Feeding yourself and your family has always been a major part of your budget. But in recent years, food costs have gone up in ways that are hard to ignore. Whether you’re buying groceries, ordering takeout, or using a meal delivery service, every bite seems to cost more than it used to.
Understanding the costs behind what we eat can help you take control of your budget. In this guide, we’ll break down food spending in America, explain how meal delivery services fit into your budget, and offer tips to help you eat well without overspending.
The price of food is going up for many reasons. Supply chain issues, climate impacts, labor shortages, and fuel prices all affect what you pay at the grocery store or when dining out. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food-at-home prices rose by over 5% in 2023 alone, with some categories increasing much more.
Even basic items like eggs, bread, and produce have become noticeably more expensive. Add to that the rising cost of restaurant meals and prepared foods, and it’s no surprise that Americans are feeling stretched when it comes to their food budgets.
The amount you spend on food each month depends on your household size, dietary preferences, and lifestyle. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average American household spends around 11% of their income on food, split between groceries and dining out.
A single person might spend around $250–$400 a month on food, while a family of four could easily spend $800–$1,500, depending on where they live and how they eat.
One of the biggest ways to save on food is by comparing the cost of dining out vs preparing meals at home. Restaurant meals often cost 3 to 5 times more than cooking at home. For example, a pasta dish that costs $18 at a restaurant could be made at home for under $5.
Of course, there’s convenience and time to consider. Busy families may opt for takeout or delivery to avoid cooking altogether. But those costs add up quickly, especially with delivery fees, tips, and service charges.
If you’re looking to stretch your food dollars further, choosing to cook at home more often is one of the most effective strategies.
Meal kits can be a middle ground between dining out and cooking from scratch. Services like Blue Apron, EveryPlate, and Home Chef deliver fresh ingredients and recipe cards to your door, letting you skip the grocery store but still cook meals yourself.
Depending on the provider and plan, you might pay around $8 to $13 per serving. While that’s more than many home-cooked meals, it’s still less than most restaurant options.
However, the value you get depends on how you use the kits. If you end up wasting ingredients or find the recipes too complex, the cost might not be worth it.
Meal delivery services come in two main types: kits that you cook yourself and fully prepared meals that only need to be reheated. These services offer convenience, but their prices can vary widely.
Here’s a general breakdown of the cost per serving:
While prepared meal delivery services save time, they can cost just as much as eating out. The cheapest meal delivery service options are often those that offer bulk ordering, promotions for new customers, or limited dietary customizations.
For more insights into how to make meal prep work for your budget, check out How to Meal Prep on a Budget.
Not all delivery services are overpriced. Some affordable meal delivery services like EveryPlate or Dinnerly offer simple meals for as little as $5 per serving. These can be a great option for families looking to cut back on grocery runs without breaking the bank.
Still, even the cheapest meal kits can add up over time. It’s important to compare them to your normal grocery bills and consider how often you’ll really use them.
Keep in mind that many delivery companies offer discounts for your first box, but prices rise after the trial ends. Always read the fine print before subscribing.
If you’re determined to save, the cheapest meal kits are usually those with fewer frills. That might mean simpler recipes, fewer organic ingredients, and limited menu choices.
Here are a few options to consider:
Each provider has its strengths, so choose one that fits your needs and dietary preferences. You can also skip weeks or cancel any time, which gives you flexibility to avoid waste.
For more savings tips, don’t miss 29 Food Buying Tips from Credit.org.
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If cooking isn’t your thing, fully prepared meals might be your best bet. These are ready to heat and eat, with no prep required. Popular options include Mosaic Foods, Freshly, and Factor.
Prices usually range from $9–$15 per meal, depending on ingredients and portion size. Mosaic Foods, for example, specializes in plant-based meals and offers bundles to lower the per-meal price.
Fully prepared meals are great for busy people, older adults, or anyone who wants to eat healthier without spending hours in the kitchen.
