18+ Ways to Save Money on Meal Kit Subscriptions in Canada

Meal kit subscriptions are a convenient time-saver—and often a healthier alternative to takeout—for busy Canadians. But their convenience can come with a premium. That said, savvy tactics can significantly lower costs without sacrificing quality or variety. Based on tips from Fresh Prep, MealKitsCanada, Reddit users, and industry blogs, here are 18+ realistic ways to minimize your spending while still enjoying the benefits of home-cooked meals.

Best ways to save money on meal kit subscriptions in canada

1. Leverage introductory promos and coupons

Coupon and Promo Code — *Photo via Rezgo*

Most major brands like HelloFresh, Chef’s Plate and Cook It offer generous first-box discounts—often between $100 and $150. These deals are easy to find online or through affiliate links. Taking advantage of these offers can make your first few weeks of meal kits extremely affordable while helping you test different providers without long-term commitment.

Key Point: First-time user discounts can cover multiple weeks of meals—always apply a promo before your first order.

2. Bulk your plan to reduce per-serving cost

Increasing the number of meals and servings in your weekly plan often brings the per-serving cost down significantly. For instance, a 4-meal/4-serving plan can be much more affordable per portion than a 2-meal/2-serving one. This approach works best for families or roommates who can split meals and costs efficiently.

Key Point: Larger plans reduce per-serving costs—ideal for shared households or meal prepping.

3. Skip premium or specialty dishes

Meal kits often include upgraded meals featuring items like steak, lamb, or seafood. While these options may be tempting, they tend to add $4–$6 per serving. Sticking to regular or vegetarian options can significantly lower your total bill over time without compromising on quality or taste.

Key Point: Avoid premium meals to keep your weekly total predictable and affordable.

4. Watch for seasonal and regional offers

Brands like Fresh Prep occasionally offer seasonal promos tailored to specific provinces—such as $90 off for first-time users in Ontario, Quebec, and BC. These location-based deals are often time-sensitive, so it’s worth subscribing to newsletters or checking their websites regularly.

Key Point: Check regional discounts—they often provide better savings than standard national promos.

5. Use referral programs

Referral Program Meal Kit Subscriptions — *Photo via Deposit Photos*

Most services reward both you and a friend when you share your referral link. For example, Fresh Prep gives you a free meal and your friend gets a major discount. The more people you refer, the more you can cut down on your own costs—some users get multiple boxes free just through referrals.

Key Point: Referral links can earn you free boxes and stackable credits over time.

6. Combine financing hacks—cancel & re-subscribe

Some users report that cancelling their subscription and waiting a week or two results in retention offers sent via email. These might include 50–80% off your next box to encourage you to return. It’s a clever workaround that can be repeated every few months depending on the provider.

Key Point: Cancelling temporarily often triggers exclusive discounts to win you back.

7. Purchase prepaid gift cards at a discount

Retailers like Costco often sell discounted gift cards for meal kit services. For example, you might find a $100 HelloFresh gift card for just $80. These can be applied to your account just like cash and can stack with other offers, giving you extra value for money.

Key Point: Gift cards bought on sale add value and work with other active discounts.

8. Choose the cheapest service for your needs

Chef’s Plate often ranks as the most affordable mainstream meal kit in Canada, with per-serving prices starting around $8.99. Meanwhile, HelloFresh and others tend to be slightly higher. Review what each provider offers and stick with the one that fits your lifestyle and budget best.

Key Point: Compare base prices and fees—lower-priced kits can save hundreds annually.

9. Opt for low-cost kit brands

Low-cost kit brands Meal Kit Subscriptions — *Photo via Bon Appétit*

Some international brands like EveryPlate and Dinnerly offer lower prices by minimizing packaging and offering simpler meals. While they may not always be available in Canada, similar no-frills options sometimes appear regionally. Keep an eye out for new brands entering the market.

Key Point: Look for no-frills options—they cost less without sacrificing nutrition.

10. Pick up instead of delivery

Pick up Meal Kit Subscriptions — *Photo via Door Dash*

Some providers, like the now-defunct MissFresh, previously offered pickup options at partner grocery stores like Metro. If a brand in your area allows in-store pickup, it could help you avoid delivery charges and take advantage of in-store discounts or bundled deals.

