Is Dinnerly Worth It? A Dietitian’s Take on Nutrition, Taste and Convenience

Cooking at home is often the most budget-friendly option, but that doesn’t make it easy. Between planning meals, grocery shopping and actually finding time to cook, it can quickly feel overwhelming, especially during a busy week. Meal delivery kits aim to simplify the process, but many come with a premium price tag that isn’t realistic if you’re trying to save money.

That’s what makes Dinnerly stand out. They market themselves as one of the most affordable meal kit services available and back it up with simple recipes and a lower cost per serving than most competitors. With over 100 rotating weekly recipes (including vegetarian and reduced-carb options), the meal kit offers more variety than you might expect from a budget-focused service. However, affordability doesn’t always equate to quality, so I wanted to find out how it actually measures up.

I tested four Dinnerly meals and compared them to more than 50 other meal services reviewed by the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab. Here’s what I found, and whether Dinnerly really delivers on its promise of budget-friendly and delicious meals.

Dinnerly Meal Kit Delivery Service

Shop at dinnerly

Pros

• Budget-friendly pricing
• Wide menu variety
• Easy-to-follow recipe cards
• Fresh, well-packaged ingredients
• Flexible subscription

Cons

• Flavor profiles can be mild
• Limited single-serving options

Dinnerly is a meal kit service that launched in July 2017 with a mission to make home cooking easier, more approachable and budget-conscious. It’s designed for people who want to cook more at home without the stress of complicated recipes or expensive ingredients.

Known for its simplified approach, Dinnerly offers meals built around everyday ingredients and uncomplicated instructions. Recipes typically use a shorter list of ingredients and are designed to be manageable for cooks of all levels, especially beginners. Dinnerly focuses on the essentials: printed recipe cards, minimal packaging and fresh, seasonal ingredients. An in-house Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to help support a balance of taste and nutrition.

Each week, Dinnerly offers a rotating menu of over 100 recipes, including family-friendly, vegetarian, vegan, quick-prep, healthy and reduced-carb options. When you sign up, you’ll create a taste profile that suggests recipes tailored to your preferences, but you’re free to swap any meals in your account up to seven days before your next delivery.

The service operates on a flexible subscription model, allowing you to edit, pause or cancel your boxes at any time via your Orders page. Any changes you make will apply to all future orders that haven’t shipped yet. Plus, you’ll receive a weekly email reminder before your cutoff date to help you stay on track. When you sign up, you’ll enter your payment details, which will be applied to your first and all future orders. You can update these details whenever needed. Unless you skip, pause or cancel, you’ll be auto-billed for each week’s order.

Delivery is available throughout the contiguous United States. Simply enter your zip code when selecting a plan to check availability and see which delivery days are offered in your area. You can choose between a two-person box (perfect for two adults) or a four-person box (ideal for a family of two adults and two children, though it can also feed four adults). You decide how many meals you want per week, ranging from two to six, and whether you want servings for two or four people.

Dinnerly also offers recipe categories to help personalize your weekly choices, including:

• I Like Everything: A mix of recipes from across the full menu
  
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Recipes without gluten-containing ingredients
  
• Low Calorie: Meals with 650 calories or less per serving
  
• Low Carb: Meals containing no more than 40 grams total carbs per serving
  
• Picky Eater Approved: Crowd-pleasers with familiar, mild flavors
  
• Quick & Easy: Meals ready in 30 minutes or less, with minimal prep
  
• Vegetarian: Delicious dishes suitable for vegetarian, vegan and plant-based diets

Meals start at $5.99, depending on the number of meals and servings selected per week. Shipping costs up to $11.99 are added to each order. Meals are designed to be fast, easy and affordable, making home cooking more accessible and convenient. There are two plans to choose from: a two-person plan (two servings per meal) and a four-person plan (four servings per meal). Both plans let you select between two and six meals per week, depending on your household’s needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the pricing for each plan:

Couples Plan (two people)

• Two meals per week: $35.96
  
• Three meals per week: $47.94
  
• Four meals per week: $63.92
  
• Five meals per week: $79.90
  
• Six meals per week: $95.88
  

Family Plan (four people)

• Two meals per week: $63.92
  
• Three meals per week: $83.88
  
• Four meals per week: $111.84
  
• Five meals per week: $139.80
  
• Six meals per week: $143.76

Please note that shipping fees, taxes, menu choices and any ongoing promotions may affect the final cost. Generally, ordering more meals or servings will lower the average price per serving. You can check out Dinnerly’s current menu online, with new options available up to three weeks in advance.

And if you’re new to Dinnerly, they usually run a deal. I spotted one offering $140 off your first five boxes on Dinnerly's website. It’s a great way to try the service at a lower cost, but keep in mind this offer may be temporary. The brand frequently runs new discounts, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for the latest deals.

Ordering and meal selection

Ordering from Dinnerly was easy and intuitive. I appreciated how the site guided me through plan size, dietary filters and meal choices without being overwhelming. I opted for the two-serving plan, even though I was cooking for just one. The portions were generous enough that I saved the second serving for lunch the next day, which made the most of my box and saved me time during the week.