Plant-based eating continues to grow in popularity, and Mosaic Foods has carved out a niche in this space. They focus on vegetarian and vegan meals that are flavorful, balanced, and convenient.
Mosaic’s meals appeal to people with dietary restrictions, including gluten free and dairy free diets. Their frozen entrees are easy to store and often cost less than ordering from a restaurant.
While they aren’t the cheapest option, many customers find the quality and nutrition worth the price. If you’re interested in fully prepared, plant-based meals, Mosaic is a strong contender.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. With some planning, you can make nutritious meals for less than the cost of fast food. Try buying seasonal produce, using whole grains, and cooking in batches.
Look for sales on fresh ingredients or use a store loyalty program. You can also save by using high-protein, low-cost staples like beans, rice, and canned vegetables.
Many families create a weekly meal plan to reduce food waste and avoid last-minute takeout. For more help, check out How to Grocery Shop on a Budget.
One of the best ways to lower your food costs is to create a simple meal plan each week. Meal planning helps you avoid waste, make the most of what you already have, and resist the temptation to dine out.
Here’s how to get started:
You can plan meals around what’s on sale that week or what’s in season. That strategy alone can save you 10% or more on your grocery bill.
Many people turn to comfort food when stressed, tired, or busy. These meals often feel indulgent but don’t have to be costly. Classic favorites like soups, stews, pasta dishes, and casseroles can be made affordably at home with pantry staples.
If you cook in large batches, comfort food can become a cost-effective way to feed the whole family. Freeze extras for quick meals later in the week.
Comfort food is also a smart way to satisfy picky eaters without needing multiple meal options every night.
If you have kids—or adults—in the house who are picky eaters, you already know how difficult mealtime can be. It often feels like you’re cooking multiple meals just to keep everyone happy.
Here are some tips to reduce waste and stress:
Meal kits can also be helpful here. Services that let you customize meals are more likely to appeal to selective eaters.
Whether you’re cooking for someone with a food allergy or following a specific plan like gluten free or low carb, having dietary needs can complicate your budget.
Many meal kit companies offer options for:
However, specialty diets often cost more. Pre-portioned ingredients that meet specific dietary preferences can add a premium to each meal. That’s why planning ahead and making meals at home is still the most budget-friendly way to meet your goals.
Cooking for a family means thinking about cost, nutrition, time, and taste all at once. The most family friendly meals are the ones that check all these boxes:
Think stir-fries, pasta nights, baked sheet pan dinners, and tacos. These can be made cheaply with fresh ingredients and adjusted for picky eaters.
For more grocery hacks, check out this helpful video on 6 Tips for Saving Money at the Grocery Store.
One reason people choose meal kits is the convenience of pre-portioned ingredients. These kits reduce the chances of food waste because everything you receive is used for one specific recipe.
However, there’s a tradeoff. Pre-packaged ingredients can cost more and generate more packaging waste. They also remove flexibility—if you don’t like a particular recipe or ingredient, you may not use the kit at all.
To get the most value from pre-portioned kits:
With so many meal kit delivery services on the market, it’s tough to know which one is right for you. Below is a detailed table comparing some of the most popular meal delivery services available today. Each service is categorized by meal type, dietary focus, and price per serving.
If you’re on a tight budget, start with the cheapest meal kits, then upgrade based on your needs.
A solid grocery shopping strategy is essential for lowering food costs. Here’s how to make each trip count:
Coupons, loyalty programs, and cashback apps can also help you save. Credit.org offers a great free tool—the Essential Couponing Guide (PDF)—to help you learn how to coupon effectively.
Many shoppers are trying to decide whether to stick with their local grocery store or use a grocery delivery app. Each option has pros and cons:
For many families, a mix of both works best. Use delivery for emergencies or busy weeks, but do most of your shopping in person to keep costs down.
