How Much Do Meal Plans Cost in 2024? Complete Pricing Guide

"How much do meal plans actually cost?"

This is one of the most common questions I get from people who want to lose weight, build muscle, or just eat healthier. And the answer is... it depends.

After working with hundreds of clients in Modesto and across California since 2017, I've seen it all—from free DIY meal planning to $500/month custom nutrition coaching. The right choice depends on your budget, goals, and how much guidance you need.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll break down exactly what meal plans cost in 2024, what you get at each price point, and which option delivers the best value based on your situation.

Quick Answer: Meal Plan Cost Overview (2024)

1. Free Meal Planning Options ($0)

Let's start with the obvious question: Can you create a meal plan for free?

Absolutely! But there's a catch.

Free Meal Planning Apps

Apps like MyFitnessPal, Cronometer, and Lose It! are completely free and help you:

• Track calories and macros
• Log your meals
• See nutrition breakdowns
• Set weight loss goals

The Problem: These apps don't actually create meal plans for you. They're trackers, not planners. You still need to figure out WHAT to eat, WHEN to eat it, and HOW to hit your macros.

DIY Meal Planning (Using Google/YouTube)

With enough time and research, you can absolutely create your own meal plan using free resources:

• Calculate your own macros using online calculators
• Find recipes on Pinterest, Instagram, or YouTube
• Build your own shopping lists
• Meal prep on your own schedule

Cost: $0 in money

Time Investment: 5-10 hours initially, 2-4 hours weekly

Best For: People with nutrition knowledge, lots of free time, and who enjoy meal planning

Not Great For: Beginners, busy professionals, people who want accountability

2. Online Meal Plan Templates ($10-$50)

The next step up is purchasing pre-made meal plan templates. These are generic plans created by fitness influencers, nutritionists, or companies and sold as digital downloads.

What You Get

• PDF meal plan (usually 4-12 weeks)
• Set calorie targets (1,200, 1,500, 1,800, 2,000 cal/day)
• Shopping lists
• Sometimes recipe instructions

Typical Cost: $10-$50 one-time purchase

Popular Examples

• Beachbody Meal Plans: $20-$40 for specific programs
• RP Strength Templates: $47-$97 for diet templates
• Etsy Meal Plans: $5-$30 from various creators

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Very affordable
• No commitment
• Better than nothing
• Good structure for beginners

Cons:

• Not customized to YOUR body, goals, or preferences
• No support or adjustments
• Generic calorie targets may not fit you
• No accountability
• Often too restrictive or unrealistic

Best For: People wanting structure without customization, trying meal planning for the first time

Not Great For: Anyone with specific dietary needs, allergies, or serious fitness goals

3. Online Nutrition Coaching ($75-$200/month)

This is where things get interesting—and where most people get the best results for their money.

Online nutrition coaching means working with a qualified coach or nutritionist who creates a semi-custom or fully custom meal plan for you and provides ongoing support.

What's Typically Included

• Initial assessment: Goals, preferences, schedule, dietary restrictions
• Custom macro calculations: Based on YOUR body and activity level
• Meal plan(s): Usually 1 plan per month or per phase
• Shopping lists: Organized by grocery store section
• Meal prep guidance: How to batch cook and save time
• Email or app support: Questions answered within 24-48 hours
• Monthly check-ins: Adjustments based on progress

Typical Cost Breakdown:

• Budget Options: $75-$100/month - Basic plans, limited support
• Mid-Range (Most Popular): $100-$150/month - Semi-custom, weekly check-ins
• Premium Options: $150-$200/month - Fully custom, daily communication

Master Trainers Meal Planning Programs

At Master Trainers, we offer comprehensive meal planning at three tiers:

• 12-Week Program: $275 total ($23/week) - 3 custom meal plans
• 16-Week Program: $350 total ($22/week) - 4 custom meal plans
• 24-Week Program: $400 total ($17/week) - 6 custom meal plans

Each includes:

• Custom macro calculations
• New meal plan every 4 weeks (variety prevents boredom)
• Organized shopping lists
• Meal prep guides
• Email support throughout your program

Pros & Cons of Online Nutrition Coaching

Pros:

• Customized to your goals, body, and preferences
• Professional guidance and accountability
• Adjustments based on your progress
• Much more affordable than in-person coaching
• Convenient—no appointments needed
• Learn sustainable nutrition habits

Cons:

• Monthly/program cost (but still fraction of in-person)
• Less personal than face-to-face
• Requires self-accountability to follow the plan

Average Results: Clients typically lose 1-2 lbs per week (4-8 lbs/month) when following plans consistently

Best For: Anyone serious about results, busy professionals, people who want accountability without breaking the bank

Not Great For: People wanting daily hand-holding or complex medical nutrition therapy

4. Custom Nutritionist/Dietitian Meal Plans ($150-$500+ per plan)

Registered Dietitians (RDs) and licensed nutritionists create highly personalized meal plans, often for clients with medical conditions or specific athletic goals.