Since the kit doesn’t offer single-serving plans, the two-person option is a smart workaround. I chose the “I like everything” preference to keep my weekly menu open and flexible, and I loved the variety available. Allergy info and dietary labels are clearly marked, which I appreciated for transparency. I picked four meals that felt balanced and flavorful:

• Low-Carb Cheesy Enchilada Chicken (with cauliflower rice and beans)
  
• Spicy Peanut Tofu (with white rice and charred broccoli)
  
• BBQ Glazed Mini Turkey Meatloaves (with green beans)
  
• Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon (with broccoli and potatoes)

Beyond dinner, the service now includes a robust Market section that rounds out the experience. You can add everything from breakfast staples like pancakes and bacon to bakery-style desserts, such as strawberry-raspberry galettes and mini cheesecakes. I also saw options for fresh produce, snacks, extra proteins and even prepared meals that could be used for lunch or busy nights. It felt like a flexible way to build out my week without having to make a separate grocery run.

Unboxing and condition of food on arrival

I was home when my delivery arrived, so I opened it right away and the experience was impressively organized and fresh. The box itself was sturdy and well-constructed, showing no signs of damage from delivery. Inside, everything was neatly packed with thoughtfully designed paper trays that kept ingredients separated and easy to find. It made unpacking a breeze without any mess or crushed items. One feature that really stood out was the use of produce and pantry trays to organize the ingredients inside the box. Instead of loose items, everything arrived neatly separated, making unpacking quick and easy. These trays are made from sustainably sourced paper fiber, just like the box itself, so they're recyclable curbside. Additionally, they're sturdy enough to be reused for organizing your fridge or pantry, which is a smart, eco-friendly touch that helps reduce waste.

The entire box felt cold to the touch, thanks to the insulation and ice packs used to keep ingredients chilled during transit. One tester said, "I loved the packaging and the freezer bags they used kept my food ice cold even on a hot day. Other companies have used dry ice, which doesn't work that well in hot weather." This system appeared to be effective; the proteins—salmon, chicken and turkey—were firm and odor-free, showing no signs of spoilage. The vegetables looked crisp and fresh, with no signs of wilting.

Even delicate herbs like the cilantro arrived vibrant and thriving, which is a huge plus. Dinnerly includes printed recipe cards in the box, making cooking straightforward and convenient. I appreciate that everything is packaged with care, although there was more plastic than I’d personally prefer. The box and paper trays are sustainably sourced and can be recycled or reused to organize your fridge or pantry.

Overall, the unboxing experience was smooth, with fresh, well-preserved ingredients arriving in excellent condition, a good sign that the service prioritizes quality and sustainability in their packaging.

Recipes and nutrition

Dinnerly offers a rotating menu with a wide range of meals designed to suit different dietary preferences, including low-calorie, low-carb, Mediterranean-style, vegetarian, vegan and no-added-gluten or dairy options. Each recipe is reviewed by an in-house Registered Dietitian, which lends credibility to their approach, although the actual nutritional balance can vary from meal to meal.

One tester noted, "I found the Dinnerly recipes much easier to make. They took less time and had fewer ingredients and steps." After trying other meal delivery services, they appreciated how beginner-friendly it felt. Another tester said, "The recipes were easy to follow and tasted delicious. It allows me to try something I wouldn't normally make for myself." This feedback aligns with my own experience: Dinnerly prioritizes simplicity and convenience, which is reflected in the recipes I tested.

Of the four meals I tested, there was a noticeable emphasis on simplicity and ease, but not always on nutrient density. The Spicy Peanut Tofu with White Rice and Charred Broccoli, for instance, was flavorful and satisfying, but clocked in at around 900 calories with 46 grams of fat and 88 grams of carbs, nutrients that could easily tip the balance for those trying to manage portions or blood sugar. On the other hand, the Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon with Broccoli and Potatoes (approximately 690 calories and 32 grams of protein) felt more well-rounded, offering heart-healthy fats and a solid protein source in a single-pan format that made cleanup easy.

The BBQ Glazed Mini Turkey Meatloaves, paired with mashed potatoes and green beans, were a comforting option, although they were heavier on carbs and lighter on fiber than I'd have liked. The Low-Carb Cheesy Enchilada Chicken with Taco Cauliflower Rice and Beans delivered on its "low carb" promise, offering an interesting twist on a Mexican-inspired dish, although the sodium levels felt high.

The meals aren't overly processed, but they also lack consistency in whole grains, leafy greens and plant-based protein. Portions were generous, especially in terms of protein, but vegetable servings were sometimes modest. Overall, the dishes I tried didn't feel particularly tailored for those prioritizing micronutrients or diverse fiber sources; however, considering the price point and convenience, the nutritional quality was respectable.

Of course, I only tried four meals. Dinnerly’s menu rotates weekly and has many more options, so there may be a better balance across other dishes. If you’re after easy dinners that don’t require much thought, this works. However, if you care deeply about aspects such as fiber, plant variety or micronutrient density, you may want to supplement these meals with a side salad or additional vegetables.