In addition to the major names already mentioned, here are a few popular meal delivery services worth exploring:
Not all services are right for every family, so take advantage of introductory offers to try different ones. Just remember to cancel if the full-price plan doesn’t fit your budget.
Many people wonder if buying organic ingredients is worth the extra cost. The answer depends on your priorities.
Organic produce tends to be more expensive, but you can be strategic. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases an annual “Dirty Dozen” list of fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide levels. Prioritize buying those organic, and stick with conventional for the rest.
Items typically worth buying organic:
Items you can safely buy non-organic:
Balancing both is a smart way to eat healthier without overspending.
When it comes to food, not everyone can eat the same way. Some people must follow special diets due to allergies, health conditions, or personal beliefs. These dietary restrictions can include:
While these diets help people feel their best, they often raise grocery bills. Specialty items tend to be more expensive, and some need to be purchased from niche stores or online.
To stay on budget, it helps to plan meals ahead and shop in bulk when possible. Look for products labeled for dietary needs that also offer value, like store-brand options or coupons.
A gluten free lifestyle used to be difficult and pricey. Today, more options are available in regular grocery stores, but prices can still be high compared to traditional products.
To save money while avoiding gluten:
Some meal kit companies now cater directly to gluten free households, offering carefully labeled ingredients and recipe cards to prevent cross-contamination.
Plant-based meals are a growing trend, and for good reason. They’re often better for your health, the environment, and your wallet.
Vegan cuisine can be made at home using:
These ingredients are affordable and widely available. For added convenience, some prepared meal delivery services like Mosaic Foods and Purple Carrot specialize in vegan meals.
Mosaic in particular offers fully prepared, plant-based meals that are flavorful, nutritious, and ready in minutes. This option works well for busy people who want healthy meals without cooking from scratch.
Meal delivery kits come in many shapes and sizes. Some are designed for families, while others target singles or couples. Some focus on affordability, and others on gourmet ingredients.
Let’s look at how they stack up:
If you’re not sure where to start, review customer reviews and look for promotions on your first box.
Mosaic Foods stands out in the fully prepared meal category. They offer:
These meals are especially helpful for people with dietary needs or those trying to eat healthier. While not the cheapest, Mosaic provides value through quality, taste, and convenience.
If you want nutritious meals without the stress of meal prep, this might be the right fit.
Cooking healthy meals from scratch remains the most cost-effective method for many households. Here are some grocery store strategies to help you eat better and spend less:
You can also save big by comparing prices at different stores or using store-brand alternatives.
To learn more, check out How to Save Money on Groceries Online.
Keeping track of your food spending helps you stay in control. Here are some tools and tips to keep your grocery budget in check:
Meal planning apps can also be useful. They allow you to build shopping lists, store recipes, and track pantry inventory to avoid duplicate purchases.
Dining out is convenient but expensive. Many people don’t realize how much they’re spending on takeout and restaurants each month.
For example, one person who dines out 3 times per week at $20 per meal spends over $3,000 a year. That same amount could cover months of groceries for a small family.
Costs to consider:
If you want to reduce your dining out budget, start by limiting how often you order in and set a monthly cap.
Meal prep doesn’t just save money; it saves time. When you prepare meals ahead and freeze them, you always have something ready on busy days.
Tips for freezing meals effectively:
Soups, casseroles, marinated meats, and cooked grains all freeze well. If you don’t feel like batch cooking, simply double your favorite recipe and freeze the extra portion.
Prepared meal delivery services can be useful in specific situations:
In these cases, having healthy meals delivered may help you avoid fast food or takeout.
For longer-term use, be sure to compare prices and nutrition labels. Some prepared meals are high in sodium or added sugars, so choose services with balanced ingredients.
The answer depends on your habits. A meal kit company may be cheaper than eating out, but more expensive than cooking from scratch. However, it might help reduce food waste, simplify your week, or teach you new cooking skills.
