Meal kits in Australia: how they work and costs

Meal kit services deliver recipes and pre-portioned ingredients to your door. Here's how they work and what affects what you'll pay.

1. How they work

You choose a plan, pick meals from a weekly menu, and a box arrives with recipes and ingredients. Most work as an ongoing subscription until you pause or cancel.

2. What affects the cost

• Number of people and meals per week.
• Premium or add-on meals.
• Delivery fees and delivery area.
• Intro discounts that end after the first boxes. Compare the cost per serve, not just the box price.

3. Delivery across Australia

Delivery areas differ between providers, and some regional areas may not be covered. Check your postcode on the provider's site.

4. Skipping and cancelling

Check the cut-off day for changing or skipping each week's box, and how to cancel. The ACCC has warned consumers about subscription traps.

5. Dietary needs

Menus often label options such as vegetarian. If you have an allergy, check the provider's allergen statement, as kits may be packed in facilities that handle common allergens.

The short version

• It's a subscription: know the cut-off and how to cancel.
• Compare cost per serve after intro offers end.
• Check delivery to your postcode.
• Read allergen information carefully.

We don't list prices here, because they change and differ by state. Check the provider's own site for current prices and plans.

Sources

• https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-warns-consumers-to-beware-of-subscription-traps
• https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/buying-products-and-services/consumer-rights-and-guarantees