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April 14, 2023

Dinnerly vs. EveryPlate: See How They Compare

Dinnerly and EveryPlate are two of the most popular meal kit delivery services in the United States, offering affordable and convenient options for those who want to cook healthy and delicious meals at home without the hassle of grocery shopping and meal planning. 

Both services offer similar features, such as easy-to-follow recipes, fresh ingredients, and flexible delivery options.

However, some key differences between Dinnerly vs. EveryPlate may sway your subscription choice.

Dinnerly vs. EveryPlate in a Nutshell

Both Dinnerly and EveryPlate offer affordable meal kit delivery services to busy individuals and families who want to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen or at the grocery store. 

These services provide all the necessary ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes to make cooking at home more accessible and enjoyable.

So, if you're ready to save some cash and simplify your meal planning, keep reading!

Dinnerly Pros & Cons

Dinnerly is a popular meal kit delivery service that offers affordable and convenient options for those looking to cook healthy and delicious meals at home.

Like any service, it has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Dinnerly:

  • Heat-and-eat meals are the zenith of convenience
  • Offers simple and easy-to-follow recipes that are great for beginners
  • Options for kid-friendly meals can make mealtime easier for parents.
  • Provides a significantly more extensive selection of recipes each week

Disadvantages of Dinnerly:

  • No customizable meal plans

  • Digital-only recipe cards

EveryPlate Pros & Cons

If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal kit delivery service that provides easy-to-make meals with fresh ingredients, then EveryPlate might be the right choice. 

However, like any service, it's essential to consider the pros and cons before deciding.

Advantages of EveryPlate:

  • 100% recyclable shipping materials
  • Add-ons like Pantry Essentials and desserts help with grocery shopping
  • Full-page recipe cards are easy to follow, with clear instructions and pictures
  • Mix-and-match five menu-types

Disadvantages of EveryPlate:

  • It doesn't offer as many recipes as some of its competitors
  • Meals are very "classic American" with little global variety

Pricing

Let's be honest - one of the biggest factors people consider is pricing when it comes to meal kit delivery services. With so many options, figuring out which fits your budget and preferences can be challenging. 

Let's take a closer look at the pricing strategies of various services and help you understand how to choose the best one for your needs. 

Dinnerly

If you're looking to feed a larger family or want to meal prep for the week, Dinnerly offers an excellent discount for ordering more servings. 

However, these prices don't include the flat $11.99 shipping rate. 

  • Three recipes per week, with two servings, cost $42.24. That comes down to $7.04 per serving. 

  • Six recipes per week, with two servings, cost $74.68, or $6.24 per serving.

  • Three recipes per week, with four services, add up to $73.68 and $6.14 per serving. 

  • Six recipes per week, with four servings each, cost $119.76. That's roughly $4.99 per serving.

EveryPlate

EveryPlate has more to offer in terms of plans, which includes "Meat & Veggie," "Veggie," "Family Faves," "Quick & Easy," and "Nutrish & Delish." 

Regardless of which you choose, all come to the same price per serving, with the only fluctuations coming from discounts for larger orders. 

You'll also need to pay an additional $9.99 weekly for shipping. 

  • Three recipes per week, with two servings, cost $44.94, for $7.49 per serving. 

  • Six recipes per week, with two servings, cost $71.88, or $5.99 per serving. 

  • Like the previous plan, three recipes per week, with four servings, cost $71.88 at $5.99 per serving. 

  • Six recipes per week, with four servings, comes to $119.76 and $4.99 per serving. 

Winner

It's hard for me to declare a clear-cut winner here because the pricing difference is almost nonexistent.

On the one hand, Dinnerly is less expensive for the lowest-tier subscription, but EveryPlate claims that prize for the mid-tier plan. 

By the time you're ordering 24 meals per week, they're both a very reasonable $4.99 per serving. 

We'll call this one a tie. 


Nutrition

nutrition

These two meal kit delivery services are both known for their affordable prices and delicious recipes, but what about their nutritional content? 

Let's dive in and look at Dinnerly vs. EveryPlate nutrition. 

Dinnerly

Dinnerly's commitment to providing clear nutritional information and low-calorie options makes them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet while enjoying delicious, easy-to-prepare meals. 

Whether counting calories or looking for nutritious meal options, Dinnerly has something for everyone.

Dinnerly offers a variety of low-calorie meals that are packed with flavor and nutrients. 

