In a world where grocery bills are climbing and takeout costs seem to grow with every delivery fee and tip, finding a smart, affordable way to eat healthy has never been more important. If you’ve been caught between the rising cost of fast food and the hassle of grocery shopping and cooking, you’re not alone.
The good news? Meals By Mel offers a budget-friendly meal prep service that helps you eat well, save time, and cut down on waste, all while staying within your budget!
The True Cost of Eating: Groceries vs. Takeout vs. Meal Prep
Let’s break it down.
🍔 Takeout: The Expensive Habit
Ordering food may feel like the easiest solution, but it’s costing you more than you think. The average takeout meal ranges from $15 to $25 per person, especially with delivery apps piling on taxes, service fees, and tips.
Let’s say you order lunch and dinner five days a week:
- Lunch ($18) x 5 days = $90
- Dinner ($20) x 5 days = $100
- Total per week = $190
And this doesn’t even include breakfast or snacks. Add those in, and you’re easily looking at $250+ per week, per person, for food that’s often high in sodium, low in nutrition, and rarely portion-controlled.
🛒 Groceries: Hidden Costs and Wasted Time
Now, maybe you’ve tried the meal planning route. You hit the grocery store every Sunday, spend $120–$150 on ingredients, and hope to prep enough for the week. But here’s the reality:
- You might forget one or two ingredients.
- Some food spoils midweek.
- You spend 2–4 hours chopping, cooking, cleaning up.
- And midweek, you’re still tempted to grab takeout.
What should’ve saved money turns into waste, both in food and in time. According to the USDA, the average American household throws away 30% of the food they buy, which adds up to hundreds of dollars a year.
🍽 Meals By Mel: Budget-Friendly Without Sacrificing Quality
With Meals By Mel, you get high-quality, pre-portioned, chef-crafted meals at a flat, predictable rate. Here’s what makes it work so well:
| Category | Cost Range | Details |
| Per Meal | $10–$13 | Fully cooked, heat-and-eat meals |
| Weekly Total | ~$60–$130 | Based on 5–10 meals |
| Time Saved | 5–10 hours/week | No prep, no cleanup |
Let’s say you choose 10 meals for the week at $11.50 each:
- Total = $115
- No additional groceries, delivery fees, or prep time
- Meals include lunch, dinner, or even breakfast and snacks
When compared to $250+ on takeout or $150 in groceries plus time spent cooking, Meals By Mel wins on convenience, price, and nutrition.
Real-Life Weekly Comparison
Here’s a practical example comparing weekly food spending for a single working professional:
| Category | Takeout | Groceries & Cooking | Meals By Mel |
| Lunch (5x/week) | $90 | $40 | $55 |
| Dinner (5x/week) | $100 | $50 | $55 |
| Groceries for snacks | $0 | $30 | Included |
| Time Cooking | 0 hrs | ~5 hrs | 0 hrs |
| Weekly Total | $190 | $120 + time | $110–$130 |
Not only is Meals By Mel cheaper than eating out, but it’s also comparable to groceries when you factor in the value of your time, energy, and food waste.
Affordable Meal Options That Don’t Feel “Budget”
Don’t be fooled! This isn’t bland chicken and broccoli on repeat. Meals By Mel offers delicious variety and high-quality meals designed to keep you satisfied, energized, and on track.
Here are some customer-favorite dishes that deliver flavor without breaking the bank:
- Pollo Asado Bowl – Marinated grilled chicken with veggies and rice, perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Honey Sriracha Chicken – Sweet and spicy flavors with lean protein.
- Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo – A creamy favorite made healthier.
- Buffalo Chicken Wrap – A zesty, protein-packed handheld.
- Protein Waffle Sandwich – A fun, filling breakfast with great macros.
All of these options fall within the $10–$13 range, and most offer balanced macros, generous portions, and nutrition that supports weight management or muscle goals.
How Meals By Mel Keeps Prices Low Without Cutting Quality
So how does Meals By Mel stay budget-friendly while offering fresh, high-quality food?
✅ Smart Sourcing
By working directly with local and bulk suppliers, Meals By Mel can reduce costs on ingredients, especially protein, produce, and healthy carbs, without compromising on taste or quality.
✅ No Middlemen or Markups
Unlike food delivery apps that take huge commissions, Meals By Mel handles orders and deliveries directly. That means more value for you, and no surprise fees.
✅ Minimal Waste
Each meal is portion-controlled, meaning less food goes in the trash. You only pay for what you eat, no unused ingredients, rotting produce, or expired groceries.
✅ Efficient Meal Planning
Ordering weekly sets makes kitchen operations smoother, which lowers overhead costs, savings that get passed directly to you.
How to Maximize Savings with Meals By Mel
If you’re trying to stick to a budget and still eat well, here are a few tips to stretch your dollar further with Meals By Mel:
- Choose meals that double for lunch/dinner – Save by ordering bulk meal packs.
- Use breakfast/snacks to supplement other meals – Protein waffles, cups, or donuts are filling and cost-effective.
- Order early to secure your delivery slot and avoid impulse takeout purchases.
- Subscribe for weekly deliveries – Lock in consistent savings and eliminate food budgeting stress.
- Pair with at-home basics – Add your own eggs, fruits, or salad sides if needed.
Who Is This Perfect For?
Meals By Mel is ideal for:
- Students or young professionals looking for easy meal solutions on a budget
- Busy parents who need affordable, kid-friendly meals
- Fitness enthusiasts managing macros without spending hours in the kitchen
- Anyone tired of overspending on food
You don’t need to be a gourmet chef or a spreadsheet budgeter. Meals By Mel takes care of it all, from planning to cooking to portioning, so you can focus on living your life.
The Bottom Line: Big Flavor, Small Cost
Eating healthy and saving money don’t have to be at odds. With budget-friendly meal prep services like Meals By Mel, you get:
- ✅ High-quality, chef-made meals
- ✅ Prices that beat takeout and rival groceries
- ✅ No wasted time or ingredients
- ✅ Delicious, balanced options for every dietary need
Ready to eat better without overspending?
👉 Visit Meals By Mel to view the full menu and place your first affordable order today.
👉 Want to see the weekly options? Check the menu:
Fuel your week. Feed your goals. Save your wallet. It’s possible with Meals By Mel.