To decide if a meal kit works for you:
If you use them wisely and cook most meals at home, meal kits can fit within a smart food budget.
In times of hardship, free meals may be available through:
You can also look for local mutual aid groups that help with groceries and meal deliveries.
Visit USA.gov or your local county website to find programs in your area. Never hesitate to ask for help when you need it—these services exist to support people through tough times.
Leftovers can stretch your food budget by providing extra meals with no extra cooking. Instead of tossing food, turn it into something new:
Set aside one or two “leftover nights” per week to clear out your fridge and reduce waste.
Buying lunch at work or school can add up fast. Packing your own lunch is one of the simplest ways to cut spending. You can prepare a whole week’s worth of meals in one session using batch cooking and reusable containers.
Affordable lunch options include:
If your mornings are busy, prep your lunch the night before so you’re not tempted to buy food on the go.
Just like with any budget category, tracking your food spending helps you stay on top of your habits. Try this:
If you overspend one week, try to adjust the next. Over time, you’ll learn where you can save without giving up your favorite meals.
Even the most budget-conscious households sometimes overspend. Common reasons include:
Planning ahead, sticking to a list, and storing food properly can help you avoid these pitfalls.
Grocery delivery services have become popular, but they come with tradeoffs. Here’s how to decide if they work for you:
If you’re careful about your cart and avoid unnecessary add-ons, delivery can be convenient without blowing your budget.
Many families look for the best meal delivery service not just based on price but on ease of use and taste. Some services go the extra mile with options like:
These added touches can make a service worth the investment, especially for those balancing busy schedules or dietary preferences.
Some providers, like Dinnerly, cut costs by skipping printed materials and offering digital-only recipes. Others, like Green Chef, charge more but offer fully organic options.
If convenience is your priority, you may favor services that emphasize oven ready meals or those that cater to dietary restrictions like gluten free or low carb. The tradeoff often comes down to whether you value customization or affordability more.
Buying produce that’s in season usually costs less and tastes better. Here’s a basic guide:
Seasonal eating helps diversify your meals and lowers your grocery bill. Local farmers markets can also be a good source of fresh, affordable produce.
Fresh produce isn’t always the most practical or affordable. Canned and frozen vegetables are healthy, cost-effective, and last much longer. Stock your pantry and freezer with:
They’re great in soups, stir-fries, casseroles, and side dishes. Just check the labels for added salt or sugar.
Feeding a family involves balancing cost, nutrition, and convenience. Here are a few ways families can stay on track:
Keep a whiteboard or calendar with your meal plan posted in the kitchen to help the whole family stay organized.
Unexpected job loss, medical bills, or family changes can affect your ability to buy food. That’s why it’s smart to build a small emergency food fund. Even $10 per week adds up over time.
Use this fund for:
Keeping some shelf-stable items on hand also helps you prepare for emergencies or bad weather.
Food isn’t just a basic need; it’s a major part of your financial picture. Alongside rent, utilities, transportation, and debt payments, food spending can influence how quickly you reach your savings goals.
Ask yourself:
Answering these questions helps you make better decisions, one meal at a time.
At Credit.org, we offer resources to help you take control of your money, including your food spending. Use our free downloads and guides to:
If you’re just getting started, visit our guide on How to Grocery Shop on a Budget for step-by-step advice.
Food is one of the biggest line items in your monthly budget—but it’s also one of the easiest to control with smart planning. Whether you cook every meal at home, use a meal delivery service now and then, or dine out on special occasions, knowing your options gives you power over your spending.
Try these tips:
Eating well doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With the right tools and a little effort, you can enjoy nutritious, delicious meals while staying within your means.
Food costs are just one part of the bigger picture. At Credit.org, we’re here to help you build a stronger financial future, starting today.
If rising prices, credit card debt, or grocery bills are causing stress, we can help. Our nonprofit services include:
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Talk to a certified counselor for free, confidential support that’s tailored to your needs.