For example, their Beef Ravioli & Mushroom Stroganoff with Fresh Dill and Sour Cream has just 600 calories per serving, while their On-Pot Chicken & Tomato Rice comes in at 580 calories per serving.

The tags also make it easy for those with food allergies or plant-based diets to find tasty options that meet their needs. 

One of my family's favorites for our weekly "Meatless Monday" is the Low-Carb Baked Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese

EveryPlate

EveryPlate will appeal to those looking for budget-friendly meals that are both tasty and nutritious. 

One thing I love about EveryPlate's approach is that their meals are well-balanced and packed with nutrients, including plenty of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. 

For example, their Mediterranean Steak and Hummus Bowl with Zesty Rice, Tzatziki, and Cucumber Salad meal includes 34 grams of protein per serving and 4 grams of fiber at just 620 calories.

The Add-Ons are also a boast-worthy feature because they make it effortless to order side salads or healthy proteins for a nutritious boost to breakfast or lunch. 

Winner

EveryPlate clenches the victory in nutrition thanks to their curated meal plans and optional Add-Ons. 


Size Scaling

size scaling dinnerly vs every plate

Whether you're cooking for one or a family of four, it's essential to have options that can accommodate your needs. 

Here's how Dinnerly and EveryPlate stack up in this area.

Dinnerly

Dinnerly allows you to order between 3-6 meals per week, including 2- or 4-person servings.

That comes out to a total of 6-24 servings per week, making it more difficult for larger families to feed everyone without supplementing with grocery store picks. 

EveryPlate

There's no need to dive into the details on EveryPlate. Their plans are set up the same way as Dinnerly. 

Winner

It's a tie! 

Both Dinnerly and EveryPlate offer plans that can easily accommodate a couple or a family of four.


Recipe Clarity and Simplicity

dinnerly and every plate recipe simple

One of the most appealing aspects of meal kit delivery services is the convenience of having all the ingredients for a delicious meal delivered straight to your door. 

But what about the recipe itself? 

Dinnerly

Each Dinnerly recipe comes with clear, step-by-step instructions delivered via PDF to your email. Thanks to conciseness, it's easy to keep track of what you're doing and avoid mistakes.

Dinnerly's recipes are quick and easy to prepare, with minimal chopping and prep work required. Most take 30 minutes to make, but some more complicated cuisines– such as the Feta & Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Meatloaf– can spill over into the 40-45 minute mark. 

They also offer heat-and-eat options that you thaw before microwaving for a genuinely effortless weeknight meal. I was worried it would feel like eating an old-school TV dinner, but all my concerns washed away in the tantalizing taste of Ready Made! Cheesy Guajillo Chicken

EveryPlate

One thing that sets EveryPlate apart is its commitment to simplicity. 

EveryPlate's recipes are easy to follow, even for those new to cooking. Each one comes with a full-color, step-by-step instruction card that I hole-punch and put away to use again later. 

The service also focuses on using simple, whole-food ingredients you'd find at your local grocery store. If you remake the recipe later, you don't have to worry about searching for exotic ingredients or hard-to-find spices.

EveryPlate's dedication to simplicity makes their meals a bit more basic than some other subscription kit delivery services. While they're still delicious and well-balanced, they may not appeal to folks with a more adventurous side. 

Winner

Dinnerly scores the #1 spot for recipe simplicity, thanks to upgraded microwaveable meals and more culturally-varied options with a low difficulty threshold. 


Flavor and Recipe Diversity

dinnerly vs every plate diversity

No one wants to eat the same thing repeatedly, so choosing a meal kit delivery service that offers a wide variety of recipes and flavors is essential. 

Dinnerly

While Dinnerly's menus may not be the most diverse, they do offer some creative and tasty options.

One of the strengths of Dinnerly is its ability to take simple and familiar flavors and add a unique twist, such as using unexpected ingredients or cooking techniques.

For example, they might take a classic burger and add a flavorful aioli or a homemade spice blend to elevate the dish. 

They also offer internationally-inspired dishes like Pork Katsu Meatloaf or Beef Kofta Pita Wraps, which can provide a nice change of pace from the typical American comfort food flavors.

Dinnerly's vegetarian options are often more creative and varied than their meat-based dishes. They frequently feature plant-based proteins like tofu, lentils, or chickpeas and add interesting spices, sauces, and herbs to create flavorful meals.

EveryPlate

EveryPlate offers 25 recipes each week, with most meals taking comforting, nostalgic favorites and elevating them with fun ingredients. 

