I Tried EveryPlate & Here’s What Happened (2025 Review)

EveryPlate caught my attention as a budget-friendly meal kit service, so I put it to the test to see how it stacks up for athletes and regular households alike. After cooking through a few boxes, here’s my take on its customization, meal variety, taste, quality, packaging, price, and cancellation process.

My goal is to give you a clear picture of whether EveryPlate delivers value and quality, whether you’re chasing gains or just trying to get dinner on the table.

Pros

• Affordable Pricing: At $4.99 to $7.49 per serving, EveryPlate is one of the cheapest meal kits, often matching grocery costs. It’s a steal for budget-conscious folks wanting home-cooked meals without takeout prices.
• Tasty Comfort Foods: Dishes like Smoky BBQ Meatloaf and Southwest Beef Tacos deliver hearty, crowd-pleasing flavors. They’re satisfying for casual dinners or post-workout refueling.
• Beginner-Friendly Recipes: Six-step recipes take 30 to 40 minutes, making cooking approachable.
• Fresh Ingredients: Produce like green beans and proteins like chicken arrive vibrant and well-sealed.

Cons

• Limited Dietary Options: No filters for keto, vegan, or gluten-free diets, and vegetarian meals are carb-heavy. Athletes or dieters need to pick carefully or supplement.
• Basic Packaging: Ingredients aren’t sorted by meal, adding a few minutes of prep. Recycling ice packs and liners is also a hassle compared to pricier kits.
• Repetitive Flavors: The menu sticks to American and Mexican comfort foods, which can feel samey over time. Foodies might crave more global variety. 

What Is EveryPlate?

Launched in 2018 under the HelloFresh family, EveryPlate is a simple and affordable meal delivery service. You pick from a weekly menu of 25 to 30 comfort-food recipes, like burgers, pasta, and tacos, with options for meat lovers, vegetarians, or calorie-conscious eaters.

Meals come in 2 or 4 servings, perfect for singles, couples, or families, and you can choose 2 to 6 meals per week.

The ingredients show up at your door in a chilled box, and the recipes are beginner-friendly, so you don’t need to be a chef to make something tasty.

What sets EveryPlate apart is the price, starting at $4.99 per serving, which is cheaper than most competitors and sometimes even grocery shopping. You can pause, skip, or cancel anytime, which I appreciated when my schedule got hectic.

It’s not fancy or exotic, but it’s reliable for getting a solid dinner on the table. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just want quick meals that don’t skimp on flavor, EveryPlate’s got a practical approach that’s hard to beat.

My EveryPlate Review & Experience

Customization

EveryPlate offers a decent level of customization, but it’s not as flexible as some pricier competitors. Each week, you pick from a menu of 25 to 30 recipes, choosing how many meals (2 to 6) and servings (2 or 4) you want.

As someone who prioritizes high-protein meals with meat, I appreciated that I could lean heavily into their Meat & Veggie plan, which includes dishes like Smoky BBQ Meatloaf with Roasted Green Beans or Honey-Glazed Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes.

Some recipes let you swap proteins, like choosing chicken over beef in the Creamy Dijon Chicken with Mashed Potatoes, though this can bump up the cost by $2 to $4 per serving.

You can also tweak sides in certain dishes, such as swapping roasted zucchini for garlic mashed potatoes in the Honey-Glazed Pork Chops, which was a nice touch for mixing up macros.

However, there’s no way to filter for specific dietary needs like high-protein or low-carb. Vegetarians get 6 to 8 options weekly, but if you’re vegan, keto, or gluten-free, you’re out of luck. You’ll need to manually check ingredients for allergens, as there’s no dedicated filter.

Add-ons, like extra proteins or sides through their marketplace, let you bulk up meals. I grabbed an extra portion of chicken for the Creamy Dijon Chicken, which helped me hit my protein goals.

Overall, customization is solid for casual cooks who want some choice without overwhelming options, but people on stricter diets might wish for more control over nutritional profiles.

Meal Variety, Kits and Recipes

EveryPlate’s menu is built around comfort food, with enough variety to keep things interesting without being intimidating.

The 25 to 30 weekly recipes span categories like Meat & Veggie, Veggie, Quick & Easy, Smart & Fit, and Family Faves.

For someone who trains most days, I gravitated toward protein-packed options like the Smoky BBQ Meatloaf, which comes with roasted green beans, or the Southwest Beef Tacos with Pickled Onion & Lime Crema. These dishes felt substantial enough to refuel after a tough session.