Key Point: In-store pickup options—when available—can help avoid added delivery fees.

11. Reduce food waste via meal planning

Meal kits are pre-portioned, which means you’re less likely to overbuy or waste ingredients. By sticking to the kit’s schedule, you’ll cut down on random grocery purchases and reduce spoiled food. This control over portions and ingredients can save money over time.

Key Point: Pre-measured portions help avoid overbuying and wasted groceries.

12. Stretch kits with pantry staples

To make your meals go further, add ingredients you already have at home. For example, toss in a can of chickpeas to a veggie curry or cook extra rice. This extends the meal into another serving and helps you reduce reliance on full-priced boxes every week.

Key Point: Add pantry items to increase servings and stretch each kit further.

13. Choose lower-cost proteins

Cheap protein ideas — *Photo via Always from Scratch*

Meal Kit Subscriptions often let you select your protein preferences, and these choices affect your weekly total. Beans, lentils, and eggs are rich in nutrients yet far more affordable than meat or seafood. Choosing these plant-based or budget proteins in your Meal Kit Subscriptions helps reduce overall costs while maintaining nutritional value and portion satisfaction.

Key Point: Choose plant-based or egg options—they’re cheaper and still nutritious.

14. Recreate kits at home

If you love the meal kit experience but not the recurring price, try duplicating the experience with DIY kits. You can batch-plan meals, pre-measure ingredients, and store them in reusable containers—often cutting weekly food costs by up to 40%.

Key Point: Replicating the structure of meal kits at home cuts costs and adds flexibility.

15. Freeze extras & buy in bulk

If you receive a larger meal plan, consider freezing leftovers or prepping extra batches with bulk ingredients. Label and date your containers so you can use them throughout the month. This prevents waste and reduces the need to purchase new kits weekly.

Key Point: Freezing extra portions prevents waste and spreads value across weeks.

16. Skip utilities by choosing ready meals

Skip utilities Meal Kit Subscriptions — *Photo via The Meal Prep Market*

Some Meal Kit Subscriptions include ready-to-eat meals, which can be a practical alternative to traditional cooking. Brands like Factor deliver meals that require only a microwave—no stovetop, oven, or cleanup needed. This can help reduce your monthly utility bills if used regularly and consistently.

Key Point: Ready meals save time and cut utility use for stove or oven cooking.

17. Avoid dining out by maintaining discipline

Dining Out Meal Kit Subscriptions — *Photo via Food Allergy Canada*

Meal kits help control your food spending by giving you set meals at home. Reddit users say they spend roughly $14/serving with kits compared to $25 or more at restaurants. If you stick to the plan and avoid spontaneous dining out, savings add up.

Key Point: Using meal kits consistently helps resist costly takeout habits.

18. Subscribe only when needed

Hello Fresh Meal Kit Subscriptions — *Photo via Hello Fresh*

Don’t let your subscription auto-renew without checking your week. Most services allow you to pause, skip, or cancel without penalty. Taking advantage of this flexibility helps you avoid food overload and charges during busy or travel weeks.

Key Point: Use pause and skip functions to avoid paying for meals you won’t use.

19. Bundle with other services (if available)

Some kits bundle with loyalty programs, grocery apps, or reward systems like PC Optimum or Aeroplan. Watch for limited-time bundles or cross-promotions. These extras can make meal kits part of a more extensive savings plan when used strategically.

Key Point: Look for reward integrations and limited-time bundles to stack more value.

Smart choices—from coupon stacking and referral credits to thoughtful planning—can bring average cost per serving down significantly. Whether you adjust your meal-count, favor budget-friendly providers like Chef’s Plate, or even DIY inspired kits with bulk grocery buys, there’s a saving strategy for everyone. Meal kits don’t have to break the bank—just approach them with curiosity, flexibility and a dash of creativity. Also, check out our other blog: Top Vegetarian & Vegan Meal Kit Services in Toronto for plant-based options that fit your lifestyle and budget.

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Best ways to save money on meal kit subscriptions in canada

1. Leverage introductory promos and coupons