Taste

Overall, I found the meals to be pretty decent and very accessible for the average home cook. Each dish came together with ease and looked quite close to the photos on the recipe cards, which is always a positive sign. I do love cooking and trying new, more advanced recipes, so I found the flavor profiles to be somewhat mild. They’re by no means bad, just a bit restrained, especially if you’re used to layering spices, incorporating acidity or finishing dishes with a flavorful garnish. The ingredients were fresh and thoughtfully pre-portioned, which helped simplify the cooking process. I appreciated not having to overthink anything — just chop, cook and enjoy. That said, I did reach for additional seasonings a few times to enhance the overall taste.

My least favorite dish was the BBQ Glazed Mini Turkey Meatloaves. The texture was softer and a bit mushy for my preference, and the BBQ sauce came across as somewhat generic and overly sweet. The green beans served alongside were crisp and tender.

The Low-Carb Cheesy Enchilada Chicken was enjoyable, especially with the cauliflower rice and beans on the side. I liked the cauliflower rice as a lighter, flavorful alternative to traditional rice, which helped keep the meal satisfying without feeling too heavy.

My favorite was the Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon. Since I regularly include fish in my diet, this dish felt like a natural fit. The salmon was tender and cooked perfectly, while the honey-mustard glaze delivered a pleasant tangy-sweet flavor that complemented the roasted broccoli and potatoes beautifully. It’s definitely one I would make again on my own, satisfying without feeling heavy.

The Spicy Peanut Tofu was another highlight. The tofu achieved a good crispiness, and the sauce had a decent amount of flavor and heat. It’s a strong vegetarian option that I could see appealing to those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals. In summary, Dinnerly meals are reliable, fresh and easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeks when you want convenient, simple dinners. However, if you prefer bold, complex flavors or enjoy customizing your meals, you might find yourself adding a few extra touches to elevate the experience.

Dinnerly is best suited for anyone who wants a break from meal planning without breaking the bank. If you're someone juggling a packed schedule or just want dinner to feel less like a daily chore, this service takes a lot of the mental load off. The meals are super straightforward (think five or six ingredients), minimal prep, and recipes that typically come together in under 30 minutes. That's a huge plus if you're newer to cooking, live solo or just need something that makes life easier during a busy week.

I'd recommend it for families, too, especially those with picky eaters. The flavors tend to be mild and familiar, which makes it easier to please a range of palates. And if you're trying to stick to a grocery budget or reduce food waste, the pre-portioned ingredients are a game changer. While the meals weren't the most flavorful for someone like me who enjoys cooking and layering spices and textures, the convenience and ease do deliver on value. You can always add your own touches. I found myself adding a few extra herbs or spices here and there to elevate the experience with minimal effort.

Overall, this meal kit is for the home cook who wants to get dinner on the table quickly, affordably, and without stress. It's not trying to be gourmet and that's kind of the point. It's comfort food made simple, and for many people, that’s exactly what they need.

Dinnerly is a good choice for those seeking a convenient and affordable way to prepare dinner. The recipes are simple and easy to follow, making them ideal for beginner cooks, busy weeknights, or anyone who wants to stick to a routine without spending a lot of time in the kitchen or money on ingredients. Experts in the Good Housekeeping Nutrition Lab gave Dinnerly an overall satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5, highlighting its appeal for many home cooks.

That said, the overall experience can feel somewhat underwhelming, especially if you prefer more complex meals or enjoy experimenting in the kitchen. As someone who genuinely enjoys cooking and experimenting with bold flavors and elevated techniques, I found many of the meals to be on the simpler, milder side. But if you’re looking for practical, low-effort meals that get the job done (and often stretch into lunch the next day), Dinnerly can be a helpful, budget-conscious option.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we rigorously test a variety of food products and services, from snacks and supplements to meal delivery services. For our latest comprehensive evaluation, we tested over 50 meal delivery services, including traditional kits with pre-measured ingredients and recipe cards, as well as fully-prepared options. We recruited more than 300 at-home chefs nationwide and had our in-house experts test the services in our Lab. Each service was carefully analyzed based on key factors like overall satisfaction, food quality, cost, sustainability efforts and availability.

Valerie Agyeman, a women’s health dietitian with over 10 years of experience in nutrition and wellness, has reviewed various meal delivery services, including Blue Apron, Gobble, Factor, HelloFresh and Thistle and Sakara Life in the Good Housekeeping Nutrition Lab. This included testing the meals for taste, convenience and how well they fit into a healthy lifestyle. She also evaluated ingredient freshness, portion size, ease of preparation and how these services help make healthy eating easier for busy people.

Valerie Agyeman, R.D.

Contributing Writer

Valerie Agyeman (she/her) is a women's health dietitian and the host of the Flourish Heights podcast, where she produces science-driven content covering overlooked nutrition, wellness and women’s health topics. She has over 10 years of combined nutrition communications, corporate wellness and clinical nutrition experience. Valerie is a trusted expert in the media, regularly appearing on networks such as Fox 5 DC, PIX-11, and ABC’s Good Morning Washington. She is also a contributing expert to publications like Women’s Health Magazine, Prevention, Good Housekeeping, and The Everygirl.