Vegetarian options, like the Creamy Mushroom Flatbreads with Scallion, are available but often lean on carbs over plant-based proteins. The Smart & Fit category, with meals under 650 calories, can be a hit for those who need to keep their calorie intake in check.

Premium recipes, such as the Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Sauce, add variety but come with a $3 to $7 per-serving surcharge.

Each kit arrives with pre-portioned ingredients and a colorful recipe card. The recipes are designed for beginners, with six-step instructions that take 30 to 40 minutes on average.

I found the Southwest Beef Tacos a breeze to whip up, though the Smoky BBQ Meatloaf took closer to 45 minutes with all the chopping.

While the menu rotates weekly, it sticks to familiar flavors like American, Mexican, and Italian, so don’t expect bold international dishes.

For regular folks, the variety is approachable and family-friendly. There are enough meat-heavy options for athletes, but the lack of high-protein vegetarian or low-carb kits might feel limiting for some customers.

Taste & Quality

I’ll be honest: I wasn’t expecting gourmet from a budget service, but EveryPlate surprised me with its taste and ingredient quality.

The Smoky BBQ Meatloaf was a standout, with juicy ground beef and a tangy glaze that paired well with the crisp green beans.

The Honey-Glazed Pork Chops were another win, delivering tender meat and a sweet-savory balance that felt satisfying after a gym day. Even the Southwest Beef Tacos packed a punch with fresh pickled onions and a creamy lime crema that elevated the dish.

Ingredients arrived fresh, with vegetables looking vibrant and proteins sealed tightly. I noticed no spoilage across three boxes.

That said, some dishes, like the Creamy Dijon Chicken, leaned heavily on sauces for flavor, which could feel one-note over time.

Portion sizes were generous enough for most people, but the calorie-to-protein ratio is often not great for those dialing their macros more meticulously.

For everyday cooks, the meals are hearty and crowd-pleasing, hitting that comfort-food sweet spot.

For active folks, the quality is solid for the price, and meat dishes deliver enough flavor to keep you satisfied, though the macro profiles are far from the level of pricier services geared towards athletes.

Packaging

EveryPlate’s packaging is functional but bare-bones, which aligns with its budget focus. Each box arrives with ingredients packed in a cardboard box lined with insulation and ice packs.

Proteins are sealed in vacuum bags, while veggies and smaller items like spices come in plastic bags or containers.

Unlike pricier services, ingredients aren’t pre-sorted by meal, so you’ll spend a few minutes organizing everything before cooking. This wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, but it added a step after a long day.

The cardboard and paper separators are recyclable, but the ice packs and plastic liners are trickier to dispose of sustainably.

For regular households, the packaging gets the job done and keeps food fresh. For eco-conscious folks or those short on time, the lack of meal-specific bags and recycling hassle might be a minor annoyance.

Price

EveryPlate Plans (Meals x Servings)	Price per Serving	Total Weekly Cost (incl. Shipping)
2 meals for 2 people	$7.49	$41.95 ($29.96 + $11.99 shipping)
3 meals for 2 people	$6.49	$50.94 ($38.94 + $11.99 shipping)
4 meals for 2 people	$5.99	$59.93 ($47.92 + $11.99 shipping)
3 meals for 4 people	$5.49	$77.90 ($65.88 + $11.99 shipping)
4 meals for 4 people	$4.99	$91.87 ($79.84 + $11.99 shipping)
5 meals for 4 people	$4.99	$111.85 ($99.80 + $11.99 shipping)

Premium recipes, like the Seared Steak, add $3 to $7 per serving. First-time users can score discounts, often dropping the first box to $1.49 to $2.99 per serving, and groups like students or first responders get 15% off for a year.

Compared to grocery shopping, EveryPlate’s $5 to $7 per serving is close to break-even for many, especially factoring in time saved. Against competitors like Blue Apron ($10+ per serving), it’s a steal.

For athletes, the value is strong if you stick to meat-heavy plans and larger orders to hit the $4.99 per serving sweet spot. For regular folks, it’s an affordable way to skip meal planning without breaking the bank.

My only gripe is the shipping fee, which stings more on smaller plans.

Cancellation Process

Canceling EveryPlate is straightforward, which I always test to ensure services don’t play games with subscribers.

You log into your account, head to the settings, and select “Deactivate My Plan.” The process takes under a minute, with a quick survey asking why you’re leaving (you can skip it).