What's Included

• Comprehensive nutritional assessment
• Blood work review (if applicable)
• Medical history consideration
• Fully custom meal plans
• Supplement recommendations
• Ongoing monitoring

Typical Costs:

• Initial Consultation: $100-$250 (1-2 hours)
• Custom Meal Plan: $150-$300
• Follow-up Visits: $75-$150 per session
• Monthly Packages: $300-$500/month

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Highly qualified professionals
• Medical expertise
• Insurance may cover RDs for certain conditions
• Suitable for complex dietary needs

Cons:

• Expensive
• May be overkill for general weight loss
• Often requires multiple appointments
• Less flexible scheduling

Best For: People with medical conditions (diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease), athletes with specific performance goals, those who can afford premium pricing

Not Great For: Budget-conscious individuals, people with simple weight loss goals

5. Meal Delivery Services ($200-$600+/week)

Meal delivery services take meal planning to the next level—they cook and deliver the food directly to your door.

Popular Services & Costs

• Factor: $11-$15/meal ($200-$300/week for 2 meals/day)
• Trifecta: $13-$18/meal ($250-$400/week)
• Freshly: $9-$12/meal ($180-$250/week)
• Territory Foods: $15-$20/meal ($300-$400/week)
• Snap Kitchen: $10-$14/meal ($200-$300/week)

Average Cost: $200-$600+ per week depending on how many meals per day and premium options

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Ultimate convenience—zero cooking
• Portion-controlled
• Calorie/macro information included
• Variety of meals
• Perfect for extremely busy people

Cons:

• VERY expensive ($800-$2,400/month)
• Doesn't teach you nutrition skills
• Less family-friendly
• Limited customization
• Not sustainable long-term for most budgets

Best For: High earners with no time to cook, short-term commitment (post-surgery recovery, busy season at work)

Not Great For: Budget-conscious people, families, anyone wanting to learn sustainable cooking habits

6. In-Person Nutritionist/Dietitian ($100-$250/hour)

Traditional in-person nutrition counseling is still available, though less common in the digital age.

Typical Costs:

• Initial Consultation: $150-$250 (60-90 minutes)
• Follow-ups: $100-$150 (30-60 minutes)
• Meal Plans: Usually included in consultation fee

Total First-Month Cost: $300-$500

Ongoing: $200-$400/month for biweekly check-ins

Best For: People who strongly prefer face-to-face interaction, those with complex medical needs requiring hands-on care

Not Great For: Budget-conscious individuals, people in rural areas without local RDs

Cost Comparison: What's the Best Value?

Let's break down the cost per month for a typical person wanting to lose 20-30 pounds:

Option	Monthly Cost	Customization	Support	Value Rating
Free DIY	$0	Low	None	⭐⭐
Online Templates	$10-$50	Low	None	⭐⭐
Online Coaching	$75-$200	High	Good	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Custom Nutritionist	$300-$500	Very High	Excellent	⭐⭐⭐
Meal Delivery	$800-$2,400	Medium	None	⭐⭐

Which Meal Plan Option Is Right for YOU?

Let me help you decide based on your situation:

Choose FREE DIY if:

• You have solid nutrition knowledge
• You enjoy researching and planning
• You have 5-10 hours/week for meal planning
• Budget is your #1 priority

Choose ONLINE TEMPLATES if:

• You want structure but don't need customization
• You're just starting out and testing the waters
• You're on an extremely tight budget

Choose ONLINE COACHING if:

• You want customized plans without breaking the bank
• You need accountability and support
• You're serious about results
• You're busy and want expert guidance
• You want to learn sustainable nutrition habits

Choose CUSTOM NUTRITIONIST if:

• You have medical conditions requiring expert care
• You're an athlete with specific performance goals
• Budget isn't a concern
• You need comprehensive nutritional therapy

Choose MEAL DELIVERY if:

• You have zero time to cook
• Budget isn't a concern ($800-$2,400/month is manageable)
• You need a short-term solution (1-3 months max)

Hidden Costs to Consider

Beyond the base price of a meal plan, consider these additional costs:

1. Grocery Costs

A healthy meal plan typically costs $250-$400/month in groceries for one person (varies by location and food choices). This is similar to or less than most people's current grocery spending—just more intentional.