For example, their Chicago-Style Pork Chop Sandwiches with Au Jus Sauce were an absolute delight to the taste buds, and the richly spiced Ponzu Chili Beef Bowls was a dish that I found myself craving long after the meal ended. 

Another standout dish was the Tuscan Herb Chicken Linguini, which was light and refreshing yet filling.

Winner

Dinnerly has a slight edge over EveryPlate regarding vegetarian options, offering more variety and thoughtfulness. 

However, aside from that, both the creativity of the menus and the variety across them are similar. 

While both services offer tasty and satisfying meals, there may be better choices for those exploring new and adventurous flavors.


Ingredient Freshness and Quality

fresh ingredients

Both services generally provide fresh, high-quality ingredients suitable for most home cooks.

Dinnerly

Overall, I was thrilled with the freshness and quality of Dinnerly's ingredients. 

The ingredients arrived in perfect condition and were packaged to keep everything perishable well-sealed, even if I couldn't cook the meals right away. 

It gave me peace of mind knowing that I was cooking with high-quality ingredients carefully selected and packaged with care. 

While I did encounter some issues with missing ingredients in a couple of my deliveries, their customer service was responsive and promptly resolved the problems.

EveryPlate

EveryPlate also sources its ingredients from trusted suppliers, but some users have reported that certain elements can be a bit less fresh or of lower quality than they would prefer.

For example, you can open your box to find a wilted head of lettuce or squishy heirloom tomato that puts a serious damper on dinnertime, especially when it's one of the star ingredients. 

Winner

Dinnerly. 

While both services offer fresh and high-quality ingredients, Dinnerly has received fewer complaints about the freshness or quality of its components, making it a slightly better choice in this area.


Ease of Use

One of the best things about meal delivery kits is their convenience. 

They take the hassle out of meal planning and grocery shopping, allowing you to save time and energy. With a meal delivery kit, you don't have to worry about going to the grocery store, figuring out what to cook, or prepping ingredients. 

Dinnerly

Dinnerly's service is simple, straightforward, and user-friendly. Everything from the website to the delivery process makes meal planning and preparation hassle-free.

One of the strengths of Dinnerly is its user-friendly website. The site is easy to navigate, and ordering meals is straightforward.

Each recipe on Dinnerly's menu includes a clear breakdown of the nutritional information, including calorie count per serving. This makes it easy to plan and track your meals throughout the week.

You can also sort the massive 100-option menu with tags to make hunting down healthy meals easier. 

EveryPlate

The EveryPlate website is easy to navigate, with clear options for selecting meals and adjusting the number of servings as needed. Customers can also easily skip or pause deliveries if required. 

They also make it easier to build a customizable plan, including vegetarian meals and low-calorie meals, so you don't have to sift through tags every week. Instead, they'll assemble a group of delicious options that fit your selection. 

Winner

EasyPlate's lack of tag sorting puts it just a nose ahead of Dinnerly. 

While seeing all the exciting options is fun, it can be overwhelming when I have a million other things on my to-do list that need attention. 


Which Is Better: Dinnerly or EveryPlate?

After putting both meal delivery services to the test, Dinnerly eked out the win with a 3-2 score against EveryPlate. 

Dispute their ties on Price and Size Scaling, I'll always be more excited to scroll through Dinnerly's fusion meals versus EveryPlate's simplistic selection of pasta, burgers, and chicken strips.

At the end of the day, the choice between Dinnerly and EveryPlate will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. 

Dinnerly is the clear victor if:

  • You're interested in taking a global cuisine tour each week. 

  • You don't mind choosing from the 100-meal menu.

  • You prefer referencing recipes from your tablet, phone, or laptop.

My Rating for Dinnerly: 4.25/5

EveryPlate may win you over if:

  • You have picky eaters or ongoing dietary needs.

  • You like having a more hands-on approach to your recipe cards. 

  • You are okay with sticking with the classics. 

My Rating for EveryPlate: 4/5


Final Thoughts

If you're having trouble deciding between Dinnerly vs. EveryPlate, my advice would be to consider your pickiest eater. EveryPlate is far more likely to appeal to veggie-adverse toddlers or "meat and potato" eaters who prefer mama's home cooking over fancy fusion. 

Regardless of which service you choose, both Dinnerly and EveryPlate offer a convenient and affordable way to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without the hassle of grocery shopping and meal planning.

Hi, I'm Paul. Welcome to my website! I, along with my cronies, are leveraging our years of working in the food industry to review meal and drink delivery services. We review. You eat happily ever after.

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