You need to cancel 5 to 6 days before your next delivery to avoid being charged, which is standard for meal kits.

I paused my subscription for a week to test flexibility and had no issues resuming later. Some users report being charged post-cancellation if they miss the cutoff, but I didn’t encounter this.

Who Is EveryPlate For?

Budget-Conscious Home Cooks

EveryPlate is a slam dunk for anyone looking to save money while still eating home-cooked meals. At $4.99 to $7.49 per serving, it’s one of the cheapest meal kits out there, often matching or beating the cost of grocery shopping when you factor in time and waste.

The recipes are straightforward, usually six steps, so you won’t feel overwhelmed even if you’re new to cooking. For singles, couples, or small families wanting to skip takeout or endless grocery runs, EveryPlate delivers solid value.

The ability to pause or skip weeks also makes it flexible for unpredictable schedules, which is a big win for anyone juggling work and life on a tight budget.

Busy Families with Picky Eaters

Families with kids or picky eaters will find EveryPlate’s Family Faves category a lifesaver. Meals in this category are crowd-pleasers that hit familiar flavor notes kids tend to love.

During my testing, I noticed portions for four people were generous, easily feeding adults and teens, with leftovers in some cases. The 25 to 30 weekly recipes give enough choice to keep dinners varied, and the quick prep (30 to 40 minutes for most dishes) fits hectic evenings.

Beginner Cooks Seeking Simplicity

If you’re just starting out in the kitchen, EveryPlate is a great way to build confidence without getting lost in complicated recipes. The recipe cards are clear, with colorful photos and step-by-step instructions that don’t assume you’re a pro.

The pre-portioned ingredients mean you’re not guessing quantities, which is perfect for novices.

For young adults, roommates, or anyone who wants to cook more but feels intimidated, EveryPlate’s focus on comfort foods like burgers, pastas, and tacos makes it approachable. Plus, the price point means you’re not stressing about wasting money if a dish doesn’t turn out perfect.

Who It’s Not For: Specialized Dieters or Gourmet Enthusiasts

EveryPlate falls short for people with specific dietary needs or those craving restaurant-quality meals.

As someone who leans toward high-protein, meat-heavy dishes, there are more than enough options for me, but there’s no way to filter for low-carb, keto, paleo, or vegan diets. Vegetarians have 6 to 8 options weekly, but they are often carb-heavy with little plant-based protein.

If you’re gluten-free or managing allergies, you’ll need to scrutinize every recipe since there’s no allergen filter.

Similarly, if you’re an adventurous foodie looking for bold global flavors or premium ingredients like organic produce or grass-fed beef, EveryPlate’s comfort-food focus feels basic.

During my trial, dishes were tasty but leaned on familiar American and Mexican profiles, with no wow factor like you’d get from pricier kits. If your diet is strict or you’re chasing gourmet, you’ll likely need a more tailored service.

EveryPlate User Reviews

User feedback on EveryPlate, pulled from sites like TrustPilot, Reddit, and professional reviews, paints a mostly positive picture with some caveats.

On TrustPilot, it scores 4.1/5 from over 10,000 reviews, with customers praising the affordability and tasty meals. Many call it a lifesaver for busy families, with portion sizes satisfying kids and adults alike.

Reddit threads echo this, with users liking the $4.99 to $6.49 per-serving price compared to dining out.

However, some complaints pop up. About 15% of TrustPilot reviews mention issues like missing ingredients (a spice packet, for example) or veggies arriving wilted, though customer service typically resolves these with credits.

On Reddit, a few users grumble about recipes feeling repetitive after a few months, especially for vegetarians.

Athletes on fitness forums note the meals work for refueling but often need extra protein to hit macros, which aligns with my experience.

Overall, users agree it’s a solid value for casual cooks but not so much for those with specific dietary needs or gourmet tastes.

EveryPlate Alternatives

Methodology

Unlike EveryPlate’s meal kits, Methodology sends ready-to-eat dishes from $14 to $18 per serving. You pick from a weekly menu tailored to diets like paleo, vegan, or high-protein, with detailed macro breakdowns—perfect for athletes tracking nutrition.

The 40-gram protein meals are perfect post-training, but the price is a big jump from EveryPlate’s budget range. For regular folks, Methodology’s gourmet quality and no-prep convenience suit busy professionals or health nuts, but it’s less family-friendly due to cost and smaller portion options (1 to 2 servings).

If you want premium ingredients and time savings over EveryPlate’s cooking, Methodology’s a strong pick, though it’s pricier. My Methodology review goes into detail about my experience.