2. Meal Prep Containers

Initial investment: $30-$60 for good glass or BPA-free plastic containers. One-time cost.

3. Kitchen Tools

If you don't have basics like a food scale, measuring cups, or quality knives: $50-$100 one-time

4. Time Investment

Even with a meal plan, you'll spend 2-3 hours/week on grocery shopping and meal prep. This is time, but it's an investment in your health.

Real Client Success Stories (Cost vs. Results)

How to Maximize Your Meal Plan Investment

Regardless of which option you choose, here's how to get the most value:

1. Actually Follow the Plan

The best meal plan in the world is worthless if you don't follow it. Commit for at least 4 weeks before judging results.

2. Track Your Progress

Take photos, measurements, and track your weight weekly. This data helps your coach make adjustments.

3. Communicate with Your Coach

If you're struggling, speak up! Good coaches want to help you succeed and will modify your plan.

4. Meal Prep Consistently

Set aside 2-3 hours every Sunday. Consistency is the secret to making meal planning sustainable.

5. Learn the "Why" Behind the Plan

Don't just follow blindly. Understand why certain foods are included so you can make smart choices long-term.

Common Meal Planning Mistakes That Waste Money

Mistake #1: Buying Too Soon

Many people buy a meal plan before they're mentally ready to commit. Wait until you're truly ready to change.

Mistake #2: Choosing Price Over Fit

The cheapest option isn't always the best value. A $30 template you quit after 2 weeks costs more than a $150 custom plan you follow for 12 weeks.

Mistake #3: Not Factoring in Support

Plans with zero support have much higher failure rates. Accountability is worth paying for.

Mistake #4: Expecting Instant Results

Any legitimate meal plan takes 4-6 weeks to show significant results. Don't quit early.

Mistake #5: Meal Plan Hopping

Jumping from plan to plan every few weeks wastes money and prevents real progress. Pick one and stick with it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meal Plan Costs

Q: Are expensive meal plans better than cheap ones?

A: Not necessarily. The best meal plan is one that's customized to you, comes with support, and that you'll actually follow. A $150 custom plan you stick with beats a $500 plan you quit after a week.

Q: Can I negotiate meal plan prices?

A: Some coaches offer payment plans or discounts for longer commitments. It never hurts to ask, but respect their pricing—good coaches are worth their rates.

Q: Do meal plans include grocery costs?

A: No. Meal plan pricing covers the planning service, support, and guidance. You're responsible for buying the groceries (typically $250-$400/month for one person).

Q: How long should I pay for a meal plan?

A: Most people need 12-24 weeks of guided meal planning to build sustainable habits. After that, you should have the knowledge to continue independently.

Q: Are meal delivery services worth the cost?

A: Only if you're extremely busy and budget isn't a concern. At $800-$2,400/month, they're a luxury, not a necessity. Most people get better value from learning to meal prep with a good plan.

Q: Can I afford a meal plan on a tight budget?

A: Yes! Options like Master Trainers' 12-week program ($275 total = $23/week) are accessible for most budgets. Compare that to eating out 2-3 times per week ($40-$60/week) and it's often cheaper than current habits.

The Bottom Line: What Should You Spend on a Meal Plan in 2024?

Here's my honest recommendation after 8+ years coaching hundreds of clients:

If you're serious about results: Invest in online nutrition coaching at $75-$200/month. It's the sweet spot of customization, support, and affordability.

If you're on a tight budget: Start with a quality template ($30-$50) and combine it with free tracking apps. Upgrade to coaching once you can afford it.

If you have complex needs: See a registered dietitian ($300-$500/month). Medical expertise is worth the cost.

If you're wealthy and time-poor: Meal delivery services ($800-$2,400/month) offer ultimate convenience.

Final Thoughts

The question isn't really "How much do meal plans cost?" The real question is: "What's your health worth?"

Americans spend an average of $350/month eating out and another $150 on random supplement purchases that don't work. That's $500/month on food that doesn't serve your goals.

Investing $75-$200/month in a quality meal plan with professional guidance isn't an expense—it's redirecting money you're already spending toward something that will actually transform your health, energy, and confidence.

I've watched hundreds of people try the free route, waste months spinning their wheels, then finally invest in coaching and achieve in 8 weeks what they couldn't in 8 months alone.

Your time and health are valuable. Choose the meal planning option that sets you up for success, not just the cheapest one that feels comfortable.

You deserve results. And results are worth investing in.

Questions about meal planning costs or which option is right for you? Contact Master Trainers of California at (209) 345-6428 or mastertrainerjen@gmail.com for a free consultation.