restaurant delivery | $15-25 | 0 min (45 min wait) |
Factor makes sense if it replaces restaurant delivery. EveryPlate makes sense if it replaces fast food and adds home cooking. Neither makes sense if you'd otherwise cook from groceries at $3-5/meal.
How to Save on All Three
- First box is always discounted (50-65% off typically). Try it, then evaluate.
- Skip weeks you don't need. All three let you skip without canceling.
- Go through the cancel flow before renewing. HelloFresh/EveryPlate offer 50-65% off during cancellation. Factor offers 50-60% off.
- Don't auto-renew at full price. Cancel, wait for the win-back email (1-2 weeks), and resubscribe at the promotional rate.
How Much Would You Save?
How many lines do you need?
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With 1 line, you'd save
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That's $0.00/mo back in your pocket
Frequently Asked Questions
Which meal kit is cheapest per serving?▾
Can I cancel meal kits anytime?▾
Are meal kits cheaper than groceries?▾
Related Savings Guides
How to Lower Your HelloFresh Bill
Meal kit delivery service.
$9.99/mo — see savings →How to Lower Your Factor Bill
Prepared meal delivery. $10.99-13.99/meal depending on plan size (6-18 meals/week). No cooking required. Shipping $10.99 first box, $13.99 after.
$11.49/mo — see savings →How to Lower Your EveryPlate Bill
Budget meal kit. Starting at $4.99/serving. HelloFresh subsidiary targeting price-conscious consumers. Simpler recipes, fewer ingredient options.
$4.99/mo — see savings →