Sunbasket

Their menu, starting at $9.99 per serving and supports vegan, paleo, gluten-free, and diabetic-friendly plans. The bulk of the meals are solid high-protein omnivore meals (30 to 40 grams of protein), and the ability to filter by macros beats EveryPlate’s lack of customization.

Sunbasket’s 30-minute kits are comparable to EveryPlate’s prep time, but their pre-bagged ingredients make unpacking easier.

For everyday users, the 20 to 30 weekly recipes offer more global flavors than EveryPlate’s comfort foods, though the $10 to $14 shipping stings.

Sunbasket’s a great alternative if you want organic quality and dietary flexibility, but it costs nearly double EveryPlate for similar serving sizes. My Sunbasket review goes into detail about my experience.

Purple Carrot

Priced at $8.50 to $11.99 per serving with free shipping on larger orders, it offers dishes like Tofu Tikka Masala or Kimchi Mushroom Fried Rice.

For athletes, their high-protein meals (20 to 30 grams) are solid, though I’d need extras to hit my macros as a meat-eater.

Purple Carrot’s 20-minute Less Prep kits and 2-minute prepared meals save time compared to EveryPlate’s 30 to 45 minutes, and the 12 to 24 weekly options feel fresher than EveryPlate’s repetitive flavors.

For regular folks, it’s less kid-friendly but great for singles or couples exploring veganism. If EveryPlate’s meat focus or lack of vegan plans doesn’t work, Purple Carrot’s a solid choice, though it’s pricier and niche.

You can read my Purple Carrot review for my detailed experience.

Frequently Asked EveryPlate Questions

Does EveryPlate cater to specific dietary needs like keto, gluten-free, or vegan?

EveryPlate does not specialize in catering to strict dietary needs. While you might find some recipes that align with diets such as vegetarian or low-carb, the service lacks extensive options for keto, gluten-free, or vegan diets.

The meals are more focused on comfort foods than diet-specific plans, and there’s no guarantee that an entire week’s menu will fit certain dietary restrictions. If you have specific requirements, you might need to make adjustments to the ingredients or consider another service.

What is the average cost per meal from EveryPlate?

EveryPlate’s affordability stands out, with meals typically costing around $5.49 per serving. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly options among meal kit services. The pricing is ideal for anyone on a tight budget who still wants the convenience of meal delivery.

It’s worth noting that while the cost per serving is low, shipping fees are added separately, which can increase the overall expense slightly.

How does EveryPlate ensure ingredient freshness?

EveryPlate takes ingredient freshness seriously, and from my experience, they deliver on it. They source produce and proteins from trusted suppliers, packing them shortly before shipping to lock in quality. Each box arrives in insulated cardboard with ice packs to keep everything chilled, even if it sits on your porch for a few hours.

Can I find organic ingredients in EveryPlate meals?

EveryPlate does not offer organic ingredients, which might not be ideal for those prioritizing organic produce or meats. The service takes a practical approach to cost-efficiency and simplicity, which means they source standard-quality ingredients instead of premium organic options.

How large are the portion sizes?

EveryPlate’s portion sizes are designed for standard appetites and feel generous for most people. Each serving is built for one person, with plans offering 2 or 4 servings per meal.

Based on recipe cards, most meals range from 600 to 1,200 calories per serving, with 20 to 40 grams of protein in meat-based dishes.

For families, the 4-serving plan fed four comfortably, with some users on forums noting leftovers for smaller kids.

If you’re bulking or have a big appetite, you might want to add a side or extra protein via their marketplace, but for the average person, the portions hit the mark without feeling skimpy.

Summary

EveryPlate impressed me with its affordability and simplicity, perfect for anyone wanting easy dinners on a budget. At $4.99 to $7.49 per serving, it delivers fresh ingredients for tasty meals ready in 30 to 40 minutes.

With almost 30 weekly recipes and flexible subscriptions, it’s great for families or casual cooks looking to skip grocery runs.

However, as a lifter and grappler, I found its lack of macro filters and limited diet options a drawback for precise nutrition. For athletes, I recommend Trifecta Nutrition instead.

Its pre-made, high-protein meals (35 to 50 grams per serving) cater to fitness goals with organic ingredients, though it’s much pricier at around $16 per meal. EveryPlate is a steal for everyday folks, but Trifecta’s precision makes it the go-to for those needing precise and top-quality training fuel.